Nineteenth Sunday In Ordinary Time

Peter never seems to receive a straight answer from Jesus when he plucks up the courage to ask him a question in the Gospels! He is often revealed as child-like in the Gospels, and one with whom we can easily identify. In today’s Gospel, it seems that he is trying to identify the exact meaning of the parable and figure out precisely what he is being asked to do. He sets up quasi-separation between themselves as disciples and everyone else, but Jesus is a Lord who unites and who offers salvation to all who accept him. It would be hard to offer any kind of retort to Peter’s simple question.

Instead, Jesus uses it to teach the disciples further and to warn Peter that even more is expected of him: ‘to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded’. Peter’s initial question hinted at the privilege he felt in hearing this parable first hand, knowing ahead of everyone else how to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. But now, having heard it, even more is required of him.

Peter is not permitted to become lazy. He is urged to do more, to be more prepared than those who have not yet heard or understood the good news of Jesus. His responsibility is greater. Likewise, as Christians, we have been called into a deep and meaningful relationship with Christ. It is meaningful because it is meant to play out in our everyday lives. Faith is a continuous action from baptism to death and which should be encouraged by Jesus’ gentle exhortation: ‘do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom.’

DAILY READINGS

You can access the daily readings on the parish website:

First Friday Visits

Fr Martin will be visiting the sick and housebound beginning the week of Monday 9th August and Fr Andrew will be visiting Monday 16th August in the following areas: Fr Martin will visit

Creeslough Walk	Glenveagh Drive
Buncrana Gardens	Upper Suffolk Road
Gweedore Park	Lenadoon Avenue
Dungloe Cresent	Corrib Avenue

Coffee Morning

Thanks to those who supported the coffee morning
and book sale last Sunday.
£107.60 was raised for parish funds.

Collection for Diocesan Care Home 15th August 2010

This purpose-built Diocesan Nursing Home was opened in October 1996, to provide 24 hour nursing care for the frail and elderly and the mentally infirm within a Christian environment. The Home also provides day care facilities. A new extension was added to the Home in 2004 bringing the total number of beds available to 86. As a consequence of the upgrading and extension work the Home is presently £1.6m in debt. The annual collection was established to help reduce the current debt. 2009 – £67,135 raised.

Planning For The Future

The Planning For The Future appeal closed on 31st December 2009 and the final distributions have been made.

I appreciate and understand that a donation pledge over a number of years can be a demanding and stretching financial contribution and I thank you for your generosity and commitment towards the appeal.

The three specific aims of the appeal have received the following amounts:

In addition, a total of £3,556,854 has now been returned to the parishes that exceeded their target.

The Diocesan-wide appeal for these very necessary aims was a great act of faith and reflected the generosity of so very many loyal and faithful people.

May God reward you for all your generosity and solidarity.

Yours sincerely

+Noel Treanor

The Most Reverend Noel Treanor
Bishop of Down and Connor

Clonmacnois Youth Festival 12th-15th August 2010

Youth 2000 invites you to their Summer Festival from 12-15 August 2010 in Clonmacnois, Co. Offaly. For 16-35 year olds, the festival includes music, drama, prayer, talks, workshops, reconciliation and healing service, games and chill time. It is a donation only weekend, all you need to bring is a sleeping bag. For more information on a fantastic weekend contact: www.youth2000.ie or contact the National Office 016753690 or for N.I. 07514820572.”   

Mass Times