Parish News for Sunday 3rd February 2008

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

Mass Times
Sacred Heart Church, Derry Road
Weekdays
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday – 10.00am
Wednesday - 7.30pm

Sundays
Vigil: 7.00pm, 11.30am

St. Mary’s Church, Cloughcor
Wednesday - 7.00pm

Sunday - 9.15am

St. Joseph’s Church, Glenmornan
Wednesday - 8.00pm

Sunday - 10.15am

Confessions

Thursday
St. Mary’s Church, Cloughcor at 7.00pm

Friday
Sacred Heart Church at 9.30am and St. Joseph’s, Glenmornan at 7.00pm

Saturday
Sacred Heart Church at 11.30am and 6.15pm

Being Blessed

An African proverb puts it wisely that the test of the anchor is the storm. While we acknowledge the beauty of teachings like the Beatitudes, it is only in the storm of setback or tragedy that we make it our personal wisdom. The space and vantage point that hindsight can offer teaches us the merit.

Small wonder that Jesus used a hill to speak from. With every climb there is an ascent to a summit which is the place of rest and vision, followed by a descent to what you left. But it’s different, because you’re different.

The Beatitudes are attitudes of being. The poor in spirit might be those who respect all as gift in their poverty and use everything properly. As for the gentle, is there gentleness in your body, your feelings, your being? Happy those who mourn? It’s the unshed tear that really hurts. What is your story? Are there tears to be shed? Happy the merciful. What parts of your humility need mercy and compassion before you start on others? Happy the peacemakers. Are you at peace with your true self?

Perhaps we will realise one day that in our struggles and our sufferings we are somehow caught up in God’s wisdom. We are indeed blessed.

Last week’s Collection was £1,562.50. Many thanks.

The Beginning of Lent

This Wednesday 6th February is Ash Wednesday – a day of fast and abstinence. Ashes will be distributed during all Masses. Trócaire boxes are available at the back of the church. Mass times for Ash Wednesday are as follows:

Sacred Heart Church
10.00am and 7.30pm
St. Mary’s, Cloughcor – 7.00pm
St. Joseph’s, Glenmornan – 8.00pm

Padre Pio Devotions
There will be NO Padre Pio devotions on Wednesday 6th February due to Ash Wednesday. They will take place on Wednesday 13th February with the Rosary commencing at 6.45pm followed by Mass at 7.00pm.

Solemn Annual Exposition will begin in the Sacred Heart Church next Sunday [10th February] after the 11.30am Mass

The next Pioneer Meeting will take place tomorrow [Monday] at 8.00pm, followed directly by a meeting of the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

Vocations Information Day
A Vocations Information Day will take place in the Thornhill Centre on Saturday 9th February, beginning at 11.00am. Those who are interested should contact Fr. Paul Farren at the Catechetical Centre, Derry. Telephone [028] 71264087.

Dates to Remember in 2008

Tuesday 26th February 2008:
First Confessions in St. Joseph’s Church, Glenmornan at 6.45pm.

Tuesday 26th February 2008:
First Confessions in the Sacred Heart Church at 7.30pm.

Sunday 20th April 2008:
Confirmation in the Sacred Heart Church at 11.30am.

Saturday 3rd May 2008:
First Holy Communion for the children of St. Mary’s Primary School in the Sacred Heart Church at 11.00am.

Sunday 4th May 2008:
First Holy Communion for the children of St. Joseph’s Primary School in Glenmornan Church at 10.15am.

Saturday 10th May 2008:
First Holy Communion for the children of Strabane Controlled Primary School in the Sacred Heart Church at 11.00am.

Retrouvaille Ireland
The next Retrouvaille weekend will take place from 22nd – 24th February in Drumalis Retreat Centre, Larne. This provides an opportunity for married couples experiencing tension or conflict to revive support and encouragement. For further information, including cost of the weekend, contact Fr. Michael McGinnity at the Family Ministry Office, 511 Ormeau Road, Belfast [028] 9049 2777.

Reflection

The beatitudes are the badges
of a true disciple of Christ.
They are the marks of the child of God.
They make us rich in the sight of God.
They open our minds and hearts
to a new way of seeing and judging.
They give us a whole new set of bearings.
The things the beatitudes stand for
are very beautiful and very precious –
things such as peace, goodness, joy, love, gentleness, compassion, mercy, integrity ...
A person who lives according to the beatitudes is already living in the kingdom of heaven.
Eternal life will merely be the full blossoming
of a plant that is green with life.