Sunday 6th April 2008

Third Sunday of Easter

Reflection

On the road to Eammaus, the disciples were slow to recognize Jesus or understand why he had to die and rise from the dead. Jesus explained the scriptures to them and they then recognized him in the breaking of bread. Our celebration of the Eucharist reflects their experience. We listen with open hearts to the scriptures, we hear Jesus speak to us, and we recognize and receive him in the bread which is his Body.

Parish Missal Readings (Year 1) p 250 & Proper p 1038

First Reading Acts of the Apostles 2: 14.22-28
Peter proclaims the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Second Reading 1 Peter 1: 17-21
We have been saved by the blood of Jesus, the Lamb of God.

Gospel Luke 24: 13-35
The disciples recognize Jesus in the breaking of bread.

Death: Getting it right

Resurrection depends on dying – but of the right kind. For there are two kinds: one that brings on death, and one that brings on life. In his book, The Seed and the Sower, Laurens van der Post describes the former: ‘Death is not something that happens at the end of our life. It is imprisonment in one moment of time, confinement in one sharp uncompromising deed or aspect of ourselves. Death is exclusion from renewal of our present-day selves.’

Sound familiar? Something bad happens and we never free ourselves from its murky memory, or its corrosive touch. In a moment of madness something evil, or stupid, is done. That moment must not destroy a life.

The two travellers in today’s Gospel (Lk 24.13-35) discover this. A ‘moment’ of collective madness had killed their Messiah and shattered their world. They could have slumped into despair and cowered in mediocrity. But no! They were dying to their disbelief by pondering news some women had brought that the Messiah was alive. They were dying to their confusion by opening to Jesus’ explanation of the scriptures. They were dying to despair in the friendship of breaking bread together. That dying led to their resurrection, their renewal. And, renewed, they returned immediately to where they had left – no longer afraid of the dark.

Fr Tom Cahill SVD, Courtesy of Intercom Magazine

Recent Deaths
We sympathise with the familiy of the following who died recently:
Ellen Kelly. May she rest in peace.

Mass Intentions - Sacred Heart Church 7.30pm Mass
Tuesday Polish Mass
Wednesday Jackie McAnea – 1st Anniversary

Baptisms
Rhianna Christine McCrory, 1 Brook Valley
Clíona O’Reilly, 83B Dublin Road

St Joseph’s Young Priests’ Society
A Vocations Vigil will be conducted by Seminarians, Brendan Collins and Michael McGavigan, in St Columb’s Church, Chapel Road, Waterside, Derry on Friday 11th April. The Vigil Ceremony will commence with Mass at 7.30 pm, followed by Benediction. Refreshments will be served afterwards in the Community Centre located in the Church grounds. An invitation to attend is extended to all members of John Paul II Branch.
Members please note usual monthly meeting will be held on Monday 7th April in the Pastoral Centre after 10 am Mass.

The Colmcille Club
The club reopens on Tuesday 8th April at 3 pm in the Pastoral Centre. The bus will collect members as usual.

Sick Visitation
Fr Canning will visit the sick in the country areas on Monday 7th April. He will visit the Derry Road, Brookmount Road and Castle Street areas on Thursday 10th April. Fr McDevitt will visit the remainder of his sick and housebound on Monday 7th April.

Life in the Holy Spirit Seminars
“Our salvation flows from God’s initiative of love for us”
Monday 7th April is the second week of a seven-week series of teachings, music, song and Holy Mass, which will be held in the Sacred Heart Church. Each evening begins with music and song at 7.10pm and Holy Mass at 7.30pm. Fr. Michael Campbell from Longford will be the celebrant and his theme will be “Salvation”. Other speakers include Patricia Mitchell, Fr. Martin Tierney, Tony Hanna, Fr Stefan Park and Thomas Carey. On Monday 5th May the Mass of the anointing of the sick and infirm will be celebrated. Keep Monday nights free to praise God and prepare for Pentecost!

Drumragh Parish Draw – Winners April 2008
£2,000 – Bernard Murphy, Co Louth. Promoter – Gerry Starrs.
£1,000 – Brigid Harkin, 5 Mulmona Road. Promoter – Charlie McLaughlin.
£500 – Austin Fox, 12 Drumannon View. Promoter – Raymond McNally.
£250 – Fiorenza & Tony McGartland. Promoter – Monsignor Donnelly.
£100 – Garrity Family, 17 Coolnagard Gardens. Promoter – Kevin McCrory.
£100 – Pat Tracey, 12 Drumragh View. Promoter – Illa Corrigan
£100 – Marie McCrory, Centenary Park. Promoter – Kevin McCrory.
£100 – Vincent Sharkey, 14 Crocknageeragh Road. Promoter – Tommy Sharkey.
£100 – Brendan McGarvey, 30 Dromore Road. Promoter – Joe Mulryan.
£100 – Julie McElroy, 9 Coolnagard Drive. Promoter – Julie McElroy.
£100 – Ruairi Hannratty, 78 Botera Road. Promoter – Raymond McNally.
£100 – Mary Craig, 21 Hillbank Fold. Promoter – Gladys Martin.
£100 – Kathleen Harkin, 12 Sunningdale. Promoter – Seamus Haigney.
£100 – Ann Doherty, 3 Ardmore Crescent. Promoter – Joanne McGread. Promoter’s
£100 Prize – Barry Mathers, 11 Townview Avenue, Omagh.
April £1000 Prize – Naoiscoil na gCrann. Promoter – Brian McKenna.
Please Note: The next Parish Draw will take place on Tuesday 6th May.

Cappagh Pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi
August 29th - September 5th 2008
There are still some places left on the above pilgrimage. If you are interested, please collect a booking form from the Cappagh Parish Office as we want to make the final arrangements. The pilgrimage will be led by Fr Eugene Boland and Fr Francis Bradley. Price: £700 (B&B). Telephone 8224 3375.

LORETO GRAMMAR SCHOOL
James Street, Omagh, Telephone: 028 82243633
WEBSITE: www.loretogs.com
POST 16 INFORMATION EVENING
Wednesday 9th April 2008
Opening Address 7.30 p.m.
Students and their parents/guardians will have an opportunity to:
• Consult with subject teachers on our broad range of Post 16 courses for 2008/2010.
• Gain information about
- Key Skills which offer additional qualifications in Application of Number, Communication and Information Technology at Level 3
- COPE - Certificate of Personal Effectiveness which develops personal and employability skills.
The school also offers expert programmes in:
• Careers Education & Guidance
• Pastoral Support
• Religious Education and Outreach
• Sport and Leisure
• Study Skills
• Leadership Development
• A variety of Extra Curricular Activities including - Young Enterprise, Public Speaking, Choral Groups, Justice & Peace, Environment Awareness and Cross School & Community Projects.
Loreto, a worldwide network of schools, a wealth of experience.

St. Colmcille’s P.S. Omagh Presents

JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING

TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT

Christian Brothers Grammar School
Monday 21st, Tuesday 22nd & Wednesday 23rd April At 7.30pm
£6.00 adults - £4.00 Children/Concession
Tickets available from Teresa (School Secrtetary) on 8224 4140

Feis Thír Eoghan 2008
This year’s West Tyrone Feis gets underway on 9th April with Irish and Traditional music in St Joseph’s Hall. The Feis will run right through until 10th May.

Pioneer Society
Confirmation children wishing to join the Young Pioneers or any other person may contact any member of the P.T.A.A. Names are also being taken for Gold or Silver pins.
The next Pioneer meeting is at 8 pm on Thursday 10th April in St Joseph’s Hall.

Vote for Martina!
Omagh-born author, Martina Devlin has been shortlisted for the Irish Book Awards for her best-selling Titanic novel, “Ship of Dreams”. She is the first person from this area to be shortlisted for these prestigious awards. To support Martina, vote by logging on to www.irishbookawards.ie and clicking the public vote option on the left. She is listed under the ‘Galaxy Popular Fiction’ category. One vote per email address is allowed.

Accord Marriage Care
Share Your Experience to Help Couples Share Theirs
Become a Marriage Education Facilitator or Relationship Counsellor for Accord.
Information Evening on Wednesday 16th April @ 7.30 pm in Pastoral Centre, 48 Brook Street, Omagh. Call 028 8224 2439 or email omagh@accordni.com.

Ballroom Dancing
The Ballroom Dancing Course in St Joseph’s Hall, Omagh, finishes on Monday 7th April. There will be dancing to Canon & Ramsey from 10 pm. Everyone welcome. Pay at the door.

St Joseph’s Hall Committee Meeting
There will be a meeting of the St Joseph’s Hall Committee in the Hall on Wednesday 9th April at 8 pm. We ask that all committee members attend.

Oxfam
You are warmly invited to the opening of our new shop at 46-48 Market Street on Friday 11th April at 10.30 am. Thank you to all our customers for your continued support.

Pre-Pentecost Retreat Weekend
The Emmaus Retreat & Conference Centre, Swords, Co Dublin
2nd – 4th May
www.emmauscentre.ie
Bishop Brendan Comiskey
Cost: €200 Residential - €115 Non-Residential

Gamblers Anonymous
Ask yourself: “Has my life become unmanageable because of gambling? Do I want to stop gambling?” If the answer is “yes”, you may suffer from a disease known as ‘Compulsive Gambling’. There is help. You are not alone. You don’t have to suffer. There are meetings every Monday commencing at 8.30 pm in the Probation Office, 11a High Street, Omagh.

Derry Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes
16th – 21st July 2008
Application forms are available for any young person aged 14-15 who would like a place on the Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes.
The Lourdes Pilgrimage would be grateful for volunteers who are qualified nurses to work as part of the care team.
For further information contact:
The Pilgrimage Office
164 Bishop Street
Derry BT48 6UJ
Tel 028 7126 0293

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 - 8pm - Traditional Music class
7.30pm - Bowls
8.30pm - Line Dancing
Sat 1.45pm - Groogan O’Doherty Class

Dates for your diary

Monday 31st March is the beginning of a seven week series of teachings, music, song and Holy Mass which will be held in the Sacred Heart Church.

Each evening will begin with music and song at 7.10pm with Holy Mass at 7.30pm. Marie Beirne will be the speaker on the first night while Fr Michael Campbell will be the celebrant and speaker on Monday 7th April. Other speakers include Patricia Mitchell, Fr Martin Tierney, Tony Hanna, Fr Stefan Park and Thomas Carey.

Confessions will be available on Monday 21st April after Mass and on Monday 5th May the Mass of the anointing of the sick and infirm will be celebrated.

Keep Monday nights free to praise God and prepare for Pentecost