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

Sunday 31st May 2009

Pentecost Sunday

Jesus said to his disciples: "Peace be with you. As the Father sent me, so am I sending you." Then he breathed on them and said: "Receive the Holy Spirit." As we celebrate Pentecost in our homes and our parish communities, there are two qualities we need to develop - peace and energy. Peace is Christ's desire for us as we journey with him and with one another. But peace is not a passive thing. Rather it is a dynamic way of life. We are to be his witnesses in the world, and so he gives us his Holy Spirit so that we can have the energy we need in order to witness through love. This love is practised and developed in marriage and family life. It needs to be extended to the life of the parish community. Our motto for this week of Pentecost can be: "Love as if everything depends on you. Live as if everything depends on God."

Fr. Johnny Doherty, C.Ss.R

Sunday 31st May, 2009.

Pentecost Sunday

First Reading Acts 2: 1-11
The apostles are filled with the Holy Spirit and bear witness to Christ.

Second Reading 1 Corinthians 12: 3-7.12-13
The fruits of the Spirit.

Gospel John 20: 19-23
I shall send the Spirit of truth and you too will be witnesses.

Come Holy Spirit, Renew the Face of the Earth.

Fire

At the first sign of winter we clear the grate and light the first fire of the season. The hearth comes alight with warmth and welcome. A real fire means curtains drawn, slippers and a cosy evening at home. As children we were attracted by its heat and warned of its dangers.
In these days of central heating, our source of heat may come more from a less visible source than an open fire. Yet, down through history, fire has been treasured as a valuable friend. However, the same fire that warms, draws in and comforts can become a terrible force of destruction, a raging forest or a house fire.

Similarly, we can fear or face things in life. Fear is a common experience, which can be both positive and negative. Positive fear can protect a child from being burned, a sailor with a life jacket from drowning, a home that installs a smoke detector from a fire tragedy. But fear can be negative. Fear of the stranger can keep us from welcoming our new neighbour. Fear of ridicule can prevent us from speaking the truth. Fear of what tomorrow might bring, can keep us from living the opportunities of today.

Pentecost is the anniversary of conquering of fear by God’s Spirit. Terrified fishermen became tenacious preachers. If you are filled with fear, Pentecost is your feast day. At this time we think of the young person fearful of exams, the family fearful of financial problems, any of us fearful of change, or fearful of failure.

Be with us, Spirit of God, as comforter and as friend. Be with us as the one who calls us to reconciliation, justice and peace. Give us an increasing faith in your activity in the world.

The Pledge

On the 30th March the Holy Spirit came upon forty-five children as they received the sacrament of Confirmation in the Sacred Heart Church and offered them his guidance and strength to live as committed followers of Jesus.

This weekend we are offering these young people an opportunity to make a promise to God that they will avoid alcohol until at least eighteen years of age, and also to abstain from illegal drugs for the rest of their lives. If other young people wish to renew their pledge they too are being given the opportunity to do so.

We pray that the Holy Spirit will guide our children in making one of the most important decisions in their young lives.

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

SACRED HEART CHURCH:

Collectors:
Saturday 7.00pm:-
Brian Edwards and Declan Carlin.
Sunday 11.30am:-
Stephen Barrett. Noel Carlin and Terry McCallion.

Cleaners: Team A

ST. MARY’S CHURCH, CLOUGHCOR:

Collectors:
John Devine.

Altar Society & Cleaners:
Winifred McGonigle, Catherine McGonigle and Aiden McGonigle.

ST. JOSEPH’S CHURCH, GLENMORNAN
Collectors:

Altar Society:
Brigid Casey and Geraldine Devine.

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

The Sick and Housebound

The sick and housebound will be attended on Tuesday morning and afternoon.

Parish Savings Cheques

Please contact the parish office [028] 71882274 if your cheque has expired.

Addiction – The First Step in Recovery

Learn from the past, plan for the future and live in the present.

Dependence on alcohol, other drugs or gambling presents life threatening physical and mental health challenges for individuals, stress and relationship difficulties in families, financial problems for all concerned, educational issues for children and young people, deaths on roads and crime on our streets.
An honest response to the following questions will confirm evidence of addiction.

- Have you ever felt that you should cut down on your use of alcohol, other drugs or the time and money spent on gambling?
- Have people annoyed you by criticizing your dependence on alcohol, other drugs or the time and money spent on gambling?
- Have you ever felt guilty about your dependence on alcohol, other drugs or the time and money spent on gambling?
- Have you needed alcohol or another drug first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or to get rid of anger?

If you are concerned about your dependence on alcohol, other drugs or gambling, we are glad to advise you that staff in White Oaks Rehabilitation Centre provide a confidential counselling service for individuals, couples or families. It has been said that a journey of 1000 Km begins with the first step. Begin the journey into recovery today.