The Baptism of the Lord - Year A

Sunday 13th January 2008

Baptism is both a gift and a commission. Through baptism, God’s favour rests on us, and at the same time He calls us to service to him and to each other. As we grow and mature, we should become ever more conscious of what the demands of service involve.

We have before us the example of Jesus himself, the ultimate Servant. As Son, Beloved and Favoured of God the Father, he fulfilled the demands of service to the point of laying down his life.

May the Spirit of God which we first received at Baptism help us too to be generous in the sacrifices we make for the good of others.

First Reading Isaiah 42: 1-4.6-7
The mission of the Messiah to bring justice and freedom.

Second Reading Acts of the Apostles
The Good News of Jesus Christ is for all people.

Gospel Matthew : 13-17
The Spirit of God comes down upon Jesus.

Masses during the coming week Monday to Friday 10.00 am each day

Weekend Masses:
Vigil Mass Saturday evening 8.00 pm Sunday morning 9.00 am & 11.00 am

Confession Times: Saturday Evening after Vigil Mass

Mass Intentions for this week:
Monday 10.00am - Anv. Mass Thomas McHugh
Thursday 10.00am - Anv. Mass Brian Collins
Saturday 8.00pm - Anv. Mass James Baxter

This Week’s Calendar
Monday 14 - Weekday (1st in Ordinary Time).

Tuesday 15 - St Ita. She was one of the early Irish women saints whose name is remembered in many place-names. A native of County Waterford, in the sixth century she founded a monastery in Killeedy, Co. Limerick. She was given the title Ôfoster-mother of the saints of Ireland.’ She died in 570.

Wednesday 16 - St Fursa, abbot and missionary.

Thursday 17 - St Anthony, abbot, known as the ÔFather of Monasticism.’ One of the earliest monks, Anthony lived a life of solitary prayer in the desert. Many people were drawn to him because of his wisdom and insight.

Friday 18 - Weekday. The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity begins today.

Saturday 19 - Weekday.

Legion of Mary meetings continue as usual every Thursday at 8pm in the parish hall.

St. Davog’s G.A.A. Centre
This saturday night sees the club having it's youth presentation night @ 9.30pm food will be served, all 2007 minor boys are asked to attend to receive their medals Everyone is welcome.

Dinner Dance
Saturday 19th January is the annual dinner dance with special guests in attendance. Tickets £20 on sale this Saturday night 12th from 9.00pm to 10.30pm. Last chance to get your tickets.

Cards
25 card play continues every Thursday night 9.00pm Last week’s winner was Eoin Devine.

Lotto
Last week’s lotto numbers were 15,20,23,33,34
Consolation winner of £100 was Stephen McGuire, Corgary Rd.
Monthly Meeting Club meeting Monday 14th January @ 9.00pm - All members are welcome

Cardinal Sean Brady
During his first official visit to the Diocese, His Eminence Cardinal Sean Brady will present awards to young people of the diocese (and the parish) who participated in the Pope John Paul II Award Initiative. This programme was designed to encourage young people to become involved in their parish and community. Bishop Hegarty invites 5 members of the parish to attend the ceremony in the Millennium Forum, Derry on Wednesday 23rd January @ 7.30p.m. Admission is by ticket only so anyone interested in attending should get their names in early. If more than 5 people wish to attend then the tickets will be drawn out. His Eminence will concelebrate Mass in St. Eugene’s Cathedral Derry on Thursday 24th January at 10.00am. to which you are all welcome. Cardinal Brady will be available after Mass to meet and greet those who come along

Garvagh Hall
The Youth Club will resume this Friday 18th January from 7.00pm to 9.00pm. Only registered children may attend

Dancing Ruby’s dancing lessons recommence on Tuesday 22nd January from 8pm-9pm in the hall. Come along with your ideas of dances to be taught and Ruby will get you dancing around the floor!

St.Davog’s P.S.(Scraghey)
Are now taking applications for new pupils entering primary school in September 2008. Application forms can be obtained by contacting Mrs. Kelly (Principal) Tel. (028 68631262) on or before Wednesday 16th January.

A Mass of the sick with Eucharistic Blessing will take place in the Carmelite Retreat Centre Termonbacca Derry on Tuesday 22nd January at 8.00 pm. All are welcome to attend.

The Playhouse Derry is running a number of evening classes accredited at OCN level 3. These include: Painting Techniques; Performance; Radio Production; Pottery; Directing for Performance & Film/Video Production. All courses cost £40 for unemployed and £48 employed. For further details contact Sharon Moran on 71268027 or sharon@derryplayhouse.co.uk

THE PARISH BINGO
The parish bingo continues in the Parish Hall @ 9.00 pm on Friday evening. We look forward to the parish support .

Questions people ask
Q. John’s baptism was a ritual of repentance, but if Jesus was sinless, why did he say that he needed to be baptized
A. Jesus explained that it was f.itting that he should, in this way, do all that righteousness demanded. While he did not need cleansing from any personal sin, he considered it fitting or right to show his solidarity with sinful humanity. By doing so, he anticipated his death on Calvary where he took on

St. Caireall’s Primary School
Anyone wishing to enrol a child in Reception or Primary 1 class at St. Caireall's P.S. in September 2008 should contact the school (81671704) to request an application form on or before Wednesday 16th Jan. '08 All completed application forms must be returned to the school no later than Wednesday 23rd Jan '08.

Aghyaran Community Playgroup
Application forms are available from the playgroup to enrol children in their pre- year (children born between 2nd July 2004 and 1st. July 2005) Forms can be collected between 9.30am and 12 noon until Monday 21st January 2008. The playgroup would like to offer sincere thanks to the Shannaghey/Ballymongan Mummers for their very generous donation.

 

Marriage Preparation Courses.


2008

January 25th & 26th,
February 22nd & 23rd,
April 4th , 5th, and April 25th & 26th,
May 23rd & 24th,
June 13th &14th.
Numbers on courses are limited. The fee of £80 per couple must be included with completed application form and forwarded to the Accord office