SUNDAY 17th September 2023:
TWENTY-FOURTH SUNDAY ORDINARY TIME
THE PARABLE OF THE UNMERCIFUL SERVANT (Matthew 18:21-35)
In the Parable of the Unmerciful Servant we hear Peter asking Jesus if he should forgive his brother “as often as seven times”, to which Jesus answers, “Not seven, but seventy times seven”. Jesus’ words essentially mean ‘times without end’ and so, in effect, He is telling us that if we set limits or use a ‘measuring rod’ when it comes to showing mercy and forgiveness, we are missing the point of Christian living.
The key to showing mercy to others can be found in the final words of today’s parable “from your heart” (Vs 35). We pray today that we will show generosity of heart to others, enabling ourselves and others to experience the transforming power of forgiving, to being beacons of reconciliation and of God’s loving and merciful ways.
MASS SCHEDULE THIS WEEK:
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 10.00am.
Tuesday: 9.30am.
(The Rosary is normally recited by the congregation 20 minutes prior to the midweek morning Mass).
Thursday: 11.20am – Opening of School Year Mass for Murlog School.
Saturday: Vigil Mass, 6.30pm. Sunday: Mass at 9.00am &11.00am
All Masses are livestreamed on our webcam; 10.00am Mass on Sunday is broadcast by Finn Valley Radio, 95.8FM
ANNIVERSARIES:
We pray for those whose anniversaries occur at this time. May they rest in peace:
Elizabeth Crawford, Brickfield; William Hegarty, Cloughfin; James Hegarty, Coolatee;
Ned Rodgers, Croaghan Heights; Bridget McDermott, Braide; James Mc Gowan, The Diamond
George Mc Gowan, The Diamond.
MASS INTENTIONS:
Saturday 23 September, 6.30pm: Danielle Melaugh, Liskey.
As a parish faith community, we offer our sympathy and our prayerful support to all who mourn the death of John Crawford, Lancaster, son of Eamon Crawford, formerly of Gortgrannagh. John’s ashes were buried at St Patrick’s, Clonleigh, on Tuesday. May he rest in peace.
THANK YOU for your generosity in last week’s collections: €2,105. Thank you also to those who contribute by Standing Order.
CLONLEIGH PARISH – JUBILEE YEAR 2024:
An initial meeting will take place in Murlog School on Monday 2 October, at 7.30pm. I would like as many as possible to come along, please, to this meeting so that, together, we can have a chat and come up with some ideas about how we might celebrate our Jubilee Year in 2024.
Thank you to those who have provided photographs and memorabilia. Anyone who has photographs, memorabilia or stories of interest should bring them along on 2 October. Thank you!
FOR ATTENTION OF PARENTS OF CHILDREN CELEBRATING FIRST HOLY COMMUNION IN 2024:
DO THIS IN MEMORY is a parish-based programme aimed at integrating the home, parish, and school in the preparation of the children receiving the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. Recognising the importance of actively involving all three elements in the children’s journey towards these very important steps in their faith, the programme centres in the parish celebration of the Sunday Mass, and in the home. It complements and supports the existing work of sacramental preparation in or schools.
In 2022, we introduced the Do This in Memory programme in our parish for our First Communicants 2023, and I am delighted to offer the programme this year again, as it is so important for the children to be well supported by their families and by the parish in their preparation to receive the Sacraments.
The programme will start with Enrolment Sunday on Sunday 1 October 2023, at the 11.00am Mass.
In preparation for this, the parents of the children are asked to come to an Information Evening on Monday 25 September at 7.30pm in Murlog NS. At this Evening, we will introduce the Do This In Memory programme to you. It is essential that each child is represented, preferably by both parents.
Parents will be provided with the full programme information, and with resources, which are designed to help you in your children’s ‘home preparation’ for the sacraments. In the church, the programme takes place once a month, for the eight months before First Holy Communion Day, and concludes during the parish celebration of the Feast of Corpus Christi, the month after First Holy Communion. You will receive a list of the particular dates for each month for the Church celebration.
Please take note now in your diary of the dates and times of the Information Evening and Enrolment Sunday.
I very much look forward to your co-operation and participation, as it is very important that all the children will be well prepared to receive the Sacraments. Thank you.
ALTAR SERVERS:
In recent weeks we have had an appeal going for altar servers, children from 3rd Class to 6th Class, for our Sunday Masses. Unfortunately, the response to this appeal has not been very successful – we would need a number of children, as we would want to be able to draw up a rota that would cover all our weekend Masses. It will be disappointing if we can’t achieve this, as I feel it is very important to have our young people involved in parish life and it is, indeed, a time-honoured tradition, not just in this parish, but in all parishes, to have Altar Servers at Mass.
I make one final appeal to the boys and girls from 3rd to 6th Class who would be interested in becoming an Altar Server in the parish. The appeal is, of course, in the first instance, to the parents of the children as, without your co-operation, the children cannot take up the ministry. Please do consider this opportunity for your child(ren) in our parish. Please leave the name(s) in the sacristy after Mass or phone me at the Parochial House. Thank you.
YOUTH 2000 REGIONAL RETREAT will take place at Lough Derg, 29 September to 1 October. This Retreat is for anyone aged 16-35. Excellent Speakers, Inspiring Talks & Workshops, Music, Group Activities, Youth Masses, Adoration, Reconciliation, prayer, Drama, Games and plenty of time to chill out, meet new people and find out what it means to be young & Catholic today! The Retreat is donation only; however, if you are staying over there is a cost of £35/€40 which goes to Lough Derg towards their costs. Register now on www.youth2000.ie
AN EVENING OF SONGS, FAITH, HOPE AND LOVE and Knock Basilica: Friday 1 December, 8.00pm, featuring Dana, John McNicholl, Margo, Philomena Begley and Marc Roberts, with Úna Nolan & Schola Cantorum Basilicae choir. This is a fundraising concert for Victim Assistance Charity. Tickets from Ticketmaster.ie or from Mary McNicholas, Victim Assistance Head Office, Aiden St, Kiltimagh, Co Mayo, Tel 0035394 9000 251 / 0035386 3938871. Email: support@victimassistance.ie
SEASON OF CREATION 1 SEPTEMBER – 4 OCTOBER (Feast of St Francis of Assisi):
Theme: “Let Justice and Peace Flow”
Access the Readings on our parish website:
The Daily Mass Readings are also on our website: https://clonleighparish.com/todays-mass-readings/ . Alternatively, just google Clonleigh Parish readings.
The Daily Mass Readings are also on our website: https://clonleighparish.com/todays-mass-readings/ . Alternatively, just google Clonleigh Parish readings.
Parish Contact Details:
Parish Priest: Fr Colm O’Doherty Parochial House: 074-9142022
Mobile: 0833665530
Parish Office – Secretary: Lorna Porter @ 074-9142001
Email: clonleighparish@derrydiocese.org
Parish website: www.clonleighparish.com
Follow us on X: @clonleighparish
Find us on Facebook:. Clonleigh Parish
SAFEGUARDING NOTICE:
If you have any concerns about safeguarding children or adults in need of protection within the Church, please contact Marie Gormley, the Diocesan Designated Liaison Person, on 07596 500793 or by email on marie.gormley@derrydiocese.org