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.

FIRST FRIDAY 4th May is the First Friday of the month.

VISITATION OF THE HOUSEBOUND
MONSIGNOR McCANNY will visit the sick in his care in the following areas on Monday 30th April: St Columb’s Wells, Barrack Street, Cooke Street, Durrow Park, Windmill Terrace, Abercorn Place.

Readers St Matthew’s Team and Eucharistic Ministers Team A will serve for the month of May, beginning on Tuesday.

MAY DEVOTIONS begin NEXT Sunday at 6pm and take place each Sunday of May.

CONGRATULATIONS to the children who received the Sacrament of Confirmation last week. May the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit grant abundant blessings to them all their days. We wish to thank to all those who worked so hard to prepare them for this day.

CLEAN UP OUR STREETS on Wednesday 2nd May. This is Community Relations Week and the Holywell Trust would like volunteers to help clean up around the city centre on Wednesday. If you have a couple of hours to spare and would like to take part please go to the Holywell Trust’s offices, 10-12 Bishop Street, 7126 1941 at 10:30am on Wednesday. Gloves and litter-pickers will be provided.

BAPTISMS
We welcome: Grace Ann McCool, 263 Cornshell Fields and Shea Thomas Sloan, 49 Elmvale, who were both baptised recently.

DEATHS
We wish to express our deepest sympathy to the relatives and friends of
Sarah Devine, Greenhaw Lodge and
Mary Hegarty, 15 Moore Walk.

We Gratefully Acknowledge
The Anonymous Donations To: The General Renovation Fund: £10, £5, £5, £20, £10, £5, £20, £20.

PILGRIMAGE TO KNOCK Bishop Hegarty will lead the Diocesan Pilgrimage to Knock on Sunday 3rd June 2007. The Ceremonies will begin at 2.30 pm with the Blessing of the Sick.

LAST WEEK’S ENVELOPE COLLECTION £2167.00

LOVE DIVINE
A celebration to the Glory of God of the 300th Anniversary of Charles Wesley’s Birth, Music and Ministry in The Guildhall on Sunday 13th May at 8.00 pm. There will be a retiring offering for the MCM Social Fund, Christian Aid, Tear Fund and Concern (suggested donation £5).

ACCORD DERRY
Marriage Preparation Workshop 9th/10th June 2007 in Thornhill Centre, Derry. Two day course on Sat. and Sun. from 1.00 pm to 5.30 pm. Booking forms available from the Pastoral Centre, 164 Bishop Street, Derry or telephone 7136 2475.

ST CECILIA’S STUDY CENTRE
Flower arranging on Tuesday from 7.00 pm to 9.00 pm and Fitness with Sammy McFadden on Wednesday from 7.00 pm to 8.00 pm.

ST MARY’S COLLEGE will be holding a Gala evening on Saturday 12th May in ‘An Grianan Hotel, Burt’. The purpose of the gala is to raise money for the purchase of a Church Organ as our parting gift to thank St Mary’s Parish for nearly 50 years of support and commitment to our school. We would ask that anyone interested in attending the Gala please contact St Mary’s College on 7136 2154 to purchase a ticket. Tickets cost £50 each. This includes: 5 Course Meal, Sparkling Wine Reception and there are fabulous prizes.

‘THE LAST BIG SMOKE’ BIG BINGO

ST EUGENE’S PARISH HALL

ON SUNDAY 29TH APRIL

Smoking Ban in Public Places begins on 30th April 2007

THE SOUND OF MUSICALS
Tickets for The Sound of Musicals are now on sale in St Columb’s Hall every Saturday and Sunday from 12 noon to 4.00 pm and also by calling 028 7126 4050 (Sat/Sun, 12 noon-4.00 pm) or 028 7126 8533 (at all other times). The show is being staged in St Columb’s Hall from 25th to 27th May. All proceeds are in aid of the Long Tower Restoration Fund. The show is directed by Margaret Keys and will feature scenes and songs from musicals such as The Sound of Music, Annie, Mary Poppins, Oliver and My Fair Lady. We currently need volunteers who could help with backstage, stewards, scene changes and supervision. We welcome all help and support. Please contact Margaret Keys on 028 7126 8533.

FOYLE CRUSE BEREAVEMENT CARE
Spring Concert will take place on Saturday 5th May at 7.30 pm in Christ Church, Infirmary Road. Tickets £8.00 will be available from Choir members or by phoning 7134 5171 ext 3356 or at the door.

SINCERE THANKS once again from Sister Ann and Gerry Deeney to ALL who contributed in any way to the Easter Raffle in aid of the poor, by buying Raffle lines, giving donations etc. Total amount, to date, is £7260.00. Well done! This money will be divided among: Sister Imelda and Mary Killeen in Kenya, Sister Lucy in India, Sister Margaret Milne in Chile, Sister Denise in Cambodia and Sister Patricia in Fiji. It is impossible to thank everyone individually, so please accept this acknowledgement. Mass will be offered for all your intentions.

DVD OF GALA CONCERT celebrating Bishop Daly’s Golden Jubilee on sale from Colmcille Choir only £8.00. contact Anne 7128 4567 or Angela 7128 3695.

MAY FLOWER WORKSHOP on Tuesday 8th May from 10.30 am to 1.30 pm. Cost £20, which includes a light lunch. Booking is advisable. Telephone 7135 1233.

LAST WEEK’S RENOVATION COLLECTION £ 809.00

 

[ FINANCIAL SUMMARY FOR 2006]