Bulletin Notices forwarded by Parishes and other Organisations - 30 April 2020

Vocations Sunday – 3 May

The following resources for Vocations Sunday (good shepherd Sunday) can be found at:

 https://vocations.ie/2020/04/28/vocation-sunday-resources-2020/

• Sample notice for your parish newsletter / bulletin
  
• Summary of the readings for Sunday
  
• Some thoughts for a homily
  
• Sample Prayers of the Faithful
  
• Copy of the Message from Pope Francis for this year’s World Day of Prayer for Vocations.

RTÉ TV to Broadcast Vocations Sunday Mass at 11.00am on 3 May

This Sunday, 3 May, is Vocations Sunday, the dedicated annual day for Catholics around the world to offer special prayers to encourage vocations from families and parishes to the priesthood and to religious life.  On Sunday RTÉ One television will broadcast Mass for vocations at 11.00am and it will be celebrated by Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan and concelebrated by Father Willie Purcell.

Ahead of the world day of prayer for vocations, the chair of the Bishops’ Council for Vocations, Bishop Cullinan, said, "We join with Pope Francis in asking the Church to continue to promote vocations.  The Holy Father asks us to find courage to say ‘yes’ to God, to overcome all weariness through faith in Christ.  My prayer is that all who are being called to diocesan priesthood will have that courage to say ‘yes’ to God's call!”

Father Purcell, National Diocesan Vocations Coordinator, said, "During these days of social distancing and isolation we have the opportunity to connect with the unfolding plan of God in our lives.  For those who are discerning a vocation to diocesan priesthood and religious life it is a valuable time through prayer and reflection to listen more deeply to where God is calling you, and in generosity to say ‘yes’ to that call.”

Radio Maria

Radio Maria will broadcast the 11.00am Mass on Sunday morning from St Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh, for the next number of weeks. Ways to watch or listen:

• Freeview Channel 867 (may be a different channel depending on your TV) 
• https://www.radiomaria.ie/
  
• Radio Maria mobile phone app
  
• SAORVIEW Channel 210
• http://armaghparish.net/cathedral-webcam/

RTÉ News Now Channel to broadcast Mass every Sunday during Pandemic Restrictions

Mass will be broadcast at 2.00pm on RTÉ News Now digital television channel each Sunday as long as the pandemic restrictions apply. 

Hospital Chaplaincy in the Southern Trust (NI) in These Days

While chaplains are not permitted to carry out routine hospital visits at the moment, they are still available for emergency or urgent visits. To call a chaplain at any time, just ring the relevant hospital and ask for the chaplain on call. 

In addition, if you or a family member are in hospital, or indeed if you work in the hospital, and you would like to chat with a chaplain, there is a chaplaincy phone service available daily:

From 10am - 12 noon, please call 028-38334444
From 2pm - 4pm, please call 028-30835000.

See poster below.

Prayer Requests Welcome

The Sisters of Mercy, "Bethany" House of Prayer, 34 Point Road, Dundalk, Co. Louth, continue to welcome any person who may wish to request "A Prayer by Telephone", especially during these very difficult times.  One of the Sisters will be happy to pray with you.
Telephone: 042-9331602 – 9.00am – 9.00pm daily.

ACCORD - New Free Helpline

Accord’s new helpline identifies problems and offers advice to couples during pandemic restrictions.  Accord’s free and confidential ‘Relationships Support Phone Line’ for marriages, families and relationships offers support to those experiencing extra pressure due to social restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.  The telephone numbers are:

• Accord CLG – 01 531 3331
  
• Accord NI – 028 9568 0151 or 00353 1 531 3331

Advice regarding Scams (Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council)

• Only use the services of people you know and trust;
  
• Please ensure you speak with a trusted member of your Church to arrange collection or alternative methods for paying your weekly collections;
• Be alert to online and telephone scams, do not share personal or financial details with anyone;
  
• Keep your doors locked at all times.  Use your door chain or peep hole.  Check ID, call 101 Quick Check to confirm identity.  Please display ‘No cold calling’ stickers or the nominated neighbour scheme.