Sunday 25th November 2007

Christ The King

Reflection

This Sunday’s Gospel reminds us of the end of time by drawing our attention to the last moments of Christ’s earthly life. He was crucified on the cross between two thieves, for claiming to be a king, yet the only crown he wore was braided with thorns. Over his head was written, ‘Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews’. While earthly kings rule from palaces, Christ the King reigns from the cross. His kingdom is not a place, but a people who give their hearts lovingly to him by shaping their lives according to his will. The feast of Christ the King invites us to start living our lives as Jesus taught us to live them. In all we do we seek to grow more like Christ, for he becomes our king only when we give him our allegiance. The kingship of Christ is made real by allowing God to do his work in us and through us. It is a life-long process involving a daily invitation to conversion. He calls us, who are his subjects to take his side in the struggle of furthering the growth of his kingdom.

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FEAST OF CHRIST THE KING
MASSES THIS WEEK
Monday - Tuesday: 9.30 am
Wednesday: 7.30pm (1st Anniversary for Jim McColgan)
Thursday: 7.30pm (1st Anniversary for John Coyle)
Friday: 9.30am & Saturday: 10.00am

BAPTISMS Sundays at 1200 noon. Please contact the Parochial House prior to the Baptism

CONFESSIONS Saturdays 10.30-11.00 am and after the 6.00pm Vigil Mass

Ministers of the Eucharist for December
Vigil: George Brolly and Angela Brolly
9.00am Joe McColgan
11.00am Charlie McDaid and Celine McDaid

Ministers of the Word for Sunday 2nd December
Vigil: Josephine McDermott
9.00am: Mary Murray
11.00am: Tom Frawley

ANNIVERSARIES
Our prayers are asked for John Coyle, Eithne Johnston, Margaret McCartney,
Jim McColgan, Kathleen O’Neill, Charlie Sharkey and Jane Sharkey whose anniversaries occur at this time

BAPTISMS
We welcome into God’s family,
Gareth Kevin Nolan and Benjamin Charles James Storey, who were baptised recently into our Christian faith community.

Collection Details - Sunday 18th November Parish Collection - £1125
Retired Priests’ Collection - £1183 THANKS to all who contributed to the collections A BIG BAZAAR

THANKS!
To all who donated prizes, especially the top prizes including Pool Table (John Dalton),Henry vacuum (Peggy Deehan), TV(Gregory Donnelly), Fridge/Freezer(Liam O’Kane), HiFi,Juke Box, Kettle & Coffee Maker(Sean Quinn), and to all who supported our fundraising event.

FROM THE PARISH BUILDING FUND GROUP
St. Mary’s Ardmore Monthly Draw. First Draw of New Draw Year - TODAY SUNDAY 25th NOVEMBER The aim of this vital fundraising venture is to help repay the construction costs of our Pastoral Centre, a much needed resource for parish events and community gatherings. Your help is appreciated and very much needed at this time. Draws take place on the last Sunday of each month. Membership: £5 per month. Prizes: 1st £700: 2nd £200: 3rd £200: 4th £100. Promoters Prizes: £30 (1st), £20 (2nd), £10 (3rd) & £10 (4th). Contact the Parochial House or one of the promoters to join and/or to help this fundraising venture. MANY THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF THE DRAW.

CAKE & MARMALADE SALE Sunday 9 December at 2pm in aid of our Pastoral Centre All willing to bake or to donate cakes, pastries, biscuits, bread, marmalade etc - GET THE BAKING TINS OUT & ROLL THE DOUGH!

Events
Tuesday 27th: 8pm Building Community Meeting
Tuesday 27th: 6.30pm-7.30pm Pilates
Wednesday 28th: 8pm Church Folk Group Practice
Thursday 29th: 8pm Church Choir Practice
Thursday 29th: 6.30pm-7.30pm Slimming World
Sat. 1st: After Vigil Mass: Taize Meeting for 18-35 yr.olds
Sun 2nd: 4pm Parish Groups Meeting on Child Protection.
SUNDAY 2nd December: 8.00 pm-11.00pm CEILI MOR in Pastoral Centre

‘TAIZE’ COMES TO ARDMORE
SATURDAY NEXT AFTER VIGIL MASS TAIZE, in France, is the home of the International Ecumenical Religious Community. The prayer that has spread throughout the world from Taize is meditative in character using singing, scripture, silence, intercessions, icons, the cross and candlelight to draw us into an experience of God’s love. A special invite is extended to all in the 18-35 age group for next week’s Taize experience in St Mary’s Church

Child Protection
Parish Groups - SUNDAY NEXT AT 4PM All Parish members overseeing altar servers or attached to the Choir, Eucharistic Ministers, Folk group, Nazareth, Young Pioneers, are invited to attend the above Meeting on Child Protection in the Pastoral Centre

Precious Life Annual Candle-light Rosary Procession
Sunday 9th December assembling at Derry’s Guildhall at 4.30pm. Invitation to join and carry a ‘Light for Life’ and to pray for protection of unborn children from abortion. Candles will be supplied. Contact: Precious Life on 90278484

Last Sunday in Ordinary Time PRAYER FOCUS
That all will proclaim Jesus as Lord Question: What difference would there be in our world if all people acclaimed Jesus as Lord? ST. MARY’S ARDMORE PARISH Parish Priest: Priest in Residence: Fr. Neil Farren Mgr. Ignatius McQuillan (Tel: 71349490) (Tel: 71291758)
Parish Office Tel: 71349490
Email: ardmoreparish@btconnect.com
WEBSITE www.ardmoreparish.com

"Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."
"Indeed, I promise you, today you will be with Me in paradise." This beautiful exchange between Jesus and the man dying on the cross beside him is one of the sources of hope and inspiration for people of all times. When we call Him king, we are not talking about someone who lords it over us but rather of someone who brings us into the fullness of life. Even in the depths of His own suffering He has compassion for the man beside Him. His kingdom can only be built on that same compassion. As His followers we are called to forgive one another as He has forgiven us. At the end of this Liturgical Year we owe it to ourselves to let the past go in so far as it holds us back from being people of great love. And we owe it to one another to build each other up in love in our homes and in our faith community. Then the world will believe in Jesus Christ.
Fr. Johnny Doherty, C.Ss.R.