Gaza: “Words are not enough!” – Irish Bishops call for solidarity at parish level
Bishops stated the following concerning the humanitarian disaster in Gaza:
“In Gaza people are starving and adequate aid is being denied; it seems clear that famine is being used as a weapon of war. Already over 600,000 Palestinians have been displaced. The evidence points to a staged strategy of ethnic cleansing aimed at removing the Palestinian people from their homes and their homeland. It is becoming increasingly clear to people on the ground that these are genocidal actions sanctioned by the Government of Israel.
“What is happening in Gaza – and the West Bank – is the death of tens of thousands of non-combatants, many of them women and children. This is unconscionable and disproportionate. It is immoral for world leaders to stand by inactively in the face of this outrageous tragedy for humanity.
“Words are not enough! There is an urgent need for the international community to intervene, cut off arms supplies and bring the carnage to an end. This will call for courage on the part of leaders. Examples of courage are being given every day by heroic doctors, nurses and aid workers risking their lives in service of the wounded and those who have been displaced.”
As noted already, bishops offered prayers for the people of Gaza and Ukraine as well as other troubled places in the world. In relation to the deteriorating situation in Gaza they noted that as of early June 2025, the humanitarian crisis there has intensified dramatically. To date, almost 55,000 people have been killed in Gaza and the West Bank, since the horrific events of 7 October 2023.
Bishops welcomed the response to their call in their statement of 26 May for a ‘Day of Prayer and Fasting for Peace’ in Gaza on Friday last, 6 June. The entire month of June, the month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, should be a time of special prayer for peace. All parishes are asked to give expression to their solidarity with the suffering people of Gaza during June.
Bishops continued, “People in parishes across the country are horrified by what they are witnessing. They may feel helpless. But they can show their solidarity in different ways by lobbying their political representatives, by supporting humanitarian aid and, above all, by continuing to pray for an end to the conflict now and the resumption of peace, including the return of all hostages and prisoners.”
Bishops listened again to the recent words of Pope Leo XIV and resonated with them: “In the Gaza Strip, the cry of mothers, of fathers who clutch the lifeless bodies of children and who are continually forced to move in search of a little food and safer shelter from bombing, rises ever more intensely to the sky. I renew my appeal to the leaders: cease-fire, release all hostages, fully respect humanitarian law. Mary Queen of Peace, pray for us.’ (General Audience, 28 May 2025).
PARISH NEWS…
WEEKLY OFFERTORY PROMISE The collection amounted to £1496.00. 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
NOVENA TO THE SACRED HEART BEGAN ON THURSDAY 19TH JUNE AND ENDS ON FRIDAY 27TH JUNE
TUE 24TH JUNE there will be a 10am Mass for the Novena to the Sacred Heart
WED 25TH JUNE Mass 7pm/ No 10am
THURS 26TH JUNE Mass 7pm/ No 10am
P7s LEAVERS MASS will take place on Tues 24th June at 1.30pm. Farewell to our P7s, we wish them every blessing for the summer, and in their new schools in September.
GAZA COLLECTION Thank you to everyone who contributed to the Gaza collection. The total amount raised was £2950.00.
BULLETIN NOTICE AND ANNIVERSARIES should be with the Parish Office by 12 noon on a Thursday to be included in the weekend Bulletin.
FOODSTOCK ANDERSONSTOWN Our Preloved School Uniform Hub will be open from July 1st for people in the community to avail of good condition items for nursery, primary and secondary schools in West Belfast. We are currently accepting donations Monday to Saturday at 150 Andersonstown Road – drop some in if you can. Over 900 children were kitted out from this initiative last summer – lifting pressure off parents. Hoping we can do the same this summer.
REMEMBER IN PRAYER
Recently Deceased: Stephen Regan, Margaret Loughran, Grainne Sloan, Kathleen Wilson, Paul Lawrenson, Deirdre Dougal RIP
Anniversaries: Francis Mc Kevitt, Rose Burns, Marion Mc Keever, Margaret McCullough, Peter Mc Callum, Harriet Barr, Phil Maguire,
Frank Mc Dermott, Gerry Mc Guigan, Edward & Teresa Murphy & Edward jnr, Mary & Bernard Carroll & Brendan Flynn.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord!
MASS INTENTIONS
Sat 21(6.30pm): Francis Mc Kevitt
Sun 22 (9.30am): Rory Fennell, Ursula Burns,
Timothy O’ Sullivan, Brigid O’ Sullivan
Sun 22(12.30pm):James & Mary Ross
Mon 23(10am): Bobby Mc Cartan
Tues 24 (10am) :MASS 10AM
1.30pm P7 Leavers Mass
Wed 25 (7pm):Priest’s intention
Thurs 26(7pm): Priest’s intention
Fri 27(10am): Priest’s intention
Sat 28( 1pm):Priest’s intention
In the event of a funeral, the assigned intention will be offered privately by the priest at his first available mass.
WHAT’S ON…
Consecration of Ireland to the Sacred Heart Corpus Christi Sunday, 22nd June Archbishop Eamon Martin will consecrate Ireland to the Sacred Heart. Bus to Knock from Belfast also picking up in Sprucefield and Banbridge £30 Per person. Children free. To book contact Orla 07545452362
Remembering the Srebrenica Genocide – 30th Anniversary, Wednesday 25 June 2025 in Belfast City Hall 6.00pm – 7.00pm. This event will help us learn more, reflect and understand the importance of working together to challenge prejudice. All welcome. To book your place email northernireland@Srebrenica.org.uk
EUCHARISTIC HEALING SERVICE
There will be a Healing Service in St Matthew’s Church, Short Strand, East Belfast on Wednesday 25th June at 7pm.
Focussing on the Healing power of Eucharistic Benediction. The service will be led by Fr Peter Carlin, PP, and Music Ministry will be provided by Fionnuala O’Neill and family. Everyone welcome. Tea & refreshments afterwards in the parish hub.
First Saturday Devotions will take place in St. Matthias’s Church, Glen Road on 5th July
3.00 p.m. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Confessions and Act of Consecration., Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet
4.00 p.m. Holy Sacrifice of the Mass
GAZA: “WORDS ARE NOT ENOUGH!” The Irish Bishops have called for solidarity with the suffering people of Gaza during the entire month of. June, the month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. See Latest News on the parish website, or take a paper copy home from the side entrance of the Church.
CLONARD SOLEMN NOVENA. In honour of our MOTHER OF PERPETUAL HELP, 18th—26th June 2025. Theme: Pilgrims of Hope. Weekday Masses: 6.45am, 9.30am, 11.30am, 4pm, 6pm & 8pm. Saturday & Sunday Masses: 6.45am, 9.30am, 11.30am, 1.30pm, 4pm, 6pm & 8pm. Sacrament of the Sick on Friday 20th at 6.45am, 9.30am, 11.30am & 6pm. Procession in thanksgiving to our Mother of Perpetual Help after the final 8pm Mass on Thursday 26th June. www.clonard.com
All-Ireland Rally for Life takes place in Dublin on Saturday 5th July. Make a stand to protect Ireland’s unborn babies. A coach will be travelling from Belfast City Centre. To book your seat contact 07592280522
Hearts on Fire – A Call to Prayer and Renewal
In this Jubilee Year of Hope, the Diocese of Down and Connor will host a special two-day gathering of parish leaders from across our parish families and extending throughout Ireland and beyond on 25 and 26 June in Belfast. Focused on renewing our vision for evangelisation, Hearts on Fire will invite parish leaders to explore ways to inspire and equip Families of Parishes to reignite the Church’s missionary spirit.
We warmly invite all to join us in prayer at the opening Mass for Hearts on Fire in St Peter’s Cathedral, Belfast, at 7:00pm on Tuesday, 24 June 2025.
We deeply value and appreciate your prayers for the success of this important time of sharing and discernment. May the Holy Spirit reignite the hearts of the faithful, embolden our witness and guide the renewal and growth of our Church in Down and Connor and across Ireland.
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