Parish Bulletin

Third Sunday of Easter

26th April 2020 

 

In our Gospel reading this Sunday we hear the story of how two disciples met the risen Jesus on the road to Emmaus.  At first they didn't recognise him and they were wrapped up in their own worries and concerns.  Jesus listened to them and then taught them from the scriptures.  Later he blessed and broke bread for them.  At last they recognised him!

 

We may feel weighed down by worries at times, but Jesus is right here walking with us on the road of life.  Let's ask him to bless us, and especially those we know who are sick at this time or caring for the sick.

 

God bless,

Fr Damian

 

WE PRAY FOR THOSE WHO HAVE DIED

 

Recently Deceased:

Brenda Coyles, Ballymoney

 

Month's Mind:

Frank McAteer, Sunday 26th 10am

 

Anniversaries:

Jim Bannon, Leo Coyle, Martin McAuley, Dan McErlain, Edward McGothigan, Frank McKenna.

 

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord

 

THIS WEEK

Mass will be live streamed at 10am on Sunday on our Facebook page.

 

At 5pm on Sunday we will live stream evening devotions.  We will pray Vespers (evening prayer of the Church) followed by Benediction.  You can follow the text of vespers here.

 

Mass will also be streamed on Tuesday at 10am and Friday at 7pm. 

 

MAY, THE MONTH OF MARY

Friday is the first of May and the beginning of the month of special devotion to Our Lady.  In the past Irish Catholics would have made a fuss of Our Lady in their own homes - setting up a May altar and praying the rosary together.  Maybe this year when we can’t come to the church we could bring back these traditions?  If you have a statue of Mary or a picture at home this might be a good time to bring it out!

 

CEMETERY REOPENING

Following the decision by the Northern Ireland Executive on Friday, we are glad to be able to reopen the parish cemetery to visitors from Saturday 25th April. Those visiting should observe social distancing by keeping at least 2 metres from other visitors. If you come by car please park in the church car park and not at the side of the parochial house. The cemetery will close at 8.30pm each evening. Please note that the cemetery will be closed to the public during burials. There may be other occasions when the cemetery will have to close briefly.

 

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.

 

CONFESSION

When confession isn’t possible we may seek God’s forgiveness by making an act of perfect contrition.

 

We should:

 

  • Prayerfully call to mind our own sins.
  • Tell God of our sorrow and desire for repentance.
  • Do what we can to make amends.
  • Promise to go to confession when it is possible.

 

We can then make the following prayer:

 

O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins, because I dread the loss of Heaven and the pains of Hell, but most of all because they offend Thee, my God, Who art all-good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace to confess my sins, to do penance and to amend my life. Amen.

 

If you urgently wish to go to confession, please contact Fr Damian to make arrangements.

 

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).

 

FUNERAL RITES

At this time only prayers at the graveside are allowed. Funeral Masses and prayers at the home are not possible. In the event of a death Fr Damian will offer Mass for the soul of the deceased privately.

 

PARISH FINANCE

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.  Thank you for your generosity.

 

If you want to make an offering you can leave your envelope through the door of the Parochial House.  If you’re isolating 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 (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.

 

TROCAIRE

Trocaire’s head office in Belfast wish to thank everyone who has contributed to their appeal this year. Due to coronavirus their offices are closed and they are unable to accept donations at this time. They would ask therefore that we keep our Trocaire boxes at home until later in the year.