THE FASTING THAT IS PLEASING TO GOD

Fasting has always been associated with Lent. However, when we hear the word 'fast' we automatically think of fasting from food. But there is another kind of fasting – fasting from wrongdoing.

At the time Isaiah was writing, fasting in the ordinary sense was taken seriously by God's people. Fasting is meant to be an outward sign of something that is happening inside a person. Unfortunately their fasting was just an outward show of religiosity. In reality their hearts were turned away from God.

Even so, they complained that God took no notice of their fasting. Isaiah told them why God took no notice of their fasting. It was because even as they fasted, they went on doing business on holy days, oppressing their workers, quarrelling and squabbling with one another, and exploiting the poor. That kind of fasting was totally ineffective from a spiritual point of view.

Then he went on to tell them the kind of fasting that was pleasing to God. He told them to fast from any form of wrongdoing against their neighbour. For instance, they should stop exploiting their workers and oppressing the poor.

True repentance involves ceasing to do evil. But it also involves doing good - living what is at the heart of religion: love, compassion, and justice. Hence, the prophet went on to tell them that they should feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, and clothe the naked.

All this has great relevance for us. Most of us undertake some penance for Lent. This is a good and worthwhile practice. However, penance is not an end in itself. The object of penance is, firstly, to help us reform a sinful way of life, and secondly, to make us more just and more compassionate in our dealings with others.

PRAYER GROUP

The contemplative prayer group will meet on Monday at 8.15pm in the Parochial House. Everyone welcome

DEATHS

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

Tony Kelly, Orchard Road

Patsy Bell, formerly of Curley Hill Road, who died in Huddersfield.

May they rest in peace.

ANNIVERSARIES

Detta Curran, Sarah Mullen

Paddy Casey, Sadie McGowan

Charles McGowan, Jamesie Devlin

John O'Brien Snr, Betty Maxwell

Patricia Crossan, Nellie O'Neill

Paddy O'Neill, Elizabeth Devlin

PRAY FOR PRIESTS

This week we ask you to pray for:

Fr. John Gallagher, Florida, 21 February
Fr. John Gilmore PP, Aghyaran, 22 February
Fr. Joseph Gormley CC, Dungiven, 23 February
Fr. Eamon Graham PP, Banagher, 24 February
Fr. Patrick Grant, Deceased, 25 February
Fr. Karl Haan CC, Garvagh, 26 February
Fr. Eugene Hasson PP, Greencastle, 27 February

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.

SICK AND HOUSEBOUND TO BE ATTENDED

Fr. Boland will visit the sick and housebound in the following areas on Monday 22 February starting at 10.00am: Courtrai Park, Barrack Street, Lower Townsend Terrace, Mount Carmel Heights, Springhill Park, Mill Street, Newtownkennedy Street, Lower Main Street, Glenview Park, Church View, Patrick Street and Tristan Road.
Fr. Boland will visit the sick and housebound in the following areas on Wednesday 24 February starting at 10.00am: Bearney Road, Camus Road, Conthem Road, Upper Townsend Street, Townsend Terrace, Marian Park, Fountain Street and Innisfree Gardens.

PARISH DRAW

The Draw for the month of February will take place in the parish office on Thursday 25 February at 2.30pm. Promoters are asked to bring their returns to the parish office on Monday 22 February.

HOLY WEEK RETREAT

Retreat will be held in Loreto House, Linsfort, Buncrana from 28 March – 3 April led by Fr. Colm Lavell S.J. Cost €380.00 residential, €200.00 non-residential. To book a place telephone 0749362204.

Prayer meetings every Monday in Lent beginning 22 February from 8.00pm - 9.00pm.

KNOCK MARRIAGE INTRODUCTIONS BUREAU

The aim of the Bureau is to introduce people considering marriage to a suitable marriage partner. Over 800 marriages have taken place as a result of these introductions. If you are searching for a suitable partner why not consider applying? For further information contact the Bureau at Knock, Co. Mayo. To find out more call 0949375960 visit our website at
www.knockmarriagebureau.com

CARMELITE RETREAT CENTRE

A one day retreat for Senior Citizens and their friends from Derry and surrounding areas will take place at the Carmelite Retreat Centre, Termonbacca, Derry on Tuesday 23 February.

A one day retreat for Senior Citizens and their friends from Donegal and surrounding areas will take place at the Carmelite Retreat Centre, Termonbacca, Derry on Thursday 25 February. Registration from 10.30am finishing around 5.00pm. Cost £15.00 or €18.00 includes a four course lunch. Payment at the Centre on the day. To book Tel: Termonbacca, Derry 71262512.

WOMENS WORLD DAY OF PRAYER SERVICE

This year's Service will be held on Friday 5 March in the Sacred Heart Church, Derry Road. The theme is 'Let Everything That Has Breath Praise God'. Prepared by the christian women of Cameroon.

Choir practice in Sacred Heart Church,

Derry Road on Sunday 28 February at 3.30pm.

TAIZE PRAYER AND CHANT
Join us for an hour of meditative Taize Prayer and Chant on Wednesday 24 February in St. Colman's Chapel, St. Mary's Church, Melmount at 7.30pm.

LOURDES 2010

The next meeting of the Lourdes Group will take place on Wednesday 24 February from 7.30pm - 8.30pm in 'The Den'.

PRAXIS

Praxis Care the Charity promoting mental health, needs male and female volunteers in the Derry and surrounding areas to visit those lonely and isolated due to mental ill health. If you feel you could be a friend to someone and give a commitment of 2 - 4 hours a week please contact Phyllis on 02871308020. No special skills or experience necessary as preparation will be given. Travel expenses will be reimbursed. Your friendship could make all the difference.

HOLISTIC HEALTH AND NATURAL BEAUTY FAIR

Everglades Hotel, Derry, 27 and 28 February. Treat yourself to relaxing reflexology, aromatherapy, beauty makeovers, head massage, reiki, crystals, candles, clothes, accessories and more!! Full programme of talks and workshops also. All proceeds for Aware Defeat Depression. Entry £5.00 - tickets available at the door. Email alison@aware-ni.org for full details. You can also donate online at www.aware-ni.org.uk or www.justgiving.com/aware All funds will go towards our helpline and support groups. Please help the one in four with depression in Northern Ireland. For support and information about depression call our helpline 08451202961 or email help@aware-ni.org

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, 9, 13, 24

Next Week's Lucky 4 Jackpot is £2175.00

PRAYER CORNER

REFLECTION FOR PARENTS/GUARDIANS

Lent is not an obligation,
it is a choice, and it is an
opportunity.
It is a choice
because Jesus himself
invites us to it.
It is a difficult choice to live with,
marked by the Cross.
It is a choice to give ourselves
to deep reflection.
It is also an opportunity to seize:
Lent offers us a time
to confirm our decision
and to strengthen it.
It carries us to life.
Lent opens with a radical choice
but it gives us a share in the life
of Resurrection.
Our Lenten walk expresses our
will to live.