FORGIVEN, WE ARE CALLED TO FORGIVE
When we judge or accuse people,
is it not because we are unable to accept the truth
of our own brokenness
and to forgive ourselves?
We project in others what we refuse to see in ourselves.
We accuse, judge and condemn others
because unconsciously we are judging ourselves.
When we condemn others, we are also placing ourselves
on trial.
We all have difficulty accepting that we are guilty
of hurting others and of being selfish,
so we reject the law and claim that we can do what
we like, as long as we do not get caught. We justify
ourselves and our actions.
However, Jesus calls us to face the truth, not to
judge or condemn,
but to accept that we are selfish, turned in upon
ourselves,
unable to share and love as truly as we might.
He calls us to forgive ourselves and to ask forgiveness
for all the hurts we have committed towards others,
for all the acts of love and justice that we have
not done;
for all our indifference to those who are weak and
broken.
As we become conscious of God's forgiveness,
we learn to forgive others.
As we enter into a new and deeper communion with God,
we find once more our deepest self,
our deepest identity,
and our real self begins to emerge.
We begin to love others as God loves them.
If God forgives us with all the dirt and mess inside
of us, then we can forgive others with all the dirt
and mess inside of them.
The walls that separate us from others begin to fall.
But it is a real struggle to forgive.
Feelings of anger and vengeance may remain within
us.
We need a new force from God
to give us the strength to forgive
and thus become men and women of peace.
The whole gospel of Jesus is contained
within the words of the "Our Father":
Forgive us our sins,
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Forgiveness is not, however, just a one-time event
where we go up to the person who has hurt us
and give them a big hug.
Forgiveness is a process.
To move from hate to acceptance and love is a long
journey.
Even when we have been deeply hurt,
we can grow into forgiveness.
Some years ago I spoke with a women in Rwanda.
Seventy-five members of her family had been killed.
"I have so much hate in my heart," she said.
"and everyone is talking about reconciliation!"
I asked her if she wanted to kill those people who
had killed her family.
"No," she answered.
"Too many people have been killed already!"
I said to her: "Do you know that the first movement
in the process of forgiveness
is not to seek revenge? You are on the road to forgiveness."
Jean Vanier
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 £1825.00. Many thanks.
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.
DEATHS
We offer our deepest sympathy to the family and friends
of
John McGowan, Lr Main Street, who
died during the week. May he rest in peace.
ANNIVERSARIES
Margaret McCullagh, Maisie Egan,
James Bonner, Annie Mary Kearney,
Sharon McGinley, Baby Geraldine Magill,
Geraldine Magill, Mary McElwee,
Barney Forbes, Tommy Molloy,
John McLaughlin, Teresa Burke,
Susan McLaughlin, Michael McCrory,
Patrick McGillian, Nellie O'Neill,
Eamon Gillespie, Margaret McCunnie,
John Cairns, Elizabeth Cairns,
Paul McCafferty, Gerry Conaghan,
Denis McCrossan.
WOMENS' WORLD DAY OF PRAYER
Womanise' World Day of Prayer will take place on
7th March in the Church of the Immaculate Conception.
Everyone is welcome.
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. John Downey CC, Ballinascreen, 10th Feb.
Fr. Kevin Duddy 11th Feb.
Fr. Austin Duffy, Retired, 12th Feb.
Fr. Jack Farrell, Retired, 13th Feb.
Fr. Seamus Farrelly PP, Carndonagh, 14th Feb.
Fr. John Farren PP, Iskaheen, 15th Feb.
Fr. Neil Farren PP, Ardmore, 16th Feb.
SPECIAL DIOCESAN MASS
The Annual Diocesan Mass for those with special needs,
and their families and friends, will take place in
Saint Joseph's Church, Galliagh, Derry on Saturday
12th April. Bishop Lagan will celebrate the Mass.
If you have a child who wishes to receive the Sacrament
of Confirmation or First Communion at this Mass please
contact the Catechetical Centre on 02871264087.
CONCERNED ABOUT SUICIDE
An information evening entitled "Concerned about
Suicide" will be held in the City Hotel, Derry
on Tuesday 19th February from 7.30pm - 9.30pm. This
evening has been organised by representatives from
the four main Christian Churches and will be lead
by Barry McGale and Mrs Anne McGarrigle. Everyone
is welcome.
PADRE PIO MASS
The Padre Pio Mass will take place in the Church
on Wednesday 13th February at 7.00pm. Stations of
the Cross at 6.45pm.
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:-
£1000.00, £300.00, £200.00,
£100.00, £100.00, £100.00,
£50.00, £50.00
Total donated to date:- £4340.00.
Thank you for your continuing support.
FEAST OF OUR LADY OF LOURDES
Monday 11th February is the Feast of Our Lady of
Lourdes. The Rosary will be recited in the Grotto
at 7.00pm. Everyone is welcome.
LOURDES PRAYER BOOK
A Lourdes Prayer Book has been especially published
to mark the 150th anniversary of the apparitions in
Lourdes which will be celebrated throughout the year
2008, with special emphasis from 11th February, the
Feast day of Our Lady of Lourdes, onwards. The Prayer
Book brings together many of the best loved prayers
to Our Lady as well as prayers more directly connected
with Lourdes and Saint Bernadette. The prayer books
are on sale at a price of £2.50 and can be purchased
after Mass at the back of the church.
Please Note: there are only a few prayer books left
for sale so if you would like one we recommend you
purchase one within the next few days.
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.
STRABANE SIGERSONS G.A.A.
Club Membership Fees for 2008 are now due for renewal
and can be paid to Aidan McGrath, Cha Stewart or left
at the Social Club. Coaching for many of the Club
teams (male and female) is now underway. Please check
the local press or the Club website for full details.
All new players are very welcome at all levels. There
will be a Charity Function in the Social Club on Saturday
16th February in aid of Clic Sargent Cancer Care.
HEARING AID VOLUNTEER PROJECT
RNID Northern Ireland represents the 219.000 deaf
and hard of hearing people as well as their families
and others who work with them or for their benefit.
Our Hearing Aid Volunteer Project is an exciting project
working with Health and Social Services Trusts and
audiology clinics within Northern Ireland. We are
now seeking to recruit volunteers to carry out this
project in your local area. If you can spare one hour
a week or more please give us a call. Ideally you
will be a hearing aid wearer or have experience with
someone who has a hearing loss. If you feel you can
support us call: Maria Boyle, tel; 02871374619, email
maria,boyle@rnid.org.uk or call into Sensory Support
Services, 16 Bishop Street, Derry.
ST. PATRICK’S
HALL
Bingo and Lucky 4 Draw as usual this
Thursday.
All our patrons are very welcome.
LUCKY 4 DRAW
There were 2 match 3 winner in last
week's Lucky 4 Draw
Annie Mullen
Sally McColgan
The numbers drawn were:
1, 4, 6, 13
Next Week's Lucky 4 Jackpot is £1775.00
THE TWO BRIDGES THEATRE COMPANY
The Two Bridges Theatre Company will present their
forthcoming play in St. Patrick's Hall on Friday 22nd
and Saturday 23rd February. More details will follow
shortly.
ST. PATRICK'S LUNCHEON CLUB
St. Patrick's Luncheon Club are holding a dance/social
on Monday 18th February in St. Patrick's Hall. Music
is by Country Style and supper is at 9.00pm. Admission
is £5.00 or 7 Euro (includes supper). Everyone
is welcome.
OLD TIME DANCING
Every Wednesday for 10 weeks from 1.00pm - 2.00pm
in St. Patrick's Hall. Admission Free. Tutor Jim Tinneny.
Funded by CFNI-Sports Relief.
SLIMMING WORLD
Slimming World for men and women - Lose the
unwanted pounds the easy way at Slimming World in
St. Patrick's Hall. Contact Rhonda on 07707292671.
ST. VINCENT DE PAUL LUCKY
LOTTO DRAW
The numbers drawn were 1, 2, 17, 19. There was one
Jackpot winner: Mrs Anna Monteith, 43 Ballyheather
Road, Strabane. Jackpot for March is £1000.00.
Next Draw will take place on Sunday 2nd March at 9.00pm
at Melmount parish bingo.
PRAYER CORNER
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!
