Sunday 9th March 2008

Fifth SUNDAY OF LENT

THE LIFE OF JESUS- NOW AND FOREVER

First Reading
The prophet Ezekiel sees that God will raise his people from their graves and that they will live in the land of promise in the power of his Spirit. The Book of Ezekiel was written when the people of Israel were in exile. Cut off from their land and the Temple, the people would have felt dead to Yahweh. Ezekiel offers them hope of a new life on their own soil. Once again this Sunday, the readings focus us on Baptism, particularly on its promise of life, abundant and eternal.

Second Reading
The Spirit ‘the Lord, the giver of life’ is God’s gift to us, living in us, making his home in us, the seal on God’s promise to us of resurrection. It is the gift of the Spirit which allows us to become children of God.

Gospel Reading
The account of the raising of Lazarus is a rich resource for our reflection on resurrection. Martha’s faith is a good model for us all. An essential element of faith is to believe in Christ, the Son of God, the resurrection and life, whose power unbinds us, frees us, enlightens us, so that we too may see the glory of God.

In a Hollywood ‘religious’ film about Jesus of Nazareth Jeffrey Hunter who portrayed Jesus calls on Lazarus to come forth from his tomb. He does, wrapped in layers of loose cloth, except for his face, which would have been better wrapped too. He looked hideous. I thought that if that was what being raised to life meant, he’d have been better left as he was.

In today’s first reading Yahweh says he will bring the house of Israel up from its grave and put his spirit within them so that they live. No ghoulish appearances there, no mummified creatures creaking around zombie-like as in a horror film. God gives his Spirit, beautiful, vibrant, and creative. Whoever opens up to that Spirit, in turn becomes beautiful, vibrant and creative.

The body is often debased in today’s entertainment industry. Constant exposure to that debasement can degrade one’s respect for the beauty and sanctity of the human body - the dwelling place of God’s Holy Spirit. Nothing debased or second-grade ever comes from the hand of God.

OFFERING

Lord, as I face this new day, whatever I do, may it be for you.

All is for you, my thoughts, my words, my pains, my joys, my actions!

(Taken from the mission Booklet Prayers and Reflections)

ST. PATRICK’S DAY
The Feast of St. Patrick will be celebrated this year on Saturday 15th March because Monday 17th is the beginning of Holy Week. Masses for the Feast of St. Patrick are Vigil Mass on Friday at 7.30pm. Saturday 10.00am and 12.30pm. Vigil Mass for Palm Sunday, Saturday at 6.00pm

SYMPATHY
We offer our sympathy to the family and friends of
Bernie Clifford 49 Barr’s Lane who died last week. May she rest in peace.

BAPTISMS - Our Parish family welcomes:
Cahir Friel-Kincaid, 33 Hampstead Park
Aoife Doherty 36 Whitehouse Park

CONFIRMATION MASS
There will be a Mass for all P7 children and their parents on Tuesday 11th March at 7.30pm.

PALM SUNDAY
Palms will be blessed before Masses next weekend. Weather permitting the blessing will be done outside the Church followed by the procession into the church.

YOUNG PRIESTS SOCIETY
Meeting on Thursday 13th March at 8.00pm in the Upper Room.

During Lent there will be an extra Mass Monday - Friday at 5.00pm.

Stations of the Cross after evening Mass Monday to Friday.

Lenten Devotions Sundays at 6.00pm

GARMENT OF SUFFERING
As a sign of the pain or grief in the lives of so many people we invite you to bring a piece of cloth about six inches long and leave it in the basket at our Lady’s altar. The pieces of cloth will be sewn together into one garment which will be draped over the Cross on Good Friday and will remain there until after the Vigil Mass on Pentecost when it will be take outside and burned symbolising the handing over of hurts into the healing power of God. ‘By His Wounds We are Healed’

SUNDAY COLLECTION
24th February amounted to £2418.69 and €215.53 Thank you for your generosity.

TODAY’S COLLECTION is the Stipend Collection for the priests of the parish.

25TH ANNIVERSARY of the Parish
There will be a meeting on Tuesday 11th March from 8.30-9.30pm. to plan the celebration of our Parish Silver Jubilee

Easter Weekend Retreat Friday 14th March (8.00 p.m.) - Sunday 16th March A quiet residential weekend, which will be a spiritual preparation for the feast of Easter, will be conducted by the Carmelite Fathers in Termonbacca, All welcome For details and bookings Tel 71262512

MASS OF HEALING AND RECONCILIATION for parents who have grieved after a miscarriage, abortion or death of a young child will be celebrated on Monday 31st March at 7.30pm. Parents are invited to hand them over to the loving care of the Father during Mass. White flowers to be brought to the altar will be available. Anyone wishing to enrol their baby’s name in the Memorial Book may do so at the Sacristy.

Carmelite Retreat Centre, Termonbacca Three Evening Retreats in preparation for Easter on Mon.17th Tues. 18th Wed. 19th March (7.30 p.m. -10.00 p.m.) An opportunity to spend some time in quiet adoration, receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation and celebrate Mass. All welcome

LASCO LOTTO . numbers drawn 25th Feb. 5, 8, 13, 23, No Jackpot winner Park No £10 winners. Next weeks jackpot £550. Anyone wishing to join please contact LASCO 71374443

MORNING OF IRISH MUSIC STORYTELLING AND DANCE to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day will be held in Shantallow Library. Pupils from St. Patrick’s Pennyburn, and Bunscoil Cholmcille will come together 10.45am-12.30pm to entertain library visitors. All are welcome.

IRISH NIGHT will be held in Central Library Foyle Street on Monday 10th March at 7.30pm - a night of music dance and craic. All are welcome.

BALLYMAGROARTY MOTHERS & TODDLERS Shaw Court is open on Thursday mornings 10am-12noon. £1 per family.

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE DAY Bradleys Pharmacy, Springtown is holding an alternative Medicine Day (i.e. Vitamins, Herbal remedies) on 12th March. Why not call in and speak to the Pharmacist, Ian McKay on any issues regarding your health.

BHCP FirstAid - Tuesday 11th March from 10am-2pm in Ballymagroarty Community Centre. Light lunch provided. Contact Yvonne McCrossan on 71262798

Meet the Pharmacist/Lay Health Wednesday 12th March from 10-12noon at 14 Synge Ct. Contact May Cruickshank pm 71271977

Cardiac Risk Assessments Tuesday 18th March from 10.00am-4.00pm in 14 Synge Court. Appointment system only. To make an appointment contact Mary Cruickshank on 71271977

A Pill for Every Ill Wednesday 19th March from 10.30am-3.00pm in St. Eithne’s School (Youth Wing) For further information contact Mary Cruickshank or just turn up on day.

Prayer for the sick
Lord, as I face an uncertain future.
I am in need of your mercy and ask for healing in mind and body.
Lord, hear my pain.
I unite my pain with your pain.
May this benefit me and others.

Taken from the mission Booklet
Prayers and Reflections

Before Surgery
Lord, I thank you for the wonders of medicine.
Bless the surgeon and the medical team.
Give skill to their hands and clear vision
to their minds to set me on the path of recovery

Taken from the mission Booklet
Prayers and Reflections