A WORD BY WHICH TO LIVE
A pilgrim came to Amma Ananda requesting
a word by which to live. Amma gave her the word "Ah."
The seeker pronounced that simple syllable, and in
a flash her heart opened to the wonder at the heart
of life. The pilgrim walked away repeating the word,
sensing awe in even the most commonplace wonders she
passed along the way.
To another pilgrim, Amma said, "You're lucky!
Today, you get a bonus, for I'm giving you two words:
thank you."
The pilgrim was disappointed and said, "Amma,
did I come all this way to be given so common an expression?
How can this everyday phrase be a word of life?"
She answered him, I assure you, if you make thank
you your constant prayer word, you will find life
in great abundance."
To one particularly and adventurous pilgrim who had
made a long and arduous journey to the hermit's cave,
Amma Ananda gave a small leather box, saying, "Here
is a special 'word' for you." The pilgrim opened
the small box and to her surprise found inside the
twenty-six letters of the alphabet. Amma responded
to the astonished look on the pilgrim's face by saying,
"With this tool kit the Word can inspire you
to form just the right word for every life situation."
Amma's response to another pilgrim's request for a
word was simply to sit in silence. After about half
an hour the pilgrim complained, "Amma, I have
travelled a great distance earnestly desiring to hear
from you a word by which to live, yet you say nothing!"
As the disgruntled pilgrim rose to leave, Amma took
a piece of paper and wrote on it. Then she folded
the paper and handed it to the pilgrim. He unfolded
the paper and read the message, "Silence will
teach you how to live." The pilgrim silently
bowed to Amma and left the cave.
COLLECTION
We acknowledge last Sunday’s collection of £1502.00
and also the Pope's collection of £680.00. 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 tomorrow,
Monday 25th June.
MARRIAGES
We congratulate the following couples who were married
in our parish recently:
Ashleigh Moss and Sean Devine
Nicola Devine and Stephen
Farrell
ANNIVERSARIES
Cassie Duffy, James Campbell, Mammie Forbes, Joseph
Haughey
Thomas Gallagher, Gerald Parke, Gregory Kearney.
DEATHS
We offer our deepest sympathy to the family and friends
of:
Gerry Crossan, Ballymagorry.
Tommy Hill, Lisnafin Park. 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. John Farren PP, Iskaheen 24th
June
Fr. Neil Farren CC, Omagh 25th June
Fr. Paul Farren CC, Derry 26th June
Fr. Christopher Ferguson CC, 27th
June
Fr. John P Forbes PP, Banagher 28th
June
Fr. Edward Gallagher CC,Limavady
29th June
Fr. John Gallagher, Florida 30th
June.
IONA CARMELITE RETREAT CENTRE
A Mass with healing service will take place in the
Carmelite Retreat Centre, Termonbacca, Derry on Tuesday
26th June at 8.00pm. All are welcome to attend.
TAIZE PRAYER AND CHANT
Join us for an hour of meditative Taize Prayer and
Chant on Wednesday 27th June in the Day Chapel, St.
Mary's Church, Melmount from 7.30pm - 8.30pm. Everyone
welcome.
HIKE TO CROAGH PADRAIG
Do you fancy a trip to Westport, Co. Mayo combined
with a hike of one of Ireland’s most famous
mountains ‘Croagh Padraig’ locally known
as ‘The Reek.’ The trip will be on Sunday
22 July for those aged 18-30 and it will cost approx.
£35.00. This fee will include transport from
Derry, an official guide and dinner in Westport. Experience
your faith in a new way, join other young people from
local parishes for a great day’s fun, adventure
and prayer. For further details or to book please
contact 028 71264087 or collect a booking form from
the Parish Office. Places are limited, please book
by Friday 6 July.
PATHWAY TO PRAYER - ADULT
FAITH DEVELOPMENT
What? An opportunity to explore the Old and
New Testaments, Liturgy, Creative expression, Centering
Prayer
When? Mondays from 7.30 - 9.30pm
(One-Year Course)
Starting? 1st October 2007
Where? Thornhill Centre, Derry
Cost? £160.00(full year) -
£40.00 deposit
Details? The secretary, 0287171351233
YOUNG PEOPLE AND SUICIDE
There will be a 'Youth Vigil' held in Ballymagroarty
parish Church on Sunday 24th June from 7.00pm - 11.30pm.
This vigil is being held for all those affected in
any way by suicide and also for all young people.
This will be an evening of prayer, drama, music, silence,
talks and healing. The evening is aimed at giving
hope and consolation and we particularly invite those
finding it hard to cope with the struggles of life
and want to pray for our young people. Everyone is
welcome. This evening will be run by young people
for young people!
MEDJUGORJE PILGRIMAGE
September 22nd 2007 - 7 nights. Ex: Belfast £420.00.
£100.00 deposit to secure place. Spiritual Director,
Fr. Gerard Cassidy (Clonard). For information and
booking Tel: group leader, Anne Duffy, 07736005396
or 71880372.
BOSNIA HERZEGOVINA SCHOOL AND SPORTS APPEAL
If you wish to help orphans, refugees and poor families
you can purchase school supplies for £1.00 in
all Essentials Stores. List available in stores. You
can also donate any washed sports gear in good condition.
Any school bags or pencil cases which will not be
needed next term can also be donated. Again washed
and in good condition. The truck will be leaving in
July. Thanks to everyone who donated items and money
earlier in the year. Everything arrived safely in
May. For further information contact Anne Duffy, 07736005396
or 71880372.
ST PATRICK’S HALL
Bingo & Lucky 4 Draw Every Thursday
There were 2 Match 3 winner in last
week's Lucky 4 Draw
14, 18, 19, 23
Betty Shearer
Ann McLaughlin
Next Week's Lucky 4 Jackpot is £975.00
STRABANE SIGERSONS G.A.A.
The Clubs Senior and Reserve footballers are at home
to Eglish this Sunday in the O'Neill's Sportswear
Tyrone All County League Division 2. Commiserations
to the Clubs Under 14 girls who were defeated by five
points in the Tyrone Grade Three Under 14 Championship
final by Kildress last Monday night. Well done to
Tyrone Seniors and Minors on fine wins last Sunday
and best wishes in the Ulster Final which will take
place on Sunday 15th July at Clones. For up to date
information on all activities on the Club log on to
the website at www.strabanegaa.org
PRAYER CORNER
LOVE POEM TO GOD
I love you, gentlest of Ways,
who ripened us as we wrestled with you.
You, the greatest homesickness
we could never shake off,
you, the forest that always surrounded us,
you, the song we sang in every
silence,
you dark net threading through us,
on the day you made us you created
yourself,
and we grew sturdy in your sunlight. . .
Let your hand rest on the rim
of Heaven now
and mutely bear the darkness we bring over you.
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!
IT'S THE THOUGHT THAT COUNTS
The old couple had been married for years,
and they were getting a bit forgetful about things
so they decided that the way to meet their responsibilities
was to write important things down. One night they
were reading the paper, the old man got up and started
out to the kitchen. "Want anything while I'm
up?" he asked. "Oh yes, bring me some ice
cream," said the woman. "Don't forget to
write it down before you go." "I can remember
ice cream," he said. "But I want strawberries
too," she said. "You better write this down."
"I'm not that bad off, I can remember ice cream
and strawberries," he replied. "Maybe,"
she answered, but I want whipped cream on it too;
so write it down." "Ridiculous," he
muttered and disappeared into the kitchen. When he
came back twenty minutes later, he was carrying a
platter of bacon and eggs. "Now look what you've
done. You didn't write if down," his wife said.
"I knew you'd forget the toast." So much
for rigid responsibility. In the end it's the thought
that counts.
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.
