This Week’s Calendar
Week beginning Sunday 25th November
Tuesday 27 – St Fergal, Bishop and Missionary
Friday 30 – St Andrew, Apostle.
Saturday December 1 – The season of Advent begins.

Questions people ask
Q. Archbishop Brady spoke at Knock against consulting horoscopes, tarot cards etc. I know people who use them as a sort of fun. Why should the church condemn them?
A. Is it only a sort of fun or is there also a desire to control the future and maybe even to utilise hidden powers other than God. The Catholic Church considers such practices as contrary to the first commandment: ‘I am the Lord your God, you shall not have strange gods before me’. There is a danger that calling up spirits or using ouija boards may be allowing evil spirits access to the mind. I have met people who have been deeply harmed by these practices.
Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

Another Angle - Up-Front Shepherd
Part of the Prayer of an Unknown Confederate Soldier goes like this: I asked for strength that I might achieve / I was made weak that I might learn humbly to obey. / I asked for power that I might have the praise of men / I was given weakness that I might feel the need for God.

That soldier got more than he bargained for. So do we. He ends his prayer with gratitude to God: Almost despite myself my unspoken prayers were answered / I am, among all men, most richly blessed. Thus should we end ours.

Today’s first reading reminds me of that prayer. It is you who shall be shepherd of my people Israel, you who shall be ruler over Israel (2 Sam 5:2). This applies to David, newly anointed king. His model – a ridiculous one to all power-conscious bosses – is the shepherd. This type of leadership is gentle and caring. It provides safety. It creates peace. It knows the need for vigilance. Shepherds, lowly and illiterate men, are up-front with their flocks.

Leaders at any level have a lot to learn from this image – even though those they ‘lead’ may not in any way be sheepish.
Fr Tom Cahill - Courtesy of Intercom Magazine

Mass Intentions
Sacred Heart Church 7.30pm Mass
Tuesday Roisin McSharry – Month’s Mind
Friday Margaret McCabe – 1st Anniversary

Baptisms
Ronan Martin McSorley, 20 Coolnagard Heights
Emer Martina Strain, 1 The Fairways

Deaths
We sympathise with the families of the following who have died recently:
Sarah McKenny
May she rest in peace.

Diocesan Mass for Deceased Young People
There will be a special Diocesan Mass today (Sunday) 3 pm in Holy Family Church, Ballymagroarty, Derry. The Mass will be an opportunity for family and friends who have lost young loved ones to come together in a spirit of prayer and hope. If you have been bereaved or affected by a young death we invite you in faith to come and remember the life of your loved one. All are welcome.

Advent Reflections
The Advent Reflections begin on Thursday 29th November at 10.30 am in the Pastoral Centre, Brook Street, Omagh. All are welcome.

Advent Liturgy Programme
The Children’s Advent Liturgy Programme will begin on Sunday 2nd December at the 12.30 pm Mass in the Sacred Heart Church.

Annual Service of Thanksgiving
Macmillan Cancer Support would like to invite everyone to their Interdenominational Service of Thanksgiving on Sunday 9th December at 7 pm in the Sacred Heart Church, Omagh. This service supports the work of your local Macmillan Nurses and Doctors. It will be led by Monsignor Joseph Donnelly accompanied by Reverend Robert Herron, Reverend William Seale and Reverend Harold Agnew. Music will also be provided by the Omagh Youth Choir and the choir of Omagh Integrated Primary School.

Annual Carol Service
Our Annual Carol Service will be held in the Sacred Heart Church on Sunday 16th December at 6 pm.

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.

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

Deceased Members
John Wilson – 7 Sperrin Close
James Quinn – Ballygowans
Arthur Colton – 136 Clanabogan Road, Omagh
Peter Keenan – Greencastle
Brian Kelly – 13 Brookfield Close
Winifred Collins – 6 O’Brien Park
Michael McSwiggan – Cavanacaw
Mary McSwiggan – Cavanacaw
Kathleen Coll – 52 Centenary Park
Hughie McSwiggan – 54 O’Kane Park
Patricia Gilheaney – 32 Derry Road
Mary McCrumlish – 25A Brookmount Road
Laura Landers – Birmingham (formerly of Centenary Park)
Pat Tierney – 84 Aughnagar Road, Galbally
Damian Tierney – 84 Aughnagar Road, Galbally
Rita Mathers – Orchard Terrace
Rosaleen Downey – 11 Townview Avenue
Irene Quinn – Formerly of 4 Johnston Park
Harry Scully – Omagh
Laurence Mongan – 1 Milestone Way, Tattyreagh
Danny Quinn – Gortmore Park

Living Members
Mary Mongan, 1 Milestone Way, Tattyreagh
That these and all who sleep in Christ find in your presence, light, happiness and peace.

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.

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

St Joseph’s Ladies Club
St Joseph’s Ladies Club is holding a fund-raising event ‘Christmas Joy – A Floral Demonstration’ by Michael Gerard I.C.S.F. in St Joseph’s Hall on Wednesday 28th November at 8 pm. There will be a wine and cheese reception at 7.30 pm. Floral arrangements will later be raffled. Admission is £5, including supper. Proceeds in aid of Muscular Dystrophy and Direct Aid for Africa.

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

Senior Citizens Christmas Party
Clanabogan Youth Club’s Annual Senior Citizens’ Christmas Party will take place in St Eugene's Hall, Clanabogan on Monday 3rd December at 8 pm. All are welcome.


Outside Events

Omagh Lions Club Presents
A Christmas Fair
Fr Sean McEvoy will present a demonstration of Christmas flower arranging in his usual entertaining way, and various Yuletide exhibitions will be on display.
The Village Inn, Killyclogher
Friday 30th November @ 8.30 pm
Tickets £10 (includes mulled wine & light refreshments)
Tickets Available from Sperrin Office Supplies, Hairport (Castle Street) & Laird’s Jewellery
Proceeds to Omagh Alzheimer’s Group

Care for Cancer
Charity Bed Push & Vintage Vehicle Run
Saturday 1st December 2007
Departs Prices Shop, Clanabogan, arriving at Omagh Bus Station
For Sponsor Sheets, Donations and More Information contact:
Andy on 0770 437 3713 or Mary on 0794 757 8876
All monies raised will go to help those in the local community whose lives have been affected by cancer.
Thank You For Your Support!

Thank You
St Vincent de Paul would like to thank everyone who helped, supported and donated to our recent ‘Sale of Work’. We are delighted to say the amount raised was £2,700.

"Deepening Our Faith for Christmas"
A Series of Adult Faith Development Evenings for Advent
Church of Christ the King, Strathroy
Monday evenings 8 - 9.15pm (after 7.30pm Mass)
Tea / coffee & refreshments served
Monday 3 December
Struggling to know Jesus as God and Human
Speaker: Rev Dr Niall Coll, Lecturer at St Mary’s University College, Belfast
Monday 10 December
Catholic Spirituality - Taking our Spiritual Growth seriously
Speaker: Fr Kevin McElhennon CC
Monday 17 December
How God is still present and active in the world today
Speaker: Fr Paul Farren, Director of Derry Diocesan Religious Education Centre

Clanabogan Development Initiative
Launch of Cross Community Calendar
Friday 30th November @8.30pm
The Bakery, Camphill Community, Clanabogan
A celebration of life in our community since the dawn of photographs!

Coffee Morning & Book Sale
Monday 26th November 2007
10.30am - 12.30pm
RNIB & the Blind Centre N.I.
10 James Street, Omagh
Tel: 8225 0220

N.I Blood Transfusion Service
The next blood donation sessions will be held in Omagh College on Wednesday 5th, Thursday 6th and Friday 7th December from 1.30 to 4 pm and 5.30 to 8 pm. Please come along – you could save a life!

Grand Charity Concert
Starring Breakaway, The Duets, Angela Reid, Elaine Boyle, Tony Kerr, Seamus Delaney, The Cowboy, Philomena Mulholland.
Compere – Andy Gordon
Tuesday 4th December 2007
Silverbirch Hotel
Tickets - £10.00 Or Pay At The Door
Doors Open 7.15 pm – Curtain 8 pm
Proceeds in Aid of The Alzheimer’s Society, Omagh Branch
Contact 8224 0826

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