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Twenty-first Sunday of the Year
Rural Protestant people in the area where I grew up would often have had scriptural quotations displayed in prominent places in their homes. A particular favourite, from my observation were those resolute words spoken by Joshua to the tribes at Shechem: 'As for me and my House, we will serve the Lord.' One can hardly fail to be stirred by the passion and conviction with which Joshua makes this statement. No suprise, then, that it would still find resonance in the lives of God-fearing people generations afterwards, and would be chosin to articulate a family's sense of faith. Joshua's words are confident and aspirational. They affirm identity in the Lord yet recognise that there are conditions attached. The God of the patriarchs has been faithful in delivering his promises, and guiding his people in safety to a new land, but commitment and service will be expected in return. It is in this context of mutual obligations that the covenant and its promises must be understood. Blessings will come as a reward for faithfulness. This hope will sustain and encourage Joshua's people in their efforts to serve God in their new surroundings. Joshua goes on to put a choice before the leaders of the tribes. They, also, can re-commit to the God of Israel and the terms of the covenant, or they can opt out and go their own way at this stage. In the Gospel, Jesus is similarly clear that even his closest disciples must actively choose whether they want to commit - or move away as others have done. In our own Catholic culture, where Christian faith and identity have been largely inherited and are, perhaps, fitfully adhered to in many ways, it might be worthwhile for us to pause and contemplate that basic choice which Joshua and Jesus both considered vital. In order to be meaningful and life-giving, it would seem, faith requires an on-going commitment. If it is to be genuine, that commitment must be freely given by those who are capable of such a mature choice. It might be time we wach faced up to that choice for ourselves.
Copyright: Fr. Tom Cahill (Intercom)
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| Daily
Readings
You
can access the daily readings on the
parish website:
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Feast
Days of the Week
| Mon 24th |
St Bartholomew’s name occurs in the gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke in the list of the apostles. He is probably identified with the Nathanael of Cana, whom Philip brings to the Lord. Preached the gospel in India. Patron saints of plasterers, tanners and leather workers.
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| Thu 27th |
St Monica, 332-387, converted her pagan husband Patricius, to the faith, and by her prayers and tears brought her son St Augustine to Christianity and a moral life. Patron saint of mothers.
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| Fri 28th |
St Augustine, 354-430, bishop of Hippo, where he lived with a community until his death. His theological influence has been most significant in the Church, especially on the understanding of God’s grace. Patron of theologians.
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| Sat 29th |
Beheading of St John the Baptist, martyr.
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Prayer For Young People
God our Father,
You see Your children growing up in
an unsteady and confusing world.
Show them that Your ways give more life
than the ways of the world,
and that following You
is better than chasing after selfish goals.
Help them to take failure,
not as a measure of their worth,
but as a chance for a new start.
Give them strength to hold their faith in you,
and to keep alive their joy in your creation.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
Author Unknown
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A Prayer for Children
as they return to School
My dearest Lord,
be now a bright flame to enlighten me,
a guiding star to lead me,
a smooth path beneath my feet,
and a kindly shepherd along my way,
today and for evermore.
Amen.
St Columba (521-897) |
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Philip Mulryne
On Sunday 23rd August, Philip Mulryne from Creeslough Park in our parish begins his studies for the priesthood in our diocese of Down and Connor. Please keep Philip and the other students for the priesthood in your prayers.
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Feast of Gaelic Sports
This is for 6 - 12 year old boys and girls
and is taking place in
Sarsfields GAC
from Monday to Thursday, August 24th - 27th.
Free of charge and everyone is welcome.
It runs from 10.30am - 12pm each day.
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Bible Alive
Bible Alive for September
is on sale in the Sacristy, price £1.95
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National Grandparents Pilgrimage
National Grandparents Pilgrimage will take place on Sunday 13th September in Knock, chief celebrant Cardinal Sean Brady, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of Ireland.
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Children in Crossfire
Children in Crossfire need 100 people on 19th September to zip 1,000 feet across the River Lagan.140 feet up at 40mph; this is a truly thrilling and safe experience, a challenge for everyone.
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| Semper Fidelis Pilgrimmage Group, Crossgar, Co Down 4th Annual pilgirmmage to Lourdes
Sunday 4th October 2009 staying at the Mediterranee Hotel in Lourdes -Five nights Full Board Cost £599 per person sharing flying from Belfast International Airport - for more information please contact Terry Andrews 4483 1308 or mobile 078 7999 8559
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Restore Practical Counselling
“Waiting by the Well: spiritual refreshment for busy people” a residential retreat with Tony Horsfall from Tuesday 10th – Thursday 12th November in Drumalis Retreat House.
“Pilgrims Making Progress”, a quiet day with Tony Horsfall on Saturday 14th November 10am – 4pm in Drumalis Retreat House.
For more information contact the Hopelink Centre, 31 Carlisle Circus, Belfast 9027 8191. |
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Knock Pilgrimage
Knock Pilgrimage (St Pio weekend): is on 19th and 20th September. Overnight accommodation and all meals in the Park Hotel, price £120 fully inclusive. For details Lucy 9074 2589 or Bernadette 9059 2263. |
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St
Brigid's Parish Trip to Poland 22-29
September
With visits to Krakow, Warsaw, Auschwitz, Sanctuary of St Faustina the home place of Pope John Paul, the famous Salt Mines and other places of interest. Cost: single room approx £795, double £690 - to include 7 nights bed breakfast and meal. Spiritual Director Fr Eugene O’Neill.
If interested please contact parish office at St Brigid’s 02890 665409. |
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Music for Weddings & Funerals
Peter and Mary Bernadette our church
organist and singer are also available
for weddings and funerals and any
other church events. Please contact
Peter 07708 921489
or Mary Bernadette 07517 471971
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| Baptisms
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Please note the next date available for Baptism is Sunday 6th September 2009 at 1.30pm. The next pre-Baptism instruction will be on Thursday 27th August 2009 at 8pm in the convent.
It is necessary
to attend pre-Baptism preparation before
asking to have your child baptised. To register
for pre-Baptism preparation please contact
the parish office 9061 8180, Mon & Wed
2pm-5pm, Tue & Fri 10am-2pm & Thurs
10am-1pm.
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Newly Baptised
We welcome into our parish family
Leah McCabe
Ethan Seán Doyle
Dylan Oliver McCafferty
Dylan Ordhan Parker
Sarah Elizabeth Donnelly
who were recently baptised. |
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| We
Loved Them In Life
We offer
our sympathy and prayerful support to the
families of those parishioners who died
recently:
Brenda McCann from Glenties Drive
We
pray for the happy repose of those whose
anniversaries occur around this time:
Patrick Niblock
Paula Fitpatrick
Kathleen & Sean Webb
Henry Lawrenson |
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| Collections
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The offertory collection
amounted to £1054.37
The Diocesan Care Homes collection
amounted to £457.83
Thank you all for
your generous support
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