Parish News for Sunday 30th Dec 2007

The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

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

The Bond of Family Life

These days of Christmas are a good time for families. We draw together in an especially intense way. We visit grandparents and welcome other family members to our home. This feast of the Holy Family is a great opportunity to reflect on the sacred grouping called the family – not only on the three people we call the Holy Family, but on all our families. Every family is a holy union blessed by God, and perhaps the place where we best see Christ’s great command to love.

We who are together in families are bound to one another every hour of every day. We know one another in a way we know no other persons. We can read one another’s moods and learn to make allowances for one another’s faults. We rejoice in one another’s love and feel our own heart’s pride when any member of the family succeeds.

We know, too, that living under one roof has its tensions. Every family has to adjust to the imperfections of every person in it. That’s why all of us need to begin our marriages in and with Christ, and why we want him to be with us each day. That’s why parents and children need to hear St. Paul’s advice in today’s second reading: “Clothe yourselves with heartfelt mercy, with kindness, humility, meekness and patience.” [Col 3:12]. It is advice that makes sense in an intimate group like the family.

Lord, let your words in all their richness dwell in us today. For when they are at home in us, we find the kindness to be merciful and the humility to be meek and patient. We know we cannot be harsh or proud and still be at peace with each other. Lord, help all of us to grow in your wisdom by your grace!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROUS CHRISTMAS COLLECTION.

Mass Times
Sacred Heart Church, Derry Road
Weekdays
Monday 31st – 10.00am

Tuesday 1st January
[The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God] – 11.00am

Wednesday 2nd & Friday 4th – 10.00am

Sundays
Vigil: 7.00pm, 11.30am

St. Mary’s Church, Cloughcor
Sundays
9.15am

St. Joseph’s Church, Glenmornan
Weekdays
Friday – 7.30pm

Sundays
10.15am

Confessions
Friday: Sacred Heart Church at 9.30am and St. Joseph’s, Glenmornan at 7.00pm
Saturday: Sacred Heart Church at 6.15pm [NO morning Confessions – 5th January]

Parish Savings Scheme
The Parish Savings Scheme recommences this weekend.

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

SACRED HEART CHURCH:
Collectors:
Saturday 7.00pm:-
Manus McLaughlin, Liam Ward, Lawrence Doherty and Tony McDaid.

Sunday 11.30am:- Denis Hegarty

Cleaners: Team B

ST. MARY’S CHURCH, CLOUGHCOR:
Collectors:
Donal O’Neill and William O’Neill.

Altar Society & Cleaners: Hilary McColgan and Stephanie McColgan.

ST. JOSEPH’S CHURCH, GLENMORNAN
Collectors:
Hugh McGonigle and Jim Devine.

Altar Society:
Rosaleen Kelly and Rose-Marie Coyle.

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

Leckpatrick Pioneer Association
Mass will be celebrated in the Sacred Heart Church on Friday 11th January at 7.30pm. This will be followed by a Dance and Supper in St. Patrick’s Hall, Strabane which will be sponsored by the Leckpatrick Pioneer Total Abstinence Association. All are welcome. Supper served at 9.00pm. Music by ‘Country Legions’. Tickets £10 are available from Mary Hegarty, Patrick Street and John Devine, Cloughcor. Further details are on the poster at the back of the church.

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
Tuesday, 1st January is the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. We honour Mary, Mother of Jesus, during this Christmas season, and especially as the New Year begins. It is also World Day of Peace.

Sunday 6th January is the Feast of the Epiphany

We wish you all a very peaceful and happy New Year

A Lesson from the Trees

Not long ago the trees were loaded with golden leaves.
Though pretty to look at, they robbed me of the world beyond.
but now that the leaves have fallen
I am able to look through the skeletal branches
to the deep blue sky beyond.
Teach us, God Lord,
how to take care of our material needs
without neglecting our spiritual needs;
how to take care of ourselves
without neglecting others;
and how to live joyfully in this world
without losing sight of the world to come.

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.