Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time - 12th November 2023

The time is now

I am a procrastinator. If a task is awkward or unpleasant, I am likely to put off till another day. In any given week, I have a 'to-do' list I need to get through. The most important items always get done - things that can't be avoided, like work deadlines or paying bills. But bigger projects often get put on the long finger and I find myself transferring items to the following week's list. It is part of life to learn how to prioritise, and to be prepared to tackle the important things. Even when we are not ready to face a certain situation, sometimes we need to push ourselves to just dive in.

Among the wedding customs in Jesus' time was a night-time procession from the bride's home to the grooms. The bridesmaids would go out with torches lit to welcome the groom and his entourage. The parable in today's gospel sets two groups in contrast - the 'foolish' bridemaids who run out of oil because they have failed to prepare, and the 'sensible' ones who are ready with their lamps and oil, who recognise the importance of the task. Only one group was ready when the groom approached.

This parable encourages us to focus on the here and now, to nurture our relationship with God in the present and to live well. There is no point in procrastinating or waiting until the bridegroom is at the door. As well as having the light of faith, we need the fuel - the actions - to keep it lit so we are ready when the Lord comes.

'It's a terrible thing, I think, in life to wait until you're ready. I have this feeling now that actually no one is ever ready to do anything. There is almost no such thing as ready. There is only now. And you may as well do it now. Generally speaking, now is as good a time as any.' HUGH LAURIE

Jane Mellett

Announcements

Last week's collection amounted to £3217.00. Thank you.

Those who pay to the weekly collection or any special collections, including Priest's Collection, by cheque are asked that all cheques should be made payable to 'Melmount Parish'.

Parishioners can still leave their contributions in the Parish Office. Contributions can be made by cheque made payable to Melmount Parish or cash. If the Office is closed please use the letterbox.

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will take place in the church on Monday 13 November after 10.00am Mass until 6.00pm.

Vocations: Lord, bless all those who are currently discerning a vocation to serve as priests of the Diocese of Derry. Fill them with the Wisdom that comes from You.

We welcome into God's Family through the Sacrament of Baptism:

Carly Farrah Devine, Caleb Patrick Devine, Cillian Bowie McCosker, Ronan Anthony Matthews, Oscar Logue

May they Rest in Peace

Deaths

Elizabeth Lester, 26 Summerhill Court

Tommy McCormack, 3 Mourne Avenue

James Coyle, Clady Jim Gallagher, 8 Ballee Road

Anniversaries

Sean Duffy,Teresa Donnelly, Marc Harkin, Frances McGee, Pat McGarrigle, Margaret McGarrigle

John Patton, Ann Duffy, Seamus Flanagan, George McDermott, Raymond McDermott, Gerry McMenamin

James McBride, Mary O'Kane, Louis O'Kane, Ann Crawford, Eugene McGrath, Charlie O'Kane, Denis Kelly

Joe Hegarty, Bella Moore, Jean Christy, Mary Ellen Connolly, Charlie McColgan, Mary McNulty

Baptism Dates

November: Saturday 25.

December: Sunday 3; Saturday 16; Saturday 30.

Baptisms will be at 4.00pm on a Saturday and 1.15pm on a Sunday.

To book a Baptism contact the Parish Office on 71383777 during office hours.

Blessing of Graves: The Annual Ceremony of the Blessing of Graves will take place here in Melmount on Sunday 19 May 2024 at 4.00pm.

Parish Draw: Promoters should make their returns for December to the Parish Office on Monday 4 December from 2.00pm - 4.00pm. The Draw for December will take place on Wednesday 6 December at 10.30am in the Parish Office.

First Holy Communion for the P.4 pupils of St. Mary's P.S. will take place on Saturday 20 April & Saturday 27 April 2024. Times will be announced later.

Confirmation for the P.7 pupils of St. Mary's P.S. will take place on Saturday 2 March & Saturday 9 March 2024. Times will be announced later.

First Holy Communion for pupils of the Gael Scoil will take place on Saturday 18 May 2024.

Confirmation for pupils of the Gael Scoil will take place on Saturday 24 February 2024.

Deceased Children & Young People's Mass: The Annual Mass for deceased children and young people will take place in St. Eugene's Cathedral today Sunday 12 November at 7.00pm. There will be an opportunity to write the name of your deceased loved one before Mass. All are welcome to attend. If you are unable to attend the Mass but would like your loved one's name included in our prayers, please email lizzie.rea@derrydiocese.org.

Rosary on the Coast: The next Rosary on the Coast will take place on Sunday 19 November at 3.00pm on Benone Strand, Magilligan. Everyone is welcome.

Graveyards: We would ask that when you are having headstones and surrounds erected in the graveyards or having any work carried out to existing graves that you put any ornaments or flowers etc that are on the grave in a safe place while the work is being carried out. The parish is not responsible for any damage or loss of these items. A reminder that there are specific measurements for surrounds and headstones in the newest of our graveyards and benches are not permitted. Please ensure that whoever is erecting the headstone and surround for you in this graveyard, contact the Parish Office on 71383777 before any work commences.

Pioneer Pledge for the month of the Holy Souls: A short term pledge gives spiritual support and encouragement to people and their families who are living under a shadow of addiction. For more information contact 00353 1 8054226 or www.pioneers.ie/pray.

A Day Retreat of Prayer for the Relief of the Souls in Purgatory will take place in the Carmelite Retreat Centre, Termonbacca on Friday 17 November from 10.00am -- 3.00pm. Cost for the day, including light lunch £15.00. For bookings telephone 71262512.

Accord Derry Marriage Preparation Courses (Pre Marriage Courses) will take place on

27/28 November; 11/12 December. All of these courses are virtual and should be booked online at www.accordni.com

John Rutter's 'Gloria' will be performed by Strabane Chorale, with guest singers and musicians, on Sunday 3 December at 4.00pm here in St. Mary's Church, Melmount. With additional concert pieces, this promises to be an extravaganza of music and singing to suit all tastes, conducted by Gerard Bradley. There will be a retiring collection for local charities and Choir funds.

Lisnafin/Ardnalee/Trust CCDA are pleased to announce that we will be hosting our Annual Free Over 60's Christmas Dinner Dance for Residents aged 60 and over living in Lisnafin Park, Ardnalee Park and Old Trust areas only on Thursday 14 December in the Fir trees Hotel. Dinner served at 7.30pm. Music by Brian 'Hairdo' Lyndsay & Thomas 'Blondie' Gillespie. Bookings taken until Friday 24 November. No bookings will be accepted after this date. Residents, or a family member or friend, of these areas can call to Lisnafin community Centre between 11.00am - 1.00pm & 2.00pm - 4.00pm to complete a booking form.

Parsh Draw

The Parish Draw for November took place on Thursday 9 November. The winners are as follows:

£500: 1445 Annette Sharkey -- Brenda Brolly

£250: 1006 Eimear & Aidan McNamee -- Dolores Houston

£250: 1329 Peggy Duncan -- Carolann Stewart

£250: 1317 Andrea Falconer -- Ann Donaghey

£150: 1096 Brenda McColgan -- Elizabeth O'Hare

£150: 1010 Mya McNulty -- Dolores Houston

£150: 1373 Sinead Donaghey -- Pauline Wilson

£100: 1660 John Falconer -- Ann Donaghey

£100: 1348 Conor Rice -- Elizabeth O'Hare

£100: 1622 Cass Langan -- Michelle Langan