Sunday 29th March 2009

5th Sunday of Lent

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

Our forgiving God

“Anyone who loves her/his life loses it; anyone who hates her/his life in this world will keep it for the eternal life.” At first glance that statement from Christ in this Sunday’s Gospel is hard to take. But it is God’s wisdom and we must listen to it. It’s really about our priorities. If our priorities are all just about the here and now and our own gratification we will lose everything. If we set our sights on what God wants for us we will gain far more than we ever imagined possible. And what God wants for us is love, peace, joy, freedom, full life - all of which can only be gained by giving ourselves fully to one another. Marriage and family life are the two great schools for learning self-giving. In marriage each person has to deliberately choose what is good and best for their life together. In family life parents especially have to constantly give of themselves. That is how people grow to maturity.

Fr. Johnny Doherty, C.Ss.R.

Sunday 29th March 2009

5th Sunday in Lent.

First Reading Jeremiah 31: 31-34
Deep within them I will plant my Law, writing it on their hearts.

Second Reading Hebrews 5: 7-9
Christ became for all who obey him the source of eternal salvation.

Gospel John 12: 20-33
If a grain of wheat falls upon the ground and dies, it yields a rich harvest.

Confirmation

Confirmation will be administered by Bishop Francis Lagan in the Sacred Heart Church tomorrow, Monday at 5.00pm. The children to be confirmed and their sponsors should be in their places no later than 4.40pm. We would ask parishioners who intend to be present at that Mass to kindly leave the reserved places at the front of the church free for the children who are to be confirmed and their sponsors.

After the ceremony Bishop Lagan will meet the children and their families in St. Patrick’s Hall, Strabane.

We ask our usual helpers and any others who would like to offer their services to be in the hall by 5.00pm in order to make preparations for serving light refreshments.

Last week’s Collection was £1,194.50. Many thanks.

Spring Cleaning

As days get lighter and sun becomes brighter, our thoughts turn more to spring. The sun not only starts things growing in the soil outdoors, it also show up how soiled and dusty things have become indoors! The onset of spring used to be a signal for a thorough spring-clean through the house. With modern vacuum-cleaners and wipe-clean surfaces, cleaning is not the mammoth task it used to be. There are, however, areas that are neglected, and places that will look brighter for an extra special cleaning. Cupboards, curtains, high shelves and dark corners all harbour dust and need attention. Most of us have a clutter somewhere that needs cleaning out, or jobs not done for the lack of time or inclination.

The psalm we hear in today’s Mass could be called the ‘spring-cleaning psalm’. It’s a prayer for inner cleansing, by a man who knew he was in need for it. David had just been convicted of adultery, and of engineering the murder of his mistress’s husband. He pleated guilty before God. ‘Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness, in your great tenderness wipe away all my faults; wash me clean of my guilt’.

We can clean our houses, but only God can clean our inmost selves; only He knows all about us. He answered David’s prayer, and He can give us a thorough spring-clean, if only we ask him!

Special Diocesan Mass

The Annual Diocesan Mass for those with special needs, and their families and friends will take place in St. Joseph’s Church, Galliagh, on Saturday 9th May at 3.00pm. Bishop Hegarty will celebrate the Mass.

Palm Sunday

Next Sunday 5th April is Passion [Palm] Sunday. Psalms will be blessed at all Masses.

The following are asked to assist as collectors and church cleaners during the month of April:

SACRED HEART CHURCH:
Collectors:
Saturday 7.00pm:-
Brian Edwards and Declan Carlin.
Sunday 11.30am:-
Stephen Barrett, Noel Carlin, Brendan Gallagher and Terry McCallion
Cleaners: Team E

ST. MARY’S CHURCH, CLOUGHCOR:
Collectors: Philip Vaughan
Altar Society & Cleaners: Ann O’Neill

ST. JOSEPH’S CHURCH, GLENMORNAN
Collectors: Brian Blee.
Altar Society:Martina McNulty,
Angela Kelly and Rita Kelly.

Our thanks are due to all who served the parish in any way during the month of March.

Sick and Housebound
The sick and housebound will be attended on Tuesday 31st March in the morning and afternoon.

Day of Forgiveness

A special period of forgiveness will take place in the Immaculate Conception Church next Sunday 5th April. This will be an opportunity for people to receive the Sacrament of Penance before Easter. Confessions will be heard from 5.00pm until 6.30pm. About nine priests will be present, so the queues shouldn’t be too long!

A Note of Thanks

Fr. Joe McMenamin, from the Missionaries of Africa, writes as follows:
I am writing to thank you very sincerely for the lovely welcome you gave me on my recent visit to the parish. The response to our mission appeal was really very generous. The total amounted to £1,582.50 and €164.00. It was indeed an expression of great generosity to the mission appeal on behalf of all the people. I would like you to convey to them our deepest appreciation and sincere thanks.

Cemetery Sunday

The Blessing of the Graves will take place in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Glenmornan on Sunday 17th May at 3.00pm.

Padre Pio Devotions

Padre Pio devotions will take place in the Immaculate Conception Church, Strabane on Wednesday 1st April with Stations of the Cross commencing at 6.45pm followed by Mass at 7.00pm.

Gift Aid Scheme

Those who are paying tax may wish to join our Gift Aid Scheme – at no extra cost to you. The Parish Gift Aid Scheme means that if you pay through the envelope system in your parish, the Church can recoup 25 pence in every £1 that you contribute. This is a very simple way of gathering extra funds. If interested please contact the parish office [028] 71882274. Many thanks for your co-operation.