Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

27th October 2024

Who is Blind?

Who is blind in today’s gospel? The obvious answer, of course, is the blind man! Bartimaeus is blind and desperate. He has not been blind all his life, so he knows about the wonderful gift of sight he is now missing. His faith is strong, and his courage is stronger still; no matter how much he is scolded and silenced, he calls to Jesus all the louder. Though he is physically blind, he sees plenty.

Who sees Bartimaeus? Certainly not the followers of Jesus. They do not think of Bartimaeus as someone worthy of meeting Jesus. To the extent that they think about him at all, he is an irritation, a poor beggar to look down on, hardly a person. They are utterly blind to his needs.

I’m struck by the irony of the crowds summoning Bartimaeus with the word ‘Courage’. He has already shown tremendous courage. Minutes previously Jesus’ followers had been content to pass him by and silence his cries for help, but their master has given an order and they must obey. How they must have squirmed, calling him over.

The blind man sees Jesus, and Jesus sees the blind man. Everyone else is blind to both of them. Everyone else fades into the background of the story, just as Bartimaeus was pushed to the back of the crowds.

Perhaps it is time for an eyesight test. Do we see Jesus for who he really is? Do we pay attention to those around us, or are we blind to their needs? Do we hear the cry of the poor, or are we complicit in silencing them?                            

                      Triona Doherty

Announcements

Last week’s collection amount to £2631.00. Thank you.

Clergy Retirement Fund collection amounted to £2930.58. Thank you.

Those who pay to the weekly collection or any special collections, including Priests’ 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 There will be No Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament on Monday 28 October as we hope to begin the installation of the new Church Organ.

Vocations Our Second Reading reminds us that priests are chosen from among the People of God, to help us, their brothers and sisters, in our weakness and our uncertainty, in our relationship with the Lord. We pray for the men in our parish communities who are being called to serve the Church as priests of this diocese.

May they Rest in Peace

Deaths

Liz Cairns, Sion Mills                                  

Don Brolly, Lifford

Christine Sandiford, Manchester

Anniversaries

Charlie Nelson, Joanne Henderson, Tony Gillespie

Ryan McGonigle, William McLaughlin, Philomena Murray

Billie Hamilton, Helena McLaughlin, Noel McCrory

Tony Coyle, Hugo Quinn, Hugh Moss

Edward Walsh, Sarah Hegarty, May Coyle

Eugene Craig, Vincent Crawford, Vincent Carlin

Angela Carlin, George McGinley, George Madden

Baptism Dates

November: 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.

All Saints Day Friday 1 November is the Feast of All Saints and the First Friday and a Holy Day. Masses will be 7.00pm Vigil on Thursday 31 October and 10.00am on Friday 1 November. There will be no evening Mass. Confessions will take place on the Thursday before the First Friday after 10.00am Mass and on Saturday at 11.30am.

All Souls Day Saturday 2 November is the Commemoration of the Faithful Departed. Masses are 11.00am and 7.00pm Vigil. It is a day when people like to come to Mass to pray for their dead.

Annual Service for the Dead The Annual Service in remembrance of deceased members of our families and parish will take place next 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).

Parish Draw Promoters should make their returns for November to the Parish Office on Monday 11 November from 2.00pm - 4.00pm. The Draw for November will take place on Thursday 14 November at 10.30am in the Parish Office.

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 P4B & Saturday 17 May 2025 at 12 noon for P4C and 2.00pm for P4A.

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.

First Holy Communion for the pupils of the Gaelscoil will take place on Saturday 7 June 2025 at 11.00am.

Confirmation for the pupils of the Gaelscoil will take place on Saturday 8 March 2025 at 11.00am.

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, please email Mark McMahon on infoni@trocaire.org or call 028 9080 8030.

Pilgrimage to Fatima 7 Nights from 19 June 2025. Spiritual Directors: Fr. Malachy Gallagher, Mgr Bryan McCanny and Fr. Sean O’Donnell. £849 per person sharing. Early booking offer: £100 off if paid in full by 15 November. For more information telephone Patricia 07743936548 or Anne 07784953408.

Ards Friary ‘What is God’s Dream for your Life’ Retreat: Wednesday 6 November from 10.00am - 3.30pm, also 11 December, 22 January and 19 February. This day will be welcoming of everyone, wherever they find themselves on life’s journey. It will be particularly useful for individuals and teams who want to take time away from the busyness of life and discover or rediscover a sense of direction and purpose in their lives. Facilitated by Jim Deeds Cost €65 (includes light refreshments & lunch). For more information and booking telephone Ards 0035374 9138909 or email info@ardsfriary.ie

Advent Reflection Retreat Preparing for the Birth of Christ Child on Sunday 10 November from 1.00pm - 6.00pm. Join us for a day of Scripture, song & silence that will equip us to go into Advent with plenty to fill our minds and hearts as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus once more. You will leave with resources to aid your personal prayer during Advent and to lead others in prayer in your parish community. Facilitated by Jim Deeds. Cost €65. For more information and booking telephone Ards 0035374 9138909 or email info@ardsfriary.ie

SYCAMORE – Faith Discovery Programme Sycamore is an informal course about our Catholic faith and its relevance for life today. It gives you space to meet other people, share ideas, explore your beliefs, and things that really matter. In preparation for the Jubilee year 2025 the focus will be on the gift of prayer. Each session involves a short film and plenty of time for quiet reflection and discussion. Fr. Peter O’Kane, Derry Diocesan Adult Faith Formator will take the course on: Monday: 4, 11, 18, 25 November & 1 December in Muff, Co. Donegal. Tuesday: 5, 12, 19, 26 November & 2 December in Dungiven. Time: 7.30pm – 9.30pm. Please register at derrydiocese.org/sycamore if you wish to attend. Refreshments provided and everyone is welcome.

Strabane Brass Band presents Soundtracks, Movies & Musicals in St. Patrick’s Hall, Barrack Street on Monday 28 October at 7.30pm. Tickets £5.00. All proceeds from this event will go to the Rory Carlin Memorial Fund/Koram Centre. The Artane Band, travelling from Dublin as part of their Cross Border Tour will perform music from Musicals, Movies and famous Classical Pieces.