Sunday 3rd February 2008

Fourth Sunday In Ordinary Time

Reflection

“Happy are the poor in spirit…” The spirit of poverty is the spirit that sees the true value in things. It is the spirit that looks beyond the false values of money, status and power and cherishes the worth of gentleness, consolation, mercy, purity – indeed all of the virtues which Jesus praises. Those who are poor, in spirit, are rich in Christ. “…theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.”

‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will

be called children of God.’ Matthew 5:9

THE BLESSING OF THROATS will take place today (Sunday) at 6 o’clock Devotions. Saint Blaise, the patron of throat complaints, is not officially celebrated this year since his feast (3 February) falls on a Sunday. Therefore the Mass today is the Mass of Sunday rather than the Mass of the Saint. However, we wish to offer the blessing of the throats and will do so at evening Devotions. All welcome.

LENT begins on Ash Wednesday, 6th February.

Ash Wednesday – A day of fast and abstinence – Catholics are asked to eat a maximum of one main meal and two collations (light meals) and to abstain from meat. Ashes will be blessed at the 8.00 am Mass and distributed at ALL Masses on Wednesday: 8.00 am, 10.00 am and 7.30 pm. Please note that ashes will not be distributed at any other times and not from the Parochial House.

Stations of the Cross Monday to Friday after 7.30 pm Mass.
Beginning on Thursday 5th February
8.30 am Daily Mass in St Cecilia’s College for Students
(Beginning Thursday 7th February)

FAMILY ROSARY FOR LENT - We are inviting families to pray the Rosary in the home each day of Lent as a spiritual preparation for Easter. Rosary leaflets are available at the church doors. Each day Fr Colhoun and Fr Mongan will pray the Divine Office for the families who are able to make this commitment. If you would like to write your family name (address not necessary) on the page at the church doors the priests will put your intentions before God each morning of Lent. If you live alone and would like to introduce the Rosary to your home, you too can add your name to the list.

 

THINKING OF GIVING UP SOMETHING FOR LENT? Anyone considering going off alcohol is invited to take a short term Pioneer pledge from Ash Wednesday until Easter Sunday, 23 March. If you are interested please contact your local Pioneer Centre or one of your priests or ring 7135 2285, 7135 2725 or 7134 7833.

BAPTISMS We welcome: Marcus Keenan, 3 Southway, Ryan O’Connell, 17 Thornlea Gardens, Grace Callaghan, 25 Lisfannon Park, Erin Fox, 2 The Manse, Emily Hilton, 13 Ballinasilloe Avenue, who were all baptised recently.

DEATHS
We wish to express our deepest sympathy to the relatives and friends of
Roseann Hasson, 247 Lone Moor Road and
Martha McCallion, 189 Lone Moor Road.

We gratefully acknowledge the following anonymous donations to the Long Tower Renovation Fund: £20, £20, £10, £5, £10, £300, £20, £25.

YOUTH 2000 group meets in Long Tower on Wednesdays at 8:00pm. Prayer, praise and craic! Tea and coffee afterwards. 16-35 year olds welcome. Why not join us for Lent?

EWTN wish to say a sincere thank you to all who helped and participated in the Lenten recordings done last week in Long Tower. The producers were particularly impressed and pleased that so many people came as part of the congregation and remained in the church for the whole day. The talks will be broadcast on EWTN (Catholic TV) in Holy Week. EWTN Catholic programmes are available on SKY channel 769 around the clock.

COME AND SEE about being a priest! The annual vocations weekend takes place in Thornhill Retreat Centre on Saturday 9th February from 11.00 am to 4.00 pm. God may be calling you. Please contact Fr Paul Farren (7126 4087), ddcc@derrydiocese.org or Fr Colm O’Doherty (8166 1475), collydoc2000@hotmail.com or any priest or RE teacher.

ROSARY for the Holy Souls in purgatory will be held on Sunday 3rd February in St Brigid’s Church, Carnhill at 5.00 pm. Everyone welcome.

24 HOUR ADORATION in Fahan Parish Church on Sunday, 10th February starting at 12 noon until Monday 12 noon in honour of Our Lady of Lourdes. All are welcome to attend.

SPECIAL DIOCESAN MASS
The annual Diocesan Mass for those with special needs, and their families and friends, will take place in St Joseph’s Church, Galliagh on Saturday 12th April. 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 7126 4087.

CONCERNED ABOUT SUICIDE
An information evening entitled ‘Concerned about Suicide’ will be held in the City Hotel on Tuesday 19th February from 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm. This evening has been organised by representatives from the four main Christian Churches and will be led by Mr Barry McGale and Mrs Anne McGarrigle. Everyone is welcome.

TO MARK THE NOVENA OF PRAYER FOR THE SICK Thornhill Centre is happy to host a ‘Time to Pray’ from 3.00 pm to 6.00 pm on Sunday 3rd February when special prayers will be offered for those who suffer from poor health, either physical or mental.

SCHOOL OPEN DAY

LUMEN CHRISTI COLLEGE Pupils transferring from Primary School in September 2008 are welcome to attend our Open Day on Sunday 3rd February from 3.00 pm.

ST PATRICK’S & ST BRIGID’S COLLEGE, CLAUDY Open Night on Thursday 7th February at 7.00 pm. The Principal’s address is at 7.30 pm. All transferring Primary 7 pupils and parents are welcome.

THE MONTHLY DEVOTIONS IN HONOUR OF OUR LADY, will take place in the Carmelite Retreat Centre on Tuesday 5th February starting with Confessions at 7.30 pm followed by Rosary and Mass, finishing around 10.00 pm. All are welcome to attend.

FOYLEVIEW 55+ GROUP are starting Art Classes on Tuesday 5th February in 8 Old City Court at 2.30 pm. Anyone interested should contact Geraldine on 7137 4357.

MARIE CURIE CANCER CARE will be holding a Flag Day on Saturday 8th March. If you would like to volunteer could you please call the Marie Curie Office on 8224 9888.

ARE YOU LIVING WITH DEPRESSION, ANXIETY OR STRESS?
If so, you could benefit from S.T.E.E.R.’s Supported Recovery Programmes. All services are provided in our friendly and relaxed environment by fully qualified and experienced staff, among people who understand the difficulties of coping with mental health issues. All services are free of charge. If you would like to experience the increased self-esteem, improved motivation, have more confidence and enjoy life again, contact Tricia on 7127 9995.

SPECIAL SERVICE FOR BEREAVED PARENTS
Remember Our Child will hold its annual Service of Remembrance in St Eugene’s Cathedral on Sunday 24th February at 3.00 pm. This ecumenical service is for parents/families who have lost a child(ren) through any circumstances.

LAST WEEK’S RENOVATION COLLECTION £ 750.00