Parish News…

Last week’s Weekly Offertory Promise Collection amounted to £2452.00 Thank you for your continuous generosity and support.

MULVENNA ACADEMY OF IRISH DANCERS New Beginners Irish Dancing Class. Every Monday 6pm-7pm. First Class Free. St Agnes’ new Parish Centre. St Agnes’ Drive. Enquiries to: mulvennaacademy@btinternet.com

ST AGNES’ SENIORS’ CHRISTMAS DINNER: Will be held on Sunday 6th December in the Ballymac Hotel from  2pm””6pm. All pensioners of the parish who wish to attend please register your name with the Kate in the Parish Office as  Friday 20th November is  the last day to register. 02890 615702

THE SVDP GIVING TREE: Received a great response from St Agnes’ last year. This year the Giving Tree will be placed in the Church this weekend 14th & 15th Nov and will remain until Friday 11th Dec. We would ask that presents be left under the tree unwrapped. Thank you for your continuous generosity. Also SVDP Christmas Cards may be purchased now at the Sacristy. A selection of 10 pack Christmas Cards are available for £3.00.

Remember in Prayer…

Recently Deceased: James Webb, Rosaleen Small

Those whose anniversaries occur at this time:Mary Small, Owen Kelly, Gerard Gargan, Sadie Mc Grillen, Billy Mc Veigh, Peter Breen, Jim Goodall, Esther Flynn, Thomas Mulvenna,    John Mc Carthy, Joe Campbell.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O lord!

What’s on Locally…

FORTWILLIAM MUSIC SOCIETY will be in Ballyearl Courtyard theatre from Tuesday 17th until Saturday 21st November. Come along to a fantastic week of concerts with music from the musicals, some old time favourites and other tunes to get your toes tapping! Book early to avoid disappointment tickets available at www.thecourtyardtheatre.com or by phone 02890340202. Fortwilliam are also available to hire for concerts or fundraisers. If interested please contact Hilary on 0784648272.

PERMANENT DIACONATE The Diocese initiated training for the Permanent Diaconate two years ago and twelve men have completed their Preparatory Year and are in their second year of formation. Preparations are under way to begin another Preparatory Year in 2016. Men between 35 and 60 years of age who would like to consider the Permanent Diaconate should contact Fr. Alan McGuckian at the Living Church Office for more information and an application form on 90 690920 or livingchurch@downandconor.org. Completed applications need to be returned by 30th November

NOVEMBER PLEDGE  Please consider taking the November Pledge to be alcohol-free and offer this up for the benefit of the Holy Souls and to help an addicted friend. For further information, please contact Ian  on 028 90894070

YEAR OF MERCY 2015””2016 Pope Francis has announced an Extraordinary Jubilee which has at its centre the mercy of God. It will be a Holy Year of Mercy. We want to live in the light of the word of the Lord: “ Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful” (cf. Lk 6:36). And this especially applies to confessors! So much mercy! This Holy Year will commence on the 8th December the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception and will conclude on Sunday, 20 November 2016, the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe and living face of the Father’s mercy.’ I am confident that the whole Church, which is in such need of mercy for we are sinners, will be able to find in this Jubilee the joy of rediscovering and rendering fruitful God’s mercy, with which we are all called to give comfort to every man and every woman of our time. Do not forget that God forgives all, and God forgives always. Let us never tire of asking forgiveness. Let us henceforth entrust this Year to the Mother of Mercy, that she turn her gaze upon us and watch over our journey: our penitential journey, our year-long journey with an open heart, to receive the indulgence of God, to receive the mercy of God. Pope Francis reminds us that in mercy, we find proof of how God loves us. He gives his entire self, always, freely, asking nothing in return. He comes to our aid whenever we call upon him. What a beautiful thing that the Church begins her daily prayer with the words, “ O God come to my assistance. O Lord, make haste to help me!” The assistance we ask for is already the first step of God’s mercy towards us.