Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

28 January 2024

Genuine authority

‘But man, proud man,

Dress’d in a little brief authority,

Most ignorant of what he’s most

assur’d…’

        Measure for Measure

        William Shakespeare

We probably wouldn’t have to think too hard to come up with examples of people who seem to fit the above description. Puffed up with a sense of their own importance, they are anxious to be seen as the expert on everything, in spite of limited knowledge or experience. We tend to criticise politicians and other public figures if we feel they are blind to the struggles of ordinary people. They don’t know what it’s like, to example, to live on a minimum wage, to care for a family member with a disability, or to be at risk of homelessness. On the other hand, it is refreshing when those in power have either faced some of these issues themselves or have made the effort to do some research and really listen to people. We can tell when someone is speaking with genuine authority, care and compassion.

In today’s gospel, those who listen to Jesus’ teaching in the synagogue know there is something different and exciting about him. His teaching is in sharp contrast to the scribes they are used to hearing and makes a deep impression on them. The difference, as stated twice in this passage, is his authority and it leaves his audience ‘astonished’. He does not use his position the way we might use our ‘little brief authority’ to make ourselves look good. Instead he uses his authority to serve, to love, and to bring mercy and freedom.                                                                                                   Triona Doherty

Announcements

Last week’s collection amounted to £2735.00. 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 29 January after 10.00am Mass until 6.00pm.

First Friday: Friday of this week is the First Friday. Mass will be at 10.00am. Confessions will take place on the Thursday before the First Friday after 10.00am Mass and on Saturday at 11.30am and 6.30pm on the First Saturday of the month.    

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

Clara May McGuigan                

Cobie Jonah McIntyre

May they Rest in Peace

Deaths

Marlene McShane, 21 Columban Terrace               

Marcella Neeson, 12 Greeves Park

Seamus Casey, 183 Ballycolman Estate                

Billy Forbes, Coleraine

Neil Coyle, 12 Glenside                              

Hugh McMenamin, Castlefin     

Patricia McLaughlin, Derry                                   

Danny McElroy, Northampton

Anniversaries

Sr. Sheila McDermott, Seamus McCosker, Kathleen O’Kane

Eunan MacIntyre, Declan Doherty, Joe Langan

Jim McLaughlin, Keith Liversidge, Rosemary Blake

Paddy McGonigle, John Meehan, Bridget McAleer

Patsy Patton, Jennie Patton, Mary Jane McCrossan              

Margaret McCafferty

Baptism Dates

February: Sunday 4; Saturday 10; Saturday 17; Saturday 24.

March: Sunday 3; Saturday 16; Saturday 23.

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.

St. Brigid’s Day is Thursday 1 February. St. Brigid’s Crosses will be Blessed at 10.00am Mass for those who have them.

Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord (Day for Consecrated Life)

Friday 2 February is the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord and also Candlemas Day. Candles will be blessed at Mass on Friday. Please leave candles for blessing in the sacristy or on the altar before Mass.

World Day for Consecrated Life is celebrated on Friday 2 February. Please pray for all those who have made commitments in the consecrated life and be sure to thank them on their special day. May they continue to be inspired by Jesus Christ and respond generously to God’s gift of their vocation.

Blessing of Throats Saturday 3 February is the Feast of St. Blaise.  The Traditional Blessing of Throats will take place after the 7.00pm Vigil Mass on Saturday.

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.

Derry Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2024. Monday 1 - Friday 5 July ex City of Derry Airport. Led by Bishop Donal McKeown. Full board £799.00. Single room supplement £150.00. The pilgrimage office at 164 Bishop Street, Derry will open to the public 11.00am - 1.00pm Thursdays and Saturdays beginning Saturday 10 February. For more information telephone 71260293 or email: derrypilgrim@outlook.com.

Parish Draw 2024 The new Parish Draw gets underway soon. Returns for January and February i.e. £10.00 for each member, will be taken on Monday 26 February from 2.00pm - 4.30pm. The draws for January and February will take place in the Parish Office at 10.30am on Thursday 29 February. If you are willing to volunteer your services please contact the Parish Office on 71 383777.

Promoters are asked to leave their updated lists of members’ names into the Parish Office as soon as possible. Parishioners are encouraged to support the Draw.

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.

Vocations In this weekend’s first reading the Lord tells Moses that He will raise up prophets for the people from among their own brothers. We pray for the men from our parish communities being called by God to serve as priests in the Diocese of Derry. Anyone interested in attending a Vocations (to priesthood) weekend in Drumalis Retreat House, Larne, from 8 – 10 March should contact Fr. Pat O’Hagan at pgoh2111@gmail.com

Bus Trip to Our Lady Queen of Peace, House of Prayer, Achil Sound, Co. Mayo on Saturday 24 February. Leaving the Church of the Immaculate Conception at 6.00am sharp. £10 non-refundable deposit is required to secure the booking and must be paid by 14 February. Total cost £25.00. For more information and to book contact Angela on 07521301235

HSC N.I. Foster Care Representatives from the local fostering team will be with us today after 12.30pm Mass. They will be able to answer any questions that you may have about fostering and provide information leaflets. They are running two virtual information sessions on:

Monday 29 January from 12.00 noon - 1.00pm. Join via Zoom. Meeting ID: 843 1375 1065. Passcode: 547699.

Thursday 1 February from 7.00pm - 8.00pm. Join via Zoom. Meeting ID: 812.

Yoga & Pilates Winter Timetable: Yoga: Monday: 11.00am & 8.00pm (suitable for everyone), Castlederg; Tuesday: 10.00am & 7.30pm (beginners); Restorative Yoga 4.30pm (beginners), Strabane; Thursday: 11.15am (beginners), 6.00pm (mixed ability) & 7.30pm (beginners), Strabane; Saturday: Yoga at 9.00am (suitable for beginners). Pilates: Monday: 6.00pm (beginners), Strabane; Wednesday: 7.30pm, Strabane; Thursday: 10.00am (beginners), Strabane; Friday: 10.00am, Castlederg (suitable for everyone). Also taking bookings for 1-2-1’s, Group Sessions, Sports Recovery, Yoga for MS, Anxiety, Yoga in School and Teacher Training. 10 Hour Yoga Retreats. To book and for more information contact Annie’s Yoga on 07716034570.