Reflection:

Living God, source of light and life,
we come to you as broken members of your body;
your strength is our strength,
your health is our health,
and your being is our being.
Grant us your wisdom in our work,
your love in our pain
and your peace in our hearts.
Send your blessing on all those who care for the sick,
and those whom they serve,
and give us the joy of everlasting love.
In the name of Jesus your Son.
(CARA) (adapted)

COMPARING

In a universe in which you can compare yourself with others, every action, statement, or event seems to have something to do with you. You take the world personally. You enter a crowed room and begin wondering who is smarter, better looking, more competent, and so on. This puts an awful lot of pressure on your self-esteem, because of having a consistent sense of self, the way you feel about yourself depends on how you measure up to everything around you. You may think you're pretty good until your friend comes over and you think he or she looks better. Now you think you look bad, simply because you're seeing yourself only by contrast. Frank, for example, always viewed himself as a smart guy. As a child, he was a compulsive reader, immersing himself in whatever books his family had in the house. He would read everything from Greek mythology and the literary classics to scientific literature and theory. He was just interested and curious about knowledge in general. In college he started off as a pre-med major, but ended up with a degree in English literature. While he was in school, he met his fiancee, Emily, and they began living together.

Frank was a manager of a popular restaurant in the town where he and his girlfriend lived. He made good money there, so he kept his job after graduation. However, Emily, who had also been an English literature major, got a job on the local newspaper reviewing books. At first he thought he was happy for his girlfriend, but he began realising that he felt oddly uncomfortable when she'd tell him about her job. He tried to be supportive and encouraging, but really whenever she talked about a book she needed to find to review, or a compliment she had received on a recent review, Frank felt his self-esteem shrinking.

Hearing about Emily's accomplishments became a siren to his ears. For Frank, her success began simply to mirror his lack of intellectual expression. When Frank read the papers and saw her name, all he could think of was himself working at the restaurant. Next to hers, his life felt like a waste. Because he could only see himself in contrast with or in relation to her life, he began to feel he was living under tremendous pressure. The pressure wasn't even definable; he just knew he was lacking.

He began fighting, striking out verbally, whenever Emily tried to talk about her work. It got so bad that he began to act as if he didn't want to hear anything intellectual in an attempt to prove to himself that he didn't care anyway. Frank's behaviour was offensive and painful for Emily. She knew he was an intelligent and interesting person, so his resentment confused her.

It's difficult to catch yourself indulging in the comparing self-esteem wrecker. One way is to pay close attention when someone is telling you a story about his or her own experiences. Do you instantly judge your own performance according to their account? Do you suddenly see yourself as lesser than or better than? Do you see yourself as flawed by comparison? Do you usually feel bad when comparing?

If you constantly compare yourself with others in terms of abilities, traits and achievements, you need to take a look at your balancing strengths. Find things you can celebrate about yourself. Instead of thinking, ''She's smarter and better looking than me'', say to yourself, ''Hey, I'm good at listening and problem solving, and I'm a totally committed friend''... You need to concentrate on affirming your own right to be exactly as you are, without apology or judgement. If you're going to the movies with a friend who's full of sophisticated commentary, you may be tempted to see yourself as someone who knows nothing at all about film. Stop it! Focus on something you're proud of and skip torturing yourself with worthless who's - doing- it - better comparisons.

PRAYER GROUP - The contemplative prayer group will meet on Monday at 8.15pm in the Parochial House. New members welcome. This is an opportunity to experiment with a new form of prayer, especially if you find that your present methods are unsatisfactory.

DEATHS

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

Jim Maguire, Drumrallagh

Philomena Kelly, Lifford

Mary McCrossan, Prospect Road

Willie John McGoldrick, London formerly of Aghyaran

May they rest in peace.

ANNIVERSARIES

James Sturrock, Gretta Devlin,
Maxine McMenamin, Nellie Wray,
Paul McCafferty, Margaret Mullen,
Margaret McNally, Maisie Egan,
Teresa Burke, George Sproule,
Charlie Caulfield, Sheila Crawford,
Patrick McGlynn Jnr, Tommy Molloy,
Barney Forbes, Dr. John Browne,
Joseph Connolly, James Connolly,
Michael Friel, Barney Browne,
Annie Devenney, Eddie Kelly.

PRAY FOR PRIESTS

Fr. Andrew Dolan PP, Bellaghy , 5 February
Fr. Brian Donnelly PP, Plumbridge, 6 February
Mgr. Joseph Donnelly PPVF, Omagh, 7 February
Fr. Liam Donnelly CC, Limavady, 8 February
Fr. T Philip Donnelly, Retired, 9 February
Fr. John Downey CC, Ballinascreen, 10 February

FEAST OF OUR LADY OF LOURDES - The Rosary will be recited in the Grotto on Saturday 11 February after the Vigil Mass for the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes.

CONFIRMATION AND FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2012 - Monsignor Donnelly will administer the Sacrament of Confirmation to all Primary 7 pupils on Saturday 31 March at 11.00am. First Holy Communion for all Primary 4 pupils will take place on Saturday 26 May at 11.00am.

PARISH DRAW - The Draw for the month of February will take place in the parish office on Thursday 23 February at 2.30pm. Promoters are asked to make their returns to the parish office no later that Monday 20 February.

LEGION OF MARY - Legion of Mary meets each Thursday morning after Mass at 10.30am in the Church Conference Room. New members urgently required. Please contact Margaret Harte on 02871883159 for details.

PRAYER AND TAIZE CHANT - Join us for an hour of meditative prayer and Taize chant on Wednesday 8 February in St. Colman’s chapel, Melmount, at 7.30pm. Everyone welcome.

INTERNATIONAL EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS - The tickets for the final Mass (Statio Orbis) of the International Eucharistic Congress in Croke Park on Sunday 17 June 2012 are now available. There are only 1600 available for all of the Derry Diocese so don’t delay with your application form if you wish to be considered for a ticket. Application forms are available at the Parish Office and should be completed and returned to the Derry Diocesan IEC Office 55 St. Patrick’s Street, Draperstown, Magherafelt, Co. Derry BT45 7AJ. Office open on Wednesday and Friday from 12.00 noon to 2.00pm. Please include £10.00 with your application. Cheques should be made payable to Fr. Seamus Kelly. In the event that you are not successful your money will be refunded. For more information please telephone 02879628248 or email derrydioceseiec@btinternet.com.

PREPARING FOR INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS - Fr. Kelly and Colette Furlong will speak in the Thornhill Centre on Saturday 25 February from 2.30pm – 4.30pm. Light refreshments will be served. Cost £5.00 per person. To book telephone 02879628248 or email derrydioceseiec@btinternet.com

Please Note: There will be a bus available for those who wish to travel to the Thornhill Centre on Saturday 25 February. Please contact Margo Doherty on 02871883453.

POPE JOHN PAUL II AWARD CEREMONY - Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor, retired Archbishop of Westminster, will present the awards on Monday, 6 February for the Derry City and Inishowen Deaneries and on Tuesday, 7 February for the County Derry and Country Tyrone Deaneries. Both ceremonies will take place in the Millennium Forum, Derry and will commence at 7.30pm. There are a limited number of tickets available - if you wish to attend please contact the Catechetical Centre as soon as possible on 71264087 or email admin@thepopejohnpauliiaward.com

CARMELITE RETREAT CENTRE - The Marian Devotions take place in the Carmelite Retreat Centre Termonbacca, on Tuesday 7 February, beginning at 7.30pm. ?All are invited and welcome to attend.

THORNHILL CENTRE - Scripture Course: Thornhill Centre - For three Mondays in February from 7.30pm to 9.30pm, Sr. Rosemary Gallagher offers background and fascinating insights into the Gospel of Mark, including themes of ‘Bread’ and ‘Discipleship’. Begins Monday 6 February. Cost: £5.00 per night. For more details/to book a place, phone 02871351233.

ARDS FRIARY - Lenten Retreat. Saturday 25 – Sunday 26 February. Directed by Fr. Silvester O’Flynn and Fr. Kieran Shorten OFM Capuchin. Theme: Journey with the Lord through Lent. Commences at 9.30am and concludes after lunch. Cost €85.00 Residential/ €60.00 Non Residential. Contact Ards Friary 00353749138909 info@ardsfriary

PIONEER ASSOCIATION - If anyone is interested in joining the Pioneer Association please contact Maura Coyle on 02881658440.

ANNIVERSARY MASS - The 1st Anniversary Mass for Charlie Caulfield will take place on Thursday 9 February at 10.00am in the Sacred Heart Church, Derry Road.

NORTH WEST REGIONAL COLLEGE - NWRC are running a 17 week course ‘Level 2 Award in Awareness of Dementia’ from 10.00am - 1.00pm beginning Tuesday 7 February in the Strabane Campus. The course is designed for those who are or who would like to work with those with dementia or for carers who would like a better understanding of the condition and approaches to treatment. The fees are £65.00 plus £40.00 registration or £20.00 concessionary and £40.00 registration. For more information and registration contact Tina Duffy 02871276421 or email tina.duffy@nwrc.ac.uk.

NOTICES FOR PARISH BULLETIN - 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.

ST. PATRICK’S HALL
Bingo and Lucky 4 Draw as usual this Thursday.
All our patrons are very welcome.

LUCKY 4 DRAW
There were 2 Match 3 winners in last week's
Lucky 4 Draw
Mary Conway
Nadia Hoynes
The numbers drawn were:
12, 13, 15, 23
Next Week's Lucky 4 Jackpot is
£2450.00

CONGRATULATIONS! - Heartiest congratulations to director Eileen McGarrigle, her production team, the staff of St. Patrick's Hall and all the cast who were involved in the very successful pantomime "Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs''. It was played over ten nights to full audiences and all the reports were most complimentary. Well done everyone for all your hard work and commitment.

N.I. BLOOD TRANSFUSION SERVICE - A team from the N.I. Blood Transfusion Service will be in St. Patrick's Hall on Tuesday 7 February from 1.45pm - 4.00pm and 5.15pm – 8.00pm and on Wednesday 8 February from 4.30pm - 8.00pm. All existing and new blood donors are welcome.

PRAYER CORNER

CONGRESS PRAYER

Lord Jesus,
You were sent by the Father
To gather together those who are scattered.
You came among us,
Doing good and bringing healing,
Announcing the Word of salvation
And giving the bread which lasts forever.
Be our companion on life’s pilgrim way.
May your Holy Spirit inflame our hearts,
Enliven our hope and open our minds,
So that together with our sisters and brothers in faith
We may recognize you in the scriptures
And in the breaking of bread.
May your Holy Spirit transform us into one body
And lead us to walk humbly on the earth,
In justice and love,
As witnesses of your resurrection.
In communion with Mary,
Who you gave to us as our Mother
At the foot of the cross,
Through you
May all praise, honour and blessing be to the Father.

MEDITATION
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Sit with your hands on your lap. Open your hands, palms up.
Place all your fears, worries, and concerns in your hands.
Give these all to God.
Now place your loved one in your open hands.
Entrust your loved one into God’s loving care.

PRAYER
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Spirit of Peace,
You know how worry and fear
Can take over and hound
A person’s tranquility.

Today I place my loved one,
With all his (her) worries and fears,
Into your caring hands.
I place myself and my concerns
In your caring hands, as well.

Calm our hearts and minds.
Encourage us to face what troubles us.
Help us each to let go of what we fear.

Breathe your peace
Through our anxious hearts,
And deepen our trust
In your abiding presence.

FOR TODAY
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
I will be attentive to any worries or concerns about the future that my loved one has. I will offer assurance of my love. I will also be attentive to my own worries and concerns and try to entrust them into God’s loving care.

PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY

In order to unite with one another,
We must love one another;
In order to love one another,
We must know one another;
In order to know one another,
We must go and meet one another.

BLESSING PRAYER FOR HEALING
May you* desire to be healed.
May what is wounded in your life be restored to good health.
May you be receptive to the ways in which healing needs to happen.
May you take good care of yourself.
May you extend compassion to all that hurts within your body, mind, spirit.
May you be patient with the time it takes to heal.
May the skills of all those who are caring for you be used to the best of their ability in returning you to good health.
May you be open to receive from those who extend kindness, care, and compassion to you.
May you rest peacefully under the sheltering wings of divine love, trusting in this gracious presence.
May you find little moments of beauty and joy to sustain you. May you keep hope in your heart.

Hold your hands over your own heart and remember the power of love within you. Then, extend your hands of love toward the one who needs healing. Give this healing love to the one being blessed. If blessing oneself, recognise and accept this power of love within you.
– Joyce Rupp

*If praying for oneself, insert “I” instead of “you.”

PRAYER OF GUIDANCE

Spirit of Guidance, I see before me numerous choices and a decision to be made.

There is division in my heart. Sometimes I want none of what I find. Sometimes I want it all. Sometimes I want to give up making decisions and wish that the future would go away.

I entrust my decision-making into your hands, ready to do my part but also knowing that I cannot do this without your help.

Lead me through all the unsure, unclear, doubtful, hesitant, and questioning moments that are mine as I search to find the right way in which to go.

Grant me the grace to choose freely, without being attached to the outcome. I trust that you will be with me as I make my decision prayerfully and with faith.

Assure me that your peace will rest deep within me as I make the decision that seems best for me at this time. I may continue to experience feelings of turmoil and confusion, but deep within I know that I can return to that settled place in me where you always dwell.

Guide and Director of my life, I place my life in your hands. Lead me to the path that will best deepen and strengthen my relationship with you.
– Joyce Rupp

AN OLD HEBREW PRAYER

Birth is a beginning
And death a destination
And life a journey:
From childhood to maturity
And youth to age;
From innocence to awareness
And ignorance to knowing;
From foolishness to discretion and then,
Perhaps to Wisdom:
From weakness to strength
Or strength to weakness – and back, we pray.
To health again;
From offence to forgiveness,
From loneliness to love,
From joy to gratitude
From pain to compassion,
And grief to understanding – from fear to faith;
From defeat to defeat to defeat –
Until, looking backwards or ahead,
We see that victory lies
Not at some high place along the way,
But in having made the journey, stage by stage.

PRAYER OF SURRENDER

Lord Jesus,
I give you my hands to do you work.
I give you my feet to go your way.
I give you my eyes to see as you see.
I give you my tongue to speak your words.
I give you my mind that you might think in me.
I give you my spirit that you might pray in me.
Above all, I give you my heart,
that you may love in me, your
Father and all creation.
I give you my whole self, that you may grow in me,
so that it is you Lord Jesus,
who live and work and pray in me.

Direct Lord, we beseech you all our actions by your
holy inspiration and carry them on by your
gracious assistance, that every prayer and work of
ours may begin always from you
and by you be happily ended,
Through Christ Our Lord
Amen.

THE NEW YEAR
Ever Faithful God
in this new year I pray:

to live deeply with purpose,
to live freely, with detachment,
to live wisely, with humility,
to live justly with compassion,
to live lovingly with fidelity,
to live mindfully with awareness,
to live gratefully with generosity,
to live fully, with enthusiasm.

Help me to hold this vision
and to daily renew it in my heart,
becoming ever more one with you,
my truest Self

I ARISE IN THE NEW YEAR
I arise with amazement at the presence of the Holy One.
I arise with gratitude for life.
I arise with hope that all shall be well.
I arise with courage to meet what will be difficult.
I arise with conviction to do what is life-giving.
I arise with eyes ever alert for beauty.
I arise with openness to greater truth.
I arise with desire for continued transformation.
I arise with compassion for the hurting ones in the cosmos.
I arise with grief still settled in my spirit.
I arise with a sense of kinship with all whom I love.
I arise with determination to make good choices in using my time.
I arise with willingness to help those who will need my care.
I arise with hesitation as I think about the pain that may come.
I arise with longing for ever greater inner freedom.
I arise with happiness, knowing that I am invited to live life more fully.
I arise with love for the Holy One, my Intimate Companion.

Compassionate God and faithful Friend, thank you for the opportunity to walk into another year of life. Help me to be faithful, to be generous, to be yours.

LEARNING ABOUT THE MASS - ARRIVING IN THE CHURCH - Usually when we come into God’s house we bow our heads or go down on one knee. This is called ‘genuflection’. It shows respect and love for Jesus. We genuflect or bow in front of the tabernacle, the special place where Jesus is present at all times. The tabernacle may be behind the altar or to one side of it. There will be a red light near the tabernacle, called the Sanctuary Lamp. This light tells us that Jesus, the Blessed Sacrament, is present inside. The Blessed Sacrament is another name for Jesus.