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 30 September
Monday 1 October – St Thérèse of the Child Jesus, virgin and doctor of the Church.
Tuesday 2 October – The Guardian Angels.
Wednesday 3 October – Blessed Columba Marmion, monk
Thursday 4 October – St Francis of Assisi, 1181-1226
Saturday 6 October – St Bruno, priest.

Questions people ask

Q. At a time when the Church is struggling, I often wonder why God doesn’t perform some great miracles to bring people back.

A. While we are struggling in Western Europe, remember that the Church is youthful and vibrant in many parts of the world. As for miraculous signs, critics will always find reasons to reject or doubt them. Even the greatest miracle, the resurrection of Jesus, was rejected by many. Jesus put it like this: ‘If they will not listen either to Moses or to the prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone should rise from the dead.’
Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

Another Angle - Shipwrecked
The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him, and every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming.

Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect him from the elements, and to store his few possessions. But then one day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, the smoke rolling up to the sky. The worst had happened -everything was lost. He was stunned with grief and anger.

"God, how could you do this to me?" he cried.
Early the next day, however, he was awakened by the sound of a ship that was approaching the island. It had come to rescue him. "How did you know I was here?" asked the weary man of his rescuers. "We saw your smoke signal," they replied.

It's easy to get discouraged sometimes when things appear to be going badly. But we shouldn't lose heart, because God is at work in our lives, even in the midst of pain and suffering. Remember, next time your little hut is burning to the ground, it just may be a smoke signal that summons the grace of God.


Words of Wisdom
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
Martin Luther King Jr

Baptisms
We welcome into God's family through the Sacrament of Baptism:
Orla Mary Cox – 58 Hunters Crescent
Michael Sean McHugh – 35 Drumconnelly Road, Tattyreagh

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

Edward Stokes & Margaret McDonagh who were married recently.
May the grace of the sacrament remain with them throughout their lives.

Deaths
We sympathise with the loved ones of the following people who died recently:
Michael Kearns
Sister Frances Paul, Rathfarnham
May they rest in peace.

Parish Notes
Please note that the weekday 8 am Mass will resume from Monday 1st October.

New Eucharistic Ministers
There will be a training day on Saturday 6th October for those who have recently been asked to become Eucharistic Ministers. It will take place in the Pastoral Centre from 10.30 am until 3.30 pm. A light lunch will be provided. All new ministers are asked to attend.

Visitation of the Sick
Monsignor Donnelly will be visiting the sick on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons. Fr Canning will visit the sick in the Derry and Botera Roads on Monday, the Brookmount Road on Thursday and the country areas on Friday. Fr McDevitt will visit the sick in his areas on Monday and Tuesday afternoons.

Parish Draw
The next Parish Draw will take place on Tuesday 2nd October. All promoters are asked to bring their returns to St Joseph’s Hall between 7 and 9 pm.

Anonymous Donation
We would like to acknowledge an anonymous gift of £20,000, which was donated to Drumragh Parish. We thank them very much for their generosity.

All Saints P.S.
All Saints P.S. celebrate their beginning of year Mass on Wednesday 3rd October at 7.30 pm in the school hall. We extend a warm welcome to all to attend.

Church Cleaners
There will be a monthly meeting on Tuesday 2nd October after 10 am Mass. Usual venue. A full attendance would be appreciated.

St Joseph’s Young Priests Society
St Joseph’s Young Priests Society, John Paul 2 Branch, are pleased to announce the presentation of the Society’s Certificate of Formation and Recognition by the National President. We thank all the parishioners who have supported our work with their prayers and donations. Our meetings take place on the first Monday of every month, after 10 am Mass in the Pastoral Centre. The next meeting is on 1st October 2007.

Young People – Our Blessed Mother is Calling You!
A bus will travel to our Lady’s House of Prayer on Saturday 6th October for a special day of prayer and consecration of our youth to Our Lady. The bus will leave Castle Street, Omagh at 7 am sharp. For booking, please contact Maryrose on 8224 5631.

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.

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.

Eucharistic Ministers for October
6.00 pm - Jackie Convey, Tony McGarvey, Mary McLaughlin, Mary Toal, Moira Sharpe; 8.30 am - Ann Mullan, Angela Lalsingh, Margaret Haigney;
9.45 am - Seamus Maguire, Aidan Quinn, Jean McGowan, Anne Mullan;
11.00 am - Gerald Mc Carney, Regina Gormley, Kathleen McMahon, Geralyn McCusker, Siobhan Taggart;
12.30 pm - Mary Campbell, Liz Doran; 10am Drumragh – Aidan Campbell, Ann Doherty.

Collectors for October
6.00 pm – Liam Donaghy, Malachy Treanor, Seamus Kelly, Thomas Logue, John Rafferty;
8.30 am – Linus Nugent, James Cunningham, Phil McGovern, Patrick Cleary, Sean McKenna;
9.45 am – Paddy McGowan, Dr Pat O’Neill, Tony Brogan, Liam McGrath, Eamon Prunty; 11.00 am – James Murray, Thomas Bradley, James Montague;
12.30 pm – Anthony Higgins, Tony McGarvey, Eugene McGrade, Sean Mullan, Kevin Gallagher, Patrick Gallagher.

Counters for October
Brendan & Frances Cunningham, Peter Davies, Gerard Haughey, Dermot McCann, J McDonnell, John McGale.

Readers for October
Vigil Mass – Bernadette Doherty;
8.30 am – Gerard Turbitt;
9.45 am – Mary Prunty;
11 am – Aine Hackett;
12.30 pm – L & M Mimnagh

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.

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 Eugene’s Hall

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

St Joseph’s Hall, Omagh
Join our 7-week course in
Ballroom Dancing
For Absolute Beginners or Advanced Dancers
Learn to dance – Slow Waltz, Tango, Quickstep, Jive, Slow Foxtrot, Cha Cha Cha And Old Time Waltz.
Professional Qualified Teachers – Jim Tinneny & Josephine Tinneny
Remember the health benefits of dancing – reduction of stress, improved fitness, strong bones, healthy heart.
Course commences on Monday 15th October @ 9 pm
For further details call 8224 5253 or 8224 7992.

Ceili in St Joseph’s Hall, Omagh
Friday 5th October
Dancing 10 pm – 1 am
Music by Finvola Ceili Band

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

Outside Events

N.I. Blood Transfusion 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.

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

Mary’s Meals
The Simple Solution to World Hunger That Works
Mary’s Meals, Ireland are having an evening of testimony, music and talks on 26th October in Carmelite Fathers, Termonbacca, Derry at 7.30 pm. Speakers include John Pridmore, Author of “From Gangland to Promised Land”, who will be sharing his story and Magnus MacFarlane Barrow, founder of Mary’s Meals. All are welcome. Contact Breda on 0035387 3623996 or visit www.marysmeals.org.

IHCPT-Young People’s Pilgrimage to Lourdes, Easter 2008
Around five hundred young people from all over Ireland spend a week in Lourdes with the IHCPT (The Irish Pilgrimage Trust) every Easter. Experienced adult carers visit the young people prior to the pilgrimage and accompany them throughout the week in Lourdes.

The Irish Pilgrimage Trust welcomes applications from young people of any religious denomination with:
• A physical disability or illness (aged 9-18)
• A learning disability (aged 11-21)
• Very seriously ill children under the age of 9 (accompanied by a parent or close relative)
• Young adults between the age of 20 and 25 with a disability or illness.

The IHCPT covers the cost of those young people selected to travel. If there is a young person that you feel would be eligible and would benefit form a trip to Lourdes please contact the IHCPT office at 0035391796622 for contact details of your local group or an application form. Please note closing date for applications is 31st October 2007.

West Tyrone Feis
Proposed dates for 2008 are as follows:
Irish Language 7 – 11 April
Classical Music 14 – 19 April
Speech & Drama 21 – 29 April
Dancing 27 April, May 2 – 4 & 10
Traditional Music 12 April

Hospital Campaign Protest Action
Western Health & Social Care Trust Meeting
Lunchtime Protest
Thursday 4th October @ 1.15 pm
T & F Building, Omagh