Friday 22nd January 2021

Statement by the Northern Catholic Bishops

Regarding extension of the Covid-19 Shut-down by the Northern Ireland Executive

to 5^th March 2021.

Yesterday afternoon the Northern Ireland Executive took the unanimous decision to extend the current Covid-19 restrictions until Friday 5^th March 2021. This decision was based on the strong recommendation of the Chief Medical Officer and the Chief Scientific Advisor, as a result of the continued extremely high level of transmission of the Covid-19 virus throughout the community (which over these last four weeks had not reduced to the level that had been hoped for), along with the increasing numbers in hospital and intensive care.

In the light of this decision, and on the basis of the clear and unequivocal public health advice that people should continue to stay at home, the Northern Catholic Bishops have decided that, until 5 March (but subject to ongoing review in line with any change to the public health advice), the celebration of the Eucharist and other liturgies should continue to take place without the physical presence of the faithful. Marriage, funeral, baptismal liturgies and drive-in services may continue (subject to strict safety guidelines and regulations). Arrangements for recording and/or livestreaming and making individual visits for private prayer are also permissible in accordance with regulations.  We encourage parishes, where possible, to continue to broadcast the celebration of Mass - and other devotions and prayer services - online and on other media, knowing that faith and prayer can be a tremendous support to individuals and society during these difficult times.

We once more make this decision reluctantly, conscious of the pain that not being able to gather for public worship causes for all the faithful, but in the hope that this period of sacrifice is inspired by the command of Jesus to love our neighbours and undertaken for the protection of life and health and for the Common Good. 

We continue to ask for prayers for the sick, the bereaved and all those whose livelihoods have been particularly impacted by the pandemic.  We keep especially in mind all health workers, carers, chaplains and other essential workers.  We welcome the announcement that a similar position is being taken by the leaders of the Church of Ireland, the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, the Methodist Church in Ireland and many other denominations and faith communities in response to the unequivocal message from public health authorities that as many people as possible stay at home at this time.

Most Rev Eamon Martin DD                                              

Archbishop of Armagh & Primate of All-Ireland

Apostolic Administrator of Dromore

Most Rev Noel Treanor DD

Bishop of Down and Connor

Most Rev Donal McKeown DD

Bishop of Derry

Most Rev Larry Duffy DD

Bishop of Clogher

Most Rev Michael Router DD

Auxiliary Bishop of Armagh

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The current bulletin, as below, can be accessed by clicking on “24th January” on the “Parish Bulletin” section of this webpage

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 2021 Down & Connor Diocesan Directory on sale in the sacristy; price: £4

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 Please consider, if your present circumstances allow,

making a donation to the parish.

Scroll down to the very bottom of this webpage

to see methods of doing so. 

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Parish church webcam

https://www.mcnmedia.tv/camera/st-patricks-and-st-brigids-church-ballycastle

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 Mass 7 days a week at 10am.

Please remember that the obligation to attend Mass on Sunday remains suspended.

Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet from Monday to Saturday at 3pm.

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 An Act of Spiritual Communion.

“My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the Blessed Sacrament.
I love you above all things and I desire you with all my heart.
Since I cannot now receive you sacramentally,
I ask you to come spiritually into my heart.
I embrace you as if you were already in my heart
and unite myself to you completely.
Please do not let me ever by separated from you.”

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Due to the Coronavirus situation all are dispensed from the obligation to attend Mass on Sunday and Holy Days of Obligation. Mass can be viewed on the webcam or listened to on the parish CB radio. (Webcam viewing can also be accessed on www.mcnmedia.tv. [by clicking on “cameras”, then “churches”, then “Co. Antrim”, and then “Ballycastle”]. Please also note a set top box is needed for those parishioners who wish to view on their televisions; however internet is still required. The webcam can be viewed on laptop, PC, smart phone, kindle etc. If you have the internet and wish to view the Church on your TV, this will involve having a set-top box installed on your TV. For further information please contact Seamus McNichol, MCN Media on 07732329066)

To read and pray with today’s Mass readings

go to https://www.catholicireland.net/readings/

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All enquiries to Fr. Brian Daly, P.P., 20762223; email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Parish emergency mobile number 07809553349 

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Saint Vincent De Paul Helpline 07754722022

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For more notices please click on the "Parish News" section in the main menu on the left hand column of this page.

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For information on Parish Graveyards please go to 'Parish News' section of this website.

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Sunday Church Collections

Many people are worried about their own family finances at this time, so it means a great deal that some people are able to support the parish too.

Thank you to everyone who is managing to make contributions at this difficult time

               OFFERTORY ENVELOPES, 2020 / 2021    

Each year we remind parishioners of the Standing Order option, but his year in particular we strongly encourage all to consider filling up a Standing Order form. Please also consider signing a Gift Aid form - if you use your envelope or contribute by Standing Order and pay TAX you can sign a GIFT AID FORM, which will enable the parish to claim (from the Government) an additional 28p roughly for every £1 contributed to the parish.

Standing Order forms (FORM A, with Gift Aid tick box, to be returned to the parish office, and FORM B to be submitted to your bank) below:

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Gift Aid declaration form (for those still using boxes of envelopes) below:

*** or consider***

paying by online banking faster payment to the Ballycastle Parish account:

sort code: 95-02-21  and account number: 21000616,

and please put your full name and envelope box number in the reference section.

ELECTONIC DONATION TO PARISH:

CLICK https://pay.easypaymentsplus.com/myeasypay1.aspx?id=1992 

AND GO TO "DONATION TO BALLYCASTLE PARISH" OPTION

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 Please consider leaving a legacy to the parish when making a will.