REFLECTION FOR LENT

THE PROCESS OF FORGIVENESS

Jesus asks us to forgive, not just once or twice, but always. Forgiveness is never easy. Without the grace of God it is sometimes impossible. When we get hurt, we grow resentful and bitter. Resentment and bitterness are very damaging things, and we cannot be healed of them unless we forgive.

We all need to forgive because at one time or another we all have been hurt. What can we do? We have to remember that forgiveness is a process. It cannot be achieved overnight. There are steps we can take that will lead to forgiveness and healing of the hurt.

1. We must recognise that we have suffered a hurt.

2. We must recognise that we have feelings about this.
We feel angry and hurt. These feelings are not sins.
They are natural and even healthy.

3. We should share our feelings about what has been
done to us with someone we trust.

4. We should make a decision about our relationship
with the person who has hurt us - whether to
continue it or discontinue it. Forgiveness doesn't
always lead to reconciliation because it takes two to
be reconciled.

5. We should make a decision to forgive. Forgiveness is
an act of the will, not of the feelings. But this
doesn't mean that the feelings of hurt and bitterness
will suddenly disappear. The healing of these will
take time. Forgiveness doesn't mean forgetting the
wrong done to us. It means remembering and letting
go.

One of the things that can motivate us to forgive is an appreciation of our own need of forgiveness. Forgiveness is one of the highest and most beautiful forms of love. It is a holy task. Only God can help us to accomplish it fully.

PRAYER GROUP
The contemplative prayer group will meet on Monday at 8.15pm in the Parochial House. Newcomers very welcome.

DEATHS

We offer our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of:

Bob Gallagher, Townsend Street

May he rest in peace.

ANNIVERSARIES

Willie Logue, John Gallagher,
Kevin Canning Jnr, Seamus McHugh,
Mary McHugh, Annie McHugh,
Sarah Connolly, Sean Kavanagh,
John Hendron, Frances Milligan,
Bridget Hendron, Mary Houston,
Chris McTigue, Dolly Patton,
Rose Venard, Alfie Montague,
Mary Marley, Danny McElwee,
Bridie McElwee, Sadie Myers,
Ellen Quinn, William McDaid.

PRAY FOR PRIESTS

This week we ask you to pray for:

Fr. James McCrory, Retired, 14 March
Fr. John McCullagh, 15 March
Fr. Noel McDermott CC, Faughanvale, 16 March
Fr. Eamon McDevitt PP, Dunamanagh, 17 March
Fr. John McDevitt CC, Omagh, 18 March
Fr. Michael McEldowney, 19 March
Fr. Kevin McElhennon CC, Cappagh, 20 March

SACRED HEART MESSENGER
Due to the sad death of Betty Shearer we would ask all those who received the Sacred Heart Messenger magazine from Betty to contact the parish office on 02871882215 as soon as possible.

PARISH DRAW
The Draw for the month of March will take place on Thursday 25 March at 2.30pm in the parish office. We would ask that all promoters come to the parish office on Monday 22 March with their returns. This would help us greatly and we would appreciate your cooperation.

ST. PATRICK'S DAY
Wednesday 17 March is the feast of St. Patrick. Masses will be on Tuesday at 6.30pm and Wednesday at 8.00am and 10.00am.

WHITE OAKS REHABILITATION CENTRE
White Oaks Rehabilitation Centre may now be viewed on You Tube. Log on to You Tube-White Oaks Rehab. For further information telephone 00353749384400.

Mas

LENTEN PROGRAMME 2010

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 12.00 noon

Stations of the Cross:- Wednesday 6.30pm and Friday 6.00pm

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.

CARMELITE RETREAT CENTRE
A Mass for the sick with Eucharistic Blessing will take place in the Carmelite Retreat Centre, Termonbacca, Derry, on Tuesday 16 March at 8.00pm. All are welcome to attend.

An Easter Weekend Retreat from 8.00pm Friday 26 to Sunday 28 March. A quiet residential weekend, which will be a spiritual preparation for the feast of Easter, will be conducted by the Carmelite Fathers in Termonbacca, Carmelite Retreat Centre, Derry. All are welcome to attend. For further details and bookings telephone 71262512.

IOSAS CENTRE
The IOSAS Centre & Celtic Prayer Garden, Muff, Co. Donegal is open on St. Patrick's Day 2.00pm - 5.00pm with music, dancing, hot food, children's crafts, prayer garden. Everyone welcome.

FOYLE HOSPICE - BIG WALK WEEK
Hospice Big Walk Week. Step out for Hospice and make a difference. Saturday 17 April - Saturday 24 April. For further information and advice please contact our fundraising office on 02890777123 or visit nihospice.org for all the latest 'walk news'.

LEGION OF MARY

Venerable Edel Quinn 1907 - 1944.

In 1936 Edel Quinn was sent from Dublin to establish the Legion in East and Central Africa where she met every challenge with unwavering faith and courage. She worked over the vast territories committed to her for almost eight years despite declining health and hundreds of Legion Praesidia were set up. At the source of Edel's activity was her deep union with God sustained by constant prayer and the Eucharist. "What a desolate life would be without the Eucharist", she wrote. Her devotion to Mary was marked by childlike trust and generosity. Mary's Rosary was always in her hand. Edel Quinn died in Nairobi on 12 May 1944. On 15 December 1994 Pope John Paul 11 declared her "Venerable".

Our local parish praesidium requires new members. For information contact Margaret Harte 02871883159.

COFFEE MORNING
Café Mezzo at Austins, The Diamond, Derry, is hosting a coffee morning on Wednesday 24 March in aid of Foyle Hospice. Come along for tea or coffee and a bun with all proceeds going to the Hospice. For further information contact Rachel Bruce, Foyle Hospice Community Fundraiser (028) 71359888.

STRABANE FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY
The next meeting of Strabane Family History Society will be held on Thursday 18 March in the Community Library, Abercorn Square, Strabane, at 7.30pm.

STRABANE LIFFORD ROTARY CLUB
Special St.Patrick's Night Extravaganza of Local Talent with Irish Stew supper. The Strabane Lifford Rotary Club have organised a night of Irish entertainment in the Fir Trees Hotel on Wednesday 17 March in aid of the Haiti Earthquake Distaster and Polio Eradication.
Taking part are The Barrett School of Irish Dancing, The local Craic Group of musicians, The Thistle Highland Dancers, Local Ethnic Dancers, Raphoe Pipers, Drama Group, Comedy, Magician, String Duet and local band, Catalyst. The event starts at 8.00pm and admission is only £10 with payment at the door. Everybody welcome.

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 Draw, Sunday and Special Collections, etc.) must be made payable to Church of the Immaculate Conception.

PLEASE NOTE: All payments for St. Patrick's Hall should also be made payable to Church of the Immaculate Conception.

ST. PATRICK’S HALL
Bingo and Lucky 4 Draw as usual this Thursday.
All our patrons are very welcome.

LUCKY 4 DRAW
There were no winners in last week's Draw
The numbers drawn were:
1, 4, 11, 23
Next Week's Lucky 4 Jackpot is £2250.00

CHARITY TABLE QUIZ
Holy Cross College Tanzania Project are holding a Table Quiz in St. Patrick's Hall on Saturday 20 March. Admission is £5.00 per person and includes supper. Everyone welcome. Please come to support our cause. Doors open at 8.00pm.

N.I. BLOOD TRANSFUSION SERVICE
A team from the N.I. Blood Transfusion Service will be in St. Patrick's Hall on Wednesday 24 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.

CHARITY THEME NIGHT
Enjoy music from the '60's, '70's and '80's in St. Patrick's Hall on Saturday 27 March. Admission £5.00 or €6.00. Doors open at 10.00pm. All proceeds in aid of Sperrin Room, Altnagelvin Hospital, Derry.

ACRYLIC PAINTING
Discover the joy of acrylic painting in St. Patrick's Hall. Instruction by trained artist, Martin McGrinder. Starting Wednesday 24 March from 7.30pm - 9.30pm.
Course will run for 8 weeks. Course fee £65.00. Everyone welcome. To book your spot call Martin on 02881648924.

PRAYER CORNER

YOU ARE A CHILD OF CREATION
You are a child of Creation,
A reflection of God.
No one can steal your beauty,
Or reduce your worth,
Unless you let them.
Don't let them.
You are a miracle of God's love,
You are a miracle,
Never look at yourself and see anything less.
Your life is not a random stroke of chance,
You are part of a Sovereign plan,
Loved into existence for eternity.
Let the fire in your soul
Live and love, laugh and leap with joy.
And for the short time you walk upon this earth,
Always remember
YOU ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD.