Parish News for Sunday 11th May 2008

Pentecost Sunday

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

Receive the Holy Spirit

“As the Father sent me, so I am sending you.” As we celebrate Pentecost, it is important to remember what it is about. The Holy Spirit is given to us, not as a possession, but as a power. And this power is one that can transform the world. We are given the power of love, which is invested in a special way in the various important relationships of our lives. That power of God is there in the sacrament of marriage, calling couples to love for the sake of the world. The power of love is in our families, making our homes the Domestic Church to the glory of God. And it is this power of God’s Spirit that is at the heart of every parish. All we have to do is practise that power and great things will happen all around us. There can be no doubt that great things need to be made happen in our world today. Receive the Holy Spirit.

Fr. Johnny Doherty, C.Ss.R.

Passing It On

The year slips by, fifty days after Easter already with Pentecost upon us. Days continue to lengthen, temperatures rise, moods improve. First Communions and Confirmations are proudly celebrated in communities. Schools sports days will be held, a time to wonder and marvel at the gifts of the young athletes, strength improving with every birthday. For adults, however, school sports day is a time to mourn the loss of speed and youth with every passing year in the parent events. A high point in a relay race is the passing of the baton from one runner to another runner. More races are won or lost at this critical moment than at any other moment in the race.

The event of Pentecost might be compared to this key moment. The challenge of God’s kingdom is passed by Jesus to his disciples. Down throughout the ages it has come through dungeon, fire and sword, but also in time of peace, ease and plenty. Faith has come through the generations, tenderly in the caress of a parent for their baby at Baptism, frighteningly in the loneliness of the bedsit abroad for an emigrant – a real baptism of fire. Each is a Pentecost, a coming of the Holy Spirit, down through the years to us.

The baton is in our hands, the track is before us. Let’s run the race of our lives.
God has created me to do some definite service. He has committed some work to me which he has not committed to another

John Henry Newman

Last week’s Collection was £1,453.00. Many thanks.

The Pledge

Today, Pentecost Sunday, recalls the occasion when the Holy Spirit came upon the apostles and gave them courage to preach the gospel to the ends of the earth. On the 20th April the Holy Spirit came upon fifty-three 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 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.

Today is Cemetery Sunday
The Blessing of the Graves will take place at the Sacred Heart Cemetery today [Sunday] at 5.00pm. Note the time – 5.00pm. Please bring holy water for the sprinkling of the graves.

Derry Diocesan Society Mass
Mass in the Sacred Heart Church on Thursday 15th May at 7.30pm will be said for the deceased members of the Derry Diocesan Society.

Priests’ Retreat
Due to the priests’ retreat there will be Mass this week only on Thursday at 7.30pm and Friday at 10.00am in the Sacred Heart Church.

The next Pioneer Meeting will take place tomorrow [Monday] at 8.00pm, followed directly by a meeting of the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

Diocesan Purposes Collection
The second collection next weekend is the Diocesan Collection – also known as the Bishop’s Collection.

Engaged Encounter Weekend in Thornhill Centre, Derry on 14th – 15th June. Contact [028] 71350612 to details and booking.

First Holy Communion
Congratulations to the children who received Holy Communion for the very first time over the past two weeks. We are very grateful to their teachers and other members of staff for preparing the children for this very important occasion in their lives. We thank all who participated in the various liturgies, and also the parents who have been guiding their children in the ways of faith.

Aware Defeat Depression
For details of your local support group in Strabane contact Pat Lynch on [028] 71260602.

Aware Defeat Depression needs volunteers in the Strabane area. By volunteering you will be supporting people experiencing or at risk of experiencing depression and their carers. We are looking for volunteers to facilitate support group meetings in your local community and provide information about depression and the work of the organisation. Full training and support is provided. Contact Pat Lynch for details.

World Youth Day Experience in Lourdes July 2008
As an alternative to World Youth day in Sydney, Lourdes has been nominated the European Centre for WYD. The diocese will be taking a youth group to experience these days of celebration. The trip [16th-21st July] is for 20-35yr olds and will travel as part of the larger Diocesan Pilgrimage. The cost is £499. Telephone 71260293 for details.