L I T U R G I E S  F O R  T H I S  W E E K

Sunday: Mass, 11.00am, Glenock

Monday, Tuesday, Wed, Fri: Mass 10am Oratory (Friday: Adoration 10:30am-9pm)

Thursday: Mass 7.30pm, Oratory. Adoration from 6.30pm, Confessions 7.15pm

Saturday (22 September): Vigil Mass, 6.00pm, Oratory:

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THE WAYS AND COST OF DISCIPLESHIP (GOSPEL: ST MARK 8:27-35)

In our relationships – be it with family members, friends, neighbours, work colleagues – we can experience behaviours, reactions, words, actions that we don’t expect, even in those whom we thought we knew well. The more we encounter people, the better we get to know them but if we try to tell people who they are or who we want them to be in our lives, we can end up disappointed. And so it is with our relationship with Jesus.

 

The frequency with which we talk to Jesus in prayer and the length of time we spend in getting to know Him through prayer will vary from person to person. But it is important that the purpose of our prayer should not be to ask Jesus to make things go our way. This would seek to take away the nasty things and make life smooth all the time. In St Mark’s Gospel today, Jesus says to His disciples, "If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him renounce himself and take his cross and follow me.”

 

As evidenced in this Gospel passage, getting to know Jesus and the meaning of following Him was a steep learning curve for the disciples. It was a painful journey with ups and downs, certainties and uncertainties, disappointments and confusion. We are naturally inclined to avoid crosses in our lives. We strive for a smooth run, to cling to temporary security and happiness, to have all we need, and more! These desires are far from the message Jesus delivers. Crosses are part of life’s journey and nobody carried a greater cross than Jesus. Like the disciples, our faith is tested, especially in times of trouble and trial. But, despite our weaknesses and desires for a smooth run, it is in these moments, in the crosses that we carry, that we can best get to know Jesus and encounter His loving presence in our lives. It is in these moments that we get a clearer understanding of discipleship. "If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him renounce himself and take his cross and follow me.”

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REQUIESCANT IN PACE

Our prayers are asked for the souls of those whose anniversaries occur at this time:

Mary McNamee, Mary McMenamin

Winifred McCauley, Eugene Maguire

John Nelis, Michael Conway, Anne Gregoire

 

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LEARNING YOUR FAITH – A 20-week programme for adults has now started in the Sacred Heart Room at the Oratory, on Monday evenings, commencing 7:00pm.

Would you like to understand the Catholic faith better? Do you have answers to tough questions when you need them? Can you explain why you believe what the Church teaches? Come along to our new YOUCAT programme on Monday evenings! This is an interactive and entertaining way of learning the faith. Come along!

 

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SUNDAY COLLECTION: £1,165. Mission Appeal (Little Sisters of Assumption): £507.

Donation for Glenock: £20. Thank you!

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CHOIR – Practice on Tuesday evenings, at 7.30pm. All welcome, including new members! "To sing is to pray twice" (St Augustine).

 

MOVIE – A special screening of "PAUL, APOSTLE OF CHRIST", Drummond Hotel, Ballykelly, Friday 21st September, 7:30pm. This is not just a film, it is a gift, offering modern Christians a real and rare glimpse into the life of the early Church and calling us all to live more boldly for Jesus Christ. All proceeds in aid of Stanton Healthcare. To reserve your seat contact 078-4568 6437.44

 

GLENELLY DEVELOPMENT TRUST – Free training session on Aware Mood matters, Adult programme in Glenelly House, Plumbridge, Thursday 27 September, 7pm-9pm. Particularly helpful for those experiencing stress or depression. Provides young people with knowledge and skills to maintain good mental health. Contact glenellyhouse@hotmail.com or telephone 078-6408 1551.

 

POPE JOHN PAUL II AWARD PILGRIMAGE TO KNOCK SHRINE: The second annual Pope John Paul II Award pilgrimage to Knock Shrine will take place on Tuesday, 25 September 2018, for young people ages 16 -18 who may be interested in participating in the Award or are currently doing it. Starts at 11:00am, concludes with 3:00pm Mass. Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Donal McKeown. Guest speakers: Sr Ethel Normoyle of the Little Company of Mary (founder of the Missionvale Care Centre, S Africa) and Alan Kerins, Irish sportsman, humanitarian, social entrepreneur and philanthropist. Music by Elation Ministries. For more information visit www.jp2award.com or contact the Diocesan Catechetical Centre on 028 7126 4087.

 

ROSARY ON THE COAST FOR LIFE AND FAITH – Following the passing of the referendum removing the protection for unborn babies in Ireland, we ask you to come and pray the Rosary on the Coasts of Ireland on Sunday 7th October for the protection of unborn babies and for the strengthening of the Catholic Faith here. Please sign up to a location in Ireland at www.coastalrosaryireland.ie

 

BUS TO KNOCK – Saturday 6th October. Leaving Aughabrack Hall, Donemana at 8am. Picking up at 8.15am in Plumbridge and 8.30am in Newtownstewart. Price £40 including breakfast and dinner. Contact Claire on 078-5494 8120 or 028-7139 8932.

OVERSEAS VOLUNTEERS – Needed: volunteer carpenters, builders, media specialists, early-childhood practitioners, occupational therapists, primary/secondary teachers, accountants, social workers, farmers for placements on Missions in Africa, SE Asia and the Caribbean. No previous overseas experience required, no upper age limit! Training programme begins 22nd September in Dublin. Open to all! Contact Viatores Christi 00-353-1-868 9986 or email apply@viatoreschristi.com