Sunday 22nd February 2009

7th Sunday of the Year

JESUS OFFERS PEACE THROUGH HEALING AND FORGIVENESS

I have always been drawn to the four men who carried the paralytic and went to so much trouble in getting him to the feet of Jesus. They represent the Church, in bringing people into the presence of Jesus for healing. Amazingly the paralytic plays no role in the whole healing process - it is their faith and persistence that results in healing. The Church has discovered the incredible ‘new thing’ of forgiveness in Christ and it seeks to make it available to those who so desperately need it but cannot get near it. In our world the chat show has all but replaced the confessional, but offers only ventilation without forgiveness.

There was a view among a certain number of the Jewish people that sickness was a punishment for sin and while Jesus did not endorse this view, neither did he believe that sickness and sin were unrelated. Psychologists such as Karl Menninger have pointed out the psychosomatic relationship between immoral behaviour and certain illnesses.

Repressed guilt is not unlike nuclear waste which may be buried underground but remains active for many years. In a similar way sin and guilt that is buried can often lead to all sorts of psycho-spiritual problems. The church’s role is to facilitate access to Jesus and to do all it can to help people paralysed by sin to come into Jesus’ forgiving, healing presence. A perfect example of this is the AA membership who will go to any lengths to bring a fellow alcoholic to a place of sobriety. Can the church of Jesus afford to be any less caring for those who need his help?

ASH WEDNESDAY falls this week. The ashes as you know, are from burnt palms of the previous year. Please leave your palms in the sacristy before Tuesday. Ashes will be distributed at all Masses on Wednesday.

Wednesday is a day of fast and abstinence.

Stations of the Cross after evening Mass Monday to Friday beginning on Ash Wednesday.

TROCAIRE BOXES will be delivered to all homes in the parish this week.

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, . The book is on sale at any time from the sacristy or parochial house. Cost £5.

SYMPATHY

We offer our sympathy to the family and friends of Eimear Cunningham 24 Killary Road who died during the week. May she rest in peace.

BAPTISMS

Our parish family welcomes:

Adhamh McClintock
18 Kinnego Park

Madison Ann Arnold
44 Sheelin Park

Orla Marguerite Majella Devine
8 Long Tower Court

Josh Patrick William Cunningham
64 Whitehouse Park

 

SUNDAY COLLECTION

15th February amounted to £2325.64 and €349.05 Thank you

 

VISIT OF HIS EMINENCE CARDINAL KEITH O’BRIEN

The official visit to the Diocese will be held on Monday and Tuesday this week. He will be principal celebrant at Mass in St. Eugene’s Cathedral on Tuesday 24th February at 10.am and all are welcome to attend. Cardinal O’Brien will be available after Mass to meet and greet those who come along.

 

ROSARY for the Holy Souls will be held in St. Brigid’s Church Carnhill at 5pm next Sunday 1st March.

PRECIOUS LIFE will hold their monthly Pro Life Mass on Monday 23rd February in Termonbacca at 7.30pm. All welcome.

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS for March Group A

Vigil: Maire Kivelehan, Rita Duffy, Anne O’Doherty, Leonard Nicell

9.30am Brian Boyle, Marian Boyle
Claire Caldwell, Paul McElhinney,

11.15am Stephen McCafferty
Patricia Murphy Jim Quigg

12.30pm Sean Grant, Hester Mahon, Aiobheann Quigg Declan O’Doherty,

READERS FOR MARCH

Vigil Paddy Breslin,

9.30am Michael Roddy

11.15am Martin Doherty
Kathleen Quinn

12.30pm Delia McFarland

DERRY TRUST FUND PILGRIMAGES Medjugorhe 25th April Holy Land 5th October Lourdes 10th June Contact Anna Dillon for details Tel 71359673

PILGRIMAGE Rome San Giovanni 17th June Fatima 2nd July, Rome 2nd August San Giovanni 9th September Contact Sean Mulrine 71265926

SUNDAY READINGS

Thornhill Centre is holding Scripture evenings beginning Wednesday 3 March from 8:00 pm to 9:30 pm. The course will give participants some background on the Liturgy of the Word for the Sundays of Lent. For details, ring 71351233.

Lenten Thursdays Beginning Thursday 26th February, Thornhill Centre is hosting a series of ‘Reflection Mornings’ for the Thursdays of Lent. Each morning begins at 10:30, concludes with a light lunch at 1:00 pm and includes a talk, quiet reflection and ritual. A donation of £5 per morning is suggested. Tel. 71351233 to book.

ONE DAY RETREAT for Senior Citizens and their friends from Derry and surrounding areas will take place at the Carmelite Retreat Centre, Termonbacca, Derry on Thursday 26th February Registration from 10.30 a.m. finishing around 5.00 p.m. Cost £15stg or €18euro includes a four course lunch. To book Tel: Termonbacca Derry 71262512 during office hours only.

MONTHLY MASS for Temperance will take place in St. Brigid’s Church Carnhill at 7.30pm on Monday 2nd March. The Prayer for the Canonisation of the Venerable Matt Talbot will be recited. It is hoped that as many as possible will be able to attend to pray for an increase in Termperance in our homes and city

COLMCILLE PILGRIMAGES

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

 

PIONEER TOTAL ABSTINENCE ASSOCIATION

Most people try to give up things they like for Lent. Would you consider giving up alcohol for Lent? Why not take a temporary pledge for a limited period? This pledge could one of the means to practice self-denial during Lent and could be offered up to the Sacred Heart for sins of intemperance. Tel 71352725 or 71352285

GRASTA DE (Grace of God) committee invite you to an Evening of Style and Image presented by Jackie McGavigan in Da Vinci’s Hotel from 8-10pm on Thurs.5th March Tel. Sandra 71347220 for tickets £12 each. Limited amount.

LIFE COACHING

Do you want to make changes in your life, take back control and transform your life through Free life coaching sessions with local coach in the Derry area. For info Tel: Ruth 07739041319

AGE CONCERN DERRY JIM GUY PERPETUAL SHIELD TABLE QUIZ 2008

The table quiz will commence on Thursday 5th March , Anyone in the Derry area can field a team of four; the only stipulation being that ALL team members must be over the age of 60 years. For entry forms Tel: 71 347 478. Entry fee is £5 per team. Closing date 26th Feb.

LASCO LOTTO . numbers drawn 16th February 11, 13, 16, 22 No x £10 winners No Jackpot winner Next weeks jackpot £3050. To join please contact LASCO 71374443

MOBILE LIBRARY

The Mobile Library will be stopping on Wednesday 25th February outside St. Eithne’s School form 12 - 1pm and Ennis Place from 3.30-5pm. The mobile will stop here every 2 weeks and offers a range of books to suit all ages.