The Pope’s Intentions for March
General: That the Word of God may be ever more listened to, contemplated, loved and lived.
Missionary: That the training of catechists, organizers and lay people committed in the service of the Gospel may be the constant concern of those responsible for the young Churches.

Another Angle - Race against Waste
Lent was in more traditional times a period of self-purification, purging the body to elevate the soul to a higher plane. In a funny way, the busy recycling centres of modern Ireland have replaced the confessional. You bring your consumerist excess and in return for a charge (penance?) you drive off lighter and freer, with even a possible smugness that some of your deposited items can be recycled.

But God in his centuries-old tangled dance with humanity has a more radical idea of us. He doesn’t make junk and he doesn’t like waste. We get a glimpse of God, of ourselves and our attitudes in what we call the parable of the prodigal son. ‘Prodigal’ means ‘wasteful’ but that title came much later. He didn’t tell the story to relate how wasteful we are – but to show us how lavish, how prodigal God’s love is for his children.

Despite the reputation Christians sometimes have for carrying round a burden of guilt, Lent isn’t a masochistic display of how bad we are – it is a celebration of our father’s prodigal, wasteful love. God doesn’t stand at a distance and say – ‘if you change - then I’ll love you’. ‘No’ says Jesus. He breaks into a divine trot at the first glimpse of you. Even a recycling centre will deem some of your cast-offs as general waste – beyond recycling, but in the divine way of looking at things, grace is a powerful thing. It changes lives and worlds; and it can never be wasted.
Fr Tom Cox, Courtesy of Intercom Magazine

Questions people ask
Q. Why is Saint Joseph regarded as the patron of a happy death?
A. In honouring the saints we respect God’s grace in their lives, regard them as models of virtue and trust them as friends to help us. Saint Joseph was prepared by grace for his special role in the childhood of Jesus. The gospel shows his acceptance of God’s plan, his prompt obedience and, along with Mary, their observance of what was laid down in the law of God. He provided for the family at Nazareth. As we do not meet him in the public ministry of Jesus we presume that he died beforehand in the blessed company of Jesus and Mary. His feast day is 19 March (tomorrow).

Saints of the Day

Monday 19 March – St Joseph, Husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The virtues of St Joseph have been the object of ecclesial reflection down through the centuries, especially the more recent centuries. Among those virtues the following stand out: faith, with which he fully accepted God’s salvific plan; prompt and silent obedience to the will of God; love for and fulfilment of the law, true piety, fortitude in time of trial; chaste love for the Blessed Virgin Mary, a dutiful exercise of his paternal authority, and fruitful reticence’ (Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy, 219)

Mass Intentions - Sacred Heart Church 7.30 Mass

Thursday - Legion of Mary Mass
Friday – Sheila Eanetta – 1st Anniversary

Baptisms

Aaron Sean Deazley – 30 Lammy Drive
Ryan Patrick McQuaid – 56 Coolnagard Avenue
Emma Margaret McQuaid – 56 Coolnagard Avenue
James Thomas Duffy – 28 Coolnagard Heights
Sarah Rose Breen – 21 Brackenvale
Jessica Rose Donnelly – 47 Kevlin Glen

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will be in the Sacred Heart Church from after 10 am mass until 7.15 pm every Friday during Lent.

Words of Wisdom…..
People will judge you by your actions, not your intentions.

Please Note: IMPORTANT NOTICE - RE: WEDDING BOOKINGS
If you have phoned the Parish Office since February to make a wedding booking or know anyone that has done so it is urgent that you contact the office again to re-confirm booking.

Please Note: Notice regarding Baptism
We are not permitted to baptise children from another Parish without the expressed permission of the Parish Priest of that Parish. All requirements for baptism in the home parish must be completed before we carry out the baptism

Altar Society Rota
March: Miss Michelle Rafferty (82242343)

Sunday and Weekday Readers
We are looking for volunteers to read at Sunday and weekday Masses in Sacred Heart Church.
Sundays – 6pm Vigil, Sunday 8.30am, 9.45am, 11 am and 12.30pm
Weekdays 8am, 10am and 7.30pm

Practice will be given beforehand.

Please contact the Parish office giving name, address, telephone number and preferred mass time.

Offertory Procession
Volunteers requested for offertory procession in the Sacred Heart Church.
Two people for each offertory procession.
Masses - 6pm Vigil, Sunday 11am and 12.30pm. Contact parish office giving name, address, telephone number and preferred mass time.

Disabled Parking, St Joseph’s Hall Grounds
We would ask the general public to please observe disabled parking spaces at the hall at all times, weekdays and Sundays. Any car parking in these spaces should display a disabled sticker.

Golden Jubilee
Bishop Edward Daly is celebrating the Golden Jubilee of his ordination to the priesthood this month.
A special celebratory Mass will take place in St Eugene’s Cathedral on March 18th (today) at 3pm.
Priests, Religious and Laity of the Diocese are cordially invited.
Refreshments for all are available in St Joseph’s Secondary School Cregan, Derry.

There will be no devotions tonight at 6.00pm.

Lent Stations
Anyone wishing to have a Station Mass should contact the Parish Office on 8224 2092 and leave their name, address and telephone number and Station area as soon as possible.

Lenten Station Mass

Thursday 22nd March @ 8.00pm
Terence & Bridget McGarvey
30 Dromore Road
Omagh

Friday 23rd March @ 8.15pm
Mary Mimnagh(D)
66 Tattyreagh
Omagh

Friday 23rd March @ 7.30pm
Charlie and Teresa Colton
18 Crocknageeragh Road
Clanabogan

Friday 30th March @ 8.00pm
Reuben & Angela Lalsingh
69 Blackfort Road
Omagh

Holy Communion to sick and housebound
The Eucharistic Ministers will bring Holy Communion to the sick and housebound who have requested it, today after 9.45am Mass and 11am mass and after 10am Mass in St Mary’s Church Drumragh.

Look and Listen”

Omagh Prayer Guidance Team

invite you to join them every Tuesday during Lent in

The Pastoral Centre, Brook Street

The Gospel of the following Sunday will be read, reflected on and prayed

Time: 10.30am
Each session will last approximately 45 minutes.

Adult Faith Development

A series of talks and discussion evenings helping adults understand their faith.

In Christ the King Church, Strathroy

Every Monday evening during Lent at 8pm -9.30pm (after 7.30pm Mass).

Monday 19 March
Why do we go to Mass? What is Mass all about and how important is it? The first of two talks helping us to understand the Eucharist
Speaker: Fr Kevin McElhennon, CC Strathroy

Growth in the Spirit Seminars
led by Noel Byrne (Carlow) and team.

Hosted by Omagh Charismatic Prayer Group

Date: Friday 23rd March – Sunday 25th March

Friday evening - 8pm (after 7.30pm mass)
Saturday morning - 10.30am (after 10am mass)
Sunday morning -10.30am (after 9.45am mass)

For more information or to book please contact the Parish Office 02882242092.

Divine Mercy Prayer Group
First Sunday of every month
At 3pm
St Mary’s Church Killyclogher

This is open prayer group and all are welcome to come and pray.

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, Derry on Saturday 12th May 2007 at 3.00pm. Bishop Hegarty 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 02871 264087.

Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion

The next blood donation session(s) will be held in:
Omagh College 2 Mountjoy Road
Wednesday 28th, Thursday 29th, Friday 30th March
1.30pm – 4pm & 5.30pm - 8.00pm

Lough Derg
Lough Derg has been offering One Day Retreats since 1992. These appeal largely to older people, especially those no longer able to make the traditional Three-Day Pilgrimage, and to those who for reasons of health or disability, have never been able to visit Lough Derg.

The One-Day Retreat enables many more people to maintain contact with the sacred site at Lough Derg. Visitors are not required to fast or walk barefoot. The One-Day retreats are offered on the following dates:

May: 1,5,6,7,8,12,13,14,15,19,20,21,22,26,27,28,29

August: 18,19,20,21,22,25,26,27,28,29

September: 1,2,3,4,8,10,11,12,15,16,17,18,19,22,23

Legion of Mary
Annual Ceremony of Re-dedication to Our Lady known as the ACIES takes place on Thursday evening 22 March commencing at 7.10pm with Rosary and Legion Prayers. All active and auxiliary members are requested to attend.

Drumragh Sarsfields GFC
Membership due before 31st March 2007
Adult - £20
Youth - £5 or (£10 entry in draw for All Ireland tickets)

First Holy Communion Dresses
A good selection of new first communion dresses available at Oxfam, 47 Market Street Omagh. Your purchase at Oxfam will help a child with the basic necessities of life – food, water, shelter and warmth.

St Joseph’s Ladies Club
A talk by a local solicitor on ‘Wills and Probate’ is to be held on Wednesday 21st March at 8.15pm in St Joseph’s Hall. Admission £2.00 including supper. Everyone Welcome.

Omagh Traditional Dancing Club
Omagh Traditional Dancing Club are holding a charity sets Ceili in aid of Care for Cancer (Omagh Branch) on Saturday 24 March 2007 in Dun Uladh. Music by Copperplate Ceili Band. Dancing from 10.00pm till late.

Fundraising Event
Fr Donal Bennett and friends (local and Filipino) are very grateful for all the generous help in raising funds for a motorized tricycle for this ministry in his former parish. A magnificent total of £3,650 was raised. Coffee evening £1990 and personal donations of £1660. Thank you all.

Remembrance Service
Remembering our babies and Children (Miscarriage, Neonatal Death, Stillbirth, Infant Death). As a tribute to those who have died and to their parents, families and friends a Remembrance Service will be held on Sunday 25th March at 3.00pm in the MDEC Unit, Altnagelvin Hospital. For information telephone 02871345171 ext 3235.

Drumragh Parish Draw – List of Winners for March

£2,000 – Gerry Quinn c/o promoter
- Promoter – Geraldine Quinn
£1,000 – John Coll – 1 Lismore Park
– Promoter – Anne Williamson
£500 – Marie & Niamh Bresnahan - 8 Coolnagard Heights
– Promoter – Tommy Sharkey
£250 – Lillian McGuire – Gortnagola, Galbally
- Promoter– Eileen McElroy
£100 – Helen Turbett – 13 Eastview Terrace
– Promoter – Anne Williamson
£100 – Illa Corrigan – 28 Dromore Road
– Promoter – Illa Corrigan
£100 – Gaelscoil Na gCrann c/o Dun Uladh B’mullan
–Promoter – Brian McKenna
£100 – Eamon Gallagher – 16 Bracken Close
– Promoter – Geraldine Gallagher
£100 – Sally McElhinney – Hillbank Fold
– Promoter – Gladys Martin
£100 – P Regan – 21 Gortmore Drive
- Promoter – Jean McCrystal
£100 – Samantha Norris – 4 Thornville Park
– Promoter – Raymond McNally
£100 – Kathleen & Martin Robinson – 40 Glenside
– Promoter – Raymond McNally
£100 – Tony Maguire – 69 Shandon Park
Promoter – Francis Quinn
£100 – Ryan McFarland – c/o promoter
Promoter – Rose Kirk

Promoter’s £100 Prize – Attracta Kelly – 13 Glenview Cottages

Please Note: The next Parish Draw will take place on Tuesday 3rd April 2007.

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.

The charism of YOUTH 2000 is to lead young people, through prayer and instruction before the Blessed sacrament, to a personal encounter and ever-deepening union of heart and mind with the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus Christ.

GOALS OF YOUTH 2000
• To promote devotion to Jesus in the Holy Eucharist through a worldwide network of youth gathered in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament
• To promote a devotion to Mary, the Virgin Mother of God, especially through the rosary
• To promote fidelity to the teachings of the Catholic Church and the Magisterium.

Catechism Course
Adult Studies in the Adult Catechism is an ongoing programme in the Parish. It is an home based part time study and participants meet fortnightly in the Pastoral Centre to pray and share (this is optional). This programme is a special opportunity to update their knowledge and deepen their understanding of the faith. Anyone interested, contact the parish office for further details.

Free!! Beautifully produced Lectio Divina bookmarks by Youth 2000 - offered free at the back of the Church. Choice of 6 designs each with Sunday Gospel refs for 2007, synopsis of Lectio Divina and special Church dates. More info/ donations to support the work of Youth 2000 at or contact Siobhan.

Eucharistic Ministers for March
6pm Vigil Jackie Convey, Tony McGarvey, Mary McLaughlin, Mary Toal, Moria Sharpe,
8.30am Jim McGread, Joanna McElholm, Paula Slevin
9.45am Seamus Maguire, Aidan Quinn, Jean McGowan, Anne Mullan
11.00am Gerald Mc Carney, Regina Gormley, Kathleen McMahon,
Geralyn McCusker, Siobhan Taggart
12.30pm Kathleen Winters, Mary Donaghy, Chrissie Kelly
10am - Drumragh Aidan Campbell, Ann Doherty

Collectors for March

8:30am Gerry Broderick, Fursey Mullan,
Peter Haughey, Billy Henry
9:45am A.K. Kelly, Sean Mullan, Eugene Turbett, Patrick Devlin, Raymond McGoldrick, John Rafferty, John O'Neill, Eugene Lynam
11:00am Aidan Quinn, Robert Colton, Pat McGartland, Kevin McCrory, James Murray
12:30pm Patrick Conway, Gerald Donnelly, Francis Laird, James Sweeney, Sean McNamee, John Lagan, Dermot O'Kane
6.00pm Pat McCanny, James A. Devlin,
Cathal Cullen, Aidan Lilly, Thomas McElroy, Colm McLaughlin

Counters for March
Tommy Bradley, Michael Donnelly, John Doyle, Hubert Logue, Kevin McCrory, John McNally, John Meyler, Dominic Pinto

NEWSLETTER RESOURCES & REGULAR NOTICES

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.

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.

ST JOSEPH’S HALL

Tom Sweeney Live in Concert
In
St Joseph’s Hall, Omagh
Saturday 17th March
(St Patrick’s Night)
Plus special guests

Tickets: Top News, News at Six, Route 66 or St Joseph’s Hall

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!

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

Ballet Class
Ballet Class in St Joseph’s Hall every Thursday at 4.30pm. Contact Tracey Cassidy on 07719446194.

OUTSIDE EVENTS

Knockmoyle Hall
Irish speaking Workshop coming soon.
Are you interested in learning some Irish, and Prayers in Irish?
Contact: 07870576034

Wedding Music
Female Soloist available to sing at Weddings and Funerals in Omagh and surrounding areas, call Louise Kirwan on 0773 424 8359.