This Week’s Calendar
Week beginning Sunday 30th December
Monday 31 – St Sylvester, Pope
Tuesday, January 1 – Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God.
Wednesday 2 – Sts. Basil the Great and Gregory Nanzianzen, bishops and doctors of the Church.

Questions people ask
Q. Was there any particular reason why the Holy Family settled in Nazareth?
A. Nazareth was an insignificant town, never even mentioned in the Old Testament. It had become a centre for migrant workers engaged by Herod for a massive building project at nearby Sepphoris. Joseph, a carpenter, would have had a good job there. Nazareth had no great religious traditions, only a dubious reputation. ‘Can anything good come from Nazareth?’ There’s a great lesson here. If Jesus made a dubious place like Nazareth his hometown, then we can expect to find him anywhere … even where we live!
Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

Another Angle - Focus on Family
Albert Einstein once said that there are only two ways to live one’s life: as though nothing is a miracle, or as though everything is. Better play safe and take the second option especially when it comes to family.

Family is where we most readily experience the miracle that life is. It’s where we fashion ourselves, and are fashioned, as human beings. It’s where we learn the art of living, the beauty of words such as ‘please’ and ‘thank you’. It’s where we learn to brush teeth, wash hands, and of course to flush. It’s where we learn to be on time for meals we haven’t had to prepare ourselves, and to help with wash-up instead of running off to play. In short, it’s where we learn to think of others and not just of ourselves. It’s where we learn eventually what Okakura Kakuzo notes in, The Book of Tea, that those who cannot feel the littleness of great things in themselves are apt to overlook the greatness of little things in others (p.6).

Most of these important lessons come courtesy of parents. No wonder then the word of God speaks so highly of them today in Ben Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14.
Where would we be without them?
Fr Tom Cahill SVD, Courtesy of Intercom Magazine

New Year Prayer
Lord, as the year draws to an end,
We thank you for so much:
For all the good and happy times,
Each smile and loving touch.
We thank you, too, for other times
When things went sadly wrong,
For being there to understand,
You helped us to be strong.
Now as the year is ending, Lord,
We ask you to be near,
To be our guide and guardian
Throughout the coming year.
Iris Hesselden

New Year Quotes

Youth is when you're allowed to stay up late on New Year's Eve. Middle age is when you're forced to. ~Bill Vaughn

New Year's Day: Now is the accepted time to make your regular annual good resolutions. Next week you can begin paving hell with them as usual. ~Mark Twain

Mass Intentions
Sacred Heart Church 7.30pm Mass
Tuesday Kathleen Sharkey – Month’s Mind

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
Monsignor Donnelly will visit the sick on Monday afternoon (instead of Tuesday), Thursday and Friday afternoon of this week. Fr Canning will visit the sick in the country areas on Friday 4th January and those in the Brookmount Road, Derry Road and Hunters Crescent areas on Thursday 10th January. Fr McDevitt will visit the sick in the Gallows Hill and Tamlaght Road areas on Monday 7th January in the afternoon. He will visit those in the Derry Road and Dromore Road areas on Tuesday 8th January in the afternoon.

New Year Vigil
See in the New Year in the Sacred Heart Church in the presence of the Lord. There will be a short ceremony of welcome for the New Year, beginning at 11.30 pm in the Sacred Heart Church on Monday 31st January. Everyone welcome.

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 re-open on Wednesday 2nd January.

The Baptism of Our Lord – Service for Children Baptised in 2007
The Parish of Drumragh is hosting a liturgical celebration for all babies baptised in our parish during the year 2007. The celebration will take place in the Sacred Heart Church at 3 pm on Sunday 6th January – the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. It is hoped that all of these babies will be able to attend with their parents, godparents, grandparents and all family members. It is our prayer that this ceremony will bring great blessings upon the families concerned.

Cleaners for Drumragh
The cleaners for St Mary’s Church for the month of January are: Brian McKenna, Anne Kelly, Susan MacNally and Ryan McGread.

Eucharistic Ministers for January
6.00 pm – Tony McBride, Louise Kirwan, Maura Cox, Catherine Mimnagh, Elizabeth O’Boyle;
8.30 am – Jim McGread, Joanna McElholm, Paula Slevin;
9.45 am – Joe McElholm, Susan McCanney, Mary Tierney, Kevin Miley;
11 am – Paula McCann, Roisin McKenny, Elizabeth Broderick, Deirdre Timoney, Colette Breslin;
12.30 pm – Mary Campbell, Liz Doran, Sonya McAnulla, Michelle Lagan;
10 am Drumragh – Bridie McElroy, Charlie Colton.
Please Note: All Eucharistic Minister Rotas (Sundays and Weekdays) will be issued early in the New Year.

Collectors for January
Vigil Mass – 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 – Seamus Sheridan, Paddy McGowan, Dr Pat O’Neill, Tony Brogan, Liam McGrath, Eamon Prunty,;
11 am – James Murray, Thomas Bradley, James Montague;
12.30 pm – Anthony Higgins, Dan McSwiggan, Tony McGarvey, Eugene McGrade, Sean Mullan, Kevin Gallagher, Patrick Gallagher.

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

Readers for January
6.00 pm –; 8.30 am –; 9.45 am –; 11.00 am –; 12.30 pm –

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

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

Al-Anon
Does someone in your family drink too much? Is it making you lonely and unhappy – causing money problems – creating stress? It might be your partner, child or your mother or father. If you want help – if you would like to share your worries with people who understand because they had them too – why not get in touch with Al-Anon Family Groups? For details of your nearest group contact: 028 9068 2368 (Belfast), 003531 8732 699 (Dublin).

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.