BLEAK PRAYER

When we ''pray our life'' this includes the parts we wish were not there. None of us wants pain of any kind, but we cannot always escape it. Because every experience of life touches our relationship with God, we ought not be alarmed when bleakness enters it. Our experience of prayer is influenced by the condition of our body, mind, and spirit. If we are dealing with woes of any type, we can expect our experience of prayer to be affected. No one wants to feel empty and lifeless when they pray, but sometimes our relationship with God appears to be a vacant space of austere darkness. There will be days, and maybe long stretches, when the experience of praying is mostly miserable, dreary, and undesirable.

Ann Weems wrote her powerful Psalms of Lament when she was grieving the homicide of her son, Todd. As in the Hebrew psalms, she cried out in rage and anguish, wailing over injustice and loss. Weems entered into her sorrow and brought the hollowness of her heart into her prayer. She did not deny her anger and heartache or try to cushion the blow of her pain with false sentiments of piety. Instead, Weems did as many in the scriptures before her - she voiced her hurt and trusted God to receive her wailing with the greatest tenderness. Weems encourages anyone feeling the immensity of loss to draw near to the Compassionate One and ''in loud lament cry out the pain that lives in our souls.''

Bleak times challenge us to continue to have faith that God will journey with us through the misery of the present situation, that no matter what the condition of our life circumstance, we will not give up on God. Macrina Weiderkehr's prayer in A Tree Full of Angels speaks to this trust:

O Sustainer of Life . . . let me trust also the
darkness of my own faith that is energised
by my love. Even if my waiting in darkness
were to be the only truth I ever taste, I
would still believe. . . . The illumination that
enables me to speak is found in waiting for
you, my God. My tears and my love urge
me to wait through the darkest of nights. So
I will wait and never be without you.

There are times and situations when we are too weak and full of ache to cry to God. This is particularly true when physical pain consumes every moment and we cannot muster the mental or emotional strength to focus on much of anything. When this happens, others can pray in our stead. I recall visiting an elderly sister from my community when she was in the hospital. She was deathly ill and could barely speak or move. Sister E. whispered her distress to me when I sat down beside her. She said a priest visitor had come in and when she expressed her concern about being unable to pray, he insisted, ''You can too pray.'' I do not know what he meant, but his comment filled Sister E. with agonising guilt. I assured her it was natural that she would not be able to think of a thing, not even to have strength to pray a rote prayer or the rosary. I suggested her prayer might be to surrender to the cross of illness that she was carrying, to trust that God knew her situation and the desire of her heart. I promised her that those of us who loved her would pray in her place. This promise seemed to bring her the peaceful resolution she needed.

Thomas Merton made the perceptive observation that when we think our prayer is the worst, it might actually be our best because when we are in a dismal state, we are unable to be our own ''god.'' We are no longer deceived into thinking we are the ones in charge. When we are bent over with pain, all we can do is throw ourselves into the divine arms, trusting we will receive compassion and strength to go on. During sieges of emptiness and dryness, instead of running away from what hurts and causes us trouble, we are wise to gather up our woe and head straight for the Holy One's embrace.

Joyce Rupp.

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

CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations to the boys and girls who made their First Holy Communion this Saturday and also to their parents, families, teachers and school Principals.

BLESSING OF GRAVES

The annual ceremony of the blessing of graves for the parish will be held on

Sunday 6 June at 3.00pm.

DEATHS

We offer our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of:

Brigid Lucid, Coventry.

May she rest in peace.

ANNIVERSARIES

John Walsh, James Conway

Michael Hannigan, Frank McNamee

May Stewart, Richard Porter

Edward McDevitt, Rachel McElwee

Ellen McDevitt, Mary Elliott

John Gallagher, Brendan Kelly

Susie McHugh, Charlie Lynn

Paddy McCrossan, Noel Parke

John (Bunny) Nelson, Roy Hyndman, Nora O'Neill

PRAY FOR PRIESTS

This week we ask you to pray for:

Fr. Brendan Crowley CC, Malin, 30 May
Most Rev. Edward Daly, 31 May
Fr. Robert Devine, Killygordon, 2 June
Fr. Brendan Devlin, 3 June
Fr. Kieran Devlin, Retired, 4 June
Fr. Peter Devlin PP, Malin, 5 June

PADRE PIO MASS

Padre Pio Mass will take place in the Church on Wednesday 2 June at 7.00pm.

Rosary at 6.45pm.

PARISH DRAW

The winners of the Draw for the month of May are

£1000.00 Gerard Devlin 970
Promoter M. Cooke & E. McNulty
£300.00 B & B Mills 681
Promoter Doreen Diver
£200.00 Patrick McDaid 735
Promoter Fr. Boland
£100.00 Bernie Gallagher 201
Promoter Nuala Kerr
£100.00 Margo McColgan 483
Promoter Fr. Boland
£100.00 Anna McLaughlin 613
Promoter Josie Gallagher
£100.00 Elizabeth Callaghan 414
Promoter Carmel McGarrigle
£100.00 Maeve Mellon 635
Promoter Sr. Carmel

BISHOP LAGAN'S GOLDEN JUBILEE
Bishop Lagan's Golden Jubilee is taking place on Sunday 27 June and we wish to acknowledge this in a practical way by making a presentation to mark the big event. If you wish to be associated with this there will be a special envelope at the back of the church next weekend which we would ask you to take and then bring back the following week. Bishop Lagan has long been associated with this parish and it is only right and fitting that we should honour him in this way.

CARMELITE RETREAT CENTRE
The monthly devotions, in honour of Our Lady will take place in the Carmelite Retreat Centre, Termonbacca, Derry on Tuesday 1 June starting with confessions at 7.30pm followed by Rosary and Mass, finishing around 10.00pm. All are welcome to attend.

PASTORAL YOUTH MINISTRY LEADER
The parishes of St Eugene's Cathedral, St Mary's Creggan, and Holy Family in Derry City are embarking on an exciting new project. Investing in our young people, we are looking to employ an enthusiastic person to lead and direct youth in the three parishes in the ways of faith. The Pastoral Youth Ministry Leader will be employed for a one year contract. The successful candidate must fulfil the following criteria:

• Be an active member of a Catholic Parish Faith Community
• Have experience of skilled leadership in a Youth Setting
• Have a third level qualification in a relevant discipline e.g. education, theology, youth work, community work OR One Year's experience of Youth Project Management
• Be competent in the use of ICT

The Pastoral Youth Ministry Leader will be based within the parishes of St. Eugene's Cathedral, St. Mary's Creggan and Holy Family in Derry City.
The above criteria may be enhanced to facilitate short listing of candidates.

Application Form, Job Description and Personnel Specification may be obtained by telephoning (028) 71264087 during normal office hours and completed applications must be returned to: Derry Diocesan Youth Commission, Derry Diocesan Catechetical Centre, The Gate Lodge, 2 Francis Street, Derry, BT48 7DS not later than 5.00pm on 3 June 2010.

STRABANE DIABETES ASSOCIATION
There will be a meeting of the Strabane Branch of the diabetic association on Wednesday 2 June at 8.00pm in Mulvey House, Bridge Street. The guest speaker is Rhonda Brown, podiatrist, and everyone is welcome.

THE PRIESTS IN CONCERT
"The Priests" in Concert with Special Guest Rebecca Nelson, Millennium Forum Derry 15 and 16 June at 8.00pm. For Ticket sales Tel: 02871264455 or go online www.millenniumforum.co.uk(Booking Fees/Charges may apply). Tickets going fast.....

MOUNT MELLERAY GROTTO
A bus will leave Barrack Street car park at 1.00pm on Saturday 14 August for an all night vigil at the grotto. Mass at 10.00am. Breakfast will be served afterwards in Flynns Guest House. Please bring a packed lunch. Cost £32.50. Contact J McGhee on 07881510043.

S.M.A. DROMANTINE FUN DAY
Fun Day will be held on Sunday 13 June with music, irish dancing, stalls, refreshments, amusements etc. Bus leaves Strabane at 12.00 noon and returns after Mass. Mass at 6.00pm. Telephone 02871886753.

SEE NO EVIL
A PORTRAYAL OF ELDER ABUSE
This production is touring Northern Ireland and will be showing in St. Patrick's Hall on Wednesday 9 June at 8.00pm. Admission Free. To book telephone 02871883102. Sponsored by Strabane Community Safety Partnership and Strabane Community Project.

ST. PATRICK’S HALL

Bingo and Lucky 4 Draw as usual this Thursday.
All our patrons are very welcome.

LUCKY 4 DRAW
There was 1 match 3 winner in last week's Draw
Lorraine Gardiner
The numbers drawn were:
6, 15, 16, 24
Next Week's Lucky 4 Jackpot is £2250.00

PRESENTATION DANCE
3rd Annual Presentation Dance will be held in St. Patrick's Hall on Friday 4 June. Doors open at 9.30pm. Dancing to Private Eye. Admission £4.00. Dancing 10.00pm 'til late!

ST. PATRICK'S LUNCHEON CLUB

RUMMAGE
Rummage Charity Shop urgently requires donations of good quality clothes, clothes for recycling, furniture, unwanted gifts and bric-a-brac. All proceeds from donations go towards the care and support of older people in Strabane. Rummage is a charity shop of Strabane Community Project - providing Luncheon Club, Meals on Wheels, and Good Morning service. For more information or to arrange a collection telephone 02871 883102.

YOUTH 2000 SUMMER FESTIVAL
Youth 2000 Summer Festival, Clonmacnois, Co. Offaly, Thursday 12 - Sunday 15 August. For young people aged 16 - 35, an opportunity not to be missed to experience the Catholic faith and meet many new friends. Donation only. Free buses available from around N. Ireland. For more information contact 075148200572 or www.youth2000.ie

PRAYER CORNER

FLAME OF THE SPIRIT
Flame of the Spirit, burn within us,
Set our hearts on fire, and we shall be changed.
Wind of the Spirit, blow through us,
Move us by your power, and we shall be changed.
Breath of God, fill our lives,
Inspire our actions, and we shall we changed.

When the shutters are down and the doors are closed,
Come. Fill us, Holy Spirit.
When we are dried up and all hope is gone,
Come. Fill us, Holy Spirit.
When chaos rules and we live in fear,
Come. Fill us, Holy Spirit.
When our resources are gone and we cannot cope,
Come. Fill us, Holy Spirit.
When we are restricted and it feels like the grave,
Come. Fill us, Holy Spirit.
Come inspire, refresh, renew us.

MORNING OFFERING

O Lord, grant me to greet the coming day in peace. Help, me in all things to rely upon your holy will. In every hour of the day reveal your holy will to me. Bless my dealings with all who surround me. Teach me to treat all that comes to me throughout the day with peace of soul, and with the firm conviction that your will governs all. In all my deeds and words guide my thoughts and feelings. In unforeseen events let me not forget that all are sent by you. Teach me to act firmly and wisely, without embittering and embarrassing others. Give me the strength to bear the fatigue of the coming day with all that it shall bring. Direct my will, teach me to pray, pray in me.