Cappagh Parish, Derry Diocese, Ireland.

Sunday, 9th May 2010

Sixth Sunday of Easter

Jesus said to his disciples: “Peace I bequeath to you, my own peace I leave you”. We are very conscious today of all the trouble there is in our world and yet peace is a longing in every heart. As Christians we have a great responsibility to work for peace in every way we can and in every situation where there is war or conflict. However, the peace that is Christ’s gift to us is much more than an absence of war or conflict. His peace, for which we also have a great responsibility, is about spreading joy and happiness in our homes and community. It is about practicing forgiveness so that the past is always left behind us. It is about creating an atmosphere in our homes and community in which each individual can feel at ease and be glad to be there. It is about letting Christ’s presence change us to the extent that, even in the midst of suffering and division, we can be a people who look to the radiant glory of God.

Fr. Johnny Doherty, C.Ss.R.

The month of May is the "month which the piety of the faithful has especially dedicated to Our Blessed Lady," and it is the occasion for a "moving tribute of faith and love which Catholics in every part of the world pay to the Queen of Heaven. During this month Christians, both in church and in the privacy of the home, offer up to Mary from their hearts an especially loving homage of prayer and veneration.

A vacationing businessman was walking along a beach when he saw a young boy. Along the shore were many starfish that had been washed up by the tide and were sure to die before the tide returned. The boy was walking slowly along the shore and occasionally reached down and tossed the beached starfish back into the ocean. The businessman, hoping to teach the boy a little lesson in common sense, walked up to the boy and said, "I have been watching what you are doing, son. You have a good heart, and I know you mean well, but do you realise how many beaches there are around here and how many starfish are dying on every beach every day. Surely such an industrious and kind hearted boy such as yourself could find something better to do with your time. Do you really think that what you are doing is going to make a difference?" The boy looked up at the man, and then he looked down at a starfish by his feet. He picked up the starfish, and as he gently tossed it back into the ocean, he said, "It makes a difference to that one."

A. Many people have favourite places of pilgrimage where they feel close to God. Perhaps the most important pilgrimage is the journey inwards to recognise the presence of God with us and within us. St Paul told the Romans, ‘the Spirit of God has made his home in you’. He added that when we do not know how to pray, the Holy Spirit prays within us in ways beyond the scope of words. The indwelling of God is like a secret room. Jesus said that when we pray we should go into that secret room, close the door, and be attentive to God within us.

Orlaith Marie McKenna, 79 Dunmullan Rd
Daire Patrick Smyth, 14D Glenelly Gardens
Barri John McLaughlin, Thornliebank, Glasgow
Adam Daniel McGirr, 3 Coolnagard Hollows

Fr. Patrick Baker Wednesday 12th May
Fr. Declan Boland Thursday 13th May
Fr. Eugene Boland Friday 14th May
Fr. Francis Bradley Saturday 15th May
Fr. Manus Bradley Sunday 16th May

Ellen McGaughey, Hawthorn Road - 08/05/00
Gerry Kelly, Killyclogher Road -06/05/01
Francie Quinn, Farmhill Road - 11/05/04
Patrick O’Neill, St Julian’s Road - 06/05/08
Fr. John Joe McGrane, Australia - 09/05/00

1st Prize £2,000. Brendan Owens 10, Patrick’s Rd, Beragh.
(Promoter Matt Ward)

2nd Prize £1,000 Seamus McMenamin 89, Drumnakilly Road.
(Promoter Pat O’Connor)

5th Prize £100 Kieran Lennon 23 Berkley Heights (Promoter Paula Gallagher
& Donna Burns)

Blood Transfusion Service will be in the First Presbyterian Church Hall on Wednesday 12, Thursday13 & Friday 14 May 1.30pm - 4pm & 5.30pm - 8pm. Please give blood. It could save a life and it only takes twenty minutes of your time.

Solemn Annual Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament takes place in Killyclogher Church next weekend beginning after the 11.00am Mass on Sunday with a Eucharistic Service at 7.00pm. It continues on Monday after the 10.00am Mass and concludes with devotions at 7.00pm.

The North West Regional Pioneer Association are holding their annual dance in St. Patrick’s Hall Strabane on Friday 14th May Dancing to Country Legends. Super will be served and all welcome. Tickets £6.00 or pay at the Door.

The Holy Family Padre Pio prayer group will hold their monthly meeting in the Holy Family Church, Ballymagroarty, Derry. on MONDAY night 10th May starting with 7.30 pm Mass. There will be two 1st class relics of St Pio at the meeting. All are welcome.

Children in Crossfire are recruiting 20 enthusiastic individuals to join them for the Budapest Half Marathon on Sunday 5th September. £150 deposit is requested and minimum sponsorship applies. For more information please contact Sarah on 028 71269898 / 07966628897 or e-mail events@childrenincrossfire.org

‘You don’t need a garden to garden!’ - Claire Rodgers is giving an illustrated talk on this theme in St. Joseph’s Hall, Omagh on Wednesday 12th May @ 8.15pm. Admission fee is £3 which includes supper. Everyone welcome.

Termonbacca Community 16th Annual Funday will be held on Sunday 6th June 2010. We would be grateful for any items you may wish to donate, eg; clothes, toys, bric a brac, books 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. Tel: 028 7126 2512

Last week’s collections: Church collection £3686
Refurbishment Collection £1600

GAA Weekly Bingo: Each Monday evening in Cappagh Parish Hall at 9 pm. Weekly Lotto Numbers 4, 21, 22, 24 and 30. Seamus Brogan, Lislap had four numbers and received £100.00. Two jackpots have now been capped at £5,000. New jackpot now stands at £3,175.00.

The Warm Homes Scheme provides free insulation and heating measures to householders on certain benefits. To find out if you qualify, or to apply to the Scheme call 0800 988 0559 or visit www.warm-homes.com