Sunday 12th July 2009

15th Sunday in Ordinary Time

 

OUR REAL NEEDS ARE VERY FEW

- GOD’S HELP IS ENOUGH

A Missionary Sister tells the following story: I recall an occasion when I was on mission in Africa. Our compound was near a border and an invading army said to be liberating, was quickly approaching. Our local bishop gave an order that we were to leave at once! We did not have time to decide what to take and what to leave behind. After several months, we returned. Our house was empty. In my room only a little earthenware jar stood in the middle of an empty floor! I learned a lesson, even if at a cost, the gift of life is infinitely precious.

It was Jesus’ desire to send his disciples on mission empty-handed, to live in total dependence on their hosts. He forbade superfluities; take nothing - except a staff, do not carry two tunics. Such a state of total emptiness can confer real freedom on a person.

The society in which we live, on the contrary, gives the impression that if only we possessed this or that object of our desires we would be happy. The advertising world is always a step ahead and constantly proposes something bigger and better to make for happiness. Thomas Merton writing in 1965 has this to say about greed; The great sin, the source of all other sins, is idolatry. Never has it been greater, more prevalent than now. It is almost completely unrecognised - precisely because it is so overwhelmingly total. It takes everything. There is nothing else left. Obsession with power, machines, possessions, medicines, sports, clothes etc. all kept going by greed for money and power’ (The Intimate Merton).

I believe that we as Christians, can indeed be grateful for this recession. We can make it a recession from material things. It is a time for taking stock, for re-evaluating and re-discovering true values. Saints like Elizabeth of the Trinity were always conscious of the abiding presence of the Trinity in her soul. This amazing fact is true for each baptised Christian. ‘Lord you who are present in the depths of my heart; allow me to meet you in the depths of my heart.

 

 

SYMPATHY

We offer our sympathy to the family of

Kevin Leonard Thistlewood Park and

Kate Stewart Benview Est who died during the week. May they rest in peace

BAPTISMS

Our Parish Family welcomes:

Litonya Shaina Ritter
Washington U.S.A

Bridget Mary Theresa Phillips
Idaho U.S.A.

 

SUNDAY COLLECTION

28th June amounted to £1659.30 and €158.64 Thank you.

The Holy Family Padre Pio prayer group will hold their next monthly meeting in the Holy Family Church, tomorrow Monday 13th July, starting with 7.30 pm Mass. There will be two 1st class relics of St Pio at the meeting. Everyone is welcome

MASS FOR THE BEATIFICATION OF MATT TALBOT will be celebrated in Termonbacca tomorrow Monday 13th July at 7.30pm. All welcome

LASCO LOTTO numbers drawn 6th July 1, 7, 8, 16 1 x £10 winner No Jackpot winner Next weeks jackpot £4050. To join please contact LASCO 71374443

SLIMMING WORLD New classes on Thursday nights 5.30pm and 7pm in Holy Family School Call Valerie 07756455438

WOOD CARVING - AN INTRODUCTION Gasyard Centre Tuesday 14th July 7-9pm Contact Sandra/Catriona for a place Its free.

 

Interested in developing your faith a little more? Thornhill Centre has a number of short and long courses starting in October and November 2009: Pastoral Ministry: ‘There is a Variety of Gifts.’ Liturgy: ‘Foundations in Liturgy’. Scripture: ‘Saint Luke.’ Aspects of Faith: ‘So What Should We Teach Them?’ Personal Development: ‘Dreams Workshop.’ For further details contact Thornhill Centre at 71351233.

 

Carmelite Pilgrimage to Knock, Sunday 19th July 2009. Coach leaves Termonbacca at 7.45a.m. Returning to Derry at approx.11.00 pm. Return coach, snack on the way down and evening meal. Fare £35.00 stg.. For further information, telephone 71262512 .

 

SPECIAL MUSIC CONCERT

to launch CD ‘From the Heart’ will take place in the Millennium Theatre on Saturday 11th July. All profits go to HURT who run
programmes aimed at promoting suicide awareness. Tel Box Office 71264455 for tickets.

ADDICTION

The First Step in Recovery, Dependence on Alcohol, other drugs or gambling present life threatening physical and mental health challenges for individuals, stress and relationship difficulties in families, financial problems for all concerned, educational issues for children and young people, deaths on the roads and crime on our streets. If you are concerned about your dependence on Alcohol, other drugs or gambling staff at Whiteoaks Rehabilitation Centre provide a confidential counselling service for individuals, couples or families. Tel. 003537493 84400 for help.

 

 

Seagate Summer School in Computing, Computer Games Technology and Robotics at the University of Ulster Magee, 6th - 10th July. The course runs from 9.30 - 4.30 and is aimed at 14-16 year olds with prizes available for effort and achievement. Fee: £20. Please phone Anthony McCourt 71375784 or email a.mccourt@ulster.ac.uk for an application form.

 

 

SEAN DAVIS 4 DAY OUTDOOR ‘FUN’ Soccer Academy at Templemore Complex Tuesday 7th -Friday 10th July for boys and girls aged 5-17 years. Times 10sm -12.30pm. Lunch 12.30 - 1.00 Finish 3.00pm. For further information ring Sean Davis 71263044