Sunday 11th November 2007

32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

WHICH WAY TO FACE WHEN PRAYING

Orthodox Muslims face Mecca whenever they pray, and devout Jews once faced Jerusalem when praying. As a Christian, which direction do you face when you pray?

In A Trip to the Mountains, Annie Dillard writes about the customs of the Native American Indians of our Northwest. She tells of a teenager named John Ireland who in the summer of 1872 visited an Indian village near Bellingham Bay, about 90 miles north of Seattle. Ireland observed the Skagit Indians, who were Catholics, as they gathered to pray. They formed a circle with everyone facing inward. Then they all made the sign of the cross and began to pray. Ireland recalled a previous visit to the Nooksack Indians, who were Methodists, while they were at prayer. The Nooksacks likewise formed a circle, but they faced outward when they prayed. Naturally, the young man wondered about the implications of these two different positions of prayer.
It's important to face in toward the centre when praying. Such "centring prayer," directed to God who is at the heart of each of us, at the heart of the community and the world, helps us balance and find our true ground. At the same time, good prayer always faces outward, regardless of which direction the body is facing. Good prayer mirrors the prayer of Jesus which was truly encompassing. His prayer embraced not only those who were near, but all peoples. His mission was not to save his soul or those of his followers but to save the world.

Our bodily position at prayer has a powerful influence upon us: the way we hold our hands, if we kneel or stand, sit or prostrate ourselves. Consider what the implications would be if the next time you pray in a group everyone were to form in a circle and face outward. You might first face inward as you pray for the needs of those within the circle. Then, after a brief pause, turn and face outward, praying for the needs of the whole Church and for all who live on our small planet.
You can face outward without actually changing your physical position. In both personal and family prayer, after praying for your needs and those of your family, you can direct your prayer outward. With your heart in a global position, pray for the needs of all the different people of this earth, as well as the needs of the earth herself.
A global prayer position can also be expressed by standing to pray at the window of your bedroom. As you look out your window, pray for all those who live in houses you can see and then beyond them for home-dwellers throughout the world - and for the homeless! A similar gesture at the end of family prayer would be for one member to go to the front door, open it and pray for the needs of your neighbourhood, city, country and the world.

If we are truly "Catholic" - that is, universal Christians should not our style of prayer be global, and world-encompassing? Another way to express Jesus' definition of how the world would recognise his disciples might be: "By this will all know that you are my disciples, in that when you pray, you always face outward" (see Jn. 13:35).

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COLLECTION
We acknowledge last Sunday’s collection of £1916.00. Many thanks.

MARRIAGES
We congratulate the following couple who were married in our parish recently:
Keelin Duddy and Tony Dunne.

ANNIVERSARIES
Susan Carlin, Catherine Hanna, Annie Harron, Phine Porter, Andy Madden, Thomas Cooke,
Mary Josephine, McGarrigle Gerard Hill

DEATHS
We offer our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of
Anthony Bonner, Dunamanagh
Shane O'Conner, Drumman Court
Philip McDaid, Church View
William Cooke, Springhill Park
Frank Reidy, Sligo, who died recently. May they rest in peace.

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 the following priests:
Fr. Karl Haan CC, Garvagh, 11th Nov.
Fr. Eugene Hasson PP, Greencastle, 12th Nov.
Most Rev. Seamus Hegarty DD, Derry, 13th Nov.
Fr. John Irwin, Waterside, 14th Nov.
Fr. Charles Keaney PP, Coleraine, 15th Nov.
Fr. Stephen Kearney, Limavady, 16th Nov.
Fr. Lawrence Keaveney, Deceased, 17th Nov.

PRAYER GROUP
The contemplative prayer group will meet on Monday night 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.

PARISH DRAW
The Parish Draw for the month of November will take place in the parish office on Thursday 22nd November at 2.30pm. All promoters are asked to make their returns to the parish office on Monday 19th November.

ANNUAL MASS FOR THE DEAD
Fr. Boland will celebrate the annual Mass for the dead in the Church on Friday 16th November at 7.30pm.

ANNUAL MASS FOR DECEASED TEACHERS
The annual Mass for deceased teachers of the Derry Diocese will take place in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Strabane on Monday 12th November at 7.30pm. Bishop Hegarty will celebrate the Mass and all are welcome.

DIOCESAN MASS FOR DECEASED YOUNG PEOPLE
There will be a special Diocesan Mass on Sunday 25th November at 3.00pm in the Holy Family Church, Ballymagroarty, Derry. The Mass will be an opportunity for family and friends who have lost loved young ones to come together in a spirit of prayer and hope. If you have been bereaved or affected by a young death we invite you in faith to come remember the life of your loved ones.

DERRY DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES 2008
150th ANNIVERSARY OF APPARITIONS
The Derry Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes will take place from 16th - 21st July 2008. Fare £449.00stg. Application forms can be obtained from the parochial house or from the Pilgrimage Office, 164 Bishop Street, Derry. Special booking forms for pilgrims who are sick or in need of help/care are available only from the Pilgrimage Office.
Gift vouchers are available for the Diocesan Pilgrimage. Vouchers can be obtained from the Pilgrimage Office, Tel., 02871260293 Tuesday & Thursday 11.00am - 2.00pm, Saturday 11.00am - 1.00pm and 2.00pm - 4.00pm.

ACCORD
Marriage Preparation Workshop on Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th November in the Thornhill Centre, Derry. Friday 7.00pm to 10.00pm and Saturday 10.00am to 4.00pm. Booking forms available from the Pastoral Centre, 164 Bishop Street, Derry, Tel., 02871362475 or from your local parochial house.

IONA CARMELITE RETREAT CENTRE
A one day retreat for Senior Citizens and their friends from Derry and surrounding areas will take place at the Carmelite Retreat Centre, Derry on Thursday 15th November. Registration from 10.30am finishing around 5.00pm. Cost £12 stg or 18 Euro includes a four course lunch. Payment at the Centre on the day. To book Tel: Termonbacca Derry 71262512 during office hours only.
A one day retreat for Senior Citizens and their friends from Donegal and surrounding areas will take place at the Carmelite Retreat Centre, Derry on Thursday 22nd November. Registration from 10.30am finishing around 5.00pm. Cost £12stg or 18 Euro includes a four course lunch. Payment at the Centre on the day. To book Tel: Termonbacca Derry 71262512 during office hours only.

SAFETALK
Wednesday 14th November in Ballycolman Community Centre from 6.30pm - 9pm facilitated by Barry McGale (WHSCT Suicide Prevention Co-Ordinator).
Are you interested in learning how to provide practical help to persons with thoughts of suicide? We have 30 free places on a 'SafeTalk' pilot course for people aged 15 years and over. You can expect to leave SafeTalk more willing and able to perform an important and helpful role for persons with thoughts of suicide. Contact the Koram Centre on 71886181 or 71886154 or any representative of Sigersons or Shamrocks to book a place. Places will be awarded to the first 30 interested people.

ST PATRICK’S HALL

N.I. BLOOD TRANSFUSION SERVICE
A team from the N.I. Blood Transfusion Service will be in St. Patrick's Hall on Monday 12th November 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.

BRIDGE CLASSES
Bridge classes are held in St. Patrick's Hall every Wednesday at 1.30pm. All are welcome.

STRABANE PARISH PANTOMIME
There will be a meeting on Monday 12th November at 8.00pm in St. Patrick's Hall for anyone who is interested in taking part in the parish pantomime. Everyone welcome.

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL LUCKY LOTTO DRAW
The numbers drawn were 1,11,13, 21. There was no Jackpot winner. There were 14 match 3 winners who shared £300.00: Fr. Pat O'Hagan CC, Paul McMullan, Fidelma Hassan, Billy Patton, Maura Quinn, Mary Doherty, Michael McAteer, Michelle Diver, Mary Hegarty, Sr. Carmel, Lorraine O'Neill, Sadie Doherty, Gerard McGill, Marie Maguire. Jackpot for December is £1500.00. Next Draw will take place on Sunday 2nd December at 9.00pm at Melmount parish bingo.

PARISH WEBSITE
Visit our website at www.strabaneparish.com

PRAYER CORNER


TRUE SPIRITUALITY

The Master was asked, 'What is Spirituality?'
He said, Spirituality is that which succeeds in bringing man to Inner Transformation.
'But if I apply the traditional methods handed down by the Masters, is that not Spirituality?'
'It is not Spirituality if it does not perform its function for you. A blanket is no longer a blanket if it does not keep you warm.'
'So Spirituality does change?'
'People change and needs change. So what was Spirituality once is Spirituality no more. What generally goes under the name of Spirituality is merely the record of past methods.
Cut the coat to fit the person. Don't cut the person to fit the coat.


PSALM FOR PRAYING

Breathe on me, O Breath of Inspiration,
in the silence of my tranquil heart,
infill me with your wisdom.
O, that I might radiate the compassion and peace,
the truth and beauty of the Beloved!
Direct my steps, O Holy One, that
I may humbly walk with You.
The witness of your Life is my model;
therefore my soul yearns for You.
The unfolding of your Word gives light;
it imparts understanding to the simple.
My mouth pours forth praise continually,
for I am ever grateful for your Promises.

You come to me and you are gracious to me,
as You are to all who open their heart's door.
Guide my steps according to your Word,
and show me how to lovingly co-create with You.
Let me not be lured by the world's values,
that I may walk in the path of wholeness.
May your face shine upon your friend,
as You teach me of Love.
I weep over our wounded world,
our earth ravaged by greedy insensitive hands.

EMPTINESS

Sometimes there would be a rush
of noisy visitors and the silence
of the monastery would be shattered.

This would upset the disciples; not
the Master who seemed just as content
with the noise as with the silence.

To his protesting disciples he said
one day, "Silence is not the absence
of sound, but the absence of self."

SERVICE

The Master was known to favour
action over withdrawal. But he
always insisted on "enlightened" action.

The disciples wanted to know
what "enlightened" meant.
Did it mean 'right-intentioned'?

"Oh no," said the Master.
"Think how right-intentioned the monkey is
when he lifts a fish from the river
to save it from a watery grave."

People who talk a lot about themselves seldom want to hear what others have to say.