18 January 2015 – Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
The hard edges of SUFFERING
THE PERENNIAL QUESTION
You don’t have to look very far to be confronted with the reality of suffering. If you want to know
about suffering, pick up a newspaper and consider the children of Aleppo in Syria, the women
denied rights in Pakistan, the typhoon-devastated lives in the Philippines, or the elderly neglected
in hospitals and care homes. But we can become adept at shielding ourselves from the world’s
horrors, avoiding the news or pretending, telling ourselves that these people are not like us.
It is much less easy to shield ourselves from the suffering of friends and family. We see
someone grief stricken by the death of a child, or by a diagnosis of a life changing illness, and we
struggle to find a way to make sense of it. Inevitably, though, it is when the worst of life comes to
our own door that we find it hardest to find the words, the strength, and the energy to make
sense of our lives. This world of ours holds immense suffering and, even in our sanitised West
where drugs exist to blunt our every pain, suffering will be an unwelcome guest at the table of
our life sooner or later.
We Irish like to euphemise and understate the pain of life. We’re unlikely to say that what life has
thrown at us is “suffering.” Rather, we’re “having a hard time,” “up against it”, “under the weather,”
“not in the best of form.” The word “suffering” has too many sharp edges that we’d rather soften
and smooth over. It’s easier to deny the truth, call it by a gentler name, deny to everyone the grief,
loss, aching, confusion, agony and even, if we possibly can, deny it to ourselves.
PROFOUNDLY PERSONAL
uffering is always profoundly personal and
utterly unique, so that age-old phrase “I know
just how you feel” is at best untrue and at worst
deeply hurtful. A physiotherapist I know gives the
example of a gardener who cuts her index finger while
chopping vegetables. The cut is a minor irritant, unlikely
to have an impact on her life. The same cut for a concert
violinist on the night before the audition of her life,
however, is a very different matter. For her the tiny cut
may be life-changing and cause very real suffering.
It’s also important to recognise that pain is not
necessarily the same thing as suffering. The aching
shins felt by a rambler at the end of a long day of walking
are painful, but this is not suffering. Pain is a useful
thing, an alarm system that lets us know that something
is wrong physically, spiritually or psychologically, so that
we can do something to restore balance. Suffering,
however, is less explicable than pain, less
understandable, and less easy to get our heads or our
hearts around. n
S
The hard edges
of SUFFERING
on ba
continued
ck page
Season colour: GREEN
SERIES: Finding God in Suffering
“Soul Space - Finding God in Suffering” is written by Edel McClean - Designed by Gabriel Carbone.
Images from ShutterStock. Published by Redemptorist Communications, 75 Orwell Road, Dublin 6. Printed by Nicholson & Bass
© REDEMPTORIST COMMUNICATIONS 2015 www.redcoms.org
In this series, Edel McClean examines the
problem of suffering
ings:
’s read
Today 0.19
-1
1 S 3:3
9
3
Ps
.17-20
:13-15
1 Co 6 2
-4
Jn 1:35
PARKING IN AND AROUND THE CHURCH
Parish Office
Telephone: 90616300
130 Upper Dunmurry Lane Mon-1.00pm- 4.00pm
Belfast,
Tues-Fri- 10.00am-1.00pm
BT17 0EW
The Residents Committee would encourage those attending mass in Our Lady Queen of Peace to avail
of the ample car park provided.
By parking on the road or the footpath residents access to Netherlands Park is greatly impeded and
potential health and safety issues are increased. The Residents Committee along with the Sacristan
invest many hours in maintaining the green areas immediately outside the church; the fruits of their
labours are greatly reduced when persons use the green areas as a parking facility.
Let us try and exercise thoughtfulness in these areas.
Fr. Rory Sheehan. PP
email:[email protected]
VISIT OUR PARISH WEBSITE www.ourladyqueenofpeacekilwee.com
DUNMURRY CHURCHES TOGETHER
Christian Unity Service (Church Unity Week 18-25 January)
Theme of the week is “The Well Is Deep” (John 4)
This year the Service will be held in Dunmurry Presbyterian
Church
at 6.30pm on Sunday, 18th January.
Pope Francis has been urging Christians to stand together in the face of
the undermining of Faith in Christ. We need each other!
Please give your support to this Service of Worship.
A REFLECTION FOR THE SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (by Caitlin Kelly)
John pointed the disciples in the right direction. He knew Jesus was the more important person to
follow. When Jesus saw the disciples following him he invited them to spend time with him. Jesus
got to know the disciples and recognised that Peter was special. We know this because he changed
his name from Simon to Cephas- an indication of the important role that Peter would play in the
Church.
The invitation for us this week is to spend time with Jesus in prayer and get to know him. Perhaps
like John we too could invite a friend to spend time with Jesus and get to know him
A PASTORAL LETTER BY BISHOP NOEL TREANOR
“No longer Slaves, But Brothers and Sisters” - Booklets are available in the Church porches
ST VINCENT DE PAUL
Wish to thank all parishioners who have supported the society throughout the year & especially your
generosity over the Christmas period. The annual Christmas collection within the parish amounted to
£4415.00. The help that we also received with the toy collection and the making of the food
hampers by the school children has all been greatly appreciated.
CREATING PASTORAL COMMUNITIES
Looking to the future Bishop Treanor is calling the diocese to create new Pastoral Communities. This
is part of a dynamic which began with the Listening Process of 2011. This new proposal is guided
both by the vision of a co-responsible Church focused on mission and the realities which are
manifested by the findings of the Diocesan Review which took place last Spring. The Diocese is
currently engaged in a process to determine the boundaries of our new Pastoral Communities. You
are invited to read the Consultation Document available on the Diocesan Website
www.downandconnor.org
CHRISTMAS BALLOT
The Christmas ballot this year raised the grand sum of £1135.00.
Many thanks to all who bought and sold tickets.
DIOCESAN VOCATION WEEKEND
Have you ever considered a vocation to the priesthood? Have you felt called to serve Christ in the
Church as a priest? If so, take this opportunity to gather with other men who are discerning a
vocation to the priesthood. This retreat will create the time and space to help you discern God’s calling
in your life.
The retreat will take place in Drumalis Retreat Centre, from Friday 13th – Sunday 15th February 2015.
If you wish to attend this retreat or would like further information contact: Fr. Kevin McGuckien, 23
Hannahstown Hill, Belfast, BT17 0LT (02890614567) Email:[email protected].
SPECIAL PIONEER MEETING; A special meeting of the Down and Connor Diocesan Pioneer
Council will take place on Sunday 1 February 2015 at 3 pm in Clonard Monastery, Falls Road,
Belfast. Special Guest speakers will be Mr Robert Shannon (National President of the Pioneer
Association) and Mrs Mary Brady (Development Officer for the Pioneer Association). All Pioneer
Council representatives within the Diocese are warmly invited to attend this important meeting.
ARE YOU SUFFERING THE PAIN OF LOSS? Looking for help and understanding?
Beginning Experience (a support group for widowed, separated and divorced people) meets every
Wednesday from 8pm to 10pm in St Bride’s Hall, 38, Derryvolgie Avenue, Malone Rd, Belfast. .
Support group commences Wednesday 21st January 2015.
Residential Weekend: Friday 20th – Sunday 22nd March 2015 in Drumalis Retreat and Conference
Centre, Larne. Application forms available on request.
For further information please contact Phil Tel: 028 90 207645 or Marie Tel: 07542070835
PUBLIC MEETING OF LISBURN P.C.S.P.
The next public meeting will take place on Tuesday 20th January, in Colin Youth Development Centre,
Good Shepherd Road, Poleglass at 7.00pm. At this meeting you will have an opportunity to question
all Members represented on the PCSP on policing and community safety issues in your community.The
statutory agencies who sit on the Partnership include the local Police, Health Trust, Probation Board,
Housing Executive, Youth Service, Youth Justice Agency & the NI Fire and Rescue Service.
Members of the public are strongly encouraged to attend.
ANNIVERSARIES
We pray for those whose anniversaries occur around this time.
Mary & Harry Darmody, Madge & Billy Fahy and Mary McGonigle
Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord and may perpetual light shine upon them
THE SANCTUARY LIGHT: Has been dedicated on week beginning 18th January
‘For a special intention’
WEEKLY OFFERING
Envelope Offering £1134.00 Loose Offering £400.00 Maintenance £267.00
Many thanks for your continued support
CHURCH HOUSEKEEPING: Group D Saturday 24th January 2015
ST. VINCENT de PAUL: Anyone needing help please contact 90616300
Details of MASS TIMES AND ADDITIONAL NOTICES can be seen on the Parish web site.
SOCIETY OF ST MARTHA There is an urgent need for additional volunteers to join some of
the Church housekeeping teams especially for Saturday mornings at 10.30am.
If you could give some time to this very necessary work please contact the parish office 90616300
BETHANY BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP is a parish based group ministry which aims
to help those bereaved and grieving. Support is offered on an individual basis in the home, to groups
in drop-in centres, by phone calls, by helping at funeral liturgies and remembrance services.
As of January 2015 there are twenty four parishes in the Diocese with Bethany Teams.
For more information or to register interest in the next training session which begins in February,
please contact Joan McKeever, 3 The Park ,Tel 90628539
TUESDAY’S CHILD
Tuesday’s Child is a catholic charity helping children and their families in areas of the world ravaged
by war and extreme poverty. Everything we do is All Through Mary for the glory of the Infant
Child. Tuesday’s Child gives 100 percent of donations received and monies raised. When you donate
online, both pay systems we use take a small % of your donation. Administration costs are covered
by a private sponsor and gift aid received goes to our projects. We work directly with catholic
missionaries in all project areas. Where monies are donated to projects run by missionary priests, we
ask for masses to be celebrated in return for Ireland.
Tuesday’s Child gives 100 percent of donations received and monies raised. If you are
donating online both pay systems take a small % of your donation.
SAFEGUARDING (PARISH AUDIT)
The Safeguarding Committee recently completed The Parish Audit in relation to Safeguarding our
children, young people and vulnerable adults. We are pleased to state that Our Lady Queen of Peace
Parish is compliant with all standards as outlined by the National Board for Safeguarding.
All those volunteers in our parish, who are working with children, young people and vulnerable
adults(Eucharistic Ministers to the Nursing Homes) are vetted through Access N.I. All have attended
relevant Safeguarding Training .
If you have concerns re: the safety of a child, young person or vulnerable adult you can contact :
Social Services
Duty Social Worker 02890507000
PSNI
Child Protection Team
028 90259457
02890650222 (out of hours)
The Diocesan Safeguarding Office
02890492783
You can also speak to one of the committee members through the parish office (90 616300)
Committee members are : Fr. Rory Sheehan, Mr. Gerry Heery, Mrs. Pauline Moane, Mrs. Joan Mc
Keever (chair)
‘ALTERNATIVE MASS CARDS’
Alternative Mass Cards are on sale in the shop or from any member of the Apostolic Group.
A priest does not need to sign them -The onus is on you to go to Mass and offer it up for the
deceased and their family. A suggested contribution is £2.00.
BAPTISMS - First Sunday of every month.
To register please contact the parish office at least one month in advance of baptism.
Parents presenting their first born child for Baptism will be expected to attend a pre-baptism
meeting. Please contact the Parish Office to book a place at the meeting as spaces are limited.
LIGHTHOUSE CATHOLIC MEDIA
The stand in the front porch of the Church offers 16 different CD’s. We encourage you to take
advantage of this wonderful opportunity! A suggested donation of £2.00 per CD covers the basic
costs.
PRAYER LIBRARY A small prayer library is located in the Baptistery. There, you will find books
of guidance, suggestions on prayer which you can borrow for use at home.
Please record the details of the book you have borrowed and returned
THE SOCIETY OF ST VINCENT DE PAUL
‘Dear parishioners. The St Vincent de Paul as a Christian Society strives to help the genuinely needy.
Neither poverty nor the Society discriminates. Sadly and increasingly we have bogus callers who
abuse the Christian generosity of our parishioners whose support we depend on. It is difficult to
refuse someone who presents as “seemingly” distressed as we may mistake the genuine for the
bogus but we ask parishioners to direct anyone who contacts them seeking help, either at their
homes or at the church, to call 90601899 or 90351561.
FURNITURE APPEAL
The St Vincent De Paul requires donations of good furniture and Bric-a brac on an on going basis to
assist families who are being housed and seeking help. Meeting this demand is a constant struggle
that may only be met through the public’s generosity.
Aware of the many demands already made of parishioners and thankful for your continued support
may we ask you to consider donating good used furniture to us by contacting any of our members or
telephoning our area office on 90601899
VINCENT’S SHOP; Do you have a few hours to spend each week? Why not help out at our newly
established Vincent’s Shop facing Turf Lodge. Volunteers urgently needed
CLOTHES BANK
A St Vincent De Paul clothes bank has been installed to the left of the Church in the car park.
Used clothes are very welcome. All proceeds go to West Belfast.
WARM HOMES SCHEME
Make your home warmer and reduce energy costs – Grant schemes offering insulation and possibly
new central heating at no cost are available, if you own or privately rent your home and meet
qualifying criteria. For more information or independent advice on reducing energy costs call Bryson
Energy on 0800 1422 865/02866 340782 and quote Health Routes
AGE NI ADVICE SERVICE
If an older person you know needs advice, information or practical support on a wide range of issues
including welfare benefits, community care, housing and health, contact the
Age NI Advice Service on Freephone 0808 808 7575 to speak to a specialist advisor in
confidence. Our advisors can provide a free benefit check to ensure that older people are accessing
the benefits they are entitled to.
FREE HEARING-AID CLINIC: Do you wear an NHS hearing aid or know someone who
does? Action on Hearing Loss runs a free drop-in clinic at Harvester House, 4-8 Adelaide Street,
Belfast BT2 8GA. Telephone 028 90239 619
If you're having trouble with your hearing aid, need new batteries (they are free), need the tubing
changed, or just need some information, come along and talk to our trained Action on Hearing Loss
volunteers. They'll be glad to help
Action on Hearing loss runs a free Hear to Meet group at Harvester House, 4-8 Adelaide Street,
Belfast, BT2 8GA.
Location: The Montague Centre, 2 Fallswater Street, BT12 6BZ
Date: 1st Wednesday every month
Time: 10am to 12pm
Location: Suffolk Library, Stewartstown Road, BT11 9JP
Dates: Thursday 29 Jan
Time: 10.30am to 12pm
Location: Whiterock Library, Whiterock Road, BT12 7FW
Date: 25 March 2015
Time: 11am to 1pm
For more information, please contact Úna Mulgrew on 07918721704
Email: [email protected]
VOLUNTEER APPEAL Action for Hearing Loss is setting up some new clinics in Belfast and we
are looking for Volunteers – Contact Angela, on 02890 239 619. If you have a few hours to spare a
month we would love to hear from you.
RATHMORE GRAMMAR SCHOOL OPEN DAY, Saturday 24 January 2015 from 9.30am to
1.00pm
Address by Principal at 9.30am and 11.00am
LIVING YOUTH
Summer Pilgrimage. Are you 17-23? Why not join us as we journey to celebrate the life and mission
of St Columbanus in Milan, Piacenza, Bergamo and Bobbio. 2nd – 7th August 2015. £690 includes
flights, transfers, accommodation, half board, t-shirts and hoodie. Application forms available from
the Living Youth website www.livingyouthni.org. Closing date: Thursday 29th January 2015.
THE WAY OF ST JAMES -Camino de Santiago
Sections from the Pyrenees to Santiago 22nd – 28th May 2015. 6 Nights Hotel Accommodation, with
Breakfast and dinner daily; Coach and back-up car with group throughout; Walk leader with group
throughout; All airport and local taxes; Travel insurance included.Flying from Dublin Airport COST
£715.00 STG SEATS ARE LIMITED Single room supplement is extra £50.00 deposit secures a seat!
For further details contact: Jean Reynolds 028 44830979 or email: [email protected]
PILGRIMAGE TO ROME AND ASSISI
St Patrick’s parish, Belfast 200th Anniversary Pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi. Staying in the
heart of Rome. Visiting the principal holy places of the Eternal City. Attendance at a Papal event in St
Peter’s Square. Overnight in the city of St Francis and St Clare
October 2nd – 9th 2015 - 995 Euro (approx £780 per person sharing)
Itinerary and booking forms available from parish office.
THE EXPLOREAWAY PROGRAMME
If you are single and between 21 and 40 years of age and feel you may have an interest in religious
life and would like to share with others similar questions then exploreAway aims to provide the input,
support and accompaniment needed to help participants discern their call. The programme involves
five residential weekends and one residential weekend retreat throughout the year, based in Dublin
The weekends will provide input on vocation, discernment, prayer and religious life- its core values
and the various ways it is lived.
Email [email protected] or Tel 087 358 4447 or 085 766 4480
FRIENDS IN FAITH GROUP- CLONARD- Come and join us !
Are you in your 30’s,40’s, 50’s or over, Interested in making new friends / living & sharing your faith
together / participating in various events,. Interested in finding out more ? Why not come along and
see for yourself. Simply register now by emailing your name to [email protected] or text
your name/to 07842960198 and we will be in touch.
TIDY GRAVES
We Tidy Graves is offering a tidy up service and placing of a Christmas wreath on a loved ones grave
from only £15.
Contact Andrew on 02890 292 140 or mobile 0771 8282 816
Website: www.wetidygraves.com
CHERNOBYL CHILDREN APPEAL
We are a locally based Charity offering children living in the areas most heavily contaminated by the
radioactive fallout a respite holiday, helping them recover from the effects of the disaster. The short
time that they spend with us greatly improves their health and offers a tremendous boost to their
immune system.
If you can help, please contact Mairead on 07752399393 anytime on Sunday or after
7pm the rest of the week. You can also email us at :- [email protected]
ADOPTERS NEEDED NOW
Family Care Adoption Services is presently seeking families who would be interested in adopting
children aged between 2 – 6 years and who need the love and attention of a caring and
understanding family. Could this be you?
If you would like to find out more please contact Family Care Adoption Services on: Belfast: 028
90691133 or [email protected]
Website: www.familycaresociety.co.uk We look forward to hearing from you
ACTION CANCERS SUPPORT SERVICES

Counselling (for adults and children over the age of 5) – counselling provides an opportunity to
explore thoughts and feelings, to identify worries and concerns and to create self awareness and
bring about change. Examples of therapies used include: Person Centred Counselling;
Sandplay/art therapy; Thought Field Therapy and Emotional Freedom Technique

Complementary therapies which include: reflexology, aromatherapy, relaxation techniques,
Bach Flower remedies, gentle massage, Bowen and Emmett therapy.

Acupuncture clinic – acupuncture can help with pain and symptom control.

One to one Coaching.

A group focused Positive Living Programme – this programme uses life coaching techniques
to help people reflect, refocus, build coping skills and set personal goals to be able to move
forward positively with life after a cancer diagnosis.
For further information Tel 90803344 or email [email protected] or visit the website at
www.actioncancer.org
INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING?
The charity Lifeni is looking for volunteers for their charity shop on the Lisburn Road. If you would
like to find out more please contact Jayne/Joanne @90438339.
We are also seeking donations of good quality clothes, accessories, shoes, books and bric-a-brac.
Lifeni caring, educating, upholding the value of human life.
WERE YOU ABUSED WHEN YOU WERE IN AN INSTITUTION? TALK TO US - WE
WILL LISTEN”
The Historic Institutional Abuse Inquiry is an independent Inquiry set up to investigate abuse of
children in residential institutions (but not schools) in Northern Ireland between 1922 and 1995. Abuse
could be sexual or physical abuse, or emotional abuse or neglect. The Inquiry has an
Acknowledgment Forum where you can come and tell experienced professionals in private, and in
confidence, about abuse you experienced. Another part of the inquiry will investigate abuse, and
then make recommendations to the Northern Ireland government. You can choose to talk to both
parts, or to either part, of the Inquiry.
If you were abused in an institution, or saw others being abused, the Inquiry wants to talk to you. It
hopes that as many people as possible who experienced abuse in institutions, or witnessed others
being abused, will come forward to help the Inquiry investigate the way these children were treated,
and what should be done about it. If you know someone who was abused encourage them to contact
us.
If you want to contact us you can get more information on our website www.hiainquiry.org. If you live
in the UK you can write to us at FREEPOST HIA Inquiry, or ring us at our FREEPHONE number 0800
068 4935. If you live outside the UK you can write to us at HIA Inquiry, PO Box 2080, Belfast, BT1
9QA,
MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF OTHERS…
…AND CHANGE YOUR OWN LIFE FOREVER
Since 1960, Viatores Christi has aimed to respond to needs overseas and at home by giving people
an opportunity to share their lives and skills with those in need. People from all backgrounds and
professions join VC - people who want to challenge themselves to make a difference in the world,
however big or small. If you want to explore such a challenge, and you are interested in learning
more
email [email protected] call 01-8689986 or visithttp://viatoreschristi.com/events/
HELP IMPROVE LIFE FOR PEOPLE WITH PARKINSON’S…… Give time, get inspired
Volunteers are vital to our work and make a real difference to everyone living with Parkinson’s in the
Belfast area.
You can volunteer for us in lots of ways, from raising awareness of Parkinson’s to helping at a
support group. Here’s what some of our volunteers say about volunteering at Parkinson’s UK:
“I feel that I am part of something really special and that what is achieved really does make a
difference to people with Parkinson’s.”
“Raising funds for research gives me hope that a cure will be found”.
“Volunteering lets me focus on what I can do, rather than what I can’t do because of my
Parkinson’s.”
Join us today and you will be part of a team with full training to carry out your role. You will also
have a dedicated person to support you and receive out of pocket expenses. For more information
on the volunteer roles available and an application pack contact Paula Mc Larnon, Branch and
Volunteer Support, 0844 225 3684 or email [email protected]
HEAVEN’S ROAD FM CATHOLIC RADIOwww.heavensroadfm.com is a new internet
Radio broadcasting Catholic programmes, prayers, interviews and music. Their website broadcasts
up to 40 Masses and other services daily and has over 200+ podcasts available as Listenagain. Tune in and listen/watch. The Radio is run on a shoestring by unpaid volunteers, so any
donation, however small, would be very welcome. Cheques should be made payable to Heavens
Road fm Catholic Radio and sent to Heavens Road fm Radio, St John’s Seminary, Wonersh,
Guildford, GU5 0QX. Follow on Facebook (Heavens Roadfm) or twitter (@HeavensRoadFM).
Heavens Road fm Catholic Radiowww.heavensroadfm.com is broadcasting a special series of
programmes on Vocations startingSunday 12th Oct. Tune in and enjoy this new series on our
Catholic radio. Their website broadcasts up to 40 live Masses daily. They are also looking for
enthusiastic people to help make programmes and techies to operate the Radio. Further info
athttp://www.heavensroadfm.com/vols/. Follow on Facebook (Heavens Roadfm) or twitter
(@HeavensRoadFM).
SERVING AFRICA THROUGH OLD COMPUTERS
Camara are a Local Charity based in Unit 10, Townsend Enterprise Park. Belfast BT13 2 ES, who
take old computers, wipe the data, refurbish them and set them up in schools in Africa as computer
labs. Combined with accredited training courses and ongoing maintenance we have taught over half a
million young people how to use a computer. This vital skill in today's world opens up
unending opportunities for the young people whilst also building a better future for the country.
To do this amazing work we need old computers. There is huge demand from Africa
for Camara computers as we send them preloaded with software and train the teachers how to use
them. From 11th November we will run our annual "One week, One Thousand Computers" campaign.
Churches in Northern Ireland contributed over a quarter of this last year.
This annual event tries to find 1,000 unused and unwanted pcs and laptops for reuse in deprived
schools in Africa. Camara wipe and repair computers of all ages, shapes and sizes, load them with
educational software and ship them to one of Camara’s seven African Hubs where they are
distributed to the most deprived schools. We are asking people to dig out their old computers that are
gathering dust.
Visit www.camara.org for details of where to drop your computers off between 9.30 and 4.30 any
week day.
For your information. It costs £100 per computer to process, ship and provide the relevant training
and maintenance for a minimum of 21 children to learn how to use it over the next 3 years. Most
schools require a 25 computer suite at a cost of £2,500. Whilst we are not asking for donations
anyone who feels they would like to support Camara in this way may do so
through https://mydonate.bt.com/charities/camara or by sending a donation along with a computer to
our base in 10, Townsend Enterprise Park.