Parish News for Sunday 6th Jan 2008

The Epiphany of the Lord

PRIESTS OF THE PARISH
Very Rev Michael Canny Adm
Rev David O'Kane CC
Rev Gary Wade CC

Vol. 35 No. 1

Defending the Child

The feast of Epiphany has the makings of high drama. It features long journeys, guiding stars, ominous danger, holy dreams, great escapes, and a threatened baby.

Epiphany’s conflicts are boldly drawn. Light fights night. The joy of discovery ends long wandering. Truth foils deception.

The Magi symbolize our noblest human efforts. They are wise ones, star-gazers, people of philosophy, science, and treasure.

They go trekking for the truth. Finding it, they give homage, not to the high and mighty Herod, but to the child of the Most High.

Herod is not only a liar and a killer, he is afraid. He is threatened by the child, this defenseless babe who has no power other than the strength to engage our hope.

Why do the Herods of history fear the children of the world? Could it be the fear of love? Why does the Herod in us fear the child in us? Could it be that we are scared by hope? Could it be that we dread the love drained from us by the defenseless other?
Excerpt from article by John Kavanaugh, S. J. of Saint Louis University

THANK YOU
As we begin a new year we would like to express our appreciation to all who gave their services so generously in 2007. We thank especially Altar Servers, Cleaners, Choirs, Flower Arrangers, Readers, Organist, Eucharistic Ministers, Counters, Collectors, Parish Sister, Fundraising Committee, Draw Committee and Promoters, Savings Committee and Collectors, St Vincent de Paul Society, Legion of Mary, Scouts and all who in any capacity contributed to the work of the parish.

Sympathy
We offer our sympathy to the family and friends of:
Margaret Tarr, 51 Glenside Road.
Eileen Boyd, 44 Sandbank Park.
Peter Griffin, 10 Northland Drive.
Margaret McChrystal, 11 Osborne Street
May they rest in peace.

Baptism
We welcome as members of the Christian community
Rory Paul O’Connor, 45 Manorwood.
Evin Dara O’Kane, 7 Gregory Close, Warrington.
Cathaoir John McBride, 44 Hatmore Park.

Readers on duty next Weekend
06.15 James Garvin
07.30 Anna McMahon
09.30 Rosemount P.S.
11.00 Geraldine Uí Meallain
12.30 Marie Canning

Weekdays
10.00 Neil McMahon
07.30 Anna Peake

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

The Monthly Devotions in honour of the Divine Mercy in Nazareth House Chapel on Tuesday at 8.00 pm. Individual blessing with the relic of St. Faustina after the devotions.

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

Thank You
Fr Canny acknowledges with thanks donations for: Trócaire: £100, £100, £20. St. Pio: £25, £10, €10. Moshi: £20. Darfur: £100, £100, £100, £50, £30. Flowers for the Altar: £20.

Fr Canny will forward donations totalling £220 to LASCO.

The priests wish to thank you for your generosity to the Christmas Box Collection.

Friends of St Eugene’s Cathedral
Private Members’ Draw
Voluntary subscription of £100 or 10 monthly payments of £10
Draw will take place on 21st November 2008

1st Prize: £25,000.
2nd & 3rd Prize: £5,000.
4th – 8th Prize: £2,000.
9th – 18th Prize: £1,000.
19th – 28th Prize: £500.
Total prize payout - £60,000.
Draw tickets or promoter’s pack available from the Parochial House,
Monday to Friday during office hours.

Prayer for Priests

Eucharist: a prayer inspired by the Mass

O Lord!
Look into our hearts this day and read us
Look in our souls this day and hear us
When we thrust out our hands for help - hold us
When we open our arms for love - embrace us
When we bow our heads to thee - bless us
When we give of ourselves - come to us. Amen.
Judith Ann Pounder

Lord Jesus, bless all priests and give them grace to do your great work on earth. Keep them, Lord, close to your heart and under the shadow of your protection. Bless their labours for you and grant that their harvest of souls may be a source of joy and consolation to them during life and may merit an everlasting reward for them in death, that having led many souls to you they may see you to face to face. Amen.

Hospital Visitation: If you would like a priest to visit a relative in hospital or in a nursing home, please fill in the card at the back of the Cathedral and leave it at the Parochial House. It is the only way we will have of knowing who is in hospital and who would like a visit.

New Parishioners: We welcome you to the parish and invite you to leave your name and address at the Parochial House and one of the priests will arrange to visit your new home for a chat and to bless the house.

Telephone numbers if you feel you cannot cope

Samaritans - 0845 790 9090

Zest - a counselling service offering free support to those who feel suicidal, friends and loved ones who have been affected by suicide and those who self harm. Telephone 7126 6999 or e-mail. zestni@yahoo.co.uk

Prayer for the Suicidal

O Eternal Father, we pray for all those who are suicidal.
May Your loving hand guide and protect them
so they receive the help they need,
preventing them from dying from suicide.
Let them know that we need them and love them,
show them Your love Lord Jesus.
Remind them that they are very special people,
filling their minds with beautiful memories.
Give them everything they need so as to ease their pain,
grant that they may find hope, comfort, guidance
and healing in every way possible.
Let them feel our love, and Your love,
carry them when they are weary.
Embrace them and let Your love
shine down upon them always. Amen.