Sunday 23rd Sept - Vol. 24 No 37

A Personal Investment

The first Communicant was busy opening cards from relatives and neighbours after the ceremony. All but one had the inevitable money gift enclosed. She shook the offending empty envelope again but to no avail and declared; ‘this one doesn’t work’. A child of this world alright, but in what way have they been taught by us?

In Ireland we cal it cuteness, seeing the angle, feathering the nest, greasing our way around something. Cuteness is not lovely in itself and while it shows a lack of scruples, it is ingenious.

Why do we do it? Well, as the economy fluctuates, one thing will always remain constant- our preoccupation with money.

In looking at today’s parable, all to often we view it from the angle of the wealthy landowner who is defrauded by his servant, or we may even see glimpses of ourselves at work in that servant. But what about if we are the debtors, getting their debts reduced? Suppose God was saying to us; ‘none of the money you have is yours, all the wealth you possess is someone else’s (God’s) and you are about to lose the use of it real soon. Do something with it that will gain you some credit when you no longer have the use of it’
Everyone seeks a sound investment and it’s not always to found in the realm of seductive wealth. Money is a good servant, but a very poor master to have. Choose well.

BAPTISMS
Our parish family welcomes
Rhys Gary Gallagher, 69 Drumard Park
Adam Oisin Owen Courtney, 10 Bealachmor Upper

DEATHS
We offer our sympathy to the family and friends of
Sean Canny, Kenmare Park
Aaron Toland, Drumard Park,
Kathleen Begley, Farmhill,
Charles Rookley who died during the week.
May they rest in peace.

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY are donating their collection this weekend to Eamon Melaugh for his ‘Action with Effect’ Charity in India. Please give generously.

MONTHLY PRO LIFE DEVOTIONS will be held on Tuesday 25th September in St. Columb’s Church Chapel Road commencing with Rosary at 7.00pm followed by Mass at 7.30pm. Everyone is welcome.

CHOIR
The 11.15am Sunday Choir seeks new members both male and female. If interested come along to the practice on Tuesdays at 8.15pm in the Upper Room. All welcome

SUNDAY MASSES during September will be as follows: Vigil 6.00pm. 9.30am, 11.15am and 12.30pm.

SUNDAY COLLECTION for 16th September amounted to £2079.25 Thank you for your generosity

PATHWAY TO PRAYER - 0ne year
Spirituality course will be held in Thornhill centre on Mondays 7.30pm-9.30pm beginning 1st October The course will allow people the opportunity nourish their intellect and so feed their spirit. For details telephone 71351233

FOUNDATIONS IN LITURGY
A One Year Course will be held in Thornhill Centre every Tuesday 7.30pm-9.45pm beginning 2nd October. This course is designed to foster an understanding of the richness of the Liturgy of the Church. For details ring 71351233

LEGION OF MARY PILGRIMAGE TO KNOCK will take place on Sunday 30th September Cost Adults £12 Children £6 Deposit of £5 is required. For further details Tel. 71359378 0r 71372039

URGENT PRO LIFE PETITION
Precious Life has launched a Petition Postcard for the public to sign and send to their local Assembly Members calling them to vote in support of the Pro Life motion tabled in the Assembly opposing Health Dept Guidelines making abortion widely available in Northern Ireland Campaign postcards can be ordered from Precious Life Tel. 90 278484
HOLY FAMILY LOURDES PILGRIMAGE 150TH ANNIVERSARY 23rd July 2008 Spiritual Director Fr. Paddy O’Kane Savings scheme in Parochial House on Thursdays 8.30-9.00pm. For details contact Margaret 07732468511

MARRIGE PREPARATION WORKSHOP 5th/6th October in Thornhill Centre Friday 7pm to 10pm and Saturday 10.00am-4.00pm. Booking forms available from the Pastoral Centre 164 Bishop Street Tel. 71362475

BALLYMAGROARTY YOUTH CLUB has re opened after the summer break. Mondays Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
Junior Club (P1-P7) 3-5.00pm
Senior Club (Year 8 +)6-10pm. For further information contact John Leonard 71262797

CITIZENS OF SENIOR YEARS CLUB
C.O.S.Y. is launching a flower arranging class in open to everyone commencing Monday 24th September in Farland Way 10.30am-12.30pm. Participants will be supported in making their own arrangements to take home. Refreshments will be provided . For information call Aisling or Christy 71370196 or 07779458340

ST. EUGENE’S SCOUTS are looking for boys and girls 6-11yrs interested in making new friends playing games, learning skills, art and crafts. Beaver Meetings for children age 6-8yrs 7-8.00pm Tuesdays in St. Anne’s School. Cub Meetings for children aged 8-10 yrs. 8-9.00pm on Tuesdays in St. Anne’s School. Come along and join in.

THINKING OF QUITTING SMOKING? Help is available western Trust Smoking Cessation Clinics commences on Monday 24th September at 10.30am in Shantallow Health Centre or 7pm in Gt. James St. for details contact Theresa at 71365177 ext. 250 or just come along.

IRISH NURSERY & PRIMARY SCHOOLS ‘Naiscoil Mhaoliosa and Gaelscol Na Darogie have places still available for the current school year. Give your child the advantage of 2 languages in a small class setting. Visit the school behind Sheelin Park Tel. 71371414

ROSEMOUNT RESOURCE CENTRE Course for 2007-2008 GCSE English & Maths
Art, Digital Photography beginners course, Digital Photography Advanced course Clait computer course, Introduction to computers.