PRIESTS OF THE PARISH
Rev John Doherty PP Tel: 028 7188 2274
Rev Paul Farren Tel: 028 7188 3247

Reflection

We are living in a world desperately wondering what has gone wrong with dreams. All around us there is a preoccupation with hunger for material goods. The media assure us that the longings of the heart can be satisfied by the artificial securities and delights of the consumer society. Satisfaction is short lived however, new needs are created as soon as old ones are accomplished, emptiness sets in and the search for happiness begins all over again. As we listen to the words of Jesus in the gospel we come to realise that food is but basic fodder and that if we are really to live, something more is required. Swayed as we are by material needs, we are in instant danger of losing our taste for the food that will strengthen our souls. Jesus speaks to us and asks us, do we hunger and thirst for what he has to offer? He calls us to work as hard to receive that bread which he is, as we normally work for the bread which does not normally last. Otherwise, we will never know what we are striving for, and die without realising our spiritual greatness.

Sunday, 2nd August 2009.

18th Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading Exodus 16:2-4.12-15
God feeds his people in the desert.

Second Reading Ephesians 4:17.20-24
Paul urges the Ephesians to live lives in keeping with their baptismal calling.

Gospel John 6:24-35
Jesus declares that he himself is the true bread from heaven.

Entrance Hymn

Spirit of The Living God

Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.
Melt me. Mould me. Fill me. Use me.
Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me.

Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on us.
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on us.
Melt us. Mould us. Fill us. Use us.
Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on us.

Recessional Hymn

The Bells Of The Angelus

The bells of the angelus call us to pray
In sweet tones announcing the sacred Ave.
Ave, Ave, Ave Maria; Ave, Ave, Ave Maria.

An angel of mercy led Bernadette’s feet
Where flows the deep torrent Our Lady to greet.
Ave, Ave, Ave Maria; Ave, Ave, Ave Maria.

Month’s Mind Mass

The Month’s Mind Mass for the late Raymond Christy will take place in St. Joseph’s Church, Glenmornan on Friday 7th August 2009 at 7.30pm.

Scripture Retreat in Ards Friary

Book of Revelation [Open to Everyone]

Sunday 2nd until Saturday 8th August. Frances Hogan is a Catholic educator and lay missionary, who has committed her life to proclaiming the Word of God. This retreat will try to unravel the imagery of the book of Revelation so that its message of encouragement to the Church in time of persecution can be appreciated. Frances will try to apply its lessons to our everyday experiences. Please bring a bible, notebook and pen! Early booking essential. Commences at 6.00pm finishes after lunch. Cost €380 plus individual contribution to retreat giver. Contact Ards Friary, telephone [00 353] 74 9138909 info@ardsfriary.ie

Last week’s Collection was £1,305.00. Many thanks.

The Right Signals

Mass attendance is often a bone of contention between parents and teenagers. Parents find this upsetting. Yet there is little to be gained in attempting to force a young person to attend Mass. Coercion will only provoke resentment or even rebellion. A state of rebellion is not a good pitch for a finding of faith and return to practice.

Mass attendance is something to be talked out, but not shouted about. Sons and daughters should be able to feel that their queries and views are being listened to, even if not agreed with.

And if questioning becomes dissent, what then? It is best if parents continue to let their offspring know that they expect and wish him or her to go to Mass but that they will not be thrown out of home if they don’t. A simple reminder of Mass times or a call in the morning sends such a signal.

The recent words of one adult may speak for many more:

‘I’m not the black sheep;
I’m not the lost sheep’
I’m not even the stray sheep.
I’m just grazing in my own pitch – over here.
I know the rest are over there:
I’ll probably join them, in time.’

The Sick and Housebound

The sick and housebound will be attended on the morning and afternoon of Tuesday 4th August.

A Day at a Time

God provided a mysterious food called manna for the Israelites during their time in the desert.

However, they were told not to stockpile the manna, but to gather only what they needed for one day.

Jesus told his disciples not to worry about tomorrow.

He said, When you pray to your heavenly Father, you are to say, ‘Give us this day our daily bread.’

No matter how difficult life may be, for those who trust in God and who live a day at a time, the manna falls every day

The following are asked to assist as collectors and church cleaners during the month of August:

SACRED HEART CHURCH:
Collectors:
Saturday 7.00pm:-
Brian Edwards and Declan Carlin.
Sunday 11.30am:-
Stephen Barrett, Noel Carlin, Terry McCallion and Patsy McNulty.
Cleaners: Team C

ST. MARY’S CHURCH, CLOUGHCOR:
Collectors:

Altar Society & Cleaners:
Pauline Monteith.

ST. JOSEPH’S CHURCH, GLENMORNAN
Collectors:
Patrick McShane and Leo Devine.

Our thanks are due to all who served the parish in any way during the month of July.