Parish Bulletin

15th August 2021

The Assumption of Our Lady

 

There are many days celebrated in Mary’s honour each year, but the Assumption is the most important of all.  It recalls that at the end of her time on earth Mary did not die as the rest of us do, but rather she was assumed into heaven, body and soul.  The Bible tells us often that death is not part of God’s plan, and that it came into the world as a result of sin.  Mary was sinless, so of course she could not die. 

 

In the creed we say that we believe in the resurrection of the body and life everlasting.  The assumption of Mary proves to us that this is possible and that God keeps his promises.  May Our Lady watch over us all as we celebrate her feast this weekend, and with her help, may we come ever closer to her Son, Jesus Christ.

 

Fr Damian

 

 

THIS WEEK

Parish webcam can be viewed on our YouTube channel
(search for Ballymoney Parish)

 

SATURDAY 14th              5pm Confessions (until 5.30)

                                             6pm Vigil Mass

 

SUNDAY 15th                 10am Mass

                                             4pm Vespers & Benediction                                                                         

                                             5pm Mass

 

MONDAY 16th                10am Mass

 

WEDNESDAY 18th      9.30am Mass (not open to public)

                                               

FRIDAY 20th                5.30pm Confessions (until 6.30)

                                             7pm Mass

                                               

Our Lady & St Patrick’s is now open every day for private prayer—usually from 11am to 4pm.

 

 

 

WE PRAY FOR THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED

 

Recently Deceased

John Greer, Ballycastle

 

Anniversaries

Margaret Diver, Molly & Willie Douglas, Elizabeth Graham, Paddy Havlin, Sean McColgan,
Patrick & Mai Porteous

 

REQUIESCAT IN PACE

 

 

 

PRAYING FOR OUR PARISH

We continue to pray in a special way each week for the families and households of our parish who took part in the parish census last year.  This week we pray for the Baird, Kearns, McMillan and Shields households.

 

 

 

SUNDAY DEVOTIONS

To mark the feast of Our Lady’s Assumption this weekend, our Sunday Vespers & Benediction will be open to the public at 4pm.  It will also be available to watch on our webcam, as usual.

 

 

 

OLD & NEW @No.5

It's hard to believe that our shop is 4 years old this weekend and we've just completed our 200th window dressing! We would like to take this opportunity to say a very sincere thank you to everyone for their ongoing support and a particular word of thanks to all our volunteers!   So far they’ve raised £50,000 for parish funds and we’re enormously grateful!

This week we have some nice small furnishings, lamps and collectibles. Our tin men, bucket sets, candle houses, bronzed stags and bird figurines on stakes continue to be very popular.

It would be great to see you all this week so if you get a chance, please call in! We're open Wednesday - Saturday, 10am - 4.30pm at 5 Gate End, Ballymoney.

 

 

 

COURSES AT DRUMALIS

Drumalis Retreat Centre in Larne are offering the following courses:

 

Diploma in Pastoral Theology

Applications are invited for this two-year, part-time intensive course which begins in September 2021. The closing date for receipt of applications has been extended to 22 August 2021. 

 

Growth in Prayer and Reflective Living

Commencing Monday, 20 September, hosted by Drumalis via Zoom.  Applications are now being accepted for this popular one-year programme for those who want a closer relationship with God.  Living out faith isn't easy against the backdrop of our fast-paced, noisy and instantaneous culture. The Growth in Prayer and Reflective Living course will give you the tools and space to become attuned to God's voice in the midst of the clamour.  The course will take place over 21 Monday evening sessions from 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm via Zoom.

 

Further information for both courses available at www.drumalis.co.uk, by emailing maura@drumalis.co.uk or by phoning during office hours (Mon-Fri, 9 am – 5 pm),
028 2827 2196/2827 6455. 

 

 

 

ST VINCENT DE PAUL

Anyone seeking help or interested in assisting us with our work can contact our helpline (07860 455 549) or any member of the Society.

 

 

 

BETHANY BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP

Our Bethany team are here to help the bereaved and grieving by listening and offering support.  To contact them phone 07594 162 499.

 

 

 

MARRIAGE PREPARATION COURSE

One of the requirements for a Catholic marriage is that the couple do a
pre-marriage course to prepare for the sacrament.  Marriage Encounter will be delivering an online course using Zoom on 11-12 September 2021. 

 

Couples planning to get married in 2022/23 are invited to take part.  This course is a positive way of preparing for marriage where you will discover how you can
enrich your future relationship.  For further information or to book your place contact:
marriageencounter.ie or 028 276 38512

 

 

 

PARISH FINANCES

Thank you for your support of our parish collections. Collection envelopes can be left in the church at Mass times or left at the parochial house any time. 

 

You can also set up a standing order or make a one-off payment to our account with these details:

 

Parish of Ballymoney & Derrykeighan

Sort code: 95-06-79 

Account No: 10020192.

 

Please make cheques payable to:

Parish of Ballymoney & Derrykeighan

 

 

 

FACE COVERINGS

The Northern Ireland Executive recently updated the guidelines for face coverings in churches at this time:

• There is still a legal requirement to wear face coverings on entering and leaving the church building.
• When people are in their pew then face coverings are
  recommended but optional. 
• The priest should continue to wear a mask when
  distributing Holy Communion.