THE HIDDEN PRESENCE
The presence of God within yourself and others isn't
considered bizarre or insane by those in the East.
Hindus acknowledge this indwelling of the Divine with
the simple but profound ritual upon greeting another
person. Instead of our custom of shaking hands and
saying "Hello," Hindus fold their hands
together in front of their chest and with a slight
bow of the head say, "Namaste." They acknowledge
the presence of the Divine Mystery both in themselves
and in others by this single word, which can be translated
as, "I reverence the Divine Spirit in you which
is also in me." What is customary in India or
among Hindus would appear as esoteric and inappropriate
for us in this country, but an adaptation of Namaste
could provide a potent ritual of remembrance. Upon
greeting or even encountering another person to slightly
incline your head in a silent bow can be a personal
way of acknowledging God's indwelling in another.
To consciously perform this simple ritual can also
be a reminder of the fact that the same presence of
God is within you.
Bowing is an ageless gesture of greeting one who
is superior to you, but in a democracy where all are
supposed to be equal, it can seem demeaning. A slight
bow of the head as a sign of humility when greeting
any other person is also a reminder of one's servant
status as a disciple of the Master. He was very explicit
in his demand that those who followed him were to
be servants to one another, even using the word "slave."
A slight bow of the head can be a profession of faith
and a prayer adoring the Presence of God in those
whom you encounter, and also a humble reminder of
your duty to be of service to them as best you can.
When bed-ridden with some illness, fearful over some
approaching event, or directly confronted by some
trouble, you have to descend quickly to those roots
of your soul to cause that deep fount of joy in your
roots to bubble up to the surface. This holy descent
takes but a few profoundly trust-filled moments. Once
you feel you've reached your deepest depths, come
to a quiet rest among the tangled roots of your being
and inhale deeply the abundant, fertile power of the
Divine Presence. Then ascend as quickly as you descended
to joyously face in a new way whatever threatens your
peace. Do so with confidence for if God is with you,
in you, and intimately one with you, who or what can
be against you?
If you wish to live joyously regardless of circumstances,
develop the habit of frequent descents to be nourished
by that abiding holy communion with God. To be frequently
in a day in consecrated constant communion requires
only going into yourself. Those who practice these
daily frequent descents and ascents can smile with
that singular joy of which the Master promised, "
. . . no one can take from you."
PRAYER GROUP
The contemplative prayer group will
meet on Monday evening at 8.15pm in the Parochial
House. Newcomers very welcome. This is an opportunity
to experiment with a new form of prayer, especially
if you find that your present methods are unsatisfactory.
ANNIVERSARIES
Maggie Forbes, Betty Stewart,
John Murray, Jim Hoynes,
Harry McDevitt, Mary Palphrey,
Mary Ward, Mary Ann Mullen,
Patricia Gallagher, Tony O'Connor,
Josephine Gallagher, John McElhinney,
Anna Maria Livingood (May Sturrock).
PRAY FOR PRIESTS
The diocese published a prayer
card with the names of all the Derry diocesan priests.
Every day a specific priest is named. This week we
ask you to pray for:
Fr. Michael Porter CC, Fahan, 3 May
Fr. Anthony Quinn, Retired, 4 May
Fr. William Rafferty, Retired, 5 May
Fr. John Ryder, Retired, 6 May
Fr. Gerard Sweeney CC, Cappagh, 7 May
Fr. Gary Wade, 8 May
Fr. John Walsh PP, Buncrana, 9 May
BLESSING OF GRAVES
The annual ceremony of the blessing
of graves for the parish of Camus will be held on
Sunday 14 June at 3.00pm.
SPECIAL DIOCESAN MASS
The Annual Diocesan Mass for those
with special needs will take place in St. Joseph's
Church, Galliagh on Saturday 9 May at the new time
of 4.00pm. Bishop Hegarty will celebrate the Mass
and everyone will be most welcome.
PADRE PIO MASS
The Padre Pio Mass will take place
on Wednesday 6 May at 7.00pm. Rosary at 6.45pm.
PARISH DRAW
The winners of the Draw for the
month of April are:
£1000.00 Ann Madden 744
Promoter Pat McColgan
£300.00 Ethel McGinley 458
Promoter Maisie Boggs
£200.00 Claire Gillespie 981
Promoter Patricia McCrossan
£100.00 Mickey McGrinder 776
Promoter Fr. Boland
£100.00 Madeline Breen 923
Promoter Eileen Canning
£100.00 Michael Canavan 788
Promoter Fr. Boland
£100.00 Dessie Kelly 465
Promoter Maisie Boggs
£100.00 Carol McCrea 230
Promoter E McNulty & M Cooke
The winners of the Extra Draw are:
£500.00 Denis Porter 487
Promoter Fr. Boland
£200.00 Susan McTigue 303
Promoter E McNulty & M Cooke
£100.00 John McGinley 542
Promoter Fr. Boland
£100.00 May McElwee 857
Promoter Sr. Carmel
£100.00 Eileen Wilson 392
Promoter Sheila McGonagle
REMEMBERING OUR BABIES AND CHILDREN
(Miscarriage, Neonatal Death,
Stillbirth, Infant Death).
The Western Health and Social Care Trust's (Western
Trust) annual service held in memories of babies who
have died following a miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal
death will be held this year on Sunday 10 May at 3.00pm.
The Service will take place in Altnagelvin Area Hospital's
Clinical Education Centre.
KNOCK CELEBRATES 130th ANNIVERSARY
On Sunday 7 June the people and priests of the Diocese
are invited to lead the prayers and worship at Knock
Shrine starting at 2.30pm. It would be great if as
many as possible could travel to Knock in that day.
PROVISION OF CARE FOR KNOCK
PILGRIMS
Anyone who has poor mobility or is in need of assistance
who would like to participate in the Diocesan Pilgrimage
to Knock on Sunday 7 June is invited to register for
assistance by telephoning the Pilgrimage Office Derry,
71260293. Staff from the Lourdes Hospitalite will
be available in Knock to provide care.
MUSIC AT KNOCK
Any individual, choir members or musicians who would
like to contribute to the music at Knock on Sunday
7 June please contact Sr. Perpetua, 71351233 for music
and rehearsal details.
LEGION OF MARY
8th ANNUAL YOUTH CONFERENCE
8th Annual Youth Conference will be held on Saturday
9 and Sunday 10 May in All Hallows College, Gracepark
Road, Drumcondra, Dublin 9. Residential fee £75.00.
The theme of this year's conference is "The Harvest
is Ready for the Reaping" which is borrowed from
a talk given by Pope John Paul 11 to members of the
Orthodox Churches in 2001.
RNID
Do you wear a hearing aid or know someone who does?
Come to our monthly drop-in sessions on the last Thursday
of every month in Ballycolman Community Centre/Linkside
Development, Strabane. Next dates are: 28 May, 25
June, 30 July from 10.00am - 12.00 noon.
ST. PATRICK’S HALL
Bingo and Lucky 4 Draw as usual this
Thursday.
All our patrons are very welcome.
INDOOR CAR BOOT SALE
AND FAMILY FUN DAY
Come along on Saturday 9 May to St.
Patrick's Hall. All proceeds in aid of Foyle Hospice
and Strabane Parish. Doors open at 9.00am for stall
holders. £5.00 per table. Contact St. Patrick's
Hall 02871882483 or Foyle Hospice 02871886241.
STRICTLY COME DANCING
With just 2 weeks to go 'Strictly Come Dancing' has
reached the home straight. Eighteen couples have been
practising for 6 long weeks to reach the high standard
of dancing that we have been accustomed to seeing
in previous years. This year's event will take place
in St. Patrick's Hall on Friday 15 and Saturday 16
May with music by "Blondie & Friends".
Tickets will go on sale in St. Patrick's Hall on Wednesday
6 May at a cost of £8.00 each with all proceeds
divided between Strabane Parish and the Foyle Hospice.
It is expected that there will be a high demand for
tickets so it is advised to get yours early. Remember
KEEP DANCING!!!
ANNUAL PIONEER DANCE
The Annual Pioneer Dance will take
place on Friday 8 May in St. Patrick's Hall starting
at 8.30pm. Music by Harry & Peter. Admission £6.00
includes supper.
PRAYER CORNER
MEDITATION
Sit with your hand on your lap. Open your hands, palms
up.
Place all your fears, worries, and concerns in your
hands.
Give these all to God.
Now, place your loved one in your open hands. Entrust
your loved one into God's loving care.
PRAYER
Spirit of Peace,
you know how worry and fear
can take over and hound a person's tranquillity.
Today I place my loved one,
with all his (her) worries and fears,
in your caring hands, as well.
Calm our hearts and minds.
Encourage us to face what troubles us.
Help us each to let go of what we fear.
Breathe your peace through our anxious hearts,
and deepen our trust in your abiding presence.
After a while you learn the subtle difference
between holding and chaining a soul,
And you learn that love doesn't mean leaning
And company doesn't mean security,
And you begin to learn that kisses aren't contracts
And presents aren't promises,
And you begin to accept your defeats
With your head up and your eyes open,
And learn to build all your roads
On today because tomorrow's ground
Is too uncertain for plans, and futures have
A way of falling down in mid-flight.
After a while you learn that even sunshine
Burns if you get too much.
So you plant your own garden and decorate
You own soul, instead of waiting
For someone to bring you flowers,
And you learn that you really can endure . . .
That you really are strong
And you really do have worth.
And you learn and learn . . .
With every good-bye you learn.
***************
Dear Lord,
Help me approach my exams
with a clear head and a calm mind.
Give me your strength
and your peace
and let me do justice to
all that I have learned.
Thank you Lord,
for all my talents and gifts. Amen.
