Sunday 24th February 2008

THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT

HUMILITY - FREEDOM TO BE TRUE

If we look for a word which could sum up what is at stake in the dialogue between Jesus and the Samaritan woman, the word that seems most appropriate is humility. Our Lord is so humble that he is not afraid to show his tiredness, to ask for a drink and food. Christ is humble because he is true to himself and to the person he meets. He feels no need to hide anything from others.

Jesus’ humility leads him to be free with regard to the traditional barriers of race and gender. Our Lord came to earth in order to meet all of us, men and women, people from all races and nations. There are no limits to God’s compassionate love. The surprise expressed by the woman: ‘What? You are a Jew and you ask me, a Samaritan for a drink?’ has no place whatsoever in our Christian communities. God is humble to the point of coming to each one of us, without excluding anyone.

It is good to be reminded that we have to be true and humble, true in order to be humble. Humility is grounded in truth; within oneself, in one’s relations with others and in regard to God.

In the dialogue between Jesus and the Samaritan woman we have a perfect example of genuine humility. Jesus is Himself, he has nothing to hide, nothing to keep secret in order to seduce or convince. The Samaritan woman is herself, without mask or false pretence.
During our Lenten Journey, may we all grow in truth and humility. Mother Syncletica who lived in the Egyptian desert in the 5th century once said ‘just as one cannot build a ship unless one has some nails, so it is impossible to be saved without humility.

SYMPATHY
We offer our sympathy to the family and friends of
Sheila Conway, The Branch
Maeve McConnell, Templegrove who died during the week. May they rest in peace.

BAPTISMS Our Parish family welcomes:
Adam Robert McClelland and
Harvey Richard McClelland
7 Glenside Gardens

During Lent there will be an extra Mass Monday - Friday at 5.00pm.
Stations of the Cross after evening Mass Monday to Friday.
Lenten Devotions Sundays at 6.00pm

LENTEN DESERT
We draw your attention to the Lenten Desert Prayer Area and we thank Geraldine, Bobby and Norman for creating this sacred space.

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS FOR MARCH

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

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

11.15am Alex Bradley,
Patricia Murphy Stephen McCafferty Jim Quigg

12.30pm Sean Grant,
Aiobheann Quigg Declan O’Doherty, Majella Heaney

READERS FOR MARCH

St. Luke’s Group
6.00pm Paddy Breslin

9.30am Brenda Coyle

11.15am Martin Doherty
Kathleen Quinn

12.30pm Delia McFarland

FIRST COMMUNION
There will be a Mass in preparation for First Communion on Tuesday 26th February at 7.30pm. in the church.

SUNDAY COLLECTION 19th February amounted to £2418.69 and €169.60 Thank you for your generosity.

FEAST OF OUR LADY OF LOURDES - WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR THE SICK. Prayer and Reflection booklets which encourage us to pray for those who are sick and to unite the sacrifice of those who suffer and those who care for them with the sufferings of Christ as a means of the helping the missions and all who spread the Good News of Jesus. Booklets are available at the back of the church 50p each

MISSION PROJECTS
Sr. Anne would like to acknowledge an anonymous donation of £100 from a pensioner for the Mission Projects

MASS in honour of Blessed Alexandrina today Sunday in Termonbacca at 7.30pm. All welcome.

NIGHT OF NOSTALGIA
As part of St. Cecilia’s College 40th Anniversary celebrations there will be a Night of Nostalgia Variety Show for past pupils, staff and general public on Thursday 6th March at 7.30pm in St.Cecilia’s College Northland Road. This is an opportunity to relive memories, renew friendships and enjoy the entertainment. Light refreshments will be served. Tickets £5 available from school office. Numbers limited.

BHCP is offering new and existing volunteers residents and parents an opportunity to enrol on a 10 week Child Protection Course which is accredited by OCN to Level 2. the course will begin on Friday 29th February and classes will run from 10am-12noon. Creche facilities and transport will be provided for participants and their children age 0-4 years only. If interested in the course please call Denise 71271977 to reserve a place.

BALLYMAGROARTY MOTHERS & TODDLERS Shaw Court is open on Thursday mornings 10am-12noon. £1 per family.

SPECIAL DIOCESAN MASS
The Annual Diocesan Mass for those with special needs and their families and friends will take place in St. Joseph’s Church Galliagh on Sunday 12th April. Bishop Lagan will celebrate the Mass. If you have a child who wishes to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation or First Communion at this Mass please contact the Catechetical Centre 71264087

ST. JOSEPH’S SCHOOL
As part of St. Joseph's Boys' School ongoing Environmental campaign, we will be collecting old clothes, shoes and books for recycling in our "Spring Clean". The money donated by the recycling company will be donated to Trocaire. Items can be left at the school office . Contact Maryjo Gill at St. Joseph's Boys' School on 02871 262923.

DERRY CREDIT UNION YOUNG PEOPLE’S AWARD will take place on 14 April in the Tower Hotel. The public are invited to nominate worthy young people in seven categories. Form may be collected at Credit Union Abbey Street or down loaded at www.derrycu.com. Deadline for nominations is Monday 3rd March. For further details call 71266738

KEEP FIT in Community Centre on Tuesdays 7-9.00pm. Adm £1 contact Yvonne 71262797

Prayer for the sick
Lord, as I face an uncertain future.
I am in need of your mercy and ask for healing in mind and body.
Lord, hear my pain.
I unite my pain with your pain.
May this benefit me and others.

Taken from the mission Booklet
Prayers and Reflections

Before Surgery
Lord, I thank you for the wonders of medicine.
Bless the surgeon and the medical team.
Give skill to their hands and clear vision
to their minds to set me on the path of recovery

Taken from the mission Booklet
Prayers and Reflections