Sunday Gospel What does Jesus wish to teach us with this parable? He reminds us that we must be ready to meet Him. Many times, in the Gospel, Jesus urges us to keep watch, and He also does so at the end of this narrative. He says: “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour” (v. 13). But with this parable He tells us that keeping watch does not only mean not to sleep, but to be ready; in fact all the virgins fall asleep before the bridegroom’s arrival, but upon waking some are ready and others are not. Thus, here is the meaning of being wise and prudent: it is a matter of not waiting until the last minute of our lives to cooperate with the grace of God, but to do so as of now. (Pope Francis).
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.
St Matthias Monday 7pm Wednesday 9am, Friday 7am & Saturday 10am.
Confessions Saturday 4 30pm in Church of the Holy Spirit, after any Mass and on request.
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament every Wednesday in St Matthias’ Church from 11am to 4pm.
To book an Anniversary Mass, Baptism or Wedding Ceremony please email the Parish Office.
November Dead Lists are available in the church porch. Masses celebrated during the month of November are for those who have died.
A word of thanks to those who organised and took part in this year’s Mass for deceased parishioners.
Please note, that in accordance with Bishop Alan McGuckian’s recommendation, eulogies will not take place at Funeral Masses.
The handshake of peace is suspended for the winter months. At Mass you are welcome to smile, nod, wave if you wish.
Anniversaries: Joanne McDonnell, Betty McCaffrey, Jackie Power, Billy Sinclair, Patrick and Sheila O’Hare, Michael Bunting, Eva Maguire, Geraldine Kane, Bobby Crawford, Mary and Jimmy McAleavey, Margaret Guiney, Billy Hamilton, James Molloy, Bernard McCourt, Monsignor Tom Toner.
Weekly Collection: £1 379. Monthly Collection: £1 290. Thank you for your continued support.
Parish Grand Christmas Draw 2026, Tickets are available for the draw. There are many prizes including £500 cash, shop vouchers and food hampers. £1 each or 6 for £5.
Eucharistic Adoration in the Black Mountain Family of Parishes: St Matthias, Wednesdays 10am to 4pm. St Agnes’, Thursdays 3pm to 7pm, Saturdays 1.30pm to 6 15pm. St Michael’s, Wednesdays and Fridays after 10am Mass. St Oliver Plunkett, Wednesdays 9am to 10am & 5pm to 8pm. St Peter’s The Rock, every day 6 30 to 7 30pm. St Joseph’s, Fridays 3pm to 4pm.
The Daughters of Charity Annual Christmas Gift Appeal for people living in poverty in Africa will be held in the Kennedy Shopping Centre on Friday 13th November 2026. Time: 9am to 6pm. Please come and give your support.
The West Belfast historical Society, The November meeting will take place on Friday the 13th of November at 7.30pm in St. Michael’s Parish Centre, Finaghy Road North. The November talk is entitled: “The N.I. Film Archive “, The guest speaker will be Lisa Duggan from the N.I. Film Archive. (This talk will show the rich history of people and places in Belfast and N.I. through the medium of moving pictures, from their inception in the 1800’s through to the 1960’s. Refreshments will be provided.
Week of Witness for Persecuted Christians. One in ten Christians, 220 million people, live in countries where they are persecuted for their faith. The charity Aid to the Church in Need, which works to support them, is organising a Week of Witness from November 15-22 to highlight their plight with a special appeal for parishioners to pray for the suffering Church on ‘Red Wednesday’ November 18. More information is available at www.acnireland.org
Down and Connor Diocesan Trust, Job Vacancy Sacristan/Caretaker within Hannahstown Parish, Hannahstown Hill, Belfast, BT17 0LT. This is a permanent appointment requiring 16 hours attendance each week, flexible hours are required. Full details relating to the vacancy and rate of pay can be found on the Diocesan website at: http://www.downandconnor.org clicking on the tab: Job Vacancies and on the Community NI website. Application packs can also be obtained from Hannahstown Parish Office. We welcome applications from anyone who feels they meet the criteria. Closing date for applications will be 12.00 noon on Tuesday 17th November 2026.
Fully Escorted Pilgrimage – Shrines of France Pilgrimage, Lisieux, Rue Du Bac, Nevers, Paris, Rocamadour and Lourdes, 11th – 18th June 2027, 7 Nights flying from Dublin to Paris/Lourdes to Dublin, including visits to the home of the Miraculous Medal, and see the incorrupt body’s of St Catherine Laboure and St Bernadette, plus much more. Comprehensive Travel insurance is extra £35.00. Cost £1,200 per person sharing, seats are limited. Single room supplement is £345.00 extra. Spiritual Director: Fr Joe McGuigan. £250.00 deposit secures a seat! For further details contact: Jean Reynolds 07729 402311 or email: jeanreynolds@hotmail.co.uk
The Annual Mass for deceased Naomh Pól members will take place at 7.00pm on Wednesday 18th November in the downstairs bar on the Shaws Road. All current and past members, players and supporters are encouraged to attend. Tea, coffee and refreshments will be served after the Mass. Fáilte roimh chách.
Join us in the Belfast Jesuit Centre on Thursday 12th November at 7.00pm, for a fascinating illustrated talk by Damien Burke, Archivist of the Irish Jesuit Province and co-editor of The Second World War through Jesuit Archives: The Case of Europe (1939–1945). This illustrated talk explores the human experience of war through stories of faith, service and resilience. All are welcome. Light refreshments provided. Small donation suggested.
St Vincent De Paul Helpline No. 028 90351561: Email address: info@svpni.co.uk Website address: www.svp.ie/get-help.aspx
