DESERT APART OR GETAWAY PRAYER
You don't need a desert to pray a Desert Apart Prayer. According to the experts, to enter the place of solitary prayer requires only an easy two-part escape tool: "Stay in one place and be still." These two simple aspects of desert solitude are no more difficult today - and no less challenging - than they were two thousand years ago. While we may experience more stress factors and more crunch time, the average person today probably has greater opportunities to create such quiet places to be still. We can be alone in the bathroom, a bedroom, a corner in the basement or even outside while taking a walk. And even though it's in motion, our automobile can provide a rolling desert retreat for quiet and reflection.
Like skin, solitude prayer grows on us. Spending time apart from others often seems unnatural and uncomfortable at first. Practice not only makes it more comfortable and natural, but also helps us develop an appetite for self-quarantine. Thus cultivated, solitude holds a key to liberation. This is especially true for those of us living in a noisy society addicted to constant talking, our television sets perpetually turned on, our souls assaulted by the drone of uninterrupted background music and now by the demand for incessant computer communication. Silent solitude is a teacher that frees us from feeling guilty when we don't engage in conversation while riding with a loved one in a car or sitting together in a living room. Silent solitude with God, who doesn't talk, liberates us from shallow chatter and opens us to a fullness of communication. Such prayer liberates us from the need to be always talking in order to feel in contact with another person. Good communication between friends and spouses is an absolute necessity. Good silent communication between spouses and friends may be even more necessary. The ability to be lovingly speechless expresses the contentment and the joy, the confidence and the comfort of a deeply committed companionship. It frees our energies to be truly present to the other and increases our capacity for deeper, more essential communication.
Similarly, just sitting and doing nothing is freeing. Empty and unproductive God-time liberates us from another contemporary addiction: Being Useful. Addicts of the powerful social drug BU get hooked very early in life. Being Useful is a narcotic given to children at an early age when they are praised and valued for being helpful around the house. Along with parents BU drug pushers include teachers, coaches, pastors and, indeed, all of society. As the great grandchildren of the industrial revolution, all of us seem to be addicted to the need to feel valuable by being productive and useful. Social critic Ivan Illich said, "The emptiness of the desert makes it possible to learn the almost impossible: The joyful acceptance of our uselessness.
Useless Prayer is basic training in a spirituality of liberation. Even if we are able to engage in this joyful, unproductive prayer for only a few minutes, an hour or, wonder of wonders, an entire day, it is critical training for our elder years. This will be particularly true if the last of those elder years involve an extended stay in a nursing home. Many BU drug addicts find retirement intolerable. They suffer painfully from withdrawal when they are no longer needed at work or "useful " to society. Perhaps the worst marriage is not wedding the wrong partner but marrying our identity to our work or profession. When we see ourselves in terms of our work, retirement becomes the torture chamber of no-identity. Blessed are those who in their middle years find enjoyment in periods of being useless, for they shall find delight in their idle elder years.
COLLECTION
We acknowledge last Sunday’s collection of £1432.00. Many thanks.
ANNIVERSARIES
Sheila Gallagher, Danny McCrossan, Tommy Cullen, Mary Roulston,
Catherine O'Brien, Mollie O'Kane, James Mullen, Mary Curran
DEATHS
We offer our deepest sympathy to the family and friends
of:
Margaret Blee, Columban Terrace
Seamus Sweeney, formerly of St. Mary's Drive
Willie Falconer, Koram Square who died recently. May they rest in peace.
MARRIAGES
We congratulate the following couples who were married in our parish recently:
Helen Roulston and Terence McFadden
Claire Devine and Aidan Foley
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. Patrick Arkinson CC, Killygordon, 17th Sept
Fr. Patrick Baker CC, Maghera, 18th Sept
Fr. Declan Boland PP, Camus, 19th Sept
Fr. Eugene Boland PP, Cappagh, 20th Sept
Fr. Francis Bradley, Pastoral Centre, 21st Sept
Fr. Manus Bradley, Canada, 22nd Sept
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. No previous experience of this type of prayer needed.
PARISH DRAW
The monthly Draw for September will take place on Thursday 27th September at 2.30pm in the parish office. All promoters are asked to make their returns to the parish office on Monday 24th September.
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.
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.
ALZHEIMER'S SUPPORT GROUP
There will be a meeting on Wednesday 19th September at 7.30pm in Melmount Manor Care Home, 1 Orchard Road, Strabane. Guest Speaker from Bradley's Pharmacy on The Importance of Medication. Everyone welcome.
MASS AT GROTTO
There will be a special Mass at the Grotto on Sunday 23rd September at 4.00pm to bless the new statue and in thanksgiving for the recent work done at the site. Everyone welcome.
SLIMMING WORLD
Lose those unwanted summer lbs at Slimming World. Contact Rhonda on 07707292671.
FRIENDS OF KNOCKAVOE
Friends of Knockavoe are having a Grand Draw on 29th September in the Fir Trees Hotel.
1st Prize - Corsa car, 2nd Prize - Plasma T.V.
3rd Prize - £250 Foyleside voucher, 4th Prize - £100 of fuel donated by Millars.
Tickets are £25 each and available from Knockavoe School. Tel 71883319 also phone Audrey Preston Tel 81659869.
HOUSE OF PRAYER, ACHIL
Bus leaving Church of the Immaculate Conception, Strabane on Saturday 6th October for House of Prayer, Achil, Co. Mayo. A special day for young people but everyone welcome. Contact Angela Gormley on 07762363834 for details.
INTERESTED IN BECOMING A LOROTO SISTER?
To find out more about our way of life today, see www.loreto.ie. Our next Loreto Life Weekend will be held in Donegal on October 13, 2007. For more information on this, you can contact Therese at loretonewmemberoffice@eircom.net
SAMARITANS
The Derry branch of the Samaritans are holding Information Evenings to recruit new volunteers on the following dates:
18th September - 16 Clarendon St, Derry
19th September - The Dungiven Community Hall, Chapel Road, Dungiven
20th September - 16 Clarendon St, Derry.
These evenings will begin at 8.00pm and last for approximately one hour. Refreshments will be served.
STRABANE UNEMPLOYED CENTRE
Have you the drive? Get going now! Improve your Maths and English. Get help to pass your driving theory. Free driving lessons! Interested? Contact the Strabane Unemployed Centre on 71383927. This package is free to those who need to improve their Maths/English and help with their driving theory.
STRABANE FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY
Strabane Family History Society's opening meeting of the Season will be in the Community Library, Abercorn Square on Thursday 20th September at 7.30pm. The Speaker for the evening will be Philip Mowatt of the Ulster-American Folk Park. A full attendance of members is requested. New members very welcome.
ST PATRICK’S HALL
Bingo and Lucky 4 Draw as usual this Thursday - all our patrons are very welcome
ST. VINCENT DE PAUL LUCKY LOTTO
The numbers drawn were: 2, 4, 9, 19. There were 14 match 3 winners who shared £300.00, Sarah Jane Boyle, Laura Hourican, Thomas Duffy, Oran Smith, Thomas Reilly, Paddy Gillespie, Grainne Leonard, Tracy Hegarty, Tommy Patton, Ursula McAleer, Betty McKenna, Paul McDonald, Michaela Boyle and Sarah Quinn. Jackpot for October is £1,400.00. The next Draw will take place at 9.00pm on Sunday 7 October at Melmount Parish Bingo.
N.I. BLOOD TRANSFUSION SERVICE
A team from the N.I. Blood Transfusion Service will be in St. Patrick's Hall on Wednesday 19th September 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.
ST. PATRICK'S LUNCHEON CLUB
St. Patrick's Luncheon Club are holding a dance/social on Monday 24th September in St. Patrick's Hall. Music is by Patsy Harte and supper is at 9.00pm. Admission is £3.00 or 5 Euro (includes supper). Everyone is welcome.
STRABANE SIGERSONS G.A.A.
There will be a very important meeting of the Club Development Committee in Sigersons Clubrooms on Thursday 20th September at 7.30pm to discuss the designs and drawings for the new extension to the clubrooms. All members and anyone interested in the future of the G.A.A. in Strabane are asked to be in attendance. All Club members are asked to complete the Cardiac Screening Questionnaire which can be found on the clubs website www.strabanegaa.org The Club's Senior and Reserve teams will play their next league games away to Drumquin on Saturday 22nd September.
RUMMAGE
During the summer St. Patrick's Luncheon Club's new charity shop opened its doors. "Rummage" as it is known has been a phenomenal success, receiving very positive feedback. The Luncheon Club are totally indebted to the parishioners and others for their help and support and as a parish project we are looking for your continued support in donations of quality clothing, bric-a-brac, jewellery and small furniture items. Thank you again for your support. Call at the shop in Butcher Street or phone 02871883102 to arrange collection.
PRAYER CORNER
HOLY SPIRIT, RENEW US!
Come, Holy Spirit,
Renew us with your gifts!
Heal our brokenness
Wash our guilt away;
Pour down your wisdom,
Guide us when we stray.
Instill your peace within us,
Watch over us in need,
Move our hearts to goodness,
Inspire our every deed. Amen.
HOLY SPIRIT, TAKE AWAY MY FEAR
Lord, I am fearful of so many things,
I'm fearful of other people,
And the way they can hurt me,
And what they can say about me,
Fearful of crime and mugging,
Sickness, disease,
Fearful of life itself.
I'm afraid of myself too.
Afraid of my own reactions to things,
My own emotions, my future.
I feel so insecure at times.
And sometimes I'm fearful of you, Lord.
Because my sins weigh me down,
And I wonder about the consequences
Of my actions in life, their harm,
Their effects on others,
And on my relationship with you.
Lord please send your Spirit
To take my fears away
So I may rest peaceful and calm,
Like a soft Summer's morn.
ENCOUNTERING DEPRESSION
Giver of life,
I am in the wasteland of depression.
I cry out to you, Source of Solace,
as I meet this empty void within me.
Sustain me as I try to exist
in this day-to-day dying
of my energy and vitality.
Wrap your arms around me.
Carry me through this bleak journey.
Help me to stay open to your love.
I rely on you. I lean on you.
I trust you to hold me close
as I stumble on this joyless path.
EXPERIENCING LOSS
All-Embracing Love,
your circle of strength is around me.
I ask for grace to yield to the reality of this loss.
I pray to surrender to what cannot be changed.
I beg for deliverance from the emotional drain
and the unyielding sadness that this loss has brought me.
Let peace return.
Let hope begin.
Let comfort be mine.
PAIN IS A TREASURE
Pain is a treasure, for it contains mercies;
The kernel is soft when the rind is scraped off.
O brother, the place of darkness and cold
Is the fountain of Life and the cup of ecstasy.
So also is the endurance of pain and sickness and disease,
For from abasement proceeds exaltation.
The spring seasons are hidden in the autumns,
And the autumns are charged with springs.
PEACE
Peace demands a mentality and a spirit which, before turning to others, must first permeate him who wishes to bring peace. Peace is first and foremost personal, before it is social. And it is precisely this spirit of peace which is the duty of every true follower of Christ to cultivate.
(John Paul 11)
If we wish to have true peace, we must give it a soul. The soul of peace is love. It is love that gives life to peace, more than victory or defeat, more than self-interest or fear or weariness or need. The soul of peace is love, which for us believers comes from the love of God and exercises itself in love for men.
(John Paul 11)
Keep your heart in peace; let nothing in this world disturb it; all things have an end.
In all circumstances, however hard they may be, we should rejoice rather than be cast down, that we may not lose the greatest good, the peace and tranquility of our soul.
If the whole world and all that is in it were thrown into confusion, disquietude on that account would be vanity; because that disquietude would do more harm than good.
To endure all things with an equable and peaceful mind, not only brings with it many blessings to the soul, but also enables us, in the midst of our difficulties, to have a clear judgement about them, and to minister the fitting remedy for them.
(St John of the Cross)
A very powerful and efficacious medicament, and the means to purify ourselves from every imperfection, to overcome all temptations and to preserve in our heart imperturbable peace, is conformity to the will of God.
(St Vincent de Paul)
Order and the beauty of peace go together. The fair flower of peace does not grow among the weeds of an ill-regulated life. The radiance of a deeper serenity is the product of disciplining both in the heart and in outward affairs.
(G.H. Norling)
POETIC PRAYER
Take me to the lair of your loveliness
To the place that is no place
Where there is song without singing
And love without word.
Take me where I want to be.
Take me into your boundless Being
Where no thought limits.
Take me into my deepest heart
That opens into You.
There at the centre of all loveliness
Will I be lovely.
Of all the holiness will I be holy.
Of all the peace will I be peaceful.
There will I be your begotten.
There will I be we!
MEDITATION
Gift, all gift, your giving.
Let me open to receive:
Stretch me to infinity,
That I hold the all of You.
No time pass, so no thing change,
Eternal and infinite in your nothingness,
That in the stillness, all motion,
And in the silence, every sound.
Let no thought despoil.
For how can You be in thought?
Let no word ruin, word is my making.
Only silence, stillness - open to love.
Beloved, make a forced entry if You must
But gift me with your Presence.
GIVE YOURSELF THE RIGHT TO
SUFFER
Being unhappy in today's society is not popular.
In fact, judging by the ads on television, finding
happiness should be our main goal.
We want to be happy no matter what the cost. This
is why we put our elders in institutions and our sick
in hospitals so we don't have to face our suffering.
We ask funeral homes to make our deceased look good
so we don't have to see the face of death.
We abhor suffering and fear. We are ashamed of our
pain and our sadness.
Give yourself permission to mourn, to weep and to
be depressed for a while, even if, as a child, your
parents forbade you to cry or be sad. If you find
it hard to let yourself cry, try watching a sad movie
to release your tears and your pain. Share your feelings
with people who are wise, people who can accept your
situation because they have been through it and know
what you are experiencing, people who know they can't
make it better except by listening.
This state is temporary. With support and encouragement
to express yourself, you will begin to feel better.
GIVE YOURSELF PERMISSION TO HEAL AT YOUR OWN
PACE
You will find that very few people around you can
tolerate your suffering. They want you to feel better,
to forget, to accept, to distract yourself.
They will try to prevent you from hurting. Yet, you
must understand that you have every right to go through
this painful experience.
Consequently you should avoid hiding your feelings
behind a composed front, a pretend smile, a false
attitude.
Avoid mixing with people who have
denied their own pain, or who display the physical
and mental signs of repressed grief, such as stiffness,
rigidity, depression, fatigue, psychosomatic pain
or illness.
Regardless of the theories on the stages and the length
of the grieving process, remember that your experience
is unique. Performance and speed are not to be judged.
You have the right to deal with your grief in your
own way and at your own pace.
HEALING OF HURTFUL MEMORIES
Return to some unpleasant event of the recent
past, no matter how trifling. Relive the experience.
Now place yourself before Christ Crucified. Do not
speak . . . Only look and contemplate . . . If you
must communicate, do so without words . . .
Keep communicating between the unpleasant event and
the scene of Jesus on the Cross for a few minutes
. . . Then end the exercise.
PRAYER
The purpose of all prayer is to uplift the
words,
to return them to their source above.
The world was created
by the downward flow of letters:
The task of man is to form those letters into words
and take them back to God.
If you come to know this duel process,
your prayer may be joined
to the constant flow of Creation -
word to word, voice to voice,
breath to breath, thought to thought.
The words fly upward and come to Him.
As God turns to look at the ascending word,
life flows through all the worlds
and prayer receives its answer.
All this happens in an instant
and all this happens continually;
Time has no meaning in the sight of God.
The divine spring is ever-flowing;
one who is ready can make himself into a channel
to receive the waters from above.
LOVE POEM TO GOD
I love you, gentlest of Ways,
who ripened us as we wrestled with you.
You, the great homesickness we could
never shake off,
you, the forest that always surrounded us,
you, the song we sang in every silence,
you dark net threading through us,
You began yourself so greatly
on that day when you began us -
and we have so ripened in your sunlight,
spreading far and firmly planted -
that now in all people, angels, madonnas,
you can decide: the work is done.
Let your hand rest on the rim of Heaven
now
and mutely bear the darkness we bring over you.
HOLY SPIRIT, MAKE ME HOLY
Holy Spirit, reveal yourself to me
In the depths of my being,
In the working of my mind,
In the feelings in my heart.
Purge my inner self
That I may be filled
With the wonder of your love;
Sanctify my every thought,
That I may be enfolded
In the splendour of your goodness;
Purify my every feeling,
That I may be worthy to behold your glory.
Come, Holy Spirit, come!
HEAVY BURDENS
Jesus, Rest for the Weary,
the heaviness of my burden overwhelms me.
the immensity of this situation
presses down upon me.
The weight of the pain I carry
crushes my hopeful vision of life.
I long for an easing of my distress.
Let me hear again
your promising words of comfort.
Speak them to my heart:
"Come to me all of you who are weary,
and carrying heavy burdens,
and I will give you rest"(Matt.11:28).
I lean my burdened life
of the bosom of your love
and wait to be consoled.
GOD'S EMBRACE
Guardian of the Wounded,
wrap me in your embrace.
Hold me close to your heart
and assure me of your love.
Protect my sore spirit.
Ease the pain that it holds.
You are always ready
to embrace me,
no matter how hurt or desolate
my heart may be.
I will trust you with my pain.
I will rest in your solace.
I will take refuge in your love.
TEACH US TO LIVE
God of love - Forgive! Forgive!
Teach us how to truly live,
Ask us not our race or creed,
Just take us in our hour of need ,
And let us know You love us, too,
And that we are a part of You...
And someday may man realise
That all the earth, the seas and skies
Belong to God who made us all,
The rich , the poor, the great, the small.
And in the Father's Holy Sight
No man is yellow, black or white,
And peace on earth cannot be found
Until we meet on common ground
And every man becomes a brother
Who worships God and loves each other.
GOOD EXAMPLE
Parents cannot be content just to tell our
children the right way to live; they must set the
example themselves. It's no use parents warning teenagers
about the dangers of drink if parents cannot control
the use of drink themselves. It's no use expecting
children to be responsible about food, money or clothes
if parents are self-indulgent and spendthrift themselves.
Instead of just telling children what the Christian
way is, parents must live the Christian way with them.
Dear parents, you are the parents over your children.
You are also Christians with them. Children will get
their ideas about what it means to be a Christian
much more from how they see their parents living than
from what their parents tell them, or from what they
are taught in school, or even what they hear in church.
