Fourth Sunday of Easter

Day of Prayer for Vocations - 29 April 2007

Counting Sheep

The notion of unity in diversity is quite popular today - at least as a slogan. The New Ireland may well be one of many nationalities, but in real terms we are struggling to make out of this cultural mix - one people. Let’s be honest, while Irish people are generally quite friendly, we are extraordinarily clannish and slow to admit people into our circle of friends. We all tend to associate with people with whom we share racial, cultural, economic and religious characteristics and values.

It’s just as well then that Paul and Barnabas had no Hibernian genes. They move the fledgling church into the realm of the Gentiles, not without opposition and struggle mind you. But its mission accomplished with an innumerable multitude impossible to count (second reading).

The Good Shepherd of the Gospel has an interesting flock. We have genuine differences but these are only distinctions not separations. They add to the colour and texture of the community of believers; they do not alienate or marginalise. There is no dominant or superior group in this flock. We are all God’s people, ‘the flock he tends.’ From our limited knowledge of sheep, we may know that they smell, stray and are often parasite-ridden. Which only goes to show what an extraordinary love and care Jesus has for us. Something to literally baaaaa-sk in!

Announcements

Last week’s collection amounted to £3238.00. Thank you.

Dates for Baptism
The following are the dates for the Sacrament of Baptism during the months of May, June and July:
May: Friday 4; Sunday 13; Sunday 20; Friday 25.
June: Friday 8; Sunday 17; Sunday 24; Friday 29.
July: Sunday 1; Friday 6; Sunday 15; Sunday 22; Friday 27.
Times for Baptism: Sunday 1.15pm; Friday 7.20pm.

First Friday
Friday of this week is the First Friday. Confessions will be on Thursday after 10.00am Mass and on Friday from 6.15pm - 6.45pm.

Pre-Marriage Course
There will be a Pre-Marriage Course in St. Pat’s Hall on Sunday 20 May. A light lunch will be provided. For further information and booking telephone 028 71383777.

St. Mary’s Boys Primary School Confirmation
The P.7 Boys will celebrate a Mass of Commitment in preparation for Confirmation in St. Mary’s Church, Melmount on Thursday 3 May at 7.30pm. We welcome especially parents, sponsors, family members and friends to this celebration.

St. Mary’s Boys Primary School First Holy Communion
The P.4 Boys will celebrate a Mass in preparation for First Holy Communion at 10.00am on Thursday 10 May. We welcome parents, family members and friends who may be able to attend.

Strabane Concert Brass
Strabane Concert Brass will be in concert in Holy Cross West on Wednesday 2 May at 8.00pm with world renowned cornet player Roger Webster. Admission £2.00 or £5.00 family.

Legion of Mary
The Rosary will be recited before evening Mass at 6.35pm during the month of May.

Parish Draw 2007
Promoters should make their returns for May to the Parish Office on Monday 21 May from 2.00pm - 4.30pm and from 7.30pm - 8.30pm. The Draw for May will take place on Thursday 24 May at 2.30pm in the Parish Office.

We welcome into God's Family through the Sacrament of Baptism:
Cara Farmer
Tobias James Wilks

We congratulate the following couple who were recently united in the Sacrament of Marriage:
Conor McCrossan and Rose Houston

May they Rest in Peace - Deaths
Daniel Joseph McCauley, formerly Strahan’s Road
Margaret Hanna, 5 Magirr Park
Patsy Dunnion, 15 Ballycolman Estate
Geraldine Gallagher, 38 Newtown Street

Anniversaries
Margaret Magee, Seamus Magee, Eamon Quigley,
Andrew Lyttle, Rose Barrett, John Barrett,
Harry McDevitt, Eddie McColgan, Paddy Casey,
May Duffy, Catherine Gallagher, John Boyle,
Willie Gallagher, Mary McColgan, Joe McGrath Snr.,
Anna Donaghey, John McBride.

Pilgrimage to Knock 2007
Bishop Hegarty will lead the Diocesan Pilgrimage to Knock on Sunday 3 June. The Ceremonies will begin at 2.30pm with the Blessing of the Sick.

The Annual Lourdes Hospitalite Collection takes place at all Masses on 12 and 13 May 2007. This fund is used solely for the purpose of providing medical care and support to people of the Diocese who are sick and wish to go to Lourdes.

Pilgrimage to Poland
The next meeting for pilgrims to make their payments for the pilgrimage will take place in Fr. O’Hagan’s house on Tuesday 8 May from 7.30pm – 8.00pm.

Padre Pio Prayer Group
The monthly meeting of the Padre Pio Prayer Group will take place in the Church of the Immaculate Conception on Wednesday 2 May commencing with the Rosary at 6.45pm followed by Mass at 7.00pm.

Carricklee-Castletown Cross Community Development Association Annual General Meeting will be held on Wednesday 2 May at 8.00pm in the Lisnafin Community Centre. All residents welcome.

Iona Carmelite Retreat Centre
The monthly Devotions in Honour of Our Lady will take place in the Carmelite Retreat Centre, Termonbacca, Derry on Tuesday 1 May starting with confessions at 7.30pm followed by the Rosary and Mass, finishing around 10.00pm. All are welcome to attend.

Melmount Centre
Parish Bingo Sunday 29 April 2007.

Strabane Sigersons G.A.A.
The Club’s Senior and Reserve Footballers travel to play Augher this Sunday in the O’Neill’s Sportswear Tyrone ACL Division 2 & Reserve. All support welcome. The Minor Footballers travel to play Ardboe on Saturday 5 May in the first round of the Grade One Championship. Coaching for all the Ladies teams continues as normal, please check out the website for details.

Parish Draw 2007
The winners are as follows: April Draw
£500: 1070 Jim Roulston - Helen Foster
£250: 1235 Josephine McGinn - Margaret McGinn
£250: 1950 Andy Doherty - Anne Marie McGirr
£250: 1278 Mary Gallagher - Pauline Wilson
£150: 1117 Michael Boyle - Frances McLaughlin
£150: 1189 Geraldine Devlin - Juliana Murray
£150: 1337 Brian Haughey - Cicley Casey
£100: 1623 Vincent Doherty - Elizabeth Devenney
£100: 1705 Ruby Gillespie - Elizabeth O’Hare
£100: 1097 Bill McIntyre - Francis Henderson