This Week’s Calendar
Week beginning Sunday 6th January
Monday 7 – St Raymond Penyafort, priest (1175-1275). He was a very brilliant lawyer when at the age of 47 he became a Dominican. Later he became Master General of the Dominicans and Archbishop of Tarragona.

Questions people ask
Q. If it was alright for the Magi to follow a star, why does the Church frown on using astrology as a means of gaining knowledge of our future?
A. Because it’s absolute nonsense! The same Bible which has the story of the Magi clearly forbids any form of divination, which is, seeking divine knowledge or power through reading omens or by means of magic. When the Magi (magicians) bow before Jesus and offer their gifts, it shows that they are giving up their religious systems and adoring Jesus as Lord. Far from supporting astrology, this story announces its termination because Jesus is the light to be followed.
Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

Another Angle - All Kinds of Everything
Someone once described love as the ability to see butterflies in caterpillars. I think that holds true for faith too. The feast we celebrate today, the Epiphany, is a good example of that.
Epiphany, a strange sounding word of Greek origin, simply means seeing something, or someone, more clearly than ever before. It s sudden, and it takes your breath away. Something we are very familiar with we suddenly discover has more to it than we thought. Someone we thought we knew inside out suddenly gob-smacks us into seeing that we can’t take her, or him, or anyone else for granted ever. Mystery rules, ok! That’s epiphany. We need constant contact with mystery so life’s richness isn’t diluted.
After their vision, the three wise men in today s gospel reading (Mt 2:1-12) have their dream. It warns them to avoid Herod. Some people can’t cope with mystery. Their attitude is all wrong, their values are all wrong, they are all wrong. As the wise men avoided Herod, so too must we, with whatever name or in whatever form he may appear. He’s the one who tramples on caterpillars and thinks butterflies are for the birds. Clearly, besides mystery we also need our dreams.
Fr Tom Cahill SVD, Courtesy of Intercom Magazine

Mass Intentions
Sacred Heart Church 7.30pm Mass
Monday Mary Mulryan – 1st Anniversary
Tuesday Polish Mass
Wednesday Betty Ratcliffe – 1st Anniversary

Baptisms
Francis James Monk, 53 Sperrin Park
Patrick Michael Leddy, 18 Bracken Vale
Conn Miceál McDonnell, 109 Wapping Dock, South Quay, Liverpool
Emma Kate Devlin, 10 Edergole Road

Deaths
We sympathise with the families of the following who died recently:
Dermot McCrystall
Gerry Donnelly
Mary Burns
May they rest in peace.

Devotions
There will be no devotions today in the Sacred Heart Church. Details of when they resume will be in next week’s newsletter.

Parish Draw 2008
Our thanks again to all the promoters who have helped with the running of our Parish Draw. As you may now be aware the draw will run again in 2008 to pay for the cost of the redevelopment of the Drumragh Graveyard. The registration day took place yesterday. If you are still interested in becoming part of the draw please contact Fr Canning at the Parochial House. The first draw will be held on Tuesday 8th January, following the Parish Bingo in St Joseph’s Hall. All returns are to be brought at the usual times. N.B. Those draw members who pay the full yearly subscription of £60 before the draw in April will be eligible for a special draw in April, details of which will be given at a later date.

Liturgy Meeting
There will be a Liturgy Meeting in the Pastoral Centre on Monday 7th January at 11 am.

Polish Mass

There will be a Mass said in Polish on Tuesday 8th January in the Sacred Heart Church at 7.30 pm. All are welcome.

The Baptism of Our Lord – Service for Children Baptised in 2007
The Parish of Drumragh is hosting a liturgical celebration for all babies baptised in our parish during the year 2007. The celebration will take place in the Sacred Heart Church at 3 pm on Sunday 13th January – the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. It is hoped that all of these babies will be able to attend with their parents, godparents, grandparents and all family members. It is our prayer that this ceremony will bring great blessings upon the families concerned.

Eucharistic Ministers for January
6.00 pm – Tony McBride, Louise Kirwan, Maura Cox, Catherine Mimnagh, Elizabeth O’Boyle;
8.30 am – Jim McGread, Joanna McElholm, Paula Slevin;
9.45 am – Joe McElholm, Susan McCanney, Mary Tierney, Kevin Miley;
11 am – Paula McCann, Roisin McKenny, Elizabeth Broderick, Deirdre Timoney, Colette Breslin;
12.30 pm – Mary Campbell, Liz Doran, Sonya McAnulla, Michelle Lagan;
10 am Drumragh – Bridie McElroy, Charlie Colton.

Please Note: All Eucharistic Minister Rotas (Sundays and Weekdays) will be issued early in the New Year.

Collectors for January
Vigil Mass – 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 – Seamus Sheridan, Paddy McGowan, Dr Pat O’Neill, Tony Brogan, Liam McGrath, Eamon Prunty,;
11 am – James Murray, Thomas Bradley, James Montague;
12.30 pm – Anthony Higgins, Dan McSwiggan, Tony McGarvey, Eugene McGrade, Sean Mullan, Kevin Gallagher, Patrick Gallagher.

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

Readers for January
6.00 pm – Cathal Lynch;
8.30 am – Patrick Slevin;
9.45 am – Dominic Pinto;
11.00 am – John Maginnis;
12.30 pm – Caroline McKinney.

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.

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
St Joseph’s Hall
Join Our Ballroom Dancing Course
Begins Monday 28th January for 5 Consecutive Weeks
For Absolute Beginners or Advanced Dancers
Learn to dance – Slow Waltz, Tango, Quickstep, Jive, Slow Foxtrot, Cha Cha Cha And Old Time Waltz.
Professional Qualified Teachers – Jim Tinneny & Josephine Tinneny
Remember the health benefits of dancing – reduction of stress, improved fitness, strong bones, healthy heart.
More details to follow.

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



Outside Events

Al-Anon
Does someone in your family drink too much? Is it making you lonely and unhappy – causing money problems – creating stress? It might be your partner, child or your mother or father. If you want help – if you would like to share your worries with people who understand because they had them too – why not get in touch with Al-Anon Family Groups? For details of your nearest group contact: 028 9068 2368 (Belfast), 003531 8732 699 (Dublin).

Kerrigan School of Irish Dancing
Classes resume on Saturday morning at 11 am in St Colmcille’s Primary School, Brook Street. New members welcome.

Baxter School of Irish Dancing
Clanabogan – Irish Dancing Class resumes on Tuesday 8th January at 6.30 pm in St Eugene’s Hall, Clanabogan.
Omagh Dancing Class – resumes in St Joseph’s Hall on Wednesday 9th January at 5.45 pm.

Carmelite Retreat Centre, Derry
The monthly devotions, in honour of Our Lady, will take place in the Carmelite Retreat Centre, Termonbacca, Derry on Tuesday 8th January, starting with confessions at 7.30 p.m. followed by Rosary and Mass. It finishes around 10 pm. All are welcome to attend.

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

Medjugorje for Christmas
Visiting Medjugorje? : Call the Irish Centre on 028 8224 1888 - apartments for rent or sale.

Pilgrimages for 2008
Accompanied by a Spiritual Director and a Joe Walsh Tours Representative
Group Organiser: Paddy McGowan
7 May 2008 Lourdes ex-Dublin 5 Nights
13 June 2008 Sorrento & San Giovanni 7 Nights
(ex-Dublin)
3 July 2008 Lourdes (ex-Dublin) 7 Nights
24 July 2008 Fatima/Estoril (ex-Dublin) 7 Nights
16 August 2008 Lourdes (ex-Belfast) 5 Nights
20 September 2008 Lourdes (ex-Dublin) 7 Nights
18 October 2008 Medjugorje (ex-Dublin) 7 Nights
All trips include return coach transfer to departure airport from Omagh
For Information Only:
Paddy McGowan, 20 Sunnycrest Gardens, Omagh.
Telephone 8224 4450.
Tour Operator
Joe Walsh Tours, 8/11 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2.
Telephone 003531 2410800