This Week’s Calendar
Week beginning Sunday 7 October
Tuesday 9 – Sts Denis, bishop, and Companions, martyrs
Thursday 11 – St Canice, abbot.

Questions people ask

Q. ‘Were your faith the size of a mustard seed you could say to this mulberry tree, “Be uprooted and planted in the sea”, and it would obey you.’ Sounds a bit crazy to me. How are we to understand these words of the Lord?

A. The background is important. Jesus has just spoken about putting no limit on how often one should forgive, an impossible demand without faith which enables a person to share in a love which goes beyond any injustice or injury. In that context the apostles ask Jesus, ‘Increase our faith.’ Planting a tree in the sea is an image of the impossible. Here it refers to uprooting the roots of anger and the growing tree of hatred so as to cast them from us forever. It becomes possible with faith.
Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

Another Angle - Floating mulberry trees
Were we to believe some of the Energy drink advertisements – toppling power comes in a can. So if you need to get through that exam, perform at work after a night out, tackle that big project – their product (Red Bull et alia) is your man. Producers will claim improved performance, increased concentration and reaction speed, vigilance, stimulated metabolism. It used to be coffee for stimulant, and an adrenaline buzz. Now it seems people are happy to pay obscene prices for a dubious result.

So, when the disciples ask ‘Increase our faith’ – it sounds a bit like the 21st Century cry ‘give us an energy boost’. Jesus’ response is to give some advice. The answer isn’t more faith or a souped-up type; it’s simply embracing the faith you have – even if it’s only a little bit. We all know that a mulberry tree does not plant, never mind grow well in the sea – and that’s an understatement. A mustard seed is very small – like our faith. But without our faith, nothing happens. With our faith, all things become possible. The disciples wanted more faith, presumably because they had grandiose schemes in mind. Jesus told them that the world can be transformed one person at a time, one mustard seed at a time. There is hope for the broken world. ‘Fan into a flame the gift God gave you…’
Fr Tom Cox – Courtesy of Intercom Magazine

Words of Wisdom
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
Martin Luther King Jr

Mass Intentions
Sacred Heart Church 7.30pm Mass
Tue Polish Mass
Thur Tommy Moore – Month’s Mind
Fri Raymond Kelly – 1st Anniversary

Baptisms
We welcome into God's family through the Sacrament of Baptism:
Fianna Margaret McGuigan, 35 Shergrim Glen
Conan James McCartan, 12A Killybrack Road
Tom James McCann, 13 Lissan Drive

Weddings
Two become one in a life long commitment to each other. We sincerely congratulate.

Peter Shorrock & Gillian McClements
Peter McHugh & Eilis Kelly
Alan McElroy & Andrena Maguire
Paul Faulkner & Pamela Slevin
Shane Whelan & Julie Gormley who were married recently.
May the grace of the sacrament remain with them throughout their lives.

Deaths
We sympathise with the loved ones of the following people who died recently:
Elizabeth (Lila) Kirwan
Leonard McCourt
May they rest in peace.

October Stations
If anyone wishes to have a Station Mass in their home during the month of October, please contact the Parish Office to arrange a date.

October Devotions
The October Devotions begin this evening in the Sacred Heart Church at 6 pm.

Do This In Memory
The ‘Do This In Memory’ Programme, for Primary 4 children preparing to receive First Eucharist in 2008, begins Sunday 21st October at the 12.30 pm Mass in the Sacred Heart Church. There will be a meeting for parents and guardians on Monday 15th October in St Mary’s Hall (under the Sacred Heart Church) at 8 pm.

Polish Mass
On Tuesday 9th October there will be a Mass in Polish at 7.30 pm, said by Polish priest, Fr Marius Debrowski. Everyone is welcome.
Fr Mariusz Dabrowski sends this message:
9 pazdziernika (wtorek) o godz. 19.30 w kosciele
Sacred Heart (Church Street)
w Omagh zostanie odprawiona
Msza w jezyku polskim. Serdecznie zapraszamy wszystkich Polaków z Omagh i okolicy

Eucharistic Ministers Rota
Last week there was an error in the rota for October. The following is the revised rota for October:
6.00 pm – Gerald McCarney, Jim Toal, Marian McGale, Kathleen Fox, Donna Shields, Claire Murray;
8.30 am – Sean Rodgers, Conrad Darcy, Sinead Slevin;
9.45 am – Dominic Pinto, Gerry McLaughlin, Margaret Rafferty, Kevin O’Gara;
11 am - George Johnson, Eugene Teague, Helen Johnson, Alice McNamee, Joe Mulryan, John McGread;
12.30 pm – Mary Campbell, Liz Doran;
10 am Drumragh - Helen Barratt. We regret any inconvenience caused.

Mass for Deceased Teachers
The Mass for Deceased Teachers of the Diocese will take place in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Strabane on Monday 12th November at 7.30 pm.

Catholic Charismatic Day of Renewal
“You Shall Love Your Neighbour As You Love Yourself”
Growing to the fullness of Christian vocation
Speaker – Fr Paschal McDonnell
Saturday 20th October 2007
9.00 am – 5.00 pm
The Mellon Country Hotel, Beltany Road, Omagh
Cost for the day £20 (including morning coffee and buffet lunch)
BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL
Telephone 8224 2092 (office hours only) or email info@drumraghparish.com
When booking, please inform of any special dietary requirements.

Rosary for the Protection of the Family
The Rosary will be recited at 9.30 am each weekday morning in the Sacred Heart Church during the month of October for families. Everyone is invited to join the prayers.

Parish Draw Winners October 2007
£2,000 – Elizabeth McCloskey, c/o Promoter. Promoter – Attracta Kelly
£1,000 – Martina Mulryan, Bracken Close. Promoter – Joe Mulryan
£500 – John Fitzpatrick, 22 Strule Park. Promoter – Rose Kirk
£250 – Jackie O’Goan, 11 Starrs Crescent. Promoter – Claire McKeown
£100 – Lisa & Gavin Shields, 16 O’Brien Park. Promoter – Terry McGread
£100 – Mary Humphries, 37 Kevlin Gardens. Promoter – Fr T. Canning
£100 – McNamee Family, 3 Coolnagard Lane. Promoter – Catherine McNamee
£100 – Mona Gormley, 23 Hillbank Fold. Promoter – Gladys Martin
£100 – Alice Gormley, 5 Gortrush Park. Promoter – Teresa McCance
£100 - Moira Treanor, c/o Promoter. Promoter – Patrick McCaul
£100 – Kathleen Ferguson, c/o Promoter. Promoter – Attracta Kelly
£100 – Michael Donnelly, 32 Ashbourne Heights. Promoter – Carmel Tierney
£100 – Ann Barton, Clontarf Heights. Promoter – Kevin McCrory
£100 – Monica Gillespie, 28 Derry Road. Promoter – Jean McCrystal
Promoter’s Prize – Fr Neil Farren
The next Draw will take place on Tuesday 6th November.

Eucharistic Ministers for October
6.00 pm – Gerald McCarney, Jim Toal, Marian McGale, Kathleen Fox, Donna Shields, Claire Murray;
8.30 am – Sean Rodgers, Conrad Darcy, Sinead Slevin; 9.45 am – Dominic Pinto, Gerry McLaughlin, Margaret Rafferty, Kevin O’Gara;
11 am - George Johnson, Eugene Teague, Helen Johnson, Alice McNamee, Joe Mulryan, John McGread;
12.30 pm – Mary Campbell, Liz Doran;
10 am Drumragh - Helen Barratt.

Collectors for October
6.00 pm – 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 for October
Brendan & Frances Cunningham, Peter Davies, Gerard Haughey, Dermot McCann, J McDonnell, John McGale.

Readers for October
Vigil Mass – Bernadette Doherty;
8.30 am – Gerard Turbitt;
9.45 am – Mary Prunty;
11 M – Aine Hackett;
12.30 pm – L & M Mimnagh

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 Eugene’s Hall

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 11am - 12.30pm - John Roddy School of Irish Dancing
1.45pm - Groogan O’Doherty Class

St Joseph’s Hall, Omagh
Join our 7-week course in
Ballroom Dancing
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.
Course commences on Monday 15th October @ 9 pm
For further details call 8224 5253 or 8224 7992.

Country Legend Gene Watson & his Farewell Band
With Special Guest Queen of Country, Philomena Begley
& Country Harmony
Saturday 13th October
Tickets on sale at Top News, News at Six and

St. Joseph’s Hall
Phone 07753936701

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

Fundraising Dance for the Children of Zambia
St Eugene’s Hall, Clanabogan
Saturday 27th October 2007

Outside Events

N.I. Blood Transfusion Service
The next blood donation sessions will be held in:
Omagh College Monday 8th October 1.30 pm – 4 pm & 5.30 pm – 8 pm
Tuesday 9th October 1.30 pm – 4 pm & 5.30 pm – 8 pm
Wednesday 10th October 1.30 pm – 4 pm & 5.30 pm – 8 pm
Please come along – you could save a life.

IHCPT-Young People’s Pilgrimage to Lourdes, Easter 2008
Around five hundred young people from all over Ireland spend a week in Lourdes with the IHCPT (The Irish Pilgrimage Trust) every Easter. Experienced adult carers visit the young people prior to the pilgrimage and accompany them throughout the week in Lourdes.

The Irish Pilgrimage Trust welcomes applications from young people of any religious denomination with:
• A physical disability or illness (aged 9-18)
• A learning disability (aged 11-21)
• Very seriously ill children under the age of 9 (accompanied by a parent or close relative)
• Young adults between the age of 20 and 25 with a disability or illness.

The IHCPT covers the cost of those young people selected to travel. If there is a young person that you feel would be eligible and would benefit form a trip to Lourdes please contact the IHCPT office at 0035391796622 for contact details of your local group or an application form. Please note closing date for applications is 31st October 2007.

The Blind Centre N.I.
White Cane Walk
5 Mile Sponsored Walk Around Omagh Town Centre
Saturday 13th October 2007
Registration 10 am
For more information contact the Blind Centre, 10 James Street, Omagh, call 8225 0220 or email omagh@bcni.co.uk