Sunday 21st February 2010

1st Sunday in Lent

“Jesus was led by the spirit through the wilderness and was tempted there by the devil for forty days.” As we begin Lent, we are put in touch with the basic temptations of human life that can lead us to disaster. The first of these is pride. This does not mean thinking well of ourselves but rather thinking of ourselves as the only and most important thing in our lives. During this time we are invited to sort out our priorities once again. The second temptation is to power that makes us want to prove that we are better than others. The only power we should exercise as followers of Christ is the power of love through which we forget ourselves, die to ourselves so that others may have life. And Lent is also a time to change our ways of life that are not in accordance with God’s ways as the third temptation is presumption. God does respect our choices and rewards and punishes us accordingly.

Fr. Johnny Doherty, C.Ss.R.

Three Trees

Once there were three trees on a hill discussing their hopes and dreams. The first tree said, "Someday I hope to be a treasure chest. I could be decorated with intricate carvings and everyone would see the beauty." Then the second tree said, "Someday I will be a mighty ship, taking kings and queens across the waters. Everyone will feel safe in me because of the strength of my hull." Finally the third tree said, "I want to grow to be the tallest and straightest tree in the forest. I will be the greatest tree of all time and people will always remember me." After a few years, a group of woodsmen came upon the trees. When the first tree arrived at the carpenters, he was made into a feed box for animals. He was then placed in a barn and filled with hay. This was not at all what he had prayed for. The second tree was cut and made into a small fishing boat. His dreams of being a mighty ship and carrying kings had come to an end. The third tree was cut into pieces and left alone in the dark. The years went by, and the trees forgot about their dreams. Then one day, a man and woman came to the barn. She gave birth and they placed the baby in the hay in the feed box that was made from the first tree. The tree could feel the importance of this event and knew that it had held the greatest treasure of all time. Years later, a group of men got in the fishing boat made from the second tree. While they were out on the water, a great storm arose and the tree didn't think it was strong enough to keep the men safe. A man stood and said "Peace" and the storm stopped. At this time, the tree knew that it had carried the King of Kings in its boat. Finally, someone came and got the third tree. It was carried through the streets as the people mocked the man who was carrying it. When they came to a stop, the man was nailed to the tree and raised in the air to die at the top of the hill. The tree came to realize that it was strong enough to stand at the top of the hill and be as close to God as was possible, because Jesus had been crucified on it. The moral of this story is that when things don't seem to be going your way, always know that God has a plan for you.

Sick Calls 8224 2092

Parish Office 8224 2092

48 Brook Street, Omagh, BT78 5HD

Email: info@drumraghparish.com

Mgr Joseph Donnelly P.P. 8224 3011
52 Brook Street, Omagh, BT78 5HD
Email: jopd@drumraghparish.com

Fr Thomas Canning 8224 2092
50 Brook Street, Omagh, BT78 5HD
Email: thomasc@drumraghparish.com

Fr John McDevitt 8224 2092
48 Brook Street, Omagh, BT78 5HD
Email: jmd@drumraghparish.com

Saints of the Week

Week Beginning Sunday 21st February 2010
Monday 21 – The Chair of St Peter Apostle
Tuesday 22 – St Polycarp, bishop and martyr.

Sacred Heart Church - Mass Intentions 7.30 pm

Mon Gerard Mulryan – Month’s Mind

Wed Tess Curran – 1st Anniversary

Baptisms

Lena Rozynski, 7 Cannonvale
Clodagh Elizabeth McDermott, 11 Tamlaght Road
Teresa Jane Gallagher, 51A Brookmount Road
Corey Jack Aodán O’Neill, 10B St Julian’s Cottages

Recent Deaths

We sympathise with the families of the following who died recently:

Fr Pat Breen

Kathleen Brogan

May they rest in peace.

Prayer for Priests

We ask for your prayers for the following priests this week:

Sunday 21st February – Fr John Gallagher
Monday 22nd February – Fr John Gilmore
Tuesday 23rd February – Fr Joseph Gormley
Wednesday 24th February – Fr Eamon Graham
Thursday 25th February – For All Priests
Friday 26th February – Fr Karl Haan
Saturday 27th February – Fr Eugene Hasson

Parish Representatives

In preparation for the new Church envelopes starting in April 2010, could Parish Representatives contact the Parish Office if they are aware of any changes to their area lists? For example, let us know of any parishioners who have moved from your area or parishioners who are new to your area and may require envelopes.

Holy Communion to the Sick & Houseboud

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.

Life to the Full

What are your plans for this Lent: fasting, prayer or almsgiving? Why not nourish yourself more on God’s Word? Come along to the Pastoral Centre, Omagh each Monday of Lent and listen to the ‘Life to the Full’ DVD. A series of five sessions on each Monday of Lent starting on Monday 22nd February from 10.30 am to 12 noon is being offered. The sessions are entitled:

Where on Earth is God?
The Father’s Promises.
Passion for Jesus.
Our Royal Inheritance.
To Boldly Go!

Why not come along and discover how the Word of God can be a daily help? Refreshments are provided at each session.

Lenten Stations

There will be a Station Mass in the Tattysallagh Upper area on Friday 19th March at 7.30 pm in the home of Geraldine McCarney, 15 O’Brien Park.

Anyone wishing to have a Station Mass during Lent, please contact the Parish Office on 8224 2092.

Church Gate Collection

IHCPT Omagh Group 190 will be having their Church Gate Collections this weekend after all masses. The group travel to Lourdes in Easter week on pilgrimage with local young people with special needs.

IHCPT
The Irish Pilgrimage Trust is a registered charity in Ireland. Each year at Easter, the Trust travels on pilgrimage and on holiday to Lourdes with young people with special needs. Omagh Group 190 is holding a charity fundraising "IRISH NIGHT" in McGurk’s Bar, Omagh on Friday 12th March - an Irish traditional music session (musicians welcome!), complimentary Irish stew, Irish dancers and a great prize raffle. Dance the night away with Ferdontye. Tickets are £5 and are available in Mc Gurk’s Bar or contact Steven on 0799 966 3103.

St. Colmcille’s P.S. Omagh Proudly Presents “SIMBA”

St. Joseph’s Hall

Thursday 25th , Friday 26th , Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th February
Performances begin at 7.30 pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. The Sunday night performance commences at 6 pm. All tickets cost £6 and can be purchased by contacting Siobhán in the School Office. If you require any further details, please contact the school on 028 82244140.

Maranatha

Come to A Celebration of Our Unity in Christ

Saturday 27th February 2010
St MacNissi’s, ‘The Old Chapel’, Station Road, Randalstown
10.30 am – 3.30 pm
Go to www. maranathacommunity.org.uk or email info@maranathacommunity.org.uk

Friday Night Project @ The Station Centre

Every Friday Night for 7 Weeks

Time: 9 pm – 11.30 pm

Ages 15+ (Year 11 Upwards)

Test Skills on Wii or Playstation; Indoor Football; Snooker & Pool; Have you a band and need somewhere to practice?; Listen to music on a brand new Juke Box; Tea and coffee available all night.

Omagh Charismatic Prayer Group

The Omagh Charismatic Prayer Group meets every Thursday in the Pastoral Centre, Brook Street at 8.15 pm. There is praise music and song and prayers of thanksgiving and intercession. All welcome to come and pray.

Omagh Downs Syndrome Support Group would like to thank most sincerely the Groogan O'Doherty School of Dancing for their kind donation of £300 to their group funds. The money was raised at a Charity Feis held in St Joseph's Hall in December 2009. Their support is greatly appreciated.

Derry Diocesan Society
The following names have been added to the list of Deceased Members of the Derry Diocesan Society:

Angela Gormley
Evelyn Graham, 95 Tamlaght Road
Margaret McCanney, 11 Clanabogan Road
June McCanny, 2 Cannondale
John McCarroll, Eskra

That these and all who sleep in Christ find in your presence, light, happiness and peace.

Holy Week Retreat

Loreto House, Linsfort, Buncrana

28th March - 3rd April

Led by Fr. Colm Lavelle S.J.

To book a place on this Retreat, telephone 00353 74 9362204 or email info@loretolinsfort.com
Cost: €380 residential - €200 non-residential.

Omawest Community Development Association

Smoking Cessation Drop in Clinic

Commencing Wednesday 24th February 2010

10.30 am ~ 1.00pm
1, Strule Park, Omagh
Basic IT Courses
Commencing Mon 22nd February 2010
10.00 ~ 12.00pm

Omagh Community Youth Choir

Fund-raising Table Quiz
McGurk’s Bar, Omagh
Tuesday 23rd February
@ 9.30 pm
All Welcome

Omagh St Enda’s GAC

Bingo continues every Thursday at 9 pm in Healy Park with £4,000 in prize money. The St Enda's lotto jackpot stands at £5,000. Our U21 team plays Burren in the final of the Ulster U21 Championship this Sunday at 2 pm in Creggan Kickhams, County Antrim. Your support would be very welcome

Drumragh GFC
Youth training continues on Saturday morning at CBS 10 am – 12 noon. If you missed youth registration this weekend there will be an opportunity to register next Saturday morning.

Hi-Impact Aerobics
The Station Centre
Tuesdays @ 7.30 – 8.30 pm
All Welcome

Omagh Independent Advice Centre

Omagh Independent Advice Centre offers a free and confidential advice service to anyone in financial difficulty on all aspects of debt or any associated financial problem. A telephone helpline will be in operation on Monday and Wednesday night from 7pm – 9pm to aid those struggling with debt. Call 028 8224 3252.

Derry Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes

16th – 21st July 2010

Application forms are available for any young person aged 14-15 who would like a place on the Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes. Special arrangements are made for the youth who will be lead by the Pilgrimage Youth Team. For further information contact The Pilgrimage Office, 164 Bishop Street, Derry, telephone 7135 1233.

St Joseph’s Hall

Timetable of Events

Mon 10.30 am Coffee Morning
6.00 pm Iyengar Yoga
7.00 pm Aerobics
Tue 3.00 pm St Colmcille’s Club
9.00pm - Bingo - Jackpot £1000
Wed 10.00-12.30pm - Weightwatchers
5.45 – 7.45 - Baxter School of Dancing
8.00 pm Ladies’ Club
Thur 4.30 pm O’Neill’s School of Ballet Dancing
7.30 pm Bowls
8.00 pm Line Dancing
Sat 1.45 - 5 pm Groogan O’Doherty School of Dancing
Hall Caretaker: 07753 936 701