Parish Bulletin

25th October 2020

Thirtieth Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

The readings this Sunday speak of the care that Christians should have towards the most vulnerable in society— the poor, widows and orphans.  The Bible tells us time and again that we are our brother’s (and our sister’s) keeper and that we do have a responsibility to look after those who need our help.

 

That’s why safeguarding is so important.  Protecting children and vulnerable adults is a real work of God.  The whole Church has been wounded in recent decades by the sin and crime of abuse and we owe it to victims to offer them every help and support they need.  But we also have to make sure that the Catholic Church becomes what it always should have been—the safest place for young people.  In our parish that work is carried out by the members of our safeguarding committee and we thank them for their ministry especially at this time.

 

Fr Damian

 

THIS WEEK

All services available to watch on YouTube

 

SATURDAY 24th            6pm Vigil Mass

 

SUNDAY 25th                10am Mass

                                                4pm Vespers & Benediction**

                                                5pm Mass

 

MONDAY 26th               10am Mass

                                                7pm Rosary & Benediction in Dervock

 

WEDNESDAY 28th       9.30am Mass**

                                               

FRIDAY 30th                   5.30-6.30pm Confessions

                                                7pm Mass

 

** service not open to the public

 

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

 

 

WE PRAY FOR THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED

 

Recently Deceased

Maresa McGarry, Ballymoney

 

Anniversaries

Eileen McAlister, Vera McGonigle, Sarah Josephine McLaughlin, James McSheffrey, Jeannie McSheffrey, Sarah O’Conner

 

Requiescat in pace

 

 

CONGRATULATIONS

To the family of Aramis Ntareme who was baptised in the parish last weekend.

 

 

OCTOBER ROSARY DEVOTIONS

We are praying the Rosary and Benediction on the Mondays of October at 7pm in Our Lady & St John’s in Dervock.  Please note that with social distancing there are only 15-20 spaces in Dervock which will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis.  This service will also be available to watch on Facebook.  

 

 

FIRST CONFESSION 2020

Children in Primary Four will be making their First Confession in November this year.  Arrangements have been made with St Brigid’s Primary School and Ballymoney Model Primary School and they will inform parents.  If your P4 child attends a different school you are asked to contact the parish office as soon as possible to register for the sacrament.  Please phone 27662003 to leave a message or email office@ballymoneyparish.com

 

 

NOVEMBER—MONTH OF THE HOLY SOULS

As Catholics we mark the month of November as a special time of prayer for the dead.  There will be a number of ways to participate this year:

 

November Dead Lists

November dead lists and envelopes will be available in the church during Mass times from this weekend on.  Please write down the name of your own deceased family and friends who you wish to pray for, pop them in the envelope and leave them back in the church at Mass time or through the door of the parochial house any time.  You may wish to include a Mass offering and these are very gratefully received.  Your lists will be placed before the altar for the month of November and all those included will be prayed for at every Mass and ceremony for the month.

 

If you’re not able to come to Mass at the moment just write down your list at home, put it in an envelope and get them posted or dropped in to the parochial house.

 

November Pledge

Many people choose to abstain from alcohol during November and offer up their sacrifice for their deceased relatives and friends. Please consider taking the short term pledge for November and say this prayer daily -

 

"I promise in honour of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and with the help of the Blessed Virgin Mary to abstain from all alcoholic drink during November".

 

There will be more information about our plans to mark the month of November in the next few weeks.

 

Bethany Service of Remembrance

Our parish Bethany Bereavement Support Group will be leading a service of remembrance for deceased parishioners in November.  Due to the limit on numbers attending the church, this service will be videoed and shown on Facebook and YouTube.

 

Plenary Indulgences for the Holy Souls

The Church grants a plenary indulgence for the souls in purgatory to those who come and pray in the church during November or who visit a cemetery.  This is granted under the usual conditions that we:

• Reject sin
• Go to Confession (within 21 days either side)
• Receive Holy Communion
• Pray for the Pope’s intentions

The indulgence can be gained up to once a day.  One visit to confession can cover a number of indulgences but we should go to Holy Communion for each indulgence we receive.

 

 

ST VINCENT de PAUL

Our parish conference continues to do great work to help people in need of practical assistance at this time.  For confidential help contact their answerphone on 07860 455 549.

 

 

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 an online payment 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.)