Parish News for Sunday 2nd Dec 2007

First Sunday of Advent

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

Being on Guard

On this Sunday of Advent let us heed the Lord’s advice to “Be on guard”. The gospel directs his words beyond the circle of his hearers; they are meant for us as well. Jesus wants us to be alert, to be watchful for his coming. Even as we wait for his coming at the end of the world, he steals into our midst in many ways. For many of these “little comings,” we may not be on guard.

He pledged his presence wherever two or three gather in his name. Only two need speak his name as they vow a lifetime of love, and a household is filled with his presence through the years. He is there to share all a family’s joys and tears, there to break bread at every meal – often unnoticed.

Our Sunday congregations struggle into church to celebrate his presence in the Eucharist. But even as they wait for the liturgy to begin, the Lord himself has slipped into the pews. Wandering minds miss his coming; careless eyes are blind to the rich possibilities of a Christian get-together.

And when Mass ends, his companions will race to the door without him, or busy themselves with coats and kids during the closing hymn.

Lord, keep us on our guard. Make us sensitive to your presence among us. Let us see you in our families, and around our tables. Let us welcome you with warmth and joy in all our parish gatherings. Please Lord, open our sleepy eyes this Advent.

Last week’s Collection was £2,084.00. Many thanks.

Priests’ Retirement Collection
The recent priests’ retirement collection amounted to £1,355.00. Again, thank you.

Feast of the Immaculate Conception
Saturday 8th December is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, and is a holyday of obligation. Masses as follows:
Sacred Heart Church:
Friday at 7.00pm and Saturday at 11.30am.

St. Mary’s Church, Cloughcor:
Saturday at 9.15am

St. Joseph’s Church, Glenmornan:
Saturday at 10.15am

St. Vincent de Paul Collection
The annual envelope collection for the St. Vincent de Paul Society will take place at all Masses of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. You are asked to show your usual generosity in helping needy families at Christmastime.

Parish Savings Scheme
Our savers will be glad to know that their cheques are now available. We are very grateful to those dedicated promoters who have collected the savings, to our Savings Committee, and, of course, to all those who have saved with us. We would ask you to confirm with your promoter that you will again be saving with us next year.

A CD for Christmas
Two years ago a Leckpatrick parishioner, Ronan Doherty, produced a Christmas concert in the Immaculate Conception Church. It was a resounding success boasting a choir of 75 singers drawing together choirs from Leckpatrick, Melmount and Camus parishes, an orchestra of 25, a brass band of 35 musicians and a children’s choir of 50.

Ronan has produced a CD in order to capture the essence of that memorable concert. All proceeds of the album are in aid of Foyle Hospice, and copies are on sale from the Foyle Hospice and the Parish Office at 44 Barrack Street, Strabane.

Umbra Collection
Once again Umbra Collections are organising a collection of clothes at the Sacred Heart Church Car Park on Thursday 6th December before noon. This will help fund ‘The Educational Project’ which is aimed at education of children in Kitui in Kenya.

Padre Pio Devotions
Padre Pio devotions will take place in the Immaculate Conception Church, Strabane on Wednesday 5th December with the Rosary commencing at 6.45pm followed by Mass at 7.00pm.

Advent: a time of hope

It is said that while there is life there is hope.
This has an even deeper meaning in reverse:
while there is hope there is life.
Hope is strength.
Hope sheds light into despairing hearts.
It inspires the will to live.
It is the doctor’s most powerful ally.
It is a shield against defeat and failure.
It revives ideals and renews dreams.
As long as there is hope, no situation is impossible.
Advent summons us to wait in joyful hope
for the coming of our Saviour, Jesus Christ.
In the final analysis, he is our hope.

Telephone numbers if you feel you cannot cope

Samaritans - 0845 790 9090

Zest - a counselling service offering free support to those who feel suicidal, friends and loved ones who have been affected by suicide and those who self harm. Telephone 7126 6999 or e-mail. zestni@yahoo.co.uk

Prayer for the Suicidal

O Eternal Father, we pray for all those who are suicidal.
May Your loving hand guide and protect them
so they receive the help they need,
preventing them from dying from suicide.
Let them know that we need them and love them,
show them Your love Lord Jesus.
Remind them that they are very special people,
filling their minds with beautiful memories.
Give them everything they need so as to ease their pain,
grant that they may find hope, comfort, guidance
and healing in every way possible.
Let them feel our love, and Your love,
carry them when they are weary.
Embrace them and let Your love
shine down upon them always. Amen.