Sunday 13th January 2008

THE BAPTISM OF OUR LORD

Baptism is both a gift and a commission. Through baptism, God’s favour rests on us, and at the same time He calls us to service to him and to each other. As we grow and mature, we should become ever more conscious of what the demands of service involve.

We have before us the example of Jesus himself, the ultimate Servant. As Son, Beloved and Favoured of God the Father, he fulfilled the demands of service to the point of laying down his life.

May the Spirit of God which we first received at Baptism help us too to be generous in the sacrifices we make for the good of others.

First Reading Isaiah 42: 1-4.6-7
The mission of the Messiah to bring justice and freedom.

Second Reading Acts of the Apostles
The Good News of Jesus Christ is for all people.

Gospel Matthew : 13-17
The Spirit of God comes down upon Jesus.

This Week’s Saints
Week beginning Sunday 13th January
Tuesday 15 – St Ita.
Wednesday 16 – St Fursa, abbot and missionary.
Thursday 17 – St Anthony, abbot.

Questions people ask
Q. John’s baptism was a ritual of repentance, but if Jesus was sinless, why did he say that he needed to be baptised?
A. Jesus explained that it was fitting that he should, in this way, do all that righteousness demanded. While he did not need cleansing from any personal sin, he considered it fitting or right to show his solidarity with sinful humanity. By doing so, he anticipated his death on Calvary where he took on the role of the sacrificial lamb to take away the guilt of the world.
Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap - Courtesy of Intercom Magazine

Another Angle - Who? Me?
Asking the right question is as important as getting the right answer. It means we’re on the right track to self-understanding. We’re clued in to life. We’re focused on the present but with our sights on the future too. But, not everybody is. Those who never ask that all-important question, ‘who am I?’ can’t possibly be. As human beings we don’t just walk around with mystery every day. We are mystery walking around! The answer to the question, ‘who am I?’ is not my name. It has nothing to do with my name. I can change that if I wish. But I can’t change who I am, no matter how much I might wish to do so because that is immutable before God.

So, I need to meet that who, to discover what makes me ‘me’. Is it status, success, money, ability, intelligence? These play their part in forming me, as do failures, limitations and fears, but there’s more to me than all of those put together.
I need to ask that all-important question, ‘who am I?’ and wait patiently until I hear the answer I crave; until in sheer disbelief I hear the words spoken to Jesus in today’s gospel (Mt 3:17): you are my beloved son/daughter in whom I am well pleased.
Fr Tom Cahill SVD, Courtesy of Intercom Magazine

Parish Notes

Mass Intentions
Sacred Heart Church 7.30pm Mass
Monday Maureen McGrath – Month’s Mind
Tuesday John Mathers – 1st Anniversary
Wednesday Jim Cassidy – 1st Anniversary
Friday Susan McMenamin – Month’s Mind

Parish Notes
Please note that the 8 am weekday Mass has now resumed. Also note that there will be no Devotions this evening (Sunday) owing to the Baptismal Ceremony which takes place at 3 pm.

Holy Communion to Sick & Housebound
The Eucharistic Ministers will bring Holy Communion to the sick and housebound who have requested it, next Sunday, 20th January, after 9.45am Mass and 11am mass and after 10am Mass in St Mary’s Church Drumragh.

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 today (Sunday) – 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.

Christian Unity Service
There will be Prayer for Christian Unity in Trinity Presbyterian Church next Sunday 20th

January beginning 7 pm. All welcome.

Parish Draw – January 2008 Winners
£2,000 – Monica Rodgers, 39 Shandon Park. Promoter – Phil McGuigan
£1,000 – Matt McCann, 3 Thornville Park. Promoter – Gertrude McCann
£500 – Agnes Hegarty, c/o Promoter. Promoter – Kevin McCrory
£250 – Brian Durkin, 8 Ashbourne Heights. Promoter – Fr Thomas Canning
£100 – Briege O’Connor c/o Promoter. Promoter – John Rafferty.
£100 – Sally Boyle, 5 Coolnagard Lane. Promoter – Catherine McNamee
£100 – Cormac Murphy, c/o Promoter. Promoter – John Rafferty
£100 – Mickey Sharkey, c/o Promoter. Promoter – Tommy Sharkey
£100 – Aisling McGinty, 1 Killybrack Glen. Promoter – Kevin McGinty
£100 – Emily O’Neill, 14 Ardmore Heights. Promoter – Joanne McGread
£100 – Michael Dillon, 3 Clontarf Heights. Promoter – Raymond McNally
£100 – Mary Judge, 16 Coolnagard Avenue. Promoter – Malachy McNamee
£100 – Marian McDevitt, c/o Promoter. Promoter – Fr McDevitt
£100 – Arthur Breen, c/o Promoter. Promoter – Fr Canning
£100 Promoter’s Prize – Carmel Tierney, Cannondale.
The next Draw takes place on Tuesday 5th February 2008.

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?

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

Parish Dance - St Joseph’s Hall, Omagh
Friday 18th January 2008
Music by Canon & Ramsey
10 pm – 12.30 am

Iyengar Yoga
St Joseph’s Hall
8 Week Course
Suitable for Men & Women of All Ages
Starts Monday 14th January from 6 pm – 7.30 pm
Cost for Course is £40
Contact Frances Campbell on 028 8167 9743 or 0793 318 4513.
Please Note: Prior Enrolment is Essential!

St Joseph’s Ladies Club
Come and listen to ‘Tales of Old Omagh’ with Stephen McKenna in St Joseph’s Hall, Omagh on Wednesday 16th January at 8.15 pm. Everyone welcome. Admission is £3 including supper.

Colmcille Club
Due to weather conditions, the above club will not re-open until Tuesday 22nd January at 3 pm.

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.
More details to follow.

New Term for C.C.E.
On 17th January registration takes place for the Omagh Branch of C.C.E. in St Joseph’s Hall at 7 pm. Classes will then take place subsequently at the same time, same place. New members are welcome, with expert tuition provided in tin whistle, fiddle and banjo. Continuing up to 13th March, all members are assured of a very rewarding way of spending Thursday evenings from 7 pm to 8.30 pm. Look forward to seeing you there.

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

Outside Events

Loreto Convent Primary School Open Day
Wednesday 16th January 2008
Time: 11.00pm – 12.30pm
(Refreshments and musical entertainment in school assembly hall from 12.00pm)
Come and see what we have to offer in our Co-Educational Playgroup and Reception class and visit our Yr. 1 – 7 classrooms to gain an insight into the life and work of our school. Those unable to attend are welcome to contact the school for further information or to arrange and alternative visit. Telephone: 8224 3551.

All Saints Open Day
All Saints' P.S., Tattysallagh extend a warm welcome to come along on Monday 21st January from 1:15 - 2:30 pm for their Open Day. If you have a child starting school in September or you would like to have a look around and observe school life in All Saints', please join us. Everyone welcome.

St Conor’s Primary School & Nursery Unit Open Morning
(For parents and children starting Year 1 in September 2008)
Tuesday 15th January 2008
School open to visitors from 10.30am. Principal’s address and refreshments are in school gym at 11 am. We invite you to come along to view our facilities and gain an insight into the life and work of our school. Anyone unable to attend on this date is welcome to contact the school for further information or to arrange a visit. Application forms for admission Year 1 in September 2008 are available on the day, or alternatively can be collected from the Secretary’s Office. Application forms for children wishing to join our Nursery classes are also available from the school. Closing date for all application forms for admission is Wednesday 23rd January 2008 at 12 noon.

West Tyrone Feis
Entries close on Friday 18th January.

Sacred Heart College, Omagh
Open Day
Saturday 19th January 2008
10.00 am – 1.00 pm
Pupils of P7 and their parents are cordially invited to meet the Principal, staff and pupils and to view the wide range of facilities available.
PRINCIPAL’S ADDRESS 10.00 AM & 11.30 AM

Childminder Available
A registered childminder is available in the Derry Road area. A ‘Home from Home’ environment where children are encouraged to learn through play. Limited spaces available. For further information contact Roisín on 0785 160 9746.

Aerobics Class

The Station Centre, Omagh
Recommences Tuesday 15th January 2008
7.30 pm – 8.30 pm

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