Sunday 13th July 2008

15th Sunday in Ordinary Time

TAKING CARE OF OURSELVES AND OTHERS SO THAT GOD’S WAYS CAN GROW

The parable of the Sower would be quite intelligible to a rural population to which many of the listeners of Jesus belonged. Our growing urban population depend to a large extent on supermarkets for their food. Instead of planting seeds we tend or, have tended to, build houses and replace soil with cement and tarmac.

What images would Jesus use today to explain about the Kingdom, God’s dream for His people? Undoubtedly he would radically question systems which are dehumanising and sacrifice almost everything to economic growth. People live in apartments, in too close a proximity for comfort. They spend a lot of time commuting and waiting in traffic. The obstacles to the growth of the Kingdom are different but no less real. Can we identify them and name them? Can I enter into conversations with my neighbours about what is causing the pressure? There are choices that we can make together if we take the trouble to reflect, slow down and be less in control of a Universe never ceasing to evolve. We need to welcome the Spirit of God creating cracks in a dehumanising system. ‘Let anyone with ears listen’ Such is Jesus’ admonition, in a gospel ever old and ever new. Let us remain open to a process leading us to a greater happiness and freedom.

Margaret Wheatley, an educationalist writes: ‘There is a path through change that leads to a greater independence and resiliency. We dance along that path by maintaining a coherent identity and honouring everyone’s need for self-determination (Margaret Wheatley ‘Leadership and the New Science: Discovering order in a Chaotic World)

BAPTISMS Our parish family welcomes:
Cara Marie Cutliffe 4 Gweebarra Park Myia Cassidy 110 Ardgrange
Aoife Marie McClelland 22 Woodbrook
Shay Peter Robert Campbell 12 Leafair Park

 

SUNDAY COLLECTION

22nd June amounted to £1921.10 and €176.38 Thank you

THANKS FROM NDI MOYO to the priests and parishioners of Holy Family for the very generous donations to the Malawi Project which amount to £6000. As a result the centre is now caring for over 100 patients and their families.

Columba Community extend an invitation to those who have helped and been helped by the work of The Community and Associates over the past 30 years. to join us in an afternoon of prayer and reflection lead by Fr Neal Carlin (Columba Community and Fr Harold (Brothers of the Incarnate word) inThe Celtic Garden ( near White Oaks) on Saturday 26th July at 2.30pm - 6.30pm. RSVP to IOSAS Centre (00353)749384866

THE HOLY FAMILY PADRE PIO PRAYER GROUP monthly meeting on Monday night 15th July after 7.30pm Mass. web site - www.holyfamilypadrepioprayergroup.weebly.com

LASCO LOTTO . numbers drawn 20th May 2, 11, 15, 23, 2x £10 winners No Jackpot winner Park . Next weeks jackpot £1450. Anyone wishing to join please contact LASCO 71374443

Mass in Honour of our Lady of Mount Carmel will take place in
Termonbacca, on Wednesday 16th July at 8.00 pm.

 

New Courses at Thornhill Centre

The following new courses are planned for Thornhill Centre next term. For further details contact the Centre at 71351233:

Practical Theology & Spirituality (Mon Nights) – 1 Year
Foundations in Liturgy (Tues Nights)
Prayer in Daily Life (Thur Mornings)
Understanding Saint Paul (Tues Nights) – 4 Weeks

MONTHLY PRO LIFE DEVOTIONS on Tuesday 15th July in St. Columb’s Church Waterside commencing with Rosary at 7.00pm followed by Mass at 7.30pm.

Termonbacca Community Fun Day Sunday 13th July.

Carmelite Pilgrimage to Knock, Sunday 20th July 2008. Coach leaves Termonbacca at 7.30a.m Returning to Derry at approx.11.00 pm. . Fare £35.00 stg. or €45 Euro. For details tele Termonbacca 71262512

COLMCILLE PILGRIMAGES 

Pilgrimage to the Holy Land

Including Egypt [the Pyramids] Greece [ Athens and Corinth Turkey [ Ephesus ] In the footsteps of St. Paul  Nine days beginning 6th. March 2009. 
What is so special about this pilgrimage? It will take the form of a cruise between these different ports. We have been allocated 30 places which will go very quickly Please book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Price £1145 Phone or text Margaret @ 07732468511 Or email:paddyokane@tiscali.co.uk

 

ENCORE MUSIC SUMMER SCHOOL will be holding lunch time concerts 1pm-1.45pm next week Mon-Sat. All welcome. Tel. 0035387 2259858

BALLYMAGROARTY SUMMER SCHEME will commence on 7th July and will run for 7 weeks. Registration will take place on Monday 7th July and is open to ages 4-12years. Registration cost £1 per child and 30p per day. Sessions are 10-12nnon and 2-4pm. Breakfast club will be available every morning.

A seasonal Creche will also be running during the summer months in conjunction with the Summer Scheme. £5 per child per session. Anyone who would be interested in a part time position in the crèche contact Yvonne or Kara 71262797 Applicants must hold NVQ Level 3 or NNEB in childcare.

 

 

Loving God,
I give you thanks for the gifts of the Holy Spirit received in
Confirmation

Inspire me to use these gifts in the
everyday situations of my life.
Help me grow in wisdom
and knowledge and make
decisions and choices that are good.

May I always live life to the full
and with your help
reach my true potential.

Keep me joyful and guide me
O Lord,
I place all my trust in you.
Amen