Sunday 23rd March 2008

Easter Sunday, The Resurrection of the Lord

Parish Missal p 239 and Proper 1034

First Reading Acts 10: 34.37-43
This is part of an early sermon preached by St Peter in which he proclaims the risen Jesus to be the Saviour of those who believe in him, and judge of the living and the dead.

Second Reading Colossians 3: 1-4
Through our Baptism we already share in the risen life of Christ, though in a hidden and mysterious way.

Gospel John 20: 1-9
On their finding Jesus’ tomb empty, the truth of his resurrection begins to dawn on his disciples.

optional Gospel choice for the Day Mass: Mk 16:1-7
optional Gospel choice for an Evening Mass: Lk 24: 13-35

St Turibius of Mongrovejo is not celebrated this year

Boldly Going

Believing that someone has risen from the dead is quite an achievement. It means that you have freed your mind from the limitations of reason. Human reason is limited, is it not? So, is it not desirable to boldly go where reason alone can’t take you? If we never take that step into what is seen as in a glass darkly we will not develop fully. We will be so fearful of appearing gullible, or stupid; so fearful of derision from those considered more ‘enlightened’ and intelligent, so afraid of drifting into insanity, that we will imprison our mind in shallowness and limit our ability to mature spiritually.

As people of faith we have staked our life on what we believe. If Jesus has not risen then what’s the point in seeking ‘the things that are above’? (Colossians 3:1-4) What’s the point in being a Christian if the highpoint of Jesus’ life was a lie, a non-event, a con-artist’s ruse? Then our faith would be a sham, our values mere delusion.

Look into the eyes of your loved ones: wife, husband, son, daughter, and tell them they have no lasting value. Then see if you can ever look them in the eye again?

Fr Tom Cahill SVD, Divine Word Missionaries,

Courtesy of Intercom Magazine

Mass Intentions - Sacred Heart Church 7.30pm Mass
Mon Rita McGahan – Month’s Mind
Tue Angus McDermott – Month’s Mind
Wed Susan McGlinchey – Month’s Mind
Thur Legion of Mary Acies Mass
Fri Peter Goligy – Month’s Mind

Wedding
We congratulate the following couple who were married recently:
Shauna Darcy & Sean Gormley. May the grace of the sacrament remain with them throughout their lives.

Baptisms
Calum Daniel Gallagher, 51A Brookmount Road
Conor Gerard McDonagh, 29 Clonmore Gardens

Divine Mercy Sunday

Christ the King Chapel, Strathroy
30th March 2008 at 3pm
- Recitation of Chaplet -
- Solemn Blessing and Veneration of Divine Mercy Picture -
- Benediction and Adoration -
All are Welcome
“The Mercy of God is inexhaustible”

Parish Notes

There will be no Devotions in the Sacred Heart Church this evening (Sunday).

There will be no 8 am Mass this week in the Sacred Heart Church.

Cemetery Sunday 2008
Our Services of Remembrance for the Dead will take place this year in the Drumragh and Dublin Road Cemeteries on Sunday 1st June. More details at a later date.

Questions People Ask
Q. In what way was the resurrection of Jesus different from the raising of Lazarus or people brought back to life by the apostles?

A. There is a difference between resurrection and resuscitation. Resurrection means going forward into a totally new level of life. Resuscitation means coming back in the old form of life. That’s what Lazarus experienced. Christianity is based on the belief that we are called to share in the new life opened up by the resurrection of Jesus. This belief far exceeds any theory of reincarnation. St Paul wrote, ‘If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith has been in vain.’

Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

St Joseph’s Hall Committee Meeting
There will be a meeting of the St Joseph’s Hall Committee in the Hall on Wednesday 9th April at 8 pm. We ask that all committee members attend as there are some important matters on the agenda.

Legion of Mary
The Legion of Mary Annual Ceremony for the re-dedication to Our Lady, known as the Acies, takes place on Thursday 27th March, commencing at 7.10 pm in the Sacred Heart Church, Omagh. All active and auxiliary members are requested to attend.

Special Diocesan Mass
The Annual Diocesan Mass for those with special needs, and their families and friends, will take place in St Joseph’s Church, Galliagh, Derry on Saturday 12th April 2008. Bishop Lagan will celebrate the Mass. If you have a child who wishes to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation or First Communion at this Mass, please contact the Catechetical Centre on (028) 7126 4087.

"One night a father overheard his son pray: Dear God, Make me the kind of man my Daddy is. Later that night, the Father prayed, Dear God, Make me the kind of man my son wants me to be.”~ Anonymous

N.I. Blood Transfusion Service
The next blood donation sessions will be held in Omagh College on the following dates:
Tuesday 1st April
1.30 pm – 4.30 pm & 5.30 pm – 8 pm
Wednesday 2nd April
1.30 pm – 4.30 pm & 5.30 pm – 8 pm
Thursday 3rd April
1.30 pm – 4.30 pm & 5.30 pm – 8 pm
Please come along – you could save a life.

Moldovan Appeal
The organisers of the recent Moldovan appeal would like to express thanks to all who supported their annual collection. We would like to say a sincere thanks to St Colmcille’s G.F.C. for the use of their facilities, members of the public for their generosity and the willing volunteers who all helped make this “fund-raiser” a success.

Dún Uladh Cultural Heritage Centre
A tribute to the Showbands Era will take place on Friday the 11th April. “Dickie Ray” performs hits from Dickie Rock, Big Tom, Joe Dolan, & Brendan Bowyer.

The talented Finbar Dwyer & local man, Ryan Molloy will take to the stage on Saturday the 5th April to showcase all that is good about Traditional Irish Music.

Creagán Drama Group will hold their production of “All the Kings Horses” on Friday 28th March in aid of the Cappagh Parish Church Building Fund. Please come along to this fantastic version of this classic comedy.

Derry Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes
16th – 21st July 2008
Application forms are available for any young person aged 14-15 who would like a place on the Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes. Special arrangements are made for the youth who will be led by the Pilgrimage Youth Team.
The Lourdes Pilgrimage would be grateful for volunteers who are qualified nurses to work as part of the care team.

For further information contact:
The Pilgrimage Office
164 Bishop Street
Derry BT48 6UJ
Tel 028 7126 0293

Coming Soon to St Joseph’s Hall

Hal Ketchum

& His American Band
Support – Anthony McBrien
Friday 4th April 2008
Tickets on Sale from Tommy at the Hall, Top News & McCrory’s
Call 07753 936 701

Dance

St Joseph’s Hall, Omagh
Friday 28th March

Music by Country Legends
Dancing from 10 pm – 12.30 am

Hospital Campaign – Notice of Protest Action
Meeting of the WHSSB
Date of meeting:
Thursday 27th March
Time: 10.00am
Venue: Gransha
If you require transport, please contact Catriona Woods at Omagh District Council on 028 8224 5321 Ext. 306 or email catrionawoods@omagh.gov.uk. If numbers are sufficient a mini-bus will be provided to take you to the protest or car share will be provided. Supporters should arrive before beginning of meeting.

St Joseph’s Hall
Mon 6.30pm - Iyengar Yoga
7.15pm - Kellie Aerobics/ Fitball
Tues 3.00pm - Colmcille Club
9.00pm - Bingo - Jackpot £1000
Wed 10.00-12.30pm - Weightwatchers
10.30am - Coffee Morning
6.00pm - Baxter School of Dancing
8.00pm - Ladies Club
Thur 4.30pm - Ballet Dancing
7 - 8pm - Traditional Music class
7.30pm - Bowls
8.30pm - Line Dancing
Sat 1.45pm - Groogan O’Doherty Class

Dates for your diary

Monday 31st March is the beginning of a seven week series of teachings, music, song and Holy Mass which will be held in the Sacred Heart Church.

Each evening will begin with music and song at 7.10pm with Holy Mass at 7.30pm. Marie Beirne will be the speaker on the first night while Fr Michael Campbell will be the celebrant and speaker on Monday 7th April. Other speakers include Patricia Mitchell, Fr Martin Tierney, Tony Hanna, Fr Stefan Park and Thomas Carey.

Confessions will be available on Monday 21st April after Mass and on Monday 5th May the Mass of the anointing of the sick and infirm will be celebrated.

Keep Monday nights free to praise God and prepare for Pentecost