Sunday 23rd August 2009

21st Sunday in Ordinary Time

Sunday, 23rd August 2009.

21st Sunday of the Year

First Reading Joshua 24:1-2 15-18
Joshua confronts the people with an initial decision, to serve the one true God or to serve false gods.

Second Reading Ephesians 5:21-32
St Paul urges the image of a marriage relationship to express the bond that exists between Christ and the Church.

Gospel John 6:60-69
The disciples are faced with an initial decision to stay with Jesus or to leave him.

Simon Peter said
“Lord, who shall we go to? You have the
message of eternal life, and we believe;
we know that you are the Holy one of God.”
(John 6:60-69)

JESUS INVITES US TO FOLLOW HIM IN WORD AND ACTION

There’s very much a take-it-or-leave-it approach evident in today’s Gospel (John 6:60-69). There’s no attempt at gentle persuasion. Jesus has just told the Jews that he is the living bread from heaven and that anyone who eats it will live forever . Does he think that the Jews will jump for joy at hearing this?

Strangely, instead of laughing him to scorn, or just turning their back on him as a crackpot, as you might expect, they dispute among themselves what he means. Now why would they do that?

Why would they take seriously someone who makes so outlandish a claim?

Two reasons perhaps. First, there’s something about Jesus that demands he be taken seriously, no matter what. There’s an intensity of presence, charisma and power in him that tells you he’s not the type to make nonsensical statements. Whatever about his statements being enigmatic, you know they can never be idiotic. Therefore, the Jews take him seriously and try to understand him.

Second reason: his works. Jesus has publicly performed works of extraordinary power. Miracles we call them. Because we’ve not experienced directly such works ourselves we cannon fully appreciate their effect. Just imagine if you witnessed someone performing even one of the healings attributed to Jesus would you not be totally gobsmacked? Would you not take seriously every utterance of such a person?

Jesus presents his followers with a take-it-or-leave-it claim. Why? Because if what he has done does not convince, then words won’t either. As St Francis noted, we should preach the gospel at all times, using words when necessary.

SUNDAY COLLECTION

9th August amounted to £1946.20and €158.30 Thank you.

 

STUDY THEOLOGY FROM HOME

The Dominicans are offering a theology programme specifically for lay people, offered by Distant Learning. This means you can study for a certificate, diploma or degree in theology - all from the comfort of home.

For further information contact The Priory Institute, Tallaght Village Dublin 24. Tel: (01) 404 8124/7, or email; enquires@prioryinstitute.com

ST CECILIAS COLLEGE will re-open on: Year 14 pupils on Fri 28 Aug, Year 8 on Monday 31st Aug, Year 12 on Tuesday 1st Sept, Year 11 on Wednesday 2nd Sept, Year 10 on Thursday 3rd Sept and Year 13 & 9 on Fri 4th Sept. School begins at 8.45am

ST MARY’S re-opens Mon 31 Aug. 8.45am-11.55am 1st Years & 6th Years only. Busses will be provided. 1pm-3.10pm - all other students. Students coming at 1pm must get their own way to school. Buses will be provided to take students home.

ST MARY’S COLLEGE meeting Fri 28th Aug for all students seeking to enter lower sixth. Students are asked to ring college on or after 27th Aug to arrange an interview. Subjects offered are: Applied Business, Engineering, Health Double, Health single, ICT, Science Double, Art & Design, BTEC H&S Care, Travel & Tourism, English, Geography, History, Maths, Music, RE & Technology. Other subjects are available through Foyle Learning Community. Bring Record of Achievement to meeting.

ST PETERS HIGH SCHOOL Year 12 begin on Fri 28th Aug at 8.45am, Year 8 return Mon 31 Aug at 8.45am, Year 9 on Tue 1 Sept at 1pm, Year 10 on Wed 2 Sept at 1pm, Year 11 on Fri 4th Sept at 8.45am, Year 12 on Fri 28th Aug. interviews for 6th form will begin on Thursday 27th Aug at 10am.

 

PILGRIMAGE due to demand an extra trip to Italy as been organised depart 11 Sept ‘09-18th Sept. 2 nights Rome, 3 nights San Giovanni & 2 nights Sorrento. Return flights from Belfast. Tel Sean Mulrine 71265926

PADRE PIO WEEKEND

Knock Shrine Sat 19th -Sun 20th Sept. Knock House Hotel 2 dinners, B&B. For further details Tel 71265926

LASCO LOTTO on 17th August 3, 7, 8, 20 2 x £10 winner No Jackpot winner Next weeks jackpot £750. To join Tel 71374443

 

 

ZEST to raise vital funds to continue providing a service to those affected by self harm or suicide are hosting a Derry City Legends VS Zest Select. Match on 5th Sept @ 4pm at the show grounds. To play Tickets cost £30, 1st 20 tickets pulled out by Liam Coyle will represent Zest. There will be 5 more tickets pulled which will receive prizes. A day for the whole family. Refreshments afterwards in Tower Hotel. For info Tel 07864973222

 

 

READERS FOR AUGUST
Vigil Myra Merrigan

9.30am Margaret Harkin

11.15am Bridie Gallagher
John Moore

12.30pm Marcella Patterson
Louise McCloskey

 

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS FOR AUGUST
Vigil Mass Brendan Ferris,
Myra Merrigan, Mark McChrystal, Nell Smith,

9.30am Brigid McNutt
Peter McCourt, Bridie Gallagher, Kathleen Cullen

11.15am Gordan Hyndman,
Jackie Knox, Eileen Corcoran.

12.30pm Louise McCloskey,
Gerry McMonagle, Ann Lynch, Majella Heaney, Fidelma Coyle

 

Interested in developing your faith a little more? Thornhill Centre has a number of short and long courses starting in October and November 2009: Pastoral Ministry: ‘There is a Variety of Gifts.’ Liturgy: ‘Foundations in Liturgy’. Scripture: ‘Saint Luke.’ Aspects of Faith: ‘So What Should We Teach Them?’ Personal Development: ‘Dreams Workshop.’ For further details contact Thornhill Centre at 71351233.

 

 

MEDJUGORJE 20th Sept. 7 nights £499 fully inclusive. Contact Pat Mullan 71301474

 

The Churches’ Trust currently has a number of opportunities for Volunteers seeking to offer their time and expertise for community benefit.

FLEXICARE SERVICE is designed to assist older people remain independent and in their own homes for as long as possible. Volunteers will assist our clients through befriending, helping with shopping or assisting them attend medical appointments.For further information, please contact: Kathryn on 71311322

ADDICTION

The First Step in Recovery, Dependence on Alcohol, other drugs or gambling present life threatening physical and mental health challenges for individuals, stress and relationship difficulties in families, financial problems for all concerned, educational issues for children and young people, deaths on the roads and crime on our streets. If you are concerned about your dependence on Alcohol, other drugs or gambling staff at Whiteoaks Rehabilitation Centre provide a confidential counselling service for individuals, couples or families. Tel. 003537493 84400 for help.