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4TH SUNDAY OF ADVENT<\/span> \u2013JOY \u00a0Our Advent journey is now drawing to a close and the celebration of the birth of our Lord and Saviour is imminent. The focus today is on Mary, our role model in faith. Mary is depicted in Scripture as a person of similar virtues to Joseph, dignified and exemplary in her total trust and faith in God\u2019s plan for her and for the world. We pray today for all expectant mothers, that our Blessed Mother will watch over and protect them and their unborn children. We ask that the beauty and joy of the life that mothers bring into the world may always be cherished as a miraculous gift of God. O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Pause for Thought – Peace <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n The words \u201cDo not be afraid\u201d are words for us too. In the quiet of your heart talk to God about the things you are frightened of. Now remember these words: \u201cThe Lord is with you.\u201d Take time to acknowledge God\u2019s presence and entrust your worries, fears and concerns to Him, for God has promised to be with us always to the end of time. \u201cNothing will be impossible for God.\u201d Today we light the fourth candle on our Advent wreath. The theme this week is peace. Jesus, Prince of Peace, brings healing to a broken world.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n BISHOP DONAL MCKEOWN’S<\/span>\u00a0 <\/span><\/strong>CHRISTMAS MESSAGE 2023<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n My dear brothers and sisters,<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n This Christmas, it is poignant to remember a pilgrimage I made earlier this year to the Holy Land. Walking in the footsteps of Jesus, we visited the sacred sites of Bethlehem, Nazareth and Jerusalem, recalling and contemplating the birth of the Messiah, his Galilean ministry of healing and reconciliation, his passion, death and resurrection and his entrusting of his mission to his Apostles and disciples. Christmas celebrates how God became one like us, entered into our human history, and lived in the reality of our human experience. He walked the paths of our world so that we might share in the reality of his divine nature.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n It is very moving to kneel at the site of his birth within the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, reflecting on the precarious circumstances in which the Christ-child was born. Jesus knew the never-ending reality of how conflict, violence and war threaten, endanger and overshadow our beautiful world. Despite \u2013 or perhaps because of – our highly developed technologies the world continues to be a precarious place for children to be born. This Christmas, many families will live in the rubble of destruction, or in the chill of destitution and homelessness. So many families carry the grief and loss of loved ones who have died. As we kneel in prayer before the crib this Christmas, we are accompanied by our brothers and sisters who continue to suffer throughout this world. We ask God to listen to the cries of his children.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n It was into this reality that God entered and where Emmanuel, God with us, continues to be present. The Christmas message of hope and joy is to be found in this abiding presence of God precisely in the reality of our lives, in spite of this reality of pain and suffering. This Christmas, we are all called to walk in the footsteps of Christ, to carry on his mission and ministry of reconciliation and healing, not only in the Holy Land of his birth but in the holiness of our daily lives.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n This year, we also marked the twenty-fifth anniversary of the signing of the Belfast\/Good Friday Agreement. The difficult and challenging path of reconciliation and peacebuilding is ongoing. Addressing the trauma and pain of the past needs to continue. Across this land children of a new season of peace will celebrate Christmas with expectation, hope and the light of a new future- but tinged with the clouds of violence and uncertainty. We owe it to these children of the season of peace to continue the journey together towards reconciliation, learning to live, work and govern together.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n As we approach Christmas, I commend all of those who have engaged with the diocesan consultation as part of the Pathways to the Future initiative. In recent months, significant numbers have attended the regional information sessions to voice their expectations, hopes and concerns as the diocese continues to reflect together on how to meet the future sacramental and pastoral needs of all parishioners and of our wider community. This diocesan consultation will continue into the new year with ongoing reflection at the parish and vicariate level to enable the Diocese to discern the most effective way for families of parishes to work together.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n May God bestow his blessing upon all of you this Christmas and into the new year, as you continue to walk in the footsteps of Christ and to be missionaries of his peace in the world.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n +Donal McKeown<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Down and Connor<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u00a0CHRISTMAS\u00a0 MASS TIMES<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/b>CHRISTMAS EVE : 9.30am, 12.30pm <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0CHRISTMAS VIGIL 7pm \u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n CHRISTMAS DAY:\u00a0 9.30am & 12 Noon<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n TUE 26th -FRI 29th DEC: Mass 10am<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n THURS 28th DEC: Feast of the Holy Innocents\u00a0 Mass 10am<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n SAT 30th\u00a0 DEC : 1pm & 6.30pm Vigil Mass<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n SUN 31st DEC: Feast of the holy family 9.30am & 12.30pm <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n MON 1st JAN: Feast of Mary, the Mother of God 10am Mass<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n TUE 2nd JAN: NO MASS<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n WED 3rd & THURS 4th JAN :10am Mass<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n FRI 5th JAN: 10am Mass<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n 6.30pm VIGIL FEAST OF THE EPIPHANY<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n SAT 6th JAN : HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION 1pm & 6.30pm Vigil Mass<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n SUN 7th JAN: 9.30am & 12.30pm Mass Baptism of the Lord\u00a0 <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n (FROM MONDAY 8TH JAN NORMAL MASS TIMES RESUME)<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n WEEKLY OFFERTORY PROMISE<\/span> <\/b>The collection amounted to \u00a31991.00\u00a0 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\u00a0 www.stagnesbelfast.com<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/b>ST AGNES\u2019 CHRISTMAS CARD & CALENDER 2024 <\/b><\/span>Is now available at the entrances to the Church for you to take home. Our Christmas Card has all the Christmas & New year Mass times please take one home.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n CONGRATULATIONS<\/span> <\/b>To Reagan Haughey from P5A Holy Child Primary School who won the competition to design the front cover of our Christmas Card. Well Done Reagan!<\/i><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n S<\/b><\/span>PECIAL THANKS<\/span> <\/b>To all who volunteer in our Parish\u00a0 throughout\u00a0 the year. Thank you for your dedication and hard work it is greatly appreciated.\u00a0 We wish you and your families a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n OFFICE HOLIDAY\u2019S <\/b><\/span>The office will be closed from Monday 25th Dec and will re-open on Tues 2nd Jan. There will be no parish bulletin on the 31st December. We would like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a Happy and Healthy 2024 and thank you for your continued support to our wonderful parish.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n CHRISTMAS MESSAGE<\/b> <\/span>Bishop Donal McKeown\u2019s Christmas Message is available to read on the Parish webpage and Facebook, and also is available at the side entrances of the Church. Please take one home with you.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n LIVE STREAMING<\/b> I<\/span><\/strong><\/span>f you would like to view the 7pm Vigil or any other Masses over Christmas and New Year please go to\u00a0\u00a0 www.stagnesbelfast.com <\/i>\u00a0<\/i><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n MASS INTENTIONS<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n Sat 23 (6.30pm):\u00a0\u00a0 Bridget Morgan, Martin Morgan, <\/span><\/strong>Mc Grillen & Derby family,<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0Marie & Sean Mallon<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Sun 24(9.30am):\u00a0\u00a0 Patricia Cairns, Vilma Macatubal,<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0Katherine Kelly,<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Sun 24(12.30pm): The Higgins & Tohill family, <\/span><\/strong>Mary Mc Greevy<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Vigil:\u00a0 (7pm) Priest\u2019s intention<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Christmas Day:\u00a0\u00a0 (9.30am): Priest\u2019s intention<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0(12noon):\u00a0 Priest\u2019s intention<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Tue 26: (10am)\u00a0 \u00a0 Special intention, Seamus Kennedy\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Wed 27(10am):\u00a0 \u00a0 Peter Mc Ilwaine, Frank Brady<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Thurs 28(10am):\u00a0\u00a0 Mass of the Holy Innocents<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Fri 29(10am):\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Priest\u2019s intention<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Sat 30(1pm):\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Special Intention<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n NB: 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 REMEMBER IN PRAYER<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n Recently Deceased: Rosaleen Doyle RIP<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Anniversaries: Eileen, Michael, Mairead & Martin Darragh,<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Eamonn Friel, Annie & Alfie Simpson, Tom Culbert Vera Mc Elroy,<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Maura Mc Cartan, Grace Kemp, Brian & Colin Canning, George & Peggy O\u2019Donnell, Margaret & William Burgoyne, John Carmichael,<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Joseph Rodgers, Jim & Kathleen Deneen, John & Patrick Shields,<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Eileen Mc Aleavy, Frankie Shields, Margaret Hernan, Alfie Love,<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n John Graham, Annie & John Milligan, Gerry Mc Allister, Bobby Rooney<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Raymond Crossey, Ellen Smith, Gerry Mc Allister, Cornelius, Mary & Mary Ann Small.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord!<\/i><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n ACTIVITIES & EVENTS<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n ST LOUISE\u2019S COLLEGE Open night Wed 10th Jan 2023. Principals\u2019 Address 4.30pm and 6.30pm<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n ST GENEVIEVE\u2019S HIGH SCHOOL OPEN\u00a0 DAY. Thursday 11th Jan.\u00a0 Principal\u2019s Address 1pm.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n ST MARY\u2019S CBGS\u00a0 OPEN NIGHTS Wed 10th & Thurs 11th Jan at 7pm.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n ST DOMINIC\u2019S OPEN DAY Saturday 13th Jan 2023. 9am-1pm. Principal\u2019s Address 9.30am and 11am. Primary 6 and 7 pupils are welcome.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Unlocking the Mystery of the Bible<\/span> <\/b>includes 8 weekly sessions.\u00a0 Course participants will receive a\u00a0resource pack. The programme requires one hour of study per week. Venue:\u00a0\u00a0Online via zoom Beginning\u00a0Wednesday 17th January @7pm online for 8 weeks.\u00a0\u00a0 The program will conclude with a Retreat Day on\u00a0Saturday 23rd March 2024 Venue: Holy Rosary Parish Centre, Belfast Facilitators: Fr Paul Byrne & Aishling Steen. The cost of the program is \u00a330. To book your place click on the registration link:\u00a0\u00a0https:\/\/forms.office.com\/e\/HTLtfTXUaD<\/a> *Places are limited.\u00a0 Booking early is advised.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Tr\u00f3caire School Volunteers <\/b><\/span>Are you a retired teacher or someone who has experience presenting to groups of school children? Do you have a passion for making this world a better place, especially for the most vulnerable? Tr\u00f3caire is looking for volunteers to support our School Talks Programme for Lent 2024 in the Down & Connor Diocese Area. If you think you have the right skills and experience and will have a few free hours during Lent then we would love to hear from you! For more information call Casey Schell on 02890 808033 or email casey.schell@trocaire.org<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n NEW YEAR\u2019S EVE MASS<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Mass will be celebrated at St Patrick\u2019s Church, Donegall Street, Belfast to mark the end of the Old Year and welcome the New Year. At 11pm on December 31. All Welcome!Homilist Fr. Brian McCann, Cantor Mr Louis McVeigh.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Down and Connor Diocesan Pilgrimage to Fatima 2024 <\/span>Spiritual Directors Fr Gerry Mc Closkey, Fr M Graham, Canon S Gilmore 20 Aug 2024. 7 Nights \u00a3799 per person sharing. Direct return flights from Dublin to Lisbon afternoon flights. 20KG bags included. Return airport transfers in Fatima. 7 Nights Hotel Avenida. Full board: breakfast, lunch & dinner each day. Guided tour of the Sanctuary & Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary. Optional: Travel Insurance & Single Supplement. For further information please contact: Joe Catney 07776 425 631 \/ 02890714001<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Christmas Eve Vigil Mass Times In Our Pastoral Community.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n St Teresa\u2019s Christmas Day 10am<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Holy Spirit \u20135pm<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n