Parish News for Sunday 9th Dec 2007

Second Sunday of Advent

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

Ringing the Changes

While the French may think that they discovered revolution in 1789, to be followed by movements and countries who portrayed themselves in turn as the latest revolutionaries, history has proved them all wrong. Maybe the real revolutionaries today are the genuine Christians. Why? Because they are prepared to change themselves.

That is the greater change. By changing ourselves, we gradually transform the world. Advent is one of those times in the year, when we especially think of this personal change we have been talking about.

But, will the notion of personal change remain just that – an idea? Have we, to quote Eliot, ‘had the experience and missed the meaning?’ In terms of sacraments, is our passport all stamped on the right pages, baptised, confirmed, married, confessed – but perhaps never really an integral part of us? No more than the Pharisees of today’s gospel – a strong case of mixed motives.

Just as it was for John, there are three distinct groups when it comes to God’s call.
• those who have already given up. From them there is no response.
• those whose hearts are hardened and are reluctant to change.
• those who hear God’s word and have a real determination to change what needs to be changed in their lives.
To which group do we belong?

‘And may he who helps us when we refuse to give up, help you all’ [Second Reading]

Last week’s Collection was £2,261.00. Many thanks.

Derry Diocesan Society Mass
The 10.00am Mass on Tuesday 11th December will be said for the deceased members of the Derry Diocesan Society.

Sick and Housebound
The sick and housebound will be attended on Tuesday morning and afternoon.

Taizé
Join us for an hour of meditative prayer and Taize chant on Wednesday
12th December in the Day Chapel, Melmount at 7.30pm. Everyone welcome.

Times of Christmas Masses in Leckpatrick
Sacred Heart Church:
First Mass of Christmas at 9.00pm on Monday 24th December.
Dawn Mass at 9.00am.
Day Mass at 11.30am

St. Mary’s Church, Cloughcor:
Dawn Mass at 9.15am

St. Joseph’s Church, Glenmornan:
Day Mass at 10.15am

School Confessions
Confessions will be heard in St. Joseph’s School, Glenmornan tomorrow, Monday 10th December at 11.10am and in St. Mary’s School, Cloughcor at 1.10pm.

A Community Carol Service
A Community Carol Service will take place in Christ Church, Bowling Green on Thursday 13th December at 7.30pm. Everybody will be welcome. All local parishes and congregations will be involved.

Month’s Mind Mass
The 7.00pm Vigil Mass on Saturday 15th December will be said for Mrs Sadie McCrory, Tulacorr Gardens who died almost a month ago.

Carmelite Retreat Centre, Termonbacca
Three Advent Evening Retreats in preparation for Christmas on Monday 10th, Tuesday 11th and Wednesday 12th December from 7.30pm until 10.00pm. An opportunity to spend some time in quiet adoration, receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation and celebrate Mass.
Advent Weekend Retreat from Friday 14th until Sunday 16th December. Registration on Friday at 7.30pm.
For further details and bookings please contact [028] 71262512.

Owen Roe O’Neills, G.A.C.
Today [Sunday 9th December] there will be a Children’s Party with Santa arriving at 3.15pm followed by switching on of Christmas tree lights at 5.00pm. Other notices are on poster at back of church.

A Lesson from the Trees

Not long ago the trees were loaded with golden leaves.
Though pretty to look at, they robbed me of the world beyond.
but now that the leaves have fallen
I am able to look through the skeletal branches
to the deep blue sky beyond.
Teach us, God Lord,
how to take care of our material needs
without neglecting our spiritual needs;
how to take care of ourselves
without neglecting others;
and how to live joyfully in this world
without losing sight of the world to come.

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.