This Week’s Calendar
Week beginning Sunday 2nd December
Monday 3 – St Francis Xavier, priest
Tuesday 4 – St John Damascene, priest and doctor of the Church
Thursday 5 – St Nicholas, bishop
Friday 6 – St Ambrose, bishop and doctor of the Church.
Saturday 8 – Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Questions people ask
Q. Do we face judgement at the time of death or must everybody wait until the last day?
A. We distinguish between one’s particular or personal judgement and the general judgement at the end of time. A person’s particular judgement occurs after death. Christ our Saviour will invite us to share in the fullness of his resurrection and glorification. In the light of Christ, who is Truth itself, we have to be absolutely honest about our decision for or against all that Christ represents. The last or general judgement will focus not on individual people as such but on the final triumph of God’s justice over all injustice and evil.
Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

Another Angle - Microscope, Telescope, Horoscope
In his book, God is not Great, Christopher Hitchens, with near messianic fervour, puts mankind on notice: keep to the scientific exactitude when accepting anything as fact. Otherwise, God forbid (oops sorry!), you might end up thinking that there is more to life than science. And that, most certainly, would damage your health.
Really? Just what does science have to offer when it comes to understanding life? I don’t mean the nature of living things or inanimate objects. I mean the why of it all. But then, why is not a scientific question. Does that mean we shouldn’t ask it, or if we do, that we shouldn’t expect a worthwhile answer? I hope not.
So let’s ask it: Why is there anything at all? Science, where art thou? Okay, let’s change tack. How about the how question? How will the universe end? Here science cans indicate a distant, if frightening feasible scenario: a frozen lifeless waste.
Give me instead the follow-up to what today’s gospel (Mt 24:29-44) describes. After the Second Coming, the New Heaven and New Earth.
Even were it sheer fantasy, let me die aglow with its promise rather than be numbed lifeless by the eternal emptiness of scientific scenarios.
Fr Tom Cahill - Courtesy of Intercom Magazine

Mass Intentions
Sacred Heart Church 7.30pm Mass
Mon Thomas (Par) Given – Month’s Mind
Tue Arty McGonagle (Arty G) – Month’s Mind
Fri Malachy Carmichael – 1st Anniversary

Baptisms
Amy Leigh Brigid McCrossan, 59 Culmore Park
Conal Sean Pearson, 33 Glenside, Glencam Road
Ceilí Rose Taggart, 12 Oldfort Road, Tattyreagh

Deaths
We sympathise with the families of the following who have died recently:
Kathleen Sharkey
May she rest in peace.

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.

Sick Visitation
Monsignor Donnelly will visit the sick and housebound in his areas on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday of this week. Fr McDevitt will visit the Gallow’s Hill and Tamlaght Road areas on Monday afternoon and those in the Derry and Dromore Road areas on Tuesday afternoon. Fr Canning will visit the sick in the country areas on Friday 7th December. He will visit the sick in the following areas on Thursday 13th December: Hunters Crescent, Brookmount Road and Castle Street.

Parish Draw
The final night of this year’s Parish Draw will take place on Tuesday 4th December after the Bingo in St Joseph’s Hall. There will be a £5,000 Star Prize drawn for all those members who have paid the full twelve months subscription. Promoters are asked to bring their returns to the Hall at the usual times. The Parish Draw will recommence in the New Year.

Youth Mass
Next Saturday at the 6 pm Vigil Mass there will be a Special Youth Mass for Advent, during which pupils from all the secondary schools in the parish will take part.

Annual Service of Thanksgiving
Macmillan Cancer Support would like to invite everyone to their Interdenominational Service of Thanksgiving on Sunday 9th December at 7 pm in the Sacred Heart Church, Omagh. This service supports the work of your local Macmillan Nurses and Doctors. It will be led by Monsignor Joseph Donnelly accompanied by Reverend Robert Herron, Reverend William Seale and Reverend Harold Agnew. Music will also be provided by the Omagh Youth Choir and the choir of Omagh Integrated Primary School.

Advent Reflection
The Advent Reflections will continue this Wednesday in the Pastoral Centre, Brook Street. It will take place after 10 am Mass.

St Joseph’s Young Priests Society
The monthly meeting of the John Paul II Branch takes place on Monday 3rd December after 10 am Mass. New members are always welcome: you may contact 8224 3463 for further details or you may join at the Parish Bookshop any Saturday.

Annual Carol Service
Our Annual Carol Service will be held in the Sacred Heart Church on Sunday 16th December at 6 pm.

Church Cleaners
There will be a meeting of the Sacred Heart Church cleaners after 10 am Mass on Tuesday at the usual venue. Full attendance is requested.

SVdP Christmas Collection
St Vincent de Paul Week takes place this year from Saturday 1st December to Sunday 9th December. Our annual Christmas collection will be taken up after all Masses on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th December.

Bric-A-Brac
The Friends of All Saints are holding a Bric-a-brac Sale in St Joseph’s Hall on 16th December between 8.30 am and 2.30 pm to raise money for All Saint’s Primary School, Tattysallagh. Everyone is welcome.

Memory Tree of Lights for Those Bereaved by Suicide
The Northwest Bereaved by Suicide Support Group are organising a Memory Tree of Lights event on Sunday 9th December 2007 at 5.30pm at the Foyle Search & Rescue Headquarters, Victoria Road, Derry. The purpose of the event is to remember loved ones lost to suicide and to support family and friends during the holiday season, which can be an especially difficult time. Barry McGale, Suicide Awareness Coordinator for the Western Health and Social Care Trust and Facilitator for the Group said, “we recognise how devastating a death by suicide can be but we believe by coming together with others bereaved by suicide can offer hope and support”. The Northwest Bereaved by Suicide Support Group meet the first and third Monday of the month in Foyle Search and Rescue Headquarters at 7.30pm.

The Baptism of Our Lord – Service for Children Baptised in 2007
The Annual Service for Baptised Children will take place on Sunday 13th January at 3 pm in the Sacred Heart Church, Omagh. All children who have been baptised in 2007 and their parents and godparents are welcome to attend.

Pioneer Retreat
There will be a Pioneer Retreat in Termonbacca, Derry on Sunday 9th December from 10.30 am to 4.30 pm. If you would like to go, call 8224 2921 and leave your name.
The next Pioneer meeting will be on Thursday 13th December in St Joseph’s Hall, beginning at 8 pm.

Eucharistic Ministers for December
6.00 pm – Gerry Harte, Geraldine Colton, Phil Hyndman, Brigid McGarvey, Anne McCaffrey, Marie Gallagher;
8.30 am – Ann Mullan, Angela Lalsingh, Margaret Haigney;
9.45 am – Peter McCormick, Seamus Sheridan, Shirley Norris, Maureen Miley;
11 am – Willie Galbraith, Johanna Gallagher, Marie Conway, Sheila McCusker, Jeanette Fox;
12.30 pm – Kathleen Winters, Mary Donaghy, Chrissie Kelly;
10 am Drumragh – Niall Colgan, Anita Hackett.

Collectors for December
6.00 pm – James Devlin, Cathal Cullen, Aidan Lilly, Thomas McElroy, Colm McLaughlin, Pat McCanny;
8.30 am – Peter Haughey, Gerry Broderick, Fursey Mullin, Billy Henry;
9.45 am – Sean Mullin, John O’Neill, A K Kelly , Patrick Devlin, Raymond McGoldrick, John Rafferty, Eugene Turbett;
11.00 am – Aidan Quinn, Robert Colton, James Murray, Pat McGartland, Kevin McCrory;
12.30 pm – Patrick Conway, John Lagan, Dermot O’Kane, Francis Laird, Sean McNamee.

Counters for December
Tommy Bradley, Michael Donnelly, John Doyle, Hubert Logue, Kevin McCrory, John McNally, Kathleen McNally, John Meyler, Dominic Pinto, Seamus Sheridan, Leo Turbitt, John McGale.

Readers for December
Vigil Mass – Kay McGuigan;
8.30 am – Brother Tom Gough;
9.45 am – Emmet Murray;
11 am – Anthony Bradley;
12.30 pm – Regina Maguire.

Church Music
The McSorley Sisters, who are resident singers at the 6 pm Mass on Saturdays in the Sacred Heart Church, are available to sing at weddings, funerals and other sacred occasions. The girls can be contacted on the following numbers: Anita (028)82 245075; Bernie (028)82 241946; Finola (028)82 250537; Siobhan 02882 243547.

Looking for a Religious gift?
Rosaries, Prayer Books, Medals, Certificates, etc available in St Joseph’s Book Shop. Open Saturdays 10.30am - 4pm.

St Joseph’s Bookshop
Advent and Christmas stock now in: Advent Wreaths, Advent Candles, Advent Calendars, Cribs, Christmas Ornaments, Christmas Cards, Christmas Table Candles. Open every Saturday 10.30 am – 4 pm. For special Christmas opening times see next week’s newsletter.
(Entrance to Bookshop at side of St Joseph’s Hall)

Drumragh Parish Online
Why not visit our website – www.drumraghparish.com. Tell your friends and relatives about it. Details of parish news and events are updated weekly. If any Parish Group wishes to promote their group or any related activity on the Parish website, please pass on the information to the Parish Secretary.

Notices for Weekly Bulletin
If you wish to submit an article for this bulletin please do so, either by post to the Parish Secretary, 48 Brook Street; by fax to 8225 2149; by email to info@drumraghparish.com. Articles cannot be accepted after the Wednesday evening Deadline. Please do not call to give articles by telephone. Notes relating to the Church and articles relating to Parish events and functions will always be given priority, and other material, such as local charity events will be accepted, space providing.

Planning a wedding?
Why not log on to www.gettingmarried.ie ?
You’ll find details and suggestions for your big day: choosing your vows, preparing the church, choosing a ring, etc.

Wedding Music
Female Soloist available to sing at Weddings and Funerals in Omagh and surrounding areas, call Louise Kirwan on 0773 424 8359.

Catholic Charismatic Prayer Group
The Catholic Charismatic Prayer Group meets every Thursday night in the Pastoral Centre from 8.15pm – 9.30pm. Everyone welcome.

Give time to Prayer
Come along to the Youth 2000 Prayer Group who meet every Tuesday night in the Pastoral Centre from 8.15pm – 9.30pm. Everyone welcome.

St Joseph’s Hall

Mon 6.30pm - Iyengar Yoga
7.15pm - Kellie Aerobics/ Fitball

Tues 3.00pm - Colmcille Club
9.00pm - Bingo - Jackpot £1000

Wed 10.00-12.30pm - Weightwatchers
10.30am - Coffee Morning
6.00pm - Baxter School of Dancing
8.00pm - Ladies Club

Thur 4.30pm - Ballet Dancing
7.00 - 8.00pm - Traditional Music class
7.30pm - Bowls
8.30pm - Line Dancing

Sat 1.45pm - Groogan O’Doherty Class

Ballroom Dancing
The Ballroom Dancing Class resumes on Monday 3rd December at 9 pm.

Kellie’s Aerobics / Fitball
Kellie’s Aerobics Class continues in St Joseph’s Hall on Monday nights at 7.15 pm. Now including ‘The Fitball’ as part of the toning component of her class. Balls are supplied in limited numbers. If you own a ball, bring it along. Everyone welcome!

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

Line Dancing
Every Thursday Evening @ 8.30 pm
New Class for Children / Absolute Beginners @ 7.30 – 8.30 pm
Everyone Welcome

Coffee Mornings in St Joseph’s Hall
Wednesdays @ 10.30 am
Tea, Coffee & Homemade Scones Served
Everyone Welcome

Parties
Room for Hire
St Joseph’s Hall
For further details call Tommy on 07753 936701


St Eugene’s Hall

Senior Citizens Christmas Party
Clanabogan Youth Club’s Annual Senior Citizens’ Christmas Party will take place in St Eugene's Hall, Clanabogan on Monday 3rd December at 8 pm. All are welcome.

The Famous Clanabogan Bazaar
Sunday 9th December
St Eugene’s Hall, Clanabogan
One Night Only!
First Spin @ 8.30 pm
Free Draw for those in Hall by 9.00 pm
Refreshments Available


Outside Events

Tattyreagh GAC
The Annual General Meeting of the above club will be held in the Clubrooms at 3pm today (Sunday). All members are asked to attend. Anyone living in the area who wishes to join our committee is very welcome. The committee plans to continue with further development to our complex in 2008. All support is welcome.

"Deepening Our Faith for Christmas"
A Series of Adult Faith Development Evenings for Advent
Church of Christ the King, Strathroy
Monday evenings 8 - 9.15pm (after 7.30pm Mass)
Tea / coffee & refreshments served
Monday 3 December
Struggling to know Jesus as God and Human
Speaker: Rev Dr Niall Coll, Lecturer at St Mary’s University College, Belfast
Monday 10 December
Catholic Spirituality - Taking our Spiritual Growth seriously
Speaker: Fr Kevin McElhennon CC
Monday 17 December
How God is still present and active in the world today
Speaker: Fr Paul Farren, Director of Derry Diocesan Religious Education Centre

N.I Blood Transfusion Service
The next blood donation sessions will be held in Omagh College on Wednesday 5th, Thursday 6th and Friday 7th December from 1.30 to 4 pm and 5.30 to 8 pm. Please come along – you could save a life!

Grand Charity Concert
Starring Breakaway, The Duets, Angela Reid, Elaine Boyle, Tony Kerr, Seamus Delaney, The Cowboy, Philomena Mulholland.
Compere – Andy Gordon
Tuesday 4th December 2007
Silverbirch Hotel
Tickets - £10.00 Or Pay At The Door
Doors Open 7.15 pm – Curtain 8 pm
Proceeds in Aid of The Alzheimer’s Society, Omagh Branch
Contact 8224 0826

Pilgrimages

Derry Diocesan Jubilee Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2008
Led by Bishop Francis Lagan, DD
150th Anniversary of Apparitions at the Grotto
16th – 21st July 2008
Fare: £449 stg, inclusive of flights, full board accommodation, airport taxes, insurance, coach transfers. Fare may be paid by installments. Booking forms are available in the Parish Office and from the Pilgrimage Secretary.

Pilgrims Who Are Sick
Particular care is given to those who are sick or in need of care. Please contact the Pilgrimage Secretary for a special booking form if you are in need of care or over the age of 80 years.

Helping Those Who Are Sick
If you are 18 years or over and would like to be a member of the Lourdes Hospitalité Team as a Doctor, Nurse, Carer, Pusher of Wheelchairs, please contact us for further details.
Any Queries: The Secretary, PILGRIMAGE OFFICE, 164 Bishop Street, Derry. BT48 6UJ. Telephone: 028 7126 0293
Opening Hours: Tuesday 11 am – 2 pm
Thursday 11 am – 2 pm
Saturday 11 am – 1 pm & 2 pm – 4 pm.

Gift Voucher for Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes 16th – 21st July 2008
150th Anniversary of Apparitions
Gift Vouchers available from the Pilgrimage Office.
Telephone 7126 0293
Tuesdays & Thursdays 11 am – 2 pm
Saturday s 11 am – 1 pm & 2 pm – 4 pm

Youth Team – Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes
16th – 21st July 2008
Places are available for those aged 14 or 15 years old in July who would like to be members of the Youth Team.
Places are available for those aged 17 or 18 in July who would like to be members of the ‘Leaders in Training’ (LIT) Group
Application Forms are available from the Pilgrimage Office, telephone 028 7126 0293.
Cost is £449 stg