Newsletter - 100808

10th August 2008               Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

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The Deep End…

The fishermen and those who work on the land realized that they had no control over nature. Even though they were very familiar with the Sea of Galilee, no one among them was capable of predicting the storms that broke out unexpectedly, almost suddenly. They were at the mercy of the sea to provide a livelihood, and in the case of a storm like this, to spare their lives.
In today’s story, Jesus is absent when a strong head wind raises high waves that batter the boat and frighten its passengers. When the disciples see Jesus, they think he is a “ghost.” When Peter steps out of the boat to meet Jesus, he “sees” the strong wind.
Both stories reflect the first-century Mediterranean belief in spirits, including wind spirits, that play havoc with human life. The only remedy for a human being is to find a more powerful spirit to counter the annoying spirit. This, of course, is God and his broker, Jesus, who throughout the gospel displays power to control evil and mischievous spirits.
Both stories also emphasize that the disciples wavered in their loyalty to God. “Why are you afraid, you of little faith ?” (8:26). “You [Peter] of little faith, why did you doubt?” (14:31). The biblical term “faith” is best rendered “loyalty.” Patrons will never fail clients who are loyal to them.
Today’s gospel asks scientifically oriented and technologically proficient world where human beings ought to place their faith or loyalty: in themselves or in God?
                                                                                                        
John J Pilch


THE FEAST OF THE ASSUMPTION ~ 15th AUGUST

Thursday is the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and is a Holy Day of Obligation. The feast celebrates that day when ‘the Immaculate Mother of God, the ever Virgin Mary, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory’, as Pope Pius XII wrote in his Apostolic Constitution, Munificentissimus Deus, when the Dogma of the Assumption of Our Lady was defined in November 1950. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us: ‘The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin is a singular participation in her Son's Resurrection and an anticipation of the  resurrection of other Christians: In giving birth you kept your virginity; in your Dormition you did not leave the world, O Mother of God, but were joined to the source of Life. You conceived the living God and, by your prayers, will deliver our souls from death.’

Mass will be celebrated at the following times:
St Columb’s Church: Vigil (Thursday): 7:30pm; Friday: 10:00am, 12:30pm, 7:30pm
Church of the
Immaculate Conception: Vigil (Thursday): 6.00pm; Friday: 9:15am
St Mary’s Oratory:  Friday: 6:00pm
St Oliver Plunkett:  Vigil (Thursday): 6:00pm; Friday: 11:15am

Lord God, you raised the Virgin Mary to the glory of heaven. By her prayers, help us to seek you and to live in your love.

BAPTISM - We welcome Jenny-Leigh O’Hara, Hatmore Park and Rhianna May Robinson, The Old Fort, Strathfoyle into the family of God.

+Rest in Peace+

We offer our sympathy to the family and friends of Elizabeth Norwood, Oldbridge.

The following are remembered at this time of the Anniversaries of their deaths:
Charles McGill, Marjorie Coyle, George Killen, Philomena Talamantas, Michael Gallagher, Frieda Lynch, Pat Aquino, Martha McCloskey, Patrick Furey, Rose McDonald, James McDaid, Don Clarke, Jimmy Bradley, Barney Bradley, Joan Bradley, John Campbell

May these and all who sleep in Christ find in God’s presence light, happiness and peace.

St Joseph’s Young Priests’ Society acknowledges with thanks, donations of £50 and £20. All benefactors, living and deceased are prayed for at all meetings.

OFFERTORY COLLECTION Glendermott: £3,123.00 Strathfoyle: £660.00

North West Romanian Fund – We wish to thank all those who contributed so generously to our recent church-gate collection, which amounted to £1,986.85.

Connect your career – North West Regional College, Derry/Londonderry. Limavady and Strabane is offering an exciting range of full-time and pert-time courses, commencing this September. Places are still available and enrolments are now open. For further information Telephone: 028 7127 6000.

Pilgrimage to Medugorie on Saturday 4th – 11th October 2008. Ex Belfast Airport. Limited places. Bookings and information from Pat Mullan 028 7130 1474.

Irish Dancing Classes begin in the Parish Hall on Friday 12th September at 4.30pm. New members welcome.

Lord Jesus, You said to you disciples: ‘The harvest indeed is great but the  labourers are few.’ We ask that we may know  and follow the vocation to which you have called us. We pray for those called to serve: those whom you have called, those you are calling now, and those you will call in the future. May they be open and responsive to the call of serving your people. Amen.

Prayer for vocations - O Jesus, send labourers into your fields, which are awaiting holy apostles, saintly priests, heroic missionaries, and dedicated sisters and brothers. Enkindle in the hearts of men and women the spark of a vocation. Grant that Christian families may desire to give your Church helpers in the work of tomorrow. Amen.

ACCORD DERRY

Marriage preparation Workshop 26/27th September 2008 in Thornhill Centre, Culmore Road, Derry on Friday 7pm – 10pm and Saturday 10am – 4pm. Booking forms available from the Pastoral Centre, 164 Bishop Street, Derry Tel: 
71362475 or from the Parochial House.

SUNDAY EVENING DEVOTIONS as announced

MARRIAGES: Three months notice must be given before the date of marriage. Details for marriage preparation can be obtained from www.gettingmarried.ie.

ANNIVERSARIES:  If you wish to have the name of your loved one placed in the newsletter, please contact the Parish Office before 3pm on Thursdays.

Contact Details
                                                Telephone             Email
Rev. Aidan Mullan, PP                 028 7134 2303    
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Rev. Michael McCaughey, CC       028 7134 8856     This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Rev. Peter O’Kane, CC                028 7134 2303     This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Rev. Christopher Ferguson, CC    028 7134 2303      This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Rev. John Irwin                          028 7134 2303 
Parish Fax Number:                    028 7134 5495

 
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