Parish Bulletin

9th August 2020

Nineteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time 

The readings this weekend are all about learning how to concentrate on Jesus and cutting out the distractions and worries that take us away from God.  That's why it's so important to spend some time in quiet prayer every day. Even if it's just pausing for a moment when we hear the church bells - a little prayer goes a long way (but the more the better!!).

Don't forget that Our Lady & St Patrick's is open for quiet private prayer on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays from 12noon to 4pm.  Jesus is waiting for you in the Blessed Sacrament - if you can, why not call in and see him?

Fr Damian

WE PRAY FOR THOSE WHO HAVE DIED

Anniversaries:

James Douglas, Patsy Kelly, John McCollam

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord

COVID-19 

The parish is taking every step to look after the safety of everyone using the church building.  We know that the virus hasn’t gone away and there is still the possibility of cases in this area.  

For that reason we ask that if anyone who attends Mass or visits the church should test positive for the virus in the future that they would let us know as soon as possible.  

The parish will then contact the health authorities immediately to get guidance on what steps to take to minimise the risk to others.  This may include specialist cleaning or even the temporary closure of the church.

Facemasks are not required to be used inside the church building at the moment because we are able to maintain 2 meter social distancing.  The Bishop has recommended that they should be worn by those who are able to do so.

CHURCH WEBCAM

Our Lady & St Patrick’s now has a permanent webcam which will allow almost all ceremonies in the church to be viewed by people at home.  The new webcam is accessed through the parish YouTube account.

If you have a YouTube account please subscribe and click the bell icon on the parish page to get updates of all our broadcasts.

MASSES AND SERVICES THIS WEEK

As we deal with the pandemic the obligation to attend Mass remains suspended.  Parishioners are invited to attend one Mass next weekend from the following options: 

Friday     . .    .    .   7pm

Saturday . .    .    .  6pm

Sunday    . .    .    .  10am  or 5pm

Monday   . .    .    .  10am

When you arrive you will be greeted by a steward and shown to a seat.  If the church is filled to capacity at any Mass it will not be possible for anyone else to attend. 

In addition there will be Vespers & Benediction on Sunday at 4pm and Mass on Wednesday at 10am - these two services will not be open to the public but will be streamed online.

OUR LADY'S ASSUMPTION

The feast of the Assumption is not a holyday of obligation this year.  Instead Our Lady will be honoured in a special way at each of the Masses next weekend.

CONFESSIONS

Confessions will be available in Our Lady & St Patrick’s this week on Friday evening from 5.30-6.30pm and on request.

CHURCH OPENING 

Our Lady & St Patrick’s will be open for private prayer 12noon-4pm on the days when Mass is celebrated - Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays.

PARISH FINANCE

Many thanks to everyone who has contributed to the parish finances.  We know many people are worried about their own family finances at this time, so it means a great deal that some people are able to support the parish too. 

If you want to make an offering you can leave your envelope through the door of the Parochial House at any time.  Collection envelopes may also be left in the church at Mass time.  If you’re shielding at the moment just save your envelopes at home until we’re all out and about again!

You can also make a payment online to the parish account or set up a regular standing order using the following details:

Parish of Ballymoney & Derrykeighan

Sort code: 95-06-79 

Account No: 10020192.  

(If you are someone who normally pays by envelope, please use your envelope number as a reference.)

ST VINCENT de PAUL

Our parish conference is still running and they are doing great work to help people in need of practical assistance at this time.  For confidential help contact their answerphone on 07860 455 549.

SACRAMENT OF THE SICK (LAST RITES)

Regular visits to the sick by the priest or Minister of Holy Communion are suspended.  However emergency call outs are being carried out as normal.  Please contact the Parochial House (or if it’s for a hospital patient, ask the staff to contact the priest on call).