Fifth Sunday of Easter

Love one another

‘Love one another’ is the basic principle of Christianity, to love as Jesus loved. It is simple, yet we can make it so complicated. Jesus’ love was controversial for some people, because it was love without exclusion. To love as Jesus loved is to love those it is hard to love. This love ultimately led to Jesus’ death. Jesus loved sinners, tax collectors, prostitutes, people of other religions, the poor, the unwanted, the sick, the beggar, the leper. This love is too much for some Christians today also. It is hard to love the sinner or to love family members or friends who have hurt us. Yet this is the love that we are called to. Once we begin to accept that we are infinitely loved by God, it is like a domino effect where that love is poured outwards in our lives. We are part of this outpouring of God’s creative love and are called to bring this into places where there is none. In this way we are helping to heal, sustain and nourish this world.

Let us hear those words of the Gospel more clearly today: ‘Just as I have loved you, you must also love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples.’ Let us dream of, and work towards, a world where this is a reality.

‘God has given us the power to create beauty, to make another smile, to be a healing presence in someone’s sorrow, to bring justice to the oppressed, to console those in difficulty, to bring peace and joy to others, to help those in need, to laugh and enjoy life, to do good and turn from evil, to forgive those who have hurt us, and, most of all, to love.’

REQUIESCANT IN PACE 

We extend our sympathy and prayers to the family of 

Kathleen Donnelly, 140 Iniscarn Road; 

Siobhan Gallagher, 26 Culdaff Gardens and 

Keith Houston formerly 110 Circular Road.

PARISH BAPTISMAL PROGRAMME Anyone wishing to have their child baptised in St. Mary's, Creggan is required to attend a programme of preparation and should contact the parish office (028 71 263152) for booking. The next evening of preparation will be Tuesday 28th May 2019 at 6pm. This will take place in the Parish Conference Room, Parochial House. BAPTISM: We welcome into the Parish Family through the Sacrament of Baptism Emily Jamie McLaughlin, 2 The Hillocks and Sophia Alanna Walls, 119 Lone Moor Road.

A CELEBRATION OF THE GLORIOUS MYSTERIES

Prayer Service in St. Mary’s Church, Creggan today Sunday 19th May at 8pm.

All Welcome.

COLLECTIONS

Thank you for your generosity to last

Sunday's Collection which amounted to £1605.00

Second Collection £525.00 - Donation to Flowers £20

For those unable to attend Mass, you are now able to watch it online by visiting the following website https://www.churchservices.tv/creggan

LITURGY ROTA FOR SUNDAY 26th MAY 2019

READERS Team A

Saturday Vigil – Deirdre McDaid & Amanda Kelly-Young

10.30am – Damien Curran & Aoife McCorriston

12.15pm – Thomas Morrison & Naomh Morrison

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS Team B

60th Anniversary of St Mary’s Church

The celebration of our Anniversary will begin on Tuesday 28th May at 7.30p.m. Mass will be offered for the private intentions and hopes of all our parishioners. We will pray for our deceased parishioners and priests while at the same time remembering the present and future needs of our parish. Light refreshments will be available in the Community Room after this Mass.

On Wednesday 29th at 1.30p.m. the children of our schools will gather in the Church for a ceremony of blessing and planting an oak tree to commemorate the Anniversary.

On Thursday 30th from 7.30p.m. – 8.30p.m. we will have an evening of preparation and healing. The Sacrament of the Sick will be administered and there will be an opportunity for confession and private prayer and reflection.

On Friday 31st of May 2019, the church of St Mary’s in Creggan will celebrate the 60th Anniversary of its dedication. Following an extensive programme of refurbishment, Bishop Donal McKeown will re-dedicate the church at a Mass to be celebrated at 7.30p.m. All are welcome. A particular welcome is extended to all those who have been a part of St Mary’s Parish during its 60-year history, wherever they may now be. For those who are unable to travel, the Mass can also be watched on our live stream: https://-www.churchservices.tv/creggan

IMPORTANT NOTICE: HOSPITAL VISITATION

Due to Data protection legislation the Priests of the Parish are no longer allowed to view the lists of the patients in hospital. It is essential if you or your relatives are in hospital and would like a visit from the Priests of the Parish that you must inform us of the person’s Name, Address and Ward.

THE LITTLE WAY NOVENA IN ST EUGENE’S CATHEDRAL The Novena closes today Sunday 19th May at 3pm. Everyone is welcome to St Eugene’s Cathedral for this time of prayer and petition.

ST. MARYS SCOUTS Will hold a Church Gate Collection after all Masses this weekend.

TEACHING OPPORTUNITY IN SCOTLAND (with Masters Degree) The University of Glasgow, in partnership with the Scottish Government, have a teaching opportunity aimed at Primary teachers who have a Catholic Education Teaching Certificate OR Secondary teachers in STEM-related areas. Successful applicants will be offered a two-year teaching position in Scotland and at the same time the opportunity to complete an MEd in Inclusive Practice, Policy and Enquiry at the University of Glasgow. The cost of the Masters is covered for successful applicants. If you are interested in finding out more about this opportunity, Clare Fodey from the University of Glasgow will be in Da Vinci’s Hotel, 15 Culmore Rd, Derry BT48 8JB on Wednesday 22nd of May from 4-6pm to provide more information. Please contact clare.fodey@glasgow.ac.uk to indicate your attendance.

PTAA: Mass for the intentions of all Pioneers and total abstainers will be celebrated in St Mary’s Church, Ardmore, on Tuesday 21 May at 8.00pm. Everyone welcome. Light refreshments will be served afterwards.

‘SCALP CHALLENGE’ The annual Scalp Challenge fundraiser for Concern will take place today Sunday, 19th May, commencing at 2pm. Follow signage on the right from Burnfoot. It is considered that this event requires a reasonable degree of fitness and weather-appropriate clothing and footwear.

TREEHOUSE COMMUNITY CRECHE based in Rosemount Resource Centre have relocated to Creggan Country Park until their new build at the Rosemount Resource Centre is completed. We are taking names for September for children aged 2/3 years. If you are interested in a place and want more information, contact Jacqueline 07749095959 or Jacinta 07518462552.

ACCORD DERRY - Recruiting for Counsellors - Accord invites applications for the Certificate in Counselling (Marriage and Relationship) for the academic year 2019/2020. The certificate, validated by St Patrick’s College Maynooth, is aligned to Level 8, 20 ECTS on the National Framework of Qualifications (Level 6 England, Wales and NI) an is aimed at qualified experienced counsellors/therapists who have:

· Degree/Diploma in Counselling/Psychotherapy

· Completed a minimum of 200 client hours and have a current supervised caseload

· Knowledge/experience of the Person-Centred Approach. Successful applicants’ course and supervision fees funded by ACCORD. Training in Maynooth over eight weekends, September 2019 to June 2019. For application and Criteria and Form please see www.accord.ie/joining-accord/becoming-a-counsellor. Closing date 31st May 2019.

BAPTISM IN THE SPIRIT SEMINARS STARTING 30TH MAY Are you seeking a relationship with Jesus? Why not join with the Columba Community for the Baptism in the Spirit seminars beginning Thurs 30th May at 7.30pm in Columba House, 11 Queen St, Derry. The talks will be given in the context of the Eucharist celebrated by Fr Neal Carlin. All are welcome as we pray for the new life of the Holy Spirit. For further information please contact Claire at Columba House on 02871 262407 or email: columbacommunity@hotmail.com.

IF YOU HAVE ANY CONCERNS WITH REGARD TO SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN, CONTACT: Noel O'Donnell, Pastoral Centre, 164 Bishop Street 02871362475 / 07596500793 or Celine McKenna, 02871362475 / 07707311358 or PSNI Police Service of Northern Ireland (Tel. 101) – Social Services: Gateway Services, Western HSC Trust 02871314090 (Ask for Duty Social Worker).