Parish of Banagher, Derry, Ireland, Derry Diocese.

First Reading: Genesis 22:1-2.9-13.15-18
God's power to save transforms the sacrifice of Abraham.
Isaac does not die.

Second Reading: Paul 8:31-34
God did not spare his own Son, but gave him up to benefit us all.

Gospel: Mark 9:2-10
The transfiguration of Jesus is a sign of the power of
God to transform his sacrifice to bring life.

Prayer does not depend upon the human effort because it is not a question of establishing a relationship with God. The relationship already exists. We are surrounded by God. Prayer is the recognition of that presence.

In a film, when someone reaches the summit of a mountain, we often get that wonderful panoramic, spinning shot of the person as they take it all in, from their perch at the highest point of the landscape.

It gives some idea of the feeling of dizziness at being so high, of the sense of accomplishment, of being on top of the world. In film and literature, mountains are often places of achievement, of encounter with ourselves or indeed with a higher being, places of transformation.

In the Bible too, mountains have enormous significance as places of encounter with God, and today we hear of two mountain-top encounters. The story of Abraham and Isaac is puzzling - one commentator calls it a ‘monstrous test’. Why would God take Abraham on this mountain expedition and ask him to sacrifice his only son? It is a story about faith, drawing us deep into the mystery of the relationship between God and his people. We enter the story with Abraham, and we wait with him in helpless silence on the mountain as God’s will gradually makes itself known.

Our Gospel tells of a very different encounter as Peter, James and John are treated to a dramatic display of God’s presence, an encounter that confused and bewildered them and must have left them forever changed.

Two very different encounters on two different mountains and two contrasting experiences of the mysterious presence of God. Like the disciples, we may find ourselves pondering and discussing: what could it mean?

PHONE NUMBERS FOR NEIGHBOURING PARISHES:

Dungiven : Fr Aidan Mullan 028 777 41219

Claudy : Fr David O’Kane 028 71 337727

Parish email address: banagherparish@btinternet.com

Parish website: www.banagherparish.com

SVP: 07593954973

MASS TIMES

Fincairn: Monday & Friday 9.30am Wednesday 8pm

Altinure: Tuesday and Thursday 10.00am

Foreglen: As announced

Collections: 19th Feb Thank you for your generosity:

Fincairn: £910 Altinure: £896

Visitation of the Sick in Carnanbane and Teeavan on Monday

READERS: St Joseph’s - Sat 10th Mar Caoimhe Crossan Sun 11th Sorcha O’Hara

St Mary’s - Sat 10th March Marie McCloskey Sun 11th March Patricia McTaggart

ALTAR SERVERS - St Joseph’s Sat 10th – Team 1 (w) – Hannah Mullan, Aimee Loughery, Cara Biggs, Aimee Campbell, Leah Taylor, Trudy Farren

Sun 11th Team 2 – Oisin Lockhart, Ethan McLaughlin, Michael Neeson, Cayla O’Kane, Ciara Kealey,, Aoife O’Hagan

ALTAR SERVERS – St. Peter & St Paul’s Week beginning Sun 11th – Cahir O’Connor, Kieran O’Connor, Kayleigh Dunne

THE MARIAN DEVOTIONS in the Carmelite Retreat Centre Termonbacca, on Tuesday 6th March, beginning at 7.30p.m. All welcome.

DEFENDING THE RIGHTS OF PARENTS - PROTECTING CHILDREN

SPUC Pro-life Northern Ireland Conference Come along on Saturday, 10th March to Belfast Castle to learn what can be done to help parents safeguard their families and why the government's promotion of abortifacient birth control to underage children has got to stop. 10am-5pm. Tickets £15, concession rate £8. Include buffet lunch. For more information contact SPUC on 028 9077 8018 or email belfast@spuc.org.uk
Please remember in your prayers all expectant mothers, especially those who may be facing a crisis pregnancy, and the safe delivery of their children

IHCPT – THE IRISH PILGRIMAGE TRUST Annual Church Gate Collection will be held after Mass on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th March at St Marys Church, Altinure. All donations received will be used to enable young people with learning disabilities, physical disabilities or difficult social circumstances to travel to Lourdes this Easter. Your support would be greatly appreciated

ST MARY’S GAC, BANAGHER

Fixtures: Sunday 4th March – Carlin/Duffy Cup – Doire Trasna v Banagher at 2pm. Feile na nÓg – Greenlough v Banagher at 11am.

Scor sinsir - Well done to our solo singer Stephanie O’Kane; our instrumental musicians Martin and Richard O’Kane; and our quiz team of Philip O’Kane, Gearoid O’Neill and Sean E Mc Closkey who all made it through to the County Final of Scor Sinsir. Come along to Glenullin this Sunday 4th March at 6 pm for the final to support our participants and your Club.

Clothing Bank – A collection of old and used clothing will take place on Saturday 10th March at the Club pavilion between 11am and 1pm. Your chance to clear out those unwanted clothes and contribute to your Club’s finances at the same time.

Winning Lotto numbers for 28th Feb - 8, 12, 19, 25. £25 each to Denise Cartin, Mary Mc Laughlin, Margaret Simpson & May O'Neill. Next Weeks Jackpot £4,400.

LEARMOUNT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT GROUP

Green Day: An environmental day of activities have been organised for the 10th March 2012 at 1.30pm – 5pm at Park Soccer Clubhouse. Ivan Black will offer tips and advice on attracting wildlife to your garden and Annie Mullan will facilitate environmental art and nest boxes with the children.Gareth Austin will also be in attendance at Park Allotments advising on planting and growing fruit and vegetables in your garden. Everyone welcome to come along and enjoy the afternoon. Refreshments provided.

Photo Workshop: Reminder to those booked that the second workshop to Ness Woods takes place on Saturday 10th March 2012 everyone to meet at Learmount Community Centre at 9am sharp.

Park History Group: A number of local people are keen to set up a history group. Anyone interested in getting involved is welcome to along to an introductory night, with guest speaker, on Friday 9th March in Learmount Community Centre at 7.30pm. Future meetings will focus on themes picked by the members of the group such as local history, family history, social history etc. with suitable guest speakers invited to come along and address the group. If this is something you think you would enjoy then come along, everyone welcome.

GLENSHANE HOUSE, DUNGIVEN - Spaces still available on Painting Course (both oils & watercolours) on Tuesdays from 10-12.00 and Cookery Course on Thursdays from 11.30-1.30. 4 week Jewellery & Flower arranging course starts Wed. 7th March 7-9pm Cost £10 Tel. 028 777 42494.

CHARITY NIGHT PRESENTS: GEM OF GLEN 2012 Being held on Saturday 3rd March in the Foreglen Clubhouse. Doors open 7.30pm Show starts 8.30pm - Tickets £8.00 For tickets contact Orla on 07706495460 or can pay at door. 10 lovely ladies competing for crown. A great nights craic not to be missed.All proceeds in aid of NI Cancer Fund For Children.

''Rethinking Freedom - A Male Spirituality Retreat for 15-20 yr olds''. A weekend of creative multimedia workshops, testimonies and discussion for young men aged 15- 20 yrs will be held 9th-11th March at The Sanctuary, IOSAS Centre & Celtic Prayer Garden, Derryvane, Muff, Co Donegal. This is an opportunity for young men to deepen their faith, explore their spirituality and form new friendships in a faith-based environment. This residential is free to participants but places are limited and must be booked in advance. For More info or to book a place please contact Claire @ The YARD Project on 02871 269113 or email claireyard3@btinternet.com.

DESTINED – Empowering people with learning disabilities: Do you have a learning disability and live in a rural area of County Derry? If so then we want to hear from you. ‘Destined’ a support organisation for adults with learning disabilities are opening a new centre in Feeny. More info from Charlene Keenan 07923075608/charlene@destined.ie

Volunteers-if you’re interested in doing some volunteering and think you could make a real difference to adults with learning disability then we’d love to hear from you.

NORTH WEST CYCLING CHALLENGE A cycling event in aid of Foyle Down’s Syndrome Trust, Alzheimer’s Society & the Shalom Centre for Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation (Africa) on Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd April 2012 leaving Faughanvale at 09.30am on Saturday 21st April, travelling to and staying overnight in Donegal Town and returning on Sunday 22nd April. Minimum sponsorship is £199 per person, which includes all meals and accommodation etc. Registration forms and info available from: James O’Hara & Sons Garage (028 777 62844/ 68141 / 68222); or J.C Halliday & Sons, Campsie (028 71 811470) Or at an information seminar in the City Hotel – Sunday 11th March @ 3pm

CHILDREN IN CROSSFIRE Thank you to the Parish of Banagher for their donation of £282.21 to the 2011 Advent Appeal. This will be used to help treat young children from poor communities suffering from severe malnutrition at St Luke’s Hospital in Wolisso, Ethiopia. If you still have an Advent calendar box or donation that you wish to return, please return it to the Children in Crossfire office at 2 St Joseph’s Avenue, Derry, BT48 6TH. For further information please call Mark on 02871 269898.

FEENY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION - Calling all Women over 25 years

Womens outdoor pursuits event Sat 24th March at Jungle NI outdoor fun/games and challenges. To book your place, contact Karen on 77781876. £5.00 deposit secures place. Bookings must be made before 2pm on 15th March.

Titanic Quarter Bus Trip - Easter Holidays – A trip to the new Titanic Quarter which is opening on 31st March. £13.75 for Adults, £6.00 per child, under 5's free. Anyone interested please call at Community Office. Closing date for booking is 22nd March. Bookings & Payments must be made in order for us to pre book tickets.

Sperrin Community Challenge Foreglen Clubhouse, Thurs 8th March, 7-10.30pm. This event is open to all 15 - 18 year olds. This is a Team Challenge with 6 members per Team. Activities include - Obstacle course, bungee basketball, sumo suits, gladiator, giant jenga and penalty shootout. Anyone interested please contact Colleen on 07783450870
.

Notices for next week’s parish newsletter should be left with Josephine before 7.30pm on Wednesday evening.