Sunday 14th September 2008

Triumph Of The Cross

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

Jesus said: “For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not be lost but may have eternal life.” People today struggle with the idea of whether there is a God at all. Our faith teaches us, not only that there is a God, but that God is passionately in love with each one of us. God wants everything that is good and best for each of us. That is why he sent his Son, Jesus Christ, not just as a teacher but as one who literally put his life on the line to show us the way to the fullness of life. The Triumph of the Cross is not the triumph of power but of love. Our love relationships will bring us through suffering too but they will lead us to life. So many people are lost in themselves. The only way to life for them and for all of us is the way of love. As Christians we have the responsibility of living that way in our families and in our faith community. That is the challenge week by week.

Fr. Johnny Doherty, C.Ss.R.

The Badge of Christian

The word ‘cross’ has many appearances in language, from describing a mood to a type of pastry. It goes to show how central a symbol the cross has become. Sport and piety make unlikely partners, but many athletes devoutly make the sign of the cross. The cross also appears as a fashion statement, with elaborate cross-inspired jewellery hanging from the neck, ears, wrists and God knows where else.

The fact that a cross keeps popping up tells us that a Christian memory, or at least a Christian superstition, is till very active. We may be far less a Christian nation, but we are a Christ-haunted nation: not sure of what faith is about, not sure who Jesus really is, but none the less interested.

Romans knew the cross as a method of execution, and called it in Latin crux. From it we get words like ‘crucial’ or well-worn phrase ‘the crux of the matter’. It’s meant to point out what’s essential, basic and indispensable.

On this day dedicated to the Holy Cross, we should call to mind the cross traced upon us at our baptism; the sign under which we live and move and have our being. Let’s lift up the cross in our personal lives, by being Christian in name and in deed.

Last week’s Collection was £1,585.00. Thank you very much.

Our Lady of Sorrows – 15th September

The feast of the Holy Cross is celebrated each year on 14th September. The following day we honour Mary, the woman who stood at the foot of the cross as her son died.

Mary knew what is was like to be an unmarried mother, a refugee, the mother of a criminal. She endured poverty and widowhood. She knows what it’s like when ‘a sword of sorrow’ pierces the heart. Yet she was her son’s first and best disciple, an example for us to copy.

Mary, Mother of sorrows, you suffer with us when we endure the cross: pray for us.

Sick and Housebound

The sick and infirm will be attended on the morning and afternoon of Tuesday 16th September.

Congratulations, Tyrone!

We congratulate the Tyrone team on reaching the All-Ireland final one again. Only one game to go, providing it’s not a draw. Bring on Kerry!

Beginning of the Year School Masses

Masses to mark the opening of the school year will be celebrated as follows;

Monday 15th September at 10.00am in
St. Joseph’s Church, Glenmornan.

Tuesday 16th September at 10.00am in
St. Mary’s Church, Cloughcor.
All will be welcome, including parents and extended family members.

Please note that because of the above Masses there will be no Mass in the Sacred Heart Church tomorrow [Monday] and Tuesday.

Alzheimer’s Support Group

A meeting will take place on Wednesday 17th September at 7.30pm in the Melmount Manor Care Home, 1 Orchard Road, Strabane. Guest speaker – Maureen Collins, speaking on ‘The Benefits System & Entitlements’. Everyone is welcome.

Reflection

Jesus, you carried your cross to
the summit of Calvary
and fell under its degrading weight.
Help us to carry our cross,
to resist everything you resisted,
to love everything you love
and to be ready for the sake of your name.
Help us when we stumble and forgive us when we fall
and, in the end, let us share your victory.
Amen.
ALEXANDER POPE

Thornhill Centre, Derry- Dreams Workshop

Exploration of the Dream World from the Christian Perspective [9-session course]. Evenings begin Thursday 11th September and mornings begin Monday 15th September. Places limited. Cost £50. More details available from Thornhill Centre, Telephone [028] 71351233.

THE WAY THINGS HAPPEN

Life has many minor complications. Very often plans go astray, arrangements come unstuck, and happenings are mis-timed. For instance;
You’re no sooner in the bath than the phone rings.
The saucepan is just at boiling point when the doorbell sounds.
You forget your umbrella, and the heavens open.
When you’re already late for the train, you get a puncture.
When you’re trying to be most polite, you spill the tea.
You’re wearing your best clothes, walking, and are just abreast a puddle when a lorry passes, dousing you in water.
When you need to note a telephone number, the biro’s missing.
The only week you miss the Lotto, your favourite numbers come up.
When one of these happens you can get annoyed. When two happen together you can get angry.
When three occur all at once all you can do is laugh.