WE NEED HELP
In order to grow in inner freedom,
we need others,
and we need a spiritual father or mother who shows
us the way.
Such people instil trust in ourselves
because they trust us and see in us gifts and capacities
that we do not always see.
Shepherds care deeply for those entrusted to them.
But caring is not coddling or protecting;
it implies firmness,
helping people to make clear choices.
What is important is that people be helped to grow
to fulfilment.
Jesus reveals that he is the Good
Shepherd.
Although the word "good" is used in most
translations,
it does not capture the nuances of the original.
In Greek, the word is kalos,
which can be translated as "nobel," "beautiful,"
"perfect," "precious" or even
"wonderful."
So every time I use the familiar phrase "good
shepherd," please translate this as "wonderful
shepherd" - "the" shepherd.
Jesus, and those listening to him,
were well aware of the importance of shepherds in
their rural setting, and what shepherding meant in
the history of the Israelites.
The Lord was the Shepherd who had led the Israelites
to freedom through the Red Sea,
nourished them in the desert,
and guided and led them through the desert to the
promised land.
He indicated to them a way of life in the ten commandments
that they needed to live in order to reach fulfilment.
The Lord had given them shepherds
throughout their history to lead them:
Moses, Joshua, David, Solomon, the prophets Isaiah,
Ezekiel, and many others.
Isaiah reveals that the Lord
will feed the flock like
a shepherd;
He will gather the lambs in His arms
and carry them on his bosom
and gently lead those that are with young.
Shepherding is about caring for those
who are weak, lost and in need.
It is about presence, love and support.
Shepherds are needed as much today as they were in
the time of Jesus, to love people and to guide them
to greater life.
Children know that they need their
parents to feed them, care for them, look after them,
protect them, guide them and help them grow up.
Those who are not totally self-sufficient need kind,
compassionate and competent people, as well as good
teachers, to help them develop.
Young adults need role models who will help them
grow up and make good choices.
All of us who want to deepen spiritually
and grow
in a life of love and prayer
need a spiritual father or mother who will help us
on this road.
Many people who feel lonely and a
bit lost in our rather rich, materialistic societies
are looking for people who will guide them in a good
and healthy life
and help them to find meaning to their lives.
Aren't we all looking for people who really care for
us,
understand us, respect us?
DEATHS
We offer our deepest sympathy
to the family and friends of:
George Early, Ashgrove
Park
Catherine McNamee,
Lifford
Bridie Graham, Dunamanagh
Karen Doherty, Ballindrait
Des Gallen, Luton,
formerly of Killygordon
May they rest in peace.
ANNIVERSARIES
Jim Conroy Snr, Frankie Diver,
Danny McMackin, George Madden,
Betty Wilson (Madden), Joe Millar,
Hugh O'Donnell.
Children in Crossfire have two places
left for the 2009 New York Marathon on 1 November.
Join Richard and a great group, some who are walking
and some who are running the marathon. For more information
telephone John Ryan on 02871269898.
PRAY FOR PRIESTS
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. Michael Keaveney CC, Faughanvale,
12 July
Fr. Seamus Kelly PPVF, Culmore, 13
July
Fr. Edward Kilpatrick PP, Lifford,
14 July
Most Rev. Francis Lagan, 15 July
Fr. Charles Logue CC, Kilrea, 16 July
Fr. Paul McCafferty, Diocesan Office,
17 July
Fr. Bryan McCanny PPVG, The Three
Patrons,
18 July
PARISH DRAW
We will be holding 2 Draws in July
for the months of July and August. We therefore ask
promoters to bring £10.00 per member when making
their returns in July to cover both Draws. Please
make your returns to the parish office on Tuesday
14 July. Both Draws will take place on Thursday 16
July at 2.30pm in the parish office.
PADRE PIO DEVOTIONS
Please Note: There
will be no St. Padre Pio devotions
in August. The next devotions will be on 2 September.
LOURDES 2009 (22 - 29 July)
All those travelling on the forthcoming
pilgrimage to Lourdes - tickets and final arrangements
to be given out after 7.00pm Mass on Friday 17 July
in St. Mary's Church, Melmount.
PILGRIMAGE TO MEDJUGORJE
Departs Belfast Saturday 19 September
2009. Joe Walsh Tours. Cost £499.00. Deposit
of £180.00 due when booking to secure seat,
places limited! Accommodation directly opposite Church.
Contact Anne Duffy 07736005396 or 71880372.
25th ANNIVERSARY OF MOUNT MELLERAY GROTTO
CO. WATERFORD
A bus will leave Barrack Street car
park at 1.00pm on Saturday 15 August for an all night
vigil at the grotto. Mass at 10.00am. Breakfast will
be served afterwards in Flynns Guest House. Bring
a packed lunch. Cost £28.00 must be paid one
week in advance or when booking seat. Contact Jonathan
McGhee on 07881510043.
CARMELITE RETREAT CENTRE
Mass in Honour of our Lady of Mount
Carmel will take place in the Carmelite Retreat Centre,
Termonbacca, Derry, on Her Feast Day, Thursday 16
July at 8.00pm. All are welcome to attend.
Carmelite Pilgrimage to Knock, Sunday
19 July. Coach leaves Termonbacca at 7.45am with pick
up point at Melmount Centre at 8.15am. Returning to
Derry at approx 11.00pm. Return coach, snack on the
way down and evening meal, £35.00 stg or €40
Euro.
For further information, telephone Termonbacca, at
Derry 71262512 during office hours only.
THORNHILL CENTRE
Interested in developing your faith
a little more?
Thornhill Centre has a number of short and long courses
starting in October and November 2009: Pastoral Ministry:
‘There is a Variety of Gifts.’ Liturgy:
‘Foundations in Liturgy.’ Scripture: ‘Saint
Luke.’ Aspects of Faith: ‘So What Should
We Teach Them?’ Personal Development: ‘Dreams
Workshop.’ For further details contact the Thornhill
Centre at 71351233.
YOUTH 2000 SUMMER FESTIVAL
Youth 2000 Summer Festival, Clonmacnois,
Co. Offaly, Thursday 13 - Sunday 16 August 2009. For
young people aged 16 - 35, an opportunity not to be
missed to experience the Catholic faith and meet many
new friends. Bishop Frank Caggiano, Vicar of Evangelisation
in the Diocese of Brooklyn will be the main speaker.
Donation only. Free buses available from around N.
Ireland. For more information contact 07929095820
or www.youth2000.ie
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.
ST. VINCENT DE PAUL LUCKY LOTTO DRAW
The numbers drawn were:
3, 4, 5, 23.
There was no Jackpot winner. 7 matched
3 numbers:
Patrick Brolly, Dympna Boyle, Betty Shearer, Rosemary
McGinnis, Denis McElroy, Aaron Lynch, Margaret McGeogh.
Jackpot for August is £1500.00. Next Draw will
take place on Sunday 2 August at 9.00pm at Melmount
parish bingo.
LIAM BRADLEY TOURS
Galway/Clare. September 1 2009 for
4 days. 3 Dinners, 3 B/B plus tours. £210.00
pps. Departs Abercorn Square, Strabane at 9.20am.
For information and booking telephone 71269109 anytime.
ST.
PATRICK’S HALL
Bingo and Lucky 4 Draw as usual this Thursday.
All our patrons are very welcome.
Bingo Snowball £2500.00
Next Week's Lucky 4 Jackpot is £1425.00
PRAYER CORNER
A PLACE OF QUIET
He walks with God
who speaks to God in prayer,
and daily brings to Him his daily care.
In every man lies a zone of solitude
that no human intimacy can fill:
and there God encounters us.
Speak to me, Lord, give me Your peace.
Show me the way to go.
I need Your love, I need Your strength,
all of my needs You know.
Be by my side, be in my heart.
Be in my every prayer.
Filling my life, filling my soul,
all of the time be there . . .
Give me Your love
- give me your peace . . .
***************
Deep peace of the running wave to
you
Deep peace of the flowing air to you
Deep peace of the quiet earth to you
Deep peace of the shining stars to you
Deep peace of the Son of peace to you.
