Parish Bulletin
12th September 2021
Gaudete Sunday
The third Sunday of Advent is traditionally known as Gaudete Sunday or Rejoicing Sunday. Today the Church shows it’s joy by replacing the dark purple colours of Advent with cheerful rose pink.
We also listen to the words of St John the Baptist once again in the Gospel. Last week he told us to repent of our sins and seek God’s forgiveness before Christ comes. This week he adds that we should look for opportunities to be kind, generous and just towards others. In the two weeks left before Christmas we should look for opportunities to be forgiven for our sins and to serve others.
Fr Damian
THIS WEEK
Parish webcam can be viewed on our YouTube channel
(search for Ballymoney Parish)
SATURDAY 11th 6pm Vigil Mass
SUNDAY 12th 10am Mass
4pm Advent Vespers & Benediction
5pm Mass
MONDAY 13th 10am Mass
WEDNESDAY 15th 9.30am Mass (online only)
FRIDAY 17th 5.30pm Confessions
7pm Mass
Our Lady & St Patrick’s is open every day for private prayer—usually from 11am to 4pm.
WE PRAY FOR THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED
Month’s Mind
Patrick McClements
Anniversaries
Joe Graham, Sam Graham, Bobby Kelly, Sharon Murray, Joe Quigg
REQUIESCAT IN PACE
ADVENT DEVOTIONS
Our Sunday afternoon devotions are open to the public during the four weeks of Advent. Vespers & Benediction will be celebrated at 4pm each week.
ST VINCENT de PAUL CHRISTMAS APPEAL
We are asking for your financial help to buy vouchers and you can donate in several ways:
(please specify your donation is for Ballymoney, Co.
Antrim.)
(please tell them your donation is for Ballymoney, Co. Antrim).
Our conference continues to support our local
community. If you need help please call us
confidentially on 07860455549. We would like to thank you for your very generous ongoing support.
CHRISTMAS MASSES
Thank you to everyone who came along last week to book tickets for our Christmas Masses and especially to the Parish Pastoral Council and all those who helped to organise the booking session.
There are still a few places available for the 10am Mass on Christmas morning and a very small number for Midnight Mass. These will be available to book after 10am Mass next Sunday (19th December) from the sacristy on a first come, first serve basis.
Please note that all arrangements are provisional and may need to change depending on regulations.
CONFESSIONS BEFORE CHRISTMAS
Confessions will be available at the following times:
Sat Dec 11th 5-5.30pm
Fri Dec 17th 5.30-6.30pm
Sat Dec 18th 5-5.30pm
Mon Dec 20th 7-8.30pm
Christmas Eve 10-11am; 1-3pm
There will also be penitential prayers for the housebound on the webcam at 6.45pm on Monday 20th.
OLD & NEW@No.5
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at our parish shop as the customers continue to flow in our door! This week we have some new Christmas decorations and our festive candle houses (which arrived last Friday) are a big hit! Remember, if you spend £30 or more in store, you get a free small gift too! We’re open Wednesday - Saturday 10.00am-4.30pm at 5 Gate End, Ballymoney
CHRISTMAS EVE COME TO THE MANGER
Not everyone can come to Christmas Masses this year, but we would like to extend an open invitation to everyone to come and visit the church on Christmas Eve. Between 1pm and 3pm the Church will be open for prayer and to view the crib. Fr Damian will be present to hear confessions or have a chat with anyone who wishes. Please encourage your family, friends or neighbours to call in to the Church at this time and enjoy a moment of God’s peace and blessing this Christmas Eve.
PARISH FINANCES
Thank you for your support of our parish collections. Envelopes can be left in the church at Mass times or at the parochial house. You can also set up a standing
order or make a one-off payment with these details:
Parish of Ballymoney & Derrykeighan
Sort code: 95-06-79
Account No: 10020192.
Please make cheques payable to:
Parish of Ballymoney & Derrykeighan
ST BRIGID'S PS MEGA CHRISTMAS DRAW
Due to restrictions there will be no Christmas Bazaar again this year. Instead we will have a Mega Christmas Draw with over 20 prizes. The tickets for the draw will be on sale up to Thursday 16th December. The draw will take place in school on Friday the 17th December. To reflect the great prizes, tickets are priced at £2.00 each or a book of 6 for £10. Many parishioners support the school draw and bazaar every year and if you would like to buy some tickets please contact the school (028 27662664) or call to the main front door.
ST BRIGID’S PS P1 REGISTRATION
Is your child due to start P1 in September 2022? Due to restrictions we are once again offering an online tour of the school on our website through the eyes of our P1 children. If you would like to make an appointment to come and view the school, or, have any questions about St Brigid's PS, please contact Mr O'Neill on 028 27662664. Registration opens Monday 10 January and closes at 12 noon on Friday 28 January.