Would he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare something for me to eat. Put on your apron and wait on me while I eat and drink. You may eat and drink when I am finished’? Is he grateful to that servant because he did what was commanded?
So should it be with you. When you have done all you have been commanded, say, “We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.’” This is a hard command to live. Most often when we have done something well, and fulfilled our duty, we seek recognition and praise. We want to be noticed. And while this may be a “normal” reaction, it’s not the most humble reaction. Humility comes in many degrees, and the deepest degree of humility allows a person to repeat this passage above and mean it. First, we must realize that the will of God is good for us. It imposes an obligation of love on us. When we fulfill God’s will, we should take delight in that fact alone because it is good. That way, the fulfillment of God’s will becomes the source of our joy, not the recognition of others. Embracing the will of God as a holy “obligation” also enables us to fulfill it more fully. When doing the will of God is seen as something extraordinary, we may not build a proper habit of fulfilling it. But when it’s seen as our duty of love and as the normal act we should fulfill, it’s easier to embrace His will more completely. Reflect, today, on this humble phrase. “We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.” Try to say it, mean it and let it become the foundation of your daily service of God’s will. Doing so will set you on the “fast track” toward holiness. Prayer: Lord, I am an unprofitable servant. When I fulfill Your holy will, I acknowledge that this is a holy obligation of love and my most fundamental duty. Help me to see Your will as the most normal part of my daily life. Help me to embrace it with wholehearted faith and obedience. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen.
Weekly Offertory Promise amounted to £1431.00
Autumn Collection £430
Thank you for your generous financial support. You can make your envelope contribution via the donate button on the Parish website home page as well.
COLLECTION FOR FR THOMAS. Envelopes are still available in the side entrance of the Church for anyone who wishes to contribute a gift for Fr Thomas. Sealed envelopes can be returned to the Parish Office to Kate or Sacristy to Vincent.. Many Thanks.
HOUSEKEEPER ST AGNES A part-time Housekeeper vacancy has arisen within St Agnes’ Parish, The post holder will be required to provide a confidential, efficient housekeeping service to the Parish Priest, whilst ensuring a pleasant, safe, welcoming and clean Presbytery is provided to other presbytery workers, volunteers and parish visitors. The terms are based on a permanent appointment requiring 12 hours attendance each week – Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, work pattern to be agreed with the successful candidate. Flexibility will be required in relation to attendance and hours worked, from time to time. Rate of Pay – £9.50 gross per hour. Full details relating to the vacancy can be found on the Diocesan website at: http://www.downandconnor.org clicking on the tab: JOB VACANCIES Closing date for applications will be 12.00 noon on Thursday 6th October 2022
SICK CALLS Fr Raymond will visit the Sick, Elderly and Housebound of the Parish next Friday. If you yourself, or if you have a parent, grandparent, neighbour or friend who would like a visit on a First Friday, please contact the Parish Office on 02890 615702 and this will be arranged.
MASS INTENTIONS
SAT: Vigil 6.30pm: Brian Mc Larnon, Jim & Marie McGreevy, John Mc Caughey, John & Mary Lynch, Teresa Brannigan, Paddy & Betty Barker
SUN: 9.30am: Tony O’ Shaughnessy,
12.30pm: Patrick Agnew,
Kathleen Fegan
MON:10.00am: Anne Grehan
TUE: NO MASS
WED:10.00am: Josephine Anderson
THU: 10.00am: Priest’s intention
FRI: 10.00am: Owen & Carrie Monaghan
SAT:1pm: Ellen Mc Cullagh
NB: 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: Desmond & Shelagh Schiess, Con Butler & Mary Nocher, Tony Devlin, Thomas Teeney, Dympha O’ Rourke, Brendan Carey, Deirdre O’ Neill, James & Myrtle Bann, Arthur Wilson, Brendan Carey, Peter Wilson.
May they rest in peace
RECORDINGS Please note, all funerals and Masses are recorded. Please tell us if you do not want your loved one’s funeral recorded.
Legion of Mary Annual Rosary Procession Sunday 9th October 2022 Assemble at St Johns Falls Road at 2.45pm. Leaving at 3pm processing to St Michaels, Finaghy Road North for Benediction. Come and join us. “There’s no problem, no matter how difficult, that the rosary can’t solve” Sister Lucia, Fatima.
RCIA (the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) is a process to introduce the teachings of Jesus Christ in the Catholic Church to individuals who wish to learn more, including the opportunity, if they wish, to become Catholic through the Sacraments of Initiation. In addition, many Catholics attend the programme to learn more about their faith and have found the course to be both interesting and informative. We are currently looking for new members to assist in this year’s programme. You do not need any particular skills or training as there are opportunities to get involved in different ways at different levels. If you would be interested, would like more information or perhaps you have even attended the course before, please feel free to contact RCIA by telephone or text at 07761014607 or email us at rcia@downandconnor.org We meet Thursday nights from 6.30 – 8.00 pm at St Mary’s Hall, Chapel Lane, Belfast BT1 1HH from October to May. The start date for the programme is Thursday 6th October 2022.
Season of Creation 1st September – 4 th October 2022 ‘Listen to the Voice of Creation’. To mark the closing of the Season of Creation a special Prayer Service will be held in St Oliver Plunkett Church this Tuesday 4 October @ 7pm.
Project Zambia is hosting an information Day for Life 2022 – Caring for the Older Person Day for Life is celebrated annually by the Catholic Church in Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales. It is a day dedicated to raising awareness of the meaning and value of human life at every stage and in every condition. This year’s Day for Life will be celebrated in Ireland on Sunday 2 October on the theme ‘Caring for the Older Person’. We invite people to think again about the value and worth of older persons in families and in society, and to make practical choices to build bridges between the generations. We call for people and parishes to devote quality time, energy and creativity in caring for the older persons in our communities. We invite engagement in political debate on providing adequately resourced care of older persons so that no-one feels like a burden in our society. Saint Joachim and Saint Anne – Pray for us! To read the pastoral message for Day for Life in full, visit www.councilforlife.ie
Special Belfast Pilgrimage to Fatima Easter 2023 ex Dublin – Departing Wednesday (Holy Week) 5th April (5 nights). Full Easter ceremony and tour of Lisbon. Optional tour to seaside on Easter Saturday. Contact James Treacy 0035361921470.
Trócaire Christmas fundraisers are needed to help respond to the urgent need of poor communities around the world. If you would like to find out more about what you can do to help now or over the Advent and Christmas period, then please email Mark McMahon at infoni@trocaire.org or call 028 9090 8030
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