Sunday 9th March 2008

Fifth Sunday of Lent

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

Newsletter Resources

This Week’s Saints
Week beginning Sunday 9th March
Friday 14 – St Joseph, Husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Saturday 15 – ST PATRICK, BISHOP, PRINCIPAL PATRON OF IRELAND

Another Angle - A MARCH SAINT
St Patrick • 15 March
Saint Patrick was born very probably in the early years of the 5th century in Britain. He was taken captive at the age of 16 and brought to Ireland where he worked as a slave. His captivity had a very positive effect on his spiritual life. He escaped back home at the age of 22. It was obvious to him that God was calling him to return to convert the Irish. He studied, probably in France, before returning to Ireland c. 457-61 and made a tremendous number of converts. He died in 491.

Words of Wisdom
A word of encouragement during a failure is worth more than an hour of praise after success

Parish Notes

Mass Intentions - Sacred Heart Church 7.30pm Mass
Fri Patrick Mullholland – Months Mind

Lenten Stations
There will be a Station Mass in the home of Edel McSwiggan, 45 Rosemary Road, Deerpark on Friday 14th March at 7.30 pm.

Sacrament of Confirmation 2008
The Sacrament of Confirmation will take place on Saturday 8th March at 11 am. Most Rev Dr Seámus Hegarty will be visiting the Parish to confirm the Pimary Seven children.

First Confessions 2008
During the fifth week of Lent the Primary 4 children from all the schools in our Parish will make their First Confession. As the Confessions will begin each evening at 7.30 pm the Mass will take place at 7.00 pm and not 7.30 pm.
Monday 10th March – Loreto Primary School in the Sacred Heart Church.
Tuesday 11th March – St Colmcille’s Primary School in the Sacred Heart Church.
Wednesday 12th March – St Conor’s Primary School in the Sacred Heart Church.
Thursday 13th March 2008 – All Saints’ Primary School, Sacred Heart Primary School and Omagh Integrated School in St Mary’s Church, Drumragh at 7.00 pm.

Pioneer Association
All those wishing to join the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association or are due Silver or Gold pins, contact any member of the P.T.A.A. or telephone 8224 2921. The next meeting will be on Thursday 13th at 8pm in St. Joseph’s Hall

“Stay Here and Keep Watch” – A Twilight Retreat
On Wednesday 12th March in St Columba’s Pastoral Centre at 8 pm the events of Holy Week will be remembered in Scripture, Word, Music and silence. Please come and keep watch. Refreshments served.

Special Diocesan Mass
The Annual Diocesan Mass for those with special needs, and their families and friends, will take place in St Joseph’s Church, Galliagh, Derry on Saturday 12th April 2008. Bishop Lagan will celebrate the Mass. If you have a child who wishes to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation or First Communion at this Mass, please contact the Catechetical Centre on (028) 7126 4087.

Collectors for March
Vigil Mass – James Devlin, Cathal Cullen, Aidan Lilly, Thomas McElroy, Colm McLaughlin, Pat McCanny; 8.30 am – Peter Haughey, Gerry Broderick, Fursey Mullan, Billy Henry; 9.45 am – Sean Mullan, John O’Neill, A.K. Kelly, Patrick Devlin, Raymond McGoldrick, John Rafferty, Eugene Turbett; 11 am – Aidan Quinn, Robert Colton, James Murray, Pat McGartland, Kevin McCrory; 12.30 pm – Sean McNamee, Francis Laird, Dermot O’Kane, Patrick Conway, John Lagan.

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

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Readers for March
6.00 pm – Betty Sweeney; 8.30 am – Angela Lalsingh; 9.45 am – Mary Prunty; 11.00 am – Mary Haughey; 12.30 pm – Bernie Nixon.

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

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

Coming Soon to St Joseph’s Hall
Hal Ketchum & His American Band
Support – Anthony McBrien
Friday 4th April 2008
Tickets on Sale from Tommy at the Hall, Top News & McCrory’s
Call 07753 936 701

Ballroom Dancing
A new 5 week course begins on Monday 10th March at 8.45 pm for 5 consecutive weeks. Enrolment is on Monday 3rd March form 8 pm to 9 pm in St Joseph’s Hall. The Course costs £25 and booking is essential. Please contact 8224 5253, 8224 7992 or 07753 936 701.

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

Drumragh Ladies
Training has now started for the new season for all under 10’s, 12’s and U14’s Saturday morning 11am -12 at CBS pitch, Kevlin Road and midweek for U14’S 6-7pm Thursday Clanabogan Hall.
Minor training Tuesday night 7pm St. Pat’s Park, Sunday will be confirmed at training.
Every player to bring £1 for lotto. All players – big effort to attend and new players very welcome. Membership is now due with closing date 17th March.

Drumragh Sarsfields - Membership
Registration for adults will take place on;
Tuesday 11th March from 7-8pm in St Joseph’s Hall
Wednesday 12th March from 7-8pm at Clanabogan Pitch
Membership closes 17th March

Deepening our Experience of Lent
A Series of Adult Faith Reflection Evenings

Church of Christ the King, Strathroy
Every Monday night during Lent
8pm (after 7.30pm Mass)
Tea/Coffee & refreshments served
Monday 10 March
Preparing for Holy Week - Reflecting on the Holy Week Ceremonies
Speaker: Fr Kevin McElhennon CC

Marriage Encounter Weekend
Marriage Encounter is a weekend away (Friday 8pm to Sunday 5pm) for married couples of all ages with a stable relationship. Couples explore, in complete privacy, how to come to a deeper mutual understanding of each other.
The dates for the next Marriage Encounter weekends are:
28th-30th March, Dromantine Conference Centre, Newry.
18th-20th April, Emmaus Conference Centre, Swords.

Hospital Campaign – Notice of Protest Action
Meeting of the WHSSB
Date of meeting: Thursday 27th March
Time: 10.00am
Venue: Gransha
If you require transport, please contact Catriona Woods at Omagh District Council on
028 8224 5321 Ext. 306 or email catrionawoods@omagh.gov.uk
If numbers are sufficent a mini-bus will be provided to take you to the protest or car share will be provided.
Supporters should arrive before beginning of meeting.

Precious Life
URGENT HELP NEEDED – Abortion threat from Westminster – A group of MPs in Westminster want to change the law and legalise abortion in Northern Ireland. Precious Life has launched a Postcard Petition Campaign asking the Secretary of State to ensure abortion will not be imposed on Northern Ireland from Westminster. We need volunteers to distribute the cards after Mass in your area with the permission of the Parish Priest. If you can help with this most important campaign please contact Precious Life on 028 9027 8484

The Colmcille Club
The Annual General Meeting of the Colmcille Club is to take place in St Joseph’s Hall on Tuesday 11th March at 4.15pm.
All members and volunteers are requested to attend.

Omagh Credit Union
Omagh Credit Union has produced a Guide entitled “Keep Wolves From Your Door All Year Round”. It includes helpful hints and a financial planner to help in managing your financial affairs throughout 2008 and beyond. Free copies are available within the porches of the Church. You can also obtain a copy from Credit Union Offices, St Vincent de Paul and Omagh Independent Advice Services.

Parish Draw Winners March 2008
£2,000 - Madeline McGurk, 15 Crotty Road
Promoter – Catherine McGale
£1,000 - Noreen Mc Elhinney, Derry
Promoter – Mgr. Donnelly
£500 – Dympna Cleary, 9 Tattysallagh Rd
Promoter – Gerry Starrs
£250 – Mary McAleer, Hastings, Sussex
Promoter – Kathleen Quinn
£100 – Mrs M Nugent, 30 Centenary Park
Promoter – Katie McElhill
£100 – Loreto Schultz, 60 Market Street
Promoter – Slevin Family
£100 – Agnes O’Neill, 17, Ballynahatty Road
Promoter – Mary McQuaid
£100 – Linda Craig c/o Promoter
Promoter – Ignatius Sally
£100 – Paddy Cleary c/o Promoter
Promoter – John Rafferty
£100 – Evelyn Irvine, 39 Brook Valley
Promoter – Fr Canning
£100 – Ann Stevenson, 16 Willowmount Road
Promoter – Seamus Haigney
£100 – Naiscoil na gCrann, Dunuladh
Promoter – Brian McKenna
£100 – Pat Kane, Drumquin
Promoter – Mgr. Donnelly
£100 - Eamon Taggart, 48 Sunningdale
Promoter – Seamus Haigney

Promoter’s £100 Prize – Raymond McNally

As part of Omagh District Council’s celebration of St Patrick, Dr Catherine Swift , Director of Irish Studies at the University of Limerick, will speak on “St Patrick, Tyrone, and the politics of Viking Armagh” and examine the claims of the primatial Church to the saint. The talk will be in the Strule Arts Centre on Wednesday next at 8.30pm. All welcome – No admission charge.

A one day retreat for Senior Citizens and their friends from Donegal will take place at the Carmelite Retreat Centre, Termonbacca, Derry on Thursday 13th March and surrounding areas. Registration from 10.30 a.m. finishing around 5.00 p.m. Cost £12stg or €18 Euro includes a four course lunch. Payment at the Centre on the day. To book Tel: Termonbacca Derry 71262512 during office hours only.

Easter Weekend Retreat Friday 14th March (8.00 p.m.) - Sunday 16th March
A quiet residential weekend, which will be a spiritual preparation for the feast of Easter,
will be conducted by the Carmelite Fathers in Termonbacca, Carmelite Retreat Centre, Derry. All are welcome to attend. For further details and bookings Tel 71262512

Carmelite Retreat Centre, Termonbacca, Derry Three evening retreats in preparation for Easter on Mon.17th Tues. 18th Wed. 19th March (7.30 p.m. -10.00 p.m.) An opportunity to spend some time in quiet adoration, receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation and celebrate Mass. All are welcome to attend.