Parish Bulletin
9th January 2022
The Baptism of the Lord
This Sunday is the feast of the Baptism of the Lord. It might surprise us to learn that this is still part of the Church’s Christmas season. That's why the crib and some of the decorations are still up in the church. At Christmas the angels told the shepherds that the baby Jesus was the Saviour. At the Epiphany the wise men greeted Jesus as the great king. Today at his Baptism, God the Father confirms who this Jesus really is—the Son of God.
Once his baptism is past Jesus will move on with his mission as our Saviour. And we too should be ready to follow God into the new year. Whatever it may bring us, we know that through our baptism we are the beloved daughters and sons of God too. May he bless us all in the year ahead.
Fr Damian
THIS WEEK
Parish webcam can be viewed on our YouTube channel
(search for Ballymoney Parish)
SATURDAY 8th 6pm Vigil Mass
SUNDAY 9th 10am Mass
(4pm Vespers & Benediction—Online only)
5pm Mass
MONDAY 10th 10am Mass
WEDNESDAY 12th (9.30am Mass —Online only)
FRIDAY 14th 5.30-6.30pm Confessions
7pm Mass
Our Lady & St Patrick’s is open every day for private prayer—usually from 11am to 4pm.
WE PRAY FOR THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED
Recently Deceased
Ciaran O’Loan
Rev. Paul McCormick (Deacon), Downpatrick
Anniversaries
Fr Seamus McAfee, Angela Fitzpatrick, Robert Law, Rose Lynn, Josie Mooney, Bridget (Bridie) Olphert, Pauline Purdon, Tracy Turner
REQUIESCAT IN PACE
PARISH FINANCES
Thank you for your support of all our parish collections. Envelopes can be left in the church at Mass times or at the parochial house. You can also set up a standing order or make a one-off payment with these details:
Parish of Ballymoney & Derrykeighan
Sort code: 95-06-79
Account No: 10020192.
Please make cheques payable to:
Parish of Ballymoney & Derrykeighan
ST VINCENT DE PAUL
If you need help or you would like to find out more about getting involved in the work of the SVP contact us on 07860 455 549 or by speaking to any member of the society.
ST BRIGID’S PS PRIMARY 1 REGISTRATION
Is your child due to start P1 in September 2022? Due to restrictions we are once again offering an online tour of the school on our website through the eyes of our P1 children. If you would like to make an appointment to come and view the school, or have any questions about
St Brigid's PS, please contact Mr O'Neill on 028 27662664.
Registration opens Monday 10 January and closes at 12 noon on Friday 28 January.
HOLY WATER
As we celebrate the feast of the Baptism of the Lord we miss being able to leave out holy water in the church due to Covid regulations. If you would like Holy Water you can bring in a bottle of water when you come to Mass and ask Fr Damian to bless it for you.
OLD & NEW@No.5
It’s a bright new year at our parish shop and we were delighted to be able to hand over a cheque for £10,000 to the parish this week. Thanks to everyone who supports us and to our volunteers who make this possible.
But to keep up the good work we urgently require more volunteers to assist in the shop—ideally for four hours a week or fortnight (although shorter periods may also suit). Our current volunteers find working in the shop to be rewarding and enjoyable and there is a real sense of community within the team.
We would really encourage you to consider joining our team. Why not ask a friend to join you and we can try and arrange for you to work the same shift? If you are interested or would like to find out more please contact Gemma McKenna (07798501046), Gerard McAfee (07860474956) or speak to any of our team.
And if you just want to call in and have a browse in the shop we’re open as usual this week Wednesday-Saturday from 10am to 4.30pm.
ONLINE COURSES FOR THE NEW YEAR
Unlocking the Mystery of the Bible
The Bible is at the heart of our faith and our relationship with God. Reading the Bible should bring us closer to Christ, but many people find it hard to know where to start. Why not begin with the Living Church office and be a part of an online community learning how to read the Bible, understand it and experience its life-changing power?
Unlocking the Mystery of the Bible is an 8 week online programme. Course participants will receive a resource pack and connect online for a time of teaching, discussion and prayerful reflection.
There are three options for you to join in online:
Monday @7pm beginning on Monday 17th Jan
Wednesday @11am beginning on Wednesday 12th Wednesday @7pm beginning on Wednesday 12th
To register you can complete an online form
https://forms.office.com/r/g3FWFK5x8w
or e-mail a.steen@downandconnor.org
Alpha
Alpha is a course which introduces the basics of the Christian faith through a series of talks and discussions.
St Colmcille's parish in Belfast invite you to join their Alpha course via zoom, starting next Tuesday 11th January 2022 at 8.00pm. For more information, to register your interest or to request the zoom link contact Noeleen by emailing : n.dunn@downandconnor.org
or send a text to : 07879 498131