Sunday, 8th April 2018 - Ardstraw East Parish Newsletter
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Parish of Ardstraw East Newsletter

Sunday, 1st April 2018 | 2nd Sunday of Easter




CONTACTS AND CORRESPONDENCE

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

Tel: 028-8166 1445

Email: ardstraweast@gmail.com

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




LITURGIES FOR THIS WEEK

Sunday: Mass, 11.00am, GlenockDivine Mercy Devotions, Glenock, 3.00pm (Enthronement of the Divine Mercy image)

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

Thursday: Mass, 7.30pm, Oratory. Adoration 6.30pm, Confessions 7:05pm

Saturday 14 Apr: Vigil Mass Third Sunday of Easter, 6.00pm, Rosary 5.45pm, Oratory




REQUIESCANT IN PACE

Our prayers are asked for the souls of those whose anniversaries occur at this time: Paul Arnold, Charlie McColgan, Robert McGuigan, Rosaleen O'Brien, George Maguire, Jack McConnell.




THE FEAST OF DIVINE MERCY

Gospel: 'You believe because you can see me. Happy are those who have not seen and yet believe' (John 20:29)

In the Gospel of Divine Mercy Sunday (also known as Low Sunday), we listen to St John’s account of the Apostle Thomas’ struggle with faith. It is the story that gives him the name “Doubting Thomas.” His struggle is something with which many can identify. Reassuringly, however, the Gospel tells us that Jesus did not dismiss or abandon Thomas. Christ came back and gave Thomas another chance to recognise Him and believe. Just as He understood Thomas’ doubts, He understands our weaknesses. We recall the numerous times Christ gives us a second chance – an opportunity to be reassured by His presence in our lives. It can be when we least expect it, perhaps in times of despair, disillusionment, fear and uncertainty, that we encounter the face of Christ in others. These moments of transformation, grace, peace and reassurance enable us to experience the power and beauty of having Christ’s presence in our lives. We hope too that, through the graces of our relationship with God, we are also the face of Christ for others on their journey and in their daily struggles.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation, of course, is the Church’s gift that enables all of us to experience God’s mercy and forgiveness and enrich our relationship with Him. On Divine Mercy Sunday, as we continue to celebrate the fulfilment of God’s love for us in the Resurrection, let us renew our commitment to regularly experiencing God’s tender mercy in Confession and Reconciliation.




Divine Mercy Devotions: Today, 3pm, St Eugene's Church, Glenock




SUNDAY COLLECTION: £1,145. 

Donation: Glenock £10. 

Thank you!




TRÓCAIRE – Thank you for the many donations. Please return any Trócaire boxes that are still at large!




PROJECT FOR THE WEEK – New Divine Mercy picture donated for St Eugene's Church, Glenock.




YOUCAT – Youth Catechism programme resumes on Thursday 12th April. All young people aged 16+ are welcome.




‘VALUING EVERY HUMAN LIFE’ – PUBLIC MEETING: The priests of the Inishowen Deanery invite you to come along to this public meeting in the Inishowen Gateway Hotel, Buncrana, today (Sunday 8 April), at 7.00pm. Speakers: Bishop Donal McKeown, Declan Ganley, Anne & Francie Brolly. Everyone welcome.




PRO-LIFE MEETING – tomorrow, Monday 9 April, in the Abbey Hotel, Donegal Town, 7:30pm. Speakers: Declan Ganley, Bernadette Smyth, Dr Judy Ceannt (grand-niece of Eamonn Ceannt, 1916)




BOTH LIVES MATTER is a collaborative movement of individuals and organisations that seek to re-frame the abortion debate in Northern Ireland. It will host a discussion on Tuesday, 17 April at 7.30pm in The Junction, Dungannon, to look at abortion, the law and the implication of any changes to abortion law here and in the Republic. The debate needs to be re-humanised and a life-affirming culture created that values each woman and her unborn child. All are welcome to the Junction, 12 Beechvalley Way, Dungannon, BT70 1BS.




LIFE IN THE SPIRIT Seminars, Sacred Heart Church, Omagh, each Thursday at 7.30pm, for the next six Thursdays. Different speakers each evening. See details on www.derrydiocese.org




PARISH FINANCES – The Income & Expenditure figures 2017 for the parish are on the notice board. Please encourage others to take a parish envelope or donate by Standing Order. Gift Aid is also a great help. If you are a tax-payer, we would be grateful for your participation. Forms for Gift Aid and Standing Order are at the doors of the Oratory and Church. Thank you for your generous support.




BEREAVED PARENTS – Anam Cara is holding its monthly parent evenings on Thurs 12 April, 7:30-9pm, in the Radisson Hotel, Letterkenny and on Tues 17 April, 7-9pm, in the Inishowen Gateway Hotel, Buncrana. Open to all bereaved parents, regardless of the age of the deceased child, the circumstances of death, or when the death occurred. If attending, please RSVP to info@anamcara.ie before Mon 16 April or call the Info Line 00-353-85 2888 888.




BECOMING A RELIGIOUS SISTER The Poor Clare Sisters in Galway are hosting a Cloister day on Saturday 21 April, from 10am to 5pm. The day is designed to help young women between the ages of 21 and 40 to find out more about the Poor Clare way of life with a view to discernment of vocation. To book a place contact Sister Faustina at poorclaresgalwayvocations@gmail.com




ARE YOU BETWEEN THE AGES OF 18 AND 27? If so, would you be interested in joining the Derry Youth Community (DYC) for one year? If you are considering a gap year, why not try one with a difference? DYC is a community of faith and service located in the heart of Derry City and serving the young people across the Derry Diocese. For further information on DYC, email: dyc@derrydiocese.org or visit: www.derryyouthcommunity.com




St Faustina, pray for us.




MARTIN MC GINN
http://109.228.27.39/