Holy Cross, Ardoyne

Re-opening of the Church
We were a bit anxious lest the church, closed from September, would not be ready for the Christmas Masses. Thankfully, because of hard work by the contractors and a bevy of volunteer cleaners, the church was in magnificent shape for the midnight liturgy. I can't describe what it looked like (come and see it) but a huge congregation were delighted with the colour scheme, the lighting, the sense of freshness and renewal, and the portrayal of the architecture in its original setting. A great choir input capped the occasion. There is still much to be done especially on the exterior and this will take up to June.

Fundraising
This continues with great work being done by individuals and groups. Many people have given generous donations to Aidan. Gary with a number of helpers has organised a Spring Ball in the Europa Hotel, for the night of the 16'' April. This is a very ambitious effort but most of the tables have already been taken and it is expected that the takings will be in the region of thousands.

Community
The New Year brought us a new member, John Craven. John was warmly welcomed by us; he is settled in nicely and is patiently taking on board Holy Cross ways. Paschal is happily settled in Nazareth House Care Village. We visit him regularly and have had him here for special celebrations. Angelo was taken to Belfast City Hospital in February. His general state of health is very poor so he has to have special care treatment in hospital, and also when he is at home.
Angelo is unusual in that he can bounce back to life after encounters with the gravest illnesses.

Confirmation Day
About 160 children were confirmed on the 13t` February. Numbers are going down in the area but not the enthusiasm for such events. Bishop Farquhar who is very good with young people led the celebration. We all had an enjoyable day and the fact that the meal with the Bishop and teachers went on from 1.30 pm -11.00 pin says a lot about the welcome they received and the hospitality.

Meetings with the Curia
These, as we all know, were concerned with the future of the province. Perhaps the best comment on them is that we engaged in straight talking and honest dialogue which never became acrimonious. I didn't feel we received any shocks as we had already talked about our situation. The way ahead is obviously difficult and demanding for all of us but I feel that in our community there is a lot of supportive understanding for the Curia and the other members of the Province. (Salvian Maguire CP)

Parish Ministry - Ardoyne
The parish team meets each Tuesday morning for sharing and planning. Alongside planning regular pastoral activity we have identified some urgent issues.

For many people the Sacrament of Marriage is not seen as an option. Rather than limit ourselves to discussing wedding music, we are actively exploring what is possible for good people who feel excluded.

Individual confession before the 10 am and 7 pin Masses on a daily basis attracts few people. Each First Friday during the coming months we will have a communal celebration of the Sacrament of Penance at the beginning of the 7 pm Mass. This, we hope, will form people in a richer understanding of the Sacrament. We began in February and the reaction was encouraging.

Due to particular local circumstances ecumenical activity is quite limited. However, two members of the parish team shared a meal with the local Church of Ireland Minister and his wife as table fellowship during the January Church Unity Week. Regular meetings with a local Presbyterian Minister keep alive a level of dialogue. A joint presentation to the NCPI Northern Branch was made in Belfast by Church of Ireland, Ballysillan and Holy Cross. Witness to our commitment to work together may have been given.

Of great urgency is opening up Holy Cross more fully as a safe haven for those tempted to suicide. We are working on this; time is of the essence. (Aidan Troy CP)