Sunday 15th June 2008

Eleveth Sunday in Ordinary Time

AS GOD’S PEOPLE WE RECEIVE AND GIVE THE LOVING CARE WE NEED

Our hearts go out to a displaced people; the millions in Darfur; our own Irish forefathers in the era of the Plantations; the Israelites in the desert of Sinai beset by doubts. Slavery was a crushing burden. Had they made a mistake in leaving Egypt, where there was food and water aplenty, for freedom in a barren desert with a nebulous promise of rich homeland, the journey unchartered? Was it worth it?

Their leader had an invidious task. Moses approached the Lord, his people grumbling. Again and again the Lord assured him: he would be faithful to his promise; their future would be great but they, on their part, must be faithful to him and his commands. And as always the Lord kept his promise and his people reached that homeland.

But reaching that Promised Land was not the end of the journey for a pilgrim people. There would be a new covenant. Jesus, by his death would earn redemption, and abundance of saving grace for humanity. Still God’s people would be dependant; burdened by death, sickness, poverty, all the ills of weak human nature; dejected and harassed.

And so he selected the twelve to carry on his redemptive ministry; proclaiming the truth; leading; guiding; defending; healing; wiping away the tears; binding the wounds and above all they must dispense God’s graces to a people thirsting for the truth.

And they were faithful in their mission. Down through the centuries their successors shared the fate of their people with courage and generosity, even dying for them. The call to the apostolic ministry is continuing and urgent; demanding dedication and sometimes sacrifice - gifts that are precious.

SYMPATHY

We offer our sympathy to the family and friends of
Paula Delaney Tarnreagh Park who died during the week. May she rest in peace.

 

BAPTISMS

Our parish family welcomes:

Tieran Gerard Hegarty, 7 John Field Place

Pio Aaron Shiels, 23 Canterbury Park

PETER’S PENCE COLLECTION 8th June amounted to £ 2181.80 and €162.40 Thank you.

FAITH FORMATION GROUP in our parish is helping to sponsor a HIV/Aids Palliative Care Centre in Malawi. Ndi Moyo (the place giving life) is aiming to be a model of excellence for the whole of Malawi parts of which have 1/3 infected. Two people from our parish are going out in July & they want to provide as many of the much needed medicines as possible (the centre is supported only by voluntary contributions). Please give generously this weekend after all Masses or leave an envelope in the sacristy with Malawi written on it. Thank you

MONTHLY PRO LIFE DEVOTIONS on Tuesday 17th June in St. Columb’s Church Waterside commencing with Rosary at 7.00pm followed by Mass at 7.30pm. All welcome

CEMETERY SUNDAY, 22nd June at 6.00 pm Due to the fact that there are fewer priests available in the City, people are asked to bring their own holy water with them to the Cemetery for the blessing of the graves. At the appropriate time the Bishop will ask a representative of each family to sprinkle their family grave (and neighbouring grave if there is no-one present). There will be no holy water in the Cemetery so please ensure that you get holy water from your local Church beforehand.

SPIRITUALITY COURSE: A one-year Practical Theology course, “Points of Intersection” will be held in Thornhill Centre each Monday from 7:30 to 9:30 pm beginning 6 October 2008. This course is an opportunity to search out who we are, who we are called to be and how we relate to God and one another. For more details please telephone 71351233.

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL Senior Citizens Annual Bus Run will take place on Sunday 29th June leaving Dunnes car park at 1.30pm

HURT (Have your Tomorrows) a family support group for drugs and alcohol - are holding an information/open night on Wednesday 18th June from 7-8.30pm. in their premises at 14 Clarendon St. All welcome. For further details tel HURT 71369696

MASS AND HEALING SERVICEin honour of St. Peregrine O.S.M. will take place in St. Columb’s Church Waterside on Wednesday 18th June at 7.30pm. Bring along a small bottle of olive oil and have it blessed in honour of St. Peregrine.

MASS IN HONOUR OF BLESSED ALEXANDRINA at Knock on Saturday 5th July. Bus, tea and scones in Donegal Town, dinner in Knock. Tea and cake after Mass. Price £29 Deposit £10. For information tel 71269561

KNOCK SUMMER YOUTH FESTIVAL Living Life to the full? Looking for something more? Tired of the same? This is what you’re looking for! Time out for you. Festival July 24-27 Our Lady’s Shrine Knock 18-35 years. For information and booking please contact 0876927850

DIOCESAN LOURDES HOSPITALITE COMMITTEE wish to thank the parishioners of Holy Family for their generosity £488 and €67 to the Hospitalite Collection which was taken up a few weeks ago. ST. COLMCILLE PILGRIMAGES which has organised a pilgrimage to Lourdes at the end of July is trying to trace a Kathleen Harkin, who hopes to travel. Please phone Margaret at 07732468511 if you can help.

DERRY DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES 16-21st July There are still 29 seats available. If you are interested please contact the pilgrimage office 71260293 Tuesdays 11am-2pm, Thurs. 11am-2.00pm and Saturday 11am-1.00pm and 2pm-4pm.

LASCO LOTTO . numbers drawn 20th May 7, 13, 19,21 No Jackpot winner Park . Next weeks jackpot £1250. Anyone wishing to join please contact LASCO 71374443

AGE CONCERN Gardening competition.

Age concern are seeking entries for their annual competition and is open to all gardeners aged over 60 living in Derry. The competition this year is sponsored by Altnagelvin Garden Centre and Ness Nurserys. There will be various prizes. Closing date for entries is Friday 27 June. Judging over the month of July. For further details contact Age concern 71347478

SALSA FIT A fun way to get exercise. Every Thursday 1-1.45pm in Ballymagroarty Community Centre. Cost £1 per session. For further info contact Mary 71271977 or Michaela on 71370196