Liturgy of the Word


First Reading:   2 Sam.  12:7-10.13

Nathan said to David, "The Lord the God of Israel says this, 'I anointed you king over Israel; I delivered you from the hands of Saul; I gave your master's house to you, his wives into your arms; I gave you the House of Israel and of Judah; and if this were not enough, I would add as much again for you.  Why have you shown contempt for the Lord, doing what displeases him?  You have struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword, taken his wife for your own, and killed him with the sword of the Ammonites.  So now the sword will never be far from your House, since you have shown contempt for me and taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife.' "
David said to Nathan, "I have sinned against the Lord".  Then Nathan said to David, "The Lord, for his part, forgives your sins; you are not to die."

This is the word of the Lord.


Responsorial Psalm:       Ps. 31

R.   Forgive, Lord, the guilt of my sin.


Second Reading:    Gal.  2:16.19

We acknowledge that what makes a man righteous is not obedience to the Law, but faith in Jesus Christ.  We had to become believers in Christ Jesus no less than you had, and now we hold that faith in Christ rather than fidelity to the Law is what justifies us, and that no one can be justified by keeping the Law.  In other words, through the Law I am dead to the Law, so that now I can live for God.  I have been crucified with Christ, and I live now not with my own life but with the life of Christ who lives in me.  The life I now live in this body I live in faith: faith in the Son of God who loved me and who sacrificed himself for my sake.  I cannot bring myself to give up God's gift; if the Law can justify us, there is no point in the death of Christ.

This is the word of the Lord.



Gospel:    Luke                                                    

One of the Pharisees invited Jesus to a meal.  When he arrived at the Pharisee's house and took his place at table, a woman came in, who had a bad name in the town.  She had heard he was dining with the Pharisee and had brought with her an alabaster jar of ointment.  She waited behind him at his feet, weeping, and her tears fell on his feet, and she wiped them away with her hair; then she covered his feet with kisses and anointed them with the ointment.
When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would know who this woman is that is touching him and what a bad name she has." Then Jesus took him up and said, "Simon, I have something to say to you." "Speak, Master," was the reply.  "There was once a creditor who had two men in his debt; one owed him five hundred denarii, the other fifty.  They were unable to pay, so he pardoned them both.  Which of them will love him more?" "The one who was pardoned more, I suppose." answered Simon.  Jesus said, "You are right."
Then he turned to the woman.  "Simon," he said "you see this woman?  I came into your house, and you poured no water over my feet, but she has poured out her tears over my feet and wiped them away with her hair.  You gave me no kiss, but she has been covering my feet with kisses ever since I came in.  You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment.  For this reason I tell you that her sins, her many sins, must have been forgiven her, or she would not have shown such great love.  It is the man who is forgiven little who shows little love." Then he said to her, "Your sins are forgiven." Those who were with him at table began to say to themselves, "Who is this man, that he even forgives sins?" But he said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace."]
   Now after this he made his way through towns and villages, preaching, and proclaiming the Good News of the kingdom of God.  With him went the Twelve, as well as certain women who had been cured of evil spirits and ailments: Mary surnamed the Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, Joanna the wife of Herod's steward Chuza, Susanna, and several others who provided for them out of their own resources.

    This is the Gospel of the Lord.


ANNIVERSARIES

RECENTLY DECEASED:-   May Waterson, Pat Fitzsimons, Betty McAree, Martin McKee, Mary Donnelly, Leonor Sereno
AT THIS TIME:   Maria McConville, Eileen Martin, John Martin
SUNDAY 17th:-  Anne McCausland
MONDAY 18th:-  Gavin Tennyson, Lily Murphy, John Joseph Lavery, Billy Blacker, Etta McNally
TUESDAY 19th:-   Agnes O’Hanlon, John McParland
WEDNESDAY 20th:-  Sally Creaney,
Laurence Dermot Creaney, Gerry Donnelan, Mary Cush
THURSDAY 21st:-  Stephen Hueston, Annie Lennon, Jack O’Neill
FRIDAY 22nd:- Agnes Kelly, Danny O’Neill
SATURDAY 23rd:-  Denis Fisher, Patrick Joseph McClean, Seamus McAlinden, Thomas Hyde

Church Notices

Sacrament of  Reconciliation
Saturday
St. Patrick’s    12.30 - 1.15 p.m.
St. John the Baptist    6.15 - 6.45 p.m.

Baptism: Next Baptisms Saturday 23rd June in St. John’s Church at 5 p.m.  Pre-baptismal meeting in St. John’ the Baptist Friday after evening Mass.   Recent Baptisms:-   Niamh Ellen Larkin, Rhys Sloan, Tyler Conor Beattie


World Youth Day 2008 -  The Armagh Diocesan Youth Council are taking a group of young people to World Youth Day in Sydney, Australia, in July 2008.  Forms with information are available in the churches.  Also contact Kate or Sarah at 37525592 or Fr. White or Fr. O’Dwyer.

Knock Summer Youth Festival:  Thursday 26th - Sunday 29th July.  Cost is on a donation basis with accommodation and food provided.  Free buses from certain locations.  For more information contact Ann 094-9388100 or Sheena 01-6753690.

Mass at Old Drumcree at Cultra on Sunday 24th June, feast of St. John the Baptist.  Mass in old Church at 2 p.m.  Bring a packed lunch.  Beverages can be purchased at Cultra.
Buses will leave Church car park at 12.30 p.m.  Tickets for bus, £3, available in sacristies.  Some may wish to travel by their own means.  All Welcome.

A Day of Private Reflection on the conflict in and about Northern Ireland is being held on Thursday 21st June.  The initiative has been proposed by Healing Through Remembering, a cross-community organisation focussed on dealing with the past to build a better future.  This Day is offered as a day for personal, private and individual reflection, for example at home or at work, within a family, group or organisation.  In this we can: acknowledge the deep hurt and loss caused by the conflict: remember the men, women and children who on a daily basis live with the consequences of the conflict: reflect on our own attitudes that might have the potential to negatively impact on others and society: reflect on what more each of us might have done or might still do to uphold and enhance all other people’s right to life and quality of life: make a personal commitment that, as we begin to move forward as a society, such loss should never be allowed to happen again. See also: www.dayofreflection.com

Ministers of The Eucharist
June - Vigil - Miriam Loftus, Bernadette Breen, Mary McAlinden, Martina O’Hanlon.  8.30 a.m. -  Geraldine Lawless, Martin Barlow. 10 a.m. - Winnie Breen, Ann Marie Hamill, Madeline O’Neill.  11.30 a.m. -  Patricia Halfpenny, Rosaleen Hamill, Nicola Fay, Bernie Mallon.
Grange - Paddy Gorman
St. John the Baptist, week beginning 17th June, Teresa McCaffrey.

Ministry of The Word - June
Vigil    Sheila Henderson
8.30 a.m. Kevin McConville
10 a.m.      Niamh Devlin
      Aine McCreesh-West
11.30 a.m. Monica McCaffrey
Week beginning 18th June, 10 a.m. Mass, Aidan McCormack.
7.30 p.m. Margaret Marley.  

St. Joseph’s Young Priest Society - Annual Pilgrimage to Knock:   Saturday 23rd June.  All members and parishioners are welcome to join with us to pray for an increase in vocations and for the continued work of the society.  If interested contact Kathleen 38337603, Theresa 38331629 or David 07704751325.  Cost £22, includes meal.  Bus departure times as follows:-
St. Patrick’s Hall - 7 a.m.  Mayfair Centre - 7.10 a.m.  St. John’s car park -
7.15 a.m.

Children are always welcome in our Churches to Masses and other liturgies.  Parents and other adults who accompany children to Church are asked to keep children under reasonable control so as not to be a distraction to others.  All Parishioners and visitors to the Churches have a responsibility to keep a prayerful atmosphere at all times.


Sacred Heart Messenger - Annual Mass of Thanksgiving, Thursday 21st June,  7.30 p.m. in St. Columba’s Church, Draperstown, Magherafelt.


Anniversaries left in late for inclusion in the Bulletin should be left in the Sacristies for inclusion in the List of the Dead.

Useful Numbers:  Fr. O’Dwyer - 38350610
Fr. White - 38332218
Parish Mobile: to contact the Priest on Duty or for emergencies, contact 07841101850.
 
Week of Prayer - Sign Up Sunday
All those who attended the Week of Prayer have made very positive and personal comments. The graces received and shared will have far reaching effects in our lives.
Thank-you once again to the speakers: those who read: all who provided music and song: the P7 classes who made the posters: those who designed and co-ordinated the visual displays: the sacristy team and the servers.
To all who displayed posters in their shops and premises, to those who made and erected the Church sign, and the Portadown Times for their feature - thank you.
To all the Parish Groups and Societies who took part in Sign-Up Sunday (2nd/3rd June) - well done on all your displays. It was fantastic to see what is being done in the Parish by such dedicated and committed people of all ages. May God continue to bless you in your work and with new members.
A lot of hard work was done to set up the ‘Garden Party’. To all who helped organise this event (a first for our Parish but not the last) and to all who cooked and served and tidied up - the Parish owes you a debt of gratitude. To those who provided equipment and food and drink free of charge - thank you. The continuous entertainment of music and song added greatly to the festivities and we thank all who took part in that. To all who supervised the bouncy castles and games, thanks also.
This evening was to be a Parish event and it truly was. And the weather was a blessing from God.
May we continue to Live the Sacraments and build our Community in faith through our praying and playing.

********************************
Cemetery Sunday.
Thanks to all who participated in the Mass for Cemetery Sunday. The preparation of the cemetery and the Altar; the reverence of so many Parishioners and visitors during Mass; the listening and responding to the readings and prayers, and joining in the hymns and chants - all helped to make the celebration dignified and holy and a fitting remembrance of our deceased loved ones. May they rest in peace.

********************************
Priestly Jubilee.
I know how mushrooms feel! Saturday evening was a lovely surprise and a joy. Thank-you. Mass on Sunday morning was a sacred moment - the beautiful music and song and the presence of so many who were also going to Cemetery Sunday Mass was humbling. Thank-you. For all your prayers and good wishes and kind words and presents I am most grateful. Thank-you for wanting to share this special time with me. I look forward to sharing more times together as we live our faith in Jesus Christ. Let us pray for each other.
Michael O’Dwyer

Reflection

All are invited to the Lord’s table

Inviting Jesus into life
is always a risk.
For it means welcoming joyfully
the challenge of the gospel,
to live in justice, faith and compassion,
and to see Jesus in others.

Those we love and those we find difficult,
those we worry about and feel responsible for,
these are Jesus,
and those whose lives are wrecked or damaged
by society’s neglect and greed,
these too are Jesus.

The child at home giving trouble.
The poor looking for some help - each is Jesus.
The student worried about an exam.
Husband or wife on a bad day - each is Jesus.

The child at home bringing joy and life.
A man or woman giving time to the poor -
each is Jesus.
Young people offering talents and service to others.
The love of husband and wife - each is Jesus.

People who drive us mad,
people who have offended us a lot,
these are Jesus.
People who have let us down
and who have betrayed us -
these are Jesus.

And if we are at Jesus’ table,
they will be there too.
The love of Jesus is all-inclusive:
you and I on our best days,
and also on our worst,
are included in this friendship,
forgiveness and love.

All are invited to the table of Jesus,
all are welcome at the Eucharist,
all are forgiven,
all are called into a new life.
 
 
St. John’s Independent Accordion Band:  Classes in music and drumming on Thursdays, 7 p.m. in St. John the Baptist School.  Anyone wishing to join contact a committee member at the school on the evening.

McArts ‘n’ Crafts:   Vocational Training Unit for Adults with a Learning Disability, Unit H, Mayfair Business Centre.  McArts ‘n’ Crafts can offer interested trainees a variety of work activities, experiences and skills within a creative and supported working environment.  Contact Eithne for further information 38339119.

Legion of Mary:   Meeting every Monday evening after Novena Mass in St. Patrick’s Church.  New members always welcome.  Any enquiries please contact Lee Walters 028 38341496.

GAMBLING:  Is Gambling affecting your home life, work life, or reputation?  Contact the local GA helpline on 07926170921.

Naíscoil na Banna:  If you wish your child to be taught through the medium of Irish there are places available at Naíscoil na Banna.  Contact Shileen 02838 391243.  TAE AIONA / GUEST TEA, in Ashgrove Community Centre, Saturday 23rd June, followed by Music Song and Dance, 9 p.m. - 1 a.m.  Anyone interested in helping in this fundraising event or being a guest at a table, contact Shileen on 38391243 or Brian 38852052 - Chomh Iuath is Feidir.

Ballyoran Over 50 Club:  Every Wednesday 2 - 3 p.m. in Ashgrove Community Centre.

St. Mary’s Youth Centre:  Visit the Centre’s web-site for further information at www.stmarysyc.org

Drumcree House of Health - Another 10 week weigh in has started.  Every Monday 11 a.m. - 11.30 a.m. or 7 p.m. - 7.45 p.m.  A men only weigh in each Monday 7.45 p.m. - 8.15 p.m.


Our Lady Queen of Peace Pilgrimages - Medjugorie:
23rd August - 30th August, Spiritual Director, Fr. Brian White.  Full spiritual programme.  Travel insurance included ex Belfast International Airport.  (And 27th September - 4th October). Tel. Josephine 028 38343091.

FOYER OF CHARITY:  Five day silent Retreat, The Servite Priory, Benburb, June 25th - July 1st.  For other venues and detailed brochure contact Hugh & Anna Donnelly at 3083090
e mail - This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it and Mai Keating
E mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

DRUMCREE COLLEGE:  Ceili Sunday 17th June, 8 p.m. - 11 p.m.  Music by Oriel Ceili Band.  Admission £5, includes supper.

HILL WALKING - Sunday 24th June.  Bus leaves Drumcree Centre 10 a.m. returns 4 p.m.  For more information contact Jennifer 38334522 or attend Health House on Monday 18th June at 7 p.m.  If possible book in advance.

St. Vincent De Paul Society
Good quality used clothing and furniture welcome at all times.  Collection can be arranged.  Contact the shop. Clothes shop and Furniture shop in Mayfair Business Centre, Garvaghy Road, tel. 38393898. Opening Hours:  Monday - Friday 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.  Saturday 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.  NEW SELF HELP LINE - 38339639.  Response within 48 hours.
URGENTLY REQUIRED!!! - BABY CLOTHES.

BANNSIDE COMMUNITY GROUP:  
Bannside Scribblers, Monday 7 - 9 p.m.  Arts & Crafts, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 7 - 8.30 p.m.
ICT for beginners.   Contact Carol for further information.
HOMEWORK CLUB: VOLUNTEER NEEDED to supervise Homework Club.  Homework Club  takes place Monday - Thursday, 3.30 p.m. - 5 p.m. Contact Phyllis or Carol
38339916.
Cafe Lisboa - authentic Portugese and local food.  Open Monday - Saturday 9.30 a.m. - 6 p.m.

DRUMCREE COLLEGE:  Social Dance Lessons continue in Drumcree College.  “Swing Jive” lessons  Wednesday  7 - 8 p.m.  £2-50 per night.  For more information phone 38337745.
CEILI CLASSES -  Drumcree College Wednesday 8 p.m. - 9 p.m.  (James Murphy Tutor) £2-50 per week.  Everyone welcome.
Attend the two classes above and only pay £2-50!!
WANTED!  old/used greeting cards for craft classes.  Please leave in office at Drumcree College.

Tir Na nOg GFC:  Bingo every Tuesday 8.30 p.m.  The bigger the crowd the bigger the prizes.  Support the Club Lotto.

Rome & Assisi Pilgrimage - 4th August for seven nights, led by Fr. Peter McAnenly, (includes day trip to Sienna).  Total cost, to include taxes, insurance and service of coach throughout is £710.  For booking or further details contact Sullivan Travel, Coalisland, tel. 8774 0339.

Pilgrimage to Santiago (The Way of St. James) -
9 nights, 13th - 22nd Sept.  E1300 per person.  Flights from Dublin, coach throughout.  Further information and booking phone P. McConville 38891247.

Fatima Pilgrimage - 19th - 26th July.  Celebrate 90th Anniversary of Fatima.  Spiritual Director Fr. Martin McAlinden.  Price £399 includes full board, flights and coach to and from Dublin.  For more information contact Moyraverty Parish Office, tel. 38343013.

15 day Pilgrimage to Rome, Assisi, San Giovanni, Loreto, Venice, Padua and many other shrines.  Departing August 8th.  Phone 00353 57 9355050, mornings only.

St. John’s P.S. (Eglish) Fundraising Event, family barbeque and entertainment, Friday 22nd June 7 - 9 p.m.  All welcome.   Tickets £5, available from school.  Te. 38851743.