REFLECTION FOR LENT
THE
PROCESS OF FORGIVENESS
Jesus asks us to forgive, not just once or twice,
but always. Forgiveness is never easy. Without the
grace of God it is sometimes impossible. When we get
hurt, we grow resentful and bitter. Resentment and
bitterness are very damaging things, and we cannot
be healed of them unless we forgive.
We all need to forgive because at one time or another
we all have been hurt. What can we do? We have to
remember that forgiveness is a process. It cannot
be achieved overnight. There are steps we can take
that will lead to forgiveness and healing of the hurt.
1. We must recognise that we have suffered a hurt.
2. We must recognise that we have feelings about
this.
We feel angry and hurt. These feelings are not sins.
They are natural and even healthy.
3. We should share our feelings about what has been
done to us with someone we trust.
4. We should make a decision about our relationship
with the person who has hurt us - whether to
continue it or discontinue it. Forgiveness doesn't
always lead to reconciliation because it takes two
to
be reconciled.
5. We should make a decision to forgive. Forgiveness
is an act of the will, not of the feelings. But this
doesn't mean that the feelings of hurt and bitterness
will suddenly disappear. The healing of these will
take time. Forgiveness doesn't mean forgetting the
wrong done to us. It means remembering and letting
go.
One of the things that can motivate us to forgive
is an appreciation of our own need of forgiveness.
Forgiveness is one of the highest and most beautiful
forms of love. It is a holy task. Only God can help
us to accomplish it fully.
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.
ANNIVERSARIES
Mae Logue, Francie Elliott,
John Hendron, Bridget Hendron,
Johnny Mohan, Michael Walsh,
John McAleer, Mary McAleer,
Margaret McAleer.
DEATHS
We offer our deepest sympathy
to the family and friends of:
Peggy Hegarty, Meenashesk
Place
Charlie McCready,
Lifford
PRAY FOR PRIESTS
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. Dermot McGirr CC, The Three Patrons,
22 March
Fr. James McGlinchey, Retired, 23 March
Fr. Brian McGoldrick PP, Doneyloop, 24 March
Fr. Neil McGoldrick PP, Fahan, 25 March
Fr. Patrick McGoldrick CC, Moville, 26 March
Fr. James McGonagle PP, Culdaff, 27 March
Fr. James McGrory, Armagh, 28 March
PARISH DRAW
The Draw for the month of March will take place in
the parish office on Thursday 26 March at 2.30pm.
Promoters are asked to bring their returns to the
parish office on Monday 23 March.
PILGRIMAGE TO THE HOLY LAND
A 10 day pilgrimage to the Holy Land flying direct
from Belfast on Saturday 19 to Tuesday 28 September
2009. Cost £1090.00 or €1240.00. Spiritual
director Fr. Michael Porter. For information and booking
contact Charlie Gillespie on 07533330756.
MARIAN FAMILY MASS
A Marian Movement Family Mass will take place on
Wednesday 25 March at 7.30pm in St Patrick's Church,
Cranagh. Bishop Hegarty will be the main celebrant.
There will be Adoration, Confessions, Children's Rosary,
Eucharistic Healing Service from 6.30pm. All welcome.
LEGION OF MARY
Legion of Mary meets each Thursday morning after
Mass at 10.00am 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.
LOURDES 2009
The next meeting of the Lourdes Group
will take place on Wednesday 25 March from 7.30pm
- 8.30pm in The Den.
LENTEN PROGRAMME 2009
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
6.45pm 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.
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.
THE FOYER OF LIGHT, CHARITY
AND LOVE
The Foyer of Light, Charity and Love invite you to
the renowned world-wide and life changing Five Day
Silent retreats given by appointed priest Fr. Killian
Byrne and inspired by Marthe Robinin Drumalis, Larne
from 17 - 23 August. Retreats will also be held in
Galway, Dublin, Wexford and France this year. For
information brochure contact Hugh and Anna on 02830
830904 or by email donnelly.hugh@virgin.net
DERRY DIOCESAN SOCIETY
The 10.00am Mass on Tuesday 24 March
will be offered up for the members of the Derry Diocesan
Society.
ST. PATRICK’S HALL
Bingo and Lucky 4 Draw as usual this
Thursday.
All our patrons are
very welcome.
LUCKY 4 DRAW
There were 3 match 3 winners in last
week's Draw
Columba Gallagher
Josephine McCrea
Kayla Devenney
The numbers drawn were:
7, 9, 16, 23
Next Week's Lucky 4 Jackpot is £1075.00
ST. PATRICK'S LUNCHEON CLUB
There will be a Social Evening featuring
'Antonio Rose' on Monday 23 March in St. Patrick's
Hall. Doors open 9.00pm. Admission £5.00 with
light supper provided. Everyone welcome.
PRAYER CORNER
SPEAKING TO MARY
Mary, you have been there before me.
You were faced with things you did not understand.
You turned to God in your distress
and pondered your experience in your heart.
I have also encountered the realm of mystery.
I, too, do not understand.
I will also turn and ponder this in my heart.
Mary, you searched for your beloved
child.
You experienced the distress and longing,
the agony of not knowing where he was.
I, too, search and wonder where my treasure is.
I am also longing to find my pearl of great price.
When will I find what I am seeking?
Woman of Compassion, Mother of Sorrows,
I draw inspiration from your journey.
I, too, can move through the pain of my present situation.
Your faith and courage lead me to my own.
***************
SEARCHING FOR A LOST TREASURE
Jesus, you told hope-filled stories
of lost treasures being found.
I am experiencing a great loss.
My searching seems futile.
My self-confidence feels frail.
I need to trust that I will find
what has been lost to me.
I need keen spiritual eyes.
Keep reminding me of lost coins
being recovered,
and pearls of great price being found.
Spirit of Guidance,
lead me.
Direct me so that I will discover
what is best for me to be and to do.
Above all, may my searching
lead me home to you.
FEAR OF THE FUTURE
Guide and Protector,
Fear of the future gnaws at me.
Thoughts of what might happen
disrupt my equanimity.
I long to have a safe and secure life,
full of joy and well-being.
Help me to recognise my fears,
to see how they push me around
and shove me into deadening corners.
Do not let them have control over me.
Protect me from all those concerns
that threaten to overwhelm me
when I think about this situation.
I give myself and all my worries
into your wise and merciful care.
I entrust to your loving heart
my anxiety and my weariness.
You are near, guiding my life.
May this trust hold me fast.
***************
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 it holds.
Like the leper I beg for healing and deliverance from
the emotional drain and the unending sadness that
the losses of life have brought me.
