Fr Patrick Doherty, PP 816 71393

Fr Colm O’Doherty, CC 816 61475

Sunday 4th May 2008, Ascension of the Lord

Ascension Sunday
The time has come. The time is now. For all of us.
Though gone from our sight, Jesus is still near and calling us to follow Him.

“Know that I am with you always; yes, to the end of time”. This promise that Jesus gave his disciples, as he was leaving them at the Ascension, is a wonderful truth for us today. It is a promise that is fulfilled in so many ways. He is with us every time we are together because he said that where two or three of us are gathered together we make him present. This has great implications for our homes and families. The love of husband and wife makes Christ present. The love of parents and children makes Christ present. And every gathering we are part of in our parish makes Christ present. That is the meaning of being a parish – a community of people who make Christ present for the world around them so that he can be Saviour for that world. We are powerfully reminded of this real presence of Christ through the Blessed Sacrament present in our community. This week we renew our faith in this mystery.

Fr. Johnny Doherty, C.Ss.R.

Sunday Collection: £ 1,490.00 Thank you for your generosity

Bingo and Whist - We would appreciate your support for the Bingo
Bingo on Tuesday night @ 9 pm – IN ST PATRICK’S HALL
Whist on Thursday night @ 8.30 pm – Snowball rolling

Legion of Mary meets every Monday at 6.30 pm in the meeting room in church. New members welcome

Eucharistic Ministers for May
Vigil : Margaret Cassidy and Seamus Duffy
9.00: Vera Catterson and Jean Coyle
11.00: Rosie Loughrey and Anthony Harkin

Offertory Procession for May
Vigil: John McGlynn and Family
9.00: Colm and May Sharkey
11.00: Lynch Family, Brooke Park

READERS FOR MAY : Vigil: Maolíosa McHugh 11.00: Philomena Doherty

CHURCH CLEANERS THIS WEEK – Una Lynch, Kathleen McHugh, Vera Catterson, Rosie Harper, Brigid Harper, Maureen Hegarty, Mrs M Logue

ALTAR SERVERS – Group 7 - Myles McGlinchey, Aine McGrath, Connor Harper, Nichole McDaid, Dillon McDaid

FIRST COMMUNION – Saturday 7th June 2008 at 11.00 am

CONFIRMATION – Bishop Lagan will administer the Sacrament of Confirmation in Castlederg on Sunday 11th May 2008 at 11.00 am

DIOCESAN YOUTH CHOIR - The Diocese is establishing a Diocesan Youth Choir for those aged 15 - 18 years old. The choir is directed by Fr Peter O’Kane. The commitment to the choir will not be demanding as it will work towards a few one off events during the year. If you are interested contact : Youth Co-ordinator ddcc@derrydiocese.org - Tel : 028 71264087

MASS FOR PROFOUNDLY DEAF – In Nazareth House, Bishop Street, Derry on Sunday 4th May at 3 pm

LIAM BRADLEY TOURS – KILLARNEY 7th July – 4 days – 3 nights B&B £219 – Departs : Victoria Bridge at 8.30 am. Tel : 71269109

CAISLEAN NA DEIRGE G.A.C.

G.A.A. Lotto: (2, 5,3, 6,) 7, 1, 4 – Lauren Hegarty, 9A Stoney Heights - wins £100
Next week Jackpot £2,000
Seniors & Reserves : Last week seniors & reserves went down to Drumquin. This week at home to Glenelly throw in 2.15 pm and 3.45 pm Training Continues - Tuesdays & Thursdays at 7.30 pm
Minors : played Eglish at home in the preliminary round of the championship and were beaten
Under 16s : Training commences Friday 9th May at 6.00 pm- Everyone welcome
Under 14s : at home to Clan Na nGael on Saturday 10th May
First Go Games U-8 Blitz : Saturday 10th May in Owen Roes
Under 12s : Go Games begin on Monday 2nd June
Under 12s & Primary School coaching for all boys and girls continues on Saturday mornings
Up to date information can be found on www.caisleannadeirgegac.org
ANNUAL GOLF CLASSIC - takes place in Newtownstewart Golf Club on Friday 23rd May
For Tee times contact : Declan Devine (07836643942) or John McGoldrick (07708043424)

Special congratulations to Shannon Lynch and Loreto All Ireland winning team on their magnificent achievements last week

YOUTH MASS – “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses” (Acts 1:8) There will be a Diocesan Youth Mass on Pentecost Sunday 11th May in St Columb’s Church, Chapel Road, Waterside, Derry at 6 pm. Bishop Hegarty will be the main celebrant and all young people are invited to attend. The new Diocesan Youth Choir will provide the music. All young people studying for their exams this year are most welcome

WORLD YOUTH DAY - As you know World Youth Day will be celebrated in Sydney, Australia this July. The European Centre for the “World Youth Day Experience” will be in Lourdes. It corresponds with the dates of our Diocesan Pilgrimage. The Diocese will be taking a “World Youth Day Group” to Lourdes in addition to the existing “Youth Team”

AWARE DEFEAT DEPRESSION - needs volunteers in the Strabane area. By volunteering you will be supporting people experiencing or at risk of experiencing depression and their carers. We are looking for volunteers to facilitate support group meetings in your local community and provide information about depression and the work of the organisation. Full training and support is provided. Contact : Pat Lynch 028 71260602 for details

BARROWFIELD F.C. LOTTO – JACKPOT £660 - Numbers 1 - 7 - 11 - 17
Winners : Adrian Harper and Francie McGranaghan - wins £15 each

BELFAST MARATHON - Pat O’Loughlin is planning to run the Belfast Marathon on 5th May 2008 for Diabetes Research. Pat is asking for your support. Phone 81671550

The Annual Lourdes Hospitalite Collection – takes place at all Masses on 17th & 18th May 2008. This fund is used solely for the purpose of providing medical care and support to people of the Diocese who are sick and wish to go to Lourdes. Your support would be very much appreciated

ULSTER PROJECT - Bill & Winkie Bouldin are retiring from Ulster Project. They are coming to Castlederg from 9th - 12th May on Sunday 11th May at 2.00 pm in Church of Ireland Hall, Lower Strabane Road. They want to meet all the teens and their families that were in new Orleans since 1991. Please make this a memorable event

CASTLEDERG CANCER RESEARCH COMMITTEE – are holding their Annual Spring Sale in the Bridgetown Hall – Main carpark from Monday 5th May – Friday 16th May
11.00 am – 9 pm daily. All support welcome

TABLE QUIZ - ULSTER PROJECT - On Wednesday 7th May 2008 at 7.30 pm in St Patrick’s Hall, Castlederg - Cost £10 per table. Please come along your support would be greatly appreciated

NOBLE STORY – A short history of the diocese of Derry – please collect a copy in the porch