Sunday 27th January 2008

Third Sunday In Ordinary Time

Reflection - In our Gospel for this weekend we find Jesus calling Peter, Andrew, John and James from their lives as fishermen to be his disciples; and leaving everything they follow him immediately. This passage reminds us that when God passes by, he may do so rapidly; it would be sad if we were to fall behind because we wanted to follow him while still carrying many things that are only a dead weight and a nuisance. When it comes to being a disciple of Christ, we are to travel unburdened.

Parish Missal: Readings (Year A) p 63 & Proper p 1010

First Reading Isaiah 8: 23. 9:3
The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light.

Second Reading Corinthians 1: 10-13.17
Make up differences between you instead of disagreeing among yourselves.

Gospel Matthew 4: 12-23
Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.

Newsletter Resources

This Week’s Saints - Week beginning Sunday 27th January
Monday 28 – St Thomas Aquinas, priest and doctor of the Church.
Wednesday 30 – St Aidan, bishop.
Thursday 31 – St John Bosco, priest.
Friday, 1 February – St Brigid, Secondary Patron of Ireland.
Saturday, 2 February – The Presentation of the Lord.

Questions people ask
Q. What are the synoptic gospels? Are these a short synopsis of the other gospels?
A. The name ‘Synoptic’ is misleading for us today because it suggests a shorter or abbreviated version of something. But when applied to the gospels it has its original Greek meaning of writers looking at something from the same point of view. Since the gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke have the same outline plan and more or less the same material, they are known as the Synoptic Gospels. Each of the writers puts his own stamp on the story. Matthew, our Sunday evangelist this year, emphasises the teaching of Jesus, especially about the Kingdom or Reign of God on earth.
Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap - Courtesy of Intercom Magazine

Another Angle - All For One?

M. Scott Peck wrote in The Different Drum: Pseudo community is conflict-avoiding; true community is conflict resolving. In today’s second reading (1 Cor 1:10-13, 17) Paul would seem to hold a similar view. He appeals to the Corinthians to remember in whose name they were baptised. Respecting their common baptism in Jesus’ name creates unity. As Paul asks them collectively and not individually about their baptism, they must answer collectively. They can do that only by talking constructively together first. Respect for Jesus’ name is the springboard to that desired exchange.

Two things are clear here: baptism unifies; it’s not automatic. Those baptised have to work with their baptism to allow it to have its effect. This doesn’t mean that as soon as we recall our common baptism in Jesus name everything is ‘hunky dory’. No more bickering, short-sighted self-interest, or breaking up into groups, gangs or factions. Call them what you will. But what it does mean is that we’ll have to do some heavy-duty thinking about why we want to be called Christian in the first place and follow with behaviour that shows why.

Today, more than ever, conflict resolution, at all levels, is direly needed, being Holocaust Memorial Day.
Fr Tom Cahill SVD, Courtesy of Intercom Magazine

Parish Notes

Mass Intentions - Sacred Heart Church 7.30pm Mass
Mon Gerry Donnelly – Month’s Mind
Wed Michael Baxter – 1st Anniversary

Baptisms
Olivia Ann McCaugherty, 9 Bracken Walk
Conor Gerard Gormley, 129 Clanabogan Road
Aoibheann Marie Mitchell, 45 Oldfort Road
Eimear Anne Mitchell, 45 Oldfort Road
Sherona Rose McKinney, 17 Centenary Park
Elizabeth Ann Murray, 6 Townview Avenue

Weddings - We sincerely congratulate:
Theresa Sharkey & Terence Hughes
who were married recently. May the grace of the sacrament remain with them throughout their lives.

Recent Deaths
We sympathise with the families of the following who died recently:
Dympna Mallon
Tommy Kelly
Teresa McMackin. May they rest in peace.

First Friday Devotions
Friday is the First Friday of the month. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will be in the Sacred Heart Church from after 10 am mass until 7.15 pm.

Visitation of the Sick & Housebound
Monsignor Donnelly will visit the sick in his area on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday of this week. Fr Canning will visit the Brookmount, Derry Road and Castle Street areas on Thursday of this week and the country areas on Friday. Fr McDevitt will visit the Derry and Dromore Road on Tuesday 29th January and the Gallows Hill and Tamlaght Road areas on Monday 4th February.

Day of Prayer and Reflection for Readers
A day of prayer and reflection, focussing on the ministry of reader has been organised for the parish readers. The day will also provide an opportunity to meet the other readers and consider any issues you may have in your ministry.

The day will be facilitated by Sister Marie Wylie in the Pastoral Centre, Brook Street, Omagh on Saturday 9th February 2008. It will begin after 10 am Mass and continue until 3.30 pm. A light lunch will be provided.

To assist in the planning of the day it would be appreciated if you could inform the Parish Office (during office hours) before Saturday 1st February if you can attend. Telephone 028 8224 2092 or email info@drumraghparish.com.

Lenten Stations
Anyone wishing to have a Station Mass should contact the Parish Office on 8224 2092 and leave their name, address and telephone number and Station area as soon as possible.

Confirmation Talk
There will be a Confirmation Talk for parents of Primary Seven children in the Sacred Heart Church on Monday 28th January at 8 pm.

Pioneer Survey
Questionnaires will be available in the Church porches on Sunday 3rd February for all Pioneers and non-drinkers in order to obtain a record as recommended by Fr Mac Griel S.J. on his visit to all centre last year. Please take one and return it the following weekend to the box provided.

Lenten Reflection
Omagh Prayer Guidance Team will facilitate Lenten Reflections on the theme of “The Last Words of Jesus”. These will commence on Tuesday 5th February 2008 in St Mary’s Hall after 10 am Mass. We hope that you will join us and together we will allow the cross and the power that flows from it change us.

Omagh Music Society Presents

Petite Messe Solenelle

(Gioachino Rossini)
in the Church of the Sacred Heart, Omagh
Tuesday 5th February 2008 @ 7.30 pm
Subscription/Programme £10 – Concession £8
Tickets Available from Society Members, Tourist Information Office (Strule Arts Centre) or by payment at the door.

Derry Diocesan Service Committee for Catholic Charismatic Renewal
Development Plan
Lenten Scripture Course
“Speak Lord, your servant is listening” (1st Samuel Chapter 3v10)
Date Theme Facilitator Venue Time
03/02/08 “Sin & Grace” Mr Mark McConnellogue St Brigid’s Resource 7.30 pm
Centre, Carnhill, Derry
07/02/08 “Jesus’ Faith Mrs Maeve Campbell Pastoral Centre, Omagh 7.30 pm
Practices”
19/02/08 “Matthew’s Fr Seamus Kelly Portglenone Monastery 7.00 pm
Gospel”
28/02/08 “Wrestling with Fr Kevin McElhennon Pastoral Centre, Omagh 7.30 pm
God”
02/03/08 “The Holy Spirit Mr Stephen Doherty St Brigid’s Resource 7.30 pm
in the Church” Centre, Carnhill, Derry
10/03/08 “Reflections on Fr Paul Farren Melmount Centre, 7.30 pm
The Stations of the Strabane
Cross”
Everyone Welcome - Cost £20 for Full Programme or £5 per Session
Contact 028 8224 2092 (Office Hours)

Eucharistic Ministers for February
6.00 pm – Mary-Ellen McSorley, Caroline Hannigan, Bro Brian Monaghan, Brid McCavert; 8.30 am – John O’Neill, Fionnula Quinn, Joan Conahgan; 9.45 am – Evelyn Heaney, Brian Byrne, Geraldine Quinn; 11 am – George Johnson, Eugene Teague, Helen Johnson, Joe Mulryan, Alice McNamee; 12.30 pm – Eugene McGrade, Mary McGrade, Tracey Nugent, Ann Pearson, Charlie Colton; 10 am Drumragh – Mary McGlone, Betty Baxter.

Collectors for February
Vigil Mass – Eugene Duffy, Joe O’Donnell, Michael Brogan, Liam Grugan; 8.30 am – Gerard Turbitt, Liam Nugent, Michael Gilheaney; 9.45 am – Michael Colton, Liam McGrath, Thomas McGuigan, J F Doyle, Eamon Campbell, Dan Campbell, Hugh Ward, Francis Bradley; 11 am – Leo Quinn, Dermot Groogan, Sean Lynam, Joe Mulryan, Michael McGirr, Jim Campbell, John McDonnell; 12.30 pm – B Brown, Anthony Higgins, Francis McCrory, Thomas Logue.

Counters for February
Daniel Campbell, James Cunningham, John Doherty, Kathleen Fox, John McGale, Marie McGirr, Eugene McGrade, Gerard McSorley, Pat Vaugh, Mary Quinn.

Readers for February
6.00 pm – Maureen Bonner; 8.30 am – Michelle Rafferty; 9.45 am – Kathleen O’Hagan; 11.00 am – Pauline McKenna; 12.30 pm – Michael Donnelly.

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.

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

Ballroom Dancing

Outside Events

LORETO GRAMMAR SCHOOL
James Street, Omagh, BT78 1DL.
Telephone: 028 82243633
email address: info@loretogs.omagh.ni.sch.uk
WEBSITE: www.loretogs.com Loreto, a pupil-centred school at the heart of the community.
OPEN NIGHT
All P7 girls and their parents/guardians are welcome.
Wednesday 30th JANUARY 2008
Guided Tours from 7.00p.m.
Principal’s Address: 8.45p.m.
(Refreshments available)

ETI Inspection Report February 2006:‘The quality of Education provided in this school is outstanding.’

Annual Moldovan Appeal
Collection of clothes for the above appeal will take place at the GAA Grounds, Carrickmore on the weeks ending 1st and 8th February.
Collection times: Friday 1st and 8th 3pm to 6pm
Saturday 2nd and 9th 10am to 5pm
Sunday 3rd and 10th 2pm to 5pm
Any further information contact Briege 8076 0667, Kay on 8224 4145 or Conor on 8076 1594.

Clanabogan Calendar
Still some copies available at £5.
Excellent response so far. Great gift for all both at home and away.
Available from local outlets or contact 028 8224 1561.

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

Pilgrimages for 2008
Accompanied by a Spiritual Director and a Joe Walsh Tours Representative
Group Organiser: Paddy McGowan
7 May 2008 Lourdes ex-Dublin 5 Nights
13 June 2008 Sorrento & San Giovanni 7 Nights
(ex-Dublin)
3 July 2008 Lourdes (ex-Dublin) 7 Nights
24 July 2008 Fatima/Estoril (ex-Dublin) 7 Nights
16 August 2008 Lourdes (ex-Belfast) 5 Nights
20 September 2008 Lourdes (ex-Dublin) 7 Nights
18 October 2008 Medjugorje (ex-Dublin) 7 Nights
All trips include return coach transfer to departure airport from Omagh
For Information Only:
Paddy McGowan, 20 Sunnycrest Gardens, Omagh.
Telephone 8224 4450.
Tour Operator
Joe Walsh Tours, 8/11 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2.
Telephone 003531 2410800