33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Investment advisors talk about future proofing, as if the uncertainties of our world were something you could 'insulate' yourself against. Yet, today's television and other media bring into our homes the disasters and violence and suffering of the whole; and the people ask: where all this is leading us?

We can switch off such sources of information, just as we can ignore the Gospel. But today's call is to wake up. Some people live in fear, not just physical fear of disaster or when serious illness strikes our family. It's more a fear that life and our lives are pointless - that we won't reach our goals, that no one will ever love us or acknowledge us or that ultimately we won't be remembered.

To this we are reminded that those who suffer and die are not forgotten in God's eyes. The challenge is to see the signs of hope in our world, the efforts to achieve a fairer and more unified world. They are like budding branches on a tree. in each moment of our lives, in every age, God is always present. The things we've built around us may be temporal, but God is with us for eternity. There may be war and earthquake, but the new birth is coming. There may be some who lead us astray, but God has come down to earth, so that we may be ultimately at home with Him.

Copyright Fr Tom Cox (Intercom)

Feast Days Of The Week

St Oliver Plunkett Nursery School

If your child is aged 3 or will turn 3
before the end of June 2007
St Oliver Plunkett Nursery School
would like to invite you to
an open night on
Monday 27th November 2006 at 7pm
to meet staff, have a cup of tea and see around our school.

Trócaire Global Gift

We are looking for volunteers who would be prepared to help with this year's Global Gift Campaign. Anyone interested please ring Fr, Magill tel 9061 8180.

Lectio Divina: Advent Programme

Lectio Divina Group on this Tuesday in the Convent - morning session after 10am Mass and evening session 7.30pm. All welcome NB A day's retreat in preparation for Christmas, for members, past members and friends in Drumalis on Saturday 90th December. More details later.

Annual Mass for Deceased Teachers

The Catholic Teacher's Association is having their annual Mass for deceased teachers on Monday 20th November in St Mary's University College at 7.00pm.

Cappella Caeciliana

In this 250th Anniversary year of Mozart, Cappella Caeciliana, will sing motets and polyphony from their repertoire and Mozart's "Coronation Mass" (with Orchestra) in the newly refurbished Fisherwick Presbyterian Church, Malone Road, Belfast on 24th November 2006 at 7.30pm. Tickets £10 (concession £5) available from Machetts, Wellington Place and Fisherwick Church office, 4 Chlorine Gardens, or at the door on the night.

Aifreann Feirste

A special Irish language Mass, celebrating the tenth anniversary of The Loch Lee Traditional Music Society, in St Michael's on Sunday 26th November at 7.30pm. Everyone welcome.

Baptisms

Baptisms today at 2pm. Next baptisms will take place on Sunday 3rd December 2006 at 2.00pm. Please note the next date available for Baptism is Sunday 17th December 2006. The next pre-Baptism instruction will be on Thursday 23rd November 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 on 9061 8180, Mon & Wed 2pm - 5pm, Tue & Fri 10am - 2pm & Thurs 10am - 1pm.

We Loved Them In Life

Collections

Last week's offertory collection amounted to £947.53 We thank you for your on going support . There will be a second collection today the Bishops Commission. This supports the work of commissioner's on justice and peace, communication, emigrants and such like.