Fifth Sunday of Lent

Pastoral Letter

We are called to alms-giving and the service of charityConcern for the poor and providing assistance for the needy always characterized the Christian communities. In the New Testament literature the members of young Christian communities consider social service as a spiritual service to the needy. Alms-giving, concrete care for the poor is motivated by the Christian believer’s experience of God’s love for us as revealed in Jesus Christ. The current economic and financial crisis threatens many among us. Some of our relatives, friends, neighbours and their families are experiencing financial difficulties. Some families, who felt financially secure last year, now look with anxiety towards the future. Some who contributed generously to the Church and charity are now in need. Naturally they find it difficult to accept and admit their situation; they suffer silently and often in isolation. Christian charity is always exercised discretely. Teachers will tell you of pupils now in need because of the effects of the financial crisis. Social workers know of the face of the newly impoverished in our towns, villages and countryside. Others have lost on investments or pensions. In this context those already under-privileged in our societies risk becoming poorer. In the face of such a crisis and its attendant insecurity we are called as Christians to seek out those in need and to exercise charity. Our Catholic charitable organisations will be thankful for enhanced support so that they may respond to needs. While alms may take the form of financial contributions, equipment needed by young families, furnishings, good used clothing and numerous other articles may be sought after by persons and families in need.

+ Noel Treanor

Daily Readings

The readings for each day of Lent can be found on the Parish website - click the link below.

You can access the daily readings on the parish website:

A Lenten Scripture Programme

A Lenten Scripture Programme

‘When people come alive in faith
there is a hunger for the Word of God’

You are invited to a Lenten Scripture Programme
this Tuesday 31st March in the Convent of Mercy.
Morning session: 10.40am (after Mass)
Evening session: 7.00pm.
Come and join us.

Meditate on the sufferings of Jesus

Sick and Housebound

Hour of prayer for the
Sanctification of Priests and for Vocations

Confessions – Penitential Service

Penitential Service on Tuesday 7th April at 7.30pm. As a community we acknowledge our need for forgiveness and celebrate God’s mercy together. In addition to our own parish priest, a number of other priests will be available for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Confessions on Holy Saturday 12noon – 1pm and 6pm -6.30pm.

St. Mary's University College,

St. Mary's University College, Falls Road, Belfast: (A College of Queen's University Belfast): is holding a BA (Hons) Liberal Arts Open Day Information Seminar on Tuesday 7th April, 10.00am -1.00pm. This event is for those who have applied for entry onto the course for September 2009 and for those who are interested in finding out more about the BA (Hons) Liberal Arts Degree and its potential for future career development. Contact the College Admissions Office on 028 90 268320 by Monday, 6 April, 2009 to make a booking to attend.

Venerable Matt Talbot

The annual pilgrimage to the shrine of the venerable Matt Talbot, in Dublin will take place on Saturday 18th April, price £12.

For details of pickup points contact Anne McCann 9061 5461.

Church Shop

There will be a small shop at the rear porch after each Mass selling Mass cards, medals, rosaries, bibles, etc.