Sunday 14 May 2023
Sixth Sunday of Easter
Reflection on the first reading: The early Church was growing, and many Gentiles wished to become Christian. The issue of “who should become Christian” arose at Antioch, a largely Gentile community. The question was “what ought they to do?” before they could be admitted into the Christian community. Gentiles were not Jews, and since Christianity was born from Judaism, some apostles wanted Gentiles to be circumcised so that they become Jews first before becoming Christian. Paul and his companion, Barnabas did not support this position. So, the matter was taken to Jerusalem so that the council of the apostles could sit down to settle it. (The Council of Jerusalem) Silas and Judas were then sent to Antioch with a letter affirming that gentiles needed to accept the Jewish culture before they could be baptised into Christianity. This didn’t sit well with the Gentiles because they felt that the Jews were imposing a Jewish culture on them. Moreover, Paul and Barnabas had taught them earlier that one did not have to become a Jew to be saved. Jews were a community that cared very much about outward purification. Because of this, they had many purification rituals for different occasions. The issue of circumcision was bordering on ritual purification. As taught by Paul, God was more concerned about one’s heart rather than whether one was circumcised or not. What is important is the expression of faith made evident in works, rather than in ‘circumcision.’ Love is the purification of the heart. Fr. Arthur Ntembula (www.catholicforlife.com 11.05.23).
Congratulations to all the children at St Teresa’s Primary School on having received the Sacrament of First Holy Communion on Saturday 13th May 2023. Thanks also to the Parents and Teachers who have prepared the children for this special day.
Weekend Masses Church of the Holy Spirit Vigil Mass 5pm. Sunday St Matthias’ 10am, St Teresa’s 12noon.
Weekday Masses St Matthias’ Wednesday 10am. St Teresa’s Friday 10am, Saturday St Teresa’s 10am.
Confessions Before Saturday Vigil Mass and on request.
To book a wedding or baptism, please contact the parish office (better to email).
Recently Deceased Christy McIlhone, Mary Price, Fr Kevin Mullan P.E.
Months Mind Mary Ellen Doyle
Anniversaries Ailish Fitzpatrick, Patricia Russell, Gary Agnew, Joseph & Mary Savage, Sammy McCann, Mary Hughes, Maura Thompson, James Clifford, Una Weldon, Billy Maskey.
Candle Burning Ailish Fitzpatrick.
Weekly Offertory £1,225. Thank you.
Cemetery Sunday in Belfast Cemeteries:
City Cemetery Sunday 14 May at 3.00pm
Hannahstown Cemetery Sunday 28 May at 3.00pm
Tullyrusk Cemetery Sunday 4 June at 1.30pm
St Peter’s the Rock Cemetery Sunday 4 June at 3.00pm
Take The Risk for Christ 2023-2024 – Year for Vocation to the Diocesan Priesthood. For further information contact National Vocations Office: Fr Conor McGrath PP. Email: vocations.ie
Tobar Mhuire Retreat Centre: You are invited to a series of conversations in Tobar Mhuire in which people share their experience of life, faith and finding hope in their lives. Participants will include Rev Harold Good, Baroness Nuala O’Loan and Fr Aidan Troy CP. Our next conversation will be on Monday 15th May at 7pm with Rev Harold Good who will share his experience in peace and reconciliation. All welcome, please contact Tobar Mhuire @ 02844830242. Voluntary donation.
A special day of prayer to be held at Knock Shrine for the Universal Synod – Knock, Co Mayo on Wednesday, 31st May 2023. Or join us by Livestream at www.knockshrine.ie All welcome.
Novena for Life
The Pray for Life Novena is an invitation to join thousands of people across Ireland to pray for the protection of human life, from Tuesday 23rd May to the Feast of the Visitation on Wednesday 31st May. Each day’s intention is accompanied by a short reflection and suggested actions to help build a culture of life in Ireland. Visit www.prayforlife.ie for the daily novena prayers which will also be posted on facebook.com/PrayforLifeNovena and @ChooseLifeIRL on Twitter. This is an initiative of the Council for Life of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference.
Down & Connor Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2023: 11/12th – 17th July. 6 nights in hotel from £829. 5 nights in hotel from £769. 5 nights for pilgrims requiring nursing and/or personal care in Accueil Notre Dame £719. For further information contact the Pilgrimage Office (028) 9077 0162, lourdes@downandconnor.org or visit www.dowandconnor.org/lourdes
Bethany Group Contact number 0799 0381248
St Vincent De Paul Helpline No. 0741 9326678
The Parish of St Teresa of Ávila, Glen Road, Belfast 