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

Sunday, June 6th 2010

The Body and Blood of Christ

“They all ate as much as they wanted, and when the scraps remaining were collected they filled twelve baskets.” The miracle of the five loaves and two fish distributed among so many people is given to us as a symbol of the greatest gift and miracle of all, the Eucharist. As God’s people we are so privileged to be fed with the Body and Blood of Christ week after week, so much so that we can even take it for granted. We have a responsibility to keep the wonder of this gift alive in us. We also have the responsibility to live this miracle through our love for one another in our homes and communities. Through the power of Christ there was more left over after thousands of people had been fed than when they started. That is what the same Jesus wants to happen among us today as a result of the Eucharist we celebrate.

Fr. Johnny Doherty, C.Ss.R.

Sunday 6th June 2010

The Body and Blood of Christ

First Reading: Genesis 14: 18-20
Blessed be Abraham by God Most High, creator of heaven and earth.

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 11: 23-26
This is my body, which is for you; do this as a memorial of me.

Gospel: Luke 9: 11-17
Jesus said, “Give them something yourselves”.

Let’s Participate Note Spectate

We live in a spectator culture. In every realm of life, arts, sport, even religion, ‘See all – involve little’ can be the philosophy. Even when relaxing, singing and dancing is often left to ‘experts’. In the latter case, when we’re coaxed into action and cease being wallflowers, we’re understandably nervous – but glad to be included.

Our feast day of the Body and Blood of the Lord makes one thing very clear to us: Eucharist is not a ‘spectator sport’. Most people have an instinctive feel for the Eucharist. They know it’s important even if they don’t have words to explain it.

Some people struggle with believing that the bread and wine become the body and blood of the Lord. However, it’s the change in our behaviour demanded by his continuing presence in us that poses a greater problem. If I can accept the presence of Christ in the tabernacle but not in others, something is wrong.
It’s the difference between living and partly living. ‘Unless you eat … you will not have life in you’ [Gospel].

Last week’s Collection was £2,134.00. Many thanks.

The Annual Lourdes Hospitalité Collection

The annual Lourdes Hospitalité Collection last week raised £650.00. The Diocesan Lourdes Hospitalité Committee thank you most sincerely for your generosity. These much needed funds will help provide care and assistance for sick pilgrims travelling to Lourdes on the Diocesan Pilgrimage in July.

Fr. John Doherty’s Golden Jubilee

A Special Mass for Fr. Doherty’s 50th Jubilee will take place in the Sacred Heart Church on Sunday 20th June at 5.00pm, followed by refreshments in Floyds of Ballymagorry. All parishioners are welcome.

See No Evil – a portrayal of elder abuse

In St. Patrick’s Hall, Strabane on Wednesday 9th June 2010 at 8.00pm. This showing is sponsored by Strabane Community Safety Partnership and Strabane Community Project. Admission is free. To book telephone [028] 71883102.

Anniversary Masses

The first anniversary Mass for the late Agnes Devine will take place in St. Joseph’s Church, Glenmornan on Friday 11th June at 8.00pm.

The 7.00pm Vigil Mass in the Sacred Heart Church on Saturday 12th June will be said for the late Eileen McCafferty on the first anniversary of her death.

Retreat for Women

Saturday 12th until Sunday 13th June 2010 in Ards Friary, Creeslough, County Donegal. Commences 9.30am and concludes at 4.30pm. Cost is €90. For further information and booking please contact Sr. Kathleen Coyle kathleen.coyle@hotmail.com or Ards Friary [00 353 74] 9138909 or info@ardsfriary.ie

Thornhill Centre, Derry

Music Workshop: Tom Kendzia [US] is coming to Ireland to give the Church Music Summer School in Maynooth. He has been persuaded to come via Plumbridge to lead a workshop for singers/choirs on Wednesday 30th June from 7.30pm until 9.30pm in the Parish Hall, Plumbridge! This is a fantastic opportunity for us here in the North West. For more detail, contact Sr. Perpetua [028] 71351233.

‘Taking the Time’: Mary Murphy with
Sr. Perpetua will lead an ‘Exploration of the Journey Inward’, using some of the finest poetry and classical music, with reflections on the Psalms. This retreat-like experience is an invitation to touch into the creative imagination. Thornhill Centre beginning Friday 2nd July at 7.00pm and ending on Saturday 3rd July at 7.00pm. Further details: The Secretary, Thornhill Centre, [028] 71351233.

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

Irish Wheelchair Association
Donncha O Dulaing in partnership with the Irish Wheelchair Association [IWA] continues on the 2010 Flight of the Earls fundraising walk. Three separate walks will take place on Sunday 13th June from Pomeroy to Greencastle, Greencastle to Newtownstewart and also from Newtownstewart to Strabane, all starting at 10.30am. If you would like to participate in any of these walks please contact Juliette Gallagher, [00 353 87] 9975459 or email juliette.gallagher@iwa.ie

Children in Crossfire are recruiting 20 enthusiastic individuals to join them for the 25th Budapest Half Marathon on 5th September 2010. A deposit of £150 is requested and minimum sponsorship applies. This is an inclusive package. Contact Sarah on [028] 71269898 or email events@childrenincrossfire.org for more information.

New Parish Envelopes – A Warning!

Please note that the new parish envelopes are now ‘peel and seal’.

God is watching over us

Nowadays, thanks to the security camera,
we are often being watched,
watched by a cold, dispassionate eye,
intent only on catching us in wrong-doing.
The feeling that someone is watching us
is not a pleasant feeling.
But the feeling that someone is watching over us
is a good feeling.
God is not watching us.
God is watching over us.
The conviction that God is watching over us gives us comfort in times of sadness,
strength in times of weakness,
and hope in times of despair.

Reflection

It can happen that we lose interest in people,
and even become blind to their strengths,
when we discover their limitations.
During his passion Jesus discovered the limitations of Peter.
Yet he didn’t write him off.
He continued to believe in him,
and in time he came good.
Like Peter, we are weak human beings,
who are inconstant in our beliefs.
We need someone who understands our weaknesses,
who realises that it may take time for us to overcome them,
and who doesn’t write us off because
we don’t produce the goods at once.