The Pope’s Intentions for July
General: That all citizens, individually and in groups, may be enabled to participate actively in the life and management of the common good.
Missionary: That, aware of their own missionary duty, all Christians may actively help all those engaged in the evangelization of peoples.

Another Angle - What a to-do
The ‘to do’ list is enshrined in many a person’s life. In some ways it has become a less dramatic form of the ancient custom of saints like Jerome being portrayed with a skull on their desk to remind them of their mortality. Listing things is a tacit acknowledgement and reminder that out time here is really limited and we ought to make the most of it. Prioritising things can be a tool for helping one actually do so.

After all, the thought of death concentrates the mind wonderfully and what is complex suddenly becomes clear. Three would-be disciples of Jesus have to decide if they will choose comfort or convention or custom or Christ. They are asked to look ahead, not back. No regrets, no excuses, no turning back, no giving up because it has become too costly or difficult, or demanding, or it interferes with our comfort zone, our activities or lives.

We don’t know if the trio continued with the Lord or were they turned away. More important however, is the kind of answer that we will give.

Fr Tom Cox, Courtesy of Intercom Magazine

Saints of the Day
Tuesday 3 – St Thomas, Apostle. It is said that he preached the gospel in India and was martyred there. We know him from the gospel as the one who doubted before he proclaimed his faith in Jesus risen from the dead.
Wednesday 4 – St Elizabeth of Portugal (1271-1336). She had a remarkable gift for peacemaking and is invoked in time of war.
Friday 6 – St Maria Goretti (1890- 1902). She was stabbed to death in defence of her virtue, and forgave her attacker on her deathbed.

St Maria Goretti

In 1902 at age twelve, Maria was attacked by 19-year-old farm-hand Alessandro Serenelli. He tried to violate the girl who fought, yelled that it was a sin, and that he would go to hell. He tried to choke her into submission, then stabbed her fourteen times. She survived in hospital for two days, forgave her attacker, asked God's forgiveness of him, and died holding a crucifix and medal of Our Lady. Counted as a martyr.

While in prison for his crime, Allessandro had a vision of Maria. He saw a garden where a young girl, dressed in white, gathered lilies. She smiled, came near him, and encouraged him to accept an armful of the lilies. As he took them, each lily transformed into a still white flame. Maria then disappeared. This vision of Maria led to Alessandro's conversion, and he later testified at her cause for beatification.

Questions people ask
Q. What did Jesus mean when he told a man to leave the dead bury their dead? Many years ago we learnt that burying the dead was one of the corporal works of mercy.
A. Jesus said this to a man who expressed a wish to follow him but only after burying his father. It wasn’t as if the funeral was today or tomorrow. He invited the man: “Your duty is to go and spread the news of the kingdom of God.” Jesus had set his face resolutely towards Jerusalem and the inevitable conflict there. He challenged the resoluteness of some would-be followers. It would demand sacrifice. Wishful thinking must be translated into practical action.

Mass Intentions - Sacred Heart Church 7.30 Mass

Monday - Danny Quinn – Month’s Mind
Thursday – Peggy McGinty – 1st Anniversary
Friday – Brendan Timlin – 1st Anniversary

Baptisms

Liam Michael Griffiths – 16 Coolnagard View
Abbey Marie McEnhill – 17 Summerfield Court
Oisin Michael McCarron – 32 Coolnagard Meadows
Aine Bridget O’Donnell – 7 Coolnagard Square

Weddings
Two become one in a life long commitment to each other. We sincerely congratulate
Adam Clements & Carol McBride
Ryan Bowes & Claire Gallagher
Gary Watson & Charmine Johnston
Kevin McGlone & Amelia Lesniak
who were married recently.

May the grace of the sacrament remain with them throughout their lives.

Visitation of the Sick

Monsignor Donnelly will visit the sick on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday of this week.

Fr Farren will visit the sick on Monday and Tuesday of this week.

Fr Canning will visit the Sick on the Derry Road area on Monday and the Tamlaght Road area on Friday of this week. He will visit the country areas on Monday 9th July and the Brookmount Road area on Thursday 12 July of next week.

First Friday Devotions
Friday is the First Friday of the month.

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will be in the Sacred Heart Church from after 10 am mass until 7.15 pm.

Please Note: The next Parish Draw will take place next Tuesday 3rd July 2007 after the bingo in St Joseph’s Hall. Promoters are asked to bring their returns to the hall at the usual times.

Please Note:
Ladies Watch found in Drumragh Graveyard. Contact Parish Office.

Church Cleaners for July – St Mary’s Church, Drumragh
Helen Barrett
Kathleen Barrett
Bernie Barrett
Ciara Fyffe

S.V.d.P Shop, Omagh
Part time staff needed at Vincent’s, 10 Castle Street, Omagh. Paid position(s) available. Apply through local Job Centre, Mountjoy Road.

Vincent’s Shop Appeal
Clothing items for all ages needed to stock our shop’s ‘good as new’ rails. Open Monday – Saturday 10am – 5pm at 10 Castle Street. Thank you for you generous support.

All Saints' P.S.
Warmest congratulations to two pupils from All Saints' P.S. who were named as winners in this years Northeren Ireland INTO Handwriting competition.
Jessica Devlin won first prize in the Year 6 category and Alice Devlin won 2nd prize in the Year 5 section. Well done girls!

St Joseph’s Young Priest’s Society
There will be NO monthly meetings in July /August. Meetings will resume from Monday 3rd September in the Pastoral Centre after the 10am Mass. Parishioners wishing to join the Society may do at the Parish Bookshop in St Joseph’s Hall any Saturday. The annual offering is £5.

Readers
Volunteers required to read at the 10am weekday Masses in Sacred Heart Church.
Contact the Parish Office 82242092.

Addiction and the family

Information evenings presented by pat Doherty
(086 8257874)
Recovery counsellor / Family support / mediator / life coach

- Are you or your family affected by addiction?
- Alcohol, drugs or gambling …
- You are not alone . . . . Support is available

You are invited to come along to an information evening at the following venues … …

Jackson’s Hotel, Ballybofey, Co. Donegal on
Wednesday 4th July at 8 pm.

Ramada Hotel, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal on
Wednesday 11th July at 8 pm.

Doms Restaurant, pier 1, Donegal town on
Wednesday 18th July at 8 pm.

Admission is free. Everyone is welcome.

Vocations Information Evening:
The Presentation Brothers are inviting men interested in religious life to an evening of information at The Towers Hotel, Derry, 7.30pm-9pm, Thursday 5th July. It will be an opportunity to ask questions, meet the Brothers and receive information about discerning ones vocation in life. For more information, please contact Brother Andrew Hickey at 01 2300824 or email prescall@eircom.net

Precious Life - All Ireland Rally for Life
Join Precious Life at the All Ireland Rally For Life in Dublin on Saturday 7th July. A bus will be picking up in Ballymena, Antrim and Belfast. Contact Bernie for more details on 02890 278484.

Drumragh Sarsfields

Sports Day
Sunday 8th July
Fancy Dress Parade (prize for best dressed). Bouncy Castle / races/ side shows etc and much more…

Society of St Vincent de Paul - Day Trip to Bundoran
Annual summer trip for Senior Citizens will take place on 18th July 2007. The bus will leave the Loreto Convent Gates, James Street at 9.45am and also collection at Omagh Bus Depot at 10am.
Names to be left at the S.V.d.P Thrift Shop, Castle Street. Limited to 150 places.

Hike to Croagh Padraig
Do you fancy a trip to Westport, Co. Mayo combined with a hike of one of Ireland’s most famous mountains ‘Croagh Padraig’ locally known as ‘The Reek’. The trip will be on Sunday 22 July for those aged 18-30 and it will cost appox £35. This fee will include transport from Derry, an official guide and dinner in Westport. Experience your faith in a new way; join in other young people from local parishes for a great day’s fun, adventure and prayer. For further details or to book please contact 028 7126 4087 or collect a booking form from the Parish Office. Places are limited, please book by 6th July.

Knock Summer Youth Festival
The Summer Youth Festival, Thursday 26th – Sunday 29th July 2007, at Knock Shrine in Co Mayo is an opportunity for young people to take time out to reflect on their lives and what God is offering …”Life to the full!” Cost is on donation basis with accommodation and food provided. Special free buses will also be provided from certain locations. For more information contact Ann at 00353 9493 88100, Sheena at 003531 6753 690 or look up www.geocities.com/knock_shrine for further details.

KNOCK Summer Festival (26th-29th July ’07) Invitation is extended to those in 16* – 35 age range. Free Bus from Omagh
CONTACT: Caitriona 0879943698 – (Replace 0 with 00353 from N. Ireland) 0r visit www.youth2000.ie * parental consent essential for all under 18

Glasses Appeal
Geraldine McBride, Ashgrove Park is going to work in the Kwale Eye Clinic Mombassa Kenya for two weeks in September and plans to bring donated Children’s glasses to Kwale. Children’s Glasses, Sunglasses and magnifying glasses can be left in the collection box in the Church porch. Last year Geraldine cleaned and measured 400 pairs of donated glasses – this helped both children and adults to lead a normal life and earn a living. Boxes will be picked up on Monday 30 July 2007.

Sharon Shannon Live in Concert, Sharon Shannon and her Big Band will play Dún Uladh on the 9th of September, tickets are still available for this, only her second gig after the launch of her forth-coming new album. This will be her first time in Omagh for many years. Tickets are £20 and booking early is advised. Tel 028 8224 2777.

Pathway to Prayer’ – Adult Faith Development

What? An opportunity to explore the Old and New Testaments, Liturgy, Creative Expression, Centering Prayer
When? Mondays from 7.30pm – 9.30pm (One – Year Course)
Starting? 1 October 2007
Where? Thornhill Centre, 121 Culmore Road, Derry
Cost? £160 for the full year. Deposit £40
Details? The Secretary @ Tel: 02871351233

Divine Mercy Prayer Group
First Sunday of every month
At 3pm
St Mary’s Church Killyclogher
This is open prayer group and all are welcome to come and pray.

Music available for weddings.
07867621661.

Eucharistic Ministers for July

6.00pm Jackie Convey, Tony McGarvey, Mary McLaughlin, Mary Toal, MoriaSharpe
8.30am Ann Mullan, Angela Lalsingh, Margaret Haigney
9.45am Seamus Maguire, AidanQuinn, Jean McGowan, Anne Mullan
11.00am Gerald Mc Carney, Regina Gormley, Kathleen McMahon, Geralyn McCusker, Siobhan Taggart
12.30pm Mary Campbell, Liz Doran,
10am Drumragh- Aidan Campbell, Ann Doherty

Collectors for July

6.00 pm Vigil – Liam Donaghy, Malachy Treanor, Seamus Kelly, Thomas Logue, John Rafferty;
8.30 am – Linus Nugent, James Cunningham, Phil McGovern, Patrick Cleary, Sean McKenna;
9.45 am – Paddy McGowan, Dr Pat O’Neill, Tony Brogan, Liam McGrath, Eamon Prunty;
11.00 am – James Murray, Thomas Bradley, James Montague;
12.30 pm – Anthony Higgins, Tony McGarvey, Eugene McGrade, Sean Mullan, Kevin Gallagher, Patrick Gallagher

Counters forJuly
Brendan Cunningham, Frances Cunningham, Peter Davies, Gerard Haughey, Dermot McCann, J McDonnell, John McGale.

Ballet Class
Ballet Class in St Joseph’s Hall every Thursday at 4.30pm. Contact Tracey Cassidy on 07719446194.

Knockmoyle Hall
Irish speaking Workshop coming soon.
Are you interested in learning some Irish, and Prayers in Irish?
Contact: 07870576034

Aerobics
In the Station Centre
Every Tuesday and Thursday nights
From 8 to 9pm
Everyone welcome. For more information Tel: 82259411