Parish News for Sunday 19th July 2009

Vol.36 No.28

16th Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

Jesus’ Compassion

Today’s Gospel begins where last Sunday’s ended. The apostles had been sent out, two by two, on their first religious mission. Now they return home.

They are excited and delighted with themselves. Their first mission has been a resounding success. Not only have they been able to survive without any food and money of their own, they have also been able to cast out devils and cure the sick in the name of Jesus. Full of enthusiasm, they report to Jesus everything that happened.

Jesus knows that they are tired, and that they haven’t been able even to eat because of the crowds who are constantly coming and going. So he invites the apostles to go away with him to a lonely place where they can rest and eat in peace, and have some time to themselves. They climb into a boat and sail to the far side of the lake.

But there is no escape. The people see them leave and can guess where they are heading. By the time Jesus and his companions reach their destination, the crowds are already there, waiting for them. When Jesus sees them, though, he is not angry or upset. Instead, he takes pity on them, for they are like sheep without a shepherd. He forgets about the quiet and restful time he was hoping to have with his apostles, and immediately takes care of their needs.

Jesus’ concern for the crowds in today’s Gospel provides us with a wonderful lesson in God’s love and compassion. Though he has other plans for the day, and is anxious for a bit of privacy, as soon as he sees people in need, Jesus is moved with pity and abandons everything else. Caring for the people becomes his only concern.

As Christians we too are called to show the compassion and generosity of Jesus in our dealings with others.

From ‘Reality’ - Summer 2009

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

Mass in honour of Blessed Alexandrina Maria Da Costa next Sunday, 26th July at 7.30 pm in Termonbacca.

Sympathy

We offer our sympathy to the family and friends of:

Willie Taggart,
112 Creggan Road.

Dessie Coyle,
18 Northland Parade.

Jim Deehan,
36 Westland Street.

May they rest in peace.

Baptism
We welcome as members of the Christian community:

Aoife Mary Tierney,
9 Little Diamond.

La’nais Rowe Doherty,
83 Grainan Drive.

Farrah Mary O’Neill,
1 Marlborough Avenue.

Readers - Weekdays
10.00 Eugene McClintock
07.30 Anna Peake

Readers on duty next Weekend
06.15 pm Sharon Duffy
07.30 pm Mona Tracey
09.30 am Michael Roddy
11.00 am Geraldine Uí Mheallain
12.30 pm Piaras O’Meallain

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

Fr Canny acknowledges with thanks donations for:
Trócaire: £15, £15. St Pio: £50. Charity of Adm’s Choice: £10. Altar Flowers: £40, £20. Flowers for St Thérèse Statue: £10. Eucharistic Congress: £20.

Last Week’s Collection amounted to £3,768.

Knock Summer Youth Festival: This year’s festival will take place from Thursday to Sunday, (23rd-26th July) and is for those aged 18-35. The festival will include inspiring talks, workshops, a reconciliation and healing service, mime, drama, dancing, music and lots of free time. The theme is ‘You are the light of the world’ and the weekend will have a variety of guest speakers. The weekend costs €70 and this includes meals and accommodation. There is some transport available from the Diocese. If you would like more information contact the Catechetical Centre on 71264087 or book online at www.knock-shrine.ie/youthfestival.

National Grandparents Pilgrimage to Knock on Sunday, 14th September. There will be Anointing of the Sick at 2.00 pm. Cardinal Seán Brady, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland will be Chief Celebrant at the Pilgrimage Mass which will be celebrated at 3.00 pm. Guest Singers: Fr Liam Lawton and Dana. Emma Humber will debut a Song for Grandparents. Childrens’ Prayer Appeal: grandchildren have been invited to write a prayer for their grandparents. All prayers will be blessed at the pilgrimage.

PRAYER FOR GRANDPARENTS

Lord Jesus, you were born of the Virgin Mary,
the daughter of Saints Joachim and Anne.
Look with love on grandparents the world over.
Protect them! They are a source of enrichment
for families, for the Church and for all of society.
Support them! As they grow older,
may they continue to be for their families
strong pillars of Gospel faith,
guardian of noble domestic ideals,
living treasuries of sound religious traditions.
Make them teachers of wisdom and courage,
that they may pass on to future generations the fruits
of their mature human and spiritual experience.

Lord Jesus, help families and society
to value the presence and roles of grandparents.
May they never be ignored or excluded,
but always encounter respect and love.
Help them to live serenely and to feel welcomed
in all the years of life which you give them.
Mary, Mother of all the living,
keep grandparents constantly in your care,
accompany them on their earthly pilgrimage,
and by your prayers, grant that all families
may one day be reunited in our heavenly homeland,
where you await all humanity
for the great embrace of life without end. Amen!

This Universal Prayer For Grandparents was composed by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI in 2008

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