Sun 27th Jan 2008

Vol. 25 No 04

ALL FOR ONE

M Scott Peck wrote in The Different Drum; Pseudo Community is conflict-avoiding; true community is conflict resolving. In today’s second reading (1 Cor 1:10-13, 17) Paul would seem to hold a similar view. He appeals to the Corinthians to remember in whose name they were baptised. Respecting their common baptism in Jesus name creates unity. As Paul asks them collectively and not individually about their baptism, they must answer collectively. They can do that only by talking constructively together first. Respect for Jesus name is the springboard to that desired exchange.

Two things are clear here; baptism unifies; it is not automatic. Those baptised have to work with their baptism to allow it to have its effect. This doesn’t mean that as soon as we recall our common baptism in Jesus name everything is hunky dory. No more bickering, short-sighted self interest, or breaking up into groups, gangs, or factions. Call them what you will.

But what it does mean is that we’ll have to do some heavy-duty thinking about why we want to be called Christian in the first place and follow with behaviour that shows that why.

Today more than ever conflict resolution, at all levels is direly needed today being Holocaust Memorial Day.

BAPTISMS
Our Parish family welcomes:
Matthew Damien Harkin - 1 Ennis Place
Tyler John Gorham - 5 Sheelin Park
Kelly Marie Hargan - 35 Drumard Park
Teighan Madeleine Kilroy - 56 Marianus Park

FEASTS OF THE WEEK
Fri: 1st. Feb Feast of St. Brigid
Sat: 2nd Feb. Feast of the Presentation of the Lord.
Candles will be blessed at both Masses
Sun: 3rd Feb Feast of St. Blaise
Throats will be blessed on Monday 4th February at both Masses

FIRST FRIDAY
Friday is the first Friday of February. The sick in Fr. McKenna’s care will be visited on 7th and 8th February. The sick in Fr. Page’s area will be visited at the usual times. Confessions will be at the usual times on Thursday. There will be a Holy Hour on Thursday from 8-9.00pm.

SUNDAY COLLECTION 20th January amounted to £2559.29 and €165.73 Thank you for your generosity.

VOCATIONS INFORMATION DAY
A Day of Reflection on the theme of Vocation Saturday 9th February 11.00am-4.00pm in Thornhill Centre. For further information contact one of the local priests, R.E. teachers or Fr. Paul Farren 71264087 or Fr. Colm O’Doherty 81661475

CONFIRMATION MASS which was to take place on Tuesday 29th January at 7.30pm. has been postponed until Tuesday 11th March at 7.30pm

READERS FOR FEBRUARY
6.00pm Sr. Ann

9.30am Ken Austin

11.15am Jackie Conway
Anna Begley

12.30pm Frank Quinn
Patricia Murphy

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS FOR NOVEMBER
Vigil Mass Brendan Ferris, Myra Merrigan, Mark McChrystal, Nell Smith,
9.30am Ann Roddy, Brigid McNutt Peter McCourt, Bridie Gallagher, Kathleen Cullen
11.15am Gordan Hyndman, Diane Hume, Jackie Knox, Eileen Corcoran.
12.30pm Louise McCloskey, Gerry McMonagle, Ann Lynch, Majella Heaney, Fidelma Coyle

Time to Pray Day
On the first Sunday of each month Thornhill Centre is open from 3:00 to 6:00 pm for those who wish to come and pray in the beauty and quiet of the house. Evening Prayer of the Church is celebrated at 5:30. This month prayers are offered for the sick.

ACCORD
Marriage Preparation Workshop 1st/2nd February in Thornhill Centre. Friday 7.00-10.00pm and Saturday 10.00am-4.00pm. Booking Forms available from the Pastoral Centre 164 Bishop St. or the Parochial house.

Lenten Thursdays
Beginning Thursday 7 February, Thornhill Centre is hosting a series of ‘Reflection Mornings’ for the Thursdays of Lent. Each morning begins at 10:30, concludes with a light lunch at 1:00 pm and includes a talk, quiet reflection and ritual. A donation of £5 per morning is suggested. Tel. 71351233 to book.

LASCO LOTTO 21st January numbers drawn 6, 13,14, 17 No jackpot winner 1 X £10 winners. Next weeks jackpot £3,400. Anyone wishing to join please contact LASCO 71374443

ST. COLUMB’S COLLEGE Open Night on Tuesday 29th Jan from 7.00-9.30pm. Presidents Address at 7.00pm and 8.15pm.

ST. MARY’S COLLEGE Open Night at 29th January 7pm-10.00pm Principal’s address 7.15 and 8.30pm.

ST. BRIGID’ S COLLEGE Open Night Monday 28th January from 7.30-9.30pm. Principal’s address at 7.30pm.

Lumen Christi Open Day P7 pupils and their parents/guardians are invited to attend the Open Day in Lumen Christi College on Sunday 3rd February 2008. The Principal, Mr P. O'Doherty will deliver his address at 3pm and again at 4pm in the Assembly Hall. Guided tours of the College facilities will then follow. Light refreshments will be available in the Canteen.

THORNHILL COLLEGE Open Days Wednesday 30th January 4.00-6.30pm. Talk by principal 4.15 and 5.15pm. A further opportunity to visit the school is Thursday 31st January 10am-12noon. All parents and prospective Year 8 students are welcome. Prospective Year 13 students are also welcome to come along and discuss A level or Applied GCE Courses.

NEXUS FAMILY EDUCATION AND SUPPORT GROUP
The Nexus Institute will be running a six week Family Education and Support Workshop from Wednesday February 6, 2008, 3pm to 4.30pm. For information, please contact Nexus on 02871 260566

40 DAYS FOR LIFE CAMPAIGN - This Lent from Ash Wednesday to Palm Sunday, communities across Ireland will be uniting with more than 80 cities in the USA in an effort that will mark the beginning of the end of abortion. The mission of the campaign is to bring together the body of Christ in a spirit of unity during a focused 40day campaign of prayer, fasting, prayer vigils and community outreach. For more information and Prayer Pack contact Precious Life on 90 278484

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 Only a few seats left

PILGRIMAGE TO MEDJUGORJE 16th March 7 nights Fully inclusive. £419 departs Dublin. For details Ring Anna Dillon 71359673

AGE CONCERN DERRY JIM GUY PERPETUAL SHIELD TABLE QUIZ 2008
The table quiz will commence on Monday 4th February. Anyone in the Derry area can field a team of four; the only stipulation being that ALL team members must be over the age of 60 years. For entry forms Tel: 71 347 478. Entry fee is £5 per team. Closing date 28th January.