Sunday 18th January

2nd Sunday of the Year

Answering God’s Call

The disciples asked Jesus 'where do you live?' He replied 'come and see'. One of the most beautiful truths of our faith is found in the promise that Jesus made to us "where two or three are gathered in my name I am there with them." It is an answer for us to the question that the disciples asked. Jesus lives in our community with one another because of our baptism. He lives in every married couple because of the sacrament they share. He lives in every home because of the love that bonds us to one another as parents with children, as sisters and brothers. The significance of our parish is that it is not merely a place where we worship but is a real presence of Christ in our world. We will only see him in all these special places in so far as we answer his call to love God with our whole heart and to love one another as he loves us.

Fr. Johnny Doherty, C.Ss.R

‘COME AND SEE’ THE CALL OF JESUS TO PRAYER AND ACTION

Like John the Baptist we watch out for the work of God in the lives of others. In being alert for positive and life-giving people we are witnesses to the love of God active in our world. The Holy Spirit enables us to respond to the Lord’s call with open hearts. All of life is a gift for those who are blessed with faith. By our response to the call to ‘Come and See’ may we be signs of the power and love of God.

I often reflect that praise is the appropriate response of the creature to our Creator, even in circumstances where our hearts are breaking. Praise of our God is always appropriate. When we live lives which show forth the gifts of the Holy Spirit we will lift many hearts/

Any pupil in P7 can list of the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit. These are Wisdom, Understanding, Right Judgement, Courage, Knowledge, Reverence and Wonder and Awe in God’s Presence. Qualities we recognise in others are Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Gentleness, Goodness, Faithfulness and Self-Control.

However, all these things are much easier to list off than they are to live.
To live them we need to support each other in prayer and in everyday life. We must begin to draw on the gifts, especially Courage.

It takes courage to live faith and we need the support of each other.

In the Gospel the encounters between people change them. Those who follow Jesus to see where he lives also invite others.

The call of Baptism and Confirmation is for us to live life to the full.

When we are positive in outlook we are signs of the Lord’s attractiveness.

When we praise God we may be more likely to praise each other too.

In this way we build up the community of faith.

BAPTISM

Our parish family welcomes Reuben McIntyre
22 Glenbrook Tce.

 

MASS FOR THE SICK with Eucharistic Blessing will take place in Termonbacca on Tuesday 20th January at 8.00pm. All welcome.

MONTHLY PRO LIFE DEVOTIONS will take place in St. Columb’s Church Waterside on Tuesday 20th January commencing with Rosary at 7.00pm followed by Mass at 7.30pm. All welcome.

SUNDAY COLLECTION 11th January amounted to £2235.40 and €155.31 Thank you

SINCERE THANKS from Sister Anne and Gerry Deeney to all who contributed in and way to the Christmas Raffle in aid of the poor in Africa, India, Chile, Cambodia and Fiji by buying raffle lines, giving donations etc. The total amount raise to date is £19,591.16 plus €860 plus $100 Australian dollars for the six charities. This money will be divided and sent to the different sisters for their work. Mass is being offered for you all in thanksgiving. May God reward and bless each of you in a special way.

 

NEXT SUNDAY’S READINGS
Jonah 3: 1-5, 10 1 Corinthians 7:29-31
Mark 1:14-20

LASCO LOTTO . numbers drawn 5th Jan 6, 9, 14, 18 0 x £10 winners No Jackpot winner Next weeks jackpot £2800. To join please contact LASCO 71374443

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED to assist with the Sure Start Services in the Creevagh/Springtown/Rosemount areas. Volunteers will receive free training and their expense will be covered. If you are 16 or over please contact Rose Doherty 71267524

COLMCILLE PILGRIMAGES
LOURDES PILGRIMAGE 22nd-29th July 2009 Cost €775 Deposit €100 secures seat For details tel. Margaret 07732468511

ENGAGED ENCOUNTER An Engaged Encounter Weekend is a recognised form of marriage preparation. The weekend is non-residential and will take place in Thornhill on 21-22nd February. Early booking is advisable. For information and booking contact 028 79300340 or 02827638512 after 4.30pm

GIFT VOUCHER FOR DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES

Why not give someone an opportunity of going on Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2009 16-21st July. Gift Vouchers are available for(£25/£50) can be obtained from the Pilgrimage Office 164 Bishop Street Tues and Thurs 11am-2.00pm. Saturdays 11.am-1.00pm and 2.pm-4.00pm Tel. 71260293

BLESSED ALEXANDRINA

Mass in her honour will take place in Termonbacca today Sunday 25th January at 7.30pm. All welcome.

MARRIAGE PREPARATION WORKSHOP 30-31st Jan 2009 in Thornhill Centre Friday 7pm-10.00pm and Saturday and 10.am-4.00pm. Booking Forms available from Pastoral Centre Bishop St. Tel 71362475 or Parochial House.

CLASS ACT School of Speech and Drama in Bishop St. on Saturdays 4-6.00pm. Prepare for Feis, Grade Work, Build Confidence or just for fun. For details contact Loretta on 0791 999 2662 or Brenda 71312203

TI CHE is on every Monday night in 12 Farland Way 7.30-8.30pm New members welcome.

SILVER JUBILEE PARISH BOOK

This very attractive publication contains reflections by all the priests who formerly served here, photographs and articles recalling the beginnings of our parish, contributions by parishioners, children’s artwork and accounts and pictures about groups and individuals who together have woven the colourful tapestry which is the story of Holy Family past and present. The book is on sale at any time from the sacristy or parochial house. Cost £5.

PRIMARY AND NURSERY SCHOOL

Application Forms for entry to P1 and Nursery school in September 2009 are now available from the schools. Closing date for receipt of applications is Wednesday 21st January.

ST.BERNADETTE’S PLAYGROUP

Hazelbank Places are still available for 3-4 year olds. Forms available at Playgroup. Forms must be returned before 21st January. Tel 71308932

OPEN DAYS FOR P7 PUPILS AND THEIR PARENTS

St. Mary’sCollege Open Day Tuesday 26th January 7pm-10pm Principals Address 7.15 and 8.30pm. If you are unable to attend please contact the school tel 71362154 to make alternative arrangements.

St. Brigid’s College Open Day Monday 26th Jan.7.30-9.30pm. Principals Address 7.30pm.

St. Peter’s High School Open Day Tuesday 20th Jan. 7.30pm

KICK START TO WORK

Would you like help to find a job? For free confidential help and advice with job searching, CVs, application forms, interview techniques call Kickstart 71308466

EUCHARISTIC MINISTER For January
Vigil Mass Sheila o Comain
Angela Cassidy, Mary Forbes
Philomena Brown

9.30 am Mass Anne Roddy
Maria Mc Geehan Joe Doherty
Liz Harvey

11.15am Mass Brian Walker
Jimmy Jennings Willie Mc Shane
Bernadette Duddy

12.30 pm Marcella Patterson
Anne Marie Duddy, Natalie Bryson
Ruth Heaney

READERS FOR JANUARY St. Matthew’s Group
Vigil Sister Paula

9.30am Michael Roddy

11.15am Joe Morrison
Lorraine Conway

12.30pm Kathleen Corrigan
Jackie Knox