Thirty-second Sunday of the year

There is a story told about Mount Ellery Abbey in Co Waterford during the early days of the Great Famine. The Abbot had to go on a long journey and before leaving he instructed the monks to fill a large wooden bin with maize and potatoes to be distributed to whoever came to the monastery seeking help. When he returned he was told of a strange occurrence. The bin was filled to exactly the same level as when he had left. Despite the daily distribution, the contents had never diminished and the monks never once had to re-fill the bin during all the time that the abbot had been away. It took faith for the monks to give of their own meagre resources and it also took deep trust in God’s providence. A rational mind might suggest that one has to look after one’s own needs first- a bit like putting on the oxygen mask in an airplane before tending to others. There is no place for such excessive caution in the Scripture passages presented to us today. God calls us to look at him first and while it is correct to be prudent with the use of our resources, we can never hold back from giving just in case we might not have enough for ourselves. God rewards generous self-giving and not careful self –preservation. In the straitened economic circumstances of the moment, the temptation to hold on to what we have-“just in case” – is perhaps stronger than it has been in recent years. However, we are all called to follow the example of Christ in giving without counting the cost and in trusting in God to bring forth abundant fruit from our sacrifice. God does not promise us riches beyond imagining, but he does assure us that he will look after our needs so that we have enough. In sharing what we have with those who have less we discover the joy that fills the heart of God – the joy that lasts for ever.

(Fr Tom Cahill, Intercom)

Daily Readings

You can access the daily readings on the parish website:

Parish Sacramental Programme

Special Invitation

The Parents and Children of P5 are invited to our Parish Church for a time of: Prayer, Reflection and Quiet on Monday 9th November at 6.30pm. We are looking forward to meeting you all there.

P5 Children and their Parents are also invited to attend the following Masses next weekend:

Saturday Evening - 14th November
Vigil Mass – 6.30pm (Mr Mason/Ms McAuley’s Classes)

Sunday - 15th November
12.00 noon (Mrs Hanna’s Class)

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.

West Belfast Historical Society

Autumn/Advent Christmas Programme 2009

A time of prayer and reflection in preparation for Christmas continues in the convent on Tuesdays: Morning session: 10.40am (after Mass) or Evening session: 7.00pm.

Yoga Class

Yoga class in Hannahstown Parish Centre every Tuesday at 8.00pm. Men and women of all levels and abilities are very welcome £5 per class. De-stress, relax and strengthen your body and mind. Bring a blanket and a yoga mat for safety and comfort.

For more information please contact Laraine on 9077 1098.

Catholic Singles

Catholic Singles is an organisation which helps single, widowed, separated and divorced Catholics of all ages (over 18 years) meet, either one to one or through

social events. All members receive a monthly bulletin, called Catholic Networking. For more information please tel. 0161 941 3498, visit the website www.catholicsingles.org.uk or email info@catholicsingles.org.uk

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.

Annual Masses for Deceased Teachers of Down and Connor 2009

Belfast Venue: - St Mary’s University College, Falls Road, Belfast on Monday 16 November 2009 at 7.30pm and refreshments afterwards.

County Down Venue: - St Patrick’s Church, St Patrick’s Avenue, Downpatrick on Wednesday 18 November 2009 at 7.30pm and refreshments afterwards.

County Antrim Venue: - St Brigid’s Primary School, Broughshane Road, Ballymena on Wednesday 18 November 2009 at 7.30pm and refreshments afterwards.

Mass Times