Parish News for Sunday 4th Nov 2007

31st Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

An Enthusiastic Welcome

Zacchaeus may be one of the most attractive people in the New Testament. But he was not always very loveable. He was a tax collector, enriching himself and the Romans at the expense of his own fellow-Jews. No wonder then that the other Jews were scandalised when the Lord went to dine at Zacchaeus’ house. Luke says that everyone murmured.

They were right. Zacchaeus was a sinner, a bad one. But when Jesus met him, Zacchaeus looked at him and at himself – and changed. The really loveable thing about him was his enthusiasm for meeting the Lord. A little man, a “runt”, he sprinted past the crowd that surrounded Jesus and climbed a tree so that he could see. What a picture – this rich, influential world-ling perched on a tree limb!

The Lord was wonderful with him and he responded beautifully. Zacchaeus became the Lord’s host. He said goodbye to sin and extortion and promised to pay back four times over whatever he had extorted.

Lord, have you seen Zacchaeus in our church? Did we run to see you and to be with you? Do you hear us saying to you at the moment of sacramental union: “Lord, whatever wrong I have done I will correct at no matter what cost to me?” Lord, you have made each one of us your host; you are our guest. We pray to you, Lord: Give us a heart complete in your service. Make us forget embarrassment in opening ourselves to you. Bring us that simplicity of Zacchaeus so that our past sins and their profits will no longer keep us from you. Make each one of us into a real Zacchaeus.

Last week’s Collection was £1,803.00. Many thanks.

Anniversary
The 7.00pm Mass in the Sacred Heart Church next Saturday [10th November] will be the Month’s Mind Mass for the late Brendan Foley, Ballyheather Road.

November Services for the Dead
Services for the Dead will take place as follows:
Sacred Heart Church:
today [Sunday 4th November] at 5.00pm.
St. Mary’s Church, Cloughcor:
next Sunday [11th November] at 5.00pm.
St. Joseph’s Church, Glenmornan:
next Sunday [11th November at 5.00pm]

Life after Death – a whole new World
November is the month of fallen leaves and empty potato drills. A time of growth ended. It is also a time of special prayer for the dead, when we turn our attention to those who have died with the weakness of sin still part and parcel of their make-up. We call them the Holy Souls.
It is right that we pray for our dead. Death does not break the link of love. Many of us have been asked by a dying relative or friend to pray for them. Many of us are the persons we are because of someone now dead. We owe them remembrance.
We pray for the dead because we believe in Jesus. We believe that his death and resurrection have opened a great destiny for us. Death is not the end. Instead, it is the beginning of new level of life for one and all who die inclined towards God.
Our desire for our dead loved ones is that they may enjoy this new level of life with God. May they rest in peace.

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

Padre Pio Devotions
Padre Pio devotions will take place in the Immaculate Conception Church, Strabane on Wednesday 7th November with the Rosary commencing at 6.45pm followed by Mass at 7.00pm.

Dates for First Holy Communion
For pupils of St. Mary’s P.S., Cloughcor
Saturday 3rd May 2008 at 11.00am
For pupils of St. Joseph’s P.S., Glenmornan
Sunday 4th May 2008 at 10.15am
For pupils of Strabane Controlled P.S.
Saturday 10th May 2008 at 11.00am

Date for Confirmation
Confirmation will be administered by Bishop Séamus Hegarty in the Sacred Heart Church on Sunday 20th April 2008 at 11.30am.

Derry Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes
150th Anniversary of the Apparitions
The Derry Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes will take place on 16th – 21st July 2008. Fare: £449 stg. Application forms can be obtained from the Parochial House or from the Diocesan Pilgrimage Office, 164 Bishop Street, Derry. Special booking forms for pilgrims who are sick or in need of help/care are only available from the pilgrimage Office. Opening times are Thursdays 11.00am until 2.00pm and Saturdays 11.00am until 1.00pm and 2.00pm until 4.00pm. Telephone [028] 71260293.

Prayer for Priests

Eucharist: a prayer inspired by the Mass

O Lord!
Look into our hearts this day and read us
Look in our souls this day and hear us
When we thrust out our hands for help - hold us
When we open our arms for love - embrace us
When we bow our heads to thee - bless us
When we give of ourselves - come to us. Amen.
Judith Ann Pounder

Lord Jesus, bless all priests and give them grace to do your great work on earth. Keep them, Lord, close to your heart and under the shadow of your protection. Bless their labours for you and grant that their harvest of souls may be a source of joy and consolation to them during life and may merit an everlasting reward for them in death, that having led many souls to you they may see you to face to face. Amen.

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.