Parish News…

Last week’s Weekly Offertory Promise Collection amounted to £2269. Thank you

St Agnes’ Annual Parish Novena to Our Lady Of Lourdes:Will take place from Tuesday 3rd Feb to Wednesday 11th Feb 2015. The preacher will be Rev Alphonsus Doran CSsR.  Novena Mass times: Mon””Fri 10am & 7.30pm. Sat, 1pm ( Mass of the sick) & 6pm ( Vigil)  Sun, 8.30am, 10.30am & 12.30pm. NB: There will be no 1pm Novena  Mass.

Creating Pastoral Communities

As we look towards the future in our diocese we have learned quite a bit from the experience of other dioceses in Ireland and around the world. They have learned that successful communities are focussed on mission, have good working relationships between clergy and laity and a substantial population. They should reflect existing community networks and, in rural areas, they should be gathered around a central hub. You are invited to read the Consultation Document available on the Diocesan Website perhaps paying particular attention to our proposed Pastoral Community. www.downandconnor.org.

I want to draw your attention again to the Consultation Document on Creating Pastoral Communities which is on the Diocesan Website. The purpose of the exercise is to help us plan for the future in a way that combines enthusiasm for the church’s mission, an increased recognition of the responsibility of everyone and realism about the number of priests who will be available to us in the next few decades. The first phase  of the process is to identify the boundaries of the proposed Pastoral Communities.

I encourage you to read the Consultation Document and respond to it. As well as that I ask everybody to pray for a renewed spirit of co-responsibility in which lay people feel called and affirmed in playing their full part in the work of spreading the Gospel. At the same time, as we are looking towards the future of the Church we need to pray that young people will be inspired to serve the church in the priesthood and the religious life.

Bishop Noel Treanor

Remember in Prayer…

Recently deceased: Mary Ellen ( Maureen) Mc Henry, Mary Young, Joseph Rafferty.

Those whose anniversaries occur at this time: Frances Mulvenna, Bridget & Jack Mc Cusker, Bridget Mc Fall, Thomas & James Flannigan, Eithne Mc Kenna, Maura Mc Auley, The Mc Bride Family, Johnson Family deceased, May Dornan, Billy Toner, Henry Gribbin, Thomas Mc Nally Catherine Doherty, Patrick Toal.

 Whats on Locally… 

Praying The Stations Of The Cross:  Thursday, 5th February 2015 and Thursday, 12th February 2015 7.30pm  – 9.30pm. An opportunity over two evenings to deepen your prayer in preparation for Lent and Easter. Each session takes place from 7.30pm””9.30pm, including tea/coffee. The suggested contribution is £5 per evening. If you would like to attend, please contact Drumalis to book a place. Tel — 02828 272196 / 02828 276455 ( during office hours, Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm)

Courses: Enrol for courses in Conway Education Centre, 2nd Floor Conway Mill. ICT Primary Curriculum, Spanish, Irish, Irish History, Web Design,  Indian Cookery, Baking, Introduction to Script-writing workshop. Contact 02890 248543. or info@conwayeducation.org.

Medjugorie Irish Centre: Is celebrating 10 years with a competition to win 7 nights stay in an apartment in Medjugorie for 4 people staying in a 4 star Apart Hotel. To enter text the word pilgrim, your full name, county and your email address to 60777. The winner will be announced every 3rd month during 2015. See details at www.med-irishcentre.com or 02882 241888.

Camino de Santiago— Sections from the Pyrenees to Santiago: 22nd— 28th May 2015. 6 Nights Hotel Accommodation, with Breakfast and dinner daily. Coach and back-up bus with group throughout, Walk leader  with group throughout, All airport and local taxes, Travel insurance included. Flying from Dublin Airport. Cost £715.00 stg. SEATS ARE LIMITED Single room supplement is extra. £100.00 deposit secures a seat! For further details contact: Jean Reynolds 02844 830979 or email: jeanreynolds@hotmail.co.uk.

Annual Pilgrimage To Lourdes: 6th April 2015. 5 nights Full Board — Hotel Paradis £599 Per Person.  Accompanied by a Spiritual Director. For Further Details please contact Moya Connolly on 07511149736

Rathmore Grammar School Open Day: Saturday 24th January 2015  9.30am-1pm. Address by Principal at 9.30am and 11.00am.

Dominican College Fortwilliam: Open Day takes place on Saturday the 24th of January from 9.30am to 11.00am. Primary 7 girls and their parents are most welcome, as are students wishing to transfer to the Dominican College for A-Levels studies. Principal’s Address: 9.30 and 11.00am

Andersonstown Traditional & Contemporary Music School. Classes commencing January 2015. If interested in joining music classes, contact the school’s office on 02890 434894 or email admin@atcms.freeserve.co.uk.