Sunday 3rd February 2008

ALCOHOL THE CHALLENGE OF MODERATION

Today the last Sunday before Lent is known as Temperance Sunday. Last year the Irish Bishops issued a Pastoral letter asking for moderation in the use of alcohol-seeing it as a gift and acknowledging the ruin that excessive use of alcohol causes at present. Here is an extract from the letter which is available at www.catholiccommunications.ie

What response can we make to ensure that moderate drinking remains moderate and does not get out of hand? And what response can we make to those whose lives have already become unmanageable as a result of alcohol?

Unfortunately alcohol can be destructive and anything but life giving. We still use it to celebrate special occasions and it has become more and more common in our homes and on our dinner tables.

Although people achieve sobriety in many ways. Alcoholic’s Anonymous remains the greatest route to recovery for people who have become dependant on alcohol.

AA has lessons for all of us. One of its crucial beliefs is that of a ‘higher power’. As Alcoholics, the early members found that their own willpower was inadequate to resist the temptation of alcohol.
It was only when they asked for help and support from a greater power that their path to recovery commenced.

Alcohol confronts us with our own frailty and weakness. Even those who are not addicted need the support of a higher power in the journey through life if we are to avoid the perils of addiction. We need the support of friends, of family and of God.

Alcohol, then, forces us to face two facts of life. One is our vulnerability; the other is that as humans, and as members of God’s church we are in a community together.

Many people decide to observe temperance during Lent, in the spirit of giving up in order to become better people. Should people decide to make giving up alcohol part of their Lenten fast and abstinence, the freedom and extra resources they experience could be channelled into helping others in need at home and in the third world. Prayer often motivates us to want to make sacrifices, and ongoing prayer linked closely to life can help us to see that making sacrifices is a positive force, not just arid self-denial.

What a great legacy and gift it would be for our children in this new emerging country of ours if we would be a generation brave enough to promote and work for an attitude and culture of moderation rather than excess in our use of alcohol.

If we could promote abstinence or moderation and create attitudes towards alcohol use that are conducive to a better and healthier way of life, then indeed we would be leaving a wonderful inheritance to future generations.

BAPTISMS
Our Parish family welcomes:
Cathan Oisin Griffin-Duffy, 32 Ashthorpe Waterside
Caitlin Roisin McCloskey, 11 Farmhill
Daniel Mark McLaughlin, 96 St. Eithne’s Park
Lauren Margaret McGowan, 10 Farmhill

ASH WEDNESDAY falls this week. The ashes as you know, are from burnt palms of the previous year. Please leave your palms in the sacristy before Tuesday. Ashes will be distributed at all Masses on Wednesday.
Wednesday is a day of fast and abstinence.
During Lent there will be an extra Mass Monday - Friday at 5.00pm. Beginning on Ash Wednesday.
Stations of the Cross after evening Mass Monday to Friday.
Lenten Devotions on Sundays at 6.00pm

SICK VISITATION
The sick in Fr. McKenna’s care will be visited on Thursday and Friday 7th and 8th February.

Time to Pray Day
On the first Sunday of each month Thornhill Centre is open from 3:00 to 6:00 pm for those who wish to come and pray in the beauty and quiet of the house. Evening Prayer of the Church is celebrated at 5:30. This month prayers are offered for the sick.

Lenten Thursdays
Beginning Thursday 7 February, Thornhill Centre is hosting a series of ‘Reflection Mornings’ for the Thursdays of Lent. Each morning begins at 10:30, concludes with a light lunch at 1:00 pm and includes a talk, quiet reflection and ritual. A donation of £5 per morning is suggested. Tel. 71351233 to book.

TIME TO PRAY DAY To mark the beginning of a Novena of Prayer for the sick in our Diocese Thornhill Centre is happy to host a’Time to Pray Day’ 3.00-6.00pm today Sunday 3rd February when special prayers will be offered for those who suffer poor health, either mental or physical.

VOCATIONS INFORMATION DAY A Day of Reflection on the theme of Vocation Saturday 9th February 11.00am-4.00pm in Thornhill Centre. For further information contact one of the local priests, R.E. teachers or Fr. Paul Farren 71264087 or Fr. Colm O’Doherty 81661475

YOUNG PRIESTS SOCIETY Meeting on Thursday 7th February at 8.00pm in the Upper Room. All welcome.

SUNDAY COLLECTION 27th January amounted to £2365.30 and €123.33 Thank you for your generosity.

MONTHLY DEVOTIONS in honour of Our Lady, will take place in Termonbacca, on Tuesday 5th February starting with Confessions at 7.30 p.m. followed by Rosary and Mass, finishing around 10.00 p.m. All welcome.

LASCO LOTTO 21st January numbers drawn 4, 9, 15,17 No jackpot winner 3 X £10 winners. Next weeks jackpot £3,450. Anyone wishing to join please contact LASCO 71374443

FOYLE EPILEPSY SUPPORT GROUP Meeting on Wednesday 6th February at 7.30pm in the City Hotel. Guest Speaker ‘Aware Defeat Depression’. All welcome

MARIE CURIE CANCER CARE will be hosting a Flag Day Collection in Derry on Saturday 8th March. If you could volunteer as a collector please call Omagh Marie Currie Office 822 498 88

STEER MENTAL HEALTH Steer’s Recovery Programme offers Stress Management, Confidence and other services. All services are provided by fully trained qualified staff who understand the difficulties of coping with mental health issues. All services are free. Contact Tricia 71279995 or call 13 Pump St.

EUCHARISITIC ADORATION There will be 24 hour Adoration in Fahan Parish Church on Sunday next 10th February. All welcome.

DIABETIC ASSOCIATION Meeting on Wednesday 6th February at 8.00pm in MDU Altnagelvin Hospital.

HEARING AID VOLUNTEER PROJECT The project aims to support people who have recently been prescribed a hearing aid, using highly trained and committed volunteers to offer them practical help and information about making the most of their new aid. If you can spare one hour or more a week please ring 71374619. Please support the project if you can.

GIVE ME STRENGTH PROGRAMME is a 6 week confidential free programme designed to address-building relationship with your teenagers- Sexual health issues for teenagers, Supporting your teenagers education, Drug Awareness, Conflict Management. You will have the opportunity to meet other parents and share experiences. Programme dates 12, 19,26 Feb 4th, 11, 18th March- Morning session Tuesdays 10am-1.00pm Evening Sessions Thursdays 6.30-9.30pm 14, 21, 28 Feb and 6,13, 20th March. Venue: Training Unit Foyle Hospice. For further info and booking ring 71311322

WEIGHT WATCHERS Templemore Sports Complex Tuesday 10am Wed. 5pm 6.30pm 8.00pm. Leader Betty Cairns

MASSES
Saturday Vigil 6.00pm
Sunday 9.30am 11.15am, 12.30pm
Weekdays 10.00am, 7.30pm

CONFESSIONS
Saturday 10.30am, 12noon and before evening Mass

Eve of Holydays & eve of First Fridays:
10.30am, 12noon, before evening Mass

Weekdays: before evening Mass.

DEVOTIONS Sundays of Lent, May and October 6.00pm.

SUGGESTIONS THAT MIGHT HELP
Refrain from alcohol for the weeks of Lent - Take temporary pledge
Consider drinking non-alcoholic drinks when out with friends at the weekend.
Reduce the intake of alcohol from what is your normal intake.
Donate some of the money saved from alcohol to a charity of your choice.
Encourage discussion with your friends about the dangers of
excessive drinking