Sunday 2nd Sept - Vol. 24 No 34

CLEAR SKIES AND LOW HUMILITY

In some respects the journey from childhood tends to be one where we eventually realise that we’re not it, that there are actually more people to be considered than us. In short the world doesn’t revolve around you. Mind you there are some people who never fully make the transition - but that’s another story. In fact it’s more than a Gospel story, it’s a parable of our lives.

In considering our place in the scheme of things we tend to play safe on public occasions. But we have all made the honest mistake of sitting where we were not supposed to. It’s not that we demean ourselves, or put ourselves down. Instead we simply understand that we’re not the big deal we thought we were. While pride makes us artificial, humility makes us real.

People who are happy in themselves rarely see the need to self-promote or to seek attention, power or exaltation over other people. We see it all around us, in politics, in sports and entertainment, in our workplaces, in the home and yes - in Church. It’s just possible that if you take a seat where ‘someone’ always sits - you will be abruptly reminded. Today the Master reminds us that without humility, there can be no humanity. That we come nearest to the great when we are great in humility. ‘the greater you are, the more you should behave humbly’

SYMPATHY
We offer our sympathy to the family and friends of
Sean McCrossan, O’Casey Court . May he rest in peace.

BAPTISMS
Our parish family welcomes
Matthew Cooper Barbee, 39 Norburgh Park

FIRST FRIDAY
Friday is the first Friday of September. The sick will be attended as usual. Confessions will be at the usual times of Thursday. There will be a Holy Hour on Thursday from 8-9.00pm.

SUNDAY MASSES during August and September will be as follows: Vigil 6.00pm. 9.30am, 11.15am and 12.30pm.

PADRE PIO PRAYER GROUP
Nazareth House 8pm tomorrow Monday 3rd September Fr. Paddy who has been Spiritual Director of this group for many years will sadly be celebrating what will be his final Mass for the group. We would like to thank him for all he has done over the years spent with us and invite anyone who wishes to attend his farewell Mass for the group to join us.

SUNDAY COLLECTION for 19th August amounted to £1905.25 Thank you

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Fr. McKenna wishes to acknowledge a donation of £50 for flowers for the altar

HELP SAVE OUR PLAYSCHOOL
Charity Auction today Sunday 2nd September in Rocking Chair Bar 3pm-7pm One Day Shop Saturday 8th September St. Bernadette’s Playschool Hazelbank 12noon. All donations gratefully accepted. For further information contact 71308932 or Marie 71263499

MARRIGE PREPARATION WORKSHOP
5th/6th October in Thornhill Centre Friday 7pm to 10pm and Saturday 10.00am-4.00pm. Booking forms available from the Pastoral Centre 164 Bishop Street Tel. 71362475

PATHWAY TO PRAYER
An opportunity to explore the Old and New Testaments, Liturgy, Creative Expression, Centering Prayer. Mondays 7.30pm-9.30pm (0ne year course) beginning 1st October in Thornhill centre. Cost £120. For details telephone 71351233

BLESSED ALEXANDRINA MARIA DA COSTA
Mass in her honour will be celebrated in Termonbacca at 7.30pm. today Sunday 2nd September. All welcome.

PILGRIMAGE TO FATIMA
27TH September—4th October 7 nights full board Cost €680 per person sharing. Contact 71261387 for further details

CULLEN SCHOOL OF IRISH DANCING
Classes resume 3rd Sept. in Marian Hall Steelstown.For more information telephone 71264548

GALLIAGH WOMEN’S GROUP
Training/Education Open Day for women -Thursday 6th September 9.30-4.00pm. If you would like to sign up for any classes ring Rosie or Rhona 71358566. A wide range of alternative Therapies is available. Weight management, Reiki, Reflexology, Foot care and Cook It Programme.
COURSES AVAILABLE
Employment Skills Level 1 Essential Skills for learning in the community Level 1 and 2. Working the Community Level 2

FOYLE EPILEPSY SUPPORT GROUP Meeting on Wednesday 5th Sept. 7.30pm in City Hotel. All welcome. Meetings 1st Wednesday of each month in City Hotel

ITALY 7 night trip 3 nights San Giovanni 4 nights seaside 4 Star hotels 21st September. For details ring Sean Mulrine 71265926

Derry Set Dancing Club
Classes start Tuesday 4 September 2007, in AOH Hall Foyle St. Beginners class 7.30 - 8.30pm. All dancers (incl. beginners) right through until 10.00pm

SCHOOLS REOPENING
Holy Family School will reopen on Monday 3rd September for all P2-P7 pupils. All P1 pupils commence on their allocated dates.
There will be an Open Day for all incoming nursery pupils on Monday between 9.00am - 1.30pm.

St. Eithne’s School will reopen for all pupils on Monday 3rd Sept.

Thornhill College
Registration Day Mon 3rd Year 8
Tues 4th—whole school except Year 8

ST. CECILIA’S COLLEGE
Monday. Year 12
Tuesday. Year 9 and 11
Wednesday. Year 10 and 13

ST PETERS
Year 9 pupils -Tuesday 4th September
Year 10 - Wednesday 5th
Year 11 - Thursday 6th
Year 12 - Friday 7th September
All 6th Form including Year 13 students begin on Monday 10th September.