The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

(Corpus Christi)

2 June 2024

Give of yourself Freely

The symbolic gesture of breaking and sharing bread and sharing the cup, that Jesus made at the Last Supper, symbolised the offering of himself that he would make on Calvary, giving his life for others. Sometimes we also are called to give our lives for others. We can do this grudgingly or with a generous heart. What difference has it made for you when you were able to give yourself freely?

By receiving Christ’s body, blood, soul, and divinity in the Eucharist, our minds are enlightened, our hearts are strengthened, and like the apostles we are renewed in spirit to go out into the world as missionary disciples of the Lord.

There is an invitation for everyone who will listen. And a seat waiting to be filled by the gift of your presence. In this moment of grace, let us take the opportunity to recommit ourselves to active participation in the Body of Christ. For it is at the table of the Lord that our ecclesial family is strengthened, and we receive the grace to witness to Christ.

Jesus involved his disciples both in the preparation for the Last Supper and in its celebration. Recall times when you had a heightened awareness of participation and involvement in the Mass. What helped to give you this awareness? Are there lessons from these special experiences that you can bring with you to the routine Sunday Mass?

Announcements

Last week’s collection amounted to £2887.00. 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 3 June after 10.00am Mass until 6.00pm. Many thanks to all those who came to say the Rosary on the Mondays in May. Your prayers and support were greatly appreciated.

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 and 6.30pm on the First Saturday of the month.

Collection Counters The following are asked to count the collection for the month of June: Mary O’Reilly, Mary McGinley, Cath Duffy, Madeline McColgan and Kathleen McGowan.

We welcome into God’s Family through the Sacrament of Baptism:

Riadh Eileen McGlynn              

Ruairi Daniel Declan Graham

Daithi Aiden O’Neill                  

Brady James Sanjay Mehan

We congratulate the following couples who were recently united in the Sacrament of Marriage:

Leona Maguire and Aiden McGlinchey

Mabhorgne Glennon and Peter O’Kane

May they Rest in Peace

Deaths

Bridie Bradley, 31 Urney Road            

Joanne Donaghey, 64 Ballycolman Avenue

Catherine (Cass) Langan, Clady         

Bridie O’Donnell, Lifford

Anniversaries

Lala McAteer, Kevleen White, William McSheffrey

Peggy Connolly, Kathleen Gillespie, Margaret Flanagan

Teresa Coyle, Patrick Flanagan, Eddie McGarrigle

Dessie Maguire, John McGettigan, Susan McBride

Geraldine McGuigan, Tommy Doherty, Michael McDevitt

May McConway, Charlie O’Doherty, Joan Houston

Wilbert Forbes, Gerry McDonnell, Brian McGarrigle

Joseph Quinn                 

Baptism Dates

June: Sunday 9; Saturday 22; Saturday 29.

July: Sunday 7; Saturday 13.

August: Sunday 4; Saturday 10; Saturday 24.

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.

Vocations As we rejoice on the Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ, we pray for those being called to serve our parishes and diocese as priests who, with the help of the Holy Spirit, will make Jesus present to His people in the celebration of the Eucharist.

Parish Draw Promoters should make their returns for June to the Parish Office on Monday 10 June from 2.00pm - 4.00pm. The Draw for June will take place on Wednesday 12 June at 10.30am in the Parish Office.

Accord Derry Marriage Preparation Courses (Pre-Marriage Courses) will take place on 14/15 June. Courses can be booked online at www.accordni.com. Please note that all courses are now in person and NOT virtual.

Anam Cara, Donegal, the organisation that supports bereaved parents, is holding its monthly Parent Evening for bereaved parents on Thursday 13 June at 7.15pm in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Letterkenny. This event is free and open to all bereaved parents regardless of the age your child died, the circumstances of their death or whether their death was recent of not. We also offer an online service. For more information telephone 00353 1 4045378.

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.

Vocations Society of St. Joseph St. Juan Vianney Branch will meet on Tuesday 4 June in the Church of the Immaculate Conception. Rosary after 10.00am Mass and will continue in St. Patrick’s Hall, Barrack Street afterwards. New members welcome.

Glenshane Pilgrimage to Rome, San Giovanni and Montecassino from 6 - 10 November Cost €895. Afternoon flights with Aer Lingus. Excellent accommodation and dinners. All transport and tours included. For more information contact Kieran and Laura on 00353 5793 55050.

Lough Derg Pilgrimage Season. Three Day Pilgrimages until Thursday 15 August. Admission €80. Booking advised. One Day Retreats: August 17, 20, 25, 26, 31. September 4, 7, 10, 14, 15, 21, 22. Admission is €45 and booking is essential. For more information contact Lough Derg on info@loughderg.org or telephone 00353 7198 61518.

Dromantine Sunday Family Fun Day, Dromantine Retreat Centre, Newry on Sunday 9 June from 1.30pm - 5.30pm. Attractions: Grand Draw, Country & Western Music, Flower Demonstration by renowned florist Susan Turley, Vintage Tractors, Bouncy Castles, Obstacle Courses, Stalls, Food, Refreshments and much more! Admission £5 Donation per car. Everyone welcome.

Pilgrimage to Shrines of Italy 8 Days including San Giovanni, Shrine of St. Michael the Archangel, Lanciano, Assisi (including the Tomb of Blessed Carlo Acutis), Loreto, St. Rita of Cascia, Our Lady of Revelations etc. Departs 28 August ex Dublin. Cost £1090.00. Limited places. For more information contact Anita on 07769744836.

St. Vincent de Paul Senior Citizens, come and meet your friends for Afternoon Tea and Dance in St. Patrick’s Hall on Friday 14 June from 2.00pm - 5.00pm. Admission by ticket only. Tickets available from Monday 3 June at Vincent’s Shop, Barrack Street.

Pilgrimage to Medjugorje Some places are still available for Pilgrimage to Medjugorje leaving from Belfast on 7 August flying direct to Mostar (approximately half an hour from Medjugorje). Cost is £715 per person sharing which includes return flights, accommodation, breakfast and evening meals. Additional charge for single room occupancy. The Pilgrimage is organised through Marian Pilgrimages (Dublin). £100 deposit is required to secure a place. For more information please contact John Murray on 0780 1105575.