Parish News for Sunday 14th Sept 2008

Vol.35 No.37

The Triumph of the Cross.

PRIESTS OF THE PARISH
Very Rev Michael Canny Adm
Rev David O'Kane CC
Rev Daniel McFaul CC

“Belief and trust in God can move mountains. Don’t be discouraged by circumstances”.

Triumph of the Cross

On the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross (or Triumph of the Cross) we honour the Holy Cross by which Christ redeemed the world. The public veneration of the Cross of Christ originated in the fourth century, according to early accounts, beginning with the miraculous discovery of the cross on September 14, 326, by Saint Helena, mother of Constantine, while she was on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem — the same day that two churches built at the site of Calvary by Constantine were dedicated.

Christians “exalt” the Cross of Christ as the instrument of our salvation. Adoration of the Cross is, thus, adoration of Jesus Christ, the God Man, who suffered and died on this Roman instrument of torture for our redemption from sin and death. The cross represents the One Sacrifice by which Jesus, obedient even unto death, accomplished our salvation. The cross is a symbolic summary of the Passion, Crucifixion and Resurrection of Christ — all in one image.

The Cross — because of what it represents — is the most potent and universal symbol of the Christian faith. It has inspired both liturgical and private devotions: for example, the Sign of the Cross, which is an invocation of the Holy Trinity; the “little” Sign of the Cross on head, lips and heart at the reading of the Gospel; praying the Stations (or Way) of the Cross; and the Veneration of the Cross by the faithful on Good Friday by kissing the feet of the image of Our Saviour crucified.

Placing a crucifix (the cross with an image of Christ’s body upon it) in churches and homes, in classrooms of Catholic schools and in other Catholic institutions, or wearing this image on our persons, is a constant reminder — and witness — of Christ’s ultimate triumph, His victory over sin and death through His suffering and dying on the Cross.

We remember Our Lord’s words, “He who does not take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for my sake shall find it.” (Mt 10:38,39). Meditating on these words we unite ourselves — our souls and bodies — with His obedience and His sacrifice; and we rejoice in this inestimable gift through which we have the hope of salvation and the glory.

Dying, you destroyed our death; rising you restored our life.
Save us by your cross, Christ our Redeemer.

Excerpt from www.wf-f.org

Baptism

We welcome as members of the Christian community

Taylor Donna Donaghey, 71 Osborne Street.
Emily Anna Leonard, 3 Hawthorn Drive.

Readers on duty next Weekend

06.15 Garvin Kerr
07.30 Anna McMahon
09.30 James Garvin
11.00 Gatha McClintock
12.30 Carita Kerr

Weekdays
10.00 Rita McCauley
07.30 Charlie McDermott

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

Monthly Pro-Life Devotions on Tuesday in St Columb’s Church, Chapel Road, Waterside, Rosary at 7.00 pm followed by Mass at 7.30 pm. Everyone welcome to come and pray for the Unborn Child.

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

Congratulations to Pat & Bernie Condren, 69 Woodbrook who recently celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary.

North West Romanian Fund will be holding a Church gate collection next weekend, 20th/21st September to assist their programme of help for orphanages and homes for the elderly.

Foyle Hospice Coffee Morning on Thursday in Foyle Hospice Day Therapy Unit, 61 Culmore Road from 10.30 am to 12 noon. Help make a difference to the lives of people living with cancer and other life limiting illnesses by having a “cuppa” in aid of the Hospice.

The SVDP Thrift Shop has moved from the Strand Road to 34 William Street. The shop is open Monday to Saturday 10.00 am - 5.00 pm. For collection please ring 71265489 or 71268325.

Fr Canny acknowledges with thanks donations for: Trócaire: £20. Concern: £20.

Donation for Charity of Administrator’s Choice: £20.

Fr Canny will forward donations totalling £70 to LASCO.

Last Week’s Collection amounted to £3,967.

Parish Draw
***Limited number of tickets remaining***

1st Prize - £25,000
2nd & 3rd Prize - £5,000
9th - 18th Prize - £2,000
19th - 28th Prize - £500
Promotors Draw 10 x £100

Only two First Fridays left for contributions
to be collected - 3rd October and 7th November.

To purchase a ticket by instalments or full payment
contact Matt McColgan at 71268997 or Fr Michael Canny.

Second National Grandparents Pilgrimage to Knock today (Sunday) commencing with the celebration of the Anointing of the Sick at 2.30 pm in the Basilica followed by Mass. This year’s pilgrimage will have a link with the Year of Vocation Initiative. Bishop John Fleming will be Chief Celebrant at the pilgrimage Mass and Fr Liam Lawton will be guest singer.

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