THE MURDER OF ANDREW BURNS
On behalf of the people of Camus parish I unreservedly
condemn the callous, depraved and brutal murder of
our young parishioner Andrew Burns. The manner of
his death has shocked us all deeply. The most basic
right we have is that of life and no one has the right
to take that away. Human life is the most precious
gift given by God and those who violate that are also
disregarding the law of God.
Who are the faceless people who carried out this
atrocity? What perverted and twisted mindset led them
to do it? What did they hope to achieve? How will
they try to justify it? Let those who did this evil
deed not even dare to give excuses for murder is always
wrong and unjustifiable. Those who did it speak for
no one and represent no one but themselves and their
perverted and twisted mindsets. They are devoid of
morals, reason and vision and are caught up in their
own warped processes of thought. They are trying to
drag us back to darker days of our history but they
will not succeed. The momentum for peace is now unstoppable,
there is no going back.
During Lent, the season we are now celebrating, we
are asked to have a change of heart, to turn away
from evil and be converted back to God. I ask that
those responsible for Andrew’s death abandon
their evil ways, turn their hearts back to God and
seek pardon and forgiveness. Their consciences will
not rest easy and will accuse them daily until their
hearts are reformed. Unless that is done they will
never have inner peace and will continue to be haunted
by the vileness of their crime.
As a caring parish our hearts go out to Andrew’s
parents Lawrence and Dympna, sisters Michelle and
Jacqueline and brother Larry. We cannot even begin
to imagine how crushed and torn their hearts are as
they try to grapple with the enormity of their loss
and the circumstances in which it happened. We send
them all the love and care we have in our hearts and
we assure them of our prayers and solidarity. The
God we believe in is one of tenderness and compassion
and we pray that he will comfort the Burns family
and the extended family connection in this their darkest
hour. We also pray that God will bring our brother
Andrew to everlasting light and peace.
Declan Boland PP
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
£1727.00. Many thanks.
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. Paul Farren, Catechetical Centre, 17th Feb.
Fr. Christopher Ferguson CC, Waterside, 18th Feb.
Fr. John P. Forbes PP, Banagher, 19th Feb.
Fr. Edward Gallagher CC, Limavady 20th Feb.
Fr. John Gallagher, Florida, 21st Feb.
Fr. John Gilmore PP, Aghyaran, 22nd Feb.
Fr. Joseph Gormley CC, The Three Patrons, 23rd Feb.
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
Rodney McCullagh, Raphoe,
Willie Devine, Church View,
Joe Slevin, Railway Road,
John Donegan, formerly of Townsend
Street,
Kathleen Devine, St. John's Place
and
Andrew Burns, Drum Road who died
during the week. May they rest in peace.
ANNIVERSARIES
Sophie O'Haire, Detta Curran, Paddy Casey, Elizabeth
Harte,
Josephine Tighe-Burns, Joe Madden, Kathleen (Katie)
Brennan, Denis McElroy,
Kathleen (Kin) McFarland, Jamesie Devlin, Tom Melaugh,
Nellie Duffy,
John O'Brien (Snr), Tony Wray, Mary Elliott, Thomas
Reid.
PARISH DRAW
The Draw for the month of February will take place
on Thursday 28th February at 2.30pm in the parish
office. Promoters are asked to make their returns
to the parish office on Monday 25th February.
ARDS RETREAT
There will be a weekend retreat in Ards Monastery
from 22nd to 24th February. For further details contact
Kathleen McSwiggan tel; 02881648436.
WOMENS' WORLD DAY OF PRAYER
Womans' World Day of Prayer will take place on 7th
March at 8.15pm in the Church of the Immaculate Conception.
The theme "God's Wisdom Provides New Understanding"
has been prepared by the Christian Women of Guyana.
Guest speaker is Mrs Marie Lindsay. Everyone is welcome.
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.
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:-
£500.00, £200.00, £200.00, £50.00,
£50.00, £30.00, £15.00.
Total donated to date:- £5685.00.
Thank you for your continuing support.
THINKING OF TAKING THE PLEDGE FOR LENT?
Non-Pioneers are invited to take the short-term pledge
for the duration of Lent. Conditions for enrolment
are:
To abstain from all intoxicating
drink
To recite the prayer twice daily
To wear the pioneer emblem
Please contact your local Pioneer Centre and they
will be happy to enrol you in their register for Lent
(badge €4.00; card 50c). You can also contact
Maura Coyle tel; 02881658440 or Fr. Boland for any
information about the pioneer association.
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.
ALZHEIMER'S SUPPORT GROUP
The Group will meet on Wednesday 20th February at
7.30pm in Melmount Manor Care Home, 1, Orchard Road,
Strabane. Guest Speaker Rita Henderson, Ward Manager,
Specialist Unit, speaking on "Challenging Behaviour".
Everyone welcome.
PRAYING WITH SCRIPTURE
Have you ever thought of praying with the scriptures?
Would you like the opportunity to experience some
guidance in prayer? Would you be able to give half
an hour a day for 1 week to prayer?
Week of Guided Prayer
Opening Gathering: Sunday 2nd March @ 7.15pm
Monday - Thursday: Individual guidance for 30 mins.
per day at a time which suits you.
Closing Prayer: Friday 7th March @ 7.15pm
Venue: St. Vincent de Paul Conference Centre, Barrack
Street, Strabane.
Contact: Parish Office 71882215 no later than Wednesday
27th February.
ILM INTRODUCTION TO TEAM LEADING
LEVEL 2
An ideal start for those working in
a team but with little or no formal training. You
will acquire skills that increase the effectiveness
of your business or community organisation as well
as increase your own personal effectiveness in any
team situation. This is a National Qualification offered
with the Institute of Leadership Management.
Time: 10.00am - 4.00pm.
Dates: 19th & 26th February ending on 4th March.
Cost: FREE (nominal charge for overheads).
Tutor: Diane Greer.
Contact Joleen Yeoman, Workers' Educational Association,
11b Clarendon Street Derry, tel; 02871 369947 for
details.
NEWTOWNSTEWART DRAMA FESTIVAL
Drama Festival commences Friday 22nd February and
runs for eight nights.
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 match 3 winners in
last week's Lucky 4 Draw
P. McCafferty won the draw.
The numbers drawn were:
10, 11, 13, 24
Next Week's Lucky 4 Jackpot is £1800.00
BIG BINGO IN ST. PATRICK'S
HALL
There will be BIG BINGO in St. Patrick's Hall on
Thursday 28th February. Proceeds in aid of church
restoration fund.
THE TWO BRIDGES THEATRE COMPANY
The Two Bridges Theatre Company will present their
play "Midden", by award-winning Derry writer
Morna Regan, in St. Patrick's Hall on Friday 22nd
and Saturday 23rd February. Produced by Alan Haslett.
Play commence at 8.00pm sharp.
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.
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.
STRABANE SIGERSONS G.A.A.
The Club's Senior and Reserve footballers will open
their Tyrone ACL campaigns away to Aghaloo on Sunday
30th March. The Under 14 footballers begin with an
away trip to Dromore on Saturday 1st March while the
Minors open with an away trip to Gortin on Wednesday
2nd April. The Club will have two acts in the Tír
Eoghain Scór Sinsear Final in Galbally on Sunday
24th February.
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.
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!
