Parish News for Sunday 4th October 2009

Vol.36 No.39

27th Sunday in Ordinary Time

PRIESTS OF THE PARISH
Very Rev Michael Canny Adm
Fr Peter Raftery CSSp
Rev Daniel McFaul CC

Marriage

In the light of contemporary thinking and current trends, the teaching of Jesus on marriage in today’s Gospel seems harsh and rigid. Marriage between two baptised Christians is a lifelong contract to be lived out each day in fidelity and self-giving and not a purely human agreement that can be set aside at will.

When Jesus first outlined his teaching on marriage, he would have raised more than a few eyebrows – particularly among the male listeners in his audience. Man and woman were not equal in the eyes of Jewish law on marriage – the woman was inferior to the man and in a certain sense the man owned his wife. She was his property.

So when Jesus said “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her”, he was raising the standard to a new and previously unheard level for both men and women. In contrast to Jewish law, man and woman are equal in the light of Christian marriage. This gives to both man and woman a new dignity which is a deepening of the dignity they received at their baptism.

The reason why the Church insists on this teaching of Christ lies in the symbolism of marriage itself. The mutual love of man and woman, consecrated and made holy in Christian marriage, is a powerful symbol of the love of Christ for his Church. Just as Christ gave himself to death for the sake of his bride, the Church, so Christian marriage provides the framework in which man and woman give themselves to each other – spiritually, physically, emotionally – in permanence and fidelity until they are parted by death.

Day for Life

Today we celebrate the dignity of life from conception to natural death. Building upon last year’s theme of mental health, this year’s Day aims to raise awareness of the vital role to be played by families and supportive parish communities in sustaining those who may be struggling to cope. The Day also aims to help reduce the number of myths associated with mental illness, depression and suicide. It emphasises the importance of encouraging people to seek professional help if they are troubled by persistent suicidal feelings.

Sympathy

We offer our sympathy to the family and friends of:

Ken Hannigan, 76 Lisfannon Park.

May he rest in peace.

We pray for the parents of Baby Jacob Henry, Glenowen Park.

Anniversaries

We remember the anniversaries of: Jeannie Toner, William and Kathleen Gallagher, Charlie Scott and James Doherty. May they rest in peace.

If you wish to have the name of your loved one placed in the newsletter contact the Parish Office before 12.00 noon on Thursdays.

Baptism

We welcome as members of the Christian community:

Igor Ryduchowski,
6 Grangewood Court.

Shayne Ryan Ward,
11 Daly Crescent.

Oisín Anthony Norris,
12 Mount Street.

Jack James Keeney,
9 Park Avenue.

Readers

Weekdays
10.00 am Neil McMahon
07.30 pm Anna Peake

Readers on duty next Weekend
06.15 pm Roísín Bonar
07.30 pm Majella Coyle
09.30 am Michael Roddy
11.00 am Vanessa McGeehan/
Blanaid Barr
12.30 pm Anna Peake

Eucharistic Ministers
Team *C* begins its rota
at the 6.15 pm Vigil Mass
next weekend.

Fr Michael Canny will visit the sick in his care this week:

Mon am: 10.00 Lisfannon Park.
Mon pm: 3.00 - William St, Columbcille Crt, Chamberlain St, Brewster’s Close.

Wed am: 10.00 - Westland Ave, Westland St, Glenfada Pk, Abbey Pk, Fahan St, Joseph Place, Cable St.

Thurs am: 10.00 - Limewood St, Beechwood St, Elmwood Tce.
Thurs am: 11.30 - Fr Mulvey Pk.
Thurs pm: 2.00 - Lisfannon Pk (Upper), Eglinton Tce, Blucher St, Little Diamond.

Altar Servers: Any child in P5 or P6 who wishes to become an Altar Server is invited to attend a practice here in the Cathedral with his/her Parent or Guardian at 3.15 pm on Wednesday.

‘Choosing your Future’ - a conference with Jean Vanier in the Millennium Forum on Wednesday, 21st October from 10.00 am to 1.30 pm. This conference is for young people but there is a limited number of tickets available for adults costing £15. To book please contact Derry Diocesan Catechetical Centre on 71264087 or email ddcc@derrydiocese.org

Fr Canny acknowledges with thanks donations for:
Trócaire: £100, £15. St Pio: £50. Fr Brown’s Missionary Work: £40.

Altar Flowers: £20. Moshi: £10.

Last Week’s Collection amounted to £3,564.

St Anthony’s Retreat Centre, Dundrean, Burnfoot, Co. Donegal: a space of quiet, prayer and solitude. Available for individual retreats and spiritual guidance (Marie McCormack, Fr Neal Carlin). Residential accommodation and meals in the Centre’s hermitages. Promotional offer €45 per night. “Come away by yourself to a desert place and rest for a while.” Contact Fr Neal Carlin on (00353) 074 9368370 or sacre@eircom.net for enquiries and bookings.

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