Parish Bulletin
29th August 2021
Twenty Second Sunday of Ordinary Time
On Friday evening we celebrated the feast of St Monica. Monica lived in North Africa in the fourth century. She was a Christian married to a pagan called Patricius who had a violent temper. Monica had three children but her husband would not allow them to be baptised. For decades Monica prayed for the conversion of her family and not only did her husband convert on his deathbed, but her children were baptised, entered religious life, and one son (Augustine) became a great bishop and saint.
St Monica is the patron saint of parents who worry about children who have left the faith or fallen into difficulty. Her story reminds all of us that God always hears our prayers, and that even if they go unanswered for years, the Lord can still work things out for the best. May St Monica and St Augustine pray for our families this week!
Fr Damian
THIS WEEK
Parish webcam can be viewed on our YouTube channel
(search for Ballymoney Parish)
SATURDAY 28th 5pm Confessions (until 5.30)
6pm Vigil Mass
SUNDAY 29th 10am Mass
4pm Vespers & Benediction (not open to the public) 5pm Mass
MONDAY 30th 10am Mass
WEDNESDAY 1st 9.30am Mass (not open to public)
FRIDAY 3rd 5.30pm Confessions (until 6.30)
7pm Mass
Our Lady & St Patrick’s is now open every day for private prayer—usually from 11am to 4pm.
WE PRAY FOR THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED
Recently Deceased
Jessie Neill
Patricia Hayes
Maureen Hession (nee Kearney), Carrickfergus
Anniversaries
Seamus Diver, Margaret Hill, Rose Lynch, Bridie McAleese, Mary McLaughlin,
John & Winnie McKendry, Hugh O’Boyle, Ryan Robinson
REQUIESCAT IN PACE
PARISH FINANCES
Thank you for your support of our parish collections.
Collection envelopes can be left in the church at Mass times or left at the parochial house any time. You can also set up a standing order or make a one-off payment to our account with these details:
Parish of Ballymoney & Derrykeighan
Sort code: 95-06-79
Account No: 10020192.
Please make cheques payable to:
Parish of Ballymoney & Derrykeighan
OLD & NEW @No.5
Our parish shop is open as usual this week. Check out our lovely lamps, lots of ceramics, our metal roosters, floral candle displays and our new home sewing machine! Remember our half price clothes sale is still on during this week and our Belleek and silver plate is half price too!
With summer holidays coming to an end for some of us and the kids soon returning to school, we’d love to see you this week! Open Wednesday - Saturday 10.00am- 4.30pm at 5 Gate End, Ballymoney
ST VINCENT DE PAUL
Anyone seeking help or interested in assisting us with our work can contact our helpline (07860 455 549) or any member of the Society.
ZOOM COURSES FROM DRUMALIS
Earth Matters with Sr Anne Harnett CP and Sr Margaret Rose McSparran CP. A chance to engage with the ecological issues of our day over three Zoom sessions in September – 7, 14 and 21 Sept from 10:30 am – 12:30 pm.
All My Children: Genesis and Exodus. Who said
family was easy? with Sr Pam Thimmes OSC. An eight part Zoom series exploring the theme of family in the Books of Genesis and Exodus. The course will take place from 7:00 pm – 9:15 pm on 9 Sept, 30 Sept, 14 Oct, 28 Oct, 11 Nov, 25 Nov, 13 Jan and 27 Jan.
Growth in Prayer and Reflective Living
Applications are open for this popular one-year
programme for those who want a closer relationship with God. The course will give you the tools and space to become attuned to God's voice in the midst of the clamour of modern life. The course will take place over 21 Monday evening sessions from 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm via Zoom, commencing 20th September.
ONLINE THEOLOGY COURSES
The Priory Institute in Dublin provides online theology courses up to degree level. Attend Saturday lectures in Tallaght or from the comfort of your own home. Find out more on our website prioryinstitute.com
IRISH DANCING CLASSES
Claire McDowell School of Irish Dancing offers classes in the parish hall. Registration now open for new beginners. Classes start on Monday 6th September 3.30-4.15pm. Contact Dympna for more information - 07811743077.
BETHANY BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP
Our Bethany team are here to help the bereaved and grieving by listening and offering support. To contact them phone 07594 162 499.
MARRIAGE PREPARATION COURSE
Marriage Encounter will be delivering an online course using Zoom on 11-12 September 2021.
Couples planning to get married in 2022/23 are invited to take part. This course is a positive way of preparing for marriage where you will discover how you can enrich your future relationship. For further information or to book your place contact: marriageencounter.ie or 028 276 38512
PRAYER TO ST MONICA FOR FAMILIES
Blessed Monica, mother of St Augustine, we give thanks to our Father in Heaven who looked with mercy upon your tears over your wayward son. His conversion and heroic sanctification were the fruit of your prayers.
Dear St Monica, we now ask you to pray with us for all those sons and daughters that have wandered away from God, and to add your prayers to those of all mothers who are worried over their children.
Pray also for us that, following your example, we may, in the company of our children, one day enjoy the eternal vision of our Father in Heaven. Amen.