Sunday 11th January 2009

The Baptism of Jesus.

“You are my Son, the beloved, my favour rests on you.” Those wonderful words, spoken to Jesus on the occasion of his Baptism in the Jordan, are spoken to each one of us because of our baptism into him. Just listen to God speak those words from his heart into your heart now: “you are my daughter, my son, the beloved, my favour rests on you.” Our major task is to live out that love of God in our vocation. For you as a couple committed in love, make your life together full of the joy of God’s love. Single people, religious, priests, live out the same vocation of love in different ways but for the same purpose, to fill the world with the presence and the love of God. As a community of faith, the parish is a gathering of all these vocations so that, working with one another, we can radiate that same love to all those around us.

Fr. Johnny Doherty, C.Ss.R

BAPTISM

Most of us are familiar with baptism of infants. When we attend a Baptism ceremony we have an opportunity to re-discover the wonderful gift and call we have all received when we become members of God’s family.

Before the actual pouring of water, we are all invited to renew our own Baptismal promises. The parents and godparents take on responsibility for the nurturing of the child’s faith. At confirmation the young person begins to take on this responsibility themselves.

This should cause us to reflect, especially in these times of perceived decline in vocations to priesthood. Each baptised person is anointed with Chrism. We are anointed as priest, prophet and king. This is a powerful anointing. We are marked as people who bear Christ to others. Of course the baptismal ceremony also situates us in the believing community. A central role is played by the parents and godparents. But the whole community is involved by our prayers and our participation. Quite often these days, great emphasis is placed on the fact that the number of priests is falling.

It can be concluded that the Holy Spirit is still calling young men and women to priesthood and religious life but for some reason they are not responding.

Without doubt the Church will always need priests and religious. But what about the point that the Spirit of God is calling all the members of the community of believers? The Spirit of God is calling us all to step up and show Christ to the World.

Most of us are familiar with a passive model of Church, Is it not more exciting to imagine that the Spirit of God is breathing on the People of God and calling all of us to work together to build up the Body of Christ. People nowadays are involved in everything to do with community, with schools, with sports and drama. Should we not also have a corresponding role in living our collective faith? May the Lord bless us all with the courage to respond to this call.

JUBILEE CANDLE
A commemorative Holy Family Silver Jubilee candle is on sale. The candle bears the Holy Family logo and costs £3 or 4 for £10.

SYMPATHY

We offer our sympathy to the family and friends of

Charles Gillen 27 Norburgh Park and

Seamus Coyle, 27 Synge Court who died during the week. May they rest in peace.

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

SUNDAY COLLECTION 28thDecember amounted to £2125.40 and €152.40 Thank you

CHILDREN’S LITURGY Group will restart today Sunday 11th January at 12.30pm Mass.

NEXT SUNDAY’S READINGS
1 Samuel 3:3-10, 19 1 Corr 6:13-15, 17-20 Gospel John 1:35-42

MONTHLY MASS for the Beatification of Matt Talbot will take place in Termonbacca tomorrow Monday at 12th January at 7.30pm. All welcome.

PRIMARY AND NURSERY SCHOOL

Application Forms for entry to P1 and Nursery school in September 2009 are now available from the schools. Closing date for receipt of applications is Wednesday 21st January.

ROSARY for the Holy Souls will be held in St. Brigid’s Church Carnhill at 5pm today Sunday 11th January. All welcome.

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

GIFT VOUCHER FOR DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES

Why not give someone an opportunity of going on Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2009 16-21st July. Gift Vouchers are available for(£25/£50) can be obtained from the Pilgrimage Office 164 Bishop Street Tues and Thurs 11am-2.00pm. Saturdays 11.am-1.00pm and 2.pm-4.00pm Tel. 71260293

MARRIAGE PREPARATION WORKSHOP 30-31st Jan 2009 in Thornhill Centre Friday 7pm-10.00pm and Saturday and 10.am-4.00pm. Booking Forms available from Pastoral Centre Bishop St. Tel 71362475 or Parochial House.

LASCO LOTTO . numbers drawn 5th Jan 17, 20, 21, 22 0 x £10 winners No Jackpot winner Next weeks jackpot £2750. To join please contact LASCO 71374443

STAMP APPEAL

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

COLMCILLE PILGRIMAGES
LOURDES PILGRIMAGE 22nd-29th July 2009 Cost €775 For details tel. Margaret 07732468511

COSY CLUB 50+ meets every Tuesday in Inchview and Thursday at St. Eithne’s Common Room.

Flower Arranging begins tomorrow Mon. in Farland Way 10.30-11.30am

Cross Community Line Dancing begins Friday 16th Jan. in Richmond Hall. New members welcome to all activities. Tel. 71370196

TRADITIONAL MUSIC CLASSES will resume on Tuesday 13th January from 6.30-7.30pm in St. Brigid’s Parish centre Carnhill Ceili Dancing in the A.O.H every Monday 9-11pm. All welcome.

 

DERRY SET DANCING CLUB

Classes resume on Tuesday 13 January in Pilots Row Community Centre. Beginners 7.30-8.30pm All dancers (including beginners) right through until 10pm. Everyone welcome.

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, contributions by parishioners, children’s artwork and accounts and pictures about groups and individuals who together have woven the colourful tapestry which is the story of Holy Family past and present. The book is on sale at any time from the sacristy or parochial house. Cost £5.

KICK START TO WORK

Would you like help to find a job? For free confidential help and advice with job searching, CVs, application forms, interview techniques call Kickstart 71308466

TOTS MUSIC

Does your child love music? Then why not bring them along to ‘Tots Music’ in St. Columb’s Park House on Thursday 22nd January at 10.30am £5 per child. Children must be accompanied, parent or carer go free. 1 hour duration. To book or for information ring 71264455

 

 

 

EUCHARISTIC MINISTER For January
Vigil Mass Sheila o Comain
Angela Cassidy, Mary Forbes
Philomena Brown

9.30 am Mass Anne Roddy
Maria Mc Geehan Joe Doherty
Liz Harvey

11.15am Mass Brian Walker
Jimmy Jennings Willie Mc Shane
Bernadette Duddy

12.30 pm Marcella Patterson
Anne Marie Duddy, Natalie Bryson
Ruth Heaney

READERS FOR JANUARY St. Matthew’s Group
Vigil Sister Paula

9.30am Michael Roddy

11.15am Joe Morrison
Lorraine Conway

12.30pm Kathleen Corrigan
Jackie Knox