Twenty Third Sunday in Ordinary Time  7th September 2008
                              
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I am my Brother’s Keeper

The word of God can be confusing. And thank God for that! Otherwise, we might become intolerable, especially when it comes to doing what today’s First Reading (Ezek 33:7-9) tells us to do: to warn the wicked when God instructs us to. The confusing bit here is how to know that we have been so instructed. As Thomas Merton once wrote in Contemplation in a World of Action: ‘The prophetic charism is a gift of God, not a duty of man.’ Becoming the moral mouthpiece for God is a tricky path to tread. That said, however, someone has to do it.
For those so called, a question to ask before giving the warning: why does God warn the wicked? No confusion here. God wants them to change for their good, not God’s. Concerned, God meets them half way through a ‘sentinel’ (v. 7).
That concern should set the tone of our warning. It should be positive not negative, gentle not harsh, life affirming not condemnatory. When approaching the wicked to convince them of the folly of their ways it’s good to recall that one of the most important trips we can make in life is to meet someone halfway.
Perhaps Charles Davis should have the last word: ‘Human pride has led to a notion of freedom and equality as meaning, “you’re on your own”. But we cannot be human on our own.’ (A Spirituality For the Vulnerable,p66)
                                                                                    Fr Tom Cahill SVD

BAPTISM - We welcome Jayden Damien Pearce, Summer Meadows View; Aoife Louise O’Hagan, Bards Hill into the family of God.

+Rest in Peace+
We offer our sympathy to the family and friends of John McGilloway, Brookhill, Culmore.

The following are remembered at this time of the Anniversaries of their deaths:
Joe Dunlop, Margaret Mulligan, Patsy Breen, Philomena Martin, Denis Keyes, William O’Donnell, John McLaughlin, Bridget Moore, Isobel Higgins, Patrick McLaughlin, Catherine McCarter, John Paul McConomy, Roisin Doran, Annie & John Doherty, Dan & Elizabeth O’Hagan, Phyllis Page,

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

EXPOSITION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT resumes in Saint Oliver Plunkett Church, Strathfoyle on Mondays, beginning tomorrow, Monday, 8th September from 10am to 11am.

WEEKEND PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES from 17th to 19th October 2008. For further details, contact Margaret on 7134 1906 or Jude on 7134 8345.

VISITATION OF THE SICK – Father O’Kane will visit those in his care in Strathfoyle on Monday, 8th September.

STRATHFOYLE YOUTH CLUB: Registration for all club members takes place on Monday, 8th September at the following times 4.30 – 6.00pm and 6.30 – 8.00pm, new and old members welcome. The centre’s programme commences on Tuesday 9th September for Junior Club Members at 6.30 – 7.55pm. Intermediates Club 8.05 – 9.30pm. Registration fee £1 per child joining.

40 Days for Life – Pro-life group PRECIOUS LIFE have organised’40 Days of Prayer and Fasting’ in an effort to stop plans by Westminster MPs to force abortion on N. Ireland. We are asking for at least 40 parishioners to sign up to pray and fast on one or more of the 40 days. The effort begins on Our Lady’s birthday (Monday 8th September) and will culminate in a RALLY FOR LIFE at Stormont on Saturday 18th October. For further information please contact Bernadette on 02890278484.

GLENDERMOTT PARISH DRAW  WEEK 35
£1,000  (2042) Winner Liam Mc Ateer, c/o Promoter
  Promoter Ronan Quinn
£200 (1573) Winner Brian Duffy, c/o Promoter
  Promoter Emma Doherty
£100 (2941) Winner Mary Mc Crossan, c/o Promoter
  Promoter Margaret Casey
£100  (1354) Winner Hugh McDermott, c/o promoter
  Promoter Catherine Gillespie
£100 (1333) Winner Neil Carlin, c/o Promoter
  Promoter Phyllis Carlin
£100 (1474) Winner Denis Friel, c/o Promoter
  Promoter Lucia Duddy
£100 (2544) Winner Maureen Maginn, c/o Promoter
  Promoter John McCourt
OFFERTORY COLLECTION
Glendermott: £3,408.00  Strathfoyle: £660.00

Acknowledgement – Fr Mullan acknowledges with thanks donations of £20 and £50 to the Parish Building Fund.

The SVP Thrift Shop has moved from the Strand Road to 34 William Street. The shop is open Monday to Friday 10.00am – 5.00pm. All donations are gratefully appreciated. For collection please ring 71265489 or 71268325.

Irish Dancing Classes commence again on Friday, 12th September at 4.30pm in the Parish Hall, Malvern Terrace under the tuition of Sally Ann Mulholland, New members welcome.

The Foyle Cardiac Support Group will meet this Monday 8th September at 7.30pm at the M.E.D.C. building at the grounds of Altnagelvin Hospital. The speaker this month is Sinead McCormack from N.I. Chest, Heart and Stroke. All are welcome.

Foyle Yarnspinners invite you to an evening of song and story with Roy Arbuckle in the Verbal Arts Centre, Stable Lane, Bishop Street on Monday, 8th September at 8.00pm. Admission free. All welcome.

Bus to St Pio’s Pilgrimage at Knock on Sunday 21st September. Booking with John McKinney telephone: 71860957.

Parents Advice Centre is currently seeking applications from people who would be able to offer a commitment of 4 hours per week. This course is free. To book and for more information please tel. 7137 2006.

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