Sunday 10th January 2010

Baptism of Our Lord

John said to the crowd: 'He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and with fire'. This week, as we celebrate the Baptism of Christ in the Jordan, we also remember and renew our own baptism into Christ in the Church. And the baptism that we have been promised is a baptism with the Holy Spirit and with fire. The Holy Spirit brings peace, joy, love etc. Is that how we live our faith or is it more with anxiety, fear, duty etc? Fire brings warmth, light, enthusiasm, hope. Is this how we present Christ to the world or is it more with coldness, lifelessness, joylessness? The challenge of this time is to change our ways and to let the world we live in know the power of Christ's presence among us by the enthusiasm of our lives of faith. This has to always begin in our homes and families and the community of faith we belong to.

Fr. Johnny Doherty, C.Ss.R.

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

Sunday, 10th January 2010

The Baptism of Christ

First Reading :
The glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all people shall see it.

Second Reading: Acts of the Apostles 10: 34-38
God’s grace has been revealed and taught us that what we have to do is to give up everything that does not lead to God.

Gospel: Luke 3: 15-16.21-22
John declared, I baptise you with water, but someone is coming, someone who is more powerful than I am will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

 

 

LET IT SNOW?

Those Carol Singers whom we heard chanting ‘Let it snow’, let it snow’ before Christmas have a lot to answer for! This indeed has been one of the coldest winters I can remember and has brought hardship to many, especially those who have had accidents, missed flights, burst or frozen pipes, those without water and those who have to work outdoors.

I did a ‘Power of Now’ course this time last year. One of the exercises included trying to see something positive in the most negative of situations-that lying beneath the surface of a disaster there can be blessings but only if we have eyes to see the ‘silver lining in the cloud’. (This is not to make less of the suffering of many but a worthwhile coping mechanism).

Firstly it may lead to a greater appreciation of the mild winters we normally enjoy. At school I remember being taught how Ireland in blessed by a maritime climate cause by the Golf Stream. We do not have the excesses of heat and cold other countries experience every year. However, one the effects, I am told of Global warming would be to melt the icebergs thus leading to a critical change to the flow of the Golf Stream, Then we would be in real trouble.

Frost and snow can kill of many flu’s I am told. Wouldn’t it be great if this cold spell led to the end of the ‘Swine flu’?

Might it also be true that during the last few weeks we have done less ‘gallivanting’ (I love that word) and stayed at home to be family with our loved ones.

For beekeepers like me bees are surprisingly more likely to survive a cold winter like this than a mild one. The reason is this: during a mild winter such as the one last year they do not go fully asleep, as they hibernate, eat more of their winter honey stores and can die of starvation.

Photographers have had a wonderful chance to capture the beauty of our countryside. Many papers have already published some of the best photos.

Each child should have a chance to build a snowman, have a snowball fight or sleigh ride. Some of my best childhood memories are based on those experiences. Some have had a ‘blast’ over the past few weeks. Others may even have had a good excuse to get some extra Christmas holidays.

Can you add any more? If so email me at paddy@okanes.org A surprise prize will go to the best suggestion.

 

ST.CECILIA’S

Pupils transferring from Primary to Secondary School in September 2010, and their parents, will be welcome to attend our Open Day in
St. Cecilia's College, Northland Road, on Sunday 17th January 2010 from 2.00p.m. – 5.00p.m. Principal's address: 2.00p.m, 3.00p.m and 4.00p.m

Performing Arts Workshops will take place on Wednesday 13th January 9.00 a.m. - 3.00 p.m.Those intending to apply for a place in Sixth Form for September 2010 are also welcome to attend.

Parent and Toddler Yoga Classes

will resume in Glenview Community Centre, Cedar Street on Wednesday 13th January at 10.30am. Free of Charge. For further details phone 71268748.

 

 

SUNDAY COLLECTION

3rd Jan amounted to £1708.82 and €270.52 Thank you.

 

SUGGESTION BOX

The Parish Suggestion Box is in the main porch. I would be grateful for constructive advice on any parish issue. Also if you have been upset about any of the recent happenings in the Irish Church or parish and would like me to call and listen, please put your name and telephone number and I will be in touch.

 

 

CHURCH GROUNDS

A comment has come back to me ‘Why haven’t the priests had the church grounds salted and sanded?’ The answer is that I have made repeated calls to the D.O.E. on this matter - without success. It has been impossible to buy salt. Thank you to those kind parishioners who came and spread salt they got themselves.

 

 

CHOIRS

All the parish choirs are appealing for new members. Please call to see the respective choir leaders after the Mass at which they have been singing if interested.

 

ADULT FAITH FORMATION GROUP

will resume on Wednesday in the Upper Room at 8.00pm.

 

would like to thank everyone for taking an Advent Calendar. Please return your boxes to the church this weekend. Baskets will be provided at the entrance to leave the boxes.

SINCERE THANKS

from Sister Anne and Gerry Deeney to all who contributed in any way to the Christmas Raffle in aid of the poor in Kenya, India, Chile, Cambodia and Fiji and Peru by buying raffle lines, giving donations etc. The total amount raise to date this Christmas is £13,148 plus €92 This money will be divided and sent to the different sisters for their work. Mass is being offered for you all in thanksgiving for your generosity and ongoing support. May God reward and bless each of you in a special way.

 

PRIMARY AND NURSERY SCHOOL

Application Forms for entry to P1 and Nursery school in September 2010 are now available from the schools. Closing date for receipt of applications is Wednesday 20th January. Applications should be submitted as soon as possible as in previous years over subscription resulted in some pupils not gaining places. There will be an Open Day in Holy Family School on Friday between 10am –12noon.

 

ST. BERNADETTE’S PLAYGROUP

Rosskeen Park have places available for September 2010. Please call or phone 71308932 for an application form

MASS FOR THE BEATIFICATION OF MATT TALBOT

will be celebrated in Termonbacca tomorrow Monday 11th January at 7.30pm. All welcome

 

 

“Prayer in Daily Life”:

This weekly 8-session course begins in Thornhill Centre, on Monday 18 January from 7:30 until 9:30 pm for those interested in developing their prayer life in a simple but effective way. . All welcome! Cost: £4 per Session. For further details and to book, please contact us at 71351233.

 

 

The Parents-Teachers Association (PTA)

at St. Columba’s Primary School, Newbuildings, is organising a Reunion Evening for all past pupils and parents of past/present pupils. The reunion will take place at Prehen Golf Club, on Saturday 23rd January, at 9pm. Tickets are on sale from the School Office at £3 each, please ring 7134 7190.

 

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 Street, Derry. New members are always welcome – just come along on the evening. For further information, telephone 02871-260602 or e-mail: collette@aware-ni.org”

LASCO LOTTO 4th January. numbers drawn 7, 11, 15, 23 1 X £10 winner No Jackpot winner Next weeks jackpot £1750 Anyone wishing to join please contact LASCO 71374443

 

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

 

 

STAMP APPEAL

A collection box is in the church Please bring your stamps for collection. The stamps will be forwarded to St. Patrick’s Mission They will aid St. Patrick’s Missionaries in their work all over the world

 

 

TRADITIONAL MUSIC CLASSES

Grianan Branch of CCE are recommencing their music classes on Tuesday 12th January in St. Brigid’s Parish Hall. Classes are from 6.30-7.30pm Most traditional instruments are catered for.

 

 

Reuse not recycle Camara

is an Irish Charity which takes in used computers refurbishes them and sends them to schools in Africa. Camara will be collecting used computers on 30th January 9.00am - 6.00pm from Cresent Retail Park. . Email: belfast@camara.ie Contact us: Tel 028 90 332470 for further information