Sunday 20th July 2008

16th Sunday in Ordinary Time

We live in an age, when no one has time to wait. All needs have to be met immediately. The ‘Small is Beautiful’ of Schumacher no longer has any relevance. As we copy our more powerful neighbours everything has to be bigger and better. I need only a single item in a shop, but the commercial world forces two or more on me and tries to convince me that one is free - provided I get three!

God’s ways are quite different. Wait! Be tolerant! A time of reckoning will come - but not yet. God’s Kingdom has the characteristic of small beginnings. This will not hinder the smallest of grains becoming a branchy tree with plenty of space. God’s dream works after the manner of yeast put into the flour. The dough is leavened from within, working silently but so powerfully! Such is the way of God’s kingdom. It works from within. The growth is not always evident. We do not need the external manifestations of grandeur and success that we, especially as Church, considered so important in recent and not so recent times. Didn’t our schools vie with one another for the highest marks? We had to be successful and we had to be seen to be. Failure was not catered for or tolerated and so it was pushed out of sight. We pretended we did not have a dark side and consequently part of us that was there had to be pushed out of sight and not honoured. Thankfully this has changed and we are more realistic and more aware.

We are at a time when a new meaning can be applied to the gospel - a meaning that is relevant for our time and yet true to the Word of God. As we become more evangelised, we can turn our attention to the more vulnerable members of our society. We can ask God for the gift of tolerance and the enlightenment to read the Word of God with new ears.

Today’s readings carry an energising and encouraging message at a time when all seems lost. ‘Listen. Anyone who has ears! Such is Jesus admonition

BAPTISMS Our parish family welcomes:
Ryan Michael McDaid
29 Kavanagh Court

SUNDAY COLLECTION 13th July amounted to £1922.92 and €435.58 Thank you

NEXT SUNDAY’S READINGS
1Kings 3:5, 7-12 Ps 118 Rom 8:28-30 Mt. 13:44-52

Columba Community extend an invitation to those who have helped and been helped by the work of The Community and Associates over the past 30 years. to join us in an afternoon of prayer and reflection lead by Fr Neal Carlin (Columba Community and Fr Harold (Brothers of the Incarnate word) inThe Celtic Garden ( near White Oaks) on Saturday 26th July at 2.30pm - 6.30pm. RSVP to IOSAS Centre (00353)749384866

LASCO LOTTO . numbers drawn 20th May 4, 6, 17, 21, 2x £10 winners No Jackpot winner Next weeks jackpot £1500. Anyone wishing to join please contact LASCO 71374443

DERRY TRUST FUND Pilgrimage to Rome & San Giovanni 26th Sept a few places left. Invalids welcome (nurses available) Cost €999 Enquiries Anna Dillon 71359673

LIFE LINE is a new regional 24/7 helpline funded by the DHSS in response to the actions outlined in the suicide prevention strategy Protect Life: A shared vision Lifeline calls are answered by trained counsellors who are experienced in dealing with suicide, self harm, abuse, trauma, depression and anxiety. The number is 0808 808 8000. Calls are free from all landlines and mobiles.

New Courses at Thornhill Centre: The following new courses are planned for Thornhill Centre next term. For further details contact the Centre at 71351233:
Practical Theology & Spirituality (Mon Nights) – 1 Year
Foundations in Liturgy (Tues Nights) Prayer in Daily Life (Thur Mornings) Understanding Saint Paul (Tues Nights) – 4 Weeks

YOUTH 2000 SUMMER FESTIVAL Clonmacnois, Co. Offaly Thursday 14-Sunday 17 August For young people age 16-35 an opportunity not to be missed to experience the Catholic faith and meet many new friends. Donation only. Free buses available from around the country. Check websites www.youth2000.ie or xx-youth2000-xx.bebo.com.

BALLYMAGROARTY SUMMER SCHEME will commence on 7th July and will run for 7 weeks. Registration will take place on Monday 7th July and is open to ages 4-12years. Registration cost £1 per child and 30p per day. Sessions are 10-12nnon and 2-4pm. Breakfast club will be available every morning.

A seasonal Creche will also be running during the summer months in conjunction with the Summer Scheme. £5 per child per session. Anyone who would be interested in a part time position in the crèche contact Yvonne or Kara 71262797 Applicants must hold NVQ Level 3 or NNEB in childcare.

COLMCILLE PILGRIMAGES 

Pilgrimage to the
Holy Land, 

Including Egypt [the Pyramids] Greece [ Athens and Corinth Turkey [ Ephesus ] In the footsteps of St. Paul  Nine days beginning 6th. March 2009. 
What is so special about this pilgrimage? It will take the form of a cruise between these different ports. We have been allocated 30 places which will go very quickly Please book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Price £1145 Phone or text Margaret @ 07732468511 Or email:paddyokane@tiscali.co.uk

Loving God,
I give you thanks for the gifts of the Holy Spirit received in
Confirmation

Inspire me to use these gifts in the
everyday situations of my life.
Help me grow in wisdom
and knowledge and make
decisions and choices that are good.

May I always live life to the full
and with your help
reach my true potential.

Keep me joyful and guide me
O Lord,
I place all my trust in you.
Amen