Holy Family Parish, Ballymagroarty, Derry Diocese, Ireland

When Bishop Casey resigned he went in hiding to a missionary country in disgrace. It was a mistake I believe, because had he appeared on T.V, a medium in which he excelled, and said ‘sorry!’ to the Irish people they would have forgiven him and he could have continued working quietly as a priest in some remote parish in Galway. The journalists were in a frenzy to get an interview when, out of the blue, an exclusive ‘scoop’ appeared in the Irish Sunday Independent. Weeks later people found out it was a hoax, pure fiction, presented as truth. The writer just made it up. But it sold papers!

Something similar happened last week. Tony Blair went to meet the Pope. The British media totally misrepresented the audience saying the Pope rebuked him on such issues as the Iraq war, abortion, and gay marriage. The head of the press at the Holy See had a letter published in The Times on Wednesday saying that this simply did not happen. Instead it was an open, sincere and friendly discussion without any hostile overtones. Mr. Blair was moved by the warmth of the welcome, said Cardinal Murphy- O’Connor who was present.

A few weeks ago I saw a programme on T.V. called LIE-LAB: Kathy’s Story: Faith or Fiction? In it Kathy O’Beirne offered to take a newly discovered and very accurate truth test to confirm the veracity of her account of an abused childhood, especially by her father, priests and nuns. Her story written, for her by Michael Sheridan, became a best selling book (Over half a million copies) called ‘Don’t Ever Tell’ followed by a film ‘The Magdalene Laundries’. Her family said it was all lies and were hurt by her story. So her brother also was asked to take the test. In the end having initially agreed Kathy declined three times to take the test while her brother did take it. The verdict: He was telling the truth!

If the quotation ‘the truth shall set you free’ is valid then surely lies and falsehood belittle and demean us all.

First Reading Deuteronomy 30:10-14
God’s laws and commandments are to be observed. Knowledge of them is not beyond our reach.

Second Reading Colossians 1:15-20
Paul presents a hymn in praise of Christ Jesus.

BAPTISMS
Our parish family welcomes
Megan Danielle Scott, 87 Templegrove
Ella Caroline Brannigan Wade, 27 The Meadows

SUNDAY MASSES during July, August and September will be as follows: Vigil 6.00pm. 9.30am, 11.15am and 12.30pm.

MASS in honour of Our Lady of Mount Carmel on Monday 16th July at 7.00pm. in Termonbacca

MASS with Healing Service will take place in Termobacca on Tuesday 17th July at 8.00pm. All welcome

Sister Anne and Gerry Deeney would like to acknowledge £642,44 and €162.56 from the Hunger Box in the church. Thank you for your ongoing support and generosity towards the missions.

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

BALLYMAGROARTY SUMMER SCHEME starts tomorrow Monday 16th 5-12yrs Mondays—Fridays 10am-12noon and 2.00-4.00pm. Registration is £1 per person and 20p per day. Breakfast club available. For details tel. 71262797

LIAM BRADLEY TOURS Galway-Claire 26th August 4 Days 3DB/B £189 Dept City Hotel 8.30am. Tel. 71269109

CARMELITE PILGRIMAGE TO KNOCK
Sunday 22nd July Coach leaves Termonbacca at 7.40am with pick up points in Strabane, Cost £27 includes snack and evening meal. Tel. 71262512

KNOCK SUMMER YOUTH FESTIVAL
The Summer Youth Festival Thurs 26-Sun 29th July at Knock is an opportunity for young people to take time out to reflect on their lives and what God is offering…’Life to the full’ Cost is on a donation basis with accommodation and food provided. For details contact Catriona 00353879943698 or visit youth2000.ie. Special free buses provided

DIVINE MERCY PILGRIMAGE TO POLAND 20-27th Sept. Only 4 places left. Cost €975 Tel. Anna 71359673

PATHWAY TO PRAYER
An opportunity to explore the Old and New Testaments, Liturgy, Creative Expression, Centering Prayer. Mondays7.30pm-9.30pm (0ne year course) beginning 1st October in Thornhill centre. Cost £120. For details telephone 71351233

ISLAND HOPPING IN CONNEMARA SEPTEMBER 2007 will take you on a breath taking walking tours of the remote islands of Connemara and the West of Ireland while at the same time raising money for Children in Crossfire. Richard Moore is taking 25 people on this tour and places are allocated on a first come first served basis. For more details tel. 71269898. email events@childrenincrossfire.org