Sunday 26th April 2009

Third Sunday of Easter

Sunday, 26th April, 2009

3rd Sunday of Easter

First Reading Acts of the Apostles 3: 13-15.17-19
This reading is an early explanation of the Passion and an example of the early witness to the resurrection.

Second Reading John 2: 1-5
We show that we know God by keeping his commandments. But when we fail, Christ intercedes for us with the Father.

Gospel Luke 24: 35-48
Jesus appears to the apostles, and commissions them to preach the Gospel to all nations.

PEACE - THE FIRST WORD OF THE RISEN JESUS TO US

Unfortunately, in our society there are many examples of violence and aggression being used by people in all kinds of circumstances. In the cold light of day, when we use our common sense, it is easy to see that this is never a solution to any difficulty. Violence only leads to vengeance and retribution, leading to more violence and a downward spiral of fear and pain.

In the hours and days following the resurrection, the pervading atmosphere amongst the disciples was fear. The fear of being labelled a follower of Christ by the Jewish authorities and the fear of not knowing what the future held. Gathered together in the Upper Room, they see the ghost-like figure of Christ. How can he be alive? And yet, it is him; for they see the wounds on his hands and side. Fear takes hold of them. Remembering their own sin in abandoning and betraying Christ, they wonder if Christ has returned for vengeance and retribution. In showing the disciples his wounds, Christ is reminding them of their sin. Peter states in the First Reading today, ‘You have put to death the author of life’. And for this, the disciples must recognise their weakness in abandoning Christ. They stand before him as sinners.

The most transformative word in this Gospel is ‘Shalom’ - Peace be with you. Using this word, Christ changes the atmosphere. The fear amongst his followers dissipates for there is no retribution or vengeance in his heart, only love and compassion. Why is he so easy on them?

The resurrection speaks of two new realities.

The reality of eternal life after death and the reality of our sins being forgiven through Christ. We all may be sinners, but in Christ Jesus, we are forgiven sinners. This is a new revelation for the disciples. Forgiveness is accessible to all and that is at the heart of the good news to be proclaimed.

It is often said that a saint is someone through whom the light shines. But a saint is also someone who is aware of his or her own shortcomings, weaknesses and failings. May we challenge ourselves during this Easter Season to look within ourselves to acknowledge our sin and to accept in faith that we are forgiven through Christ.

FIRST FRIDAY

Friday is the first Friday of May.

The sick will be attended next week 7th and 8th May

Confessions will be at the usual times on Thursday.

There will be a Holy Hour on Thursday from 8-9.00pm

 

 

SPECIAL DIOCESAN MASS

The Annual Mass for those with Special Needs and their families will take place in St. Joseph’s Church Galliagh on Saturday 9th May at 4.00pm. Bishop Hegarty 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. Tel 71264087

AWARE DEFEAT DEPRESSION Self Help Support Group meets every Tuesday at 7.30pm at 10 Clarendon Street for all those affected by depression. New members always welcome. Just come along. For further information tel. 71260602

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED to assist with the Sure Start Services in theCreevagh/Springtown/Rosemount areas. Volunteers will receive free training and their expenses will be covered. If you are over 16 or over yrs please contact Rose Doherty 71267524

 

 

SUNDAY COLLECTION

19th April amounted to £2256.25and €334.23 Thank you.

THANKS to all who contributed to the Easter Raffle in aid of the poor of Kenya, India, Chile, Cambodia and Fiji by buying Raffle lines, giving donations and donating prizes for the raffle etc. The total amount raised to date is £12,788.66 +€100 We could not do this without your help. God bless and reward you all. Sr. Ann & Gerry Deeney

 

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS FOR MAY

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

READERS FOR MAY .

Vigil Sister Paula

9.30am Michael Roddy

11.15am Joe Morrison
Lorraine Conway

12.30pm Kathleen Corrigan
Jackie Knox

TROCAIRE BOXES should be left back as soon as possible.

DIOCESE OF DERRY CHARISMATIC RENEWAL ONE DAY CONFERENCE in Broomhill Hotel on Saturday 16th May 9am-5.00pm Contact Mona 71269549

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

Who is St Paul?: This four-week course on St Paul gives a wonderful insight into various aspects of this great saint. Venue & Time: Thornhill Centre on Mondays of May beginning 4 May from 7:30 to 9:30 pm. Cost: £30 (payable in instalments). To book, phone 71351233.

 

 

ST MARY’S CHURCH Creggan 50th Anniversary

To celebrate they are having a May Ball in City Hotel on 22nd May Tickets £35 each ring Marian Sheehan 07902291425 or Margaret McGlinchey 07748060792

 

STAMP APPEAL

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

LASCO LOTTO . numbers drawn 2, 6, 11, 12 1 x £10 winner No Jackpot winner Next weeks jackpot £3500. To join please contact LASCO 71374443

BALLYMAGROARTY YOUTH CLUB is offering Hip Hop Dance lessons on Saturdays 12 -2pm at Youth club Age from 7+ Lessons are free. Contact Kara or John 71262797

Dreams Workshop –– Exploration of the Dream World from the Christian Perspective (8-session course). Evenings begin Thursday 23 April from 7:30 to 9:30 pm in Thornhill Centre. Cost - £50. For more details telephone 71351233.

 

AGE CONCERN DERRY GARDENING COMPETITION 2009

Are you over 60? Do you have a garden, vegetable plot or hanging basket that you are really proud of and have put a lot of effort into cultivating? You could win the Age Concern Perpetual Challenge Cup, by entering the 2009 Age Concern Derry Gardening Competition The competition is open to all gardeners, over the age of 60, living in the Derry City Council Area. The closing date is Friday 8th May 2009. All entries must be in by this date. The competition’s judges will visit gardens in the last week of June and first week of July. Further details and entry forms can be obtained from Age Concern, Malvern House, 20 Chapel Road, Waterside, BT47 2AN, by telephone (028) 71 347 478 or by email at dev.ageconcern@derrycityconnect.org