Twenty-Sixth
Sunday in Ordinary Time
29
September 2024
Be
tolerant
In the second reading from St. James today we hear of
a condemnation of the rich who exploit the weak. This theme carries on to the
gospel where Jesus has harsh words for anyone who would try to bring down ‘the
little ones’. It is a lesson in tolerance. As we approach the end of this
annual celebration of the Season of Creation let today’s Gospel be a call to
care for the weak and vulnerable.
Through our exploitation of the earth’s goods it is
the poorest of the world who suffer. Let us always be conscious of our
responsibility to be stewards of creation, to connect more deeply with the
wondrous world around us, to take action against all that threatens our natural
environment.
In a few days we celebrate the Feast of St. Francis (4
October), patron saint of ecology. Perhaps by hosting a blessing for animals, a
local clean up, trying to go plastic free, we can mark this special time in
some way and embrace our role as stewards of creation.
‘God of
love, show us our place in this world as channels of your love for all the
creatures
of this earth, for not one of them is forgotten in your sight.
Enlighten
those who possess power and money that they may avoid the sin of indifference,
that they may love the common good, advance the weak, and care for this world
in which we live. The poor and the earth are crying out.’
LAUDATO Si’, 245
Jane Mellett
Announcements
Last week’s collection amounted to £2441.00. 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 30 September 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.
Parish Draw Promoters should make their returns for October to
the Parish Office on Monday 14 October from 2.00pm - 4.00pm. The Draw
for October will take place on Thursday 17 October at 10.30am in the Parish
Office.
May they Rest in Peace
Deaths
James McGettigan, 9 College
Grove
Paul McCauley,
32 Dillon Court
Rose Herb, Philadelphia
formerly Urney Road
Anniversaries
Mary Gormley, Peggy Langan, Joe Langan
Ann Graham, Yvonne
McNamee, Jim
Patton
Claire McGee, Paul Smith, Sophia Campbell
Elizabeth O’Neill, Carmel Mallon, Margaret Nelson
Baptism Dates
October: Sunday 6
November: Sunday 3; Saturday 16; Saturday 30
December: Sunday 8; Saturday 14; Saturday 28
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.
Annual Service for the Dead The Annual Service in
remembrance of deceased members of our families and parish will take place on
Sunday 3 November at 6.00pm. Families who have suffered a bereavement since
November 2023 are asked to nominate a representative to carry a candle to the altar
in commemoration of their dead. (Candles
will be provided)
First Holy Communion for
the P.4 pupils of St. Mary’s P.S. will take place on
Saturday 10 May 2025 at 12 noon for P4A & Saturday 17 May 2025 at 12 noon for
P4B and 2.00pm for P4C.
Confirmation for the P.7
pupils of St. Mary’s P.S. will take place on
Saturday 29 March 2025 at 12 noon for P7A and 2.00pm for P7B and Saturday 5
April 2025 at 12 noon for P7C.
Vocations As the Liturgy of the Word for this Sunday’s Mass
challenges us all to be ‘prophets’ and to work for the Lord, no matter what we do, we
pray for those called to serve the Lord and the Church as priests of the
diocese of Derry – our five current seminarians, those who hope to begin
seminary studies in January, and all those who are discerning a vocation to the
priesthood.
Accord Derry Marriage
Preparation Courses (Pre
Marriage Courses) will take place on October 18/19. Please note
that these courses are NOT virtual and are in person. Bookings are now being
taken on www.accordni.com
Catholic Mothers Ireland
Retreat Day Join us for a day of
Spiritual Restoration, Inspiring Talks, Holy Mass, Prayer and Confession on
Lough Derg Island on Saturday 5 October. This all day Retreat will run from
10.00am - 5.00pm. For more information or to book your place email: catholicmothers@outlook.ie
Society of St. Joseph St.
Juan Vianney Branch will meet on Tuesday 1
October in the Church of the Immaculate Conception. Rosary after 10.00am Mass
and meeting will continue in St. Patrick’s Hall, Barrack Street afterwards. New
members 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.
Trócaire is looking for people to join its team of
Christmas fundraisers to help respond to the urgent need of poor communities
around the world, including the millions of children and families caught in
conflict in Sudan and Gaza. You can take action and make a difference through a
range of activities, including the promotion of its Gifts of Change - training and support will be provided. For more information about
what you can do to help now or over the Advent and Christmas period, please
email Mark McMahon on infoni@trocaire.org or call 028 9080 8030.
Catholic Chaplaincy at
Queen’s University Belfast - Sunday Masses The Catholic Chaplaincy
reopened earlier this month in its temporary premises at No.42 University Road,
offering facilities including a Chapel with daily Mass, study space and Cafe.
More on our programme and services can be found at our website qubcatholic.org.
The first Sunday Mass of the semester takes place today Sunday 29 September at
8.00pm (with choir) in the Canada Room of the University’s historic Lanyon
Building. Our Annual Dedication of Studies Mass takes place in the University’s
Great Hall on Sunday 6 October at 8.00pm and will be presided over by recent
alumnus, Fr. Chris Gault OP. Students, staff, alumni and friends are most
welcome to join us as we pray God’s blessing on the academic community at
Queen’s for the year ahead.
Irish Pilgrimage Trust
Easter 2025 Pilgrimage Applications are invited
from young people with additional social, emotional, physical and learning
needs aged 11 - 30 who are interested in travelling as guests to Lourdes with
the Irish Pilgrimage Trust. Applications are also sought for carers 18+ who
would be interested in accompanying the guests on the trip. The trip is free
for guests as volunteers complete fundraising and carers pay their own fare.
Guests complete online applications at https://form.jotform.com/212932685135054.
Carers applications at
https://form.jotform.com/211793062891056. For more information visit:
https://www.irishpilgrimagetrust.com or telephone Sian at +44 (0) 7960211352
Visit of the Relics of St. Bernadette to the Diocese
of Derry The Holy Relics of St. Bernadette are currently on
pilgrimage from Lourdes to Ireland for the very first time, visiting every
diocese in Ireland during September and October. The relics will visit St.
Eugene’s Cathedral, Derry from 2.00pm on Sunday 13 October – Monday 14 October.
This very special, once-in-a-lifetime event will provide an opportunity for
people of all ages and backgrounds to experience the special gifts and charisms
of Lourdes in their own diocese. Full programme of times of viewing can be
found at derrydiocese.org
