REFLECTION FOR LENT
WANTING
TO GET WELL
Jesus said to the paralysed man. 'Do you want to be
well?' It seems a needless question. Was it not clear
that he wanted to get well? Perhaps not. He had been
crippled for 38 years, and by now was completely dependent
on others. To be cured would mean managing on his
own. So it was just possible that he might not want
to be cured because of the changes it would bring
about in his life.
But he did want to be cured, and let Jesus know it.
Then Jesus said to him. 'Get up, pick up his sleeping
mat and walk.' 'Get up!' That was the thing he most
desired but was least able to do. But at the word
of Jesus he did it. The effort to get up was part
of his cure.
Prior to his cure, the man was stuck in a hole. We
too can get stuck in a hole. However, we can become
so comfortable in our habits that we cannot contemplate
living differently. If we want the power of Jesus
to be effective we must sincerely want to change.
And we must be willing to play a part in our recovery.
The power of God never dispenses with human effort.
Miracles only happen when our will and God's power
co-operate to make them possible.
There are many different things in life which defeat
us. But when we have the desire and the determination
to make the effort, the power of God gets its opportunity,
and with God we can conquer what for long has conquered
us.
Sometimes a cure may not be possible. The challenge
then is to carry one's cross with dignity. One has
to be content to hobble along the road with humility
and patience. Such people will never win a race. But
by their courage and dignity they will make grace
visible in the world. And they will give the rest
of us courage to risk standing up, by the grace of
God, and limping along our path.
PADRE PIO MASS
The Padre Pio Mass will take place
on Wednesday 1 April at 7.00pm. Stations of the Cross
at 6.45pm.
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
John Charles McMenamin, Daniel Hegarty,
Katie McNulty, Shaun Donnelly,
John Gallagher, Mary O'Kane,
Catherine McDaid, Willie McCauley.
DEATHS
We offer our deepest sympathy
to the family and friends of:
Maud Bonner, Foylevale
Joe McManus, Church
View
Bernadette McBride,
Newtown Street
Freddie Boyle, Derry
Sean Porter, Derry,
formerly of Sion Mills
Daniel Devine, Leeds,
formerly of Bowling Green
May they rest in peace
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. Patrick J McGuigan, Deceased,
29 March
Fr. Edward McGuinness CC, Buncrana, 30 March
Fr. Kevin McKenna PPVF, Dungiven, 31 March
Fr. Sean McKenna PP, Ballymagroarty, 1 April
Fr. Con McLaughlin PP, Carndonagh, 2 April
Fr. George McLaughlin, Retired, 3 April
Fr. Patrick McLaughlin CC, Lavey, 4 April
PARISH DRAW
The winners of the Draw for the
month of March are:
£1000.00 Jean Gillespie
812
Promoter Mary Christy
£300.00 Bernie Sharkey 689
Promoter Doreen Diver
£200.00 Mary Conway 630
Promoter Josie Gallagher
£100.00 Carmel Burns 383
Promoter Sheila McGonagle
£100.00 Stephen McLaughlin 234
Promoter Sheila McGonagle
£100.00 Tommy Blair 369
Promoter E. Mc Nulty & M. Cooke
£100.00 Frances Porter 547
Promoter Fr. Boland
£100.00 Paddy O'Neill 115
Promoter Mary & Danny O'Hagan
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.
PARISH ENVELOPES
The new boxes of envelopes will soon be distributed.
The parish envelope weekly collection is the main
source of income for our parish and it is vital that
as many as possible use them. If it has not been your
custom to use the weekly envelopes why not begin this
year? If you would like a box of envelopes please
contact the parish office, Tel., 71882215 .
This is also a time to register a very sincere "THANK
YOU" to all our parishioners and friends of the
parish who support us by their generosity and presence.
This witness is deeply appreciated and we ask you
for your continuing support at this time.
Gift Aid is a very simple method of helping the parish
financially. If you are using a parish envelope and
pay tax, for every £1 you pay to the Church,
if you are in the scheme, the Church recoups 28p.
There are no hidden snags and it doesn't interfere
whatsoever with any other financial arrangements you
may have. If you would like to contribute to the Gift
Aid Scheme please contact the parish office, Tel.,
71882215.
BLESSING OF GRAVES
The annual ceremony of the blessing
of graves for the parish of Camus will be held on
Sunday 14 June at 3.00pm.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION
First Holy Communion for all P.4 pupils
will take place in the parish on Saturday 30 May.
First confessions will be arranged at a later date.
HURT - Have Your Tomorrows
Drop In Centre supporting those affected
by drug and alcohol issues. Located at Strabane &
District Caring Services, 32-36 Bridge Street, Strabane.
To make an appointment contact 02871 369696 or 07857093841.
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. For details
contact Margaret Harte on 02871 883159.
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.
NORTH WEST MUSIC FESTIVAL
The first ever North West Music Festival, initiated
by St. Joseph's Brass Band, will run in the Alley
Theatre from 3 - 4 April 2009. Local composer, Brendan
Breslin, will showcase his new work "Music from
the Mills" on the Friday night; all day Saturday
sees 18 of the best brass bands, including St. Joseph's
and Strabane Concert Brass, contesting the Brass Band
League All Ireland Titles, and on Saturday night,
the Swedish National Youth Brass Band will perform
its first ever concert in Ireland. Tickets can be
purchased from the Alley Theatre, telephone 02871384444.
STRABANE SIGERSONS G.A.A
Strabane Sigersons wish to thank the people of Strabane
and the surrounding areas for their excellent support
for the recent annual St. Patrick's Day parade in
the town. There will be a major clean up at the Club
grounds in Ballycolman on Saturday 4 April and we
are appealing to all members and supporters to come
along at 10.00am and lend a helping hand.
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
Margaret Cunningham
Norman Barr
Abbi-Lei McCafferty
The numbers drawn were:
5, 7, 12, 18
Next Week's Lucky 4 Jackpot is £1100.00
STRICTLY COME DANCING
Our 'Come Dancing' competition is
now well underway. If you are interested in taking
part you can still come long. We are appealing in
particular for male participants so all you men please
come along and give your support to a very worthy
cause. For further details contact Raymond Kirk on
02871 382452 or Brian McCallion on 02871 882483. All
proceeds will be divided between the Foyle Hospice
and Strabane Parish.
PRAYER CORNER - VULNERABILITY
Faithful Protector,
I feel vulnerable.
I am easy prey
for those who can hurt me.
Teach me how to protect myself
without building walls
that keep me from needed growth.
Help me to have good boundaries.
Shield me from harm.
Draw me away
from what can destroy me.
Lead me toward
what will encourage my gifts.
May I become
an ever more loving person.
