This Week’s Calendar
Week beginning Sunday 23rd December
Tuesday 25 – The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Wednesday 26 – St Stephen, First Martyr.
Thursday 27 – St John, Apostle and Evangelist.
Friday 28 – The Holy Innocents, martyrs.
Saturday 29 – St Thomas à Becket, bishop and martyr

Questions people ask
Q. Is it OK to question the virginal birth of Jesus? I’ve read that this was a fashionable notion in those days in mythology and when writing about famous leaders.
A. The gospels of Matthew and Luke treat the virginal conception of Jesus as a fact, not as a fanciful notion or a myth. Joseph, on learning of Mary’s pregnancy, wanted to break off his contract with Mary until the virginal conception was revealed to him. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, already existed as a person before he came to earth in human nature. Therefore, he could not have had a second father, only an adoptive one. But to be fully human, his embryo needed nurturing in the womb of a mother.
Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

Another Angle - The Language of God
There is a legend of an African boy called Emmanuel, who was always asking questions. One day he asked the question, “What language does God speak?” No one could answer him. He travelled all over his country to find the answer but did not get a satisfactory answer. Eventually he set out for distant lands to find the answer. For a long time he had no success. At last he came one night to a village called Bethlehem and as there was no room in the local inn, he went outside the village in search of a shelter for the night. He came to a cave and found that too was occupied by a couple and a child. He was about to turn away when the young mother spoke, ‘Welcome Emmanuel, we’ve been waiting for you.” The boy was amazed that the woman knew his name. He was even more amazed when she went on to say, “For a long time you have been searching the world over to find out what language God speaks. Well, now your journey is over. Tonight you can see with your own eyes what language God speaks. He speaks the language of love, that is expressed in sharing, understanding, mercy and total acceptance.” Anon.

A Prayer to Say When Opening Your Presents
Lord Jesus, Wise men travelled for miles to bring you the first Christmas presents. So may we, too, remember with thankful hearts the love that comes with each present we open. We also thank you for the amazing love you have for each of us, and we thank you for the many gifts that you give us.
Amen.

Christmas Quote
“My idea of Christmas, whether old-fashioned or modern, is very simple: loving others. Come to think of it, why do we have to wait for Christmas to do that?”
~ Bob Hope, American film actor and comedian

A Christmas Star
by Tom Krause

A bright Christmas star sits high on a tree
shining its light for the whole world to see.
Reminding us all of a night long ago
when a star in the sky guided wise men below.

To a small town stable where a gift from above
was born on that night to bring the world love.
The light from the star shone down on a child
asleep in the manger so meek and so mild.

Shepherds and wise men who came to draw near
then spread the good news that the saviour is here.
Now the Christmas tree star still leads us today
to the birth of a miracle that first Christmas day.

Mass and Confession Times for the Christmas Period
Sacred Heart Church
Saturday 22nd December Masses: 10 am Vigil Mass: 6.00pm
Confessions: 10.30 am – 12.30 pm & after Evening Mass
Please Note: These are the last Confessions being heard before Christmas.

Sunday 23rd December Usual Sunday Mass times:
Sacred Heart Church: 8.30 am, 9.45 am, 11 am, 12.30 pm

St Mary’s Church Drumragh: 10am

Christmas Masses
Monday 24th December
Sacred Heart Church 10 am Mass
6pm Vigil (for Elderly and Families)

St Mary’s, Drumragh 8 pm

Sacred Heart Church 10 pm

Tuesday 25th December Masses (Christmas Day)
Sacred Heart Church 8.30 am, 9.45 am, 11 am, 12.30 pm

St Mary’s, Drumragh 10 am

On the week following Christmas, Masses in the Sacred Heart Church are at 10 am and 7.30 pm.

Baptisms
Mia May Glackin, 20 Drumnaforbe Heights, Drumquin
Cahir Emmet Keyes, 44 Corradinna Road

Recent Deaths
We sympathise with the families of the following who died recently:
Susan McMenamin
Maureen McGrath
May they rest in peace.

Midnight Mass Broadcast Live
Midnight Mass in the Sacred Heart Church this Christmas Eve will be broadcast live on Q101.2fm for the first time. It’s the perfect chance to get this special time off to the best possible start with this very special mass. Families and friends who are living abroad and will be away from home this Christmas can also tune in and feel part of the service through the internet, the broadcast begins at 10pm and will be on the fm frequency 101.2 and on www.q101west.fm Tell your family and friends to tune in on Christmas Eve. A special Church service from Trinity Presbyterian Church will be broadcast on Christmas Day at 10am.

Monsignor Donnelly, Fr Canning and Fr McDevitt wish all parishioners a Happy Christmas and Peaceful New Year.

Parish Draw 2008
The Parish Draw will resume in the New Year. All promoters should have received their new draw packs by now; if not, please contact Fr Canning at the Parochial House. Registration of the new draw cards will take place in the Pastoral Centre, Brook Street on Saturday 5th January 2008 from 3 pm until 5 pm. Here your card will be photocopied and promptly returned to you. The first draw will be held on Tuesday 8th January 2008 following the Parish Bingo in St Joseph’s Hall. All successive monthly returns will be made at St Joseph’s Hall at the usual times on the first Tuesday of each calendar month, the draw taking place immediately after the Bingo. Anyone wishing to become a promoter please contact the Parish Office from Wednesday 2nd January.

Parish Office Opening Hours
The Parish Office will be closed for Christmas Week. It will re-open on Wednesday 2nd January.

The Baptism of Our Lord – Service for Children Baptised in 2007
The Annual Service for Baptised Children will take place on Sunday 13th January at 3 pm in the Sacred Heart Church, Omagh. All children who have been baptised in 2007 and their parents and godparents are welcome to attend.

Eucharistic Ministers for December
6.00 pm – Gerry Harte, Geraldine Colton, Phil Hyndman, Brigid McGarvey, Anne McCaffrey, Marie Gallagher;
8.30 am – Ann Mullan, Angela Lalsingh, Margaret Haigney;
9.45 am – Peter McCormick, Seamus Sheridan, Shirley Norris, Maureen Miley;
11 am – Willie Galbraith, Johanna Gallagher, Marie Conway, Sheila McCusker,
Jeanette Fox;
12.30 pm – Kathleen Winters, Mary Donaghy, Chrissie Kelly;
10 am Drumragh – Niall Colgan, Anita Hackett.

Collectors for December
6.00 pm – James Devlin, Cathal Cullen, Aidan Lilly, Thomas McElroy, Colm McLaughlin, Pat McCanny;
8.30 am – Peter Haughey, Gerry Broderick, Fursey Mullin, Billy Henry;
9.45 am – Sean Mullin, John O’Neill, A K Kelly , Patrick Devlin, Raymond McGoldrick, John Rafferty, Eugene Turbett;
11.00 am – Aidan Quinn, Robert Colton, James Murray, Pat McGartland, Kevin McCrory;
12.30 pm – Patrick Conway, John Lagan, Dermot O’Kane, Francis Laird, Sean McNamee.

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

Readers for December
Vigil Mass – Kay McGuigan;
8.30 am – Brother Tom Gough;
9.45 am – Emmet Murray;
11 am – Anthony Bradley;
12.30 pm – Regina Maguire.

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.

St Joseph’s Bookshop
Advent and Christmas stock now in: Advent Wreaths, Advent Candles, Advent Calendars, Cribs, Christmas Ornaments, Christmas Cards, Christmas Table Candles. Open every Saturday 10.30 am – 4 pm. For special Christmas opening times see next week’s newsletter.
(Entrance to Bookshop at side of St Joseph’s Hall)

Christmas Opening Hours @ St Joseph’s Bookshop
From Wednesday 19th until Saturday 22nd December the Bookshop will be open from 10.30 am – 4 pm. Also on Monday 24th (Christmas Eve) the Bookshop will be open from 10.30 am to 1.15 pm.

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

Parish Dance
Boxing Night – 26th December
Music by Country Traditions
10 pm – 12.30 am
Wishing all our patrons a Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.
There will be no dance on New Year’s Eve

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



Outside Events

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

Medjugorje for Christmas
Visiting Medjugorje? : Call the Irish Centre on 028 8224 1888 - apartments for rent or sale.