BALLYHACKAMORE
FIFTHSUNDAY OF LENT (YEAR A)
Pages 135 and 452 /
Entrance Give me justice, O God, and plead my cause against a nation Antiphon that is faithless. From the deceitful and cunning rescue me, for you, O God, are my strength.
1st Reading(Ezekiel 37:12-14) The dry bones to which the Lord speaks words of hope represent the people of Israel, lost in despair during their exile. God promises new life to them in the spirit. We will see the manifestation of this prophecy in our Gospel reading.
ResponseWith the Lord there is mercy and fullness of redemption.
2nd Reading(Romans 8:8-11) St. Paul in his usual closely-argued way urges his listeners to concern themselves with spiritual matters, not those of the flesh; the “other”, rather than the “self”. If Christ is in us, we will have life through his resurrection, both in body and in spirit. Just as Lazarus did.
AcclamationGlory and praise to you, O Christ. I am the resurrection and the life, says the Lord; whoever believes in me will never die. Glory and praise to you, O Christ.
Gospel (John 11:1-45) So we come to the crux of today’s liturgy of the Word - the story of the raising of Lazarus from the grave. We have seen from the stories of the last two Sundays Gospels how God is the source of life. With Lazarus, He practices what he has been preaching for the last two weeks. This takes us to the very core of our belief as followers of Christ. “Jesus said, “I am the Resurrection and the life. . .””. We should read and re-read this story until its message sinks into the very depths of our hearts and our beings.
ChildrenJesus’ friend Lazarus becomes sick. By the time Jesus goes to visit him, Lazarus has died. Jesus becomes very sad and cries. However, Jesus prays to God and Lazarus comes back to life again.
CommunionEveryone who lives and believes in me will not die for ever, says Antiphon the Lord.
SUNDAY BULLETIN
VOL. 22 NO. 19 6TH APRIL 2014
Father Ciaran Feeney Adm. 191 Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast, BT4 3JB. Tel. 9065 4157. Website: E-mail:
MASS TIMES FOR COMING WEEK
Sat. / Sun. / Mon. / Tues. / Wed. / Thurs. / Fri.6.30pm / 9.30am / 7.15am / 7.15am / 7.15am / 7.15am / 7.15am
Nugh McCaffery
11.30am / 9.30am / 9.30am / 9.30am / 9.30am / 9.30am
Special Intention / Anointing of the Sick
STEPPING INTO THE PASSION
You are warmly invited to make a journey this Lent to revisit a familiar story with a new twist. Along the journey we will look at the Passion of Jesus through the eyes of men and women who were present and find that as we share in their experiences we become more involved in the story. Through film clips, scripture sharing and discussion we explore in an engaging way the meaning of the Passion in our lives today –this Wednesday eveningfrom 7.30pm – 9.00pm in St Colmcille’s Parochial Hall.
Could those who are last to leave the Parish grounds
in the evening please close the car park gates.
Thank you to the members of the Guide Unit who are doing litter pick ups in the Church grounds as part of their
Environment Programme.
ARRANGEMENTS FOR BAPTISM IN OUR PARISH
The Sacrament of Baptism is one of the most joyful occasions both for the family and the Parish and everyone is welcome. The next Baptismal Course takes place on Tuesday 15th April in the Iona Room from 8.00pm to 9.30pm, where parents will receive their Baptismal pack and can arrange the date for their child’s Baptism. Baptisms in the Parish take place on the first and last Sunday of each month and attendance at the course is arranged through Philomena in the Parish Office.
PARISH PROGRAMME FOR LENT
MORNING MASS - will be celebrated Monday to Friday mornings at 7.15am and 9.30am.
BELIEVE-a DVD presentation on a series of reflections on the Creed, concludes this Thursday morning. Everyone is invited to gather together at 10.00am in the Iona room, where we will begin with refreshments.
LENT SACRED SPACE –The sack cloth represents us on our Lenten journey of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. The ashes call us to repentance and spiritual renewal. The purple cloth reminds us of the royalty of Christ our King and also represents contrition and preparation. The crown of thorns reminds us that Christ offered Himself as the complete sacrifice for our sin. Here we should pause for a time and re-commit ourselves to this period of repentance, good works and abstinence, by taking a stone from the sack cloth and placing it at the candle, the symbol of Christ’s presence with us during our personal Lenten observances. MATCHED FUNDING FOR TROCAIRE LENTEN APPEAL - Trocaire has secured matched funding from the UK Government for their Lenten Appeal this year. It means that every pound that is donated to Trocaire from Northern Ireland will be matched by the government, meaning donations will be effectively doubled. In adition, Gift Aid can still be claimed. In order for Trocaire to benefit from the matched funding all Trocaire boxes need to return to the parish by Sunday 18th May.
DAFFODILS FOR HOLY THURSDAY - if anyone has any daffodils in their garden and would like them to be used for decorating the Church on Holy Thursday, please leave them in the church porch by 10.00am on Holy Thursday Morning.
STATIONS OF THE CROSS - young people who would like to participate in this liturgy on Good Friday should contact Noeleen asap on 07879498131.
HALL BOOKINGS – Pat will not be available for Hall bookings until this Thursday evening.
CONFESSIONS AND PENITENTIAL
SERVICES IN PREPARATION FOR EASTER
Next Sunday (Palm Sunday)St. Colmcille’s3.00pm
St. Brigid’s Parish4.00pm
Monday 14th April Holy Rosary Parish7.30pm
Tuesday 15th April Drumbo and Carryduff Parish7.30pm
Wednesday 16th AprilSt. Bernadette’s Parish7.30pm
St Peter’s Cathedral: Next Saturday after 10.00am Mass and between 6.00pm and 6.20 pm. A Reconciliation Service will take place next Sunday after 6.30 pm Mass.
St Mary’s, Chapel Lane: Holy Week: Monday to Wednesday, 11.30am to 12.55pm; Good Friday,12.00 noon to 1.00pm; Holy Saturday,12.00 noon to 1.00 pm.
St Malachy’s Church, Alfred Street: Next Saturday, 12 noon to 1.00pm and after the Evening Mass from 6.45pm to 7.30pm; Wednesday 16th, 7.00pm to 8.00pm; Holy Thursday, after the 7.30 pm Mass of the Lord’s Supper; Good Friday, 11.00am to 1.00pm; Holy Saturday, 11.00am to 1.00 pm.
St Patrick’s Church: Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays before the 10.00am and 1.00pm Masses and on Holy Saturday at 12.00 noon
PARISH DRAW
The winners of the 1st Parish Draw for 2014 are:
Colin McShane - £100, Billy Dunn - £75 & Richard Duffin - £25.
Don't worry its not too late to still get your tickets. Please speak to any member of the committee or tickets will be available afterall the Masses, this weekend.
PARISH FAMILY
MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION – some additional volunteers are needed for ceremonies during Holy Week and Easter. Please add your name to the rota list on the Church notice board.
BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT - we can be contacted on 07456989458. Our members are Regiena Babu, Eileen Brogan, Eithne Daly, Maire Devine, Brenda McMeekin, David McMeekin, Celine Molloy, Joan Rogan and Lucy Traynor.
LIVING YOUTH - why not join us to celebrate nextSunday, Palm Sunday, the 3rdAnnual Youth Gathering between 10.30am and 6.00pm at St Mary's University College, Falls Road, Belfast.The day will include a guest speaker, an opportunity to take part in various workshops including, art, prayer, social awareness and faith development. We will then process to Corpus Christi Church for Mass.More information on our website and download a registration form or contact us
WALK WITH ME BOOKS – An Eastertide Journey of Prayer for 2014 are available at the back of the Church. Price £1. Please put money in either of the Candleabra boxes.
ANNUAL DIOCESAN LITURGY SEMINAR - entitled “Rediscovering the Word of God”will be held on Saturday 10th May from 1.00pm to 4.30pm in St Anne’s Parish Centre, Kingsway, Finaghy. It will be conducted by Brother Pat Mullins O.Carm. The Seminar is open to all, and will be especially interesting to Ministers of the Word. Seminar Fee £5. To book, please contact:Malachy McKeever on 077 6010 8903 or e-mail:
BAPTISM - we welcome into the parish familyFinlay Paul Davidson, Leo Patrick Kavanagh, Madison McKenna and Tara McKenna who were baptised in St. Colmcilles last weekend.
DECEASED - We pray for all those whose anniversaries occur at this time of year especially:
Jane Connor, John Connor, Maureen Nugent, Nell McNicholl and Hugh McCaffrey.
MONEY MATTERS
Many thanks to all who contributed so generously to the collections.
The Monthly Offering Collection will be taken up at all Masses this weekend.
OFFERTORY ENVELOPES FOR THE NEW YEAR - begin this Sunday. If you have not received your new box of envelopes, they will be in the foyer of the Church this weekend. If you wish to contribute by Standing Order or by envelopes and do not do so currently, please leave your name, address and telephone number in the bulletin box and Philomena will be in contact with you during the coming week.
TROCAIRE BOXES - parishioners are being asked to return their Trócaire box to the parish next Sunday, Palm Sunday, if possible. After Sunday, boxes may be left in the parish office or returned through the Offertory collection baskets at Mass. It would be appreciated if any small coins could be changed to larger denominations. All cheques should be made payable to Saint Colmcille's Parish.
THIS WEEK
ST. COLMCILLE’S GUIDE UNIT - invites you to a Fancy Dress Theme Disney DiscothisSunday from 2.00pm to 4.00pm in the Parochial Hall Admission £3. Activities include face painting, spot prizes and refreshments. Please bring a friend.
SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION - Please pray forthe sixty sixchildren from our parish, who will make their First Confession at 6.30pm in the Churchthis Thursday evening.
BALLYHACKAMORE GOLF SOCIETY - next outing is to Downpatrick this Friday. The first tee is reserved from 2.00pm. Members, visitors and guests are welcome. The fee is £20. For further details, contact Peter on 90763822.
ST. COLMCILLE’S PRE-SCHOOL FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE - are holding a Table Quiz this Fridayin the Parochial Hall. The tickets cost £10 and can be obtained from the Pre-School Office or on the night at the door. It’s BYO and nibbles are included. Everyone is very welcome. The fun starts at 8.00pm. Please support this great cause.
DTIM – The ‘Do This In Memory of Me’ pre sacramental programme for children preparing for the sacrament of Holy Communion, will take place at the 9.30am Massnext Sunday.
COMING EVENTS
CHRISTIAN PASSOVER SEDER -the Jewish Passover is the oldest festival of the Hebrew Liturgical Calendar. It commemorates the deliverance of the Jews from Egyptian bondage – the Exodus. Our Christian Passover remembers the Exodus but also defines so much of what we celebrate in the Liturgy of the Eucharist and Holy Communion. The Parish Pastoral Council invites all parishioners to join them for the Passover Seder which will be held in the Parochial Hall at 7.30pm on theMonday evening of Holy Week, 14thApril,three days before we celebrate the beginning of the Triduum with the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper. Some idea of numbers is needed to help plan the evening, so if you would like to take part in the prayer and ritual of Passover, please put your name down on the list at the back of the Church after Mass this weekend
SCRIPTURE AND PRAYER GROUP - we will meet again just prior to Easter Sunday on Tuesday 15thApril at 8.00 pm. We will reflect on selected readings and themes from Holy week liturgies.
ST. COLMCILLE’S ART EXHIBITION/ART OF CARING - from Friday 2nd to Sunday 4th May we will celebrate20 years of the Art of Caring. The exhibition will have the usual range of artists and activities Please put dates in your diaries. We need sponsors and buyers and lots of help particularly during the days before the opening. Proceeds as usual will go to Marie Curie Cancer Care,Scouts and Guides and St Joseph’s Primary School. Bring your family and friends To volunteer phone07703269058.
DATE FOR YOUR DIARY - the return of the Parish Sirloin Steak/Chicken BBQ & Disco on Friday 30thMay, tickets £15 per person. More details to follow nearer the time
OTHER NOTICES
1500TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DEATH OF ST COLMUMBANUS - to celebrate this a Year of Columbanus is being opened in Rome on 12thOctober 2014 with a Mass in St John Lateran, the Cathedral Church of Rome. There will also be a concert given by ‘The Priests’ and an International Meeting of countries and parishes evangelised by St Columbanus. A Pilgrimage, led by Bishop Treanor, will depart from Dublin on 8thOctober and return on 15th. Accommodation will be in 3 star hotels in Rome and the cost per person sharing is 995 euros. Application forms can be downloaded from the Diocesan website. Early booking is encouraged as places are limited.
JOB VACANCY -mature part-time child minder required three days per week for two children in East Belfast. Own transport required. Contact: 0783304259.
BELFAST CENTRE OF LEARNING - Rossmore Avenue, Ormeau Road will be holding an Open Day thisTuesday from 9.00am to 5.00pm, for free careers advice for all school leavers. For more information call 9064 0446.
STORIES OF LIFE AND DEATH FROM THE GOSPEL TRADITIONS - a series of Four Lenten Talks in preparation for Easter at Drumalis, Larne, given by Pádraig Ó Tuama, popular facilitator of scripture courses. This Thursday - Stories of Living and Dying from the Gospel of Luke. Each session takes place from 7:30pm to 9:30pm, including tea/coffee.The suggested contribution is £5 per evening. If you would like to attend,please contact Drumalis to book a placeon 28272196 or 28276455(during office hours, Monday to Friday)
FREE HEARING AID CLINIC - do you wear an NHS hearing aid or know someone who does? Action on Hearing Loss runs a free drop-in clinic at Harvester House, 4-8 Adelaide Street. The next session is scheduled for this Thursday from 10.00am to 12.00 noon. If you're having trouble with your hearing aid, need new batteries (they are free), need the tubing changed, or just need some information, come along and talk to our trained Action on Hearing Loss volunteers. They'll be glad to help.
EASTER REVISION SEMINARS - Amazing Brains NI are holding an interactive, practical exam preparation workshop for students sitting GCSE, AS, A-Level or other formal examinations at Skainos, Newtownards Road on Tuesday 15th April. For more information visit our website
MATT TALBOT PILGRIMAGE - the Diocesan Pioneers Pilgrimage to the Shrine of the Venerable Matt Talbot in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Sean MacDermott Street, Dublin takes place on Saturday 26thApril. Concelebrated Mass will take place in the Church at 12.30pm. For further details, please contact Mary Holden on 94423956, Frances Doole 077 18914692or email
FEAST OF THE DIVINE MERCY - will be celebrated in St. Peter’s Cathedral, on Sunday 27th April, commencing at 2.30pm. The Rosary will be followed by the Divine Mercy Chaplet and Mass. Confession available. Car parking available. All welcome.
AQUINAS DIOCESAN GRAMMAR SCHOOL - past staff and pupil reunion being held on Friday 2ndMay at 7.00pm in the Europa Hotel Belfast. Dress: Smart/Casual. For more information please phone the school office on 90643939.
DIVINE HEALING MINISTRIES TRAINING - the team of Divine Healing Ministries will be doing training for those who would like to be involved in the healing ministry. This will take place every Thursday during the month of May at 8.00pm in St. Anne's Cathedral Hall. People can come if they want to learn more about the healing ministry, if they wish to use the skills learnt in their own church, or if they would like to work with us. There is no charge for the course but on the last night participants will have a chance to make a freewill offering.
LIVING YOUTH HABITAT FOR HUMANITY GALA BALL - a Diocesan Living Youth Team will be travelling to Ethiopia in July 2014 to build houses with Habitat for Humanity, the world’s leading housing charity. As part of their fundraising campaign a Gala Ball will be held on Friday 16thMay in The Tullyglass House Hotel, Ballymena. Tickets £40/£400 per table. To reserve tickets or for more information please contact Claire Smylie, Living Youth Office Manager at 16 Chapel Lane, Belfast, BT1 1HH, phone 90232432, or log on to Please help build homes and hope in Ethiopia.