Sunday 8th February 2009

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

CHRIST WHO HEALS US

“The fever left her and she began to wait on them.” One of the lovely features of the Gospels is the number of healing stories they contain. Nothing is too big or too small to bring to Jesus. He raised Lazarus from the dead; he healed Peter’s mother-in-law from a fever. That same Jesus is with us and among us with the same power and the same longing, to heal us into wholeness. All we have to do is ask him for what we need for ourselves and for one another and know that he will answer. We all need his healing power in so far as we set limits to our love for one another because his great commandment is to love. Husbands and wives often need to stretch their love into forgiveness if they are to go forward together. Parents need to grow in understanding of their children. And in our parish we need Christ’s power to help us to take true responsibility for those in need.

Fr. Johnny Doherty, C.Ss.R.

"I’ve Learned”

I’ve learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life goes on and it will be better tomorrow.

I’ve learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas lights.

I’ve learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you’ll miss them when they’re gone from your life.

I’ve learned that making a “living” is not the same thing as making a “life”

I’ve Learned” (continued - part 2)

I’ve learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.

I’ve learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you.

But if you focus on your family, friends, the needs of others, your work and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you.

I’ve learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart,
I usually make the right decision.

I’ve learned that even when I have pains, I do not have to be one.

Week beginning Sunday 8th February

This Week’s Saints

Tuesday 10 – St Scholastica, virgin

Wednesday 11 – St Gobnait, virgin

Saturday 14 – Sts Cyril, Monk, and Methodious, Bishop, and Patrons of Europe

Mass Intentions

Sacred Heart Church 7.30 pm

Wed Mass for Deceased Members of DDS

Fri Padric Mulholland – 1st Anniversary

Baptisms

Harry Patrick Warnes, 20 Ashbourne Heights

Ana Olivia Mackey, 26 Coolnagard Hollow

Amy Anne Campbell, 52 Tattykeel Road

Aoife Marie Yun Shi Chu, 30 Kevlin Glen

Sean Paul Toner, 1 Hunter Crescent

Recent Deaths

We sympathise with the families of the following who died recently:

Esther Jones

Thomas Clarke

Kenneth McConnell

Kathleen Ferguson

May they rest in peace.

Mission Appeal

The Missionaries of Africa (White Fathers) are visiting this part of the diocese during this year and will be with us in Drumragh Parish for the weekend of the 14th and 15th February. Fr Ian Buckmaster from Dublin and Fr Anselm Ngetwa will speak at all the Masses on the theme of ‘Mission Awareness’. A second collection for their mission will be taken up after Holy Communion at all Masses. We extend a welcome to the White Fathers on their visit to the Parish.

Morning of Reflection & Training

Readers of the parish are invited to a Morning of Reflection and Training in the Pastoral Centre on Saturday 21st February from 10.30 am until 1 pm. If you are able to attend, please contact the Parish Office on 8224 2092.

“Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path.”

Psalm 119 Vs 105

Derry Diocesan Commission for Justice and Social Affairs

The above was established in 2007. Its objective is to support the Bishop in promoting the social teaching of the Church and to advise on issues of social concern, both nationally and internationally. The group is keen to ensure that it is informed by a wide range of views and opinions. Would you be interested in making a contribution? If so, you are welcome to come along to a meeting on Tuesday 10th February in the Thornhill Centre, Culmore Road, Derry at 7.30 pm.

Questions people ask

Q. If Jesus showed that he had power to cast out evil spirits, why doesn’t God cast out the devil for once and for all to stop all evil?

A. Certainly the devil plays a huge role in the existence of evil but we must also accept our own human responsibility. Adam and Eve were quick to blame the serpent for their own disobedience in attempting to take God’s place. Jesus has overcome the devil but it is up to us to exercise our freedom properly in co-operating with the grace of God in resisting temptation.

Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
Email silvesteroflynn@gmail.com

Drumragh Parish Draw Winners

February 2009

£2,000 – Mike Sweetman, 9 Thornville Park. Promoter – Raymond McNally; £1,000 – Caroline Connolly, 12 Brookmount Crescent. Promoter – Fr Thomas Canning. £500 – E McElhill, 6 Coolnagard Grove. Promoter – K McElhill. £250 – Daniel McCrossan, 63 O’Kane Park. Promoter – Daniel McCrossan. £100 – Deano McNamee, 3 Coolnagard Lane. Promoter – Catherine McNamee. £100 – Phil McGuigan, 15 Ardmore Avenue. Promoter – Phil McGuigan. £100 – Mary Conlon, 3 Clontarf Drive. Promoter – Claire McKeown. £100 – Damian Goligy, Sunningdale. Promoter – Maggie Quinn. £100 – Mary Maguire, 33 Centenary Park. Promoter – A J Turnbull. £100 – Aidan Campbell, 33 Tattykeel Road. Promoter – Marie Campbell. £100 – Collette McCrossan, 51 O’Kane Park. Promoter – Daniel McCrossan. £100 – A Devlin, 16 Kevlin Heights. Promoter – Philomena McNamee. £100 – Eamon Baxter, 17 Johnston Park. Promoter – Margaret Sheridan. £100 – Majella Clarke, c/o Promoter. Promoter – Attracta Kelly. Promoter’s £100 Prize – Barry Mathers.

Please Note: The next draw will take place on Tuesday 3rd March

Seisiún in Dún Úladh

Tír Eoghain County Board Youth are hosting a Seisiún in Dun Uladh on Sunday 8th February from 3 to 5pm. All young musicians singers and dancers are welcome to come along and enjoy an evening of music song and dance.

Pioneer AGM

The A.G.M. of the Pioneers will take place on 12th February at 8.15 pm in St Joseph’s Hall . All members are required to attend. New members will also be most welcome.

If there is any person who would like to take a temporary pledge for Lent, they may contact a member of the committee or call 8224 2921. Names are being taken for Pioneers, Silver or Gold pins also.

N.I. Blood Transfusion Service

The next blood donation sessions will be held in the South West College, Omagh Campus on the following dates:

Wednesday 18th February
1.30 – 4 pm & 5.30 – 8 pm

Thursday 19th February
1.30 – 4 pm & 5.30 – 8 pm

Friday 20th February
1.30 – 4 pm & 5.30 – 8 pm

Please come along – you could save a life!

Samaritan Volunteers - Spring Recruitment Campaign

Samaritans is a registered charity that provides a completely confidential and non-judgemental listening service for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those that could lead to suicide.

The Omagh branch, which has been active since 1975, draws volunteers of all ages and creeds from across Tyrone and Fermanagh. We need a large number of dedicated volunteers to help maintain our service, hence the necessity to recruit twice yearly – in Spring and in Autumn.

Much media coverage is afforded to the increasing incidence of suicide within our society. Samaritans believe that offering people the opportunity to be listened to in confidence, and accepted without prejudice, can alleviate despair and suicidal feelings. Can you help us to provide this vital service? Find out more about our work at our Information Evenings:

Monday 9th February 2009 @ 7.30pm

Silverbirch Hotel, Omagh

Call us on 028 8225 1530 or e-mail Omagh.Samaritans@virgin.net

Annual Clothing Appeal

Due to the adverse weather conditions of last week-end it has been decided to continue the clothes collection at St. Colmcilles G.F.C. grounds, Carrickmore until Sunday 22nd February. Any further enquiries ring 8076 0667.

Looking for a Religious gift?

Rosaries, Prayer Books, Medals, Certificates, etc available in St Joseph’s Book Shop. Open Saturdays 10.30am - 4pm.

Cleaners for Drumragh

The Cleaners for Drumragh for the month of February are Breda Campbell and Patricia Muldoon.

Readers for February
6 pm – Kay McGuigan
8.30 am – Brother Gough
9.45 am – Dominic Pinto
11 am – Pauline McKenna
12.30 pm – Gerard McDonagh

Counters for February

Daniel Campbell, James Cunningham, John Doherty, Kathleen Fox, John McGale, Marie McGirr, Eugene McGrade, Gerard McSorley, Mary Teague.

Collectors for February

6.00 pm – Eugene Duffy, Joe O’Donnell, Liam Grugan, Michael Brogan; 8.30 am – Michael Gilheaney, Gerard Turbitt, Liam Nugent, Patrick Slevin; 9.45 am – Michael Colton, Liam McGrath, Thomas McGuigan, J F Doyle, Eamon Campbell, Dan Campbell, Hugh Ward, Francis Bradley; 11 am - Sean Lynam, Leo Quinn, Dermot Groogan, Joe Mulryan, Michael McGirr, Jim Joe Campbell, John McDonnell; 12.30 pm – John Breslin, B Brown, Anthony Higgins, Francis McCrory, Thomas Logue.

Eucharistic Ministers for February

Vigil Mass – Jackie Convey, Tony McGarvey, Mary McLaughlin, Mary Toal, Rita Loughran, Moira Sharpe, ; 8.30 am –John O’Neill, Fionnula Quinn, Joan Conaghan; 9.45 am – Seamus Maguire, Aidan Quinn, Jean McGowan, Anne Mullan; 11 am – George Johnson, Eugene Teague, Helen Johnson, Alice McNamee, Joe Mulryan; 12.30 pm – Eugene McGrade, Mary McGrade, Tracy Nugent, Ann Pearson; 10 am Drumragh – Aidan Campbell, Ann Doherty.

JW Promotions Proudly Presents:
The Queens of Country Show

St Joseph’s Hall, Omagh

Saturday 7th March 2009

Featuring: Billie Joe Spears, Philomena Begley, Dee Reilly, Louise Morrissey, Jeannie Seely

For Tickets call 07753 936 701 or Usual Outlets

St Joseph’s Hall Grand Refurbishment Draw
Prizes: 1st Prize – New Model Ford Fiesta 5-door Car
2nd Prize – Holiday Voucher worth £3000 with £500 spending money

Could all promoters please return any tickets sold to St Joseph’s Hall on Tuesday 13th January from 7 pm to 9 pm.
These tickets will be entered into a Free £50 Draw after the Bingo.