Thirty-third Sunday of the year

Warnings of things yet to come are the theme today, even the Son knows little about them. Scarce comfort, then, for us mere mortals trying to make sense of it all in a world already well touched by disaster. End times are a constant pre occupation of the Christian mindset but the events often described are usually starkly familiar. Wars, rumours of wars, disease and famine: we could open our newspaper or listen to the voices from the pulpit of television news and know that these things are happening here and now. There’s nothing new here except, perhaps, our ongoing ability to reach new heights of de-sensitization to it all. If we were to be ready, here and now, for the second coming of Christ, that cosmic coming together of heaven and earth then we could perhaps look anew at that first coming and contemplate the outrageousness of it all. If we think the second Coming, as spoken of in scripture, is extraordinary, then the first is even more than that. From manger to gallows and in between, that coming is one which we can also be de-sensitised to. But which disasters and wars only seek to destroy, the incarnation redeems and makes new. It is easy to talk of things in the future, they have yet to happen; but to talk of things in the here and now is more difficult. Wars and disasters happen to our world in the here and now and it was the same for the people who listened to and wrote about Jesus. The salutary lesson of today’s Gospel reading, and indeed every Gospel reading, is here and now. If we could contemplate the reality of this world, touched by God in Christ, then perhaps our base and fundamentalist nature (from which none of us is exempt) might stop talking of disasters and punishment in the future and instead look at those things that happen now and recoil in horror at how we refuse to recognize Christ in those around us, waiting for a future disaster while our current one unfolds before our eyes.

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)

Special Invitation

The Parents and Children of P4 are invited to our parish church for a time of: Prayer, Reflection and Quiet on Monday 23rd November at 6.30pm. We are looking forward to meeting you all there.

P4 Children and their Parents are also invited to attend the following Masses next weekend:

Saturday Evening - 28th November
Vigil Mass – 6.30pm (Mrs Boylan /Mr O’Hare’s Classes)

Sunday - 29th November
12.00 noon (Mrs McBride/ Mrs McBrien’s Class)

“The Cry of the Earth”

A pastoral Reflection on Climate Change by The Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference. There is a copy of this pastoral letter in the porches.
Anyone requesting further copies please see the Priest after Mass in the Sacristy.

Click here for the website

Apostolic Society Annual Sale of Works

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.

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