Parish News for Sunday 7th Sept 2008

Vol.35 No.36

The 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time.

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

To become a shepherd like Jesus

In order to be real shepherds who lead others we have to learn first of all to be good followers. Jesus is revealed as the “Lamb of God” before he reveals that he is the Good Shepherd. He listens to the Father and obeys the Father before revealing to us what to do. To be good parents, don’t we first of all have to be good sons and daughters? Can we teach others if we have not learned from others? How can we love if we have not been loved.

Some people, however, have not experienced the care of others. Their parents hurt them, abused them, and did not help them to grow to freedom. What about these people? Will they find substitute parents, people in later life who will understand and appreciate them and reveal to them the person they are and the person they are called to be, who is hidden under a lot of inner pain, guilt or violence?

Jesus, Light of the world, calls his disciples to become light for the world. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, calls us to become good shepherds, to mature spiritually, to help others in need and to seek out those who are lost, crushed or oppressed, who have been pushed to the margins of society.
(Excerpt from Jean Vanier - Dawn into the Mystery of Jesus)

Irish Bishops’ Drugs Initiative National Conference ‘Alcohol - Drugs: Parishes Respond’ on Saturday, 4th October in St Patrick’s College, Maynooth. Places limited. Cost free. Lunch provided. Further information or to secure a place, please e-mail request to ibdi@iecon.ie or IBDI National Coordinator, John Taaffe on 00353868611531 between 9.00 am and 5.00 pm. Conference speakers include: Bishop Eamonn Walsh, Archdiocese of Dublin; Bishop Noel Treanor, Diocese of Down & Connor; Sr Consilio of the Cuan Mhuire Addiction Treatment Centres; and Mr Denis Bradley, Consultant to the North West Alcohol Forum.

Parents Advice Centre is currently seeking applications from people who would be able to offer a commitment of 4 hours per week. All volunteers are required to complete the Organisation’s Accredited Training Programme which offers participants the opportunity to gain in personal growth and development as well as training in listening and basic counselling skills to callers with problems. PAC is an important resource for families and it is hoped potential volunteers will come forward. Parenting Programme: the centre is running a six week course, “Handling Teenagers”, commencing Wednesday, 24th September from 7.30 pm - 9.30 pm. For information phone 71372006.

Sympathy

We offer our sympathy to the family and friends of:

Patrick McDaid, 35 Glenfada Park.
May he rest in peace.

Baptism

We welcome as members of the Christian community

Harley Ray Nixon, 20 Charlotte Street.
Conor Lizo Mzimba, 72 Victoria Gate.

Readers on duty next Weekend
06.15 Roisin Bonar
07.30 Stephen Orr
09.30 Brendan Burns
11.00 Geraldine Uí Meallain
12.30 Michael Wilson

Weekdays
10.00 Neil McMahon
07.30 Adele McCauley

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

One day Retreat to Lough Derg on Sunday, 21st September leaving Creggan Street at 8.00 am. For details contact John at 71263855.

The Foyle Cardiac Support Group will meet on Monday at 7.30 pm 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.

Sick Visitation

Fr David O’Kane will visit the sick this week as follows:

Mon 10.00 am: The Village, Rosemount Gdns, Montrose Gdns, Ernest St, Grafton St, Epworth St, Rosemount Ave, Academy Tce, Tutor Close, Creggan Rd, Forest Pk, Nicholson Tce, Fairman Place, Northland Parade.

Mon pm: Lower Nassau St, Glen Rd, Ardglen Pk, Glenbank Rd, Northland Rd (1), Edanmount Pk.

Tues am: Meadowview Cres, Osborne St, Norcross St, Baldrick Cres, Cedar St, Argyle Tce, Argyle St, Northland Road (2).

Tues pm: Glenbrook House.

Fri am: William Street Home.

Fr Daniel McFaul will visit the sick in his care on Friday from 3.00 pm.
Forest Pk, Beechwood Ave, West End Tce, Marlborough Tce, Helen St, Marlborough Rd, Oakfield Rd, Marlborough Ave, Queen St, Princes St, Clarendon Manor, Creggan St, Great James St.

New range of courses available in Dove House in September. Enrolment Day: Tuesday. For more information contact Geraldine at Dove House on 71269327 or 71273973.

Fr Canny acknowledges with thanks a donation for:

Trócaire: £10. St Pio: £25. Moshi: £20.

Fr Canny will forward a donation of £10 to LASCO.

Last Week’s Collection amounted to £3,827.

Parish Draw Contributions will be collected every first Friday in the room above the Sacristy from 6.30 to 8.30 pm. To purchase a ticket by instalments or full payment contact Matt McColgan at 71268997.

Bus to Knock (Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal) 13th/14th September and 19th/20th September for Padre Pio Weekend. Full cost for each weekend £70 to be paid one week in advance. Phone 00353749320734 or mobile 00353863465575

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