Sunday 8th February 2009

5th Sunday of the Year

CHRIST WHO HEALS US

“The fever left her and she began to wait on them.” One of the lovely features of the Gospels is the number of healing stories they contain. Nothing is too big or too small to bring to Jesus. He raised Lazarus from the dead; he healed Peter’s mother-in-law from a fever. That same Jesus is with us and among us with the same power and the same longing, to heal us into wholeness. All we have to do is ask him for what we need for ourselves and for one another and know that he will answer. We all need his healing power in so far as we set limits to our love for one another because his great commandment is to love. Husbands and wives often need to stretch their love into forgiveness if they are to go forward together. Parents need to grow in understanding of their children. And in our parish we need Christ’s power to help us to take true responsibility for those in need.

Fr. Johnny Doherty, C.Ss.R

SEEK THE LORD AND TRUST IN HIS POWERFUL AND GENTLE LOVE

The street-wise say that God created man in his own image and likeness, and then man returned the compliment. The incident in today’s Gospel reading (Mark 1:29-39), where Simon and his companions go out ‘hunting’ for Jesus, reminds me of that quip. The Greek verb used in verse 36 is katadioko. A very strong word, it usually implies a hostile intent. So, ‘hunting down’ Jesus more accurately conveys what Simon was doing..

While people slept, Jesus made his way unhindered by the darkness to a deserted place to pray. People considered such places, devoid of human beings, as abodes of demons. Having just cast out many demons he now follows them to their dwelling. He has no fear. No evil can touch him. For Jesus, even an abode of evil is a place for prayer! That is a powerful and dramatic message: there are no God-free or prayer-free zones in life.

Back to the hunt again. Why would Simon want to hunt down Jesus? Well, he has just left everything to follow him, and now Jesus has disappeared. This doesn’t fit the image of Jesus that Simon has. Finding him gone in the morning is a shock. This is the first time it has happened. What does it mean? Has Jesus run off? Is he a fraud, or a loony?. Has Simon made one awful fool of himself in abandoning his livelihood for him? So, in doubt, frustration and anger he sets out to find him. He is looking for Jesus but on his own terms.

This episode from the Gospel poses a few questions for us. When we seek Jesus, do we try to recreate God in our own image? Do we forget that he is more powerful than any evil in the world? Do we allow fear or selfishness to trick us into trying to have everything our own way?

The lesson that Jesus is powerfully yet gently in charge is a welcome and consoling message for us today and always.

DERRY TRUST FUND PILGRIMAGES

Medjugorhe 25th April Holy Land 5th October Lourdes 10th June Contact Anna Dillon for details Tel 71359673

PILGRIMAGE

Rome San Giovanni 17th June Fatima 2nd July, Rome 2nd August San Giovanni 9th September Contact Sean Mulrine 71265926

SILVER JUBILEE PARISH BOOK

This very attractive publication contains reflections by all the priests who formerly served here, photographs and articles recalling the beginnings of our parish, . The book is on sale at any time from the sacristy or parochial house. Cost £5.

SYMPATHY

We offer our sympathy to the family and friends of

Evelyn Roylance, 78 Templegrove and

Henry Doherty Drumkeen Park who died during the week.

May they rest in peace.

BAPTISM

Our parish family welcomes
Aaron Noah Harkin
31 Farland Way
Daniel John Gamble
6 MacNieceClose
Killian Patrick Herron
Tooban, Burnfoot
Amie Kathleen Brogan
47 Rossnagalliagh

SUNDAY COLLECTION

1st February amounted to £2204.25 and €226.86 Thank you

NEXT SUNDAY’S READINGS
Leviticus 13:1-2,44-46
1 Cor. 10:31-11:1 Mark 1:40-45

ST. JOSEPH’S YOUNG PRIESTS SOCIETY

Meeting on Thursday 12 February at 8.00pm in the Upper Room. All welcome.

HOLY FAMILY PADRE PIO PRAYER GROUP will hold their monthly meeting, tomorrow Monday starting with 7.30 pm Mass. Their will be 2 First Class Relics of St. Pio at the meeting. All welcome.

VOCATIONS INFORMATION DAY

Could you be called to Serve God and His people as a priest in the Diocese of Derry? A Day of Reflection on the theme of Vocation. Saturday 14th 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

MONTHLY MASS for the Beatification of Matt Talbot will take place in Termonbacca tomorrow Monday at 9th February at 7.30pm. All welcome.

SACRED HEART PRO LIFE are having a Holy Hour in the small Oratory at Termonbacca on Monday 16th February 7.30-8.30pm. All welcome.

YOUTH 2000 are having a Derry Youth Retreat in Termonbacca on 20-22nd Feb. Invitation is extended to those in 16-35 age range. Inspiring talks, music workshops and prayer. Contact Natasha 07791420037 or visit www.youth2000.ie Booking essential. Parental consent for u 18s

LASCO LOTTO . numbers drawn 2nd February 3, 19, 20, 23 1 x £10 winners No Jackpot winner Next weeks jackpot £2950. To join please contact LASCO 71374443

PARISH MUSICANS: There will be an evening rehearsal held in the Choir Room in St Eugene’s Cathedral, Derry on Thursday 12 February from 8:00 to 9:30 pm for any choir leader/cantor/singer who would like to learn the Psalms for the Sundays of Lent. Cost is £3 per person. To book, please ring 71351233.

LONG TOWER CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS Wed 11th Feb.
Torchlight Procession in honour of Our Lady of Lourdes 6:00 pm Angelus and Unveiling of new plaque – at Lecky Road Grotto,
6:15 pm Torchlight Procession (Blessed Sacrament & Rosary) –
7:30 pm Mass – in Long Tower

DERRY DIOCESAN COMMISSION FOR JUSTICE AND SOCIAL AFFAIRS was established in 2007. Its objective is to support the Bishop in promoting the social teaching of the Church and to advise on issues of social concern both by a wide range of views and opinions. Would you be interested in making a contribution? If so, you are welcome to come along to a meeting on Tuesday 10th February in Thornhill Centre, at 7.30pm.

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

GRASTA DE (Grace of God) committee invite you to an Evening of Style and Image presented by Jackie McGavigan in Da Vinci’s Hotel from 8-10pm on Thurs.5th March Tel. Sandra 71347220 for tickets £12 each. Limited amount.

 

Ulster Project 2009 Applications are invited from young people in Year 11 at post-primary schools for this year’s Ulster Project. This is a cross-community initiative to help foster better understanding within our society and it is church-based. Participants will join with others from Derry on a month long visit to the United States in July 09.Application forms are available at your parish or from Fr Stephen McLaughlin, St Mary’s, Creggan, Tel: 71263152 or Email stephendoire@aol.com Due to increased costs – participants pay £450 and are expected to raise an additional £400 in sponsorship.

ENGAGED ENCOUNTER An Engaged Encounter Weekend is a recognised form of marriage preparation. The weekend is non-residential and will take place in Thornhill on 21-22nd February. Early booking is advisable. For information and booking contact 028 79300340 or 02827638512 after 4.30pm

 

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS FOR FEBRUARY
Vigil Mass Brendan Ferris,
Myra Merrigan, Mark McChrystal, Nell Smith,

9.30am Brigid McNutt
Peter McCourt, Bridie Gallagher, Kathleen Cullen

11.15am Gordan Hyndman,
Jackie Knox, Eileen Corcoran.

12.30pm Louise McCloskey,
Gerry McMonagle, Ann Lynch, Majella Heaney, Fidelma Coyle

 

READERS FOR FEBRUARY
6.00pm Sr. Ann

9.30am Ken Austin

11.15am Jackie Conway
Anna Begley

12.30pm Frank Quinn
Patricia Murphy