Parish News

The Weekly Offertory Promise collection amounted to £1982.00. Thank you.

The Annual Parish Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes will take place 3rd to 11th February. The theme will be: “ Keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus” and it will be preached by Fr Dan Baragry CSsR. Novena Mass times: Daily: 10am, 1pm & 7.30pm; Saturday: 10am, 1pm & 6pm (Vigil); Sunday: 8.30am, 10.30am & 12.30pm.

The Parish Pastoral Council will meet this Wednesday 29nd January at 7pm.

A Roller Disco will take place today in the Parish Centre from 1:30-3pm. All ages welcome. Roller boots are supplied. Cost £6.

Direction for our times prayer group will meet on Thursday 30th January at 7pm.

First Confessions will take place this year on Wednesday 12th March at 1.00pm.

Confirmations will be celebrated on Friday 21st March 2014 at 11.00am.

First Holy Communions will be celebrated this year on Saturday 17th May at 11.00am.

Remember in prayer…

Recently deceased: Brian Cusack.

Those whose anniversaries occur at this time: Angela Black, Bernie McEwan, Elizabeth & Charles McDonnell, Elizabeth Stevenson, Rita Cleary, Maura Corr, Dolours Price- Rea, Denis McCann, Bridie McKeown, Hugh & Meta McEvoy, Patrick Toal, John Curoe, John Curoe Jr., Christine Curoe, Patrick Dunne, Betty Burgoyne, Tom Flynn, Peter Harte, Thomas Flynn, Rita Mulholland, Brendan Madden.

What’s on locally

Discerning Vocations – a retreat for young women who are considering their vocation in the Church – a look at married life, the single life, lay missionary work, the religious life, consecrated life in the world and the contemplative life. Venue: Drumalis retreat house, Larne on March 29th/30th 2014. Cost: a donation is acceptable. If interested, contact the Diocesan Vocation Director: Fr John Murray at 90913761 or email: mail@frmurray.co.uk or also contact Mags Tierney at 07537414387 (text only) or magstierney08@gmail.com.

VOCATION WEEKEND — A Vocation Weekend for Students and young men will take place in Drumalis Retreat House, Larne on February 14th — 16th 2014.  The Weekend is for anyone who is thinking about the possibility of a Vocation to the Priesthood or Religious Life.  Anyone interested should contact Fr John Murray St. Michael’s Presbytery, 200 Finaghy Road North, Belfast BT11 9EG (20890 913761) for further information.  You can also email Fr John at mail@frmurray.co.uk.

St Gerard’s ERC, Gortnamona, is moving to a new building. A  final Mass in thanksgiving for this place of Faith and Learning will be celebrated on Thursday 30th January at 11am in the school Assembly Hall.

Parkinsons: Volunteers are vital to our work and make a real difference to everyone living with Parkinson’s in the Belfast area. You can volunteer for us in lots of ways. For info on volunteer roles available contact Paula McLarnon: tel: 08442253684 or email: pmclarnon@parkinsons.org.uk

A day of reflection””practical hints on sharing your faith””in St Michael’s Hall (Finaghy Rd Nth) on Saturday 1st February from 10:45am-5:00pm after Mass (10.00am) in the Church.. Michaelle Moran from the Sion Community for evangelization and Fr John Murray. Tea/Coffee available, bring a packed lunch. Cost £5 (or whatever you can afford).

LIVING YOUTH Pilgrimage to Rome – Join with us as we step back to the very beginnings of our faith and the heart of the Roman Catholic Church.  From 4th — 8th August we will immerse ourselves in the history of the Church, we will visit the ancient Christian sites of the Eternal City, the tombs of Peter and Paul, the Coliseum, the Catacombs, the Vatican and much more. Price including fights, transfers, accommodation half board, sweat shirt and t-shirts  – £650, which can be subsidized through fund raising.  If you are aged between 16 and 25 and would like to join us, please contact Claire for an Application Form which should be returned by Friday 31st January 2014  – info@livingyouthni.org.

“ Unique volunteering opportunities for Retired Teachers to help provide one-on-one support to children with additional educational needs in primary schools in West and North Belfast. One morning per week is required for a minimum of 15 weeks. Contact Sólás on 02890 247600 or email anne@solasbt7.com for information”.

Divine Mercy Holy Hour Thursday 30th January 7.30pm, Church of the Nativity, Poleglass. Exposition of the Blessed  Sacrament, singing of the Divine Mercy Chaplet. Mass 8pm.