Sunday 17th February 2008

Second Sunday of Lent

Reflection

The story of the Transfiguration is put before us this weekend. Jesus takes Peter, James and John with him up Mount Tabor and there, in their presence, he is transfigured. This incident, in which he reveals his hidden glory, is there to prepare them for the experience on another mountain, that of Calvary, when they would have to come to terms with his disfiguration as a result of his being tortured and crucified. Jesus seeks to strengthen their faith in him by revealing his glory so as to prepare them for the scandal of the cross. The image of the Transfigured Lord is for us all a reminder of the glory in which we will share if we are faithful to the cross.

 

 

In biblical imagery mountains are often used to symbolize the place from which God has spoken. In our Gospel for today Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a mountain where they experience a dramatic portrayal of glory.

Set aside some time today to consider and contemplate your own mountain places. Name the places where God has spoken to you in memorable ways. Where are your mountains of transfiguration? What are those moments when transformative changes have occurred in your life and you, too, have been invited to rise and go forth unafraid?

At some time in our lives each of us has heard a voice speaking out of a cloud – the cloud simply meaning that all is not clear. The speaker isn’t always visible. The voice may not even be audible. Even so, words of truth have reached the ear of our hearts. Something deep and renewing has pierced the cloud of our knowing. And we, like Jesus’ disciples, are surprised with glory. We cannot stay on the mountain of glory. We have to descend from these peak experiences of grace. We have to go out and be God’s glory.

When has a transforming experience, a mountaintop experience, given me courage to continue my journey as a disciple?

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.

 

LENTEN DEVOTIONS on Sunday at 6.00 pm.

BAPTISMS We welcome Clara Maeve Hutton, 266 Lecky Road, Derry who was baptised recently.

We gratefully acknowledge the following anonymous donations to the Long Tower Renovation Fund: £20, £40, £10, £45, £10, £20, £5.

PRO LIFE MONTHLY DEVOTIONS on Tuesday 19th February in St Columb’s Church, Chapel Road, Waterside commencing with Rosary at 7.00 pm followed by Mass at 7.30 pm. Everyone welcome to come and pray for the unborn child.

YOUTH 2000 group meets in Long Tower on Wednesdays at 8.00 pm. Prayer, praise and craic! Tea and coffee afterwards. 16-35 year olds welcome. Why not join us for Lent?

YOU DON’T BRING ME FLOWERS In keeping with the penitential character of Lent, flowers are not usually placed in the Church during this season. Accordingly, we would ask you to kindly postpone the donation of flowers until the great season of Easter.

YOUTH 2000 FESTIVAL, ST. PIUS X COLLEGE, MAGHERAFELT, FRIDAY 29 FEB – SUNDAY 2 MARCH A big attendance (aged 16-35) is expected from all over Ireland. Cost: donation only! Newcomers very welcome. The weekend includes youth Masses, talks, music, games, etc. Residential – please bring a sleeping bag! For more information contact Martin on 078-5852 3141 or Tony on 078-4288 1878 or check out www.youth2000.ie

CEMETERY SUNDAY The Annual Service of Intercession for the Dead takes place in the City Cemetery on Sunday, 22 June at 6.00 pm.

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.

MASS FOR ALEXANDRINA MARIA DA COSTA will be held on Sunday 24th February at 7.30 pm in the Carmelite Retreat Centre. All welcome.

CATHOLIC TV is broadcast on SKY channel number 769. The channel is called EWTN – Eternal Word Television Network.

ST CECILIA’S COLLEGE As part of the 40th Anniversary celebrations there will be a ‘Night of Nostalgia’ Variety Show for all past pupils, staff and general public on Thursday 6th March at 7.30 pm at St Cecilia’s College, Northland Road. This is the opportunity to re-live memories, renew friendships and enjoy the entertainment. Join the craic! Light refreshments will be served. Tickets will be available from the school office, cost £5.00.

PARISH OF THE ASSUMPTION - PILGRIMAGE TO MEDJUGORJE AND ROME Three nights in Medjugorje. Bed, breakfast & evening meal. One night on ferry including evening meal. Four nights in Rome. Bed &Breakfast. Flying from Knock Airport. Return Belfast International Airport. Depart Saturday 4th October 2008. Return Sunday 12th October 2008. All inclusive price £699. For further information contact Martina O’Neill at 7135 8519.

BIG WINTER BINGO
ST EUGENE’S PARISH HALL
SUNDAY 24th February 2008 AT 8.30 PM

LASCO LOTTO 11 FEB 2008 Numbers Drawn 5, 12, 17, 24. No Jackpot Winner 2 £10 Winners. Next Weeks Jackpot £3,550. Anyone wishing to join please contact Lasco 028 7137 4443.

FOUND Medal and Chain found on Thursday 14th February in Bishop Street. Please contact Long Tower Parochial House on telephone number 71262 301.

LAST WEEK’S RENOVATION COLLECTION £ 828.00

LAST WEEK’S ENVELOPE COLLECTION £1832.00