Sunday, 18th January 2009

2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

Des Res [desirable residence]

Master – where do you live?

I dreamt one night Jesus took me with him. ‘Come on’ he said; ‘Want to see where I live?’ He took me to an encampment, where people scrabbled for the basics of life. ‘It reminds me of my ‘”refugee” beginnings in Bethlehem. Mary told me all about that. They’re often ignored and despised, but I live there too.’
From there we went to workplaces, schools and homes, seeing people help, heal and encourage one another. He lived there too, it seemed.

Then he took me to a gorgeous church, with a golden tabernacle. It looked like heaven itself, with people going to and fro and lighting candles and making short visits. ‘I live there too;’ he said, ‘mind you, some would like to keep me here and take me out for a spiritual jog once a week or less.’ He looked … well – sad.

Then he brightened up; ‘You know, there is one place that I haven’t been able to get into – yet.’ He took out what looked like a small photo, to show it to me. I looked and saw my reflection – it was a mirror. He laughed and said; ‘I wonder if you know who has the key. I’d love to take a look and stay a while.’

Master – where do you live? God of life, help me realise you wish to live in people, not just in places.

Last week’s Collection was £1,420.00. Many thanks.

Sick and Housebound

The sick and household will be attended on the morning and afternoon of Tuesday 20th January.

Church Unity Week

The week of special prayer for Christian Unity begins today [Sunday] 18th January and continues until 25th. The theme for 2009 is ‘That they may become one in your hand.’ [Ezekiel 37:17]

To mark the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, there will be an Ecumenical Service in the Immaculate Conception Church today [Sunday] at 5.00pm. All are welcome.

Month’s Mind Mass

The Month’s Mind Mass for the late

Terri Devine, Moorlough Road,

will be said in St. Joseph’s Church, Glenmornan on

Friday 23rd January at 7.30pm.

First Anniversary Mass

The First Anniversary Mass for

Teresa Doherty, Calhame, 12 Evish Road

will take place in the Immaculate Conception Church, Strabane on
Monday 19th January at 7.30pm.

Q. What did John the Baptist mean by calling Jesus the Lamb of God?

A. Before the time of Jesus religious sacrifice usually involved the death of animals. The Baptist proclaimed that Jesus would replace all these animal sacrifices.

One purpose of animal sacrifice was to make reparation for sin. Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. This name recalls what Isaiah wrote – about the innocent lamb being led off meekly to the slaughter.
Jesus is the innocent victim who took our place. In some ancient literature, the lamb is the emblem of victory.

Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

Missionaries of the Sacred Heart

Thousands of used mobile phones are discarded annually especially around Christmas. Missionaries of the Sacred Heart can recycle used mobiles to support their work in Third World countries. Phone with batteries [but not chargers] can be posted to Mobile Phone Recycling, P.O. Box 23, Western Road, Cork.

The Priory Institute

Study Theology from Home! The Priory Institute, run by the Dominican Order, is offering a full programme of theology through distance learning, supported by a network of study centres throughout Ireland. This programme is made up of 15-week modules which can be studied for academic credit [leading to an accredited certificate, diploma or degree in theology], or simply for personal interest. Please call us for further information. The Priory Institute, Tallaght Village, Dublin 24. Telephone [01] 404 8124 or Email: enquiries@prioryinstitute.com.

Alzheimer’s Support Group

Wednesday 21st January at 7.30pm in Melmount Manor Care Home, 1 Orchard Road, Strabane. Theme: “When Behaviour Is Challenging”. Everyone welcome.

Reflection: God’s Call
God’s call is mysterious;
it comes in the darkness of faith.
It is so fine, so subtle,
that it is only with the deepest silence within us
that we can hear it.
And yet nothing is surer or stronger,
nothing is so decisive and overpowering,
as that call.
This call is uninterrupted:
God is always calling us.