Sunday 21 May 2023
The Ascension of The Lord
Ascension Reflection Today’s readings describe the Ascension of the Lord Jesus to his Heavenly Glory. He had promised to send the Apostles the Holy Spirit as the source of Heavenly power and commanded them to bear witness to Him through their lives and preaching in the world. But the ascended Jesus is still with us because of His promise, “I am with you always; yes, to the end of time.” He is with us at all times and in all places, releasing a new energy upon the earth, the energy of the Holy Spirit. Leonardo da Vinci had started to work on a large canvas in his studio. For a while he worked at it – choosing the subject, planning the perspective, sketching the outline, applying the colours, with his own inimitable genius. Then suddenly he stopped working on it. Summoning one of his talented students, the master invited him to complete the work. The horrified student protested that he was both unworthy and unable to complete the great painting which his master had begun. But da Vinci silenced him. “Will not what I have done inspire you to do your best?” Jesus our Master began to spread the Good News two thousand years ago by what he said and did, and supremely by what he suffered. Jesus illustrated his message and left us to finish the picture. Will Jesus’ life not inspire us to finish the picture? This is the message of the Ascension. (www.vaticannews.va: Fr. Antony Kadavil 17/05/23).
Congratulations to all the young people undertaking exams and we remember those who are leaving school this year. Please keep them in your prayers.
A Census of Mass attendance will take place at all Masses in the Parish this weekend. This will help the Diocesan Planning Committee to plan for the availability of Masses in Parishes going forward.
Weekend Masses Church of the Holy Spirit Vigil Mass 5pm. Sunday St Matthias’ 10am, St Teresa’s 12noon.
Weekday Masses St Matthias’ Tuesday, Wednesday & 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 Mary Price, Kevin Nolan, Kieran Monaghan.
Anniversaries John Rowntree, (1st) Mary Kelly, Annie Smith, Patsy Smith, Patrick Smith, Patricia Hill, Lily Linton, Margaret Connor, Iris Flynn, Jim Flynn Jr, Paul Burns.
Weekly Offertory £1, 408. Thank you.
Cemetery Sunday in Belfast Cemeteries:
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
The Diocesan Committee for Charismatic Renewal has organised a celebration for Pentecost on Pentecost Sunday, the 28th May from 7pm to 9pm, in St Bernard’s Church, Antrim Road, Glengormley BT36 7QR. The celebration will include prayer and praise, testimony and a talk by Fr. Darren Brennan PP. Everyone welcome.
A Biblical Walk Through the Mass (Edward Sri), where we will explore the roots of the words and gestures we experience at Mass and reflect on their profound significance. We hope that this fascinating tour of the Mass will renew your faith and deepen your love & devotion to the Holy Eucharist. This programme will be facilitated by Fr Paul Byrne and Aishling Steen beginning on Monday 29th May @7pm for 5 weeks online via zoom. To book your place please contact the Living Church Office at 02890690920 or e-mail livingchurch@downandconnor.org
The Living Church Office are organising a three-day pilgrimage to Lough Derg. The Pilgrimage will be led by Jim Deeds. Dates Friday 30th June – Sunday 2nd July 2023. Cost £90 includes luxury coach transfers. Bus departs 9am Friday 30th June from Glengall Street. Places are limited so early booking is recommended. Contact Claire Tel: 02890 690920 Email: livingchurch@downandconnor.org
SAFEGUARDING: The Diocese of Down and Connor has invited the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland to conduct a review of safeguarding practice across the Diocese. The review will take place 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9TH June. If you have any views about Safeguarding in the Diocese, you are invited to contact Teresa Devlin, Chief Executive Officer, National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland, prior to the review dates: Tel 003531 5053124 or email teresa.devlin@safeguarding.ie. This is part of the process of learning and maintaining best safeguarding practice across the Diocese and ensuring our Church is a safe and nurturing place for young people where they can grow and develop their faith. Philip O Hara, Interim Director of Safeguarding, Designated Liaison Person, Diocese of Down and Connor.
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 