Society News - Latest Update : Sunday 11th May 2008

Grand Charity Dance in aid of Trócaire on Wednesday in “An Grianan Hotel”, Burt. Music by *NICE-N-EASY*. Dancing from 10.00 pm - 12.30 am. Doors open 9.00 pm Adm €5.

The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill will be debated by Members of Parliament imminently. It is designed to increase experiments on vulnerable human embryos. It will also extend experiments such as making cloned embryos and animal-human hybrids. In addition, a child’s need for a father will not be recognised for test-tube babies under this bill. Within the same bill, pro-abortion MPs want to widen the law on abortion. Please phone your MP at the House of Commons on 020 72193000 to ask him/her to vote against this bill. For a detailed briefing “Lobbying your MP on the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill” contact SPUC on 020 70917091 or email lizfoody@spuc.org.uk

Knights of St Columbanus - Private Members Draw: 1st Prize: Trip for two on Derry Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes on 16th-21st July 2008. 2nd Prize: £100. 3rd Prize: £50. 4th Prize: £25. Tickets are £5 or €6.50. Draw will take place at Bingo in St Eugene’s Parish Hall on Sunday 25th May. Anyone looking to buy a ticket please contact Eugene Sherry 71348036 or 07815879956.

Engaged Encounter Weekend is a recognised form of marriage preparation. It is a communication workshop designed for couples preparing for marriage. The weekend is non-residential and will take place in the Thornhill Centre, Derry on 14th - 15th June. Early booking is advised. For information contact 71350612 or 27638512 (after 4.30 pm).

Safe-guarding Children in St Eugene’s Parish

The safe-guarding of children is at the very heart of the church’s activity. The relationship between Jesus and children was one which valued them and nurtured them. The example of Jesus is, of course, always our standard.

In our parish many people work together to safe-guard children taking part in church activities. Our Parish Representatives for Child Protection are key to this. Along with all who work with children in the parish community, best practice in child-safeguarding is our goal.

Within the Diocese as part of best practice, it is important that each parish fulfil the POCVA requirements of civil law in Northern Ireland. This is the vetting process for all who work with children, whether as employees of the parish or as volunteers. I would ask everyone to cooperate in vetting, both those who are new recruits to parish activies with children, and those who have generously done so for many years. Child safe-guarding is part of our Christian calling.

I thank all of you, who are engaged with children in this parish, for the wonderful work you do, building up the Kingdom of God among the next generation of young Catholics.

Bishop Séamus Hegarty

Readers on duty next Weekend
06.15 James Garvin
07.30 Charlie McDermott
09.30 Brendan Burns
11.00 Geraldine Uí Meallain
12.30 Ciara McDevitt

Weekdays
06.30 Eugene McClintock
10.00 Neil McMahon

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

Deaf Chaplaincy: There will be a Mass for the Profoundly Deaf in the Nazareth House Chapel next Sunday, 4th May at 3.00 pm.

Parish Draw
To purchase a ticket by instalments or full payment contact Matt McColgan at 71268997. Promoter’s pack available from the Sacristy after Masses or from the Parochial House, Monday to Friday during office hours. Parish Draw contributions will be collected every First Friday from 6.30 - 8.30 pm in the room above the Sacristy.

St Eugene’s Parish Hall: Sunday: Long Tower Bingo 8.40 pm. Tuesday: Long Tower Bingo 9.00 pm.

St Eugene’s Scouts: Are you between the age of 6-11 years old, interested in making new friends and learning new skills? Beaver meetings are for children aged 6-8 years old in St Anne’s Primary School every Tuesday night from 7.00-8.00 pm. Cub meetings are for children aged 8-10.5 year olds. Cub meetings take place in St Anne’s Primary School every Tuesday night from 8.00-9.30 pm.

CURA : 7126 8467

St. Vincent dePaul : 7126 5489

AL-ANON : 9068 2368

AA : 9043 4848

Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice seeks volunteers in the Derry area. The Children’s Hospice provides respite and end of life care for children and young people suffering from life-limiting illnesses both in the Children’s Hospice and in the child’s own home. For further information please contact Rachelle Norry on 07866701350 or email her at rachelle.norry@nihospicecare.com

Disability Action’s Advice Service has put together a leaflet and standard letter for anyone who feels they may wish to challenge their bank or building society regarding excessive penalty charges to their account. Please call in for a leaflet to Disability Action, 58 Strand Road or telephone to make an appointment to discuss your concerns or telephone 71360811 and ask for Claire-Marie or Patricia.

NEXUS Counselling Service offers support to anyone who has been sexually abused, sexually assaulted or raped at any time in their life and are now 17 years old or over. NEXUS believe that the survivor is never to blame, regardless of the circumstances. NEXUS offers workshops for survivors of sexual abuse on a variety of topics including anger management, stress management, self-awareness and assertiveness. Family Education and Support Groups are offered for family members, parents and partners or survivors who may also need support. Contact NEXUS in confidence at 71260566.