He came in search of John.
He came in search of baptism.
He came in search of blessing.
He came in search of the Spirit.
He came in search of God’s favour.
He came in search of God’s love.
The first active step that Jesus takes as he begins his ministry is to search. He journeys from Nazareth to the River Jordan to find John, in order to be baptised. While John feels he is ‘not fit to kneel down and undo the strap of his sandals’, Jesus still seeks him out. He needs this moment of baptism and blessing to begin his ministry. This is his moment of divine calling and endorsement from the Father: ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; my favour rests on you.’
We know what it is like to search. We yearn for meaning, for love, and our hearts are always searching for God. Today’s first reading from Isaiah speaks of this great thirst: ‘Oh come to the water all you who are thirsty’; ‘Seek the Lord while he is still to be found’. We must seek constantly to bring ourselves into the presence of God, who will give us his blessing and strength for the road ahead.
‘You have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless, until they can find rest in you.’
St Augustine,
Veritas intercom
COLLECTION The weekly collection for the 27th December amounted to £2165.00
1st January amounted to £1145.00
Christmas Collection £1425.00.
Thank you for your contribution. You can make your envelope contribution via the donate button on the Parish website home page as well.
SINCERE THANKS. Fr Thomas wishes to thank everyone for their good wishes, Christmas cards and gifts. Such kindness and support is greatly appreciated. Happy New Year to you all!
2022 Diocesan Directories
The Directories have not yet arrived.
We hope to have them within the next 2 weeks.
PARISH WEBCAM Live streaming of all Masses takes place in a St. Agnes’ Church. Please click on the webcam tile on the Home Page of the Parish website www.stagnesbelfast.com.
RECORDINGS Please note, all funerals will be recorded. Please tell us if you do not want your loved one’s funeral recorded.
COVID 19 We wish to remind you that masks are still mandatory when entering and leaving the church and we would strongly advise and encourage that for your own safety you adhere to this and to social distancing. Thank you.
BAPTISMS Continue to be limited to 10 people every second and fourth Sunday of the month
Confessions are currently postponed until further
notice due to Covid restrictions
HOLY CHILD PS.
Sacrament of Confirmation
P7A Mr Moran Wednesday 23rd February 2022 1pm
P7B Mr Treacy Mr Hurley Wednesday 23rd February 2022 1pm
P7C Mrs Deignan Thursday 24th February 2022 1pm
PRAYER INTENTIONS: We extend our sympathies to the families of those who died recently and those whose month’s mind and anniversary occur at this time.
RECENTLY DECEASED: Mary Carville RIP ( Funeral Mass Sat 8th Jan at 1pm)
Sat 8th Jan :6.30pm Vigil: Joe Pettigrew, Henrietta Turner, Anne Kelly, Renee Collins
Sun 9th Jan: 9.30am: May Sergeant, William Fennell
12.30pm: Siobhan Byrne- Scott, Carina Lynch, Maureen Young
Mon 10th Jan: 10am: Priest’s intention
Tue 11th Jan: 10am: NO MASS
Wed 12th Jan: 10am: Priest’s intention
Thurs 13th Jan: 10am: Priest’s intention
Fri 14th Jan: 10am: Priest’s intention
Sat 15th Jan: 1pm: Bridie Mc Keown, Denis Mc Cann
In the event of a funeral, the assigned intention will be offered privately by the priest at his first available mass.
Those whose anniversaries occur at this time: Robert Rooney, Rosaleen Cullen, Thomas Gallagher, Noel Rush, Kathleen Teeney, Catherine & Luke Mc Cann, Rosena Connor, Tony Donnelly.
Eternal rest grant unto them , O Lord!
St Louise’s Comprehensive College Virtual Open Night Tour on Monday 10th January 2022 Visit: www.stlouise.org.uk
Unlocking the Mystery of the Bible
The Bible is at the heart of our faith and our relationship with God. Reading the Bible should bring us closer to Christ, but many people find it hard to even begin.
Unlocking the Mystery of the Bible is an 8 week online programme written by Jeff Cavins and facilitated by the Living Church office. Course participants will receive a resource pack and connect online for a time of teaching, discussion and prayerful reflection.
There are three groups available
Wednesday Morning at 11am beginning on Wednesday 12th January
Wednesday Evening at 7pm beginning on Wednesday 12th January
Monday Evening at 7pm beginning on Monday 17th January
To register you can complete an online form https://forms.office.com/r/g3FWFK5x8w or e-mail a.steen@downandconnor.org
Come and join us for a programme will give you a way to read the bible, understand it and so experience its life changing power.
Comments are closed.