NO LOSERS
A coyote who was newly married lived near a river.
One day his bride asked him for a meal of fish. He
promised to bring some fish home even though he didn't
know how to swim. He crept quietly down to the river
and discovered two otters who were struggling over
a hugh fish they had just caught. After killing the
fish, the two began to fight about how to divide it.
"I saw it first; I should have the larger portion,"
said one. "But," said the other, "I
saved you when you almost drowned while catching the
fish!"
They continued to bicker until the coyote walked up
to them and offered to settle the argument. The two
otters agreed to abide by his decision in the case.
He cut the fish into three pieces. To the one otter
he gave the head and to the other the tail. "The
middle," said the coyote, "belongs to the
judge." He walked away happily, saying aloud,
"Fighting always leads to losers."
The real moral of this story can easily be lost by
those who too readily see the legal profession in
the character of the coyote. Often those who preside
over an argument do make a profit, but that fact does
not detract from the central meaning. The story shows
how fighting leaves those involved in the fight as
the real losers. But, while we know that fighting
does lead to losses on both sides, we need to be reminded
of it frequently.
In holy book of China, the Teo Te Ching, there is
a saying: "A good person does not argue; the
one who argues is not a good person." Fighting
with words instead of hands or other weapons is still
a form of fighting. When we are caught up in a quarrel,
squabble or spat, everyone walks away like the two
otters - as losers. St. Paul, writing to the Colossians,
said, "You must put aside now all the anger,
quick temper, malice..." (Col.3:8). The statement,
"A good person does not argue" doesn't mean
that a good person doesn't have misunderstandings.
But these common difficulties are not an occasion
to prove oneself right; they are opportunities to
find a solution that respects both parties. Both sides
should win, neither should "lose face" or
be humiliated. This way of handling a misunderstanding
may take twice as long as a good old-fashioned argument,
but when it is over no one is a loser.
They say that in Japan a riot between students and
the police takes a long time because it is most important
that each side have the opportunity to win. Since
it is a social evil to "lose face," the
police allow the rioters proper time to demonstrate
- then the rioters allow the police time to control
the riot! Neither side "loses face." Both
sides, in the words of the Tao Te Ching, are "good."
The next time you find yourself on the slippery side
of a misunderstanding and are racing towards an argument,
recall the tale of the coyote and the two otters,
and make sure that all parties involved are able to
walk away as winners. As you practice this attitude,
you may find, to your surprise, that as St. Paul said
to the Colossians, you have "put on" the
garment of love.
COLLECTION
We acknowledge last Sunday’s collection of £2123.00.
Many thanks.
PRAYER GROUP
The contemplative prayer group will meet on Monday
night at 8.15pm in the St. Vincent de Paul Conference
Centre. 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.
No previous experience of this type of prayer is needed.
PARISH DRAW
The Draw for the month of May will be held on Thursday
24th May in the parish office at 2.30pm. Promoters
are asked to make their returns to the parish office
on Monday 21st May.
We will be running an Extra Draw in May for all fully
paid members.
ST. EUGENE'S CATHEDRAL, DERRY
The Little Way Novena - Saturday
12th - Sunday 20th May, beginning at the 7.30pm Vigil
Mass on Saturday 12th May. The theme of this year's
Novena is 'When I am weak then I am strong'. A Novena
is a nine-day period when an individual, family or
a community makes a concentrated effort to pray. Two
of the most integral parts of the Novena are the morning
Eucharist at 6.30am and 10.00am and the Evening Devotions
at 7.30pm. This period of intercession is an opportunity
for us all to present to God, through prayer, our
hopes, our desires, our anxieties and our worries.
There will be a guest speaker Monday - Friday during
the Novena at the 7.30pm Devotions. St. Therese candles
will be on sale at the back of the Cathedral.
Healing Service and Anointing of the Sick
on Sunday 13th May at 6.00pm. All who are sick or
in need of healing are welcome to the Cathedral for
this Healing Mass. There will be an opportunity for
those who wish to receive the Sacrament of the Sick
and for others to pray for loved ones who are in need
of healing.
Mass for the Dead on Saturday 19th May at
10.00am. Names of deceased family and friends
can be placed into the baskets at the end of the main
aisle, which will be carried to the altar during the
offertory procession.
Sunday 20th May 3.00pm. Closing Ceremony
and Blessing of Roses.
IONA CARMELITE RETREAT CENTRE
Shared Scripture reading and Prayer
will take place in the Carmelite Retreat Centre, Termonbacca,
Derry on Tuesday 8th May at 8.00pm. Conducted by Fr.
Sean Conlon OCD. All are welcome to attend.
A one day retreat for Senior Citizens and
their friends will take place at the Carmelite
Retreat Centre, Derry, on Thursday 10th May for those
from the Derry and Donegal areas. Registration from
10.30am, finishing at around 5.00pm. Cost £12.00stg
or 18 Euro includes a four course lunch. Payment at
the Centre on the day. To book Tel., 71262512.
Termonbacca Community Funday will be held on Sunday
27th May. We are now collecting items/donations for
our Bric-a-Brac stalls and other areas. If you can
help please contact 028 71265212.
LOURDES HOSPITALITE COLLECTION
The Annual Lourdes Hospitalite Collection takes place
at all Masses on 12th and 13th May. 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. Your support would be very
much appreciated.
PILGRIMAGE TO KNOCK 2007
Bishop Hegarty will lead the Diocesan Pilgrimage to
Knock on Sunday 3rd June. The Ceremonies will begin
at 2.30pm with the Blessing of the Sick.
ANNIVERSARIES
John McCullagh, Jim Dunnion, Hubert Dunnion, Lily
Tobin, Annie Sproule,
Betty Stewart, Billy Canning, Sadie Houston, Sean
Doherty.
Deaths:
We offer our deepest sympathy to the family and friends
of
Matthew Campbell, Urney Road ,
Margaret McGillian, formerly of Legfordrum
who died in England and
Patrick Stokes, Greeves Park who
died during the week. May they rest in
peace.
ST PATRICK’S
HALL
Bingo & Lucky 4 Draw Every Thursday
There were 2 Match 3 winners in last week's Lucky
4 Draw
3, 10, 14, 21
Ryan McBeth
Nora Morris
Next Week's
Lucky 4 Jackpot is £800.00
ST. PATRICK'S LUNCHEON CLUB
St. Patrick's Luncheon Club are holding a dance/social
on Wednesday 23rd May in St. Patrick's Hall. Music
is by White Lightening and supper is at 9.00pm. Admission
is £3.00 or 5 Euro (includes supper). Everyone
is welcome.
CHARITY DANCE
North West Tyrone Pioneer Association will hold a
Charity Dance for Guide Dogs for the Blind and Foyle
Hospice in St. Patrick's Hall on Friday 11th May 2007,
commencing at 9.00pm. Music by CASCADES.
Ticket £6.00. Refreshments available.
NORTH WEST TYRONE PIONEER OUTING
The Annual Outing around the Antrim Coast takes place
on Saturday 23rd June. Cost including evening meal
is £20.00. For further details contact Maura
Coyle, telephone number 028081658440.
PRE-MARRIAGE COURSE
There will be a Pre-Marriage course in St. Patrick's
Hall on Sunday 20th May. A light lunch will be provided.
For further information and booking telephone 028
71383777.
BALLINASCREEN PILGRIMAGE TO ROME AND SAN
GIOVANNI
Led by Fr. Peter Madden from 3rd - 10th August 2007,
staying at the Irish College. Audience with the Holy
Father. For information telephone 00353 579355050,
mornings only.
STRABANE SIGERSONS G.A.A.
The Clubs Senior and Reserve teams will play their
next league games on Sunday 13th May away to Moortown.
The next home games will be against Drumquin on Friday
18th May. The Clubs Minor footballers will travel
to play Ardboe this Sunday in the first round of the
Tyrone Grade One Championship. Throw-in is at 12 noon.
Sigersons Under 14 girls will travel to Pomeroy on
Monday night 7th May to play the home side in the
semi-final of the Grade Three Championship. Throw-in
is at 7:15pm and we wish them well. All support welcome
for both teams.
THORNHILL CENTRE
May Flower Workshop: Patricia McCormick will facilitate
a practical workshop for decor in the home at this
time of the year on Tuesday 8th May from 10.30am to
1.30pm. The workshop will provide an opportunity for
participants to create a floral arrangement and to
learn from demonstration. Cost £20.00 which
includes a light lunch. Places are limited to 20 so
early booking is advisable. Telephone 71351233 for
details.
