26th April 2015 - 4th Sunday of Easter

mental well-being, Mondays 11am-12.30pm
KNOCK SHRINE Saturday 2nd May Mass
and Blessing with St Joseph's Cord of Hope.
Coach £15 For information call Gabrielle (028)
87784964 Grace (028)87784942
Medjugorje Pilgrimages for 7 nights 24th
Parish Safeguarding The contact persons for
May, Family Pilgrimages 15th July and 12th
the Parish are Aileen or Maura:
August. Call Anthony on 07753406356
armaghparishsafeguarding@gmail.com or
07895 460797. Any visitor to the sacristy of any Stress and Mood management course six
weeks beginning 20th April. Call 07847611212
church must sign the visitors book.
Cathedral Shop Mon-Sat 10.30am - 4.00pm & or www.moodmanagers.com
Sun 12 noon -5.30pm. First Holy Communion St Brigid’s Camogie Club - expressions of
interest sought from anyone interested in
and Confirmation items now in stock.
training\managing local senior camogie team
Pearse Og News: Lotto: – 19, 20, 23, 27
contact club secretary on 07596328852
1 matched 3, next jackpot £4450.
Abbey Lotto: 7, 11, 14, 27 . No winners. Next St Catherines Reunion on 4th September for
those who completed O Levels in 1981/82
week’s Jackpot £1150. Membership now due.
Contact Joanne Ridley (Toner) on facebook or
Eugene Quinn Handball Lotto: 3, 7, 11, No
jridley1967@tiscali.co.uk..
winner Next week’s jackpot £150.
Armagh Men’s Shed & Action Cancer will be
Milford Community Development
providing free health checks for Men in the
Association Jiving classes in The Old School
Cathedral Road Recreation Complex on Thur
House Friday 7.30pm. Adm £5
14th May 2015. Appointments are available
Forever Young at the Old School House - A
between 11.00am and 6.35pm and can be made
programme of fun-packed activities for those
by calling 02837528997.
50+ aimed at improving pysical health and
Parish Office
Cathedral
St Malachy’s
SVP Help Line
T 3752 2813
T 3752 2638
T 3751 0516
T 07733 482604
Fr Gerry Campbell will run the length of the Diocese in the coming days. All proceeds from the
run to support APT (Act to Prevent Trafficking). To sponsor Fr Gerry please go to
www.aptireland.org or email gerrycampbell65@gmail.com
Lough Derg Pilgrimage Season opens Saturday 2nd May with One Day Retreats. Advance
booking is essential. The Three Day Pilgrimage season begins on Friday 29 th May. Pre-booking
not required. Contact 0035371 9861518 or info@loughderg.org
Called & Gifted Two day conference on 29th & 30th May in Dromantine Conference Centre.
This is a beautiful opportunity for people to discover and own the gifts and charisms given to
them in their baptism. Contact 00353429336649 or PARISHANDFAMILY@GMAIL.COM M
Monaghan Charismatic Prayer Group invite you to an evening of healing and prayer on Mon
27th April in St Louis Convent Chapel, Monaghan. All welcome.
Annual Service of Thanksgiving and Remembrance for all babies and children who have died
in Craigavon Area Hospital on Sunday 26th April 2015 at 3pm in the Medical Education Centre,
Craigavon Area Hospital (main hospital site).
ACCORD Marriage Preparation Course Couples are advised to book their place at least ten
months before the wedding. The next courses are on three consecutive Tuesdays: 26th May, 2nd
and 9th June and also 25th August, 1st and 8th September. 02838334781 or www.accordni.com.
Society of Saint Vincent de Paul: Vincent’s Shop Thomas Street urgently requires good quality
furniture and summer clothes. Furniture can be collected. Contact 02837 510922.
Adorers required for adoration chapel in St Malachy’s Church at 10am on Sunday & Friday.
Contact Nora McBrien on 02837 525265 if you can commit to these times.
Website: www.armaghparish.net
Email: armaghparish@btconnect.com
facebook.com/ArmaghParish
twitter.com/ArmaghParish
26th April 2015 - 4th Sunday of Easter
Reflection on Good Shepherd Sunday
On going discussion and debate about the downturn in the economy, the prospects of
unemployment for many, the demise of small schools and hospitals, along with many other
religious and social changes, have all conspired to undermine that sense of belonging which is
essential to our well-being.
In many hearts in western society, there is a growing sense of alienation that can lead to
despondency and hopelessness and even, to suicide. Again and again Jesus refers to us as those
who belong to him, the ones to whom he will give eternal life and who will never be lost. As we
are told in today’s Second Reading, our relationship with Jesus is so intimate that we are to be
called “children of God”. On the other hand, the Gospel of the Good Shepherd is an incredibly
reassuring one in which we hear in the metaphor of the shepherd, Jesus’ pledge to continue to care
for us and love us as he loves the Father and the Father loves him. It is an encouraging and
revitalising message, a message of hope. The challenge is to believe it personally and to live
accordingly.
A necessary requirement for growing into such faith conviction is to experience that sense of
belonging to a community of believers who support each other in practical ways as well as sharing
prayer and praise of God. Without such an experience of genuine secure belonging, faith in a
caring God is almost impossible today. So the young move elsewhere. Therefore the challenge for
all followers of Christ is to build vibrant, faith filled communities and parishes, centred on the
Eucharist, and influencing the affairs of daily living. To this task, some dedicate their lives full
time as priests, deacons and religious. The role in forming community and gathering the people
around the table of the Eucharist is a central role.
On this Vocations Sunday, we are invited to pray once again that such leaders in the faith will
never be found wanting. The need for them was never greater. The demands have never been more
intimidating, the opportunities never more challenging, the rewards never more worthwhile.
“Lord, inspire young men and women to give their lives to the building of your Kingdom on
earth; we pray especially that some, in our own parish, will be alert to the promptings of
your Spirit whispering to their hearts. May they have the courage and the grace to hear your
call and answer it”.
The Special Garment of Suffering, which has been draped over the Cross in St Malachy’s
Church will now be taken next week by Gerry Gribbon to St Patrick’s Church, San Fernando,
Province of Pampanga, Philippines. This cloth, from our Parish, sharing our own sufferings and
concerns, symbolises our thoughts and interest in others.
Thanks to Deacon Brian Slater This weekend Deacon Brian finishes his work in our parish as
Deacon. He has been with us many weekends over the last number of months as part of his
formation for priesthood. Deacon Brian who is a native of the parish of Coalisland is now entering
into his last weeks of preparation for priesthood and God willing, he will be ordained a priest for
the Archdiocese of Armagh in St Patrick’s Cathedral on Sunday 5 July. We thank him for his work
in the parish over these last months and we wish him well in the coming weeks as he prepares for
his Ordination to Priesthood.
RECENTLY DECEASED Marianne Mills, Seamus McGuigan, Michael O’Neill,
Jim Ryan, Barbara Smith, Margaret Pattison, Eddie Doran
Months Mind: Patricia Boyce 29th April
Weekly collection 5th April 2015 amounted to £7343.41 & €196.36 Thank you.
Trocaire Lenten Collection 2015 amounted to £22194.38 & €1500. Many thanks to all for their
wonderful generosity and support!
All requests for prayers and Masses are to be arranged through the Parish Office. All
Anniversaries and Month’s Minds must be left in the Parish Office by 12 noon on the Thursday
of the week prior to the intention being remembered.
Friday is the first Friday of the month. The sick and housebound will be visited in the comin
week or as arranged with individual priests. Holy hour in St Malachy’s Church on Friday
evening at 8pm. Confessions on Thursday in St Malachy’s at 12 noon.
Church Noticeboards Please do not remove any notices from noticeboards in any of the
Churches in the Parish.
A note from Fr Peter - Renovations at Ara Coeli
Archbishop Eamon has asked me to let the people of the parish know that following a recent
survey which was done to assess the condition of the roof on Ara Coeli, some work will be done
in the coming weeks to the roof of the building. Work needs to be done to repair leaks and to
address issues with water ingress. Some timbers will have to be replaced and new felting and
insulation is required in accordance with modern efficiency standards. Parishioners may note
scaffolding around the Archbishops Residence and Diocesan Offces in the coming weeks and
towards the end of the work, it’s hoped to make provision for disabled access to the building.
ST COLMCILLES, KNOCKACONEY
St Colmcilles GAC lotto 15th April: 14,17,18, 22. 5 match 3. Next week's Jackpot £3150
Grange Ladies Senior Team would like to thank all those that donated bags for their Clothes
Collection. Our next one will be in November. Thankyou for your support.
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, TULLYSARAN
Novena Mass on Monday evening at 7.30pm
Tullysaran Lotto: 2-10-13-23 No winner, next jackpot £1275.
Corebox continues at 7pm on Wed nights. Drop in class. 'The Quilting Exhibition of The
Children of Lir' continues in the Community Centre on Sun, 26 April after mass until to 2pm.
£5 admission with light refreshments and all proceeds in aid of Neo Natal Unit. Please pop into
the Centre after mass to view the beautiful pieces of work while supporting a great cause.
Tullysaran SVP Helpline 07738838035
Pilgrimage to Shrines of Italy, 15th – 22nd September 2015 Visiting the cities of Venice and
Verona, Padua, Assisi, Loreto. £739 (Single Supplement £210). Spiritual Director: Fr Peter
McAnenly. More info at Parish Office.
Women in the Scriptures: led by Fr Brian Lennon S.J. in The Synod Hall, Armagh at
10.30am on Tuesday 5, 12, 19 and 26 May - The Scriptures were written by men but women
play a much greater role than is often realised. As we gather in the month of Our Lady, we will
look at the stories of Mary and Martha at whose house Our Lord very often stayed. We will also
look at the Samaritan woman at the well, Esther who risked her life to save people, Magdalen: the
“Apostle of the Apostles”, Mary, the mother of God who stood by the cross as her Son was dying
and many more. Come along on these four mornings to learn more about these great women and if
you have a Bible, bring it with you! Tea/Coffee will be served.
St Joseph’s Young Priests Society - Outing to Enniskillen on Wed 6th May, leaving St
Malachy’s at 8.30am sharp. Mass will be celebrated in St Gabriel’s Retreat, The Graan at 11am.
After mass there will be free time in Enniskillen for shopping, sightseeing and lunch. Cost £28
includes coach, morning coffee and evening meal in Killyhevlin Hotel. Arriving back to Armagh
at 8pm Approx. Book with Maura on 07752409636
Armagh Parish Draw - April Winners On Friday 17th April, the parish draw for the month of
April took place in the Parish Office at 1pm. The winners in the April draw were as follows.
1st Prize: £1000: Helen McLoughlin
2nd Prize: £500: Brian & Eilish Anderson
3rd Prize: £100: Sean Gribben
4th Prize: £100: Sue McKenna
5th Prize: £100: Christopher Renaghan
6th Prize: £100: Mary Gorman
7th Prize: £100: Grainne McCann
Congratulations to all our winners!!
Tickets for the draw can still be purchased at the Parish Office (028 37522813). The next draw
will take place on Friday 15th May in the Parish Office at 1pm.
Armagh Diocesan Youth Commission: “Assume” Summer Camp! 10 – 14 August and 17 – 21
August at Greenhill Centre, Newcastle. This is an adventure and a four night, faith based
residential for 12 – 14 year olds. More details at armaghyouth@yahoo.co.uk or call 028 37523084
World Youth Day 2016: Armagh Diocese will lead a pilgrimage to World Youth Day in Krakow,
Poland in July 2016. Any young people (aged between 16 and 30) who are interested are asked to
contact armaghyouth@yahoo.co.uk or call 028 37523084
Mannerchor Mauren to visit Armagh - a traditional men’s choir which was formed in 1921 in
Mauren, Leichenstein will sing at the Vigil Mass in St Patrick’s Cathedral on Sat 2 May at 7pm.
Parish Outing A summer outing from Armagh parish will take place on Wednesday 3rd June.
A coach will leave the Cathedral Gates at 9.30am and return at 7.30pm. We will stop mid morning
in Dundalk for coffee before making our way to visit Malahide which is one of Ireland’s most
beautiful and well known towns. Situated along a stretch of Dublin’s Bay scenic coastline,
Malahide boasts a heritage village, marina and long sandy beaches. At the heart of this
picturesque town is Malahide Castle, set in beautiful parkland. The magnificent 12 th century castle
and gardens are one of Ireland’s premier visitor attractions. As well as having an opportunity to
explore the town, Mass will be celebrated in the local parish Church. On our journey home, we
will stop for an evening meal in Newry. Cost £24 (non-refundable) includes morning coffee,
coach and evening meal - book at Parish Office.
Handing on Faith/Supporting Family Life today! Armagh Parish Pastoral Council are
hosting a special evening of reflection on the challenge of handing on faith in the family today.
The evening will be of special interest to all parents and those who work to support family life.
The evening will be led by a young married couple who will speak on the trials and tribulations of
parenting and family life today and will take place in the Saint Vincent de Paul New Building,
Chapel Lane on Monday 27thApril @ 8.00pm.
Habitat for Humanity Northern Ireland to host special evening of music and song with the
classical music trio The Priests in St Patrick’s RC Cathedral, Armagh on Friday 29th May 2015.
The evening will celebrate the hope that local people have helped Habitat for Humanity NI build
over the last 21 years and raise vital funds to help many more families in need of a decent place to
call home. Tickets (£20) can be purchased at www.habitatni.co.uk or from Armagh Parish Office
Great people, great stories, come and listen!!! Following a wonderful gathering in Armagh on
Thursday evening, a second gathering will take place this Wednesday evening in The Parochial
Centre, Fairhill Rd, Cookstown at 8pm. The evenings which have been organised by Armagh
Diocesan Vocations Team include music and prayer and special testimonies are given. On
Wednesday evening, the speakers will be Deacon Kevin Duffy and Sr Fiona Galligan. Deacon
Kevin is married with two children and he was ordained a permanent Deacon for the Archdiocese
of Armagh last year and he’s currently ministering in the parish of Magherafelt. Sr Fiona has
been a Sister of Mercy for the last number of years and she works as a Chaplain in Craigavon
Area Hospital and St John of God Hospice, Newry. After the presentations, there will be an
opportunity for questions and reflection and refreshments will be served.