Sunday, 9th November 2008

32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time.

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

The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica

Jesus answered the Jews: “Destroy this sanctuary and in three days I will raise it up.” ‘But he was speaking of the sanctuary that was his body’. Buildings are a very important part of every aspect of human life. They provide shelter. They give dignity to people. They give people a place where they can feel at home. But when a building becomes more important than the people themselves it loses its meaning. In the practice of our Christian faith our buildings are also very important, and we are blessed to have so many beautiful places of worship in our communities as well as worldwide. But, beautiful and all as these might be, they have to be at the service of the dignity of every human person. Our churches have to be places where people can feel at home because of the care they experience there. That can only happen when we are working at building a community of care. And our homes have to be at the service of love for each person who lives there. That is true reverence for the presence of Christ.

Fr. Johnny Doherty, C.Ss.R.

The Church of St John on the Lateran is 'Mother and Head of all the churches of the City and the World'. It is the cathedral church of the Bishop of Rome, and was called 'St John' alter the two monasteries once attached, dedicated to St John the Divine and St John the Baptist. It is however dedicated to the Most Holy Saviour.

St. John Lateran

A Sense of Peace

We’re more used today to hearing and thinking about the Church as the People of God. So, it might seem a bit strange at first to have a feast in honour of a building – the Lateran Basilica in Rome, even though it is the Mother of all churches.

But isn’t it true that we take our shape, mental and spiritual from our surroundings? The local church, then, surely has a great impact on its people. Many churches were built at a point where roads met. It’s a fitting location, as every Christian needs a cross-roads, a vantage point from which to view the rest of our lives. In honouring the Lateran Basilica, we pay additional tribute to the silent witness and humble service of our local church.
It’s the place where the Christian gathers week after week. It’s a piece of earth raised a little towards heaven. Today, take a good look at your church. It has stood as a silent sentinel and a faithful friend over the life of your parish, of your family. A long time ago, Winston Churchill put it in a nutshell: ‘we shape our buildings to shape us.’ To people who move, marry, live and work today further away from home perhaps than their ancestors, our local church gives us a sense of place and purpose. That’s something to celebrate.

Last week’s Collection was £1,448.00. Many thanks.

The recent collection for the Missions amounted to £1,695.00. Thank you.

Charity Night at the Alley Theatre
Support CRAIC and Cardiac Risk in the Young [C.R.Y]

Friday 14th November at 8.00pm. Tickets are going fast for CRAIC’s forthcoming performance at the Alley Theatre. The show will feature CRAIC, the leading traditional music group in the NorthWest, Strabane, Gaelscoil and award winning Irish dancers. Tickets are only £5 each with all profits going towards CRY, a national charity who assist with research into Sudden Cardiac Death Syndrome, counselling affected families and provides essential defibrillators for hospital and sporting groups. Come and join us at the Alley and raise much-needed funds. Call Alley Box Office on [028] 71384444 or www.alley-theatre.com

Alcoholics Anonymous
There will be a public information meeting on Wednesday 12th November 2008 at 8.30pm in the Community Centre, Main Street, Sion Mills.

Carmelite Retreat Centre, Termonbacca

A Mass of the Sick with Eucharistic Blessing will take place on Tuesday 11th November at 8.00pm. All are welcome to attend.

A One-Day Retreat for Senior Citizens and their friends from the Derry and surrounding areas will take place on Thursday 20th November. Registration from 10.30am finishing around 5.00pm. Cost £12stg or €18euro includes a four-course lunch. Payment at the Centre on the day. To book telephone [028] 71262512 during office hours.

Diocesan Mass for Deceased Teachers

The Annual Diocesan Mass for deceased teachers will be celebrated in the Immaculate Conception Church, Strabane on Wednesday 12th November at 7.00pm. Bishop Lagan will celebrate the Mass and all are welcome.

First Anniversary Mass

The 7.00pm Vigil Mass in the Sacred Heart Church on Saturday
15th November will be said for the late Sadie McCrory on the occasion of the first anniversary of her death.

Questions People Ask

Q. What is the reason for celebrating the dedication of the Lateran Basilica?
A. This basilica is the cathedral church of the diocese of Rome. It was erected in 324, an important time in history as it marked the official recognition of the Christian Church by the Roman Empire. This basilica is called the mother and head of all church buildings. Today’s feast is a way of expressing our reverence for all the sacred buildings where we gather to worship God.

Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

This Week’s Calendar

Monday 10th – St. Leo the Great. As pope he protected Rome from Attila the Hun. He was also a gifted pastor and teacher.

Tuesday 11th – St. Martin of Tours. He was an apostle of rural Gaul, and was patron of France, soldiers, beggars and innkeepers.
Today is Remembrance Day, in honour of the 11th day of the 11th month, when World War 1 ended. It’s Armistice Day in France, Veterans’ Day in the USA and Independence Day in Poland.

Wednesday 12th – St. Josaphat, bishop and martyr. It’s Prayer and Repentance Day in Germany.

Thursday 13th – Weekday [32nd Week in Ordinary Time].

Friday 14th – St. Laurence O’Toole, archbishop of Dublin.

Saturday 15th – St. Albert the Great, bishop and doctor.