The Pope’s Intentions for April
General: That, allowing himself to be enlightened and guided by the Holy Spirit, every Christian may answer enthusiastically and faithfully to the universal call to sanctity.
Missionary: That the number of priestly and religious vocations may grow in North America and the countries of the Pacific Ocean, in order to give an adequate answer to the pastoral and missionary needs of those populations.

Questions people ask
Q. Saint John says they caught one hundred and fifty-three fish. Is there some hidden code behind this number?
A. One may take the number as a simple fact, or seek a symbolic meaning. Zoologists at that time catalogued 153 species of fish, hence a mission to be ‘fishers of men’ for all nations. St. Cyril suggested 100 to represent the Gentile nations, 50 for the Jews and 3 in honour of the Blessed Trinity! Others note that 153 is the sum of all the numbers from 1 to 17. Seventeen is the sum of 5 loaves and 12 baskets in the miracle which anticipated the Eucharist. Incidentally, there are 153 Hail Marys in the traditional Rosary of 15 decades plus prayers of the Pope’s intentions!

Another Angle - Breakfast with Jesus
We’ve come in just two weeks from Jesus ‘resurrecting’ disciples buried in fear and grief, locked in tombs of their own making to some serious I.D. provided for Thomas the absent disciple. Now we have seven of the disciples head northwards to Galilee. They are gently called back to ‘Come and have breakfast’ – they are fed and strengthened before given the task.

Firstly they are to bring something to the fire, not just fish. They brought their love for Christ, their fear of the future, and their love for each other. This is no Audrey Hepburn ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ moment. A film exuding glamour but actually about the lonely and pathetic habit of a young woman who sells herself as an escort. She dreams of a life of wealth and security, instead, she is confronted by the cold hard realities of her life.

In the same way the disciples had dreams of wealth and power. It seemed tantalisingly close with their triumphant entry to Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. The dream fell apart, and yes He rose again and that was great, but He wasn’t their teacher any more. No more travelling around with him, listening and watching him teach and heal. Nothing for it but head back to the cold, hard realities of life. Nothing to do but go back to fishing.
A fair number of us live a ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ kind of life, moving between shallow materialism and mindless grind. Breakfast with Jesus offers infinite possibilities – strengthened for the task of tomorrow.

Fr Tom Cox, Courtesy of Intercom Magazine

Saints of the Day

St Mark, Evangelist • 25 April
St Mark was closely connected with the preaching of Ss Peter, Paul and Barnabas. His Gospel was probably written at Rome when he was with Paul, and is traditionally viewed as representing St Peter’s approach to the preaching of the good news. Later tradition has him as an interpreter for St Peter. His symbol is a winged lion.

Tuesday, 24
Today is the anniversary of the solemn inauguration in 2005 of Pope Benedict XVI as Supreme Pastor of the Church. An intention for the Holy Father should be included in the Prayer of the Faithful at all Masses.

Wednesday, 25 – St Mark, Evangelist

Mass Intentions - Sacred Heart Church 7.30 Mass

Monday 23 - Eamon Mullan - Month’s Mind
Wednesday 25 – Eileen O’Neill – Month’s Mind
Thursday 26 - Jean Commane - Month’s Mind
Friday – Mary Carson – 1st Anniversary

Baptisms

Odhran Daniel Albuqerque – 2 Lambrook Way
James Joseph McElhill – 4 Lammy Crescent
Dylan Brian Downey – 10A Tudor Grove
Grace Mary Mulryan – 60B Hunter Crescent
Cara Rose McCance – 2 Ashbourne Close
Senan Scott Canavan – 6 Coolnagard Meadows
Rhea Louise Allison – 23 Coolnagard Rise

Weddings

Two become one in a life long commitment to each other. We sincerely congratulate
Gary Martin and Marian Breslin
Ronan Doherty and Adele Leighton
Francis White and Jane Knuist
Barry Kelly and Leeann McCausland
Stephen Adair and Colleen Doherty
Adrian Cunningham and Joanne Tierney
who were married recently.
May the grace of the sacrament remain with them throughout their lives.

Words of Wisdom…..

It’s easier to get forgiveness than permission.

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
April: Mrs Margaret McGuigan (82245994)

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.

Please Note: Volunteer Cleaners Urgently to help clean Sacred Heart Church. Please contact the Parish Office.

West Tyrone Feis - Car Parking

We appeal to you for your patience over the next few weeks while the West Tyrone Feis is underway. There will be for obvious reasons a shortage of car parking space due to numbers involved in the Feis.
We hope it will not cause too much inconvenience over the course of the next few weeks.

Parish Reps
Could the Parish Representatives of the following areas please call at Sacristy in the coming week to collect the Offertory envelopes to be delivered. Our thanks for you co-operation.

Areas : Sperrin area, Gortmore Park

The Sacrament of Confirmation will be administered by Bishop Francis Lagan on all our primary seven school children this Saturday 26th April at 11am in the Sacred Heart Church.
Please note: No 10am Mass or confessions on Saturday morning.

All Children to be in place by 10.30am.

.

Trocaire - Malawi
There are high levels of hunger in Zomba, Malawi and a widespread food crisis. This is due to crop failure and continuing unpredictable rainfall. The main crop planted in Zomba is maize and when this fails many people have nothing else to fall back on. The aim of this project is to improve the reliability of food sources in rural Zomba so that people will have enough food and also enough seeds to plant. Many of the farmers are women. By working with farmers to help them improve their land, their practices and how they manage water, the project seeks to provide more food for families. It also provides better seeds and some livestock.
The cost of this project for poor farmers is €7,314.

Derry Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes: 16 – 21 July 2007
Helpers needed for the Derry Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes.
The Lourdes Pilgrimage would be grateful for volunteers who are qualified nurses and also for men who might be willing to be part of the team o wheelchair pushers to help with care of the sick.
For an application form and details please contact the Pilgrimage Office on 02871 260293

Pilgrimage to Rome and San Giovanni
Ballinascreen Pilgrimage to Rome and San Giovanni led by fr Peter Madden 3rd -10th August, staying at the Irish College. Audience with the Holy Father.
Phone 00353 57 93 55050, mornings only.

The ‘Do This In Memory’ Programme
The next ‘Do This In Memory’ Mass will be on 10th June on the Feast of Corpus Christi at 12.30pm.

Iona Carmelite Retreat Centre
A Mass with Healing Service will take place in the Carmelite Retreat Centre, Termonbacca, Derry on Tuesday 24th April at 8.00pm. All are welcome to attend.

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.

Charismatic Renewal Conference

Saturday 28th & Sunday 29th April 2007

Theme: “Secure in God”

Speakers:
Fr Jack McArdle, SSCC
Mark McConnellogue
Marie Beirne, NSC

St Columb’s College
Buncrana Road
Derry

Enquiries and bookings contact Mrs Mona Tracey 02871269549

The Colmcille Club
The Colmcille Club are organizing a one day retreat to Lough Derg on Tuesday 1st May. Open to all. Cost £27 (includes bus fare and island fee). Bus leaves front gates of Loreto Grammar School at 8.45am returning at 6.00pm (approx.)
Phone Kathleen – 82241991 or Ann 82243094.

St Vincent de Paul
St Vincent de Paul would be most grateful for the following:
Babies
Children’s
Ladies
Gents
Summer Clothing in good saleable condition. We would also like to thank everyone who donates on a regular basis to the shop.

Coffee Morning
Coffee Morning in aid of the Blind Centre, Omagh hosted by Mc Canney Opticians @ 12 George's Street from 10am - 12 noon on Friday 27th April 2007

Ulster Project Annual Quiz
Quiz will take place on Thursday 3rd May in the Mellon Country Inn at 8pm. (This years participants are bag packing in Asda this weekend.)

Knockmoyle - upcoming event.
Sponsored 5 mile walk and a 10 mile cycle in aid of Special Olympics on Sunday 29th April at 3.00pm. Let’s make this a fun day for all the family. Assembly at Knockmoyle Hall at 3.00pm. For further information contact Sean Harper 82245004.

Lourdes Trip
The Omagh Unit of the Order of Malta Ambulance Corps will hold their annual collection on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd April in support of their pilgrimage to Lourdes on Wednesday 2nd May to Monday 7th MAY 2007 (Inclusive). The Order offers specialist assistance with the sick and disabled travelling on this pilgrimage. All enquires to Kevin Moore (Director of Nursing) on 07813955824.

“LOVE DIVINE”

A Celebration to the Glory of God
of the 300th Anniversary of
Charles Wesley’s Birth, Music & Ministry,
in
The Guildhall, Derry,
on
Sunday 13th May 2007 at 8.00 p.m.
(Doors open 7.30 p.m.)

Come, bring others, sing and hear sung
the hymns of one of the world’s greatest hymn-writers:
‘Love Divine’, ‘O for a thousand tongues’, ‘And can it be’ and many, many, more.
There will be a Retiring Offering for The MCM Social Fund, Christian Aid, Tear Fund and Concern(Suggested Donation £5)

This event is being organised by the Derry Methodist City Mission and Circuit, and the North West District Methodist Synod

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

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.

Ard Mhuire
Capuchin Retreat & Conference Centre
Creeslough, Letterkenny, Co Donegal
Open for all retreats (preached, directed, private etc) for all Christian denominations, for conferencing an periods of rest, reflection, prayer and holidays in summertime.
Telephone line for retreat and conferencing enquiries is 00353749138909. Email address info@ardsfriary.ie

We would like to acknowledge an anonymous gift of , which was donated to the Drumragh Parish. We thank them very much for their generosity.

Q. What is the meaning of Amen?
A. It is a Hebrew word meaning ‘Yes’ or ‘It’s a fact’ or ‘So be it’. It is an expression of agreement with what has been said. Jesus sometimes began a statement, ‘Amen, Amen’, as a way of claiming divine authority for his words.
‘Amen’ at the end of a prayer is a way of stating our full agreement to the sentiments expressed. ‘Amen’ states that the prayer of the congregation is said in my name too.

Drumragh Parish Draw – List of Winners for April

£2,000 – Conor McCann – 73 Dublin Road
- Promoter – Johanna Gallagher
£1,000 – Lenny McNamee - Clanabogan
– Promoter – Geraldine Gallagher
£500 – Carmel Smyth – 10 Sperrin Close
– Promoter – Claire Bradley
£250 – Brian & Bernie Broderick – Tattyreagh P.S
- Promoter– Sacred Heart P.S
£100 – Edward Byrne – 28 Beltany Road
– Promoter – J Mc Crystal
£100 – Patrick McLaughlin – Rozella Kelly
– Promoter – c/o promoter
£100 – Tom Timony – Kevin O’Gara
–Promoter – Ballygowans
£100 – Tom Cassidy – Lakeview Augher
– Promoter – Aidan Corrigan
£100 – Pat & Edel – Ignatius Sally
– Promoter – c/o promoter
£100 – Teresa Collins – 4 Ardmore Crescent
- Promoter – Mary McGlone
£100 – Peter Tierney – 2 Bracken Close
– Promoter – Fr Thomas Canning
£100 – Sarah Conlon – Killmore, Omagh
– Promoter – Anne McCaffery
£100 – Ann McCrory – 58 Sperrin Park
Promoter – Kevin McCrory
£100 – Raymond Gormley – The Fold
Promoter – Elizabeth Broderick

Promoter’s £100 Prize – Fr Farren – 48 Brook Street

Extra Prize £1000 – Seamus Haigney – 4 Ashley Gardens

Please Note: The next Parish Draw will take place on Tuesday 1st May 2007.

Eucharistic Ministers for April

6.00pm – Gerry Harte, Geraldine Colton, Phil Hyndman, Brigid McGarvey
Anne McCaffrey, MarieGallagher
8.30am – John O'Neill, Finnula Quinn, Joan Conaghan
9.45am – Peter McCormick, Seamus Sheridan, Shirley Norris, Maureen Miley
11.00am – Willie Galbraith, Johanna Gallagher, Maire Conway, Sheila McCusker, Jeanette Fox
12.30pm – Peter Bewers, Mary Campbell, Liz Doran
10am - Niall Colgan, Anita Hackett

Collectors for April

6.00 pm Vigil – 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 – Paddy McGowan, Dr Pat O’Neill, Tony Brogan, Liam McGrath, Eamon Prunty;
11.00 am – James Murray, Thomas Bradley, James Montague;
12.30 pm – Anthony Higgins, Tony McGarvey, Eugene McGrade, Sean Mullan, Kevin Gallagher, Patrick Gallagher

Counters for April

Brendan Cunningham, Frances Cunningham, Peter Davies, Gerard Haughey, Matt Kelly, Dermot McCann, J McDonnell, John McGale.

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

St Vincent de Paul

‘Senior Citizen Party’
On Sunday 15th April 2007
In St Joseph’s Hall
From 3pm until 5.30pm
All welcome

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

Aerobics
In the Station Centre
Every Tuesday and Thursday nights
From 8 to 9pm
Everyone welcome. For more information Tel: 82259411