Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

29 September 2024

Be tolerant

In the second reading from St. James today we hear of a condemnation of the rich who exploit the weak. This theme carries on to the gospel where Jesus has harsh words for anyone who would try to bring down ‘the little ones’. It is a lesson in tolerance. As we approach the end of this annual celebration of the Season of Creation let today’s Gospel be a call to care for the weak and vulnerable.

Through our exploitation of the earth’s goods it is the poorest of the world who suffer. Let us always be conscious of our responsibility to be stewards of creation, to connect more deeply with the wondrous world around us, to take action against all that threatens our natural environment.

In a few days we celebrate the Feast of St. Francis (4 October), patron saint of ecology. Perhaps by hosting a blessing for animals, a local clean up, trying to go plastic free, we can mark this special time in some way and embrace our role as stewards of creation.

‘God of love, show us our place in this world as channels of your love for all the

creatures of this earth, for not one of them is forgotten in your sight.

Enlighten those who possess power and money that they may avoid the sin of indifference, that they may love the common good, advance the weak, and care for this world in which we live. The poor and the earth are crying out.’

          LAUDATO Si’, 245

          Jane Mellett

Announcements

Last week’s collection amounted to £2441.00. 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 30 September after 10.00am Mass until 6.00pm.

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.

Parish Draw Promoters should make their returns for October to the Parish Office on Monday 14 October from 2.00pm - 4.00pm. The Draw for October will take place on Thursday 17 October at 10.30am in the Parish Office.

May they Rest in Peace

Deaths

James McGettigan, 9 College Grove                      

Paul McCauley, 32 Dillon Court

Rose Herb, Philadelphia formerly Urney Road

Anniversaries

Mary Gormley, Peggy Langan, Joe Langan

Ann Graham, Yvonne McNamee, Jim Patton

Claire McGee, Paul Smith, Sophia Campbell

Elizabeth O’Neill, Carmel Mallon, Margaret Nelson         

Baptism Dates

October: Sunday 6

November: Sunday 3; Saturday 16; Saturday 30

December: Sunday 8; Saturday 14; Saturday 28

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.

Annual Service for the Dead The Annual Service in remembrance of deceased members of our families and parish will take place on Sunday 3 November at 6.00pm. Families who have suffered a bereavement since November 2023 are asked to nominate a representative to carry a candle to the altar in commemoration of their dead. (Candles will be provided)

First Holy Communion for the P.4 pupils of St. Mary’s P.S. will take place on Saturday 10 May 2025 at 12 noon for P4A & Saturday 17 May 2025 at 12 noon for P4B and 2.00pm for P4C.

Confirmation for the P.7 pupils of St. Mary’s P.S. will take place on Saturday 29 March 2025 at 12 noon for P7A and 2.00pm for P7B and Saturday 5 April 2025 at 12 noon for P7C.

Vocations As the Liturgy of the Word for this Sunday’s Mass challenges us all to be ‘prophets’ and to work for the Lord, no matter what we do, we pray for those called to serve the Lord and the Church as priests of the diocese of Derry – our five current seminarians, those who hope to begin seminary studies in January, and all those who are discerning a vocation to the priesthood.

Accord Derry Marriage Preparation Courses (Pre Marriage Courses) will take place on October 18/19. Please note that these courses are NOT virtual and are in person. Bookings are now being taken on www.accordni.com

Catholic Mothers Ireland Retreat Day Join us for a day of Spiritual Restoration, Inspiring Talks, Holy Mass, Prayer and Confession on Lough Derg Island on Saturday 5 October. This all day Retreat will run from 10.00am - 5.00pm. For more information or to book your place email: catholicmothers@outlook.ie

Society of St. Joseph St. Juan Vianney Branch will meet on Tuesday 1 October in the Church of the Immaculate Conception. Rosary after 10.00am Mass and meeting will continue in St. Patrick’s Hall, Barrack Street afterwards. New members welcome.

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.

Trócaire is looking for people to join its team of Christmas fundraisers to help respond to the urgent need of poor communities around the world, including the millions of children and families caught in conflict in Sudan and Gaza. You can take action and make a difference through a range of activities, including the promotion of its Gifts of Change - training and support will be provided. For more information about what you can do to help now or over the Advent and Christmas period, please email Mark McMahon on infoni@trocaire.org or call 028 9080 8030.

Catholic Chaplaincy at Queen’s University Belfast - Sunday Masses The Catholic Chaplaincy reopened earlier this month in its temporary premises at No.42 University Road, offering facilities including a Chapel with daily Mass, study space and Cafe. More on our programme and services can be found at our website qubcatholic.org. The first Sunday Mass of the semester takes place today Sunday 29 September at 8.00pm (with choir) in the Canada Room of the University’s historic Lanyon Building. Our Annual Dedication of Studies Mass takes place in the University’s Great Hall on Sunday 6 October at 8.00pm and will be presided over by recent alumnus, Fr. Chris Gault OP. Students, staff, alumni and friends are most welcome to join us as we pray God’s blessing on the academic community at Queen’s for the year ahead.

Irish Pilgrimage Trust Easter 2025 Pilgrimage Applications are invited from young people with additional social, emotional, physical and learning needs aged 11 - 30 who are interested in travelling as guests to Lourdes with the Irish Pilgrimage Trust. Applications are also sought for carers 18+ who would be interested in accompanying the guests on the trip. The trip is free for guests as volunteers complete fundraising and carers pay their own fare. Guests complete online applications at https://form.jotform.com/212932685135054.

Carers applications at https://form.jotform.com/211793062891056. For more information visit: https://www.irishpilgrimagetrust.com or telephone Sian at +44 (0) 7960211352

Visit of the Relics of St. Bernadette to the Diocese of Derry The Holy Relics of St. Bernadette are currently on pilgrimage from Lourdes to Ireland for the very first time, visiting every diocese in Ireland during September and October. The relics will visit St. Eugene’s Cathedral, Derry from 2.00pm on Sunday 13 October – Monday 14 October. This very special, once-in-a-lifetime event will provide an opportunity for people of all ages and backgrounds to experience the special gifts and charisms of Lourdes in their own diocese. Full programme of times of viewing can be found at derrydiocese.org