Sun 21st Oct - Vol. 24 No 41

TRAVELLING IN HOPE

Belief in the afterlife is surely one of the most important of our beliefs as Christians. But how seriously do we take it, and what part does it play in our lives? Of course we say we believe it. Do we not end the Creed each Sunday with these words ‘ We look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come’? But often these tremendous words can just roll so glibly off our tongues.

If there was no life to come then our lives on earth would be ultimately meaningless. The would constitute a road to nowhere, a stream that flows into the desert and disappears. George Orwell put it very forcefully; ‘There is no possible substitute for faith. Either life on earth is a preparation for something greater and more lasting, or it is meaningless, dark and dreadful’

At present we are pilgrims, pilgrims of hope. But we are not travelling in the dark. We are following the map left to us by Christ.

We do not make the pilgrimage to the promised land of eternal life all alone. We make it with other - with members of God’s People. With faith in the word of Christ let us go forward together in joyful hope.
‘Sunset is a promise of the dawn to come’


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

NOVENA to Lady of Perpetual Help, begins next Monday 5th November at 7.30pm. Please bring your own Petition or pick up a petition card at the main door of the church and place it in the special petition box at Our Lady’s Altar.

We hope that many will take part in our Novena again this year.

SUNDAY COLLECTION FOR MISSIONS amounted to £3400.46 and €365.36. Thank You

BAPTISMS
Our Parish family welcomes:
Megan Martina Breslin, 25 Corrib Court,
Keila MacFarland, 24 O’Connor Court
Emma Elizabeth Robinson, 26 Corrib Court
Mary Bernadette McGee, 106 Woodbrook
Patrick Ray Cooke, 16 O’Riada Court

ALL SAINTS
Thursday is the Feast of All Saints and is a holyday of obligation. Masses will be Vigil Mass on Wednesday at 6.00pm. Masses on Thursday will be 10.00am 12.30pm and 7.30pm.
Confessions on Wednesday 5.30pm-5.55pm

ALL SOULS DAY
Friday 2nd November is All Souls Day. Masses are 10.00am and 7.30pm.
Confessions 7.00-7.25pm.

The Mass for deceased parishioners will take place on Tuesday 6th November at 7.30pm. The names of those who have died during the past year will be read out and the Mass offered for them especially. A representative of each bereaved family has been asked to carry up a candle in the Offertory Procession. This special ceremony is being co-ordinated by our Parish Bereavement Group.

FIRST FRIDAY
Friday is the first Friday of November. Fr. Page will visit the sick in his care as usual. Fr. McKenna will visit the sick in is care on 8th and 9th November.

INDULGENCES FOR THE HOLY SOULS from 1-2nd November all who have confessed, received Communion and prayed for the Pope’s intentions can gain a plenary indulgence by visiting a cemetery or church and praying for the dead. From 1-8th November a plenary indulgence may be gained each day by those who visit a cemetery and pray for the dead.

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

FEAST OF ALL THE SAINTS OF IRELAND 6th November
A Celebration of Music, Poetry and song in Tullyarvan Mill, Buncrana at 8.30pm. Donation £5 in aid of Africa.

READERS FOR NOVEMBER
Vigil Paddy Breslin,
9.30am Brenda Coyle
11.15am Martin Doherty, Kathleen Quinn
12.30pm Delia McFarland

LASCO LOTTO 8th Oct. numbers drawn 9, 16, 17, 24, No jackpot winner 10 X £10 winner. Next weeks jackpot £2,750. Anyone wishing to join please contact LASCO 71374443

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

150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE APPARITIONS AT LOURDES
The Derry Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes will take place 16-21 July £449. Application Forms are available at the Parochial House or the Diocesan Pilgrimage Office 164 Bishop St. Special booking forms for pilgrims who are sick or are in need of care/help are available only from pilgrimage office. Opening times are Thursdays 11am-2.00pm. Saturdays 11.00am- 1.00pm and 2.pm-4.00pm.

CODETTA
The local chamber choir will be joined by an international line-up of soloists for a performance of the Mass in B Minor by J.S. Bach. This wonderful choral work represents the crowning achievement of Bach’s writing. Guildhall -Saturday 3 November at 8.00pm. Tickets £12 from the Millennum Forum. Box Office 71264455

HAZELBANK RESIDENTS ACTION ASSOCIATION
Information Drop-In Centre for Lone parents - Mondays 10am-12noon. Full Welfare Rights Service available on Mondays 10am-2.00pm. Call in at 23 Inchview Hazelbank during the above times. Home visits can also be arranged by calling 71377504

PAINTING & DECORATING
The Resource Centre Carnhill offers a painting & decorating service to elderly and people with disabilities. Tel. 71352832

HALLOWEEN 3 DAY INDOOR ‘’FUN’ SOCCER ACADEMY takes place at Sports Complex Wednesday 31st Oct - Friday 2nd November for boys and girls aged 5-17yrs. Times 10.00am-3.00pm. Lunch 12.30pm. For further details tel Sean Davis 71263044

LIAM BRADLEY TOURS
New Year trip to Galway 1st January for 4 days, 4 Dinners 3 B/B Dancing Departs City Hotel 8.30am. Cost £199 per person sharing. Tel 71269109 for details and booking.