Parish News for Sunday 15th July 2007

15th Sunday in Ordinary Time

PRIESTS OF THE PARISH
Very Rev Michael Canny Adm
Rev David O'Kane CC
Rev Gerard Mongan CC

LOVE IN ACTION

On the road of life, not just Jerusalem to Jericho like our unfortunate traveller, you meet different types of people. First, the robbers: they saw the man as someone to be used and exploited. Secondly, the priest and the Levite: they just walked by as they saw him as a problem to be avoided. Finally, the Good Samaritan: he reached out to this wounded man.

So, what are you? Do you view people as a means to an end? Plundering their talent and ability, feigning friendship? Or perhaps you think people are interruptions in your work to be avoided? Or just maybe you’re literally a people person with a grá (Irish for ‘tender love’) for them.

‘Who is my neighbour?’ asked the impatient lawyer of Jesus. Good neighbours are valued, a rare treasure. The Samaritan is the kind of neighbour anyone in the beaten man’s situation would be glad to have - even a law-abiding Israelite lawyer. In such need, one would not turn aside the help proffered even by an enemy.

By making the “hero” of the story not only someone from far away, but also of a different - and hated! - nationality (a Samaritan), the answer is clear. “Neighbour” is defined not by nationality, ethnicity, religion, or location.

Neighbour is the person in need; being a neighbour means helping those in need.

Annual Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes
The Annual Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes leaves on Monday and will return on Saturday, 21st July. This year about 550 pilgrims of which 98 are in need of care will travel to Lourdes led by Bishop Hegarty. The Pilgrimage is an occasion of prayer and petition as well as a time of celebration of our faith.

Lourdes is a place of spiritual renewal, consolation and solidarity where the healthy and the sick combine to pray and where together they honour the message of Our Lady to Bernadette. It is also a sign of hope for the future, where the difficulties of the past can be left behind and the future can be faced with strength.

PRAYER FOR THE SICK IN LOURDES
Father in heaven,
we pray for our sick
brothers and sisters
who are on pilgrimage in Lourdes.

Grant them comfort in their sufferings.
When they are afraid,
give them courage,
when afflicted, give them patience,
when dejected, afford them hope,
and when alone, assure them of the support of your people.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Sympathy
We offer our sympathy to the family and friends of:
Eamon Johnston, 17 Rossville Street. May he rest in peace.

Baptisms
We welcome as members of the Christian community
Alexa Wanda Green, 28 Granchester Park.
Sofia Senen, 16 Foyleview Apartment.
Kayla May Casey, 5 Mountjoy Terrace.

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

Readers on duty next Weekend
06.15 James Garvin
07.30 Patrick Durkan
09.30 Louise Davies
11.00 Ruth Harley
12.30 Don Clarke
Weekdays
10.00 Rita McCauley
07.30 Anna Peake

Cursillo Walk to Knock sets off on Wednesday after 9.00 am Mass here in St Eugene’s Cathedral. Please keep them in your prayers.

Fr Canny acknowledges with thanks donations for:
LASCO: £20, £10. Trócaire: £10. Concern: £10.

Last Week’s Collection amounted to £3,082.

St Eugene’s Parish Hall:

Sunday: Long Tower Big July Bingo 8.30 pm.
Tuesday: Long Tower Bingo 9.00 pm.

St Eugene’s Parish Draw: Winners Week 36

£1,000
(2255) A Devine, c/o Promoter.

£100
(3233) Mary Slater, 16 Glenbank Road.

£50
(2091) Lynn Tierney, 9 Little Diamond.
(1466) Joey Nixon, 8 Baldrick Crescent.
(2987) C Carlin, 66 William Street.
(1735) M O’Hagan, 96 Drummard Park.

Promoter’s Prize: P Wilson, 54 William Street.

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.