Sunday 19th April 2009

Second Sunday of Easter

 

First Reading Acts of the Apostles 4: 32-35
The unity and charity of the first Christians.

Second Reading John 5: 1-6
Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ has been begotten by God.

Gospel John 20: 19-31
The Risen Christ brings faith, forgiveness and peace to his disciples.

 

 

JESUS TRANSFORMS: DARKNESS TO LIGHT; FEAR TO HOPE; DEATH TO LIFE; GO TELL THIS GOOD NEWS

Many people who have honestly grappled with their own weaknesses, addictions and other struggles are often the most joyful, open and trustworthy people we could meet. One such person describes how during the darkest hours of his life, when he experienced no joy or light, he encountered a moment of re-creation when he experienced Alcoholics Anonymous and his life began anew. In his own words, he believes it to be a resurrection experience, where the chaos of his life was transformed into a new creation, a new beginning.

We must cast our thoughts back to Palm Sunday to recall the initial feelings of hope and expectation as the disciples followed Christ through the streets of Jerusalem. Chaos would soon enter their world as they witness the trial of their saviour and nothing could prepare them for the brutality of Christ’s death. Their world had been torn apart. This Gospel from John is the dawn of a new creation. It is resurrection day, the first day of the week and Christ appears in the midst of the disciples. The disciples have experienced the darkest of times and yet, the presence of Christ represents the light of a new creation. There can no longer be darkness and chaos, for the resurrection re-creates the world, conquering death and fear and bringing joy to all who believe its message.

This is Good News and it is joyful news. The disciples are sent out to preach and evangelise with this in mind. Nothing of this message should be concealed and when it is preached, the joy of the message should be transmitted. It is a transformative message that will change lives. Interestingly, the first person the disciples encounter is Thomas and he refuses to believe their message. Perhaps not all who evangelise will be successful! But the evangeliser never gives up. Today we acknowledge the forces in our world that deny or obstruct this message of joy. We pray for perseverance and strength in carrying out Christ’s command to go out into the world and spread the Good News.

JUBILEE CANDLE
A commemorative Holy Family Silver Jubilee candle is on sale. The candle bears the Holy Family logo and costs £3 or 4 for £10.

 

 

SYMPATHY

We offer our sympathy to the family and friends of

Stuart Corrigan, 5 Dunluce Court and

Mary Margaret Pierce 44 The Branch who died during the week.

May they rest in peace.

 

BAPTISMS

Our Parish family welcomes
Kevin Ryan Smyth
72 Rockmills, Strand Road

 

READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY
Acts 3:13-15 17-19 1 John 2:1-5
Gospel Luke 24:35-48

 

THE HOLY FAMILY PADRE PIO Prayer Group will hold their monthly meeting tomorrow Monday night 20th April starting with 7.30pm Mass. There will be two 1st class relics available at the meeting. Everyone is welcome.

 

 

SPECIAL DIOCESAN MASS

The Annual Mass for those with Special Needs and their families will take place in St. Joseph’s Church Galliagh on Saturday 9th May at 3.00pm. Bishop Hegarty 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. Tel 71264087

DIVINE MERCY: The Image of Divine Mercy will be solemnly Enthroned in Long Tower Church by Bishop Hegarty today. The Devotions will begin at 3:00pm. All welcome.

 

MONTHLY PRO-LIFE DEVOTIONS in St Columbs Church Waterside on Tuesday 21st April commencing with Rosary at 7pm followed by Mass at 7.30pm. All welcome.

 

TROCAIRE BOXES should be left back as soon as possible.

Dreams Workshop –– Exploration of the Dream World from the Christian Perspective (8-session course). Evenings begin Thursday 23 April from 7:30 to 9:30 pm in Thornhill Centre. Cost - £50. For more details telephone 71351233.

COLMCILLE PILGRIMAGES
LOURDES PILGRIMAGE 22nd-29th July 2009 Cost £649 Deposit £100 secures seat For details tel. Margaret 07732468511

 

STAMP APPEAL

A collection box is in the church over the Easter period. Please bring your stamps for collection. The stamps will be forwarded to St. Patrick’s Mission after Easter. They will aid St. Patrick’s Missionaries in their work all over the world.
LASCO LOTTO . numbers drawn 6, 8, 14, 20 No x £10 winner No Jackpot winner Next weeks jackpot £3450. To join please contact LASCO 71374443

 

 

BALLYMAGROARTY YOUTH CLUB is offering Hip Hop Dance lessons on Saturdays 12 -2pm at Youth club Age from 7+ Lessons are free. Contact Kara or John 71262797

 

SEARCH WEEKEND will take place in Termonbacca on Friday 17th April 8.15pm - Sunday 19th April @ 4 pm If you are aged 15-20 and looking for something different

This is a weekend not to be missed! Limited number of places available.

Book early to avoid disappointment

Full cost of this residential weekend, Including Fun, sleep and food is £25 Contact Oonagh on 07711707365

www.derrysearchyouthgroup.org

 

DO YOU HAVE A GOOD LISTENING EAR? Do you enjoy chatting to other women? Would you like to share stories with others? Mid Ulster Women’s network and Inishowen Women’s Information Network are delivering a programme designed to bring women of all ages together from both sides of the border. New weekly group starting Wednesday 22 April at 9.45 - 1.30 in Diamond Centre Claudy. Contact Elaine/Madeline 79634781 Mob 07932096072 for more information

 

ST MARY’S CHURCH Creggan 50th Anniversary

To celebrate they are having a May Ball in City Hotel on 22nd May Tickets £35 each ring Marian Sheehan 07902291425 or Margaret McGlinchey 07748060792

SILVER JUBILEE PARISH BOOK recalling the beginnings of our parish. The book is on sale at any time from the sacristy or parochial house. Cost £5.

 

AGE CONCERN DERRY GARDENING COMPETITION 2009

Are you over 60? Do you have a garden, vegetable plot or hanging basket that you are really proud of and have put a lot of effort into cultivating? You could win the Age Concern Perpetual Challenge Cup, by entering the 2009 Age Concern Derry Gardening Competition The competition is open to all gardeners, over the age of 60, living in the Derry City Council Area. The closing date is Friday 8th May 2009. All entries must be in by this date. The competition’s judges will visit gardens in the last week of June and first week of July. Further details and entry forms can be obtained from Age Concern, Malvern House, 20 Chapel Road, Waterside, BT47 2AN, by telephone (028) 71 347 478 or by email at dev.ageconcern@derrycityconnect.org