Third Sunday of Easter

In A Risen Christ in Eastertime, Raymond E. Brown writes: ‘Today disbelief flows from many factors including unconvincing signs, e.g., the proclamation of Christ by some who scarcely resemble him’. Resembling Christ means having wounds and showing them. Not something most of us would want to have, or wish to do. You’d think that the Risen Christ would use something else to dispel the doubts of the disciples in today’s Gospel reading (Luke 24:35-48). He uses the breaking of bread to open the minds of two disciples travelling to Emmaus. Now he uses his wounds to quell the doubts of others. Even his startling and sudden appearance among them isn’t enough to rid them of doubt. But in his wounds they recognize him. Needless to say, these aren’t any old wounds. They are the wounds the world inflicts on those who love God above all else. They are the wounds of those who proclaim God’s truth even when it threatens powerful vested interests. They are the wounds of those who live for others more than for themselves. They are the wounds of those who don’t count cost. They are the wounds that once accepted are healed and become a source of health for others. We carry them with us in life, but they carry us into eternity. Resembling Jesus means facing the foe within our own gilded Gethsemanes; forgiving the tormentors who crucify us daily on our petty Golgothas; defeating the demons of our imaginings in the wilderness of our making; and in the longings of a lonely heart in prayer before God.

Copyright: Fr. Tom Cahill (Intercom)

Daily Readings

You can access the daily readings on the parish website:

Hour of prayer for the Sanctification of Priests
and for Vocations

The monthly prayers for priests and vocations will take place in
St. Peter's Cathedral on Wednesday 29th at 8.15 pm.

De La Salle College

De La Salle College will hold their 6th Form Open Night on Thursday 30th April from 7pm – 8pm at Edenmore Drive. Current 5th year students and parents welcome. Many A-Level, Applied level and level 3 courses available. Meet Heads of Departments and careers advice will also be available on the night.

Low Mass

Low Mass in the Extraordinary Form (known as the 'Tridentine Mass') will be celebrated in Saint Paul's Church, Falls Road, Belfast on Saturday 2nd May 2009 at 1pm. Everyone is very welcome.

Maynooth Seminary

Maynooth Seminary, St Patricks College, Co Kildare are having an Open Day for all men discerning a vocation to the Catholic Priesthood, on Sunday 3rd May from 2.30pm – 5pm. For more information www.maynoothcollege.ie

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

Belfast Pioneer Region

The Pioneer Association is holding their Sponsored Walk on Saturday 16th May from 11am. Circular route, 10K in the Lagan Valley starting and finishing Stranmillis. Come and support our work in the field of prevention of alcohol and drug abuse by walking with us. Contact Pioneer office 9032 2744.

Parish Drumalis Retreat

The parish retreat to Drumalis will take place on 30th-31st May. Leaving from the Church car park on Saturday 30th May at 2.30pm and arriving back on Sunday at 7pm. Come and join us for a weekend retreat in the beautiful Drumalis, all rooms ensuite, lifts etc.

If interested please contact Kathleen Dineen 9068 3277