Season of Creation (1 September – 4 October). Join us … The Season of Creation is the annual Christian celebration inviting us to respond together to the ‘cry of the earth and the cry of the poor’- as identified by Pope Frances in his encyclical letter Laudato Si’ (2015) and more recently in Laudato Deum (2023). As we journey through the Season of Creation from 1 September through to the feast-day of St Francis of Assisi on 4 October, let us each take action to care for our planet, our common home. The theme for this season is ‘to hope and act with creation’ and the symbol is The first fruits of hope, inspired by Romans 8:19 – 25commit to implementing one of our ‘Eco Tips’ over the 4 weeks; attend an inaugural annual talk on the theme of faith and environment – exploring together how faith can impel us to act for the good of our planet and it’s peoples.
Hold the date – Friday 4 October, St Brigid’s Parish Hall at 7.30pm (speaker Rev. Dr. Allen Sleith, Minister of Hillsborough Presbyterian Church, Stewardship of Creation Agent for the Presbyterian Church & Presbyterian Representative on Eco-Congregation Ireland). The Season of Creation invites us to reach out to other ecumenical leaders and in communities to discern how to listen and respond to the cry of Creation, together. join the discussion around ‘Faiths Together for Climate, Justice and Peace’ on Saturday 21 September, Agápē centre, Lisburn Road at 10.00am (speakers Martin Palmer, theologian, writer and broadcaster; Raja Harun, retired scientist; Louise Taylor, activist; and Xavier de Bénazé SJ who manages an eco-centre in Lyons, France). For more information visit : info@jointhedotstogether.org Together – we can make change happen.
PARISH NEWS…
WEEKLY OFFERTORY PROMISE The collection amounted to £1435.00.
DIOCESAN CATHEDRAL FUND £305.00.
Thank you for your generous financial support. You can make your envelope contribution via the donate button on the Parish website home page also at www.stagnesbelfast.com.
Mary’s Meals A representative from the charity Mary’s Meals will speak at all Masses next weekend (14th/15th Sept) about their life-changing work of feeding children in some of the world’s poorest countries with a daily meal at school and their current Ethiopia Crisis Appeal. There will be a bucket collection and card machine available after mass if you wish to support financially. Mary’s Meals would also appreciate your prayers in support of their work. Prayer cards will be available to take home. Further details about their work and how you can get involved can be found at www.marysmeals.org.uk or contact Caoimhe McCann on 07394564065.
FOODSTOCK Our local foodbank has placed a container in the entrance hall of the Church for nonperishable food items eg canned food, Pasta etc. Your donations make a big difference to local people in crisis. Thank you for your support
ARCHBISHOP NOEL TREANOR Month’s Mind will take place today Sunday 8th Sept at 5pm in St Peter’s Cathedral. All welcome.
MASS INTENTIONS
Sat 07(6.30pm):Mary Mc Caughey, Lily Hamilton
Sun 08 (9.30am): Priest’s intention
Sun 08 (12.30pm):Janet McGaharan, Kevin Kennedy, Deedee Doherty, Richard Mc Stravick
Mon 09 (10am): Priest’s intention
Tues 10 : Priest’s intention
Wed 11(10am): Priest’s intention
12pm: Requiem Mass for Antonio ( Tony) Mc Ginn RIP
Thurs 12 (10am): Priest’s intention
Fri 13 (10am): Priest’s intention
Sat 14 (1pm): Burial of Ashes Brendan Devenney RIP
NB: In the event of a funeral, the assigned intention will be offered privately by the priest at his first available Mass
REMEMBER IN PRAYER
Recently Deceased: Nan Purcell, Antonio ( Tony ) Mc Ginn RIP
Anniversaries: Paddy Morgan, John Gillespie, Isobel Leadsom, Eileen Mc Grath
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord!
WHAT’S ON…
Poor Clares Galway, Monastic Experience Day
for women 18-35. An opportunity to explore and experience Poor Clare life and spirituality. The event will take place from 10am to 5pm on Saturday the 21st of September.
Contact: vocations@poorclares.ie to book a place. For more information: poorclares.ie/monastic-experience-days
ST BERNADETTE RELIC PILGRIMAGE. A relic of St. Bernadette will come to St Mary’s, Chapel Lane on 10th & 11th October. This special once in a lifetime event will provide an opportunity for people to experience the gifts and charisms of Lourdes at home
Anam Cara Donegal, the organisation that supports bereaved parents, is holding it’s monthly Parent Evening for bereaved parents on Thursday 12th September at 7:15pm in the Raddison Blu Hotel, Letterkenny Co.Donegal. This event is free and open to all bereaved parents regardless of the age your child died, the circumstances of their death, or whether their death was recent or not. We also offer an online service. For more info call 01 4045378
FIRST SATURDAY DEVOTIONS Will take place in St. Matthias’s Church, Glen Road on Saturday 7th September. 3pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Confessions, Act of Consecration. 4pm Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.
ECO TIPS FOR THE SEASON OF CREATION Cycle, walk , use public transport or car-share instead of driving, turn off lights when leaving a room/ install energy saving lights, wash laundry at 30 degrees when possible/ dry washing outside, use reusable water bottles to reduce single use plastics.
‘Breaking down barriers, building commUNITY’, Event. DATE: Wednesday 18th September TIME: 7.30pm – 9pm, refreshments from 7pm. VENUE: South Kirk Presbyterian Church, 34 Shaftesbury Square, Belfast, BT2 7DB
Please join us if you’re free, we would love to see you. Register online at: www.habitatireland.org
Email address: info@habitatireland.org
MASS OF HOPE For those affected by suicide. Tuesday 10th September at 7pm. St John’s Church 444 Falls Road.
Holy Father’s Prayer intention for September 2024. For the cry of the Earth. We pray that each one of us will hear and take to heart the cry of the Earth and of victims of natural disasters and climactic change, and that we all will undertake to personally care for the world in which we live.
BEST WISHES TO ALL THE CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE, AS THEY START BACK TO SCHOOL THIS WEEK.
PRAYER FOR A NEW SCHOOL YEAR
Gracious God, as the summer begins to fade, new possibilities lie on the horizon. Bless all of those who are beginning or returning to their roles as teachers, as well as those who lead and support students by their efforts. May this school year be a time of grace and potential as they teach, share, and challenge others to grow in faith, knowledge and wisdom. Bless the children and youth, along with their parents, as they begin a new school year. May their minds be open to learning, and to the wonder of discovery and insight. Be with us as we embark on this new school year. Amen.
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