1a Bryson Street, Belfast, BT5 4ESTel: 028 9045 7626 | Fax: 028 9045 2456Email: info@stmatthewsparish.org

We pray for those who have died recently especially Rosie Parks and for all whose anniversaries are at this time, William Mc Kay, Bridget Halfpenny, Mary Glenholmes, Elizabeth Morris, Ria Murray, Matthew Burke, Sarah Mc Manus and Brian Murray. May they rest in Peace O Lord.

In the event of an emergency outside office hours contact 02890 457626 or 078 34 098553. These numbers will contact you directly with parish office staff.

The amount raised in this year's Lenten Campaign for Trocaire was a massive £2089:00. Thank you to everyone who contributed to such a worthwhile cause.

Next week the Monthly Jackpot takes place. All members must be fully paid up to be eligible. To be fair to all the members this rule will be strictly adhered to in association with the rules of the Non-Stop Draw.

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

Adoration commenced on Thursday 17th April. Thanks to all those who committed to covering a time slot (more slots are available). Two people can share, i.e. cover an hour or a half hour on alternate weeks. Adorers can be men or women over the age of 18 years. Everyone is welcome to call into the Church and light a candle, bring all your troubles and prayers to the Blessed Sacrament and pray in the calmness and quiet. Please pray for vocations. In today’s society when vocations to the Priesthood and religious life are at an all time low, prayers are urgently needed. Feel free to use the books provided which contain beautiful prayers and devotions but we would like to keep them in the Church to be used every week.

It is time now to renew the Parish Offertory Envelopes. Every year boxes of envelopes go unused and as the parish has to pay for them we would be delighted to hear from anyone who would be willing to start using them (or re-start using them). Please contact the Parish Office - telephone 028 90 457626 during office hours and we will have them delivered to your door at the beginning of May. If you have recently moved home, please let us know your new address.

The rota for the beginning of the new month is as follows; 4th May – Vigil – Imelda Duffy: 9:30am – John Doherty: 12:00 noon – Agnes Mc Ginley: 11th May – Vigil – Olivia Dibden: 9:30am – Erin Mc Glade: 12 noon – Ella Mc Mahon.

The team for the month of May is the Rooney Group. If you need a key or any cleaning materials please inform the Parish Office.

The Annual Corpus Christie Procession will take place from the Dominican Convent to the Cathedral on the afternoon of Sunday 25th May 2008, the Feast of Corpus Christi.

BAPTISMS: We welcome our new Parishioners who were baptised recently in the Parish. Holly Francis Mc Goldrick: Temitayo Aoife Shanu: Adam Anthony O’Neill: Liam Martin Mc Glade: Carla Brigeen Martin. The Sacrament of Baptism will be celebrated next on Sunday 18th May 2008. Parents must first contact the Parish Sisters on 028 90 597914.

COME VISIT THE CHURCH SHOP – BEAUTIFUL GIFTS AND CARDS FOR FIRST COMMUNION ON SALE. ALSO CANDLES/GIFTS/CARDS FOR ALL OCCASIONS.

This year's pilgrimage (full 7 days) takes place from 26th August 2008 - 2nd September 2008. Staying at the “Hotel Tres Pastorinhos” (close to the sanctuary). Price - €699 (approx £540). Price includes bus to and from Dublin Airport and guided tours. Spiritual Directors - Fr Séan Gilmore and Fr Gerry Mc Closkey. Contact Theresa (St Matthew's) on 90 457626 or Moya (St Agnes') on 90515702 for more information and booking forms.

This year’s pilgrimage will take place on the following dates; 5 nights - July 11-16 £435: Contact Molly Davey for more information. Please note: Anyone still thinking of going to Lourdes with the Parish would need to book immediately to ensure that all parishioners go out on the same flight and stay in the same hotel.

A 10 day pilgrimage will take place to San Giovanni, Loretto and Cattolica. Flights departing Belfast on 9th July 2008; returning on 18th July 2008. If interested contact Lucy Cranney, 90 742589.

The Trustees of Milltown Cemetery recognise that many leaseholders are anxious to maintain family graves but are unable to do so for a variety of reasons. Following requests from public to help with this problem, the Trustees, in conjunction with Citywide Cemetery Regeneration Ltd., have now introduced a new service ‘Direct Grave Maintenance’. There has already been a significant take up in the number of people signing up for this scheme. It will be of particular benefit to those who have moved from Belfast or who are unable to visit the Cemetery regularly. Please contact the office on 90613972 for full details and cost.

Accord is offering Marriage Preparation Courses throughout the year so if you intend getting married this year or next year you need to book your course. You should attend the course at least six months before the wedding date. Book early as they are usually booked up well on advance. Contact Accord on 90339944.

BAPTISM INFORMATION : Anyone wishing to have their child baptised must first contact the parish sisters on 90 597914. Please note: One sponsor, male or female, is sufficient. If there are two sponsors, one must be male and one must be female. Two is the maximum amount of sponsors. The sponsor should be no less than 16 years of age, a catholic who has been confirmed and who lives an appropriate life of faith. A Baptised person who is not a catholic may also act, not as a sponsor, but as a Christian witness to the Baptism. Parents who wish to have their child baptised in another parish must obtain a letter of freedom from the parish office. Likewise, parents who are not parishioners must bring a letter of freedom from their home parish to have their child baptised in St Matthew’s.

Bingo takes place every Sunday night at 8pm in the Short Strand Community Centre. Everyone welcome.

WEEKLY BULLETIN- 27th April 2008