Jesus saw a man who had been blind from birth.  Jesus spat on the ground, made a paste with the spittle, put this over the eyes of the blind man.  The blind man went off and washed himself, and came away with his sight restored.  [Sunday’s Gospel]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pope Francis’ Five Finger Prayer

 

Each finger reminds us of people we should remember in prayer:

 

Thumb

‘The thumb is the closest finger to you.  So start praying for those who are closest to you.  They are the persons easiest to remember.  To pray for our dear ones is a “sweet obligation”.’

 

So start with the thumb, think of all of those who are dear to you.  This is often family and friends.  Think of their special needs at this time and pray for them by name.

 

Index Finger

‘The next finger is the index.  Pray for those who teach you, instruct you and heal you.  They need the support and wisdom to show direction to others.  Always keep them in your prayers.’

 

Think about those who give you guidance and teach you to follow Jesus.  These could be parents, grandparents, teachers, priests, etc.  Ask the Holy Spirit to strengthen them in their own lives and help them understand how to help you.  Pray for them by name.

 

Middle Finger

‘The following finger is the tallest.  It reminds us of our leaders, the governors and those who have authority.  They need God’s guidance.’

 

Think about our political and cultural leaders.  Pray that they might lead our country and society in a direction which brings us closer to God.  Ask the Holy Spirit to inspire them to do what is right.  Think of the issues in the news and pray that our leaders have the wisdom to make good decisions in these matters.

 

Ring Finger

‘The fourth finger is the ring finger.  Even that it may surprise you, it is our weakest finger.  It should remind us to pray for the weakest, the sick or those plagued by problems.  They need your prayers.’

 

Pray for those on the margins – the poor, the sick, the young, the aged, the unwanted, the ignored, the discarded.  Seek inspiration to know how to help the weakest in our society.  Ask for the strength and courage to serve others.

 

Pinkie

‘And finally we have our smallest finger, the smallest of all.  Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself.  When you are done praying for the other four groups, you will be able to see your own needs but in the proper perspective, and also you will be able to pray for your own needs in a better way.’

 

Pray for yourself last.  This is a reminder to put the needs of others first and to remember that everyone has challenges in life.  Seek the wisdom to know that God is with you in all that you do and to put your hopes and cares in his hands.

 

 

 

 

in Desertmartin and Ballinascreen:

 

SUNDAY MASSES

Saturday ~

6 pm Vigil in Holy Rosary, Ballinascreen [webcam]

7.30 pm Vigil in St. Patrick’s, Keenaught

 

Sunday ~

9 am in St. Columba’s, Straw

10 am in St. Mary’s, Coolcalm [webcam]

11 am in St. Patrick’s, Sixtowns

12 noon in St. Eugene’s, Moneyneena

 

 

WEEKDAY MASSES

Monday and Friday morning ~ 

11 am in St. Mary’s, Coolcalm [webcam]

 

Monday and Friday evening ~

7.30 pm in Holy Rosary, Ballinascreen [webcam]

 

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday morning ~ 

7 am in Holy Rosary, Ballinascreen [webcam]

 

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday morning ~ 

8.40  am in St. Colm’s High School

 

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday morning ~ 

11 am in St. Eugene’s, Moneyneena

 

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evening ~

7.30 pm in St. Mary’s, Coolcalm [webcam]

 

 

To access other Church Webcams go to

www.churchservices.tv

and click on the ‘Churches’ tab in the menu

 

 

PRIVACY NOTICE

The Diocese of Derry complies with GDPR regulations.  A privacy notice is available on the Parish Website or by contacting the Parish Office.  Live streaming and recordings of Mass and Services in St. Mary’s, Coolcalm is available online.  Parishioners should note that the first three rows of seats on the left-hand side are visible online.

 

SAFEGUARDING NOTICE

If you have any concerns with regard to Safeguarding children or adults in need of protection within the Church, contact Marie Gormley, the Diocesan Designated Liaison Person (DLP), on 075 9650 0793, or at mariegormley@derrydiocese.org.

Additional contact numbers:

PSNI Tel. 101 or Social Services Western HSC Trust on 028 7131 4090 (ask for Duty Social Worker).