HOW TO CHANGE THE WORLD
A devout and holy rabbi once said, "In my youth,
fired with the love of God, I thought I would convert
the whole world. But soon I learned it would be quite
enough to convert people who lived in my village.
I tried that for a long time, but I was unsuccessful.
Then I realised that my program was still too ambitious,
so I concentrated on reforming the members of my own
household. But I couldn't convert them either. Finally
it dawned on me that I must work only upon myself.
But I have stumbled in my attempts to accomplish even
that."
This story reminds us of who should be the subject
of our reform during this season of Lent. While the
world is filled with great injustice, and there are
endless lists of causes that we might take up - from
"Ban the Bomb" to "Save the Whales"
- let us begin to reform the world by a serious attempt
to reform ourselves. The world will find itself being
changed at the speed of each personal conversation.
While we all may sense the truth of this fact, we
also do not know it.
At times the change of heart that is the central
issue of Lent seems to affect only ourselves. But
we need faith in what seems too good to be true -
that if I myself am different, the world will be different.
In our modern age we are unable to view the hunger,
pain and suffering of people all over the world by
means of electronic media, so we tend to be overwhelmed
by the vast, global need for change. A a result of
feeling powerless to effect change in the world, we
usually do nothing! Lent crashes in upon our apathetic
sense of importance and says, "You can do something,
you can become different!"
As you read this, take time, if you haven't already,
to reflect on an attitude present in your life - a
habit or addiction, a behavioural pattern that needs
to be amended - and make a resolution to change it
as your Lenten work. As much as possible, put your
resolution into a positive statement and say it aloud
to yourself with real conviction. Repeat your resolution
each day, perhaps as you stand in front of the mirror
in the morning after awakening and in the evening
before you retire. Perhaps you could also visualise
your actions or responses to important life situations
in a new and creative way. If you do this for the
rest of Lent (and beyond), you will likely find that
a change has come into your life. By planting the
thought of what you wish to do, by nourishing it and
reinforcing it over and over with great conviction,
you can create the desired changes much more readily.
And as our actions begin to change, we will help create
a field for a chain reaction so that in time the world
will become a better place.
Don't waste the rich graces of the remainder of this
Lenten season. Each of its forty days are fertile
with divine energy, and it would be tragic not to
use them. You can't afford not to respond to those
graces; our world cannot afford for you to delay its
reform.
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.
COLLECTION
We acknowledge last Sunday’s collection of
£1755.00. Many thanks.
PRAY FOR PRIESTS
Last year the diocese published a prayer card with
the names of all the Derry diocesan priests. Many
of you have these cards and every day a specific priest
is named. This week we ask you to pray for:
Fr. Charles Logue CC, Kilrea, 9th
March.
Fr. Paul McCafferty, Diocesan Secretary, 10th March.
Fr. Bryan McCanny PPVG, The Three Patrons, 11th March.
Fr. Michael McCaughey CC, Waterside, 12th March.
Fr. Andrew McCloskey, 13th March.
Fr. James McCrory, Retired, 14th March.
Fr. John J McCullagh, 15th March.
LENTEN PROGRAMME 2008
Masses:- Monday 7.00am 10.00am
Tuesday 7.00am 10.00am
Wednesday 7.00am 7.00pm
Thursday 7.00am 10.00am
Friday 7.00am 10.00am
Saturday 10.00am 6.30pm
Sunday 10.00am 12.00noon
Stations of the Cross:-
Wednesday 6.45pm and Friday 2.00pm
Eucharistic Healing Service:- Every
Sunday during Lent at 6.00pm. This takes place before
the Blessed Sacrament and we pray for the healing
of hurts, wounds, depressions, traumas and difficulties
of every kind, emotional or physical.
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament:-
This takes place all day in the Adoration Chapel (Oasis
of Peace). The Adoration Chapel is situated at the
back of the church.
Book of Petitions:- This book is
situated near the Padre Pio statue and you are invited
to write all your prayers and special requests in
the book. These requests are remembered at all Masses
in the church.
SICK AND HOUSEBOUND TO BE
ATTENDED
Fr. Boland will visit the sick and housebound in
the following areas on Wednesday 12th March starting
at 10.00am : Courtrai Park, Barrack Street, Lower
Townsend Terrace, Mount Carmel Heights, Springhill
Park, Mill Street, Newtownkennedy Street, Lower Main
Street, Glenview Park, Church View, Tristan Road.
Fr. Boland will visit the sick and housebound in
the following areas on Thursday 13th March after 10.00am
Mass: Bearney Road, Camus Road, Conthem Road, Upper
Townsend Street, Townsend Terrace, Marian Park, Fountain
Street and Innisfree Gardens.
DEATHS
We offer our deepest sympathy to the family and
friends of:
Nellie Logue, Brigade Terrace.
Katie Molloy, Sion Mills. May
they rest in peace.
ANNIVERSARIES
Mary Quinn, Fr. Mons O'Kane, Mary Kelly, Margaret
Stewart,
Mairead Stewart, Nellie Kelly, Christie McTigue, Ellen
Quinn,
Fr. Henry O'Kane, Kathleen Devine, Michael Joseph
Forbes, Maureen Casey,
John Francis Gallagher, Willie Logue, John Gallagher,
Willie Wray,
Mary Elizabeth Sturrock, Frank Wray, Tom Patton, Mary
Logue.
ST. PATRICK'S DAY
Because St. Patrick's Day falls on Monday of Holy
Week, the religious celebration of the Feast will
take place on Saturday 15th March. The St. Patrick's
Day Mass will be at 10.00am. The vigil Mass will be
on Friday 14th March at 6.30pm.
DONATIONS TOWARDS - STORM
GLAZING AND PA SYSTEM
We very gratefully acknowledge all the donations
we have recently received towards the storm glazing
of the stained glass windows in the church and the
PA system:-
£850.00, £500.00, £500.00,
£200.00, £100.00, £100.00, £100.00,
£50.00, £40.00.
Total donated to date:- £9616.00.
Thank you for your continuing support.
PARISH DRAW
Please Note: As the last Thursday in March coincides
with the Easter break we will hold the March Draw
on Wednesday 19th March at 2.30pm in the parish office.
We therefore ask all our promoters to make their returns
to the parish office on or before Tuesday 18th March.
Your co-operation in this matter is much appreciated.
COLLECTION FOR CLERICAL EDUCATION
There will be two collections taken up at all Masses
next weekend 15th/16th March, the usual Sunday collection
and one for Clerical Education and Ongoing Formation
(17th March). You will find an envelope for this special
collection in your box.
NOTICES FOR PARISH BULLETIN
In order to facilitate printing we ask that all notices
and anniversaries for the parish bulletin are either
given to the sacristan or left at the parish office
by Wednesday morning at the latest.
PAYMENTS BY CHEQUE
The Bank have reminded us that all payments made
to the parish by cheque (for Parish Savings, Parish
Draw, Sunday and Special Collections etc.) must be
made payable to Church of the Immaculate Conception.
ST. VINCENT DE PAUL LUCKY
LOTTO DRAW
The numbers drawn were 12,
14, 19, 20.
There was no Jackpot winner: There
were 10 match 3 winners who shared £300.00:
Aileen Coney, Isobel Dunnion, Eileen Casey, Rose Patton,
Maura Quinn, Ann Casey, Betty Shearer, Una Devenney,
Shauna McGlinchey, Davy Nelson. Jackpot for April
is £1100.00 Next Draw will take place on Sunday
6th April at 9.00pm at Melmount parish bingo.
BARRETT SCHOOL OF IRISH DANCING
Classes each Tuesday and Friday at
4.00pm in St. Patrick's Hall. Age - from 3 years upwards.
New pupils welcome.
ST. PATRICK’S HALL
Bingo and Lucky 4 Draw as usual this
Thursday.
All our patrons are very welcome.
Next Week's Lucky 4 Jackpot is £1875.00
N.I. BLOOD TRANSFUSION SERVICE
A team from the N.I. Blood Transfusion
Service will be in St. Patrick's Hall on Tuesday 25th
March from 1.30pm - 4.00pm and 5.15pm - 8.00pm. The
Blood Transfusion Service would appeal for the support
of all existing blood donors and welcome new donors.
COME DANCING
In aid of Altnagelvin Breast Screening
Unit.
Come Dancing will take place in St.
Patrick's Hall on Friday 25th April 2008.
Starring
Deirdre's Dancers
The Devenney Family
And Featuring
Natasha Sharma
Music By : FONTANA
Doors Open at 9.00pm. Ticket £8.00.
STRABANE SIGERSONS G.A.A.
The Club's Senior footballers will play at home to
St Eunan's Letterkenny this Sunday 9th March in the
O'Neill's Sportswear sponsored O'Nolan Cup. Throw-in
time is fixed for 1.30pm. Sigersons Ladies are holding
a challenge game on Saturday 15th March at the Club
grounds to mark the 10th Anniversary of the founding
of the Ladies section of the Club. All past and new
players are welcome.
Club Membership Fees for 2008 are now due for renewal
and should be paid by St. Patrick's Day to Aidan McGrath,
Cha Stewart or left at the Social Club.
LIAM BRADLEY TOURS
2 Days, 13/14th April, Bed & Breakfast, 1 Dinner
plus Daniel O'Donnell concert. Cost £89.00 pps.
Departs Strabane 1.30pm. Phone 71269109 anytime for
more details.
PRAYER CORNER
PSALM FOR PRAYING
You take delight , O Radiant One,
in gracing me with new life!
O Beloved, come and renew me!
Let me face my weaknesses and all
that confuses me, that keeps me from joy!
I seek forgiveness for my wrong doings,
I desire only You!
Let me begin anew, a as child
at its mother's breast, who basks in love.
May all who seek You rejoice and be glad!
May all who surrender to You say evermore,
"My joy is in the Beloved!"
Yet I am lowly and fear-filled;
hasten to me, Beloved!"
You are my strength and my joy;
O Beloved, come and renew me!
THE NEW YEAR
Ever Faithful God
in this new year I pray:
to live deeply with purpose,
to live freely, with detachment,
to live wisely, with humility,
to live justly with compassion,
to live lovingly with fidelity,
to live mindfully with awareness,
to live gratefully with generosity,
to live fully, with enthusiasm.
Help me to hold this vision
and to daily renew it in my heart,
becoming ever more one with you,
my truest Self.
I ARISE IN THE NEW YEAR
I arise with amazement at the presence
of the Holy One.
I arise with gratitude for life.
I arise with hope that all shall be well.
I arise with courage to meet what will be difficult.
I arise with conviction to do what is life-giving.
I arise with eyes ever alert for beauty.
I arise with openness to greater truth.
I arise with desire for continued transformation.
I arise with compassion for the hurting ones in the
cosmos.
I arise with grief still settled in my spirit.
I arise with a sense of kinship with all whom I love.
I arise with determination to make good choices in
using my time.
I arise with willingness to help those who will need
my care.
I arise with hesitation as I think about the pain
that may come.
I arise with longing for ever greater inner freedom.
I arise with happiness, knowing that I am invited
to live life more fully.
I arise with love for the Holy One, my Intimate Companion.
Compassionate God and faithful Friend,
thank you for the opportunity to walk into another
year of life. Help me to be faithful, to be generous,
to be yours.
PSALM 71
In You, O my Beloved, do I take refuge;
Let me never feel separated from You!
In your compassion come and refresh me;
listen to my cry,
answer my plea!
Be to me a rock, a tower of strength,
a strong arm to uphold me,
as I abandon myself into your hands.
Be a very Presence to me as fear grips
me.
For You, O Friend, are my hope,
my strength, since I was but a child.
Upon you have I trusted from my birth,
You, whom I knew before my mother's womb.
I continually sing praises to you.
I have been a burden to many;
In you alone will I trust.
I am filled with gratitude and
sing your praises all the day.
Do not abandon me in my old age;
desert me not when my strength is
spent, or
when my mind plays tricks with me.
For fears rise up to confuse me,
doubts and forgetfulness
band together,
And say,"the Beloved no longer dwells with you;
there is no one to stand by you."
O Friend be not far from me;
O Beloved come and enfold me
in your Presence!
Help me to release my fears.
Hear my prayer that they may be transformed,
O You, who are my Counsellor.
As I surrender myself into your hands,
I praise you more and more.
I tell others of your goodness
of your compassion and grace
all the day;
for your glory is beyond my understanding.
As I grow in inner peace and serenity,
I sing songs of praise,
to You my Friend!
You who have done wondrous things.
O Beloved, who is like You?
You who have seen me through many fears,
strengthen me again:
From the depth of despair
You renew my spirit,
You increase my trust, and You comfort me.
Blessed be the Beloved, who dwells
in all hearts!
