Sunday 20th January 2008

Second Sunday In Ordinary Time

Healing the wound of the heart - All of us are wounded by sin. The part of us which is most deeply damaged by sin is the heart. The heart is so beautiful, so innocent, but it can be betrayed, scorned, and broken. Darkness of heart is the greatest poverty of all. A heavy heart is the most painful wound of all, only love can heal the wounds of the heart.

Lord send your Holy Spirit to us to heal the wounds of our hearts
so that we may produce the fruits of love.

Parish Missal: Readings (Year A) p 60 & Proper p 1008

First Reading Isaiah 49: 3, 5-6

The prophet Isaiah reminds us that the Messiah will bring salvation to the nations..

Second Reading Corinthians 1: 1-3

St Paul notes the graces given to the Christian community at Corinth.

Gospel John 1: 29-34
John the Baptist introduces his cousin, Jesus, the Lamb of God.

Newsletter Resources

This Week’s Saints
Week beginning Sunday 20th January
Monday 21 – St Agnes. She is patron of betrothed couples, gardeners and young girls.
Tuesday 22 – St Vincent, deacon and martyr.
Thursday 24 – St Francis de Sales, bishop and doctor of the Church.
Friday 25 – The Conversion of St Paul.
Saturday 26 – Sts Timothy and Titus, bishops.

Questions people ask
Q. Jesus was called the Lamb of God. Does this just refer to his innocence and gentleness or has it some deeper meaning?
A. John the Baptist identified Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Before the time of Jesus there were multiple sacrifices of animals to make atonement for sin. The perfect sacrifice of Jesus replaced all these sin offerings. The lamb of sacrifice, standing over the altar, is at the centre of the apparition at Knock. For a beautiful book on this, read Reflecting at Knock by Fr Tom Lane.
Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap - Courtesy of Intercom Magazine

Another Angle - The Good Way
Charm: you have it, until you know it. It’s the same with humility. Better that others be pleased with us for having it than we draw their attention to it in ourselves. If it’s there, it will out as will God’s purpose in human affairs.

Take, for example, the reading for the fourth Sunday of last November: It is you who shall be shepherd of my people Israel, you who shall be ruler over Israel (2 Sam 5:2). Here we have God’s will for King David as ruler of his people Israel. He must act like a shepherd! Not the first model that springs to mind nowadays for civil power.

That same inscrutable intent is evident in today’s gospel reading (Jn 1:29-34). God wants his Son to be like a lamb! How humble can you get? God really does things in strange ways. You want a ruler. You get a shepherd! Someone comes on a world-changing mission and he is to act like a lamb! It doesn’t make sense. But then it’s not supposed to, at least not by human reckoning.

God uses the lowly to confound the great. He always has, and always will. The ball is in our court.
Fr Tom Cahill SVD, Courtesy of Intercom Magazine

Parish Notes

Mass Intentions - Sacred Heart Church 7.30pm Mass
Mon Frances McDermott – 1st Anniversary
Tues Dermot McCrystall – Month’s Mind
Wed Mary Burns – Month’s Mind

Recent Deaths
We sympathise with the families of the following who died recently:
Frank Colton - May he rest in peace.

Devotions
There will be no Devotions today in the Sacred Heart Church owing to the Church Unity Service.

Anonymous Donation
We would like to acknowledge an anonymous donation of £300 which was gratefully received by the Parish.

Holy Communion to Sick & Housebound
The Eucharistic Ministers will bring Holy Communion to the sick and housebound who have requested it today (Sunday) after 9.45am Mass and 11am mass and after 10am

Mass in St Mary’s Church Drumragh.

Prayer for Christian Unity 2008
The theme of this year’s Prayer for Christian Unity will be “Prayer Without Ceasing”. It takes place this year in Trinity Presbyterian Church today (Sunday) at 7 pm. All are welcome to join the various Church congregations in this Prayer for Unity.

Diocesan Visit of Cardinal Brady
His Eminence Cardinal Sean Brady will be making his first official visit to the Diocese on Wednesday 23rd and Thursday 24th January 2008. He will be Principal Concelebrant at Mass in St Eugene’s Cathedral on the morning of Thursday 24th January at 10 am to which you are all welcome. Cardinal Brady will be available after Mass to meet and greet those who come along.

Derry Diocesan Service Committee for Catholic Charismatic Renewal
Development Plan

Lenten Scripture Course

“Speak Lord, your servant is listening” (1st Samuel Chapter 3v10)
Date Theme Facilitator Venue Time
03/02/08 “Sin & Grace” Mr Mark McConnellogue St Brigid’s Resource 7.30 pm
Centre, Carnhill, Derry
07/02/08 “Jesus’ Faith Mrs Maeve Campbell Pastoral Centre, Omagh 7.30 pm
Practices”
19/02/08 “Matthew’s Fr Seamus Kelly Portglenone Monastery 7.00 pm
Gospel”
28/02/08 “Wrestling with Fr Kevin McElhennon Pastoral Centre, Omagh 7.30 pm
God”
02/03/08 “The Holy Spirit Mr Stephen Doherty St Brigid’s Resource 7.30 pm
in the Church” Centre, Carnhill, Derry
10/03/08 “Reflections on Fr Paul Farren Melmount Centre, 7.30 pm
The Stations of the Strabane
Cross”
Everyone Welcome - Cost £20 for Full Programme or £5 per Session
Contact 028 8224 2092 (Office Hours)

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?
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 Ladies Club
The proceeds from ‘A Floral Demonstration’ by Michael Gerard on 28th November will be presented to D.A.F.A. (Direct Aid For Africa) and to the Muscular Dystrophy Society in St Joseph’s Hall, Omagh, on Wednesday 23rd January at 8.15 pm. There will also be a short film on the work of D.A.F.A. A light supper will be provided. Everyone welcome.

Colmcille Club
The Colmcille Club reopens on Tuesday 22nd January in St Joseph’s Hall at 3 pm. New members welcome.

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.

For further details contact 8224 5253 or 8224 7992 or 0775 393 6701.
Enrolment on Monday 21st January from 8 – 9 pm.

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

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.

Lost
A Circular Gold Brooch was lost on the night of Fr Farren’s Leaving Do. If found please contact the Parish Office.

Tattyreagh Camogie Club AGM
Tattyreagh Camogie Club will hold their Annual General Meeting on Sunday 27th January at 3pm in our clubrooms. We are the only club in the parish that continues to promote and play camogie, if any young person in the parish is interested in playing this great gaelic game at our excellent new facilities, please contact Joan on 07751924962.

Clanabogan Calendar
Still some copies available at £5.
Excellent response so far. Great gift for all both at home and away.
Available from local outlets or contact 028 8224 1561.

Carmelite Retreat Centre
A Mass of the sick with Eucharistic Blessing will take place in the Carmelite Retreat Centre Termonbacca Derry on Tuesday 22nd January at 8.00 pm. All are welcome to attend.

Sr. Josephine Walsh Weekend Retreat with emphasis on forgiving, healing and making a new start, will take place at The Carmelite Retreat Centre, Termonbacca from Friday 1st February to Sunday 3rd February. For further details, telephone Derry 7126 2512 during office hours only.

New Courses for the New Year at South West College – Omagh Campus
South West College is now enrolling for a range of courses, starting from 21st January onwards. For more information about the type of courses on offer or the days, times and costs, please contact our Admissions Office at 2 Mountjoy Road, Omagh, BT79 7AH, telephone 028 8225 5210.

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

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