Sunday 6th September 2009

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Sunday 6th September, 2009

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading Isaiah 35: 4-7
The ears of the deaf will be unsealed and the tongues of the dumb sing for joy.

Second Reading James 2: 1-5
It was those who are poor according to the world that God chose.

Gospel Mark 7: 31-37
Jesus opens the ears of the deaf man.

WE ARE CALLED TO HEAR AND SPEAK GOD’S HEALING AND SAVING WORD

It is a beautiful and simple part of the Baptism liturgy when the priest (or deacon) touches the ears and mouth of the newly baptised and prays that soon the word of God will be heard and proclaimed. Perhaps today is an opportunity to revisit that liturgy.

It goes without saying what wonderful gifts are those of speech and hearing. It is good to reflect how well we use them. Today - and we know it -many people are lonely and their great need is to be able to talk to someone.

It may be an elderly person, a child with a problem, or someone we work with in need of a shoulder to lean on. Yet, we can be too busy, we don’t know how to reply, we have problems of our own, we can’t take it to have people pulling out of us… the litany of excuses goes on.

We need to be ‘obedient’ people; obedient in its full, mature sense… coming from the Latin ‘ob-audire’ which means to listen attentively to - to listen to God and to give heed by listening to our neighbour.

What a miracle of nature is the gift of speech! And sadly so often abused. We hear people every day using foul and course language and inevitably teaching their children the same. We hear the Holy Name taken irreverently and without thought.

Speech well used, can be such a positive force for good. People were amazed at the gracious words that came from Jesus - he spoke with authority. ‘Authority’ (coming from the same word as ‘author’ -means we give people the confidence to be themselves, show the opportunities they have, and help to build them up. The Gospel is good news, not good advice, and as we proclaim the Gospel we are teaching/telling good news to people about themselves and what, under God, they are capable of doing

BAPTISMS

Our Parish family welcomes:
Thea Sara Moran
3 Dunraven Park

 

ST. JOSEPH’S YOUNG PRIESTS SOCIETY

Meeting on Thursday 10th September at 8.00pm in the Upper Room. All welcome, especially new members.

SUNDAY COLLECTION

30th August amounted to £2015.66and €159.00 Thank you.

The Children's Liturgy Group will restart on Sunday 23rd.Sept. at 12.30 Mass. All children are welcome, particularly those making First Communion in the coming year. We also welcome new leaders and helpers. If interested contact Fr.McKenna or one of the leaders of the childrens Liturgy Group

 

GROUP GUIDED PRAYER will begin on Thursday 10th September at 8.00pm - 9.00pm in the Upper Room. This is a group which will meet each week to pray with the Sunday Scripture readings. All welcome.

ACCORD MARRIAGE PREPARATION WORKSHOP will take place on 18th/19th September and 23/24th October in Thornhill Centre Culmore Road. Booking forms available from the Pastoral Centre Bishop Street Tel 17362475.

 

If you are interested in finding out more volunteering opportunities with your local branch, please come along to one of information evenings to be held the week beginning 14th September. All start at 7.30pm and everyone is welcome.

Mon 14th Sept Samaritans Centre 16 Clarendon St, Derry
Wed 16th Sept The Plaza, Main St Buncrana
Thurs 17th Sept Samaritans Centre 16 Clarendon St, Derry

Samaritans are available 24/7 to provide confidential emotional support. Tel 028 71 265511

STUDY THEOLOGY FROM HOME

The Dominicans are offering a theology programme specifically for lay people, offered by Distant Learning. This means you can study for a certificate, diploma or degree in theology - all from the comfort of home.
For further information contact The Priory Institute, Tallaght Village Dublin 24. Tel: (01) 404 8124/7, or email; enquires@prioryinstitute.com

LASCO LOTTO . numbers drawn 31st August 1, 13, 16, 18 1 x £10 winners No Jackpot winner Next weeks jackpot £850 Anyone wishing to join please contact LASCO 71374443

African Children’s Choir

St Mary’s Ardmore will be hosting an evening of music by the African Children’s Choir on Sunday 13th September at 7.30pm. No tickets required, donation at door. For further info visit www.africanchildrenschoir.com or tel Parish Secretary on 71349490. .

 

Volunteers Wanted! Age Concern Derry are presently seeking volunteer computer tutors. We presently offer computer tuition to older community members over the age of 60 at Malvern House. Are you computer literate and have a spare morning in the week? If so then you may wish to volunteer with this project at Age Concern Derry. For further information please call 71347478 or email dev.ageconcern@derrycityconnect.org

 

Aware Defeat Depression – Derry self-help group “If you, or a family member are affected by depression, Aware Defeat Depression can help. The self-help support group meets every Tuesday at 7.10pm in the Aware offices at 10 Clarendon St, New members always welcome – come along on the evening. For further info, telephone 71-260602 or e-mail: collette@aware-ni.org

Little Hands SureStart are setting up a Men and Toddler group in St. Anne’s Primary school from Thursday 24th September 2009, From 10am- 12 noon. It will run at the same time every week. It is for fathers, stepfathers, uncles, grandfathers, and brothers etc, who have a toddler to bring along to the sessions. The M.A.T Group (Men and Toddlers) is A Service where men and toddlers can meet with other men and toddlers in an informal setting to learn and share practical ideas. To bond with toddlers and enjoy quality time with them. Participate in activities that promote children's learning and development.

 

University of Ulster welcome applications for our part-time Irish language courses (Diploma/Degree) in our various centres at Magee College Derry, Annagry, Downings and Letterkenny. Please call Gemma Thornton on (028)71375597 or email mf.oneill@ulster.ac.uk for further information

 

Drive 105.3fm

Tune into Drive 105.3fm – your voice; your community; your station – now broadcasting from 71 Spencer Road and tell your friends/relatives they can listen on line at www.drive105.co.uk