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

Sunday, 18th October 2009

29th Sunday of the Year

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Anyone who wants to be great among you must be the servant of all’. We often think that people are being fully accepted by us when we treat them like one of the family. And it is a lovely way to be. But the opposite is also very important to practise, namely that we would treat one another in our families the way we treat those who are visiting us. In this situation we take great care to be ready for them; we get all the best implements out for them; we prepare good food for them. And when they are gone we sometimes are relieved but more often than not we talk about the good things that we can see in them. This is also true within a parish community. We should take great care of one another, the way we would if there was a group of very special visitors coming to celebrate with us. That is how Christ wants us to be together.

Fr. Johnny Doherty, C.Ss.R

Sunday, 18th October, 2009

29th Sunday of the Year

Mission Sunday

First Reading Isaiah 53;10-11
By his sufferings shall my servant justify many, taking faults on himself.

Second Reading Acts 13:46-49
I have made you a light for the nations.

Gospel Mark 10:42-45
Anyone who wants to become great among you must be your servant.

God our father,
Pour out the gifts of your Holy Spirit on the world.
You sent the Spirit on your Church
to begin the teaching of the gospel:
Now let the spirit continue to work in the world
through the hearts of all who believe.

A Challenge To Us All

The final command of Jesus to the Apostles before he ascended from the Mount of Olives was simple and direct. ‘Go out to the whole world; proclaim the Good News to all creation.’ From the day of the first Pentecost, when Peter spoke to the large crowd and converted many to Christianity, followers of Christ have travelled the globe proclaiming the good news of salvation.

At first, the Apostles themselves did the preaching. Peter led the way. St. Paul travelled all around the eastern Mediterranean taking Christ to the nations. Over the two thousand years since, countless missionaries have gone forth to spread the Word. Some became well-known but most live and die as we do, just following the call that Christ has given them.

Sadly, many in our own country do not really know Jesus. Some have been angered by the Church in recent years. The justifiable anger may pass in time , but will only be diminished by the example of those of us who continue to profess the Faith. Indeed there is a great need for all of us to be missionaries in our own parishes at this challenging time.

At all Masses this weekend there will be a second collection for the Missions.

Last week’s Collection amounted to £1,427.00. Many thanks.

Choosing your Future

A Conference with world famous Jean Vanier will take place in the Millennium Forum, Derry on Wednesday 21st October from 10.00am until 1.30pm. This conference is primarily for young people but there are a limited number of tickets available for adults costing £15.00. To book contact the Derry Diocesan Catechetical Centre, telephone [0028] 71264087 or email ddcc@derrydiocese.org

Taizé

Join us for an hour of meditative prayer and Taizé chant on Wednesday
21st October 2009 at 7.30pm in St. Colman’s Chapel, behind St. Mary’s Church, Melmount. Everyone is welcome.

Dates to Remember in 2009/2010

Sacramental Meeting for Parents
Thursday 12th November 2009 at 7.30pm:
Sacred Heart Church
For Parents/Guardians of all children making their First Holy Communion or Confirmation.

1st Confessions
Monday 15th March 2010 [For Glenmornan Pupils]:
First Confessions in St. Joseph’s Church, Glenmornan at 6.45pm.

Monday 15th March 2010 [For Cloughcor & Strabane Pupils]: First Confessions in the Sacred Heart Church at 7.30pm.

Confirmation
Thursday 13th May 2010:
5.00pm in the Sacred Heart Church.

1st Communions
Saturday 22nd May 2010: First Holy Communion for the children of St. Mary’s Primary School in the Sacred Heart Church at 11.00am.

Sunday 23rd May 2010: First Holy Communion for the children of St. Joseph’s Primary School in Glenmornan Church at 10.15am.

Saturday 29th May 2010: First Holy Communion for the children of Strabane Controlled Primary School in the Sacred Heart Church at 11.00am.

Alzheimer’s Support Group

The Alzheimer’s Support Group will meet on Wednesday 21st October at 7.30pm in Melmount Manor Care Home, 1 Orchard Road, Strabane. Guest speaker will be Mary Breslin [Foyle Tranquilliser Initiative], who will be speaking on “A Pill For Every Ill”. Everyone is welcome.

A Missionary’s Song of Praise

Blessed be the Lord,
the God and Light of all the nations.
He has come among his people and saved them.

Across the ages he promised a great saviour;
One who would lift the shadow of sin
from our shoulders,
liberate us from all oppression
and endow us with hearts set free from fear.

As for me, a messenger to distant lands,
I am called to speak forth the Good News,
to reveal the face of the tender God
who beams on our souls with delight.

He walks with the wounded of the world,
He heals the hardness of human hearts,
He sits with the sorrowful, listens to the lonely,
Gives comfort to the care-worn and peace to the poor.