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

Sunday, 11th October 2009

26th Sunday of the Year

Christian Values

The rich young man said to Jesus: 'Good Master, what must I do to inherit eternal life?' Many people today live as if everything can be bought, even God's favour. We might not think of this just in terms of buying with money but with duty, with doing what we have to and then God somehow is in our debt. The way of Jesus is that eternal life can only be accomplished through love - first of all God's love for us, which is freely given, and then our love for God and for one another. This way of love means giving up a lot of selfishness and self-preoccupation just as the rich young man in the Gospel had to give up his riches before he could even begin to see what following Jesus was about. The guarantee though is that it is more than worth all our effort as this way of love brings happiness in this life and eternal happiness with God.

Fr. Johnny Doherty, C.Ss.R

Sunday, 11th October, 2009

28th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Day of Prayer for Emigrants

First Reading Wisdom 7: 7-11
This is a passage in praise of wisdom. It is presented as a speech of Solomon.

Second Reading Hebrews 4: 12-13
God’s word is effective and is a source of true wisdom for us.

Gospel Mark 10: 17-30
The case of a good young man who refuses to follow Christ because he is unwilling to part with his wealth.

A Cluttered Heart

Strange how it’s always someone else who is rich, never ourselves. It’s even stranger that those who have least often give the most – while the more people have, the less inclined they can be to give. Curious how our possessions can possess us.

Enter the rich man – but why did he come? He seemed to have it all. He was a young, keen, vigorous, probably well-connected person. Modern leaders would do everything possible to ensure they signed him up – but not Jesus. God’s love never compromises with truth.

He’s told that he lacks one thing and is given five commands: Go! Sell! Give! Come! Follow! What did he think as he trudged away? ‘This is completely impractical! I have obligations. It’s unfair. I bet he never asked others to do that.’

Living the Christian life means following our Lord, no matter what. He asks us to stay in tough situations, to love the unlovable, to forgive the unforgivable.
What would Jesus say is lacking in us, as he gazes upon us with steady love? And would we go away sad: owning much, but possessing nothing of real value?

Last week’s Collection amounted to £2,082.00. Many thanks.

Next Sunday is Mission Sunday

Next Sunday marks the annual worldwide Catholic celebration of Mission Sunday, the theme for which is Reach Out. Our prayers and donations on Mission Sunday help to support mission projects and allow Catholic communities worldwide to become self-sufficient and progress according to their own needs and traditions.

There will be a second collection for the Propagation of the Faith. Please use the appropriate envelope in your box of envelopes.

Derry Diocesan Society

Mass tomorrow [Monday] at 10.00am in the Sacred Heart Church will be said for the deceased members of the Derry Diocesan Society.

October, the Month of the Rosary

On September 30th 2001, Pope John Paul II asked people to pray the Rosary. He said: “October is the month in which Mary Most Holy, Queen of the Holy Rosary, is venerated. Within the current international context, I invite all – individuals, families, communities – to pray this Marian prayer, possibly every day, for peace, so that the world can be preserved from the wicked scourge of terrorism.

We cannot forget that Jews, Christians and Muslims adore God as the only God. The three religions, therefore, have the vocation of unity and peace. May God allow the Church’s faithful to be agents of peace, in the front line of the search for justice and the prohibition of violence.

“May the Virgin mary, Queen of Peace, intercede for all humanity, so that hatred and death never have the last word!”

A book entitled “A New Illustrated Rosary” is available for £2.50 at the bookstall in the Sacred Heart Church.

Children in Crossfire are recruiting enthusiastic individuals to participate in the Barcelona Half Marathon in February 2010 and Cycle Vietnam in April 2010. A registration fee is requested and minimum sponsorship applies. If you are interested in either of these challenges, please contact Sarah on [028] 71269898 or e-mail events@childrenincrossfire.org

Annual Derry Diocesan Pioneer Mass
The annual Derry Diocesan Pioneer Mass will take place in St. Mary’s Church, Ardmore on Sunday 18th October at 3.00pm. Chief celebrant will be Bishop Séamus Hegarty. Refreshments are available afterwards in St. Mary’s Parish Centre. All pioneers and their friends are welcome to attend.

Applicants for Diocesan Co-ordinator of Youth Ministry
Derry Diocesan Catechetical Centre invites applicants for the post of Diocesan
Co-ordinator of Youth Ministry. The successful candidate will need to have:

- a recognised qualification in a relevant discipline – Education, Theology, Religious Education or Pastoral Studies.

- a recognised qualification to teach Religious Education.

- active involvement in the spiritual and sacramental life of the Catholic Church at parish and/or diocesan level.

Application Form, Job Description and Personnel Specification may be obtained by telephoning [028] 71264087 during normal office hours and completed applications must be returned to:

The Director, Derry Diocesan Catechetical Centre, The Gate Lodge, 2 Francis Street, Derry Bt48 7DS not later than 1.00pm on 15th October 2009.