Twenty-sixth Sunday of the Year

He was instructing they but they did not understand and they were afraid to ask. In his life of St Helena, Evelyn Waugh has Helena reflecting on two reactions of faith.

There is that sudden impulsive spontaneity which characterised the shepherds of Bethlehem who heard the good news and ran unquestioningly, full of joy, to the manger. Then there were the Magi, not sure where they were going or what they were looking for, and I’m sure sometimes doubting their own observation of the stars. Slowly and hesitatingly they made their way to the manger. Many preachers, just as many in our congregations and those who do not join the congregations do not understand and are like the Magi inching their way precariously to Jesus. Is it a Sunday to encourage those stumbling along and to pray with Cardinal Newman: ‘I?

Do not ask to see… the distant sconce… one step enough for me’

After the prophecy of the passion and resurrection, it seems strange, on casual reading, to find the apostles engaged in petty argument. But perhaps it is always the way, our ways of dealing with situations we do not understand and are frightened to ask and push on further. A disappointment for many today is refusal in the church to face important pastoral issues and yet expatiate on relatively trivial issues.

This leads us to ask: why were the disciples afraid to ask? Did they fear a sharp rebuff – get behind me Satan, or ye men of little faith, or how long have I been with you/ or was it the fear of where the answer to their question might lead? We need

To ask: are we frightened to ask the hard questions?

The child? Jesus is not putting the child here as an example of excellence.

Children can be self-willed and petty like us all. Rather the child, in the society of the time, was at the bottom of the ‘worth-latter’. Children were not particularly valued and had no influence in the community. It is the facet of the child that Jesus holds up to his disciples – in stark contrast to their jockeying for places.

Daily Readings

You can access the daily readings on the parish website:

120th Anniversary of the Pioneer Pledge

The 120th Anniversary Celebrations of the Heroic Offering will take place in St Peter’s Cathedral, Belfast on Sunday 27th September 2009. Concelebrated mass will be at 3pm with Bishop Anthony Farquhar being the main celebrant. The Heroic Offering was first delivered during a mission on St Patrick’s Day 1889 in St Peter’s.

All Pioneers and friends are invited to come along and join this event.

Rachael’s Vineyard

Rachael’s Vineyard Ministries seeks to provide pastoral care for those hurting after an abortion experience, either your own or family members. Our next healing weekend will be in October. Further details from Marian

On 028 9079 9967 or E Mail (marianrvni@yahoo.co.uk) or visit the website www.rachaelsvineyards.org.

All queries are treated in the strictest confidence.

International Eucharistic Congress

Evening Concert

Featuring the choirs of St Ann’s and St Peter’s Cathedral, Belfast.

Guess soloist Linda Barrett (soprano) Performing a Programme of choral music by Mozart, Frank, Bruckner and Wesley. St Peter’s Cathedral Friday 9th October 2009 7.30pm Proceeds in aid of St John’s eye hospital, Jerusalem and holy family maternity hospital, Bethlehem. Year For Priests.

Church Shop:

The church shop will be open at the rear of the church after 10am & 12 noon Mass. Irish Catholic will be on sale at both porches costing £1.

Visits to the sick

Fr Magill and Fr Andrew will visit the sick and housebound in Stewartstown Park and Stewartstown Avenue, Doon Road, Horn Drive, Lenadoon Avenue, Lenadoon Walk, Kerrykeel Gradens, Falcarragh Drive, Creeslough Walk, Buncrana Gardens, Gweedore Gardens, Greedore Park, Glenveagh Park.

Parish Radio

If you are interested please phone
028 9061 8590 or 028 9022 0961.

There are two models available which are marked to receive broadcasts from St Oliver Plunkett Church.

Model 1 costs £25 including VAT and batteries (short range). Model 2 costs £60 and is mains powered – no batteries required. This has a longer range and provides better quality which is more suitable for areas where there are electrical power lines nearby.

Restore Practical Counselling

“Waiting by the Well: spiritual refreshment for busy people” a residential retreat with Tony Horsfall from Tuesday 10th – Thursday 12th November in Drumalis Retreat House.

“Pilgrims Making Progress”, a quiet day with Tony Horsfall on Saturday 14th November 10am – 4pm in Drumalis Retreat House.

For more information contact the Hopelink Centre, 31 Carlisle Circus, Belfast 9027 8191.

Cursillo Weekend in Benburb Priory

“The Word Made Fresh; Getting Excited About The Scriptures”

Mass Times