This Week’s Calendar
Week beginning Sunday 16th December
Tuesday 18 – St Flannan, bishop.
Thursday 20 – St Fachanan, bishop.
Friday 21 – St Peter Canisius, priest.

Questions people ask
Q. ‘Of all the children born of women, a greater than John the Baptist has never been seen; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he is.’ Isn’t this a contradiction? Was Jesus setting up John before slamming him down?
A. This is not a comparison between the holiness of John as an individual and anybody else. Jesus is saying that the Messianic age (the time of the kingdom) surpasses the era of preparation. John is called the greatest in the sense that the time of preparation reached its climax in his mission. The Messianic age has been brought by Jesus. It is like saying that the slowest jet-plane is incomparably faster than the fastest bicycle.
Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

Another Angle - A Living Masterpiece
To be dead is to stop believing in the masterpieces we will begin tomorrow - so claimed Patrick Kavanagh, as cited in John O’Donoghue’s book, Eternal Echoes (p.19). Too good to be true about the masterpieces, you might think. Well, that depends on how you eye a masterpiece. We can all too easily sell ourselves short. There is more to each of us than meets the eye especially our own.
Have you ever surprised yourself? Have you ever done something you thought you never could, shown a humanity you didn’t know you had, opened to an insight that took your breath away, gone that extra mile exhausted yet finished quite refreshed? And, have you discovered that exquisitely subversive truth that the more you give, the more you realise you have to give?
If so, Isaiah’s words today (35:5-6a) will make sense to you: Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped, then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy. But they will make sense in a way you never dreamed of.
You’ll gasp as you grasp that, in fact, they refer to you!
Fr Tom Cahill SVD, Courtesy of Intercom Magazine

Mass Intentions
Tuesday Sarah McKenny – Month’s Mind
Wednesday Eddie Donnelly – 1st Anniversary

Baptisms
Aoife Aisling Boland, 19 Beltany Mews
Lucas Leandro Bertorelli, 97 Meelmore Drive
Tiernan Raphael Gray, 54 Culmore Gardens
Shay Gary Galbraith-McConnell, 13 Kevlin Grove
Torry Joseph Sloan, 14 Willowmount Avenue

Penitential Service
On Monday 17th December there will be a Penitential Service following 7.30 pm Mass. There will be a number of visiting priests hearing confessions and we ask that as many people as possible try to attend. There will also be a Penitential Service in Christ The King Church on Wednesday 19th December at 8 pm.

Devotions
There will be no devotions today (Sunday) because of the Carol Service at 6 pm.

Mass and Confession Times for the Christmas Period
Sacred Heart Church
Monday 17th December Masses: 8 am, 10 am & 7.30 pm
Penitential Service After 7.30 pm Mass - Many Priests available for Confession

Tuesday 18th December Masses: 8 am, 10 am & 7.30 pm

Wednesday 19th December Masses: 8 am, 10 am & 7.30 pm
Please note: Penitential Service in Christ The King, Strathroy @ 8 pm - Many Priests available for confession.

Thursday 20th December Masses: 8 am, 10 am, 7.30 pm
Confessions: 6.00 - 7.15 pm

Friday 21st December Masses: 8 am, 10 am &7.30 pm
Confessions: 10.30 am – 12.30 pm & 6.00pm – 7.15 pm

Saturday 22nd December Masses: 10 am Vigil Mass: 6.00pm
Confessions: 10.30 am – 12.30 pm & after Evening Mass

Please Note: These are the last Confessions being heard before Christmas.

Sunday 23rd December Usual Sunday Mass times:
Sacred Heart Church: 8.30 am, 9.45 am, 11 am, 12.30 pm
St Mary’s Church Drumragh: 10am

Christmas Masses
Monday 24th December
Sacred Heart Church 6pm (for Elderly and Families)
St Mary’s, Drumragh 8 pm
Sacred Heart Church 10 pm

Tuesday 25th December Masses (Christmas Day)
Sacred Heart Church 8.30 am, 9.45 am, 11 am, 12.30 pm
St Mary’s, Drumragh 10 am

On the week following Christmas, Masses in the Sacred Heart Church are at 10 am and 7.30 pm.

Advent Reflection
The final Advent Reflection will take place this Wednesday in the Pastoral Centre, Brook Street after 10 am Mass.

Annual Carol Service
Our Annual Carol Service will be held in the Sacred Heart Church on Sunday 16th December at 6 pm.

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
There will be Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in the Sacred Heart Church every Friday during Advent from 10.30 to 7.15 pm.

Charismatic Group
The Charismatic Prayer Group will have adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on Thursday 20th December at 8.15 pm in the Pastoral Centre. All welcome.

The Baptism of Our Lord – Service for Children Baptised in 2007
The Annual Service for Baptised Children will take place on Sunday 13th January at 3 pm in the Sacred Heart Church, Omagh. All children who have been baptised in 2007 and their parents and godparents are welcome to attend.

Eucharistic Ministers for December
6.00 pm – Gerry Harte, Geraldine Colton, Phil Hyndman, Brigid McGarvey, Anne McCaffrey, Marie Gallagher;
8.30 am – Ann Mullan, Angela Lalsingh, Margaret Haigney;
9.45 am – Peter McCormick, Seamus Sheridan, Shirley Norris, Maureen Miley;
11 am – Willie Galbraith, Johanna Gallagher, Marie Conway, Sheila McCusker,
Jeanette Fox;
12.30 pm – Kathleen Winters, Mary Donaghy, Chrissie Kelly;
10 am Drumragh – Niall Colgan, Anita Hackett.

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

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

Readers for December
Vigil Mass – Kay McGuigan;
8.30 am – Brother Tom Gough;
9.45 am – Emmet Murray;
11 am – Anthony Bradley;
12.30 pm – Regina Maguire.

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.

St Joseph’s Bookshop
Advent and Christmas stock now in: Advent Wreaths, Advent Candles, Advent Calendars, Cribs, Christmas Ornaments, Christmas Cards, Christmas Table Candles. Open every Saturday 10.30 am – 4 pm. For special Christmas opening times see next week’s newsletter.
(Entrance to Bookshop at side of St Joseph’s Hall)

Christmas Opening Hours @ St Joseph’s Bookshop
From Wednesday 19th until Saturday 22nd December the Bookshop will be open from 10.30 am – 4 pm. Also on Monday 24th (Christmas Eve) the Bookshop will be open from 10.30 am to 1.15 pm.

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 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

St Joseph’s Hall, Omagh
BIG CHRISTMAS BINGO
Over £3,000 in Prize Money Must Go!!!
Line House
1 £30 £100
2 £30 £100
3 £30 £400
4 £30 £100
5 £30 £100
6 £30 £300
7 £30 £100
8 £30 £100
9 £30 £200
10 £30 £1,000 Jackpot
11 £30 £200
Books £15 – Double Books £20
Starts 9 pm.
Everyone Welcome – Please support your local Parish Bingo!

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



Outside Events

Tattyreagh Bazaar
The Annual Bazaar will be held in Tattyreagh GAC clubrooms on Saturday 15th December, commencing at 8.30pm. Some great prizes on offer, all welcome.

"Deepening Our Faith for Christmas"
A Series of Adult Faith Development Evenings for Advent
Church of Christ the King, Strathroy
Monday evenings 8 - 9.15pm (after 7.30pm Mass)
Tea / coffee & refreshments served

Monday 17 December
How God is still present and active in the world today
Speaker: Fr Paul Farren, Director of Derry Diocesan Religious Education Centre.

Omagh Community Youth Choir Sets Ceilí
Sunday 16th December 2007
4 pm – 7 pm
Dún Úladh Heritage Centre, Ballinamullan, Omagh
Music by Copperplate
Traditional Music Seisiún in Bar
Admission £5 / 8 Euro
Supper Served

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.