Parish News for Sunday 30th March 2008

Second Sunday of Easter

Divine Mercy Sunday

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

Risen Lord Jesus,

As Mary Magdalene met you in the garden
on the morning of your resurrection, so may
we meet you today and every day.

Speak to us as you spoke to her,
reveal yourself as the living Lord,
renew our hope and kindle our joy.

Send us to share the Good news with others.

Second Sunday of Easter

“Free Gift”

We live life in the fast-lane, but grid-locked in traffic from dawn to dusk. It’s a life-style that leaves little room for mistakes. People are under pressure and, when they fail, economically, socially, or morally, they are often ‘taken apart’ in the full glare of the media. Reality television has only helped to highlight something which has probably always been part of the darker side of our human baggage. It is entertaining for us to see other people vulnerable and exposed. Perhaps it takes the spotlight off ourselves.

Jesus could have made the disciples squirm. Peter had denied him. Most of the others had run away. Now they were in hiding. But Jesus is merciful.

He doesn’t take advantage of their vulnerability. ‘Peace be with you,’ he says. From his position of strength, he reaches down to lift them up.

The first mission that Jesus entrusts to the Church is to be the sacrament – the sign – of God’s mercy. ‘As the Father has sent me: so I am sending you.’

Mercy is the gift given in the sacrament of reconciliation. It is a gift which all of us can give freely out of our strength; and which we will be glad to receive when we feel wounded.

Last week’s Collection was £1,949.50. Many thanks.

Trócaire
We would be grateful if all remaining donations for Trócaire were to be handed in by Wednesday at the latest.

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 28 pence in every £1 that you contribute. This is a very simple way of gathering extra funds.
If interested please contact the parish office 71882274. Many thanks for your co-operation.

Month’s Mind Mass
The Month’s Mind Mass for the late Kevin Corey, Cavanacor View will be said tomorrow [Monday] at 7.30pm in the Sacred Heart Church.

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:
Rose McDonald and 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.

Padre Pio Devotions
Padre Pio devotions will take place on Wednesday 2nd April with the Rosary commencing at 6.45pm followed by Mass at 7.00pm.

Weekly Envelopes
By now you should have received your new weekly envelopes for the coming twelve months. If you have not been supplied with a box and wish to have one, please contact your area representative or the Parish Office as soon as possible.

Reflection

Some people think that if you have enough faith life will be plain sailing for you. But this is not so.
The fact that we can swim doesn’t prevent us from being knocked about by waves. In the same way faith doesn’t shield us from the hard knocks of life or death.
What, then does faith do?
It gives us bearings and thus enables us to live in a topsy-turvey world without getting lost or giving in to despair.
Just as swimmers trust that if they don’t panic, and if they do a few simple things, then the power of the sea will uphold them, so believers entrust their lives to a power greater than us all.
This power is the power of God, who brought his Son Jesus back from the dead.