Parish News for Sunday 21st March 2010

Vol.37 No.12

Fifth Sunday of Lent

PRIESTS OF THE PARISH
Very Rev Michael Canny Adm
Fr Peter Raftery CSSp
Rev Daniel McFaul CC
Fr Joseph Varghese

Forgiveness and Freedom

In last Sunday’s Gospel reading, the fictional younger son, who had let his father down and behaved in an unacceptable manner, was restored and given a new lease of life by the same father’s love and compassion. This Sunday, the woman at the centre of the Gospel reading is, in reality, given the same gifts – her dignity and self-respect are upheld and defended by Jesus, she receives forgiveness from him and is given a new lease of life which, we hope, she lived in freedom and joy.

At the same time, Jesus makes it very clear to those who condemned her that they would be far better off examining their own hearts and reflecting on their own sins.

Now, as then, we are very quick to condemn others for faults we know we have ourselves. Attack is, in this as in many aspects of life, the best form of defence.

As we continue our Lenten journey, may we have the courage to examine ourselves and tackle in ourselves ways of thinking, speaking and acting that are not in keeping with the Gospel of Christ. Let us pray for strength to change them.

Gift Aid Scheme:

If you are a taxpayer, use your weekly envelope and wish to join the Gift Aid Scheme,

please sign a ‘Gift Aid Declaration’ - available in the Sacristy or in the Parochial House.

The Annual Diocesan Mass for those with special needs, their families and friends will take place in St Joseph’s Church, Galliagh on Saturday, 24th April. Bishop Lagan will celebrate the Mass. If you have a child who wishes to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation or First Communion at this Mass please contact the Catechetical Centre on 71264087 or email ddcc@derrydiocese.org

Trócaire Dance in aid of Haiti

on Sunday, 11th April in the City Hotel.

Music by ‘Lawrence O’Hara Sound’.

Doors open at 9.00 pm.

Admission £2.50.

Sympathy

We offer our sympathy to the family and friends of:

Bella Kerrigan, 28 Westland Street.

May she rest in peace.

Anniversaries

We remember the anniversaries of:

Catherine Donaghey, Ann O’Neill, Freddie Boyle, Sarah and James Casey, Mary and Hugh Hegarty,

Jack McIntyre, William McIntyre, Julia Finan and Rose Browne.

May they rest in peace.

Baptism

We welcome as a member of the Christian community:

Darragh Michael Kerr,
26 Marlborough Road.

Readers

Weekdays
10.00 am Jimmy Doyle
07.30 pm Anna Peake

Readers on duty next Weekend Palm Sunday

06.15 Reader: Garvin Kerr
Passion: Mary McDowell (N)
James Garvin (S)

07.30 Reader: Majella Coyle
Passion: Stephen Orr (N)
Mona Tracey (S)

09.30 Reader: Monica Garvin
Passion: Michael Roddy (N)
Brendan Burns (S)

11.00 Reader: Blanaid Barr/
Patrick Lynch
Passion: Eugene McClintock (N)
Gatha McClintock (S)

12.30 Reader: Kieran Kehoe
Passion:Geraldine Ui Meallain (N)
Piaras O Meallain (S)

Intercessions: Kieran Kehoe

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

An Easter Weekend Retreat 

starting on Friday at 8.00 pm until Sunday. A quiet residential weekend, which will be a spiritual preparation for the feast of Easter, will be conducted by the Carmelite Fathers in Termonbacca, Carmelite Retreat Centre, Derry. All are welcome to attend. For further details and bookings telephone 71262512.

ACIES Ceremony of Legion of Mary

will take place in Nazareth House Chapel today (Sunday) at 3.00 pm.

All active and auxiliary members are invited to attend.

Pro-Life Devotions

on Tuesday in St Columb’s Church, Waterside commencing with Rosary at 7.00 pm followed by Mass at 7.30 pm.

A Pro-life Prayer Vigil led by the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal will take place on Thursday (The Feast of the Annunciation of our Lord). Starting at 9.00 am with Mass at St Columba’s Church, Long Tower with Rosary Procession and concluding with  a Blessing at St Columba’s Friary. For further details please contact Precious Life on 90278484.

Fr Canny acknowledges with thanks donations for: Trócaire: £50, £50, €50.

Haiti: £50, £20, £100. Building Fund: £100. Chile: £100.

Fr Canny will forward a donation of £20 to LASCO.

Last Week’s Collection amounted to £3,498.

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