Easter Sunday

They tell of one faith-filled priest answering his phone enthusiastically on Easter Sunday with the Eastern Orthodox greeting ‘Christ is risen.’ The very startled caller replied ‘is he really?’ instead of the traditional reply ‘He is truly risen.’ We are in a war between dullness and astonishment. What is Easter for us? Is it just the unveiling of chocolate eggs, Easter bunnies and spring lambs? Is this Easter? On Easter Day, with full churches, hearts can be surprisingly empty. Christ conquers death yes, physical death but in whatever form it may take. What is dead or decaying within you? Have you let a dream die, and it’s all wrapped and buried in place. Maybe a relationship with someone once close to you is dead and buried? It could be your friend, your husband, your wife. Or maybe what is dead is your heart because somebody hurt you, or your compassion has just worn out. Is something important entombed in you, dead and buried and dried up into what remains is bitterness, decay, despair, cynicism, apathy, a dull enduring sadness?

Let Him Easter in us.

Copyright: Fr. Tom Cox (Intercom)

Daily Readings

You can access the daily readings on the parish website:

Trócaire Boxes

Please don’t forget to return your Trócaire Boxes.

Easter Monday Open Day at Drumalis, Larne

Monday 13 April 12 noon – 4pm

Drumalis will be holding an Open Day on Easter Monday. The house and grounds will be open for all to enjoy – there will be opportunities to view the new building and for guided tours of the heritage house. Refreshments will be available. Everyone is welcome – admission free!

Feast of the Divine Mercy

Scripture Group Easter Programme

The Scripture Group will resume on Tuesday 21st April in the Convent of Mercy. Morning Session 10.40am (after Mass) or evening session 7pm.

St Mary’s University College

You are cordially invited to attend a public lecture to be given by Professor Gaillardetz of the University of Toledo, in St Mary’s on Monday 11 May at 7.30pm to a general audience on the theme of ‘Finding God in Daily Life’. All welcome.

Vision Seminar

Discovering the power of the Beatitudes

Led by Fr. Flann Lynch O.F.M. Cap. in Holy Family Parish Hall, 120 Cavehill Road, Belfast on Saturday 16th May 2009 from 10.00am – 5.00pm and Sunday 17th May 2009 from 9.45am – 2.00pm. Registration from 9.30am on 16th May Cost: £5.00 Registration Fee. An envelope will be provided for an offering to support Fr. Flann and “Vision” – please give generously. Tea and Coffee will be provided – please bring your own lunch. To ensure a place in advance please phone: Marian Murray 9145 1976 Larry Kelly 9077 9885 Therese McCrudden 9075 5629

St. Oliver Plunkett Disabled Care Group

St. Oliver Plunkett Disabled Care Group are appealing for male volunteers. They meet every Wednesday from 7 to 9pm in Horn Drive Community Centre. Contact Paddy O'Donnell on 9061 5319 for more details.