Sunday 23rd March 2008

Easter Sunday - The Resurrection of the Lord

Fr. Doherty and Fr. O'Hagan hope and pray that, on this great feast of Easter, our Parishioners and all who come to Mass in Melmount will be blessed with faith, hope and love.

The Deep End - Boldly Going

Believing that someone has risen from the dead is quite an achievement. It means that you have freed your mind from the limitations of reason. Human reason is limited, is it not? So, is it not desirable to boldly go where reason alone can’t take you? If we never take that step into what is seen as in a glass darkly we will not develop fully. We will be so fearful of appearing gullible, or stupid; so fearful of derision from those considered more ‘enlightened’ and intelligent, so afraid of drifting into insanity, that we will imprison our mind in shallowness and limit our ability to mature spiritually.

As people of faith we have staked our life on what we believe. If Jesus has not risen then what’s the point in seeking ‘the things that are above’? (Colossians 3:1-4) What’s the point in being a Christian if the highpoint of Jesus’ life was a lie, a non-event, a con-artist’s ruse? Then our faith would be a sham, our values mere delusion.

Look into the eyes of your loved ones: wife, husband, son, daughter, and tell them they have no lasting value. Then see if you can ever look them in the eye again?

Announcements

Last week’s collection amounted to £3555.00 Thank you.

Masses for the coming week Mass from Monday 24 March to Friday 28 March will be at 10.00am. There will be no evening Mass this week.

Baptisms
Please Note: Baptisms for Friday 28 March will be at 6.30pm.

Parish Bulletin
There will be no Parish Bulletin next Sunday.

Holy Week Ceremonies
A word of thanks to all those who helped out in anyway in the Easter Ceremonies in the Church. We thank the Choirs, Musicians, the Readers, Eucharistic Ministers, Altar Servers, Collectors, Counters and Stewards. We thank those who co-ordinated these activities and also our Sacristan Enda McDonnell and Martin Brolly for their work all during Lent.

Dates for Baptism
The following are the dates for the Sacrament of Baptism during the months of March, April and May:
March: Sunday 23; Friday 28.
April: Friday 4; Sunday 13; Sunday 20; Friday 25.
May: Friday 9; Sunday 11; Sunday 18; Friday 30.
Times for Baptism: Sunday 1.15pm; Friday 7.20pm.

Parish Draw 2008
Promoters should make their returns for April to the Parish Office on Monday 21 April from 2.00pm - 4.30pm and from 7.30pm - 8.30pm. The Draw for April will take place on Thursday 24 April at 10.30am in the Parish Office.

Collection Envelopes
We thank those who contributed to the Parish during the year. Those who made their contributions using the collection envelopes will receive a new box to begin on Sunday 6 April. Anyone who has not been using envelopes and who would like to receive a box should leave their name in the sacristy. Anyone who pays income tax and who would like to consider being part of the Gift Aid Scheme by using an envelope should contact the Parish Office: Tel. 71383777.

May they Rest in Peace - Deaths
Fr. Pat McCrea, Melmount Manor
John Devine, Melmount Manor formerly Mulvey House
Assumpta McLaughlin, 24 Camus Road
Mary Kirk, Plumbridge
Tommy McGrath, 47 Primrose Park, Sion Mills

Anniversaries
Tommy McGillicuddy, Mae Logue, Ann Ponsonby, Coman Flanagan, Elizabeth Brown, Thomas McCrory, Annie Donaghey, Charlie Doherty, Nuala McElwee,
Lily McCready, Tommy Doherty, O’Kane Family, Susie O’Neill, Robert McKenna, Barry Creggan, Willie Doherty, Phyllis McMenamin, Betty Roulstone,
Nigel Baldrick, Margaret Gallagher, Francie Elliott.

Trocaire
Anyone who has not yet returned their Trocaire Collection Box can do so at any of the Masses over the coming week. It would be a great help to the counters if small coins could be changed for notes or pound coins.

Melmount Centre - Parish Bingo on Easter Sunday 23 March 2008 and Sunday 30 March.

Blood Transfusion Service
The N.I. Blood Transfusion Service will be in St. Pat’s Hall, Barrack Street, Strabane on Tuesday 25 March from 1.30pm - 4.00pm and from 5.15pm - 8.00pm. New Donors and existing donors are encouraged to attend.

Derry Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes
Application forms are available for any young person aged 14-15 years who would like a place on the Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes. Special arrangements are made for the youth who will be led by the Pilgrimage Youth Team. The Lourdes Pilgrimage would be grateful for volunteers who are qualified nurses to work as part of the care team. For further information please contact The Pilgrimage Office, 164 Bishop Street, Derry telephone 028 71260293.

Medjugorje Irish Centre
Located beside St. James Church, the Irish Centre is the meeting place for all Medjugorje’s Irish Pilgrims. The Centre provides information, laundry, phone, internet and foot massage services. Apartment accommodation available for as little as 20 euro per night. We will arrange airport transfers from Split and Dubrovnik. For further details contact by phone on 028 82241888, E-mail: darren@medjugorje-properties.com Website: www.medjugorje-properties.com
Liam Bradley Tours - Daniel O’Donnell Concert 13-14 April. One dinner and bed and breakfast. Cost £89.00 per person sharing. Departs Strabane at 1.30pm. For further details telephone 028 71269109.

Strabane Sigersons GAA
Many thanks to everyone who made the recent St. Patrick’s Day parade a huge success. The Sigersons Youth Easter Coaching Camp will be held at the Club grounds on Wednesday 26 March from 10.00am – 1.00pm.

Liam Bradley Tours - Daniel O’Donnell Concert 13-14 April. One dinner and bed and breakfast. Cost £89.00 per person sharing. Departs Strabane at 1.30pm. For further details telephone 028 71269109.