Sunday 21st February 2010

1st Sunday of Lent

“Jesus was led by the spirit through the wilderness and was tempted there by the devil for forty days.” As we begin Lent, we are put in touch with the basic temptations of human life that can lead us to disaster. The first of these is pride. This does not mean thinking well of ourselves but rather thinking of ourselves as the only and most important thing in our lives. During this time we are invited to sort out our priorities once again. The second temptation is to power that makes us want to prove that we are better than others. The only power we should exercise as followers of Christ is the power of love through which we forget ourselves, die to ourselves so that others may have life. And Lent is also a time to change our ways of life that are not in accordance with God’s ways as the third temptation is presumption. God does respect our choices and rewards and punishes us accordingly.

Fr. Johnny Doherty, C.Ss.R.

 

Sunday, 21st February 2010

1st Sunday of Lent

First Reading : Deuteronomy 26: 4-10
The Lord heard our voice and saw our misery, our toil and our oppression.

Second Reading: Romans 10: 8-13
If your lips confess that Jesus is Lord and if you believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, then you will be saved.

Gospel: Luke 4: 1-13
You must worship the Lord your God, and serve God alone.

 

THE DESERT

A desert for most of us is an inhospitable wilderness, a sea of useless sand, and economic wasteland. Well, so people thought until one day over a hundred years ago they were drilling for water and hit the liquid black gold of oil which has been spewing forth non-stop since and has wrought such changes to our world – some would say a blessing, perhaps more would disagree. It is hard to imagine what our world would have been like without this discovery, especially in terms of travel.

But back to the desert! Today’s readings are about Christ’s temptations there. A friend who worked in a high pressure job once told me he loved the desert because it has no distractions – just you and your thoughts. I think I would go mad there but he described the bleakness and solitude as a spiritual experience. He said it enriched his soul and freed him from the concerns of the world. He could hear God’s whisper in the silence.

Lent is based on those forty days that Jesus spent in the desert as a preparation for his public ministry. We are challenged to take a closer look at how we live at this time of preparation for Easter.

While the world indulges itself we are called to self-discipline.
While some may be selfish, we are called to be generous [Trocaire] and caring.
While many forget God we are called to return to him in prayer.
This is a time of change of heart and mind, of conversion, purification and renewal; if not, then the danger is that we might continue to live in the empty wastelands of our own spiritual deserts.

I end by quoting Old Nick himself:

‘That day in the desert I thought I had him.
I offered him food, after forty days of hunger – No good!
Then I tried the ‘power plan’ – He wasn’t interested.
Then his ‘ego’- Defeat again!
I had to go away with my tail between my legs,
Three times a loser. But I’ll be back.
Our paths will cross again. I’ll nail him yet!
Ah! – ‘cross’ and ‘nail’, - now there’s an idea!

Watch this space'.

 

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During Lent there will be an extra Mass Monday—Friday at 5.00pm
Stations of the Cross after evening Mass on Mondays and Fridays.
Lenten Healing Service on Sundays at 6.00pm.

SYMPATHY

We offer our sympathy to the family and friends of

David Killen, McNeice Close and

Jeannie McMonagle, Lindenwood Park who died during the week.

May they rest in peace.

 

BAPTISM

Our Parish family welcomes

Eamon Derek Ryan
12 Drumkeen Park
Lily Ann Connolly
2 Temple Court
Ava Grace Laranjeira 91 Drumard Pk
Aoibheann Ellen Doherty
84 Norburgh Park

 

SUNDAY COLLECTION

14th Feb amounted to £2182.94 and €241.45

 

FIRST COMMUNION/ CONFIRMATION

There will be a meeting for parents of children for First Communion and Confirmation tomorrow (Monday) at 8.00pm in the church. It will be led by the Diocesan Catechetical Team. All parents are expected to attend.

GROUP GUIDED PRAYER Thursday 8.00pm - 9.00pm in the Upper Room. This group will meet each week to pray with Sunday Scripture readings. All welcome

MASS IN HONOUR of Blessed Alexandrina Maria Da Costa will be celebrated in Termonbacca next Sunday 28th February at 7.30pm. All welcome.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS

We have a set of alternative Stations on display for those who wish to meditate on Christ’s passion during Lent. A Custom which we encourage for all.

 

MASS for people who have lost
loved one to suicide in St. Eugene’s Cathederal on Thursday 25th Feb at 7.30.Celebrant: Bishop Hegarty.

 

PRECIOUS LIFE will hold their monthly Pro Life Mass in Termonbacca tomorrow Monday at 7.30pm.

 

A One Day Retreat for Senior Citizens and their friends will take place in Termonbacca, Derry on Tuesday 23rd February. Registration from 10.30 a.m. finishing around 5.00 p.m. Cost £15stg includes a four course lunch. Payment at the Centre on the day. To book Tel: Termonbacca Derry 71262512 during office hours only.

 

The Irish Children’s Pilgrimage Trust is taking children/young people with special needs (both physical and learning disability) from the ages of 9-21 years of age from all over Ireland to Lourdes on Easter Sunday (4th -10th April 2010). The IHCPT is looking urgently for nurses to travel with groups this Easter. If interested contact Mary on 00353877962047 Fare €640

 

 

BLOOD TRANSFUSION SERVICE

The next blood donation session will be held in Rafters carpark on Monday 1st March 2-4pm & 5.15-8pm.

 

DERRY DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES 16-21st July Application forms are available for any young person aged 14-15 who would like a place on the Diocesan Pilgrimage. For further information tel the pilgrimage office 164 Bishop St. Tel 71351233

 

HEALTH DROP IN

12 week health programme. Monday 11.30am-1.30pm 23 Inch View, Thursday 11.30am– 1.30pm at BYC Shaw Court. Weight management, nutritional advice and blood pressure. Action Cancer bus Friday 19th March for breast checks and helath MOT’s. Book early. Call for a chat and a cup of tea. Tel 71271977 for further information.

ST.COLUMB’S HALL proudly presents BAGATELLE 30th Anniversary Collection Concert for one night only in St. Columb’s Hall on Friday 26th February 2010 Tickets on sale at Parochial House, 18 Pump St or at the Sacristy. Price £12.50

COLMCILLE PILGRIMAGES LOURDES PILGRIMAGE 21st-28th July 2009 Cost £659 For details tel. Margaret 07732468511

Age Concern Derry Good Neighbour Award

Do you know someone who is an exceptional neighbour to an older person? Why not nominate them for this prestigious award. To obtain nomination forms, please contact Age Concern Derry, Malvern House, Chapel Road, telephone 71 347 478. The closing date for nomination forms is Friday 26th February 2010.

 

PARAXIS CARE the charity promoting mental health, needs male and female volunteers in Derry and surrounding areas to visit those lonely and isolated due to mental health. If you feel you could befriend someone and give a commitment of 2-4 hours a week please contact Phyllis on 71308020. No experience is necessary as preparation will be given.

Youthlife “Bereaved by Suicide”
Growing Through Change Programme in the Residential Centre, Ulster American Folk Park from 8 pm on Friday 26 until 5 pm on Sunday 28 February. For further information and application forms please contact Bridie or Pat at the Youthlife Centre 23 Bishop Street, Tel: 71377227 Mobile: 07912507388

BOOK AND ART SALE in Drummond Hotel Ballykelly on Friday 26th February at 6.45pm. Proceeds in aid of Haiti.