Sunday, 6th December 2009

Second Sunday of Advent.

"(John) went through the whole Jordan district proclaiming a baptism for the forgiveness of sins." Every day we are made aware of how much evil there is in our world, with stories of cruelty and vandalism at home and abroad. And yet in spite of this awareness there is a huge decline in our sense of sin. In some ways this is a good development because in former times so much was thought of as sin. However, as we approach Christmas and beyond, it is important that we hear the call for repentance and leave anything that is harmful in the past behind us by placing it firmly in the hands of Christ, especially through celebrating the great Sacrament of Confession. This makes it possible for us to make a fresh start again and again in our relationships with God and with one another in our homes and in our parish community.

F r. Johnny Doherty, C.Ss.R.

Sunday, 6th December, 2009

Second Sunday of Advent

First Reading Baruch 5: 1-9
God will guide Israel in joy by the light of his glory.

Second Reading Philippians 1: 3-6
We are to be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.

Gospel Luke 3: 1-6
John the Baptist preaches repentance to prepare for the coming of Christ.

Masses

Monday : 7.30 pm - Tuesday : 10.00 am

Wednesday :10.00 am

Thursday : 10.00 am

Friday : 10.00 am

Saturday : 10.00 am and Vigil : 7.00 pm

Sunday : 9.00 am and 11.00 am

Confessions: Saturday: after 10.00am Mass and 6.00pm - 7.00pm

Sunday Collection: £1,444.00 and € 77

Thank you for your generosity

Legion of Mary

meets every Monday at 6.30 pm in the meeting room in church.

New members welcome

Eucharistic Ministers for December
Vigil : Margaret Ann Gormley, Pat O’Loughlin, Anthony Harkin, Avril Campbell
9.00: Maureen Lynch, Annette McAleer
11.00: Pat McLaughlin, Marie McSorley, Bridgett Barrett, Kathleen Lynch

Offertory Procession for December
Vigil: Eamon and Mary Coyle
9.00: Hilary and Kathleen Lynch
11.00: Vincent and Kathleen Duggan

Readers for December : Vigil: Marie Connolly 11.00: Philomena Doherty

CHURCH CLEANERS THIS WEEK - Kathleen Lynch, May Sharkey, Nora McAnea, MB McGrath

ALTAR SERVERS – Group 2 – Kiera Laird, Emma Larid, Adam Laird, Sasha Byrne, Michael Gallagher, Niamh McLaughlin

MASSES FOR THE FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

Monday : Vigil : 7.30 pm and Tuesday : 10.00 am and 7.30 pm

CHOIR PRACTICE FOR CHRISTMAS

Monday 7th December 2009 at 8.00 pm after Mass

CONFIRMATION DAY - The Sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated in this Parish by Bishop Lagan on Sunday 7th March 2010 at 11.00 am

DERRY DIOCESAN LOURDES PILGRIMAGE - led by Bishop Hegarty DD in 16th -21st July 2010 Fare £629 inclusive. Booking forms available in all parishes and from the Pilgrimage Secretary - Tel 028 71260293. Why not give someone an opportunity of going on the Lourdes Pilgrimage as your Christmas Gift - Gift Vouchers £25 - £100 are now available from Pilgrimage Office

ADVENT REFLECTIONS - “Waiting In Joyful Hope” Reflection and prayer on the Sunday Gospels of Advent - Facilitated by Omagh Prayer Guidance Team. Continues : 10th & 17th December

WHAT MIGHT I DO TO GET MORE OUT OF ADVENT? What a pity that Advent has been devoured by the commercial side of Christmas. Advent develops hope in the time of waiting, and hope is a virtue most needed to sustain our faith in the wilderness of scandals and recession. Try to let Christmas wait until Christmas. Let Advent be a time for more reflection and prayer. Get in tough with those areas of life where we struggle, where we experience our incompleteness, where we come to recognise our need of God. Christmas will be properly celebrated by those who know their need of God. Come, Lord Jesus, come

ST VINCENT DE PAUL - HELPLINE NUMBER : 028 71384488

SYMPATHY

Expression of sympathy and condolence to the family and friends of

Michael Doherty, Young Crescent and

Michael Hurley, Fintona.

May they rest in peace

ECUMENICAL CAROL SERVICE - In St Bestisus Church Killeter on Sunday 6th December at 7 pm

Also in Castlederg 2nd Presbyterian Church (opposite Vivo) on Friday 18th December at 7 pm

OUR PARISH CHOIR WILL BE SINGING AT THESE EVENTS.

Everyone welcome

CHRISTMAS BAZAAR - Many thanks to everyone who support the Bazaar, those who donated prizes and attended on the night

IRELAND’S GOT TALENT - Sunday evening at 6.30 on RTE 1 - Please tune in and watch local girl Chloe Coyle (Student at St Eugene’s High School) who will be taking part. Hopefully she will progress further in this competition. We all wish her good luck in this competition

Bingo and Whist - We would appreciate your support for the Bingo
Bingo on Tuesday night @ 9 pm Whist on Thursday night @ 8.30 pm

THORNHILL CENTRE, DERRY - Foundations in Liturgy : A 12 week Liturgy course to be held in Sion Mills Parish Centre beginning Tuesday 19th January from 7.30 - 9.30 pm. Course : cost £10 contact 71351233

CARMELITE RETREAT CENTRE, TERMONBACCA

Further details contact : 71262512

A Mass for the sick with Eucharistic Blessing - will take place on Tuesday 8th December at 8.00 pm. All are welcome

Advent Weekend Retreat - 11th - 13th December - Registration begins at 7.30 pm Friday evening

A quiet residential weekend which will be a spiritual preparation for the feast of Christmas

TRÓCAIRE GLOBAL GIFT - Instead of giving Christmas Gifts, you can sponsor a gift to Trócaire for the person and send the gift card. Cards are available in the church. Your gift can make a world of difference - Various gifts which range in price from £9 to £180

CHILDREN IN CROSSFIRE - ADVENT CAMPAIGN FOR 2009 - Advent packs containing their unique two-in-one Advent calendar/collection box are available in the church porch - They will be collected over the weekends 8th/9th January

BRITISH HEART FOUNDATION N.I. - in partnership with the WHSCT, NI Ambulance Service and NI Cardiac Services network have launched a Heart Attack awareness campaign which will run over the next 6 months. Its aims are to highlight the signs and symptoms of a heart attack and to call 999 immediately

ST EUGENE’S HIGH SCHOOL - VARIETY CONCERT - Wednesday 9th December at 7.30 pm Tickets on sale from school office - Adult £5 - Child £4 - Family Ticket £12 (2D+2C)

Launch of Year 9 Girls CD - available to buy on the night £5

CAROL SERVICE - Thursday 17th December at 8.15 pm. Everyone welcome - no charge

ST PATRICK’S P.S. - PRIMARY 1 ENROLMENT FORMS - available from the School Office - Children born between 2/7/05 - 1/7/06 - All forms to be returned by 12 noon on 20th January 2010

COMMUNITY SAFETY MORnING IN DERG VALLEY CARE - on Wednesday 9th December between 10 am to 12 noon. Many groups will be there giving advice and support

SPAMOUNT DISTRICT CROSS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION - Christmas Social on Friday 11th December in the Spamount Centre - Music by The Crystals - Adm £5 including supper - All welcome

BARROWFIELD F.C. - LOTTO - 6, 7, 12, 13 - No winners

Paddy McCrea wins £30

“YOU ARE PRECIOUS IN MY SIGHT” - If you are concerned about someone with suicidal feeling phone the Samaritans or consult your GP - Samaritans 0845 9090 90

CAISLEAN NA DEIRGE G.A.C.
G.A.A. Lotto: 01/12/09 ( 6,4,) 7,2,3,1,5 - 6 winners receive £20 each - Next week Jackpot £500

Scor na nOg- Good luck to Faolan Friel we wish him good luck in the Ulster Semi Final on Saturday 5th December

Monthly Meeting : In St Patrick’s Hall on Monday 7th December at 8 pm. All Committee members are asked to attend