The Pope’s Intentions for September
General: That the ecumenical assembly of Sibiu in Romania may contribute to the growth of unity among all Christians, for whom the Lord prayed at the Last Supper.
Missionary: That following Christ joyfully, all missionaries may know how to overcome the difficulties they meet in everyday life.

This Week’s Calendar
Week beginning Sunday 23 September
Tuesday 25 – St Finbarr, bishop.
Wednesday 26 – St Cosmas and Damian, martyrs, in Syria, patrons of physicians
Thursday 27 – St Vincent de Paul (1580-1660), priest.
Friday 28 – St Wencelaus, martyr; Ss Lawrence Ruiz and Companions, martyrs.
Saturday 29 – Ss Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Archangels.

Questions people ask

Q. Another question about using the psalms for prayer. How can we today relate to kings and temples, places and events which have nothing to do with us?

A. God’s gift of imagination will help you. Psalms about Jerusalem or God’s vineyard become prayers for the church. Exile in Babylon can express feelings of alienation, loneliness or times when we ‘hung up our harps’ in the absence of joy. Mention of God’s saving deeds in the Exodus will acquire greater depth when applied to Jesus Christ liberating humanity from the slavery of sin. Thomas Merton wrote that the psalms were like the water at Cana waiting for Christ to turn it into wine.
Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

Another Angle - A Personal Investment
The ‘to do’ list is enshrined in many a person’s life. In some ways it has become a less dramatic form of the ancient custom of saints like Jerome being portrayed with a skull on their desk to remind them of their mortality. Listing things is a tacit acknowledgement and reminder that our time here is really limited and we ought to make the most of it. Prioritising things can be a tool for helping one actually do so.

After all, the thought of death concentrates the mind wonderfully and what is complex suddenly becomes clear. Three would-be disciples of Jesus have to decide if they will choose comfort or convention or custom or Christ. They are asked to look ahead, not back. No regrets, no excuses, no turning back, no giving up because it has become too costly or difficult, or demanding, or it interferes with our comfort zone, our activities or lives.

We don’t know if the trio continued with the Lord or were they turned away. More important, however, is the kind of answer that we will give.
Fr Tom Cox, Courtesy of Intercom Magazine

Words of Wisdom
“The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong”
Mahatma Gandhi

Mass Intentions - Sacred Heart Church 7.30pm Mass
Mon Patricia McSorley – 1st Anniversary
Thur St Colmcille’s P.S. Mass
Fri Dan McSwiggan – 1st Anniversary

Baptisms
We welcome into God's family through the Sacrament of Baptism:
Cara Rose McGowan, 22 Creevanmore Meadows, Clanabogan
Pearse Aidan Fisher, 12 O’Brien Park
Caolan Peter Cunningham McGlinn, 7 Lissan View

Weddings
Two become one in a life long commitment to each other. We sincerely congratulate.

Donna Beard & Gerard McColgan
Brenda McKenny & Darren Given
Caroline Kearney & Terry Phelan
who were married recently.
May the grace of the sacrament remain with them throughout their lives.

Mass for Deceased Teachers
The Mass for Deceased Teachers of the Diocese will take place in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Strabane on Monday 12th November at 7.30 pm. If you would like to have the name of a teacher deceased within the last year to be included in the book of remembrance, please leave the name in the Parish Office by next Sunday, 30th September. Please give the name of the deceased, the school and parish.

St Colmcille’s P.S. School Mass
St. Colmcille’s Primary School would like to invite all parishioners to attend their new year school mass which will take place on Thursday 27th September at 7.30 pm in the Sacred Heart Church. The mass will be offered in memory of Mr. Harry Scully (RIP) who served in St. Colmcille’s Primary School for his entire career, first as a teacher and then as Principal. Everyone is welcome, especially those who have had a past association with the school.

Catholic Charismatic Day of Renewal
“You Shall Love Your Neighbour As You Love Yourself”
Growing to the fullness of Christian vocation
Speaker – Fr Paschal McDonnell
Saturday 20th October 2007
9.00 am – 5.00 pm
The Mellon Country Hotel, Beltany Road, Omagh
Cost for the day £20 (including morning coffee and buffet lunch)
BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL
Telephone 8224 2092 (office hours only) or email info@drumraghparish.com
When booking, please inform of any special dietary requirements.

Legion of Mary
Annual Pilgrimage to Knock Shrine
A bus will travel from Omagh Bus Depot on Sunday 30th September. For bookings telephone Kathleen on 8225 9769 or Mary Rose on 8224 5631.

Tattyreagh GAC
Tattyreagh GAC official opening and blessing of new complex October 7th by Nicky Brennan and Bishop Edward Daly. Any local business people who wish to purchase sponsorship signs to be displayed around the pitches for this date, please contact Gerry McGinn or Sean Gormley.

Pathway to Prayer’ – Adult Faith Development
What? An opportunity to explore the Old and New Testaments, Liturgy, Creative Expression, Centering Prayer
When? Mondays from 7.30pm – 9.30pm (One – Year Course)
Starting? 1 October 2007
Where? Thornhill Centre, 121 Culmore Road, Derry
Cost? £160 for the full year. Deposit £40
Details? The Secretary @ Tel: 02871351233

Eucharistic Ministers for September
6.00pm Tony McBride, Louise Kirwin, Maura Cox, Catherine Mimnagh
Elizabeth O'Boyle,
8.30am John O'Neill, Finnula Quinn, Joan Conaghan,
9.45am Joe McElholm, Susan McCanney, Mary Tierney, Kevin Miley
11.00am Paula McCann, Roisin McKenny, Elizabeth Broderick
Deirdre Timoney, Mary Donaghy, Collette Breslin
12.30pm Kathleen Winters, Mary Donaghy, Chrissie Kelly
10am Drumragh Bridie McElroy

Collectors for September
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, Francis Laird, Sean McNamee, John Lagan, Dermot O'Kane
6.00pm Vigil Pat McCanny, James A. Devlin, Cathal Cullen, Aidan Lilly, Thomas McElroy, Colm McLaughlin

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

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.
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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 11am - 12.30pm - John Roddy School of Irish Dancing
1.45pm - Groogan O’Doherty Class

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.

Country Legend Gene Watson & his Farewell Band
With Special Guest Queen of Country, Philomena Begley
& Country Harmony
Saturday 13th October
Tickets on sale at Top News, News at Six and
St. Joseph’s Hall
Phone 07753936701

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

Clanabogan Youth Club
Clanabogan Youth Club will have an enrolment night in St Eugene's Hall Clanabogan on Friday 28th September from 7-8pm. New Members welcome. Membership £20 per person £30 per family.

Clanabogan Drama Circle
The Annual General Meeting of the Clanabogan Drama Circle will take place in Clanabogan Hall on Monday 24 September 2007 at 7.00pm.

Outside Events

‘Looking Back - Going Forward’
St Enda’s G.A.C. Omagh 75th Gala Banquet
6th October 2007 – Reception @ 6.30 – 7 pm
The Armagh City Hotel
~ Celebrating 75 years of gaelic games and culture in Omagh ~
For final booking for tables, etc contact the club secretary at the Clubrooms or telephone 8224 7664 or mobile 0787 645 5740.
Guest Speakers, including Nicky Brennan, President of the G.A.A.
Grand Draw and Auction on the night.
Dress Formal
See press for further details

Omagh Methodist Church 150th Celebrations
29th & 30th September 2007
Members of our congregation are cordially invited to visit the Omagh Methodist Church on Saturday 29th September as they celebrate 150 years of Church life and witness. On this day the Church will be open from 10.30 am until 5.30 pm. There will be:

• Floral window displays depicting the seasons of the year and church life.
• Displays of memorabilia, photographs and church records.
• Tea and coffee with tray bakes available from 10.30 am until 5.30 pm.

You will be made very welcome.

N.I. Blood Transfuson Service
The next blood donation sessions will be held in:
Omagh College Monday 8th October 1.30 pm – 4 pm & 5.30 pm – 8 pm
Tuesday 9th October 1.30 pm – 4 pm & 5.30 pm – 8 pm
Wednesday 10th October 1.30 pm – 4 pm & 5.30 pm – 8 pm
Please come along – you could save a life.

Marie Curie Cancer Care
Charity Night for Marie Curie Nurses
Saturday 29th September
Music by Billy Mac
I.N.F. Hall (kindly donated)
Tickets £5 each

Drumragh G.F.C. Fashion Show
(Followed by Disco)
Friday 5th October @ 8 pm
Mellon Country Hotel
Wine Reception on Arrival
Admission £10

Macmillan Cancer Support “Worlds Biggest Coffee Morning”
Macmillan Cancer Support (Macmillan Cancer Nurses) will be holding its biggest single fundraising event of the year – the annual “Worlds Biggest Coffee Morning” right across the UK on Friday 28 September 2007. Last year this event raised £6.5 million nationally with Northern Ireland raising of this a record £190,000. Every penny raised by Macmillan in Northern Ireland stays in Northern Ireland and this year for the third successive year Macmillan are on target to raise over £1million in the province. You can help us reach that magical £1 million which will be used to support people in Northern Ireland living with cancer, their families and carers. Please support us this year by hosting a coffee morning or by attending one near you.
Contact Eric on 028 90 661166 or phone the Macmillan Coffee Morning Hotline - 0845 602 1246 to register for your coffee morning fundraising pack.