27th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Can relationships be weighed in money? We seem to be making a good stab at it with landmark cases in England earlier this year. It determined that divorced women may now claim not just maintenance but also compensation for contributing to the accumulation of their husbands’ wealth.

In the time of Jesus, the Jewish vision of marriage was very high, but in practice, divorce was easy to obtain. One side held that even the spoiling of food, or talking to a strange man, or criticizing her in-laws, was grounds for divorce by the man, with limited options for a woman to take an action. Small wonder, Jesus took a line on divorce that brings us back to the original plan, where two become one in body, heart and mind. Divorce says that where there was once a marriage, that marriage henceforth shall no longer exist. Catholic teaching looks upon marriage as a sacrament, a sacred commitment of a couple to one another before God, that nothing and no-one can break.

The process of annulment is often misunderstood. It exists in Civil Law and looks at the circumstances at the time of a marriage. An annulment is a cry for help in a marriage that for various reasons went wrong. It does not point the finger of guilt at one party. It is done to heal those who have been wounded in their relationship with each other that they may go in peace.

Copyright Intercom Fr. J. Roche

Day of Life

The Irish Bishops have produced a pastoral letter drawing your attention to important life issues. This year in particular they are focusing on people with disabilities. The pastoral letters are available in the church porch please take one home.

Carrigart Youth Club

Carrigart Youth Club are looking for anyone interested in working a few paid hours each evening to call in any morning to the Youth Club speak to someone.

NI Hospice Coffee Morning

The coffee morning held in the Church hall on 14th September for the N. I. Hospice raised £609. Thanks to everyone who contributed towards the success of the day. A special thanks to Ed’s Bakery, Paddy Barry and Patsy Rogan.

Reflection on Prayer

I got up early one morning and rushed right into the day
I had so much to accomplish that I didn’t have time to pray.
Problems just tumbles about me and heavier became each task
‘Why doesn’t God help me?’ I wondered. He answered, ‘you didn’t ask’.

I wanted to see joy and beauty but the day toiled on grey and bleak
I wondered why God didn’t show me. He said, ‘You didn’t seek’.
I tried to come into God’s presence; I used all the keys in the lock
God gently and lovingly chided me, ‘My child, you didn’t knock’

I woke up early this morning and paused before entering the day;
I had so much to accomplish that I had to take time to pray.

Annual Rosary Procession

On today Sunday 8th October the Legion of Mary have organised the annual Down & Connor Rosary procession.

The Procession will leave St. John’s Church, Falls Road at 2.45pm and will process to St. Agnes’ where there will be Benediction and Eucharist Adoration. Refreshments afterwards. All welcome.

Divine Healing Ministries

Interdenominational Divine Healing Service
will take place on
Wednesday 11th October at 8pm
in St. Michael’s.

Speaker Joe Dalton.

Historical Society

The society is meeting on
Friday 13th October at 7.30pm
in the Colin Glen Trust.

This month topic
“The History of Belfast City Cemetery Through Maps”
guest speaker Mr Tom Hartley.

All welcome

The next meeting for the Living Rosary will be held on Saturday 14th October after 10am Mass.

Primary 4 Enrolment Mass

Primary 4 children and their parents have been invited to the 11.30am Mass next Sunday 15th October. At the Mass the children will be enrolled for First Communion.

Baptisms

Next baptisms will take place on Sunday 15th October 2006 at 2.00pm. Please note the next date available for Baptism is Sunday 19th November 2006. The next pre-Baptism instruction will be on Thursday 5th October 2006 at 8pm in the convent. It is necessary to attend pre-Baptism preparation before asking to have your child baptised.
To register for pre-Baptism preparation please contact the parish office 9061 8180 Mon & Wed 2pm-5pm Tue & Fri 10am-2pm & Thurs 10am-1pm. Newly Baptised We welcome into our parish family Erin Rose Taylor Connlaoi Thomas Spencer and Catherine Lynne Broderick who were recently baptised.

We Loved Them In Life

Collections

Last week's offertory collection amounted to £1109.30 The monthly stipend amounted to £1271.35. We thank you for your on going support . There will be a second collection on Sunday 22nd October – Propagation of the Faith.