Sunday 13th April 2008

The Fourth Sunday of Easter

Christ, our Way to new life

"I have come that they may have life and have it to the full." You couldn't get a clearer statement of intent and desire than that from anyone. The practice of our faith is about making that desire of Jesus a reality for one another. That's why he gave us his commandment to love one another. The fulfillment of that longing should be our aim in all that we do. It is the major task for every married couple, to help this other person to come to the greatest fulfillment of her/his potential. And if parents want to know what their parenting is about they have a true statement of it in this word of Christ. Parenting is not about what they give to their children but what they help their children to become as individuals. It is also a word for every parish community this week. We dare not settle for anything less than the best.

Fr. Johnny Doherty, C.Ss.R.

BAPTISMS We welcome: Luke Robert Martin Crumlish-McCool, 2 Glenbrook Park, who was baptized recently.

DEATHS
We wish to express our deepest sympathy to the relatives and friends of
Paddy McQuilkin, 131 Bishop Street, who died recently.

GIFT AID
Today 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 today. The forms are the Virgin Martyrs Altar and the Happy Death Altar. Thank you.

VOCATIONS SUNDAY

To Young People: making a choice about your life is a very important decision. Many different options will present themselves. In the choices of your life can you make space for Jesus’ words “Come, follow me”? When you hear those words, does the idea of being a priest, a religious sister or a brother ever come to you? If it does, respect that idea. Bring it to prayer and talk it over with someone you trust.

The Voice: How does one decide the happy but scary question: “Is God calling me?” There are five principles: (a) Stay where you are! Pray and think, allow the idea to come and go a bit. If it’s authentic, it will grow. (b) Be ready for doubt – this will help to strengthen and confirm a call. (c) Continue to pray. Read the Gospels and walk with Jesus as a disciple. Get acquainted with Him. (d) Listen to the Lord with another trusted person. (e) Lean forward gently. The call of God attracts and draws; by following in little choices we are prepared for a move in our life. www.derrydiocese.org Link: Vocations; http://fsspvocations.blogspot.com

LAST WEEK’S RENOVATION COLLECTION £ 694.00

LAST WEEK’S ENVELOPE COLLECTION £2227.00

WE GRATEFULLY ACKNOWLEDGE THE ANONYMOUS DONATIONS TO THE LONG TOWER RENOVATION FUND: £5, £10, £80, £20, £20, £10, £5, £20, £10, £4.

LIFE DERRY is holding a six week programme for women who are grieving following a miscarriage, starting 30th April 2008. Cost £100. Please phone 028 7126 4751.

ST JOSEPH’S YOUNG PRIESTS SOCIETY monthly meeting will take place on Monday 14th March at 8.30 pm.

CONFIRMATION will take place for the Primary 7 children in ten days time. Please pray for their continued preparation and for the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit. Bishop Lagan will Confirm the candidates on Wednesday 23 April in Long Tower Church at 5:00pm.

POPE BENEDICT will visit the USA this week and speak to the United Nations assembly. He has chosen for the journey the theme, Christ our hope: ‘I shall come to United States of America as Pope for the first time, to proclaim this great truth: Jesus Christ is hope for men and women of every language, race, culture and social condition," he said. "Yes, Christ is the face of God present among us. Through him, our lives reach fullness, and together, both as individuals and peoples, we can become a family united by fraternal love, according to the eternal plan of God the Father.’ (Benedict XVI)

HOLY FAMILY SILVER JUBILEE
This year Holy Family Parish, Ballymagroarty, is celebrating 25 years of parish life. We are appealing to people from all areas of Derry who may have any memorabilia or photographs of the opening of the church in September 1983 or any photographs or materials about anything to do with the story of our parish especially in the early years to allow us to borrow them. Please leave them in the Holy Family Parochial House or give us a ring and we will collect them. Telephone 7126 7070. We will undertake to return them to you afterwards.

CONGRATULATIONS to Rebecca O’Doherty of 23 Westland Terrace, winner of the draw for the trip to Mexico. And thank you to the anonymous donor who gave £200 towards the building of the orphanage. The organisers also appreciate the sterling work done by the many ticket vendors in the schools.

THE PARENTS ADVICE CENTRE will be running a 6 week course, ‘Handling Teenagers’ commencing Thursday 10th April from 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm. Cost £60 waged, £20 concession, discount for couples. For further information telephone 7137 2006 or email derry@pachelp.org or drop into the office at 65 Clarendon Street.