Parish News for Sunday 30th March 2008

Vol.35 No.13

Second Sunday of Easter,

Divine Mercy Sunday

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

That You May Believe

St Thomas was a thoroughly modern man. Our age and time identifies with him. His doubt and confusion are not seen as weaknesses but as strengths, the expression of an honest mind grappling with the gospel. Indeed, Thomas and his reaction to Jesus’ resurrection has so taken hold of popular imagination that we all refer to a ‘doubting Thomas’ for any and every expression of resistance, incredulity or doubt.

An important fact to remember about Thomas is that first and foremost he was a disciple. He was with the Lord throughout his public ministry and had witnessed miracle after miracle after miracle. Indeed, St John in his Gospel reveals a man who was bold, courageous and reckless, willing to lay down his life for his Lord and Master.

The terrible events surrounding Jesus’ Passion clearly rocked Thomas’ faith, as they did all the disciples. In his case, however, there was clearly a digging in: a refusal to believe that Jesus had risen. He demanded evidence but his demand was tinged with arrogance: ‘Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in his side, I will not believe’ (v 25). A week later Thomas got his evidence when the Lord appeared and invited his doubting disciple to touch his wounds. Popular imagination tends to highlight Thomas’ doubt but neglects to mention his profound faith expressed so movingly in his ‘My Lord and my God!’

Thomas’ confession of faith reveals an interior conversion: his prayer is as much a prayer of repentance and sorrow as it is of faith and belief. Indeed, at the very heart of all sin is unbelief - unbelief is a good definition of sin, Thomas would doubt no more but would go on to serve the Lord with his life. May we arrive to rid our lives of doubt and learn to walk in steadfast faith in the risen Lord.

Excerpt from Bible Alive - Easter 2008

Divine Mercy Sunday

Divine Mercy Devotions this afternoon (Sunday) in St Eugene’s Cathedral at 3.00 pm

On your visit to the Cathedral these days you may notice the Ten Stations of the Salvation Story. Each Station represents an event in the history of our salvation. They begin with the Creation story; through the call of Moses and the prophets and conclude with the Resurrection of Christ. They are an aid to help us meditate on the wonders of our salvation and a call to ponder the way God has intervened in human history, They are also an appropriate follow-up to the Stations of the Cross, which adorned the Cathedral during Lent.

Sympathy
We offer our sympathy to the family and friends of:
Annie Murphy, 10 Little Diamond.
Ann O’Neill, 38 Clarendon Manor.
Isabel Deehan, 9 Chamberlain Street, (waked at 19 Bantry Road).
Billy Gallagher, 39 Iniscarn Road, (waked at 104 Glen Road). May they rest in peace.

Baptism
We welcome as members of the Christian community
Jude James White, 89 Lisfannon Park.
Alex Olivia Bradley, 16 Blackthorn Manor.

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

Readers on duty next Weekend
06.15 Louise Davis
07.30 Charlie McDermott
09.30 St Eugene’s P.S.
11.00 Geraldine Uí Meallain
12.30 Don Clarke

Weekdays
10.00 Jimmy Doyle
07.30 Mona Tracey

Last Week’s Collection amounted to £3,707.

Cardinal Brady’s visit: If you had your photograph taken with Cardinal Brady during his visit to St Eugene’s Cathedral and have access to the internet the link is http://www.virginmediaphotos.co.uk/album/7710050

Derry Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes, 16th - 21st July 2008. Application forms are now available at the Parochial House or the Pilgrimage Office, 164 Bishop Street, phone 71260293 (open Tuesday and Thursday from 11.00 am - 2.00 pm and Saturday 11.00 am - 1.00 pm and 2.00 - 4.00 pm.) Price £449. Persons in need of care or aged 80 or over can obtain special application forms from the Pilgrimage Office.