YOU WILL DO THE WORK
JESUS DOES
Jesus tells something to his disciples
that must have surprised and shocked them:
''Truly, truly, I tell you,
the one who trusts me will also do the works that
I do,
in fact, will do greater works than these,
because I go to the Father."
This is what Jesus is leading up to:
his disciples will continue his mission and his works.
But what is this mission?
It is to give life, eternal life,
and to reveal the face and heart of God to people.
It is to be a presence of God in the world
where there is an absence of God.
God's works are not big miracles,
which some heroic disciples may be called to do,
but all those works of simple kindness and goodness
which give people life and lead them to trust
in themselves and in God.
That is why disciples of Jesus must
be audacious
and ask to accomplish these works of God:
"I will do whatever you ask
in my name
so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
If in my name you ask me for anything,
I will do it"
If we trust God and ask to accomplish
his works of love, we will give life,
the very life of God.
But how is this going to be?
These disciples are very human men.
They do not really understand Jesus.
Sometimes, like Peter, they tell him off:
"No, you shall never wash my
feet!"
Something will have to happen to change
and transform them,
so that they will be able to do the work of Jesus,
and even greater ones!
Jesus tell them how this is will be:
"If you love me, you will keep my commandments.
And I will ask the Father
and he will give you another Paraclete to be
with you forever.
This is the Spirit of truth whom the world
cannot receive because it neither sees him nor
knows him.
You know him because he abides with you
and he will be in you."
That is the answer:
the disciples are going to receive another Paraclete,
the Spirit of truth, who will live in them and
transform them.
They will no longer be caught up
in a lot of very human queries and needs
flowing from their fears, culture and education;
they will be separated from the emptiness of the world
and brought into the place of God.
DEATHS
We offer our deepest sympathy
to the family and friends of:
Mairead Harkin, Limavady,
formerly of Cloughcor
Sean Higgins, Letterkenny,
formerly of Ballindrait
May they rest in peace.
ANNIVERSARIES
Madeline Healy, William Kearney,
Sr. Monica O'Kane, Edward O'Brien,
Johnny Forbes, Johnny Quinn,
Edward McElhinney, Martin Stevenson.
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. Michael McEldowney PP, Claudy,
26 July
Fr. Kevin McElhennon CC, Cappagh, 27 July
Fr. Brendan McGinn, Deceased, 28 July
Fr. Dermot McGirr CC, The Three Patrons, 29 July
Fr. James McGlinchey, Retired, 30 July
Fr. Brian McGoldrick PP, Doneyloop, 31 July
Fr. Neil McGoldrick PP, Fahan, 1 August
PARISH BULLETIN
Please Note:
There will be no parish bulletin until 6 September.
THORNHILL CENTRE
Beginning Monday 5 October from 10.00am
- 9.30pm for eight weeks a course in passing on Core
Aspects of the Catholic Faith designed to help parents,
grandparents and anyone involved in helping form young
people into the ways of faith. Cost £50.00 (payable
in instalments).
Also starting this Autumn courses
in Liturgy (1 year night course - October), ‘So
what should we teach them?’ (1 term night course
- October/November), Working with your Dreams (1 term
night course - October/November), Pastoral Ministry
Course (8 Saturday Seminars - Monthly), Scripture
- The Year of Luke (4 week night course - November).
For information contact the Thornhill Centre on 71351233.
PADRE PIO DEVOTIONS
Please Note: There will be no St.
Padre Pio devotions in August. The next devotions
will be on 2 September.
YOUTH 2000 SUMMER FESTIVAL
Youth 2000 Summer Festival, Clonmacnois,
Co. Offaly, Thursday 13 - Sunday 16 August 2009. For
young people aged 16 - 35, an opportunity not to be
missed to experience the Catholic faith and meet many
new friends. Bishop Frank Caggiano, Vicar of Evangelisation
in the Diocese of Brooklyn will be the main speaker.
Donation only. Free buses available from around N.
Ireland. For more information contact 07929095820
or www.youth2000.ie
PILGRIMAGE TO MEDJUGORJE
Departs Belfast Saturday 19 September
2009. Joe Walsh Tours. Cost £499.00. Deposit
of £180.00 due when booking to secure seat,
places limited! Accommodation directly opposite Church.
Contact Anne Duffy 07736005396 or 71880372.
25th ANNIVERSARY OF MOUNT
MELLERAY GROTTO CO. WATERFORD
A bus will leave Barrack Street car
park at 1.00pm on Saturday 15 August for an all night
vigil at the grotto. Mass at 10.00am. Breakfast will
be served afterwards in Flynns Guest House. Bring
a packed lunch. Cost £28.00 must be paid one
week in advance or when booking seat. Contact Jonathan
McGhee on 07881510043.
FAMILY SPORTS AND FUN DAY
Strabane parish in association with
MS Society and Parkinsons Disease is holding a Family
Sports and Fun Day at President Wilson's Homestead
Farm on Sunday 16 August starting at 2.30pm. See posters
for all events. As this is a day for the entire parish
we expect as many as possible to attend. In order
to run an event like this we require much help and
support and would also greatly appreciate any sponsorship.
LIAM BRADLEY TOURS
Galway/Clare. September 1 2009 for
4 days. 3 Dinners, 3 B/B plus tours. £210.00
pps. Departs Abercorn Square, Strabane at 9.20am.
For information and booking telephone 71269109 anytime.
ST. PATRICK’S
HALL
Bingo and Lucky 4 Draw as usual this Thursday.
All our patrons are very welcome.
Bingo Snowball £2500.00
LUCKY 4 DRAW
There were 5 match 3 winners in last week's Draw
Rosemary Coyle
Mickey Porter
Steven Porter
Ann Casey
Danielle McGrath
The numbers drawn were:
6, 7, 11, 19
Next Week's Lucky 4 Jackpot is £1475.00
PRAYER CORNER
PRAYER OF ST. PATRICK
May the strength of God pilot us,
May the power of God preserve us,
May the wisdom of God instruct us,
May the hand of God protect us,
May the way of God direct us,
May the shield of God defend us,
May the host of God guard us,
against snares of evil
and the temptations of the world.
CARRYING THE CROSS
Response: Jesus, grant us strength to carry our cross.
On those days when life seems too
demanding
with all its cares, burdens, and concerns . . .
When we experience great loneliness deep inside and
the pain of separation fills our spirits . . .
When we struggle with decision-making
and the time comes to make good choices about our
lives . . .
When we are with others in their
physical pain or when we vigil with one who has a
terminal illness . .
When we are asked to go the extra
mile, to be generous with our time and presence .
. .
When we feel weary and worn out,
when it seems like all of our energy has been drained
away . . .
When we are challenged to risk our
security and to accept new growth in our relationship
with you . . .
When we experience the effects of
ageing or extended illness on our bodies or our minds
. . .
When we feel discouraged, desolate,
and depressed and want to withdraw from others . .
.
When worries and concerns choke our
peacefulness and leave us with anxiety and fear .
. .
When we harbor old wounds and are
called to offer or to receive forgiveness . . .
Crucified Jesus, help us to take up
our cross day by day. Through these crosses we can
grow closer to you. Help us to lean on you and to
learn from you. May we not give in to self-pity or
self-doubt. Rather, let us trust in your presence
which strengthens us. Encourage us on our tomb-like
days. Remind us of your resurrection. Help us to keep
our vision focused on life and growth . Amen.
