Sun 23rd Dec 2007 Vol. 24 No 49

THE LAW OF LOVE - SETS US FREE

Joseph was clearly a man of great faith, who believed in following the Law. Yet he was able to see beyond the words of the Law to the spirit of it, marrying Mary even after finding she was pregnant.

Some people find it difficult to see beyond the rules to the meaning of the rules. Like the rich young man who encountered Jesus, they may keep all the commandments, but cannot see that there is more. That rich young man was desperate to do the right thing but he was too attached to his possessions and wealth and could not let go of them in order to focus on God.

Even before Joseph had heard, dreamed or seen any angels helping him to decide what to do, he did not condemn; he looked for a way in which Mary could be safe even if she could not be with him.

Let us decide today to live in the welcoming light of love, not sit in harsh judgement of those who we think have broken the rules.

Child of Bethlehem, help me to see beyond harsh judgements to the light of your love.

THE PRIESTS OF THE PARISH WISH YOU ALL A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS

PENITENTIAL SERVICES
Today Sunday 23rd December.
6.00pm. Long Tower

Monday 24th December.
11am-6.00pm. St. Eugene’s Cathedral

CONFESSIONS for Christmas in Holy Family Church
Monday - Christmas Eve
Confessions 10.30am, 12noon, 5.00pm-5.45pm.
Monday Mass 10.00am

CHRISTMAS MASSES
Monday - Christmas Eve
Vigil Masses 6.00pm and 9.00pm.

Tuesday 25th (Christmas Day) 9.30am, 11.15am and 12.30pm.

MASSES
Saturday Vigil 6.00pm
Sunday 9.30am 11.15am, 12.30pm
Weekdays 10.00am, 7.30pm

CONFESSIONS
Saturday 10.30am, 12noon and before evening Mass
Eve of Holydays & eve of First Fridays:
10.30am, 12noon, before evening Mass
Weekdays: before evening Mass.

DEVOTIONS
Sundays of Lent, May and October 6.00pm.

BAPTISMS
Saturday at 7.00pm

SYMPATHY
We offer our sympathy to the family and friends of
Mary Quigley Liscannor Park who died last week. May she rest in peace.

BAPTISMS
Our Parish family welcomes:
Shea Kevin Coyle, 12 Drumard Park

MASSES DURING THE WEEK
NO 10.00am Mass on Wednesday, Thursday Friday and Saturday. There will be one Mass only each day
Wed: St. Stephen’s Day 7.30pm.
Thursday: 7.30pm. Friday: 7.30pm.
Saturday Vigil Mass: 6.00pm. Confessions before Mass at 5.30pm.

ORATORY
The Oratory will be closed from Tuesday and will reopen on Thursday when Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will begin again at 2.00pm.

PARISH SAVINGS re-opens on Friday 28th December. If you would like to become a promoter please call on Friday between 7pm -8.30pm.

SUNDAY COLLECTION 16th December amounted to £2402.51 and € 134.20. Thank you.

CHRISTMAS ART COMPETITION
Congratulations to all entrants. Your lovely Nativity scenes have decorated the church during the Christmas ceremonies and celebrations. Well done!

YOUTH TEAM -DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES
Places are available for those aged 14 or 15 in July who would like to be members of the Youth Team. Places are available for those aged 17 or 18 in July who would like to be members of the Leaders-in-Training Group. Application forms are available from the Pastoral Centre. Tel. 71260293

GOAL ST. STEPHEN’S DAY CHARITY WALK
Goal is a charity which works to ensure those in developing countries have access to food, water, shelter, medical attention and literacy. The walk begins at the riverside walkway beside Sainsbury’s and ends at Craigavon bridge.The walk will begin at 12noon and John Duddy local boxing hero will be leading it off. People who don’t feel like walking can come and make a donation at the starting point.

LASCO LOTTO 17th December. numbers drawn 7, 9, 10, 20 No jackpot winner 1X £10 winner. Next weeks jackpot £3,150. LASCO 71374443

HOLY FAMILY LOURDES PILGRIMAGE 150TH ANNIVERSARY
23rd July 2008 Savings scheme in Parochial House on Thursdays 8.30-9.00pm. For details tel. Margaret 07732468511

STAMP APPEAL
A collection box will be in the church over the Christmas period. Please save your stamps and bring them for collection. The stamps will be forwarded to St. Patrick’s Mission after Christmas. They will aid St. Patrick’s Missionaries in their work all over the world.

BALLYMAGROARTY CHARITY SHIELD
The organisers of this years would like to thank all those who supported this years event the football match between the old boys and local young people which took place in Magee playing fields Duncreggan Rd raised over £1200 for the Samaritans the final score was 5 each. Winners of the prize draw were 1st prize Aaron Sheerin Norburgh Pk, 2nd Sharon Mc Gowan Foyle Rd and 3rd Grace Irwin Aberfoyle nursing home.

STUDY THEOLOGY FROM HOME
Spend time learning more about faith, take up the study of theology through distance learning, either for its own sake or for a degree. The Priory Institute is offering a programme of theology especially for lay people. If you would like to know further details contact The Priory Institute, Tallaght Village, Dublin 24. Tel 01 4048127 email: enquiries@prioryinstitute.com

AGE CONCERN DERRY NEW YEAR CLASSES
As part of the Time on Your Hands Project funded by Derry City Council, Age Concern Derry are inviting people to join their classes in Malvern House, Chapel Road in the New Year.

Yoga begins on Tuesday 8th January at 10:30am with Line Dancing resuming at 2pm.
Wednesday 9th January Flower Arranging from 10:30am – 12 Noon. New art class for beginners at 2pm. Afternoon Tea Dances also on Wednesdays at 2pm from this date. Yoga: Thursday 10th January at 2pm and Tai Chi classes resume at 2:30pm. All classes are free but numbers are limited so we advise early registration. Each set of classes will run for twelve weeks. For more information please contact Age Concern Derry, Malvern House, 20 Chapel Road, Waterside, BT47 2AN Telephone 71 347 478.

NEW YEAR CHALLENGE
North West Regional College is now offering an exciting range of new part time courses beginning in January. Tel. 71276000 or visit www.nwi.ac.uk

SEAN DAVIS Christmas 2 day indoor ‘Fun’ Soccer will take place at the Sports Complex on Thursday 27th December for boys and girls aged 5 -17. Tel. 71263044 for details.