Parish News for Sunday 9th March 2008

Fifth Sunday of Lent

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

Reflection- Seeds of consolation

What can I say to you, my friend,
in your hour of grief?
Just a word from my heart.
In the midst of your sorrow seeds are being sown –
seeds of consolation, hope, resignation, and even gratitude.
This winter will pass,
and spring will again visit the garden of your heart.
You will see these seeds grow, blossom, and bear fruit.
Then your sorrow will turn into joy,
a joy no one will be able to take from you.

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

Sundays
Vigil: 7.00pm, 11.30am

St. Mary’s Church, Cloughcor
Sunday - 9.15am

St. Joseph’s Church, Glenmornan
Sunday - 10.15am

Confessions


Saturday: at 6.15pm [NO morning confessions]

A Time to Cry

‘Jesus wept.’ These two words tell a wonderful story: the story of a God who sheds the hot tears of grief. Jesus is no stranger, aloof from human feelings. He knows well the wrench of death which causes the heart to bleed with tears. He is brother to the broken-hearted.

We cry because we love. The two are inseparable. It’s the most natural thing in the world – for men as well as for women. In a way, tears help to wash and soothe the emotional wound of grief.

Funerals are times of grief. Still, at deathbeds, gravesides and in lonesome kitchens we tell people, ‘Be brave … don’t cry.’ Don’t cry! What else do we expect them to do!

Hackneyed or reasonable, explanations of a death are not what the bereaved seek. All that they require is that we be there, quietly, lending a shoulder to cry on and an ear to listen.

A good cry is often the best tonic. The human heart needs space and time to weep – to weep, not in self-pity, but out of love for another. When we shed tears our heart is rested, we see more clearly, and the light of life is rekindled.

Last week’s Collection was £1,468.00. Many thanks.

Weekly Envelopes
The new weekly envelopes will be distributed within the next month. If you are not already receiving envelopes and would like a box for the coming year, please contact the secretary at the Parish Office [71882274] by tomorrow.

First Anniversary Mass
The first anniversary Mass for the late Martin Quinn will take place tomorrow [Monday] in the Sacred Heart Church at 7.30pm.

Sick and Housebound
The sick and infirm will be attended on the morning and afternoon of Tuesday 11th March.

Thornhill Centre, Derry
‘Time to Pray Day’: On the first Sunday of each month, Thornhill Centre is opened from 3.00pm until 6.00pm for those who wish to come and pray in the beauty and quiet of the house. Evening Prayer is celebrated at 5.30pm. All welcome

St. Patrick’s Day
Because the 17th March falls on the Monday of Holy Week, the feast of St. Patrick will not be celebrated this year on that date. However, Mass in honour of our national saint will be said in the Sacred Heart Church on Saturday 15th March at 10.00am. It is not a holyday of obligation.

In your box of envelopes there is an envelope in which you are asked to contribute to Clerical Education and Ongoing Formation. You may bring it to any of the weekend Masses.

Palm Sunday
Next Sunday is Passion [Palm Sunday]. Palms will be blessed at all Masses.

Day of Forgiveness
A special period of forgiveness will take place in the Immaculate Conception Church next Sunday 16th March. This will be an opportunity for people to receive the Sacrament of Penance before Easter. Confessions will be heard from 5.00pm until 6.30pm. About nine priests will be present, so the queues shouldn’t be too long!

Barrett School of Irish Dancing
Classes each Tuesday & Friday at 4.00pm in St. Patrick’s Hall. Ages 3yrs and upwards. New pupils welcome.

Remembering our Babies and Children
[Miscarriage; Neonatal Death; Stillbirth; Infant Death]. As a tribute to those who have died and to their parents, families and friends, a Remembrance Service will be held in the Clinical Education Centre, Altnagelvin Area Hospital on today [9th March] at 3.00pm. For further information please contact [028] 71345171 ext. 3235.

Owen Roe O”Neill’s G.A.C.
Owen Roes in conjunction with Draperstown players drama group present for your pleasure a play entitled ‘The bride looks a million’. The show will take place in Glenmornan Community Hall on Friday 14th March at 8.00pm. Tickets priced £6 can be obtained from Patsy McGonigle or any member of the committee.

Reflection

Time for adoration
The Gospels show clearly that Peter was a man of action;
he always needed to be doing something.
So on Mount Tabor, instead of contemplating in silence and wonder the glory of his Lord,
he wanted to build three tents.
There is a time for stillness,
for contemplation, for wonder,
for adoration in the presence of God.
A time to heed the words of the psalmist:
‘Be still, and know I am God’.
Sometimes we are too busy.
We would be better to be silent,
to be listening, to be wondering,
to be adoring in the presence of God.