Sunday 7th February 2010

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

‘Jesus said to Simon: “Do not be afraid; from now on it is people you will catch.” Then, bringing their boats back to land, they left everything and followed him.’ The image that Jesus uses has a very special relevance for those he was talking to. They were fishermen. But it continues to be relevant for us today because it simply means that our task is to make Christ attractive to and available for the people of our world. This is done first of all in our homes where the faith is handed on by parents in the ways they make their home a place of joy and gladness. This involves giving up their time and their own preoccupations for the sake of each other and their children. It also determines how a faith community is developed. The most important thing about any faith community should be that it is attractive for others. This will mean giving up our own comfort zones so that others can find a home among us.

Fr. Johnny Doherty, C.Ss.R.

“This is my Son, the Beloved; my favour rests on him.”

 

Sunday, 7th February 2010

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading : Isaiah 6:1-8
God calls Isaiah to be His prophet.

Second Reading: Corinthians 15:1-11
Paul’s mission is to preach the gospel of Christ.

Gospel: Luke 5: 1-11
Jesus calls the first apostles.

 

There has to be something reassuring in today’s readings in so far as we are reminded that God is not looking for perfection but rather willingness to try to do better. Isaiah put forward reasons why he’s not the one to speak but his mouth is touched and a voice is found. Paul feels unworthy to be even named apostle but accepts the name since he believes is trying and rooting himself in the gospel he has heard. The fishermen gave what they had to give, the use of their boat in order for Jesus to speak to all gathered and ready to listen. It’s all about making an effort, being willing to try and hoping for the best.

To run the risk of labelling someone and to call him or her a ‘perfectionist’ is generally not a flattering description. Neither is it an easy load to carry. The perfectionist can wear him or herself out trying to have everything exactly as it should be. This can include cooking a meal, decorating a house, cleaning a car and all too often, enjoyment is lost. ‘It’s got to be perfect’ one song lyric claims—but does it?

There isn’t much reference to perfection in today’s readings but there’s an invitation to do our best. Even the water that seemed to have no fish, found itself giving a plentiful supply. The fisherman Peter fell to his knees but was told to stand up—a walker, a doer, was needed.

There was work to be done, There still is. Don’t ever underestimate the difference we can make. It doesn’t have to be perfect but it has to be real.

SYMPATHY

We offer our sympathy to the family and friends of Lily Nicell 84 Rossnagalliagh who died during the week. May she rest in peace.

 

BAPTISM

Our Parish family welcomes
Grace Astrid Twells
36 Oranmore Pk
Thomas James Coyle
149 Hatmore Park
Amie Leigh Coyle 47 Pinetrees
Eva Marie Jessica Healy
17 Shepherd’s Glen

 

SUNDAY COLLECTION

24th Jan amounted to £2027.54 and €209.75

 

GROUP GUIDED PRAYER Thursday 8.00pm - 9.00pm in the Upper Room. This group will meet each week to pray with Sunday Scripture readings. All welcome

The Holy Family Padre Pio prayer group will hold their monthly meeting in the Church, tomorrow Monday night starting with 7.30 pm Mass. There will be two 1st class relics of St Pio at the meeting

The Holy Family Adult Faith Group is hosting an inspiring series of video talks during Lent entitled: 'This is My Body Experiencing the Power of the Mass based on the book by Fr Ian Petit OSB Commencing Wednesday 10th February in the Upper Room at 8p.m. All welcome.

ST. JOSEPH’S YOUNG PRIESTS SOCIETY will meet on Thursday 11th February at 8.00pm in the Upper Room

MONTHLY MASS for the beatification of Matt Talbot will be celebrated in Termonbacca tomorrow Monday at 7.30pm. All welcome.

LENTEN EXTRA BOOKLETS are on sale after all Masses this weekend.

THINKING OF GIVING UP SOMETHING FOR LENT? As Lent starts on Ash Wednesday 17th February it is again that time of year when people will be thinking of giving up something. Anyone going off alcohol is invited to take a short term Pioneer Pledge.

The Irish Children’s Pilgrimage Trust is taking children/young people with special needs (both physical and learning disability) from the ages of 9-21 years of age from all over Ireland to Lourdes on Easter Sunday (4th -10th April 2010). The IHCPT is looking urgently for nurses to travel with groups this Easter. If interested contact Mary on 00353877962047 Fare €640

ST.COLUMB’S HALL proudly presents BAGATELLE 30th Anniversary Collection Concert for one night only in St. Columb’s Hall on Friday 26th February 2010 Tickets on sale at Parochial House, 18 Pump St or at the Sacristy. Price £12.50

Poetry Evenings – Mary Murphy will explore how Coleridge’s poetry can help us reach within to describe the beauty of nature, the pain and joy of life and the dimensions of spiritual experience. Dates: 10/24 February & 10/24 March. Time: 7:30 – 9:30 pm. Venue: Thornhill Centre. Cost: £5 per night. Please phone 71351233 to reserve a place.

 

 

“Children in Crossfire would like to sincerely thank the people of the Holy Family parish for donating a total of £1284.81 through their Advent Campaign. If you still have an Advent box you can return it to the church, or post/deliver donations to 2 St Joseph’s, Derry, BT48 6TH. For all other queries, please call 02871 26989

 

GOOD MORNING NORTHWEST is back. They provide an invaluable service to the elderly and vulnerable. They urgently need volunteers to operate their telephone lines. If you have a few hours to spare on weekdays call Eileen on 71353694.

 

Naíscoil & Gaelscoil Éadain Mhóir, Irish Medium Nursery and Primary School still have a few places available for the coming school year beginning September 2010! for further information or call in to visit our Nursery and Primary School at anytime @128 Lecky Road, Derry - 71268020.

 

LASCO Lotto Numbers Drawn 1 February 2010 8, 17, 19, 20.
No Jackpot Winner 1 £10 Winner
Next Week's Jackpot £1,950
Anyone wishing to join contact 02871374443

COLMCILLE PILGRIMAGES LOURDES PILGRIMAGE 21st-28th July 2009 Cost £659 For details tel. Margaret 07732468511

 

Age Concern Derry Good Neighbour Award

Do you know someone who is an exceptional neighbour to an older person? If you know someone who deserves recognition for the help they show to an older neighbour, why not nominate them for this prestigious award. The award is confined to the Derry City Council area, To obtain nomination forms, please contact Age Concern Derry, Malvern House, Chapel Road, Londonderry, BT47 2AN or telephone 71 347 478. The closing date for nomination forms is Friday 26th February 2010.

 

FOYLE CARDIAC SUPPORT GROUP will meet tomorrow (Mon) at 7.30pm in the M.D.E.C. building at Altnagelvin Hospital. The speaker this month is Mr. Gary Wilson from the British Heart Foundation. Anyone with a heart condition and their friends are welcome to attend.

TROCAIRE SPRINGTIME DANCE in aid of Haiti, City Hotel on Sunday 21st February Adm. £2.50 Doors open 9pm.

 

PARENTING APART FREE 4 week programme, practical advice and guidance on what children need to know, and what parents can do to meet their children needs. 10th February - Wed 3rd March from 6-8pm Parents Advice Centre, ph 7137 2006 Funded by Northern Ireland Family Mediation

 

LIAM BRADLEY ST. PATRICK’S 3 DAY BREAK

Galway 16-18th March 2 D B/B Dancing £99pps. Tel. 71269109

 

PREGNANCY YOGA CLASSES staring again in Shantallow Community Centre Wednesdays 6.30-7.30pm. Classes suitable for women over 14 weeks. Tel. 07890318593

 

COLMCILLE PILGRIMAGES
Pilgrimage to the Holy Land including Egypt and the Pyramids, Ephesus in Turkey, Paphos in Cyprus Rhodes and Athens.
Price £1095 Travelling Derry- Stanstead -Athens
Returning Athens- Stanstead-Belfast.
1st - 11th March Contact Margaret 07732468511 or Parochial house
Only 2 Seats left

 

BOOK SALE tomorrow Monday 8.30am-9.00pm in Central Library Foyle Street