Sunday 3rd May 2009

Fourth Sunday of Easter

Sunday 10th May 2009

5th Sunday of Easter

First Reading Acts of the Apostles 9: 26-31
Saul (Paul) overcomes the suspicions of the other disciples and begins preaching.

Second Reading John 3: 18-24
Our love must be expressed not just in words, but in real action.

Gospel John 15: 1-8
Whoever remains in Jesus bears fruit in plenty.

 

GOD IS WITH US ALWAYS - Open our eyes, Lord, to see you each day

There is a line from a poem by the Welsh Poet-Priest R.S.Thomas that springs to my mind so often. In ‘Pilgrimages’ he writes ‘...He is such a fast God, always before us and leaving as we arrive’.

We just miss God so often. We miss him by a hair’s breadth. But when we think back on some large or small thing that has occurred in our lives, we realise that we have indeed felt God’s presence, smelt God’s scent, caught God’s shadow. God has been a step ahead of us making sure that all would be well. Maybe not that all would be right or that we might not have to experience pain and sadness. But instead he has been there to make sure that all would be well. In other words that we would manage. That we would struggle through and come out the other side.

And so today I would simply reflect on those first few words from the Epistle of St. John; Think of the love the Father has lavished on us…. Think of the love He lavished on us on the good days - friends, spouse, family, work - and the love he lavished on us in the bad times - the kind word, the supportive hug, the listening ear and the strength to face tomorrow again. In these Easter days it is wonderful to remember God’s love and to be thankful that each of us is a child of this fast God.

 

PRAYER FOR THOSE DOING EXAMS

Last year we formed a group in the parish for young people wishing to gain the Pope John Paul II award which recognises service by secondary school students in the parish and in the wider community. The group has already fulfilled a number of achievements e.g. involvement in the Holy Week Ceremonies.

Now at this time of exams the parish community in conjunction with this Pope John Paul II Award Group invite people to come and pray, relax, reflect and rest a while in a setting of care and support. Apart from the prayer of intercession it can be an experience of encouragement where people can be relieved of worry and helped to see the bigger picture which can be obscured from view by what might seem a completely bleak outlook.

Each Monday from 11th May to the end of June we extend an open welcome to anyone who would like to take part in this time of prayer in the Upper Room. There will also be a brief social dimension to the gathering. The prayer will take place from 8pm-8.30pm and there will be a glass of lemonade and a small snack from 8.30-9.00pm

 

Prayer: 8.00pm
Social Gathering: 8.30pm

Lord God, we pray to you at a time when some of us are anxious, worried or tense about exams; we ask for your gifts of peace and calm during this time so that each of us can do our best. We ask you for help during these days so that we can reap the rewards of our efforts and study during the years. Help us to be true friends and real support to others in the weeks ahead. We give you the gift of our work so that we can use our talents now and in the future in the service of each other. We make this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen

BAPTISMS

Our Parish family welcomes:

Isabella Catherine Bradley
114 Templegrove
Michael John Ferguson
9 JohnField Place.
Ciaran Joseph Keogh
15 Shanreagh Park

 

FIRST FRIDAY

The sick will be attended next week 7th and 8th May

ST. JOSEPH’S YOUNG PRIEST SOCIETY will meet on Thursday 7th May at 8.00pm. In the Upper Room. All welcome.

LEGION OF MARY members will recite the Rosary at the Grotto after evening Mass Monday -Friday for the month of May

 

 

SPECIAL DIOCESAN MASS The Annual Mass for those with Special Needs and their families will take place in St. Joseph’s Church Galliagh on Saturday 9th May at 4.00pm. Bishop Hegarty will celebrate the Mass. If you have a child who wishes to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation or First Communion at this Mass please contact the Catechetical Centre. Tel 71264087

 

 

AWARE DEFEAT DEPRESSION Self Help Support Group meets every Tuesday at 7.30pm at 10 Clarendon Street for all those affected by depression. New members always welcome. Just come along. For further information tel. 71260602

THANKS to all who contributed to the Easter Raffle in aid of the poor of Kenya, India, Chile, Cambodia and Fiji by buying Raffle lines, giving donations and donating prizes for the raffle etc. The total amount raised to date is £12,788.66 +€100 God bless and reward you all. Sr. Ann & Gerry Deeney

SUNDAY COLLECTION 26th April amounted to £2256.25and €209.74 Thank you.

TROCAIRE BOXES should be left back as soon as possible.

 

 

KNOCK CELEBRATES 130th Anniversary

On June 7th the people and priests of the Diocese are invited to lead the prayers and worship at Knock Shrine starting at 2.30pm. It would be great if as many as possible could travel to Knock that day.

PROVISION OF CARE FOR KNOCK PILGRIMS Anyone who has poor mobility or is in need of assistance who would like to participate in the Diocesan Pilgrimage on Sunday 7th June is invited to register for assistance by phoning the Pilgrimage Office. Tel. 71260293. Staff from Lourdes Hospitalite will be available in Knock to provide care. Any individual, choir members or musicians who would like to contribute to the music at Knock please contact Sr. Perpetua at 71351233 for rehearsal details.

 

MASS & HEALING SERVICE in honour of St. Peregrine (Patron of Cancer Patients) will take place in St. Columb’s Church Waterside on Wednesday 13th May at 7.30pm. Bring along a small bottle of olive oil and have it blessed in honour of St. Peregrine

 

PARISH SOCIAL EVENING

There will be a Social evening for everyone who contributes to parish life on Friday 15th May. There will be a meal at 8.30pm and a dance in Rafters as a token of gratitude and as an opportunity to get together socially for the many people who make this parish community what it is. As far as we know we have contacted all who contribute to parish life. However if you have not been contacted please phone the parochial house as we really want to make every effort to include everyone.

 

COLMCILLE PILGRIMAGES

LOURDES PILGRIMAGE 22nd-29th July 2009 Cost £649 Deposit £100 secures seat For details tel. Margaret 07732468511

DIOCESE OF DERRY CHARISMATIC RENEWAL ONE DAY CONFERENCE in Broomhill Hotel on Saturday 16th May 9am-5.00pm Mona Tel 71269549

WEEKEND FAMILY ACTIVITIES A visit to the Iosas Centre and Celtic Peace Garden can be extremely rewarding for you and your family. Lots to choose from. Small luncheon snacks, Bird Sanctuary, Peace and Tranquility. Open Sat/Sun 1.00-5.00pm. Programmes tailored for teenagers, Retirement groups etc. Tel 003537493 84866

 

 

ST MARY’S CHURCH Creggan 50th Anniversary To celebrate they are having a May Ball in City Hotel on 22nd May Tickets £35 each ring Marian Sheehan 07902291425 or Margaret McGlinchey 07748060792

 

 

LASCO LOTTO numbers drawn on 27th April 3, 6, 7, 14 1 x £10 winner No Jackpot winner Next weeks jackpot £3550. To join please contact LASCO 71374443

 

 

FOYLE HOSPICE DAY THERAPY UNIT is providing support for carers and family members looking after a person with a life limiting illness. Meetings on first Wednesday of the Month at 10am-12noon. next meeting Wednesday 6th May. For details ring 71359888

 

 

EVANS SCHOOL OF IRISH DANCING New classes will open Rafters Function Room on Tuesdays at 6.pm commencing 5th May Tel. 07732655028 for more details.