Parish News for Sunday 18th Nov 2007

33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

As Good as it Gets

There will be always times when what seems stable and secure in our lives gives way. Today’s Gospel portrays the solid, magnificent Temple – and yet it was destroyed 40 years later to show the might of conquering Rome. More recently we were horrified when the World Trade Centre was reduced to rubble by terrorism.

While natural disasters are hard – earthquakes, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, volcanic eruptions – they seem built into the earth’s very elements. However, unnatural atrocities remind us of our vulnerability, as we stare into the abyss of evil to which the human heart can plummet.

A familiar sight in time of catastrophe, whether natural or man-made, is the heroism, endurance, grit and skill of rescue workers. Their hands raw, their energy gone – but still they refuse to quit. Their muscles scream for rest, but their belonging is deeper to hear the voice of someone who had waited to be saved by them.

If such qualities are present in humans, how much more in God – the one who scattered the chains of death. Yes, the rocks will tumble, the ground will shake, but the child of God needn’t fear. It’s not a promise of insulation from harm, these scars are real. Keep walking, don’t give up. This is not as good as it gets.

Last week’s Collection was £1,554.00. Many thanks.

Priests’ Retirement Collection
A second collection to help to provide for the needs of retired priests is being taken up at all Masses this weekend. Please use the appropriate envelope in your box of envelopes.

Month’s Mind Mass
The 11.30am Mass in the Sacred Heart Church today [18th November] will be the Month’s Mind Mass for the late Patsy O’Neill, Ballymagorry.

Alzheimer’s Support Group
On Wednesday 21st November at 7.30pm in Melmount Manor Care Home,
1 Orchard Road, Strabane. Guest Speaker will be Margaret Graham who will be speaking on ‘Levels of Communication’.

Questions People Ask
Q. In what sense do the souls in purgatory suffer? Or is it a place of suffering?
A. First let me say how blessed and happy they are as they are assured of their eternal salvation. They are so close to God that they would not come back to this life for any reason. Their heightened awareness of God’s love brings the pain of knowing how imperfect has been their own response. It is a suffering of the spirit, a suffering of impatience until all selfishness is purged so that the soul might be totally open to love and glory.
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

A Saint for November – St. Columban
St. Columban, also known as Columbanus, was born around 543AD. He became a monk at Bangor and later was principal teacher there. In 591, desiring to ‘go on pilgrimage for Christ’, he set out with twelve companions and came to Burgundy. He established monasteries at Annegray, Luxeuil, and Fontaine according to the severe Irish rule. Later he founded Bregenz in Austria but his greatest foundation was at Bobbio, near Genoa where he died in 615AD. He is remembered as one of the greatest of the Irish missionary monks. His feast day is celebrated on 23rd November.

Derry Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage.
Gift Vouchers are available for the Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2008. Contact the Pilgrimage Office [028] 71260293 Tuesday & Thursday 11am until 2.00pm; Saturday 11.00am until 1.00pm and also from 2.00pm until 4.00pm.

Strabane District Policing Partnership
A Public Meeting will be held on Wednesday 21st November at 7.30pm in the Ballylaw Community Hall, Artigarvan. Everyone is welcome.

Reflection
Preserve me God, I take refuge in you.
My happiness lies in you alone.
You are my portion and my cup, you yourself are my prize.
I keep you ever in my sight, even at night you direct my heart.
With you at my right hand, I shall stand firm.
And so my heart rejoices, my soul is glad.
For you will not leave my soul among the dead,
nor let your beloved know decay.
You will show me the path of life,
the fullness of joy in your presence,
at your right hand happiness for ever.

Prayer for Priests

Eucharist: a prayer inspired by the Mass

O Lord!
Look into our hearts this day and read us
Look in our souls this day and hear us
When we thrust out our hands for help - hold us
When we open our arms for love - embrace us
When we bow our heads to thee - bless us
When we give of ourselves - come to us. Amen.
Judith Ann Pounder

Lord Jesus, bless all priests and give them grace to do your great work on earth. Keep them, Lord, close to your heart and under the shadow of your protection. Bless their labours for you and grant that their harvest of souls may be a source of joy and consolation to them during life and may merit an everlasting reward for them in death, that having led many souls to you they may see you to face to face. Amen.

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.