Sunday 1st November 2009

All Saints

Sunday, 1st November 2009

All Saints

First Reading Apocalypse 7: 2-4, 9-14
I saw a huge Number, impossible to count, of people from every nation, race, tribe and language.

Second Reading 1 John 3: 1-3
Think of the love that the Father has lavished on us, by letting us be called God’s children.

Gospel Matthew 5: 1-12
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.

FEAST OF ALL SAINTS

Have you ever noticed that in radio and TV interviews where an issue of national importance is being discussed the language of ‘seeing’ and ‘hearing’ is often used to describe understanding, comprehension and insight? ‘I see it this way…..’ ‘What I hear you saying is…’ In this sense, sight has as much to do with seeing beneath the surface of things as it has to do with being able to recognise persons or objects in the physical sense. In other words, truly ‘seeing’ goes deeper than surface realities. In the same way, truly ‘hearing’ often demands going beyond the surface meaning of words used to the deeper reality they point towards. Language like this appeals to listeners to ‘hear’ in order to ‘see’ and understand.

The three readings from Scripture which are proclaimed in today’s Mass are all linked by an appeal to these two senses of hearing and sight. John ‘saw’ another angel and ‘heard’ how many were sealed. He ‘saw’ a huge number of people and ‘heard’ their shouts of praise. Again in his first letter, John uses language to appeal to the imaginations of those who read his letter. He asks them to think about the love God lavishes on them in order for them to better ‘see’ who they really are; the children of God. By seeing this more clearly they will then model their lives more closely on Christ’s in order to come one day into the fullness of reality in heaven.

The Gospel ties all this together beautifully by opening with three simple yet powerful words; ‘seeing the crowds’. By ‘seeing’ Matthew means that Jesus looks at them with compassion and insight. He sees into their hearts and he recognises the need they have for encouragement and hope.
He also wants them - and by extension us - to recognise that blessedness belongs to those who are faithful in the ordinary circumstances of their everyday lives. Blessedness is part and parcel of the lives of those who are humble, gentle, compassionate, just, merciful, generous, peaceful and willing to sacrifice for the good of others. This is the path to sanctity.

 

Lost - King Charles Pup Cream with brown patches.

Answers to the name ‘Cookie’ Lost in Foylesprings area.

Please contact 71370313

BAPTISMS

Our Parish family welcomes:

Eoin Anthony Daly
39 Springvale Park.
Alexandra Jacqueline McCallion
116 St. Eithne’s Park
Kyrah White 31B Lower Nassau St.

MASS FOR DECEASED PARISHIONERS will take place tomorrow Monday 2nd November at 7.30pm. The names of those who have died during the past year will be read out and the Mass offered for them especially. Everyone is welcome to this Mass as the Mass will be offered for all who have died. A representative of each bereaved family has been asked to carry up a candle in the Offertory Procession. This special ceremony is being co-ordinated by our Parish Bereavement Group.

FIRST FRIDAY Friday is the first Friday of November

The sick in Hazelbank who are visited after 3.00pm will be visited on Thursday 5th November The sick in Templegrove and remainder of Hazelbank will be visited on Thursday 5th or Friday 6th November Confession will be at the usual times on Thursday. There will be a Holy Hour on Thursday from 8-9.00pm

 

GROUP GUIDED PRAYER

Thursday 8.00pm - 9.00pm in the Upper Room. This group will meet each week to pray with regard to Sunday Scripture readings. All welcome

 

INDULGENCES FOR THE HOLY SOULS from 1-2nd November all who have confessed, received Communion and prayed for the Pope’s intentions can gain a plenary indulgence by visiting a cemetery or church and praying for the dead. From 1-8th November a plenary indulgence may be gained each day by those who visit a cemetery and pray for the dead.

SUNDAY COLLECTION

25th Oct amounted to £2101.54 and €154.17 Thank you.

DIOCESAN MASS FOR DECEASED YOUNG PEOPLE

There will be a Special Diocesan Mass on Sunday next 15th November at 3pm in the church. The Mass will be an opportunity for family and friends who have lost young loved ones to come together in a spirit of prayer and hope. If you have been bereaved or affected by a young death we invite you in faith to come and remember the life of your loved one.

 

Through the Eyes of St Luke: As St Luke’s Gospels will be used in the Sunday Masses of the coming year, this 4-week course will help us to appreciate the emphasis and focus of Luke’s account of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Venue: Thornhill Centre. Dates & Time: Monday 9, 16, 23 & 30 November from 7:30 to 9:30 pm. Cost: £30 (payable in instalments). To book, phone 71351233.

Draw to promote Temperance in Ireland and in the Developing World is being organised by the Central Office of the Pioneer Assoc. It starts in mid-November £7 for 6 months or £40 for those who pay for 6 months in advance. Anyone who wishes to enter the draw should contact Andrew Doherty 71352285 or Danny Gorman 71352725 before 9th Nov.

 

ANNUAL NOVENA TO OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP will begin on Monday 16th November and will continue until Monday 21st December. The Novena will include all the usual elements, i.e. The Novena Prayer, Petitions, expressing our needs and intentions, Eucharistic Adoration, and the Blessing of the Blessed Sacrament with prayer of Healing.

 

MARIAN MOVEMENT CENACLE

A Regional Marian Movement day of Prayer for Priests and laity led by Fr. Michael Maher will take place on Saturday 7th Nov. in St. Mary’s Church Ardmore 12noon- 4.30pm. The day will include Adoration, Confessins Talks and Mass. All welcome. Please bring a packed lunch.

 

SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL urgently requires good quality clothes and household furniture. Please contact 71265489 for collection

DERRY DIOCESAN LOURDES PILGRIMAGE 16-21 July

The Derry Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes will take place 16-21 July 2010 £629. Application Forms are available at the Parochial House or the Diocesan Pilgrimage Office 164 Bishop St. Special booking forms for pilgrims who are sick or are in need of care/help are available only from pilgrimage office.Tel 71260293

LASCO LOTTO . numbers drawn 26th October 2, 8, 12, 24 0 x £10 winners No Jackpot winner Next weeks jackpot £1250 Anyone wishing to join please contact LASCO 71374443

ARE YOU UNEMPLOYED OR ON BENEFITS? Would you like help finding a job or improving your job prospects? Community Kickstart Service available from Flat 14, Synge Court.

 

CITY CENTRE CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR. Saturday 7th Nov in the Playhouse Artillery St. Showcasing local craft work 11am-4.30pm. Admission £1

AGE CONCERN provide free computer tuition every Tuesday and Wednesday morning! Participants must be over 60 years of age and reside within Derry City Council area. To make an appointment please telephone (028) 71 347 478 or email dev.ageconcern@derrycityconnect.org