Parish of Ardstraw East Newsletter

Sunday, 28th January 2018 | 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time

CONTACTS AND CORRESPONDENCE

Rev. Roland Colhoun, CC, 41 Moyle Road, Newtownstewart, BT78 4AP

Tel: 028-8166 1445

Email: ardstraweast@derrydiocese.org

Rev. Brian Donnelly, PP, Tel: 028-8164 8283

LITURGIES FOR THIS WEEK

Sunday: Mass, 11.00am, Glenock

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday: Mass, 10.00am, Oratory

Thursday – Feast of St Brigid: Mass, 7.30pm, Oratory. Adoration 6.30pm, Confessions 7:05pm. Padre Pio Mitt at this Mass Blessing of St Brigid’s Crosses at Mass

First Friday – Presentation of the Lord (Candlemas Day) Mass, 10.00am. Blessing of Candles at Mass

Saturday (3rd February): Vigil Mass, 6.00pm, Oratory (Month's Mind Mass for Joe McMenamin, RIP). Saturday is the Feast of St Blaise: Blessing of throats at 6.00 Mass

YOUCAT – Youth Catechism on Thursdays at 5:15pm, Sacred Heart Room, Oratory

Catholic Television – EWTN – Sky 589

THE AUTHORITY AND EMPOWERMENT OF JESUS GOSPEL – ST MARK 1:21-28

It is believed that the Gospel of St Mark was the first of the four main Gospels (St Matthew, St Mark, St Luke and St John) to be written. St Mark begins with his account of the Baptism of the Lord (which we heard on the first Sunday of January). It then continues with his account of Jesus announcing the meaning and purpose of His work on earth and the calling of His first disciples. Then it develops into his account of Jesus’ public life and ministry. Today we hear St Mark’s account of Jesus’ first reported day in public life. The account could be described as a fairly stark example – it contains all the main characteristics of Jesus’ ministry – joining in public worship, teaching, healing, driving out evil spirits. St Mark also very powerfully presents the impact that Jesus makes, introducing us to the astounded reaction of the ordinary people, who look on Him as a person of authority.

The word ‘authority’ comes from a Latin noun auctor, which gives us in English "author" meaning the master or leader. As Author of creation, Jesus has authority on earth. His mission to build the kingdom of God was revealed through His authoritative preaching, teaching, healing and praying. In all of this, we note that one of the first things Jesus did was to engage disciples who would serve the mission. In effect, He was empowering people to build God’s kingdom. Authority, therefore, is not about having power but about empowering.

We ask God today for the grace to be wholly receptive to the Good News of the Gospel with a desire in our hearts and minds to live out its values. From the authority of Christ, Christians can be authoritative in witness, example and faith practices, beacons of light to others in their faith journey, and thereby build the kingdom of God on earth.

REQUIESCANT IN PACE

Our prayers are asked for the souls of those who have died during the week:

Pat McLaughlin, 82 Mourne Park

Those whose anniversaries occur at this time: Barney McNamee, John McNamee, Isobella Quinn, Mary McNamee (Gallon), John James Toland, Aidan McKernan, Annie Devine, Patrick McAnenny.

SUNDAY COLLECTION £1,071.

Donation for Glenock: £20.

Thank you very much!

PROJECT FOR THE WEEK

New electric lights and socket in the Store Room (Oratory).

CHOIR

Practice on Tuesday, 7:30pm, Oratory. All welcome!

READERS FOR FEBRUARY

Vigil: Noelle Donnelly

Morning: Ciara McSorley

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS, FEBRUARY

Vigil: Anne McDonnell

Morning: Anna Harkin

GRANDPARENTS DAY – Wednesday 31st January. St Patrick's Primary School, 2pm.

PADRE PIO MITT – Thursday 1st February, Mass, 7:30pm, in the Oratory.

VISITATION OF THE HOUSEBOUND – First Friday, 2nd February.

DIOCESAN CELEBRATION OF THE FAMILY – next Saturday, 3rd February, St Mary's College, Derry. In preparation for the World Meeting of Families, the Diocese of Derry will hold this one-day gathering. Please leave completed application form in the sacristy or parish office by Tuesday at the latest, if you wish to attend. The parish will cover the cost.

DIOCESAN VOCATIONS INFORMATION EVENING – Tuesday 27th February, 6pm–9pm, Parochial House, St Eugene’s Cathedral, Francis Street, Derry, BT48 9AP. Contact Diocesan Vocations Director: Fr Paul Farren, Tel 028 7126 4087 or email ddcc@derrydiocese.org

PRAYER INTENTIONS of the Holy Father for February: That those who have material, political or spiritual power may resist any lure of corruption.

DIOCESAN LOURDES PILGRIMAGE – led by Bishop Donal McKeown, Sun-Fri, 1-6 July. Cost £669. Contact the pilgrimage office at 164 Bishop Street, Derry, Tel 028 7126 0293, email: derrypilgrim@outlook.com Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday 11am-1pm.

GETTING MARRIED IN 2018/19 – Do your Marriage Preparation Course with Accord Omagh. Bookings can be made online at www.accord-ni.co.uk. Course dates available in 2018 are: 11th & 12th May, 1st & 2nd June, 22nd & 23rd June. Welcome!

OVERSEAS VOLUNTEERING – Viatores Christi runs Overseas Volunteer training weekend courses in Dublin. If you are interested in becoming an overseas volunteer or want to learn more about social justice at home or away, call 00-353-1-868 9986 or email apply@viatoreschristi.com.

GAA

Alphalotto numbers: N, T, U, Z. Five people with two letters: P Roche, A Maguire, S Glackin, T Watson, S & L Jones. Jackpot now £4,600.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Sunday 28th January to Saturday 3rd February:

Catholic Schools Week 2018

Thursday 1st February: Feast of St Brigid, Patroness of Ireland. Blessing of St Brigid’s Crosses at 7.30pm Mass. Bring along any crosses you have made, to be blessed

Friday 2nd February: Presentation of the Lord in the Temple (Candlemas Day) with Blessing of Candles at 10.00am Mass

Saturday 3 February: Feast of St Blaise, Patron Saint of throat ailments: Blessing of throats at 6.00pm Mass

Saturday 3rd to Sunday 11th February: Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes, for the Sick and Housebound: Novena Prayer Cards in the porch (church and oratory). Please take one.

Sunday 11th February: World Day of Prayer for the Sick

Sunday 11th March: Confirmation (P7), 11am

Monday 12th March: First Confessions (P4), 6:30pm

Sat. 19th May: First Holy Communion, 11am

Sunday 1th June: Blessing of Graves, Glenock Cemetery, 3pm