Sunday, 9th May 2010

Sixth Sunday of Easter

First Reading : Acts of the Apostles 15: 1-2.22-29
A big issue for the early Church was how much of the Law and traditions of Moses
should be imposed on Gentile converts. This reading tells us how the problem was solved.

Second Reading: Apocalypse 21: 10-14, 22-23
We are given a majestic picture of the new Jerusalem, the heavenly Church of the future,
when God’s Kingdom will come in all its glory.

Gospel: John 14: 23-29
We hear yet another portion of Jesus’ farewell discourse at the Last Supper.
It is dominated by the thought of his imminent departure.

Feeling like a Human Being

There’s a memorable scene in The Shawshank Redemption. Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) plays Duettino-Sull’aria from Mozart’s ‘The Marriage of Figaro’ over the prison loudspeaker system. Prisoners stop what they’re doing enthralled by the operatic duet. As you watch their rapt features, ‘Red’ Redding’s (Morgan Freeman) background commentary tells you that for a few minutes these prisoners feel like human beings again. The beauty of the music blocks out the ugliness of their surroundings and transports them to another place where refinement, beauty and spirit reign. It’s a powerful, touching scene.

Now another scene. This time in Suffolk, England. A 5ft by 7ft dilapidated beach hut. Its window is broken. Its paint is peeling. It lacks a door, gas, electricity and water. A local council regulation forbids overnight use of it. For sale at a whopping £40,000, its estate agent says it’ll be snapped up. Other huts similar in size but in better condition have sold more ‘whoppingly’ for £100,000. Why? Location, location, location. They command a spectacular view of the sea. Again, a place of beauty - and for people of faith, a sense of Presence therein.

Our third and last scene is in today's Second Reading: the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God. (Apoc 21:10) Refinement, beauty and Spirit reign there. No need for gas or electricity - not even for the Sun. The glory of God is its light, God’s presence its air. Like the Shawshank prisoners we too need our moments of rapture whether it be from love, nature, art or faith. For without a peek into eternity human nature just cannot peak.

Fr. Tom Cahill

Announcements

Fr. Doherty would like to thank you for your contributions to last week’s Priest’s Collection.

Diocesan Purposes Collection

There will be a second collection next Sunday for Diocesan Purposes. There is a special envelope in your box for this collection. Anyone contributing to this collection by cheque should make their cheque payable to ‘Melmount Parish’ only. Thank you.

Dates for Baptism

The following are the dates for the Sacrament of Baptism during the months of May and June:

May: Sunday 16; Sunday 30.

June: Saturday 5; Sunday 13; Saturday 26.

Times for Baptism: Sunday 1.15pm; Saturday 4.00pm

Confirmation

Bishop Hegarty will administer the Sacrament of Confirmation to the P.7 pupils of our Parish on Saturday 15 May at 11.00am. Children and Sponsors are asked to be in their seats at 10.40am. Refreshments will be available afterwards in the Melmount Centre. Please Note: There will be no Confessions on Saturday morning 15 May.

Gaelscoil

First Holy Communion for the children of the Gaelscoil will take place on Saturday 12 June.

Parish Draw

Promoters should make their returns for May to the Parish Office on Monday 24 May from 2.00pm - 4.30pm and from 7.30pm - 8.30pm. The Draw for May will take place on Thursday 27 May at 10.30am in the Parish Office.

Blessing of Graves

The Annual Ceremony of the Blessing of Graves will take place in Melmount on Sunday 23 May at 5.00pm. Please come early and remember to bring Holy Water. Car parking facilities will be available at St. Mary’s Boys P.S., St. Mary’s Girls P.S. and Holy Cross College. Because of the huge numbers who attend this service you are asked to come in good time. Those who are able may find it easier to walk to the Cemetery rather than come by car.

May they Rest in Peace - Deaths

Rosita McGrath, 46 Ashgrove Park

Baby Rhys Foley, St. Colman’s Drive

Annie May McGrath, Glebe Gardens

Vera O’Boyle, Gorey, Wexford

Tony Harte, London

Paddy Kelly, Letterkenny

Anniversaries

Hannah Doherty, Pat Boyle, Art Connolly,

Joe McCay, Bella McCay, William Gallagher,

Kathleen McElwee, Bridget Bonner, Frank McCrossan,

John McCrossan, Patrick McGlynn, Ann McClay,

John McDermott, Jenny McCauley, Betty Gillespie,

Molly McGonigle, Joseph Harper, Annie Donnelly,

Pat Sharkey, Teenie Patton, Patrick McDaid, James McClintock.

Accord Derry:

Marriage Preparation Workshop (Pre-Marriage Course) 14/15 May in the Thornhill Centre, Culmore Road, Derry, on Friday from 6.45pm - 10.00pm and on Saturday from 10.00am - 4.00pm. To book a place please contact Rosemary on 71362475, Monday - Thursday 9.30am - 1.30pm.

Strabane Friends of Marie Curie Cancer Care

sponsored walk will take place on Thursday 13 May starting from Strabane Presbyterian Church Hall, Derry Road at 7.30pm. Sponsor sheets are available from any member of the Marie Curie Group or telephone 71383840 or 71841705. Your support would be gratefully appreciated. Refreshments served at hall afterwards.

Melmount Centre - Parish Bingo Sunday 9 May.

A team from the NI Blood Transfusion Service will be in St. Patrick’s Hall, Barrack Street on Wednesday 19 May from 1.30pm - 4.00pm and from 5.15pm - 8.00pm. In order to maintain the vital supply of blood to our hospitals, the Blood Transfusion Service need the help not only of existing donors, but also of new donors.

Children in Crossfire are recruiting 20 enthusiastic individuals to join them for the 25th Budapest Half Marathon on 5 September. A deposit of £150.00 is requested and minimum sponsorship applies. For more information contact Sarah 71269898 or email events@childrenincrossfire.org.

The BIG Saunter, a sponsored riverside walk for those aged 55+, will take place on Wednesday 19 May at 1.00pm. The walk will commence from Sainsbury’s along the path of the River Foyle and finish off at the Guildhall. All monies raised will go to Foyle Hospice. For further information contact Stephanie English, Old Library Trust, Creggan. Tel. 71373870.

Strabane & District Citizens Advice Bureau, with funding from the Neighbourhood Renewal Programme, is rolling out a project which aims to maximise the income of residents in the Neighbourhood Renewal Areas through a benefit uptake project. The project will target households in Ballycolman, Carlton Drive, Lisnafin, Fountain Street and Springhill Park; this is to identify additional benefits or other assistance that households can receive. If you live in one of the areas mentioned and would like to take up the offer of a benefit entitlement check contact us on 71384241.

Termonbacca Community 16th Annual Funday will be held on Sunday 30 May. We would be grateful for any items you may wish to donate; e.g. clothes, toys, books, bric-a-brac etc for our Funday stalls. Please bring them along to the Retreat Centre. If you are willing to help in anyway you can contact us during office hours on 71262512.

A few places remain on the Experiences of the Troubles Programme which Inishowen Women’s Information Network in conjunction with Mid Ulster Women’s Network are running one day a week in the Diamond Centre, Claudy, starting May 2010. If you are interested in taking part in this programme please give Jacqui or Barbara a ring on 003537439 73568 Monday - Thursday or log onto www.womenworkingwelltogether.com All women with experiences good or bad are welcome.