Parish Bulletin

25th April 2021

Fourth Sunday of Easter

 

This Sunday we hear that Jesus is the Good Shepherd who looks after his sheep, who knows them by name, who makes sacrifices for them and who welcomes others into his flock.  We remember too that God promises to send us ‘shepherds after his own heart’.  That’s why this
weekend is a time of special prayer for vocations to the priesthood.

 

Please pray for vocations and encourage anyone who you think might make a good priest or nun. And if you are wondering what your own vocation in life is, feel free to come and have a chat with Fr Damian.

 

 

THIS WEEK

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

 

SATURDAY 24th                5pm Confessions (until 5.30pm)

                                               6pm Vigil Mass

 

SUNDAY 25th                    10am Mass

                                                4pm Vespers & Benediction (not open to public)

                                                5pm Mass

 

MONDAY 26th                  10am Mass

 

WEDNESDAY 28th        9.30am Mass (not open to public)

 

FRIDAY 30th                   5.30pm Confessions (until 6.30)

                                                7pm Mass

                                               

Our Lady & St Patrick’s is open Friday to Monday from 12noon to 4pm for private prayer.

 

 

WE PRAY FOR THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED

 

Recently Deceased

Christopher Gordon

Rev. John Anderson, Rector of Billy & Derrykeighan

 

Birthday intention

Stella Hill

John McIlwaine

 

Anniversaries

Joan Beckett, Eileen Doherty, Emma Douglas, Chrissie Durkan, Catherine Havelin, Mae McCollam, Ellen McKay, John-Joe McMullan, Lorna McLaughlin, Eileen Nash, Sarah Quigg,  Johnny Tweed

 

REQUIESCAT IN PACE

 

REV. JOHN ANDERSON

The parish was very sorry to hear of the death of Rev. John Anderson, Church of Ireland Rector of Billy & Derrykeighan.  Fr Damian has written to his family and to the Church of Ireland bishop.

 

 

PRAYING FOR OUR PARISH

Before Christmas we sent out census forms so that we can refresh our parish records which were some years out of date.  Around 100 households have sent back in their forms and we’re very grateful for their support.

 

Beginning next week four households will be chosen each week to be prayed for in a special way and remembered at Mass.  That means that by the end of this year all our registered parishioners will have been prayed for personally.  Especially at this time when it’s not possible for us all to come together, this initiative will remind us that we are all part of one Christian family and that
everyone matters to God and to our parish.

 

Fr Damian will contact you when your household is
being prayed for.  If you wish, you can let him know if you have any special intentions.

 

If you haven’t registered yet you can collect the pink form from the church when it’s open. 

 

 

PARISH FINANCES

Thank you for your support of our parish collections. During the first quarter of the year (Jan-Mar) your generosity raised:

 

For the Parish (weekly collection)        £ 16271.59

For clergy (monthly collection)             £   4783.70

Church Renovation                                  £  4139.00

 

Diocesan Collections

Youth Commission                                     £ 187.00

Sick & Retired Priests                                 £ 683.00

Needy Parishes                                            £ 371.50

 

In addition the parish was able to pay £50,000 towards its debt due to the contributions made by Old & New@No.5 over the last three years. 

 

We are truly grateful for the support we receive from our parishioners.  Thank you (and please keep up the good work!)

 

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

 

 

BAPTISMS

Congratulations to the families of those who were baptised here recently:

Lena Milas

Finbar Brogan & Ronan Brogan

Rosie McKay

 

 

TROCAIRE LENT APPEAL

You can leave Trocaire boxes in the church at Mass times or put your offering in an envelope marked Trocaire and post it in the letterbox of the parochial house.  Donations to Trocaire can also be sent directly by post or online.  The UK government will match donations from
Northern Ireland residents received by May 16th.  

 

 

CHILDREN’S SACRAMENTS

The Sacraments of First Confession, First Communion and Confirmation will take place soon.  Dates for St Brigid’s Primary School and Ballymoney Model Integrated will be announced through the schools.

 

If you have a child who attends a different school please contact the parish office to arrange their sacraments:

 

First Confession: children currently in P3 (or older).

First Communion: children in P4 or older (who have already made First Confession).

Confirmation: children in P7 or older (who have already made First Confession and First Communion).

 

 

PRAYING FOR VOCATIONS

Lord, make me a better person,

more considerate towards others,

more honest with myself,  more faithful to you.

Make me generous enough to want sincerely

to do your will whatever it may be.

Help me to find my true vocation in life,

and grant that through it I may find

happiness in myself and bring happiness to others.

 

Grant, Lord, that those who you call to enter the
priesthood or religious life

may have the generosity to answer your call,

so that those who need your help
may always find it. 

Through Christ Our Lord.   Amen.