Sunday 5th Aug - Vol. 24 No 30

THE ‘D’ CASE

There has been a lot of interest recently in the case of ‘Miss D’ in the South who was carrying a baby with no brain (anencaphalic) which would die either at birth or hours or days later. It is indeed a terrible tragedy for any mother to discover that she is carrying a baby like this and our hearts go out to them in their distress. They deserve every help they can get. But is it really necessary to kill their babies?

A good friend in my last parish had such a baby. In fact it lived a few hours and I christened it in hospital. During her short life she was held in the loving arms of her mother who loved her to bits. This is what she said later.
‘When I looked at my new baby she was beautiful – I did not see her as disabled, She was my child and that was all that mattered just as I don’t love my other children just because they are healthy. However I wish those few hours we spent together could be frozen in time. It was painful but it was beautiful’!

What a testimony to the preciousness of life and God’s grace in times of need.

Would you kill someone who is about to die in an accident or has terminal cancer? Would you have shot dead a person at the top of the Twin Towers on 9/11? Of course not! It would be murder. The same principle applies to unborn children who when born has only a short life no matter how brief.

When we reach the situation when the end justifies the means our morality is bankrupt.

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

BAPTISMS Our parish family welcomes Eva Rose Irene McCay, 3 Thistlewood Park

SYMPATHY
We offer our sympathy to the family and friends of Damien Campbell Inchview, who died during the week. May he rest in peace.

FORTY HOURS
We thank our sacristans and flower arrangers all those who helped with the Forty Hours last weekend

SUNDAY COLLECTION for 29th July amounted to £1824.75 Thank you for you generosity.

ROSARY for the Holy Souls in Purgatory will be held on Sunday 5th August in St. Brigid’s Church Carnhill at 5.00pm. Everyone welcome.

MONTHLY DEVOTIONS in honour of Our Lady will take place in Termonbacca on Tuesday 7th August starting with Confession at 7.30pm. followed by Rosary and Mass finishing around 10.00pm. All welcome

BOSNIA APPEAL
Thanks to the people of Holy Family for their generosity to our appeal for last week. The amount raised was £790

CREGGAN 60TH ANNIVERSARY FESTIVAL
Massive Car Boot Sale on Sunday 12th August at the Old Handball Alley, Cormore Gdns from 12-6.00pm. Car £5/Van £10 Come early to avoid disappointment. For further details contact Sarah at 71308430 or Annette 71285306

EARHART FESTIVAL CAR BOOT SALE
What better way to dispose of unwanted bits and pieces, make a few pounds and take part in a fun filled family festival than by booking a space at the Earhart Festival’s Car Boot Sale? 11-12th August . The price is £5 per £10 per van to be paid on entrance to park. Contact 71357443 for more details

READERS FOR AUGUST
Vigil Myra Merrigan

9.30am Margaret Harkin

11.15am Bridie Gallagher, John Moore

12.30pm. Marcella Patterson, Louise McCloskey

VANDALISM
The windows of the mini bus for the disabled were broken last weekend. We condemn such behaviour and appeal for information

HOLY FAMILY GOSPEL GROUP CD is available at the Sacristy.

PARISH WEB SITE
Our parish website is now live and can be found at http;//www.holyfamily-parish.com. If you have anything you would like to see on it please get in touch.

PADRE PIO
Weekend at Knock 15/16th September. Staying a Knock House Hotel. Italian Trip 21st Sept. for 7 nights 3 nights San Giovanni 4 nights Seaside resort. Contact Sean Mulrine 712659276

SEAN DAVIS OUTDOOR FUN SOCCER ACADEMY 6th-9th Aug at Sports Complex. Tel. 71263044