Sunday 27th April 2008

The Sixth Sunday of Easter

The Spirit of Truth

Jesus said to his disciples: “I shall ask the Father and he will give you the Spirit of truth.” If someone ever says to you “I want to tell you the truth about yourself” stand well back because you can be almost certain that you will hear all the things that are wrong with you! That’s what we have done with the notion of truth. God’s idea of truth is just the opposite. It is about all that is good and wonderful about us. This week ban criticism from your life and practice the truth by speaking the good about yourself and also about one another and about those who share your home with you. Go out of your way to notice the good qualities of each person who makes up your life and let each one know the goodness you see in them. And look at your parish this week and make a list of all the good that is being done by your priests and by so many people and let them know what you see. Then you will be God’s people.

Fr. Johnny Doherty, C.Ss.R.

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A MODERN HISTORY OF CREGGAN will be presented in Creggan Country Park with debate and music at 8pm on Friday (25th April). The evening will explore both the origins of the estate and the key events of the ‘Troubles’ affecting the area. The talk will be delivered by renowned local historian Mickey McGuinness, author of ‘Creggan: More Than a History’, which explored the ‘Troubles’ in great detail. This expertise will be invaluable in explaining the complex rationale which saw the Creggan estate being built in the mid 20th century. Entry is free of charge and everyone is welcome. Call 7136 3133 or visit www.creggancountrypark.com for more information.

ST CECILIA’S COLLEGE MAY BALL St Cecilia’s are holding their 40th Anniversary Ball in The Everglades Hotel on the 23rd May. All past pupils, staff and friends welcome. Tickets available from school office. Contact Martina, 71281800.

AWARE DEFEAT DEPRESSION DERRY SUPPORT GROUP meets in the Aware offices, 10 Clarendon Street every Tuesday at 7.30 pm. There is no charge and no need to register. Just come along on the evening. For further information please contact 7126 0602.

AWARE DEFEAT DEPRESSION needs volunteers in the Derry area. By volunteering you will be supporting people experiencing or at risk of experiencing depression and their carers. We are looking for volunteers to facilitate support group meetings in your local community and provide information about depression and the work of the organisation. Full training and support is provided. Contact Pat Lynch on 7126 0602 for details.

FOYLEVIEW 55+ ART CLASSES commence on Tuesday at 2.00 pm in the Art Room, St Columb’s Hall. Join our walking group on Thursdays at Sainsburys at 2.15 pm. All welcome. For further information please contact 7126 6440.

PLAY4ACHANGE are looking for keen volunteers for our new Adventure Play Park in St Columb’s Park, which is due to open in June 2008. If you are interested in volunteering to staff this new play environment please go along to an information session on Wednesday 21st May at 6.30 pm in St Columb’s Park House. For more information please contact Dominic Bonner on 7134 3080.

BELMONT HOUSE SPECIAL SCHOOL PTA are holding a car boot sale in the school grounds on Saturday 3rd May. Gates open for cars at 9.00 am and to public at 10.00 am. £10.00 per car. Lots of other stalls, bouncy castle and face painting.

World Youth Day Experience in Lourdes July 08
As an alternative to World Youth day in Sydney, Lourdes has been nominated the European Centre for WYD and the diocese will be taking a youth group to experience these days of celebration. The trip will be from 16th-21st July for 20-35 yr olds and will travel as part of the larger Diocesan Pilgrimage. The cost is STG 449. There will be a set program for this group for the 5 days including live screen link-up to Sydney, International Youth Masses, concerts, drama and much more. If you are interested in going or finding out more please contact the Pilgrimage Office on 71260293 or pick up a form from the parish office.

MASS FOR THE PROFOUNDLY DEAF Nazareth House, Derry, next Sunday, 4 May, 3.00pm.

The Little Way Novena
The Little Way Novena will take place in the Cathedral from Saturday, 10th May until Sunday, 17th May. This will be an opportunity for people to come and pray for a special intention and to ask St Th?r?se to intercede for them. The Novena will begin at the 7.30 pm Mass on Saturday, 10th May. Monday to Friday there will be Novena Masses at 6.30 am and 10.00 am each morning and an evening service with a guest speaker at 7.30 pm each evening. The theme is ?When I am weak then I am strong?. Everyone is welcome to the Cathedral for this time of prayer and petition.

Diocesan Youth Mass.
You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses - Acts 1:8

There will be a Diocesan Youth Mass on Pentecost Sunday 11th May in St Columb?s Church, Chapel Rd, Waterside Derry at 6pm. Bishop Hegarty will be the main celebrant and all young people are invited to attend. The new Diocesan Youth Choir will provide the music for the Liturgy at this Mass. All young people studying for their exams this year are also most welcome. Refreshments will be held afterwards in the adjacent Parish Centre. Everyone welcome.

Calling all singers and musicians aged 15-18!
The Derry Diocesan Youth Choir would love to hear from you. Are you interested in developing, exploring and using your talents within a faith based context. The Youth choir is in the formation stages and all interested are welcome to attend rehearsals in your local area. The commitment to the choir won?t be demanding as it will work towards a few one off events during the year.

The first event will be a Youth Mass on Pentecost Sunday 11th May. If you are interested in the choir please contact the youth coordinator at ddcc@derrydiocese.org or ring 028 71264087.

This will be a fun experience and an opportunity to meet other young people interested in music.