Sunday 5th October 2008

27th Sunday in Ordinary Time.

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

They Will Respect My Son.

"This was the Lord's doing and it is wonderful to see." Isn't it amazing how we can so easily take all the wonderful things of life for granted? The result is that life becomes boring or difficult or oppressive for so many people. What makes the difference in life is the quality of our thanksgiving and praise of God and of one another. This week Christ asks us to develop this ability in a special way. Make it a week when criticism is banned especially from our homes and community and when we go out of our way to say thanks and to acknowledge the goodness of one another. This is not easy because we are so used to criticising one another either directly or through gossip. When we are like that we are not living our faith in Christ who only sees all that is good in each of us.

Fr. Johnny Doherty, C.Ss.R.

God’s Goodness – our Ingratitude

The word of God always tells us of his love and care for his people. It also tells us of our ingratitude. God’s favours are compared to a perfectly set up vineyard handed over to the chosen people. All God asked them to do was to care for it and harvest the fruit. Bu they let him down badly.

In today’s gospel Jesus uses the same image as Isaiah in the first reading and makes the same point. What the bible says to the Jews applies to us Christians too. We have received even greater favours than they have, but are we any more grateful? Do we produce the fruits God expects – justice, peace, faithfulness, love and so on?

Saying the Rosary

The month of October has long been associated with the Rosary. However, not everybody finds it easy to handle the Rosary. Some find it monotonous; others find concentration difficult.

Haste, or a ‘rattling off’ of the Rosary is not helpful. It is a prayer which calls for a calm, gentle pace. It is not necessary to try to concentrate on every word spoken. It may be better to select one phrase or line and to give thought to it during each decade prayed; for example, ‘Mary, full of grace,’ or ‘Pray for us sinners,’ or ‘Thy will be done.’ Let your mind skip over the other words of the Hail Mary and Our Father.

Another approach is to link each Mystery to present-life. Annunciation and some good or bad news you have heard recently’. Visitation and a visit you have made or will make soon; Agony in the Garden and the worry or upset of someone known to you – or your own.

Last week’s Collection was £1,470.00. Thank you very much.

First Anniversary Mass

The First Anniversary Mass for the late Brendan Foley, Ballyheather Road will be said in St. Mary’s Church, Cloughcor on Friday 10th October at 7.30pm.

Month’s Mind Mass

The 915am Mass on Sunday 12th October in St. Mary’s Church, Cloughcor will be said for the late Bob Devereux, Grangewood on the occasion of his month’s mind Mass.

Day for Life

Today the Church celebrates Day for Life. Jesus came ‘that all may life and have it to the full.’ As his followers we are on the side of life, opposing anything that threatens human life from conception to the very end. This year we are asked to pray for those who suffer from the torment of mental illness. We ask for the grace to be more aware of the mental health of those around us.

Carmelite Retreat Centre, Termonbacca

The monthly devotions, in honour of Our Lady, will take place in the Carmelite Retreat Centre on Tuesday 7th October starting with confessions at 7.30pm, followed by Rosary and Mass, finishing around 10.00pm. All are welcome to attend.

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

Spanish Lessons

With a native speaker, for 6 weeks, beginning on Monday 13th October. Beginners’ and Improvers’ Classes will take place and cost will depend on the number of participants. For further details please contact Fr. Pat O’Hagan, telephone [028] 71882651 or see the poster at the back of the church.

Children in Crossfire

RELAY 2000 – Help break a world record on Saturday 11th October at Meadowbank Sports Arena. Please get in touch with Bernie Ryan at Children in Crossfire [028] 71269898 or www.relay1000.com

IHCPT – Young People’s Pilgrimage to Lourdes, Easter 2009

Around 500 young people from all over Ireland spend a week on pilgrimage in Lourdes with IHCPT, Th Irish Pilgrimage Trust at Easter. [www.ihcpt.com]. The Irish Pilgrimage trust welcomes applicants from young people with:

- A physical disability or illness [aged 11yrs – 18yrs]
- A learning disability [aged 11yrs – 21yrs]
- Jet Set Group-Physical Disability [18yrs – 25yrs]
- Jet Set Group-Learning Disability [21yrs – 30yrs]
- The organisation also has Family Groups for very seriously ill children under the age of 9yrs, accompanied by a parent or close relative

The IHCPT covers the cost of those young people selected to travel. If there is a young person that you feel would be eligible and would benefit from a trip to Lourdes or you would like further information about the pilgrimage contact Therese on 07736799119 or Damian on 07968312770. Closing date 31st October.