Sunday 17th February 2008

SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT TRANSFIGURATION

If it is true that the Transfiguration speaks to us about the divine nature of Jesus and that one day we will participate in Jesus’ glorious life, it is important to stress that because of our baptism and because Christ lives in us, we are called to be transfigured already in the present life, so as to reflect something of God’s glory to the world. We are called to look at all persons and all things as really reflecting something of God’s glory.

By the power of the Spirit, our lives are woven together by so many transfigurations. What prevents us from seeing God’s glory in all its brightness is the obscurity of our humanity, the shadow of our sins, and the cloud of our weakness. St. Paul tells us that we are ‘the image and reflection of God’ (1 Corinthians 11:7) and so as we journey in faith, we should learn to discern God’s glory in the humility of our flesh, in the simplicity of our daily tasks and duties.

The Irish writer John McGahern once asked ‘Could not the small acts of love performed with care, each normal, mysterious day, be a continual celebration?’

The question is still relevant for us today. Why do we not allow God’s presence within us to transfigure all our activities into a celebration of love? Why is it that the eyes of our minds and hearts are so closed and blind to God’s loving presence within and around us?

As we journey through this Lenten Season, the challenge for us is not to look for new things but to look at old things in a new way. The point is not to meet the new people, but to welcome anew those with whom we live.
May the Lord enlighten the eyes of our hearts because ‘by virtue of the creation and, still more, of the incarnation, nothing here below is profane for those who know how to see’.

SYMPATHY
We offer our sympathy to the family and friends of
Sheila Clarke, Petrie Way who died during the week. May she rest in peace.

BAPTISMS Our Parish family welcomes:
Sally Ann McConnellogue
8 The Hawthorns
Haileigh Kathleen McDonald
17 Corrib Court.

During Lent there will be an extra Mass Monday - Friday at 5.00pm.
Stations of the Cross after evening Mass Monday to Friday.
Lenten Devotions Sundays at 6.00pm

WATCH AND PRAY
Would you have some time to spare? Eucharistic Adoration takes place Monday -Friday 11.00am-7.30pm in the Oratory. Conducted prayer takes place 2pm-3.pm Monday - Saturday. Give some time --to God for Lent.

SUNDAY COLLECTION
3rd February amounted to £2479.52 and €208.74 Thank you for your generosity.

FIRST COMMUNION
There will be a Mass in preparation for First Communion on Tuesday 26th February at 7.30pm. in the church.

TROCAIRE BOXES
Thanks to all who helped deliver the boxes. If you have not received one please call at the Sacristy to get one.

FEAST OF OUR LADY OF LOURDES - WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR THE SICK.
Prayer and Reflection booklets which encourage us to pray for those who are sick and to unite the sacrifice of those who suffer and those who care for them with the sufferings of Christ as a means of the helping the missions and all who spread the Good News of Jesus. Booklets are available at the back of the church 50p each

MASS in honour of Blessed Alexandrina on Sunday 24 February in Termonbacca at 7.30pm. All welcome.

MONTHLY PRO LIFE DEVOTIONS on Tuesday 19th February in St.Columb’s Church Waterside commencing with Rosary at 7pm followed by Mass at 7.30pm. All welcome.

SPECIAL DIOCESAN MASS
The Annual Diocesan Mass for those with special needs and their families and friends will take place in St. Joseph’s Church Galliagh on Sunday 12th April. Bishop Lagan will celebrate the Mass. If you have a child who wishes to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation or First Communion at this Mass please contact the Catechetical Centre 71264087

IRISH CATHOLIC Please note the Irish Catholic Newspaper is 90p

CONCERNED ABOUT SUICIDE
An Information Evening entitled ‘Concerned About Suicide’ will be held in the City Hotel on Tuesday 19th February 7.30-9.30pm. This evening has been organised by representatives of the four main Christian Churches and will be led by Mr. Barry McGale and Mrs Anne McGarrigle. Everyone welcome.

ST. JOSEPH’S SCHOOL
As part of St. Joseph's Boys' School ongoing Environmental campaign, we will be collecting old clothes, shoes and books for recycling in our "Spring Clean". We will accept clothes and books for both males and females, any age group. The money donated by the recycling company will be donated to Trocaire. Items can be left at the school office and all donations are greatly appreciated. Contact Maryjo Gill at St. Joseph's Boys' School on 02871 262923.

LASCO LOTTO 31st Dec. numbers drawn 5, 12, 17, 24, No jackpot winner 2 X £10 winner. Next weeks jackpot £3,550. Anyone wishing to join please contact LASCO 71374443.

PILGRIMAGE TO Medjugorje and Rome Three night’s in Medjugorje bed & breakfast& evening meal. One night on ferry including evening meal.
Four nights in Rome bed & Breakfast.
Flying from Knock Airport. Return Belfast International Airport
Depart Saturday 4th October 2008 Return Sunday12th October 2008
All inclusive price £699. For further information contact Martina O’Neill at 71358519.

MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER is a weekend away (Friday 8pm to Sunday 5pm) for married couples of all ages with a stable relationship. Couples explore, in complete privacy, how to come to a deeper mutual understanding of each other. The dates for the next Marriage Encounter weekends are 28th-30th March, Dromantine Conference Centre, 18th-20th April, Emmaus Conference Centre, Swords Phone: 028 90 626503

Matthew Mondays - A 4-week beginners bible-study course on the Gospel of Matthew starts in Thornhill Centre on Monday 18 February from 11.00 am to 12.45 pm. Bibles will be available for use. Suggested donation: £5 per morning. Phone 71351233 to book.