{"id":6226,"date":"2025-12-30T12:24:51","date_gmt":"2025-12-30T12:24:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.stagnesbelfast.com\/?p=6226"},"modified":"2025-12-30T12:25:57","modified_gmt":"2025-12-30T12:25:57","slug":"st-agnes-parish-bulletin-4th-january-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.stagnesbelfast.com\/?p=6226","title":{"rendered":"ST AGNES PARISH BULLETIN 4TH JANUARY 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

PARISH NEWS…<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

NEW YEAR MESSAGE FROM BISHOP ALAN<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,<\/strong><\/span>
\n\u201cOne year older and still no wiser!\u201d<\/strong><\/span>
\nwas the rueful remark of an old priest friend every year when I wished him a<\/strong><\/span>
\nhappy birthday. I am reminded of my old friend now as we usher in another New Year.<\/strong><\/span>
\nEach New Year<\/strong><\/span>
\n\u2019s Day, the Pope calls on us to pray for peace and Pope Leo reminds us:<\/strong><\/span>
\n“Goodness is disarming.<\/strong><\/span>
\nPerhaps this is why God became a child. The mystery of the Incarnation, which reaches its deepest descent even<\/strong><\/span>
\nto the realm of the dead, begins in the womb of a young mother and is revealed in the manger in Bethlehem.” In<\/strong><\/span>
\nthis beautiful paradox \u2014 God choosing vulnerability over power, an infant’s cry over triumphant declaration \u2014<\/strong><\/span>
\nwe discover the true nature of divine peace.<\/strong><\/span>
\nThroughout the Gospels, the words “peace be with you” echo like a sacred refrain, marking the profound peace<\/strong><\/span>
\nthat has entered our world. The angel Gabriel came to Mary, declaring “Peace be with you.” On that first<\/strong><\/span>
\nChristmas night, the angels sang “Peace on earth” to shepherds keeping watch. When he rose from the dead Jesus\u2019<\/strong><\/span>
\nfirst words to the disciples were:<\/strong><\/span>
\n“Peace be with you” (John 20:19), offering hope, victory over death, and a peace<\/strong><\/span>
\nthe world cannot give.<\/strong><\/span>
\nConsider that remarkable moment: Jesus entered a room full of frightened disciples who had been in hiding since<\/strong><\/span>
\nhis crucifixion. To these fearful men, he offered not rebuke but peace, and then commissioned them:<\/strong><\/span>
\n“As the<\/strong><\/span>
\nFather has sent me, I am sending you,<\/strong><\/span>
\n” empowering them to spread\u00a0that peace throughout the world. This is a<\/strong><\/span>
\ncommission that we, as missionary disciples, all share in today.<\/strong><\/span>
\nLike the rueful old priest, I look on a world that is no wiser. I am conscious that we in Ireland live in what are<\/strong><\/span>
\ncalled “peace times,<\/strong><\/span>
\n” yet the reality is far more complex. The lingering paramilitary presence, the scourge of drugs<\/strong><\/span>
\nand criminality, and the unresolved hurts of so many families who have failed to see justice \u2014 particularly those<\/strong><\/span>
\nwho have lived with the long and unnecessary heartache of loved ones who were disappeared \u2014 means that our<\/strong><\/span>
\npeace is merely relative. There is also the deep pain within our homes, those places where our families should<\/strong><\/span>
\nthrive, but which are too often blighted by domestic violence. Families experience enormous distress while social<\/strong><\/span>
\nand mental health services struggle to meet the demands of so many in crisis. Violent crimes that leave people<\/strong><\/span>
\nwith life-changing injuries and the terrible loss of life do not speak of a peaceful society.<\/strong><\/span>
\nWe have much work to do in our own place to support people in our communities to experience both the love of<\/strong><\/span>
\nChrist and the transforming love of Christ’s disciples \u2014 those who will help people transform their lives from<\/strong><\/span>
\nones marked by violent acts to acts of love that build up our communities. I thank God for the work of so many<\/strong><\/span>
\ngroups, both those linked to the Church and those inspired by the Gospel, who reach out with practical help to<\/strong><\/span>
\nlove the poor, the homeless and the stranger among us. One picture that stays with me and that captures the<\/strong><\/span>
\nwork of so many others is the fact that St Mary\u2019s Church on Chapel Lane in Belfast provides a welcome to all the<\/strong><\/span>
\nstreet-dwellers in Belfast on those winter nights when freezing temperatures create an absolute emergency.<\/strong><\/span>
\nAcross the world we have brothers and sisters whose lives are torn asunder by the ravages of war. As Christians,<\/strong><\/span>
\nwe are called to see in every conflict the face of Christ suffering anew, to recognise that wars and violence<\/strong><\/span>
\nanywhere diminish our shared humanity. We cannot close our eyes to the suffering in East Africa, Palestine,<\/strong><\/span>
\nSomalia, Syria, Ukraine, Yemen and countless other places where the drums of war drown out the angels’ song of<\/strong><\/span>
\npeace Moreover, those who arrive on our shores, displaced by the terrors of war and persecution, must find welcome<\/strong><\/span>
\nand opportunity among us. They are not statistics or problems to be managed; they are our brothers and sisters,<\/strong><\/span>
\nbearers of Christ’s image, seeking the peace that we ourselves cherish. In offering them hospitality, we become<\/strong><\/span>
\ninstruments of the very peace Christ commissioned his disciples to spread.<\/strong><\/span>
\nEven if the evidence of our eyes tells us that we are no further forward on the way to peace, Christ calls us to be<\/strong><\/span>
\npeople of undying hope for peace. Finally, please listen to the words of Pope Leo and let him inspire us to be<\/strong><\/span>
\ncarriers of hope and peace:<\/strong><\/span>
\n\u201cJust as on the evening of Easter Jesus entered the place where his disciples were gathered in fear and<\/strong><\/span>
\ndiscouragement, so too the peace of the risen Christ continues to pass through doors and barriers in the voices<\/strong><\/span>
\nand faces of his witnesses.\u201d (World Day of Peace message 2026)<\/strong><\/span>
\nPeace be with you! S\u00edoch\u00e1in libh!<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

WEEKLY OFFERTORY PROMISE<\/span> The collection amounted to \u00a31856.00<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

CHRISTMAS COLLECTION<\/span> \u00a34202.00.<\/span> 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<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

CRIB OF HOPE.<\/span>\u00a0 This year, our crib donations are going to the Order of Malta Holy Family Maternity Hospital in Bethlehem. Located only 800 metres from the birthplace of Jesus, the hospital stands as a beacon of Christian compassion, hope and medical excellence, in a region marked by hardship. Your generous donations will be greatly appreciated.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

CLOSING OF JUBILEE YEAR.<\/span> Bishop Alan will mark the closing of the Jubilee Year with Mass at St Peter\u2019s Cathedral this Sunday 4th January at 3pm. All welcome.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

PARISH HALL<\/span> The Seniors Tea Morning will recommence on Wed 7th Jan 2026<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

SINCERE THANKS.<\/span> Fr Raymond\u00a0 wishes to thank everyone for their good wishes, Christmas cards and gifts. Such kindness and support is greatly appreciated.\u00a0 Happy New Year to you all!<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

MASS INTENTIONS<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n

\u00a0<\/b>Sat 03 (6.30pm): Jackie Cregan, Lila Mc Cann<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Sun 04 (9.30am): Eddie Mallon<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Sun 04 (12.30pm):Joseph Mc Closkey, Thomas Gallagher, Nellie Drain, Alfie Love, Owen, Mary & Danny Mc Neill<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Mon 05(10am): Priest\u2019s Intention<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

7pm VIGIL FOR THE EPIPHANY<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/b>Tues 06 (10am) :<\/b>FEAST OF THE EPIPHANY<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/b>Wed 07 (10am): William Fennell<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0Thurs 08(10am ): Tony Donnelly<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0Fri 09 (10am): \u00a0Priest\u2019s intention<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Sat 10 (1pm): Priest\u2019s intention<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

REMEMBER IN PRAYER<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n

\u00a0<\/b>Recently Deceased: Aine Mc Gourty, Sadie Gorman, Tony Kennedy<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Month\u2019s Mind: Joseph Mc Closkey, Lila Mc Cann<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Anniversaries: Mary Hynes, Seamus Kennedy, Jared Mc Knight,<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Brendan Mc Callum, Eamon Mc Manus, Declan Loughran, Margaret Burns, John & Briege Mc Gourty, Jack & Rita Mc Kee, Frank Brady,<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Annie Wilson, Christina & Michael Duffin, Amelia George & Frankie Mc Cann, Jean Fox, Mary & John Lynch, Bishop Patrick Walsh<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord!<\/i><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

WHAT’S ON…<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

Christmas Message from Bishop Alan McGuckian December 2025<\/span><\/p>\n

My dear brothers and sisters,<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Each Christmas calls us to pause and reflect on the profound mystery of God\u2019s love. We are reminded that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the herald of Peace, Joy and Hope, was born into the fragility and humility of a manger.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

The same God who loved with a human heart remains always with us. In the midst of the human experience of ongoing conflict and vulnerability, the challenge of increasing secularism, and the threat of political and economic insecurity, God will always be with us.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with our suffering sisters and brothers across the world in places such as East Africa, Palestine, Somalia, Syria, Ukraine and Yemen. Closer to home, we were recently reminded of the agonising wait of the families of the Disappeared, who want to give a Christian burial to their loved ones. May God bless the work of all agencies and individuals who hear the cry of God\u2019s children and are taking action to respond throughout the world and here at home to the needs of the vulnerable, the stranger and the lonely.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Christmas reminds us that we have a dignity and value that comes from being created in the image and likeness of God. In a world where this dignity is often threatened, we are called to be guardians of the inherent dignity of every individual. It is the child born at Christmas who grounds and inspires our conviction of the dignity of every child of God. I pay tribute to parents and teachers who pass on the faith to new generations guiding them with the Truth of Christian values and virtues like the wise men who were guided by the Christmas star.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0May God bestow his blessing upon all of you this Christmas and into the new year, as you continue to contemplate the face of the Christ-child, the herald of Peace, Joy and Hope.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Nollaig Shona daoibh uilig. <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Alan McGuckian SJ Bishop of Down and Connor<\/span> <\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0A HARD COPY OF BISHOP ALANS NEW YEAR MESSAGE IS AVAILABLE\u00a0 AT THE SIDE <\/span><\/strong>\u00a0ENTRANCES OF THE CHURCH FOR YOU TO TAKE HOME TO READ<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/b>OPEN DAYS AND NIGHTS 2026<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

ST LOUISE\u2019S COLLEGE Open night Thurs 8th Jan 2026. Principals\u2019 Address 4pm and 6.30pm<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

ST GENEVIEVE\u2019S HIGH SCHOOL OPEN\u00a0 DAY. Thursday 8th Jan 2026.\u00a0 1-3pm Principal\u2019s Address 1pm.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

ST MARY\u2019S CBGS\u00a0 OPEN NIGHTS Wed 14th & Thurs 15th Jan 2026\u00a0 at 7pm.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

ST DOMINIC\u2019S OPEN DAY Saturday 10th Jan 2026. 9am-1pm. Principal\u2019s Address 9.30am and 11am. Primary 6 and 7 pupils are welcome.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

RATHMORE GRAMMER\u00a0 SCHOOL Open Day Saturday 17 January 2026. 9.30 am to 1.00 pm. Principal\u2019s Address at 9..30 am\u00a0 & 11.15 am<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

 <\/p>\n

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

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

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

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

PARISH NEWS… NEW YEAR MESSAGE FROM BISHOP ALAN My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, \u201cOne year older and still no wiser!\u201d was the rueful remark of an old priest friend every year when I wished him a happy birthday. I am reminded of my old friend now as we usher in another New Year. […]<\/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\/6226"}],"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=6226"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.stagnesbelfast.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6226\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6230,"href":"https:\/\/www.stagnesbelfast.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6226\/revisions\/6230"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stagnesbelfast.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=6226"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stagnesbelfast.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=6226"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stagnesbelfast.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=6226"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}