Thirteenth Sunday of the Year

One venomous description of a gossip I came across recently was: someone who won’t tell a lie if the truth can do more damage. Yet I suspect that today’s First reading refers to that type of thing in some way when it tells us that God did not make death and does not delight in the death of the living. Our God is the one who creates and loves life-is the one who sends his Son so that we may have life in its fullness (John 10:10). Realising that we are made in God’s image, we too should not ‘make death’ nor delight in the death of anyone – not just their physical death, but in anything that diminishes the quality of their life. Every day we have life and death in our hands, in a manner of speaking. We can raise up, or bring down. We can praise, or criticize. We can work with, or plot against. We can bring joy, or instill fear. We can have people love us or hate us. The choice is ours. Temperament has a lot to do with this, but not everything. Much depends on our awareness and our generosity. Somebody once remarked that since we have to look someway it might as well be happy. So too, since we have to speak someway it might as well be positively. There is so much gloom and doom around at times, you’d image and likeness we’re made: the God of life and creativity.

Copyright: Fr. Tom Cahill (Intercom)

Daily Readings

You can access the daily readings on the parish website:

Year of the Priest

The Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI has dedicated a
‘Year of the Priest’
from 19th June 2009 - 19th June 2010
to encourage Spiritual perfection in priests.

Weekday Masses

Masses next week will be as usual:
Mon – Thurs 10am,
Friday 7.30pm.

Youthcom – Knock Youth Festival: 23-26 July 09

Set to be the biggest youth festival to date at Knock Shrine; if your are between 18-35 then it is time to book your place! There is a free bus running from St Louis House, Belfast, so if you are looking for fun, faith and friendship this summer contact Sr. Anne or Sr. Luca on 9061 8889 or Clare 9023 2432.

Youth 2000 Summer Festival

Youth 2000 Summer Festival, Clonmacnois, Co Offaly, Thursday 13th – Sunday 16th August 2009. For young people age 16-35, an opportunity not to be missed to experience the Catholic faith and meet many new friends. Bishop Frank Caggiano, vicar of Evangelisation in the Diocese of Brooklyn will be the main speaker.

Join in on all of the fun games & activities (including Irish lessons)

The McCracken Irish Language

The McCracken Irish Language Summer Camp, Mon 27th – Fri 31st July 2009 Teenagers 10.00 - 4.00pm £20 for entire week, St Patrick’s College, Antrim Rd. Children (5-11) 10.00 - 4.00pm £3 per day/ £15 week, 174 Trust, Duncairn Ave. Fiddle, Art and Tin Whistle Workshops throughout the week for all age groups.

Adoption

Could you make a child happy again
after a difficult start in life?

Family Care Society is presently seeking adoptive families for children aged between 2 – 6 years and who need the love and attention of a caring and understanding family.
Could this be you?

St Brigid’s Parish Trip to Poland 22-29 September

With visits to Krakow, Warsaw, Auschwitz, Sanctuary of St Faustina the home place of Pope John Paul, the famous Salt Mines and other places of interest. Cost: single room approx £795, double £690 - to include 7 nights bed breakfast and meal. Spiritual Director Fr Eugene O’Neill.

If interested please contact parish office at St Brigid’s 02890 665409.

Gift Aid

Those who signed the Gift Aid Scheme and who no longer pay tax due to retirement would they please inform the parish office as soon as possible as we will be applying to the tax office for your returns.

Tax Payers

The parish would also like to appeal to anyone who is paying tax and would like to join the Gift Aid Scheme. The parish can claim 28 pence from every one pound you pay in tax without any loss to yourself. If you would be interested please contact the parish office to fill out the form.