Sunday 18th November 2007

33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

PICKPOCKETS OF THE HEART

On an average day 11800 American homes are burglarised. Each of us hopes that ours will not be one of them! The act of the thief is a double crime: Not only are we robbed of our possessions, we are violated by our personal living space being entered and probed without permission. Depending on where you live, the odds are that your home will be robbed at least once in your lifetime. Since robbery is so much a part of contemporary life, it needs to be dealt with in our spirituality. What attitude of the heart should we take toward those who break into our homes or steal our purse?

Perhaps the most common initial attitude that we experience is shock, followed by anger or outrage. Consider, however, the attitude that appears in the book of Proverbs: "Despise not the thief if he steals to satisfy his appetite when he is hungry" (Pro.6:30).

Still, since the earliest times stealing has been a consciously chosen profession more often than the last resort of a poor person. Because of that, it's easy to judge all thieves to be professional crooks who are too lazy to work or out to get big rewards with earning them. With the widespread abuse of drugs, it's also easy to presume that thieves are drug addicts in need of money to support their habit. But as disciples of Jesus, are we not to abstain from such judgement?

The next line in that quotation from Proverbs sums up our contemporary sense of criminal justice, even if the person who robs us is in dire need. Verse 31 says, "Yet, if he be caught he must pay back sevenfold; all the wealth of his house he may yield up." Jesus challenges us to move beyond the law. We are called not only to refrain from despising the thief, but to love him or her. Loving one's enemies is easy as long as it is a generic idea. It's easy if the one to be loved and blessed hasn't caused us any personal harm or loss.
Remember the classic television commercial that urged us to keep from falling victim to thieves by "not leaving home without it." As disciples of christ, that "it" doesn't mean travellers cheques or a credit card. Never leave home, whether to go the store or on holiday, without having Jesus' attitude of love and non-judgment. Even though our chances of being victims of robbery in one form or another are very great, a Christlike attitude prevents us from really being robbed. The worst thievery is when our peace and love are often stolen from us and all that's left are anger and hate. When that happens, we are really twice robbed.

Don't wait until you're mugged to try to practise this special brand of love. Practise it before you're robbed, cheated or the victim of some injustice. There are many opportunities for such practise: someone cutting in front of you during morning traffic or stealing a choice parking space, a person reaching over you to take the last "anything," or a "thief" who steals your good name by words of slander. While this practise isn't easy and the rewards aren't always obvious, they are deep: "Blessed is the householder whom the thief does not find asleep" (Lk. 12:37-39).

***

COLLECTION
We acknowledge last Sunday’s collection of £1740.00. Many thanks.

ANNIVERSARIES
Margaret Kavanagh, Martha Quinn, Hugh Casey, Joey Coyle,
Odette Coyle, Johnny Loughrey, Patrick Doran, Charles Bannigan,
Cissie McCrossan, Sarah Barron, Mary Ellen Connolly, Mary O'Reilly,
Sean McLaughlin, Josephine Dixon, Edward McGuinness, Isobel McGuinness,
Annie McCready, Cis O'Kane, Tommy Porter, James Donaghey, Josephine McCrory

DEATHS
We offer our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of
Leo Campbell, late of Courtrai Park,
Winnie Friel, Dublin Road
Kathleen Dooher, Dunamanagh who died recently.
May they rest in peace.

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. Micheal Keaveny CC, Faughanvale,18th Nov
Fr. Seamus Kelly PP, Culmore ,19th Nov
Fr. Edward Kilpatrick PP, Lifford, 20th Nov
Most Rev. Francis Lagan DD, Strabane, 21st Nov
Fr. Charles Logue CC, Kilrea, 22nd Nov
Fr. Paul McCafferty, Diocesan Secretary, 23rd Nov
Fr. Bryan McCanny PP, Three Patrons, 24th Nov

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.

The Parish Draw for the month of November will take place in the parish office on Thursday 22nd November at 2.30pm. All promoters are asked to make their returns to the parish office on Monday 19th November.

TAIZE PRAYER AND CHANT
Join us for an hour of meditative Taize Prayer and Chant on Wednesday 21st November in Fr. Pat O'Hagan's house, Melmount from 7.30pm - 8.30pm. Everyone welcome.

DIOCESAN MASS FOR DECEASED YOUNG PEOPLE
There will be a special Diocesan Mass on Sunday 25th November at 3.00pm in the Holy Family Church, Ballymagroarty, Derry. The Mass will be an opportunity for family and friends who have lost loved young ones to come together in a spirit of prayer and hope. If you have been bereaved or affected by a young death we invite you in faith to come remember the life of your loved ones.

ACCORD
Marriage Preparation Workshop on Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th November in the Thornhill Centre, Derry. Friday 7.00pm to 10.00pm and Saturday 10.00am to 4.00pm. Booking forms available from the Pastoral Centre, 164 Bishop St. Derry, tel: 71362475 or from local parochial house.

DERRY DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES 2008
150th ANNIVERSARY OF APPARITIONS
The Derry Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes will take place from 16th - 21st July 2008. Fare £449.00stg. Application forms can be obtained from the parochial house or from the Pilgrimage Office, 164 Bishop Street, Derry. Special booking forms for pilgrims who are sick or in need of help/care are available only from the Pilgrimage Office. Gift vouchers are available for the Pilgrimage. Telephone 02871260293 Tuesday & Thursday 11.00am - 2.00pm, Saturday 11.00am - 1.00pm and 2.00pm - 4.00pm for details.

SICK AND HOUSEBOUND TO BE ATTENDED
Fr. Boland will visit the sick and housebound in the following areas on Thursday 22nd November after 10.00am Mass: Courtrai Park, Barrack Street, Lower Townsend Terrace, Mount Carmel Heights, Springhill Park, Mill Street, Newtownkennedy Street, Lower Main Street, Glenview Park, Church View, Tristan Road.
Fr. Boland will visit the sick and housebound in the following areas on Friday 23rd November after 10.00am Mass: Bearney Road, Camus Road, Conthem Road, Upper Townsend Street, Townsend Terrace, Marian Park, Fountain Street and Innisfree Gardens.

TROCAIRE GLOBAL GIFT
This Christmas, you could really show friends and family how much you care, and make someone's year, by purchasing from the Trocaire Global Gift range. From the Gift of Chicks to the Gift of a House or Water, each one will give a family or a community something they truly need, something that will change the world this Christmas. When you buy any of these gifts, a family or community overseas will receive the gift you have purchased. We'll then send you a gift pack within one working day. Inside you'll find an illustrated card and a beautifully illustrated gift certificate. Simply choose the gifts you wish to purchase. Then you can either call 0800 912 1200 or visit www.trocaire.org and make your purchase straight away. Alternatively you can complete our order form or call into a Trocaire centre Veritas or Avoca store and pick up your Global Gift. Please allow up to 7 days for delivery if you are ordering by post. We will need to receive your order before December 17th. Order forms are available at the back of the church.

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 PATRICK’S HALL

Bingo and Lucky 4 Draw as usual this
Thursday.
All our patrons are very welcome

THE WIZARD OF OZ DVD
A DVD of the recent production of "The Wizard of OZ" will be available to purchase from Monday 19th November in St. Patrick's Hall. Price £8.00.

STRABANE SIGERSONS G.A.A.
The Club's Annual Mass for deceased members and relatives will be held in Sigersons Clubrooms, on Monday 19th November at 7.30pm. Everyone welcome. Following the Mass there will be a Youth Presentation Function for the Club's Juvenile Footballers who won the Tyrone Grade 2 League and also the Sigersons Girls who were runners-up in the Tyrone Grade 3 League and Championship. Special guest at the function will be Tyrone star Stephen O'Neill. The Club's Annual General Meeting will take place on Tuesday 4th December in the Sigersons Clubrooms.

ALZHEIMER'S SUPPORT GROUP
The Group will meet on Wednesday 21st November at 7.30pm in Melmount Manor Care Home, Orchard Road, Strabane. Guest Speaker, Margaret Graham, speaking on Levels of Communication. Everyone welcome.

ST. JOHN'S AMBULANCE
The Strabane Division of St. John Ambulance will be holding their annual open night/inspection on Wednesday 21st November from 8.00pm- 10.00pm in the Church of Ireland Hall, Bowling Green, Strabane. The night will feature a presentation on the work of the Strabane, Castlederg and Omagh divisions, a first-aid display and care display, followed by refreshments. We would be delighted to have your company on the night.

ARDS ADVENT RETREAT
Why not make Christmas meaningful this year. We often lose sight of the real meaning of Christmas and the birth of Our Lord Jesus. This retreat will bring you closer to Jesus through his birth and allow you time to reflect upon the deeper and more important things in life. Let the Spirit work and join us on this retreat to celebrate the birth of Christ. Directed by Fr. Sean Donohoe OFM Cap in Ards Capuchin Friary, Co. Donegal. Commences Saturday 1st December at 9.30am. Ends Sunday 2nd December with Mass at 5.30pm. Accommodation, meals and retreat €85 or £60. All enquiries to 00353749138909 or email info@ardsfriary.ie

PARISH WEBSITE
Visit our website at www.strabaneparish.com

PRAYER CORNER


THE SELF

There is a revealing story of a monk living in the Egyptian desert who was so tormented by temptation that he could bear it no longer. So he decided to abandon his cell and go somewhere else. As he was putting on his sandals to carry out his resolve he saw another monk not far from where he stood who was also putting his sandals on.
"Who are you?" he asked the stranger.
"I am your self," was the reply. "If it is on my account that you are leaving this place. I would have you know that no matter where you go I shall go with you."

Said a despairing client to the psychiatrist, "No matter where I go I have to take myself along - and that spoils everything."
Both what you run away from - and what you yearn for - is within you.



PSALM FOR PRAYING

You take delight , O Radiant One,
in gracing me with new life!
O Beloved, come and renew me!
Let me face my weaknesses and all
that confuses me, that keeps me from joy!
I seek forgiveness for my wrongdoings,
I desire only You!
Let me begin anew, a as child
at its mother's breast, who basks in love.
May all who seek You rejoice and be glad!
May all who surrender to You say evermore,
"My joy is in the Beloved!"
Yet I am lowly and fear-filled;
hasten to me, Beloved!"
You are my strength and my joy;
O Beloved, come and renew me!

LOVE

To learn to love
is to be stripped of all love
until you are wholly without love
because until you have gone
naked and afraid
into this cold dark place
where all love is taken from you
you will not know
that you are wholly within love.

ON THE EDGE OF PAIN AND JOY

Beloved, we are always in the wrong,
Handling so clumsily our stupid lives,
Suffering too little or too long.
Too careful in our selfish loves:
The decorative manias we obey
Die in grimaces round us every day.
Yet through their tohu-bohu comes a voice
Which utters an absurd command - Rejoice.