PATHWAYS TO THE FUTURE In the Gospel this Sunday we hear the mission that Jesus gives his Church – “Go, therefore, make disciples of all the nations.” And that is still our mission today. Here in Down and Connor, our Pathways to the Future programme has been set up to help us go out, make disciples and share the love of Christ more effectively in the coming years. One initial task is the count of Mass attendance which is happening across the diocese this weekend. On a practical level this helps us to get an accurate snapshot of who is connecting with our local parishes at this time. But it also encourages us to reflect about who isn’t coming and how we might go out and share the Gospel with them. That might seem a daunting task and it will mean doing some things differently in the future. But if we work together as a whole Church – lay people, religious and clergy, guided by the Holy Spirit – God promises that our efforts will be fruitful. Let’s pray for the courage and imagination to go out and make disciples here in Down and Connor.
PATHWAYS TO THE FUTURE PRAYER
God of Love,
You are with us in every transition and change.
As we enter into this new era with excitement and even some anxiety,
we recall your deep compassion, presence, and abounding love.
We thank you for the gifts, talents and skills with which you have blessed us.
We thank you for the work of others that gives breadth and depth to our own
work.
Be with us as we move forward, rejoicing with you and supporting one another.
We ask this in your Holy Name. Amen.
AMEN
WORLD COMMUNICATIONS DAY 2023
Pope Francis writes: Listening without prejudice, attentively and openly,
gives rise to speaking according to God’s style, nurtured by closeness,
compassion and tenderness. We have a pressing need in the Church for
communication that kindles hearts, that is balm on wounds and that
shines light on the journey of our brothers and sisters…
Today more than ever, speaking with the heart is essential to foster a culture of peace in places where there is war; to open paths that allow for
dialogue and reconciliation in places where hatred and enmity rage. In
the dramatic context of global conflict we are experiencing, it is urgent to
maintain a form of communication that is not hostile…
As Christians, we know that the destiny of peace is decided by conversion of hearts, since the virus of war comes from within the human heart.
From the heart come the right words to dispel the shadows of a closed
and divided world and to build a civilization which is better than the one
we have received. Each of us is asked to engage in this effort, but it is
one that especially appeals to the sense of responsibility of those working
in the field of communications so that they may carry out their profession
as a mission.
May the Lord Jesus, the Word of truth and love, help us speak the truth
in charity, so that we may feel like protectors of one another.
PARISH NEWS
WEEKLY OFFERTORY PROMISE The collection amounted to £1681.00 TROCAIRE TO DATE £12,399 Thank you for your continued support and contributions.
Meditating with Mary in May will continue on Thursday 25 May@ 7pm and conclude Wednesday 31 May @ 7pm. Each session will be led by a facilitator and involve some scripture sharing, followed by tea/coffee and light refreshments. Everyone is welcome.
Parish Renewal Thank you for your suggestions so far. We will still be accepting suggestions up to Pentecost Sunday (27-28th May). That weekend Fr Laurence will be helping us to reflect on the gift of the Holy Spirit and how we can begin to renew our Parish community in these changing times. We look forward to welcoming him back to St Agnes’.
CONGRATULATIONS to the boys and girls of Holy Child Primary School who received the Sacrament of the Eucharist for the first time at their First Holy Communion Mass yesterday. And a big thank you to everyone who helped with the preparation.
SUNFLOWER SUNDAY Small Sunflower plants will be available at the 9.30am Mass this Sunday, 21st May.
Catholic scripture and healing. Unlocking the treasures of God’s Holy word with Brother Johnson. Friday 26/5/23 6.30pm – 9.00pm in St Agnes church and Saturday 27/5/23 10am – 4pm in parish hall.
Come and experience the healing power of God’s word in your life.
MASS INTENTIONS
Sat 20: (6:30pm): Freddie Briggs, Sarah Mc Larnon, James Kennedy
Sun 21:(9:30am): Priest’s intention
Sun 21: (12:30pm): Rose Quinn
Mon 22:(10am): Priest’s intention
Tue 23: No Mass
Wed 24: (10am): Hugh & Kathleen Mc Aleavy & son Gerard
12noon: Requiem Mass of Dominic Park RIP
Thu 25: (10am): Priest’s intention
Fri 26: (10am) Priest’s intention
Sat 27: (1pm): Wedding Mass
REMEMBER IN PRAYER
Recently deceased: Liam Stewart
Months Mind: Charles Rafferty
Anniversaries: Jean Madill, Madeleine Quinn, James & Mary Dobbin, Patricia Mc Stravick, Bill Cinnamond, Marie Cairns, Austin Hynds, James Mc Keown
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord!
ACTIVITIES & EVENTS
Date: Wednesday 24th May 2023.
Venue: St Teresa’s Parish Centre, Glen Road.
Time: 7pm. Join our Parish Community on Wednesday 24th May at 7pm in St Teresa’s Parish Centre, Glen Road, to view the most recent documentary featuring Pope Francis and meet over a cup of coffee/tea afterwards. The documentary charts a meeting of four individuals from across the globe, invited by Pope Francis to Rome to tell their very personal stories – from India, Senegal, Hawaii and the Brazilian Amazon. It poses very urgent and pertinent questions for each one of us, especially as we emerge from the Covid Pandemic, as to how we wish to live our lives knowing that our actions impact upon others often in far corners of the earth. This is the start of a global conversation based on the messages contained within the encyclical letter “Laudato Si’’. The screening lasts 40 minutes. Please let us know if you are able to join us by contacting Peter Mc Alister e-mail ppmcalister@yahoo.com and/or turn up on the evening. Let your friends know – everyone is welcome.
Cemetery Sunday 2023 St Josephs Hannahstown Sunday 28th May 3pm. Rock Cemetery Sunday 4th June at 3pm. Tullyrusk on Sunday 4th June 1.30pm N.B. Please note that the time of Tullyrusk has been corrected from 3pm to 1.30pm
Music for A Summer’s Evening Concert Join International Chart topping singers Fr Eugene O’Hagan from the multi platinum selling classical group “The Priests” and International award winning singer Margaret Keys at Fisherwick Church, Belfast on Saturday 3rd June and St Malachy’s Church, Castlewellan on the 10th June @7.30pm together with the stunning Scala Strings Orchestra and guest choir for what promises to be a night of uplifting and much loved music. Tickets are £20. You can book them at Eventbrite.ie or call 07812588010 for tickets.
Lough Derg 2023
The Living Church Office are organising a three-day pilgrimage to Lough Derg. The Pilgrimage will be led by Jim Deeds. Dates Friday 30th June – Sunday 2nd July 2023. Cost £90 includes luxury coach transfers. Bus departs 9am Friday 30th June from Glengall Street. Places are limited so early booking is recommended. Contact Claire Tel: 02890 690920 Email: livingchurch@downandconnor.org
ENCOUNTERING THE HOLY SPIRIT IN OUR LIVES A Pentecost Retreat: a time of discovery, re-creation, and deepening of our relationship with God. Friday 26th May– Sunday 28th May 2023 in Belfast Jesuit Centre, 193-195 Donegall Street, Belfast Bt1 2FL ( Old St Patrick’s School) This non-residential will invite participants to consider Pentecost Weekend as a time of discovery, re-creation, and deepening of our relationship with the Holy Spirit. Participants will have opportunities for personal prayer, private spiritual guidance, the sacrament of Reconciliation and Mass of Pentecost with inputs by Tom Cashman, an Ignatian spiritual guide. https://belfastjesuitcentre.co.uk/courses/
The Diocesan Committee for Charismatic Renewal has organised a celebration for Pentecost on Pentecost Sunday, the 28th May from 7pm to 9pm, in St Bernard’s Church, Antrim Road, Glengormley BT36 7QR. The celebration will include prayer and praise, testimony and a talk by Fr. Darren Brennan PP. Everyone welcome.
WORLD YOUTH DAY 25th July –7th August. 25th –31st July Days in Diocese in Porto, 1st—7th Aug: Lisbon. FEW SPACES LEFT. 1,150 Euro. Email lizzie.rea@derrydiocese.org or phone 02871264087.
PENTECOST IRELAND This event will be hosted in St Joseph’s Church, Antrim on Saturday 27th May from 10am to 10pm. There will be amazing speakers as well as Confession, Adoration, Workshops Praise and Worship. Food trucks are available throughout the day. You can register using the following link: https://forms.office.com/e/FM651d2yrJ. For further details contact Fr James O’Reilly on 028 9442 9103
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