RESTING IN GOD

Only in

God be at

rest, my

soul. . .

PSALM 62:2

Some writers on meditation encourage their readers to "rest in God." Doing nothing in prayer except resting in God sounds extremely satisfying and comfortable, kind of like pulling up a beach chair by the side of a lovely lake or ocean and taking it easy. Probably most of us would like nothing more than to do this when we pray. The thought of resting like this is enticing. Then why is it so difficult? Why do we find it challenging to just "be" with the One who claims our heart? What causes us to squirm around when we have nothing to do but be present?

We forget about preparation. There are actions to take before we get to the comfy beach chair - cancelling appointments, packing some food and drink, driving to the beach, getting a parking place, setting up our chair, and putting on sunscreen. In the same way, coming to a place of rest in God takes preparation - setting aside a definite time each day, finding a relatively quiet place, resisting answering the phone, and setting aside the big list of "have to do" items. After this is done, we then breathe a sigh of relief, entrust our life to God and enjoy the wonderful "rest" without thinking we have to have something to show for our efforts after our time with the Holy One is completed.

Help me to rest in you, my Beloved.

Joyce Rupp.

PRAYER GROUP
The contemplative prayer group will meet on Monday at 8.15pm in the Parochial House. Newcomers very welcome.

ANNIVERSARIES

Tony Evans, Francis (Dickie) Dixon,

Anthony Hannigan, John Lynch, Bridget Breslin, Rosaleen Madden,

John Roulston, William Canavan,

Mary Canavan, Charlie Stewart,

Sadie Blair, Hugh Melaugh,

Joe O'Connor, Seamus McCosker.

PRAY FOR PRIESTS

The diocese published a prayer card with the names of all the Derry diocesan priests.
This week we ask you to pray for:

Fr. Robert Devine, Killygordon, 24 January
Fr. Brendan Devlin, 25 January
Fr. Kieran Devlin, Retired, 26 January
Fr. Peter Devlin PP, Malin, 27 January
Fr. Fintan Diggan PP, Clonmany, 28 January
Fr. Brendan Doherty PP, Kilrea, 29 January
Fr. George Doherty CC, Buncrana, 30 January

PARISH DRAW
The first Parish Draw of 2010 will take place on Thursday 28 January at 2.30pm in the parish office. Promoters are asked to bring their returns to the parish office on Monday 25 January. If you would like to support the parish by becoming a promoter or join the Draw as a new member please ring Amanda our Parish Administrator at the parish office, 02871882215.

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS' WEEK
There will be a Mass to celebrate Catholic Schools' Week in St. Eugene’s Cathedral on Thursday 4 February 2010 at 12.30pm. All are welcome to attend and concelebrate. The theme for the week is “Catholic Schools - A Light for Every Generation”. Representatives from all primary and post-primary schools in the diocese have be invited to attend this Mass. If you need any further information please do not hesitate to contact us on 71264087 or www.catecheticalcentre.org

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 24 April 2010. 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 or email ddcc@derrydiocese.org

THORNHILL CENTRE
Prayer Vigil: Thornhill Centre, Derry is holding a Prayer Vigil from 8.00pm – Midnight on Friday 5 February. In this, the Year for Priests, we pray for our Church, our Priests, our Parish and Faith Communities at this time of difficulty. To ensure enough prayer leaflets are available, it would be helpful if you could ring 71351233 to indicate your interest in attending.

ARDS RETREAT CENTRE
"Step Into The Promise Of A New Spring" - An invitation to a weekend of peace, reflection and appreciation of the gifts of life through music, readings meditative movement and spiritual awareness.
Ards Retreat Centre, Donegal on 5, 6 & 7 February.
Contact: 0749384015 or email info@ardsfriary.ie

IHCPT DERRY GROUP

30th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION DINNER DANCE

To celebrate 30 years of taking young people with special needs on their annual Easter Pilgrimage to Lourdes, Group 110 of the Irish Pilgrimage Trust,
(The 'Derry' Group), will be holding a celebration dinner dance in the City Hotel on Saturday 27 February 2010, music by the Odyssey band. The group would like to invite anyone who has travelled with us over the years, young people or group carers, their families and all those who have supported and helped us in anyway to join us in what should be a great evening to meet old friends and relive memories of some very special times. Tickets will cost £25.00 and can be obtained from Stephen Browne at 07912500195.

LOURDES 2010
The next meeting of the Lourdes Group will take place on Wednesday 27 January in "The Den" from 7.30.pm - 8.30pm. Deposit secures seat.

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.

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL
There will be a half - price sale in St. Vincent de Paul shop, Barrack Street, Strabane until the end of January.

HOLY CROSS COLLEGE OPEN DAY
All Primary 7 pupils, and their parents are invited to attend our Open Day in Holy Cross College on Saturday 30 January 2010. Principal’s Address at 10.00am and 1.00pm. (Choose one of the two sessions). Parking in the College Grounds.

FOUNTAIN STREET CDA
Fountain St. Community Development Association are holding a public meeting on Tuesday 26 January at 8.00pm in the Fountain St. Community Centre to discuss the Strabane – Plumbridge Road. There is a meeting on Thursday 28 January at 7.30pm regarding the St. Patrick's Day Parade. Everyone is welcome to come along to both meetings. There are lots of other activities running in the centre this New Year, e.g. Hip Hop, Step Aerobics and much more! Flood lit Astro Turf is also available at an excellent rate! Please contact us on 71885100 for more information.

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.

STRABANE COMMUNITY PROJECT
Strabane Community Project based in St. Patrick's Hall, provides a daily Luncheon Club with activities Monday - Friday. You can also have your meal delivered to you home in our new microwaveable containers. We provide Meals on Wheels to older people within a 10 mile radius of Strabane. We also provide cover for the Sion Mills area when their Luncheon Club is closed. Strabane Community Project is the only Eat Safe Award Luncheon Club in Northern Ireland, an Award we are proud of.

If you have any unwanted gifts, clothing or bric - a - brac we can sell them in our charity shop 'Rummage', Butcher Street, Strabane. All funds are reinvested into our range of services. To arrange a collection or to find out about our services call 02871883102. Strabane Community Project - improving the quality of life experience for older people in the Strabane District Council area.

ST. PATRICK’S HALL

Bingo and Lucky 4 Draw as usual this Thursday.

All our patrons are very welcome.

LUCKY 4 DRAW

There were 6 match 3 winners in last week's Draw

Eddie McLaughlin
Alicia Melaugh
Catherine McConnell
Rose Hannigan
Concepta O'Goan
Trina Hannigan

The numbers drawn were:

2, 7, 11, 23

Next Week's Lucky 4 Jackpot is £2075.00

BALLROOM DANCING

Ballroom Dancing every Thursday in St. Patrick's Hall from 7.30pm - 9.00pm. New members welcome, with or without partner.

ST. PATRICK'S LUNCHEON CLUB

St. Patrick's Luncheon Club are having a Social/Dance on Monday 25 January in St. Patrick's Hall. Music is by Two Star Country. Doors open at 9.00pm. Admission £5.00 (includes a light supper). Everyone welcome.

PRAYER CORNER

A PRAYER FOR PATIENCE
God, teach me to be patient -
Teach me to go slow -
Teach me how to "wait on You"
When my way I do not know. . .
Teach me forbearance
When things do not go right
So I remain unruffled
When others grow "uptight". . .
Teach me how to quiet
My racing, rising heart
So I may hear the answer
You are trying to impart. . .
Teach me to let go, dear God,
And pray undisturbed until
My heart is filled with inner peace
And I learn to know Your will!