| Sunday Gospel The image we have of the Ascension is that of ‘departing, going away, disappearing’; but our belief as Christians is that it represents the silent presence of Christ everywhere in the universe. He is no longer limited by earthly conditions — to be in one place at one time in his presence to his followers — but now dwells in the heavens with the Father: present in every gathering of his people — so he is present among us now, present whenever his people are in need, present in hearts calling us to be disciples and to be his hands, and feet, and voice in our lives. To celebrate this feast today is not to recall a past event — that day long ago ‘when he went up to heaven’ — but to rejoice that Jesus is our living Lord, with us now, leading and guiding us, because he is not tied down to a moment in earthly history. Sunday Masses Church of the Holy Spirit (Sat.) Vigil 5pm, St Matthias’ 10am, St Teresa’s 12noon. Weekday Masses St Teresa’s, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 10am. 2027 First Holy Communion Saturday 8 May 2027. Confessions Saturday 4 30pm in Church of the Holy Spirit and on request. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament every Wednesday in St Matthias’ Church from 11am to 4pm. |
| Months Mind: Anthony Kearns. Anniversaries: Tom McKeever, Charles Montgomery, Annie Smith, Patsy Smith, Patrick Smith, Samuel McCann, Brendan Deeds, Una Weldon, Josephine McCready. To book a wedding or baptism, please contact the parish office (better to email). Weekly Collection: £1 639. Thank you for your continued support. Walk in the footsteps of St Patrick on St Patrick’s Way Pilgrim Walk in Downpatrick with guides Martina Purdy and Elaine Kelly on Sat 6 June and 8 August 2026, and Mairead Sweeney on Sat 4 July 2026, begin at St Patrick’s Centre with a 180° IMAX film of St Patrick, price includes entrance fees, internal bus transfers, pilgrimage lunch at the famous Saul Barn, plus a stamped Camino passport and a 6 mile pilgrimage walk finishing at St Patrick’s grave. Duration 9am-approx 3pm, all for £55. To book phone 028 44 619000 or website www.saintpatrickcentre.com An Ignite Ireland one day conference, with guest speaker from the US, Scott Hahn, will take place on Saturday 23 of May 2026 in the Convention Centre, Dublin. Scott Hahn is a well-known writer and broadcaster and much sought after speaker. It is an event not to be missed. For more information and to book your ticket go to: www.dominicans.ie PTAA 2026 If you are celebrating 25 or 50 years as a pioneer and would like a silver or gold pin, please contact the parish office to arrange for a presentation on the Feast of the Sacred Heart June 2026. Stanton Pregnancy Care Belfast will host an Information Afternoon Tea on Thursday, 28 May 2026 at St Mary’s, Chapel Lane, Belfast, after 1pm Mass. Donations will help provide support to women with unexpected pregnancies. All welcome. Phone 028 9033 2882 for more information or contact Stanton Healthcare on 028 9033 2882. Preparing for Marriage? Weekend residential courses available. 13-15 November 2026 and 26-28 February 2027. Details: www.grasta.org or at info@grasta.orgAnd Married Couples course? Weekend residential courses available. 14-15 November 2026 and 27-28 February 202. Details: www.grasta.org or at info@grasta.org Black Mountain Family of Parishes Pilgrimage Shrines of St Brigid & St Oliver Plunkett.10–13 June 2026 Departure Tuesday 10 June, 9:30am, St Joseph’s Church. Hannahstown Hill Transport: £15 per person accommodation at Ballymascanlon Hotel (B&B + 2 dinners). Single: €430 | Double: €570 | Twin: €610. Booking through local parish offices. St Vincent De Paul Helpline No. 028 90351561: Email address: info@svpni.co.uk Website address: www.svp.ie/get-help.aspx Holy Father’s Prayer for Peace 2026 Lord Jesus, you conquered death without weapons or violence: you shattered its power with the strength of peace. Grant us your peace, as you did to the women filled with doubt on Easter morning, as you did to the disciples who were hiding in fear. Send forth your Spirit, the breath that gives life and reconciles, that turns adversaries and enemies into brothers and sisters. Inspire in us to trust in Mary, your mother, who stood at the foot of your cross with a broken heart, firm in the faith that you would rise again. May the madness of war cease and the Earth be cared for and cultivated by those who still know how to bring forth, protect and love life. Hear us, Lord of life! |
The Parish of St Teresa of Ávila, Glen Road, Belfast 