Sunday 24th February 2008

Third Sunday of Lent

Reflection- “Worship in spirit and in truth”

In the season of Lent we express our faith through outward signs – ashes, attending Mass, making sacrifices. These represent our commitment to what God really wants: a change of heart, true repentance and the renewal of our faith. The spirit of Lent is reflected in what happens within us, so that we come to the celebration of Easter with hearts and lives open to the joy which the Risen Lord brings.

Parish Missal: Readings (Year A) p 94 & Proper p 1026

First Reading Exodus 17: 3-7

God cares for his people, providing water to drink.

Second Reading Romans 5: 1-2.5-8
God’s love has been poured into our hearts.

Gospel John 4: 5-42
Jesus is the source of the water of eternal life.

Sophisticated Slavery

In his book, ‘Seeking Spirituality’, Ronald Rolheiser states that the incarnate God is found first and foremost in peoples’ homes. According to him ‘The God of the Incarnation is more domestic than monastic.’ The Israelites, in today’s First Reading (Exodus 17:3-7), didn’t see God that way. For them, he was external: present in a burning bush, in a pillar of cloud, in a pillar of fire and on a storm tossed mountaintop. So external was he that they doubted his presence at all in time of difficulty. For them, he was a fair-weather god. When their basic needs were not met, they complained loudly. Forgetful of their recent past of slavery and misery, they bemoaned their perilous present and their uncertain future. They wanted sustenance, security, and comfort. Otherwise they would resort to idols for what they wanted.
Are we, modern and sophisticated as we like to think, all that different? Don’t we too have our idols: consumerism, entertainment, fashion, popularity and image? Aren’t we enslaved by the shop-till-you-drop impulse, the must-have craving for the latest fashions and trends, and an insatiable appetite for praise and popularity? Could we say that our God is not just domestic, but domesticated?
Fr Tom Cahill SVD, Courtesy of Intercom Magazine

Words of Wisdom
“Grief knits two hearts in closer bonds than happiness ever can; and common sufferings are far stronger links than common joys”. Alphonse de Lamartine

This Week’s Saints
Week beginning Sunday 24th February
Saturday, 1 March – St David, Patron Saint of Wales

Mass Intentions - Sacred Heart Church 7.30pm Mass
Mon Oliver Rutledge – Month’s Mind
Tue Thomas Doherty – Month’s Mind
Wed John McCallion – Month’s Mind
Thur Arthur Maguire – 1st Anniversary

Baptisms
Clarissa Eireainn Mulcahy-Robinson, 67 Culmore Park
Harry James Roberts, 68 Festival Park
Leona Marie McDonagh, 35 Slievecoole Park
Jamie Mark Marlow, 18 The Fairways
Aine Evelyn Miller, 12 Coolnagard Court

Recent Deaths
We sympathise with the families of the following who died recently:
Peter Goligy
Patrick Mulholland
Callum Green - May they rest in peace.

Adult Faith Formation - Lent 2008
Two Talks in St Mary’s Hall
Wednesday 27th February 2008 @ 8 pm
“I don’t believe in God and don’t believe in marriage!”
Speaker: Michael McGowan, Head of Religious Education in the Christian Brothers School, Omagh
Wednesday 5th March @ 8 pm
“The Family”
Speaker: Michael Harte, Tyrone County Gaelic Football Team Manager

Visitation of the Sick and Housebound
Fr Canning will visit the sick in the Brookmount, Derry Road and Castle Street areas on Friday 29th February. Details of remaining sick visitations will be in next week’s newsletter.

Sacrament of Confirmation 2008
The Sacrament of Confirmation will take place on Saturday 8th March at 11 am. Most Rev Dr Seámus Hegarty will be visiting the Parish to confirm the Primary Seven children.

Weddings
We congratulate:
Aileen Norris & Ciaran Donnelly who were married recently.
May the grace of the sacrament remain with them throughout their lives.

IHCPT Thank You
On behalf of the Irish Pilgrimage Trust I would like to sincerely thank all those who contributed to our collection on the weekend of the 16th and 17th February. A total of £4224.10 was raised. During our pilgrimage a Mass will be offered in Lourdes for all our benefactors.
In grateful appreciation,
Brendan Collins, Group Leader

Deepening our Experience of Lent
A Series of Adult Faith Reflection Evenings
Church of Christ the King, Strathroy
Every Monday night during Lent
8pm (after 7.30pm Mass)
Tea/Coffee & refreshments served

Monday 25th February
Growing Spiritually - A Personal Reflection
Speaker: Sr Marie Wiley RSM, Thornhill Retreat Centre, Derry

Lenten Scripture Course
“Wrestling with God”
by Fr Kevin Mc Elhennon
Thursday 28th February 2008
Pastoral Centre, Omagh 7.30 pm
Everyone Welcome
£5 Admission

St Joseph’s Ladies’ Club
Come and enjoy an ‘Indian Curry Night’ with Cindy Bradley in St Joseph’s Hall, Omagh on Wednesday 27th February at 8.15 pm. Admission is £3 including Supper. Everyone welcome!

Omagh Prayer Guidance Team
Omagh Prayer Guidance Team will lead a time of prayer based on the fourth cry if Jesus from the cross in St Mary’s Hall after 10 am Mass on Tuesday 26th February.

Collectors for March
Vigil Mass – James Devlin, Cathal Cullen, Aidan Lilly, Thomas McElroy, Colm McLaughlin, Pat McCanny; 8.30 am – Peter Haughey, Gerry Broderick, Fursey Mullan, Billy Henry; 9.45 am – Sean Mullan, John O’Neill, A.K. Kelly, Patrick Devlin, Raymond McGoldrick, John Rafferty, Eugene Turbett; 11 am – Aidan Quinn, Robert Colton, James Murray, Pat McGartland, Kevin McCrory; 12.30 pm – Sean McNamee, Francis Laird, Dermot O’Kane, Patrick Conway, John Lagan.

Omagh Lions Club And Marks & Spencer Present
Spring 2008 Fashion Show
(Showcasing Fashions from M&S Spring Collection)
Village Inn, Killyclogher
Friday 29th February @ 8.30 pm
£10 including Champagne Reception (8.15)
All Proceeds to Omagh Blind Centre & Omagh Parkinsons Group

Clanabogan Drama Circle Presents
Will You Still Love Me In The Morning?
(A Farce in Two Acts)
by Brian Clemens & Denis Spooner
St Joseph’s Hall, Omagh
Saturday 23rd & Sunday 24th February 2008
Curtain 8.00 pm Nightly

Coming Soon to St Joseph’s Hall

Hal Ketchum

& His American Band
Support – Anthony McBrien
Friday 4th April 2008
Tickets on Sale from Tommy at the Hall, Top News & McCrory’s
Call 07753 936 701

Ballroom Dancing
A new 5 week course begins on Monday 10th March at 8.45 pm for 5 consecutive weeks. Enrolment is on Monday 3rd March form 8 pm to 9 pm in St Joseph’s Hall. The Course costs £25 and booking is essential. Please contact 8224 5253, 8224 7992 or 07753 936 701.

Omagh Credit Union
Omagh Credit Union has produced a Guide entitled “Keep Wolves From Your Door All Year Round”. It includes helpful hints and a financial planner to help in managing your financial affairs throughout 2008 and beyond. Free copies are available within the porches of the Church. You can also obtain a copy from Credit Union Offices, St Vincent de Paul and Omagh Independent Advice Services.

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 - 8pm - Traditional Music class
7.30pm - Bowls
8.30pm - Line Dancing
Sat 1.45pm - Groogan O’Doherty Class

Derry Diocesan Society
The following names have been added to the list of Deceased Members of the Derry Diocesan Society:
Elizabeth Kirwan, 8 Centenary Park
Patrick McCann, 2 Montague Villas
Kathleen Bellaby McBride, Westview Terrace
Peter Thirlway, York
Roisin McSharry, Gortmore House (formerly of 29 Lammy Walk)
Patrick Campbell, 5 Ardmore Crescent
Colin Ratcliffe, 6 Lissan Drive
Betty Ratcliffe, 6 Lissan Drive
Paul McGale, formerly of 28 John Street
Kathleen McLaughlin, Dromore
John O’Callaghan, Fintona
Michael Kearns, Flat 11, St Julian’s House
James Logue, 82 Botera Road
James Daly
Brigid Daly
James Daly
Patrick Daly
Alice Daly
John Daly
Michael Daly
Edward Daly
Alphonsus Daly
Annie Daly
Charles Daly
John Gallagher
Patrick Gallagher
Michael Normoyle

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

Living Members
Mary Logue, 82 Botera Road