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

Sunday 19th July 2009

16th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Christ, the Good Shepherd

“Jesus took pity on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd.” We are all aware of a lot of turmoil and trouble in the world in general and often in our own communities and even our own families. The temptation is to either despair or to ignore. For us as followers of Christ, the only way is to see the opportunity rather than the problem and to work together at bringing Christ into our world ever more fully. We do this firstly in our homes through love and prayer. Our homes should be places where each one is glad to be. This can only happen when we make it happen for each other. We do it in our community by working together to make the parish a community of faith and hope. And we do it for our world by becoming a sign of hope because we are a people among whom Christ lives.

Fr. Johnny Doherty, C.Ss.R.

Sunday, 19th July 2009

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading Jeremiah 23: 1-6
The leaders of Israel are indicted for their neglect of the people, but better leaders are promised.

Second Reading Ephesians 2: 13-18
By his death Christ broke down the wall between Jews and Gentiles, and united all the peoples as children of the one Father.

Gospel Mark 6: 30-34
We see the care of Christ for his apostles as well as his compassion for the ordinary people.

Entrance Hymn

Holy God, We Praise Thy Name

Holy God we praise thy name.
Lord of all we bow before thee.
All on earth thy sceptre own.
All in heaven above adore thee.
Endless is thy vast domain.
Everlasting is thy reign.

Recessional Hymn

When Creation Was Begun

1. When creation was begun,
God had chosen you to be
mother of his blessed Son,
Holy Mary full of grace.
Ave, Ave, Ave Maria.

2. When creation was restored,
You were there beside the Lord
Whom you cherished and adored
Holy Mary, full of grace.
Ave, Ave, Ave Maria.

Retreat in Ards

A Transformation Retreat will take place in the Ards Friary from Monday 27th until Friday 31st July. The Retreat Master will be Fr. Donal Dorr. Fr. Dorr is well known as a writer, lecturer, counsellor and facilitator.

This retreat offers participants a unique opportunity to share in a personal and group experience, which leads to a deeper understanding of spiritual growth and may bring about a spiritual transformation in their lives.

The Retreat commences at 6.00pm on 27th July and finishes at 4.30pm on 31st. The cost is €390.00. If interested contact Noel Bradley (Telephone 0749362390) or mandybradley@eircom.net

Ards Friary (Telephone 0749138909) or info@ardsfriary.ie

Time for Recreation

‘So little time, so much to do’ seems to be the spirit of the age. Leisure time seems to have vanished, as people attempt to balance work, family, driving children here and there, caring for elderly parents. In the end, they feel that they’re sandwiched in the middle, trying to accommodate everyone, being all things to everybody, and precious little to themselves.

In today’s readings, there’s an invitation to pause, realign our priorities and open our minds and hearts to God.

Nowadays we hear stories of speeding motorists eating, reading, phoning, even shaving or applying make-up. It’s crazy and dangerous. The antidote is giving attention to whatever you’re doing, to the person you are with. It’s the way of Jesus, it’s also the difference between a life and an existence. It is the task of re-creation.

Last week’s Collection was £1,601.00. Many thanks.

Peter’s Pence Collection
The recent collection for the Pope and papal charities amounted to £1,192.00. On behalf on His Holiness, many thanks!

A Reflection

Christ looked at the people;
and seeing that they were like sheep without a shepherd,
he took pity on them.

Lord, look upon us and take pity on us,
for at times we too are like sheep.
Save us from blindly following the herd.
Help us to follow you,
even if it means leaving the crowd
and walking a lonely path.

Lead us from death to life,
from error to truth,
from despair to hope,
from fear to trust,
from hate to love,
from war to peace.

Help us to listen to your voice,
to trust you and to follow you.
You carry all our hopes and dreams.
You alone can give us what we hunger and thirst for –
our heavenly Father’s love and eternal life in his Kingdom.