He breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive
the Holy Spirit.’ Hidden within John’s
account of Jesus’ gift of the Holy Spirit is
the simple acceptance that our words do not just inform
others of our thoughts, they actually convey to them
the reality which they intend. This was an ingrained
cultural understanding of words that became profoundly
theological when applied to Jesus’ speech. Jesus
says, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit,’ and his
breath is that very Spirit conveyed to them. He tells
his followers to speak in the same manner. If their
words forgive, forgiveness will be given.
We are accustomed to thinking of this only in a sacramental
context, as during the Eucharist or reconciliation.
But each of us has been given the gift of this same
Holy Spirit, the Spirit that is the very life and
breath of Jesus. This Holy Spirit now breathes with
us, in us, and through us. Our words, if we let them,
are not just spiritual words; they are the words of
the Holy Spirit. Jesus’ words of peace to his
followers should encourage all of us to speak ‘peace’
to each other. It should even make saying, ‘God
bless you,’ an almost mind-boggling gift of
power. To whom will I extend Christ’s peace
today?
MAY DEVOTIONS today (Sunday) at
6.00 pm and each Sunday of May. All welcome.
BAPTISMS
We welcome:
Amy-Lee Dunlop, 11 Rossville Street,
Jude Donncha MacNiallais, 7 Greenwood Avenue,
Caragh Bríd Horner, 69 Molenan Road,
Aidan John McBride, 7 Killea Manor, who were all
baptized recently.
DEATHS
We wish to express our deepest sympathy to the relatives
and friends John Swart, 24 Greenhaw
Road.
VISITATION OF THE HOUSEBOUND
Father Mongan will visit the sick in his care on Monday/Tuesday,
19th/20th May
ANGELUS leaflets are available
at the doors of the church. We would encourage you
to recite the Angelus in your homes, schools or work-places
during the month of May.
The Little Way Novena
The Little Way Novena will continue
in the Cathedral until Sunday, 18th May. This is an
opportunity for people to come and pray for a special
intention and to ask St Thérèse to intercede
for them. Monday to Friday: Novena Masses at 6.30
am and 10.00 am. Evening liturgy with a guest speaker
at 7.30 pm. The theme is ‘When I am weak then
I am strong’. Everyone is welcome to the Cathedral
for this time of prayer and petition.
ST JOSEPH’S YOUNG PRIESTS SOCIETY monthly
meeting on Monday 12th May at 8.30 pm.
THE ANNUAL LOURDES HOSPITALITE COLLECTION
takes place at all Masses on Sunday, 18th
May (including the Vigil Mass). This fund is used
solely for the purpose of providing medical care and
support to people of the Diocese who are sick and
wish to go to Lourdes. We will donate our second collection
towards this cause next Sunday.
DIOCESAN YOUTH MASS “You will
receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you;
and you will be my witnesses” (Acts 1:8). There
will be a Diocesan Youth Mass today (Pentecost Sunday)
in St Columb’s Church, Chapel Rd, Waterside
at 6pm. Bishop Hegarty will be the celebrant and all
young people are invited to attend. The new Diocesan
Youth Choir will provide the music at this Mass. All
young people studying for their exams this year are
most welcome. Refreshments will be held afterwards
in the adjacent Parish Centre. Everyone welcome.
THE LEGION OF MARY is always open
to new members. Now that we are in the month of May,
we are recruiting people who would like to give a
little time each week to pray, to grow in faith and
then share that faith with others. Both groups meet
on Wednesday evenings.
Men’s meeting: Wednesdays 7.00
pm (Legion House, 77 Great James Street)
Women’s meeting: Wednesdays,
8.15 pm (Upper Room, Long Tower Church)
THE BINGO IS MOVING from St Eugene’s
Parish Hall to St Mary’s Parish Hall. The first
session in Creggan will take place on Sunday 1st June.
We will play every Sunday night at 8.30 pm and every
Tuesday night at 9.00 pm. Thank you very much for
your generous support. It is a valuable source of
income for the parish. Please invite your friends.
Newcomers welcome!
ENGAGED? Getting married within
the next year? An 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
7135 0612 or 2763 8512 after 4.30 pm.
GRAND CHARITY DANCE IN AID OF TROCAIRE
on Wednesday, 14 May in ‘An Grianan Hotel’
Burt. Music by Nice-n-Easy. Dancing from 10.00 pm
to 12.30 pm. Doors open at 9.00 pm. Admission only
€5.00.
THE SOUND OF MUSICALS 2 Tickets
for Margaret Keys’ production are now on sale
at St Columb’s Hall from Monday to Saturday
or telephone 7126 8027 or 7126 8533. The show will
be staged in St Columb’s Hall from Friday, 23rd
May until Sunday, 25th May at 8.00 pm. Featuring scenes
and songs from Phantom of the Opera, Chitty Chitty
Bang Bang, Oliver, Mary Poppins and many more. Adults
£10, Concessionary £7 and family ticket
£30 (2 adults 2 children).
LAST WEEK’S RENOVATION
COLLECTION £ 725.00
LAST WEEK’S DIOCESAN
PURPOSES COLLECTION £2035.00
WE GRATEFULLY ACKNOWLEDGE
THE ANONYMOUS DONATIONS TO THE LONG TOWER RENOVATION
FUND:
£10, £10, £20, £10, £5,
£5, £20, £20, £20, €10,
£10, £20, £10.
