{"id":1946,"date":"2020-11-05T12:34:55","date_gmt":"2020-11-05T12:34:55","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.stagnesbelfast.com\/?p=1946"},"modified":"2020-11-05T12:34:55","modified_gmt":"2020-11-05T12:34:55","slug":"st-agnes-parish-bulletin-sunday-8th-november-2020","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.stagnesbelfast.com\/?p=1946","title":{"rendered":"St Agnes Parish Bulletin Sunday 8th November 2020"},"content":{"rendered":"

The time is now<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

I am a procrastinator. If a task is awkward or unpleasant, I am likely to put it off till another day. In any given week, I have a \u2018to-do\u2019 list I need to get through. The most important items always get done \u2013 things that can\u2019t be avoided, like work deadlines or paying bills. But bigger projects often get put on the long finger and I find myself transferring items to the following week\u2019s list. It is part of life to learn how to prioritise, and to be prepared to tackle the important things. Even when we are not ready to face a certain situation, sometimes we need to push ourselves to just dive in.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Among the wedding customs in Jesus\u2019 time was a night-time procession from the bride\u2019s home to the grooms. The bridesmaids would go out with torches lit to welcome the groom and his entourage. The parable in today\u2019s gospel sets two groups in contrast \u2013 the \u2018foolish\u2019 bridesmaids who run out of oil because they have failed to prepare, and the \u2018sensible\u2019 ones who are ready with their lamps and oil, who recognise the importance of the task. Only one group was ready when the groom approached.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 This parable encourages us to focus on the here and now, to nurture our relationship with God in the present and to live well. There is no point in procrastinating, or waiting until the bridegroom is at the door. As well as having the light of faith, we need the fuel \u2013 the actions \u2013 to keep it lit so we are ready when the Lord comes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018It\u2019s a terrible thing, I think, in life to wait until you\u2019re ready. I have this feeling now that actually no one is ever ready to do anything. There is almost no such thing as ready. There is only now. And you may as well do it now. Generally speaking, now is as good a time as any.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

Hugh Laurie<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Parish News…<\/span><\/h1>\n

 <\/p>\n

Weekly Collection<\/span><\/strong> Sunday 1st Nov amounted to<\/span>\u00a0\u00a31170.00<\/strong> Thank you for your generous financial support<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

Total collection for Mission Sunday amounted to<\/i><\/span> <\/i>\u00a32750.00<\/i><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

COVID-19 UPDATE<\/span><\/strong> Further to the recent Executive update \u2026. FACE COVERINGS are now mandatory at all times when entering and exiting our Churches, and should be worn inside the Church. Please remember to bring your own mask, as Parish resources are limited.<\/span><\/p>\n

FUNERALS<\/span> <\/strong>are limited to 25 people, with no pre- or postfuneral gatherings.<\/span><\/p>\n

WEDDINGS<\/span> <\/strong>are also limited to 25. These measures will remain in place until mid November.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

NOVEMBER DEAD LISTS<\/span>\u00a0<\/strong>Are now available at front and side entrances of Church. Please leave completed lists into the Sacristy<\/span> \u00a0Thank you<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Annual Masses for the Deceased<\/strong><\/span> Planned for Monday 16th Nov & 23rd\u00a0\u00a0 November @7pm. These Masses are subject to change in line with COVID-19 restrictions. Please refer to our website for updates.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PRAYER INTENTIONS:<\/span>\u00a0<\/strong>We extend our sympathies to the families of those who died recently and those whose month\u2019s mind and anniversary occur at this time.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sat: Vigil 6.30pm:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>Richard Glenholmes, Martin Morgan, Peter Breen<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Sun: 9.30am: <\/span>Priest’s intention\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

12.30pm:\u00a0Patsy Hagan\u00a0 ( Months mind)<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

James Hunter<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Mon: 10am: <\/span>NOV DEAD LIST<\/span><\/span>\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Tue: 10am: No Mass<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Wed: 10am:<\/span>\u00a0NOV DEAD LIST<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Thurs:10am:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>NOV DEAD LIST<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Fri: 10am:<\/span>\u00a0NOV DEAD LIST<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Sat: 1pm: <\/span>Lucy Gallagher<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

In the event of a funeral, the assigned intention will be offered privately by the priest at his first available mass.<\/i><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Recently Deceased:<\/span> Geraldine Kane<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Those whose anniversaries occur at this time: <\/span>Sean Mc Evoy,\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0Sheila Scappaticci, Theresa Armstrong, William Cinnamond, May & Bill Mc Kenna, Leo & Kathleen Mc Kenna, Mairead Mc Kenna,\u00a0 Paddy Barker, John Mc Geown, John Shields, Richard Glenholmes\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

MASS FOR DECEASED <\/span><\/strong>On Wednesday 18th November, Bishop Noel will celebrate Mass in Saint Peter\u2019s Cathedral, remembering all those who have died this year in the Diocese at 7pm. This Mass will be streamed on the Cathedral webcam,<\/span>\u00a0https:\/\/www.churchservices.tv\/stpeterscathedral<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Pledge of abstinence <\/strong>“I promise in honour of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and with the help of the Blessed Virgin Mary to abstain from all alcoholic drink during November .<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A Prayer for Children who have lost a loved one<\/span> <\/strong>Jesus had a very special love for children. He said, \u201cWhoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.\u201d Take time to pray for children. Remember in a special way children who are in any kind of need at this time and for young children who have lost a parent, grandparent or friend. Through our kindness and care may they experience the love and care of Jesus, their friend. May they always be aware that He holds each one of them close, in His loving embrace. Amen.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A Prayer for deceased members of the Clergy<\/span><\/strong> We remember all deceased members of the clergy. We thank God for their generosity in responding to His call and for their faithful witness and service to God\u2019s people. In Baptism they received the light of Christ. We pray they are now sharing in the fullness of Christ\u2019s resurrection. Amen.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Prayer for The Eternal Rest<\/span> <\/strong>Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.\u00a0<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Remembering our dearly departed<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
Each November we gather as a Christian Community to remember those who have gone before us and to offer our consolation and support to those among us who have been recently bereaved. In Ireland death is encased by prayer and rituals that for generations have become part of the rich heritage of our faith tradition. In March 2020 the traditions upon which we drew solace were snatched from us as we sought to keep our communities safe in the midst of a pandemic. There are many families who by necessity had to relinquish the opportunity to be with their loved one in their final moments of this life, to hear the stories and words of sympathy at the wake house and to experience the gathering of the community at a Requiem Mass. Family life is challenged by the death of a loved one, the challenge can feel all the greater when we cannot access support in the usual way. At this time of challenge we offer the light of faith as a support to families in their time of loss. The grieving process takes time. Each stage of grief has its own demands and the process is unique to each one of us. When we look to the Gospel we see how Jesus was deeply moved and began to weep at the death of a close friend. (Jn 11:33-35) Each of us can understand that there is great anguish felt by those who have lost a much-loved person. With a sincere and patient process of prayer and interior freedom, peace returns. \u201cLove is as strong as death\u201d (Song 8:6) We are invited to love those who have departed from us in a new way. Love involves an intuition that can enable us to hear without sounds and to see the unseen. This does not mean imagining our loved ones as they were, but being able to accept them changed as they now are. The risen Jesus, when his friend Mary tried to embrace him, told her not to hold on to him (cf. Jn 20:17), in order to lead her to a different kind of encounter. It consoles us to know that those who die do not completely pass away, and faith assures us that the risen Lord will never abandon us. Scripture tells us that God created us out of love and made us in such a way that our life does not end with death (cf. Wis 3:2-3). And that with Christ, after death, there awaits us \u201cwhat God has prepared for those who love him\u201d (1 Cor 2:9). \u201cAlthough the certainty of death saddens us, we are consoled by the promise of future immortality. For the life of those who believe in you, Lord, is not ended but changed\u201d. (Preface of the Liturgy of the Dead) This text is inspired by and adapted from the words of Pope Francis in his Apostolic Exhortation \u2018Joy of Love\u2019 (When death makes us feel its sting, 253 \u2013 258, Amoris Laetitia, 2016)<\/strong><\/h5>\n

 <\/p>\n

Advent Day of Reflection <\/strong>Saturday, 19 December 2020 10:00 am \u2013 4:00 pm Led by Sr Pam Thimmes OSC and hosted by Drumalis via Zoom<\/span><\/p>\n

For most of us 2020 has been an unprecedented time \u2013 a time of change, loss and grief, confusion, discovery, wonder and uncertainty. In some ways it has been an extended advent (arrival, emergence). Isaiah\u2019s words came to his people in exile. This day of reflection will allow us to bring these feelings and experiences of exile and newness of life into focus and perceive anew Christ born among us and living among us. Our souls, like Mary\u2019s have been pierced and transformed. Let us open our hearts to God\u2019s newness born each day among us. Do we see it and how do we live it?<\/span><\/p>\n

Sr Pam Thimmes OSC is a Poor Clare sister living at the Poor Clare Monastery in Faughart, Co Louth. She teaches Scripture in each of the Drumalis Adult Faith Development programmes and in the Permanent Diaconate programmes for several dioceses. Sr Pam is also an experienced and popular spiritual director and retreat leader, as well as a working photographer.<\/span><\/p>\n

The cost of the Day of Reflection is \u00a320 per person or \u00a330 per household. Payment in full is required to secure your place. <\/span><\/p>\n

If you would like to book a place, please email drumalis@btconnect.com We welcome credit and debit card payments during office hours \u2013 tel 028 28272196\/ 28276455 (Mon-Fri, 9 am-5 pm). Payment can also be made by bank transfer – bank details are: Name of Bank: Ulster Bank, Place of Bank: Larne Branch, A\/C Name: Sisters of the Cross and Passion, A\/C Number: A\/C 10011910, Sort Code: 98-09-40 To assist processing bank transfers, we would appreciate it if you would please use your name and \u201cAdvent\u201d to identify your payment. Thank You. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The time is now I am a procrastinator. If a task is awkward or unpleasant, I am likely to put it off till another day. In any given week, I have a \u2018to-do\u2019 list I need to get through. The most important items always get done \u2013 things that can\u2019t be avoided, like work deadlines […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_is_tweetstorm":false,"jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stagnesbelfast.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1946"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stagnesbelfast.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stagnesbelfast.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stagnesbelfast.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stagnesbelfast.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1946"}],"version-history":[{"count":26,"href":"https:\/\/www.stagnesbelfast.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1946\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1973,"href":"https:\/\/www.stagnesbelfast.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1946\/revisions\/1973"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stagnesbelfast.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1946"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stagnesbelfast.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1946"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stagnesbelfast.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1946"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}