But their eyes were prevented from
recognizing him.
How does it happen, I wonder, that we are at times
prevented from recognizing Jesus in our midst? Even
after many years of knowing Jesus well and spending
time each day in prayer, we can find ourselves seemingly
disconnected.
How fortunate were these two companions to have each
other. They both had experienced the loss of Jesus
and the loss of all the dreams they had of their future
with him. But in their walking and talking together
they were able to share their feelings and open themselves
to a healing visit from an apparent stranger.
This Easter gospel is a wonderful reminder to us
of what happens when two or three people come together
in Jesus’ name: Jesus is present. Sharing with
others is meant to support us and to strengthen us.
It is meant to get us through those difficult times
when we feel cut off from family, friends, and even
God.
It is in this sharing that we find the hope we need
to help us once again recognise Jesus! This is for
us an experience of resurrection and new life!
BAPTISMS We welcome: Kayla Catherine
Rowe, 12 Iona Park, who was baptized recently.
DEATHS
We wish to express our deepest sympathy to the relatives
and friends of
Agnes John, 2 Snowdon Road, Cardiff,
who died recently.
VISITATION OF THE HOUSEBOUND
Father Mongan will visit the sick in his care on Monday/Tuesday,
7th/8th April.
ST PATICK’S MISSIONARY USED STAMP APPEAL
A collection box for all your used stamps will be
placed in the church for 3 weeks after Easter. Your
support is greatly appreciated.
PARISH COLLECTION ENVELOPES
Anyone who has not received a box of Collection Envelopes
and would like to, please call at either the Parochial
House or the Sacristy. Anyone from outside the parish
who received Collection Envelopes in previous years
should call at the Sacristy.
WE GRATEFULLY ACKNOWLEDGE THE ANONYMOUS
DONATIONS TO THE LONG TOWER RENOVATION FUND: £5,
£220, £120, £20, £25, £10,
£5, £20, £10.
LEGION OF MARY
The Annual Acies ceremony will be held on Sunday,
6th April at 3.00 pm in the Parish of the Assumption
(old Thornhill Chapel). All active and auxiliary members
are invited to attend.
DERRY DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES 16TH
– 21ST JULY 2008
Application forms are available for any young person
aged 14-15 years old who would like a place on the
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes. Special arrangements
are made for the youth who will be lead by the Pilgrimage
Youth Team. The Lourdes Pilgrimage would be grateful
for volunteers who are qualified nurses to work as
part of the care team. For further information please
contact The Pilgrimage Office, 164 Bishop Street,
Derry or telephone 7126 0293.
BLOOD TRANSFUSION SERVICE will be
at St Mary’s College (car park) on Tuesday 8th
April 2008 from 10.30 am until 3.30 pm (closed between
12.30 pm and 1.30 pm for lunch). If anyone is interested
in giving blood they are very welcome to attend. Donor
must: Weight over 7st 12lb, be over 17 years of age
and have not had any tattoo’s or piercing within
the last year.
ST CECILIA’S COLLEGE Computer
and Media Classes from 28th April for 6 weeks for
2 hours per night. Cost £50 to include tuition,
software, hardware, materials and equipment. Course
covers word processing, desk top publishing, spreadsheets,
powerpoint, adobe photoshop, internet, email, online
safety, multimedia, movie making and web design. If
you are interested please contact the school on 7128
1800.
GIFT AID
Next Sunday, 13th April, we will be completing Gift
Aid Forms in the Church. Only those people who have
not previously signed a Gift Aid Form need to sign
one. If you sign a Gift Aid form the parish can reclaim
the tax on the donations you make through your envelope
contributions. The tax that is reclaimed is an invaluable
source of income for the parish. So, if you pay tax
and would be willing to use an envelope, please sign
a Gift Aid Form next week. Thank you.
CHARITY DANCE in aid of Foyle Hospice
in Grianan Hotel, Burt on Wednesday 16 April from
10.00 pm to 12.30 am. Music by 3J’s. Admission
€5.00. For further information telephone 7126
9109.
LAST WEEK’S RENOVATION
COLLECTION £ 848.00
LAST
WEEK’S ENVELOPE COLLECTION £1841.00
