THE POT ON THE STOVE
"Teacher," the student said, "I read in a spiritual book that only by becoming nothing can one return to God. So, I seek passionately to becoming nothing."
"That's indeed a rare desire," replied the teacher, "for in this world everyone wants to become a somebody. So, you seek to become a nobody?"
"Oh yes." replied the student, " A real nobody."
"Ah," beamed the teacher, "You seek the ancient secret of becoming a real somebody where nobody is at home! More often, seekers pretend to be nobody so they can become a somebody. So, be cautious and be sure to start at the beginning. For unless you first become a somebody, it is most difficult to become a real nobody."
"I'm sorry, Teacher," replied the student, "but you've lost me. In a simple way please tell me how to become nothing - which I hope is that 'ancient secret' of which you spoke."
The teacher closed his eyes, pondering as he hummed a Broadway show tune. Then, opening his eyes, he looked deeply into the student's brown eyes, saying, "A simple way. All right, become like that old pot filled with water on the stove. If you turn up the flames as high as possible, I assure you, you will evaporate!"
"Teacher," the student asked as his eyes filled with dread, "doesn't that take time, and isn't such an intense fire painful to the pot?"
"Certainly it does, and certainly it is," answered the teacher.
COLLECTION
We acknowledge last Sunday’s collection of £1632.00. Many thanks.
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 next Draw will take place on Thursday 28th June at 2.30pm in the parish office. Promoters are asked to make their returns to the parish office on Monday 25th June.
PARISH SAVINGS SCHEME
We have now reached the halfway stage of the Parish Savings Scheme. As in previous years the Scheme is going very well and we encourage all our savers to continue their contributions and thank our collectors for their hard work. The Savings Scheme is vital for offsetting any interest the parish owes to the bank as well as being a very practical way of saving for events at the end of the year. If you would like to join the Scheme contact the parish office for the name of the promoter in your area.
CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations to all our P.4. children from Evish P.S., Barrack Street Boys' P.S. and St. Anne's P.S. who received their First Holy Communion recently. To all their parents and teachers, - Evish P.S., Mrs Forbes and Mrs Simpson, Barrack Street Boys' P.S., Mrs McCrory, St. Anne's P.S. Mrs McGranaghan and Mrs Daly - we are most grateful for their excellent work. Mrs Kerr and Miss Doherty provided the beautiful music and Hugo had the Church and grounds in excellent condition. WELL DONE EVERYONE!!
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. Liam Donnelly PP, Garvagh 17th June
Fr. T Philip Donnelly CC, Banagher 18th June
Fr. John Downey CC, Ballinascreen 19th June
Fr. Kevin Duddy CC, Waterside 20th June
Fr. Austin Duffy PP, Retired 21st June
Fr. Jack Farrell PP, Clonmany 22nd June
Fr. Seamus Farrell PP,Carndonagh 23rd June
MARRIAGES
We congratulate the following couple who were married in our parish recently:
Natasha McConalogue & Dermot Callaghan.
ANNIVERSARIES
Tommy Allen Joe Harron
Gerard McShane John McGinley
Maggie May Moss Lizzie Morris
Rose Walsh Kevin McCrossan Thelma Browne Winnie Gavigan
Rhona O'Neill Robert Devenney
Brian Boggs Joseph Herron
Susan Millar Mary Calcutt
Annie Conaghan
YOUNG PEOPLE - IT'S GOOD TO TALK
Young people are often under huge pressure. They suffer silently and alone and often think that no-one understands them. But there is help available. They can always confide in their local clergy where they will find understanding, sympathy and support. However if they do not want to follow this line of support there are some important numbers they can also get in contact with: 02871266999
SAMARITANS 08457909090
NEW HELPLINE 08456020499
FOYLE HOSPICE CAR DRAW
The Car Draw stand will be at Asda from Thursday 21st June to Sunday 24th June. Volunteers would be greatly appreciated to man the stand for an hour or two during this period. If you are interested in volunteering please contact Alban at the Hospice office in Strabane, Tel:, 02871886249.
DERRY DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES 16th - 21st JULY 2007
The closing date for applications for the Pilgrimage was 31st May 2007. There are still 23 places available. If you are interested in going please contact the Pilgrimage office on 02871260293 (Saturdays 11.00am - 1.00pm & 2.00pm - 4.00pm, Thursdays 11.00am - 2.00pm).
NORTH WEST INSTITUTE OF FURTHER AND HIGHER EDUCATION
North West Regional College, the new name for North West Institute and Limavady College, is now taking enrolments for its part-time courses which begin this September. You can enrol in person (Strand Road, Derry, or Derry Road, Strabane), by post (form from www.nwrc.ac.uk ) or by phone 02871276000.
Enrol early to secure your place.
ST. ANNE'S PRIMARY SCHOOL
St. Anne's Primary School are taking part in a Recycling Programme and are asking for your help. All unwanted clothes (for all age ranges), shoes, bed linen, curtains, belts, handbags, hats, scarves etc. can be left at the school on Wednesday 20th and Thursday 21st June. The clothes will than be passed on to Eastern Europe and Africa. You may also donate books, e.g. novels, fiction, non-fiction, biographies, suitable for adults and children. The books will be sent to Africa to be read in English speaking areas. All donations will be gratefully received. Thank you for your support.
NORTH WEST TYRONE PIONEER OUTING
The Annual Outing around the Antrim Coast takes place on Saturday 23rd June. Cost including evening meal is £20.00. For further details contact Maura Coyle, telephone number 02881658440.
LEGION OF MARY
Legion of Mary meets each Thursday morning after Mass at 10.30am in the Church Conference Room. Work consists of Rosary promotion in the parish, also visitation of residential nursing homes in town and Lifford hospital. New members welcome. Contact 02871883159.
ST PATRICK’S HALL
Bingo & Lucky 4 Draw Every Thursday
There was one Match 3 winner in last week's Lucky 4 Draw
1, 2, 19, 22
George Hepworth
Next Week's Lucky 4 Jackpot is £950.00
ST. PATRICK'S LUNCHEON CLUB
St. Patrick's Luncheon Club are holding a dance/social on Monday 18th June in St. Patrick's Hall. Music is by Reflections and supper is at 9.00pm. Admission is £3.00 or 5 Euro (includes supper). Everyone is welcome.
PRAYER CORNER
LOVE POEM TO GOD
You come and go. The doors swing closed
ever more gently, almost without a shudder.
Of all who move through the quiet houses,
you are the quietest.
We become so accustomed to you,
we no longer look up
when your shadow falls over the book we are reading and makes it all glow.
For all things sing you:
at times we just hear them more clearly.
Often when I imagine you
your wholeness cascades into many shapes.
You run like a herd of luminous deer
and I am dark, I am forest.
You are a wheel at which I stand,
whose ark spokes sometimes catch me up,
revolve me nearer to the centre.
Then all the work I put my hand to
widens from turn to turn.
OPEN MY EYES
God open my eyes so I may see
And feel your presence close to me...
Give me strength for my stumbling feet
As I battle the crowd on life's busy street,
And widen the vision of my unseeing eyes
So in passing faces I'll recognise
Not just a stranger, unloved and unknown,
But a friend with a heart
that is much like my own...
Give me perception to make me aware
That scattered profusely on life's thoroughfare
Are the best gifts of God
that we daily pass by
As we look at the world with an unseeing eye.
PRAYING WITH YOUR CHILDREN
Little children love to pray. They pray quite naturally, because God is very real for them and very close for them. But if they are to stay praying as adults, prayer must be a part of their home life from their earliest years and not just of school life.
Parents, the most essential part of teaching religion to your children is to teach them to pray. You will teach them to pray not by telling them to pray, not by scolding them if they don't say their prayers. You will teach them to pray more by praying with them. Don't just tell your children:
"Go off to bed now and don't forget to say your prayers."
Instead say:
"We will say our prayers now."
Pray with your young children. Pray with your older children. Be seen praying by your children. If prayer is important to you it will be seen as important by your children. Parents who pray, homes that pray, prepare a praying generation for the future.
In fact, you parents will learn about praying yourselves by praying with your children. Little children are very close to God. Didn't Our Lord say:
"The Kingdom of Heaven belongs to little children."
Your children will bring you also closer to God. Children often understand God better than grown-ups do. Their ways of praying can teach us all a lot about how to pray.
