Third Sunday of Lent

Sunday Cycle C ~ Weekdays 2

Psalter Week 3

e-mail: holy.family@btconnect.com

Website: www.holy-familyparish.com

Very Rev Gerard McCloskey Adm ~ 9074 3119

Canon Brendan Murray ~ 9020 5041

Fr Colin Crossey ~ 9071 4892

Reflection during Lent

When a Chinese bamboo tree is planted in its first year it is watered and fertilised but there is no sign of growth. In its second year it is watered and fertilised and there is still no sign of growth. The same happens in its third and fourth year. The fifth year is different. In the space of six weeks it grows to roughly ninety feet. The Chinese bamboo is a real lesson in patience for us all. We all know that sometimes when we pray for something patience is needed. Most of us want the answer now, but God in his loving care may delay or even refuse our request. However, like the growth of the bamboo each time it is cared for something happens. So with our prayers every time we pray something happens. We increase in grace although we may not see or feel it, but it happens.

Rest in peace

We pray for all those who died recently especially Hilda Jellett and for all those whose anniversaries occur at this time:

Sr Catherina Magill, Anna and Peter Joseph Loughran, Marion Wilson, Lily and Frank Rafferty, George Walsh, Eamon Fitzpatrick, Mary Nolan, Patrick Stapleton, Robert McCaughey, Joseph Craig, Sheila Hughes, Joseph Cunningham, Billy and May Montgomery, Liam Montgomery, Ita and Pat Clarke, Paddy O’Kane, Tommy O’Kane, Dominic Blackham, Frank Joyce and Kathleen Gilmore.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord

Taizé Prayer Around the Cross

You are invited to join in Taizé Prayer Around the Cross in Holy Family Church, Limestone Road, at 9pm on Friday 12th March as part of the Jesus in the City Congress. Why not take some time out of your busy week to pray, to sing and join others of different faith traditions? Everyone is welcome and refreshments will be served afterwards. Please note the next Taizé Prayer Around the Cross will be Friday 23rd April, Friday 28th May and Friday 25th June.

Jesus in the City Congress – 12th – 14th March

UK Urban Mission Congress Trust will be bringing the Triennial event to Belfast. This is a unique event, it brings together urban Christians from throughout the UK. This is a coming together for people to hear stories of Churches and projects and people, worship together, talk together and reflect on ways forward in their own situations. Each Congress has a distinct local flavour, with local Church members involved in the planning of the Congress, visits by delegates to local Church urban projects as well as inviting local Churches to attend. To enable this to happen we need help from parishioners. We are asking Parishioners could you provide home based hospitality for attendees. Many of the attendees are unpaid Church workers or volunteers. If you could help with accommodation or would like more information please contact Bill Shaw / Geoff Kerr at 174 Trust on 90747114

Year 8 students

Calling all Year 8 students, you are all invited to No 65 on Wednesdays from 7.30 – 9pm. These nights will run during Lent for your year group and will be a chance for you to make new friends and take part in many activities and events. Come along and join in the fun! New people very welcome.

Year 9 students

All are invited to come along to their programme on Tuesday afternoon from 3.30 – 5pm in No 65 for the weeks of Lent. These afternoons are a great opportunity to meet new friends and take part in something special. Come along and join the fun. Young people from all schools are welcome.

Year 11 students

The Year 11 group starts back this Tuesday 9th March, 3.30 – 5pm. New people are always welcome to join in this group who will meet over the next 6 weeks to look at many issues and activities especially relevant for people of your age. Come along and make a difference to your Parish and community, meet new people and have some fun.

Fair Trade Fortnight

There will be a Fair Trade Stall after Masses today, Sunday, in Holy Family Church. Please come along and support the Developing World.

Baptisms

We would like to welcome our new Parishioners who were recently baptised:

Leo Joseph McVicker, Alisha Duffy and Clara Ellen Cannon

www.holy-familyparish.com

Click on Recent Events to enjoy coverage of the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Log on to the Diary page for an overview of the Liturgical Calendar and events for the month of March.

You might like to browse the following websites:

www.trocaire.org

www.proclaim.ie

Offertory Collection

The Offertory Collection for Sunday 28th February amounted to £4140.

Many thanks to all those who contributed.

Holy Family Parish Building Fund – Week 43

£200 Mrs Martin, Grasmere Gardens

£200 Seamus McKenna, Fortwilliam Gardens

£200 S Wright, Cavehill Road

£200 D McErlean, Pacific Avenue

Promoter’s Prize: Brenda Killough

Sacrament of Baptism

A preparation session for those wishing to have their first baby baptised during March, April or May will take place on Monday 8th March. Parents and god parents are invited to Holy Family Church at 7pm. A preparation session must be attended prior to the child’s Baptism. Registration Forms are available at the Parish Office. To arrange Baptism for second and subsequent children please contact the Parish Office to request a visit from a member of the Parish Baptism Team.

The 27th Annual Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes

Takes place this July under the leadership of Bishop Noel Treanor. Fare, inclusive of all charges and including return flight from Belfast to Lourdes and full board in hotels is:

5 nights 11th – 16th July £545

7 nights 10th – 17th July £595

Youth Team (age 16 -25) 10th – 17th July £475

For further information and application forms contact the Parish Office

Retrouvaille

Do you feel anxious about your marriage? Are there signs of tension or trouble? The next Retrouvaille Weekend will take place on Friday 9th – Sunday 11th April in Dromantine, Newry. For information call or text Aidan and Pauline 07564214825; e-mail: retrouvaille-ni@hotmail.com All enquiries strictly confidential.

Newington Day Centre

Would like to thank you for donations for ballots and for your continued support.

Tea Dance

There will be an Afternoon Tea Dance in the Parish Centre, 120 Cavehill Road on Tuesday 16th March, 2 – 4pm (please note new time). Music by Brian and Jimmy, come along and enjoy a special St Patrick’s Day celebration. Other dates for Tea Dances are Tuesday 27th April, 2 – 4pm and Tuesday 8th June, 2 - 4pm.

Al-anon

Are you disturbed by someone else’s drinking? Then al-anon can help. Please call 9068 2368.

Lenten Retreat

One day Retreat organised by the Pioneer Association – open to Pioneers and friends in Clonard Monastery on Sunday 21st March, arrive 10am and finish with Mass at 4pm, led by Fr Seamus Moore, Redemptorist. Cost £10 including Morning Coffee and light lunch. For booking and further information contact 9032 2744 and leave your names and numbers and you will be contacted.

IHCPT – Lourdes Pilgrimage Fundraiser

A Murder Mystery Night set in the fictional school of St Cakes will take place on Saturday 13th March at 7.30pm in The Edge in aid of ICHPT. Entry £15, including buffet supper and entertainment. Fancy dress optional. For more information contact Eimear on 07725262674

Holy Family Saturday Club

Holy Family Saturday Club urgently requires more helpers. If you could spare a few hours on a Saturday from 1pm please contact the Parish Office.

Trim the Velvet

Kathy O’Connor School of Dance presents the Fairy thorn and Rhythms and Reels on 20th – 21st March at 7.30pm in Theatre at the Mill, Newtownabbey. Tickets £10 and £8 available from Theatre Box Office 9034 0202 or www.theatreatthemill.com

Edmund Rice College – Irish Night

Edmund Rice College is holding an Irish Night on Thursday 11th March. The event, which is the third of its kind, will offer you the opportunity to sample Irish traditional food, music and dance. Come along and bring your friends. Everyone is most welcome … failte. Admission free.

Knock Marriage Introduction Bureau

The aim of the Bureau is to introduce people considering marriage to a suitable marriage partner. Over 800 marriages have taken place as a result of these introductions. If you are searching for a suitable partner, why not consider applying? For further information contact the Bureau at Knock, Co Mayo. Tel: 00353949375960 or visit our website at www.knockmarriagebureau.com and read about the workings of the Bureau.

The Lamb of God Community, Shalom House, 12 Cliftonville Road

Invites you to a series of talks to share in an awareness of the richness of the orthodox faith as experienced by our local bothers and sisters. Talks will be given on three Monday evenings during Lent on 8th, 15th and 22nd March at 7.30pm. Light refreshments afterwards. All welcome.

St Malachy’s College Old Boy’s Association

The 84th Annual Dinner of the Association will be held in the Wellington Park Hotel, Lisburn Road on Friday 12th March. For further details phone 90772047

Volunteers Required

We are seeking enthusiastic and motivated volunteers to work with our children in our Kids Club and in other group activities. Training will be provided. If you are interested in this challenging but rewarding work and can spare a minimum of 2 hours per month please e-mail familieswithupsanddowns@hoymail.co.uk or contact Joe McVeigh on 9061 3872 / 07840 855201 or Yanahir McCoy on 07963 697134. The greatest gift you can give is your time.

Preparing for Marriage

Engaged Encounter is designed for couples preparing for marriage and seeking to enrich communication in all aspects of their relationship. The next Encounter weekend will take place on 21st – 22nd March in Dromantine Conference Centre, Newry. Tel: 7930 0340 for full details or visit www.marriageencounter.ie

St Pio Pilgrimage

5 nights San Giovanni, 2 nights Loreto and Assisi. Departs Belfast 12th – 19th July. £799 full board. Details from Lucy Cranney, 9074 2589

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