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.

Fr. 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.

REV BRIAN DONNELLY PP
Tel 028 816 71393
patrick.doherty@derrydiocese.org

REV COLM O’DOHERTY CC
Tel 028 816 61475
07786115471 (emergencies only)
c.odoherty@btinternet.com

NEIGHBOURING PRIESTS:
Fr K Mullan 82 831225 Fr J Gilmore 816 70728

Parish website: www.castledergparish.com
Derry Diocesan website: www.derrydiocese.org
Derry Diocesan Catechetical Centre: www.catecheticalcentre.org
Irish Bishops’ Conference: www.catholicbishops.ie

Sunday 6th December 2009

Second Sunday of Advent

‘Prepare a way for the Lord’

In today’s Gospel, Luke introduces John the Baptist, who preaches a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, inviting the people to prepare for the coming of the Messiah. As we continue on our Advent journey, we too are called to prepare for the celebration of the birth of Jesus, by reflecting on the areas of life where we struggle and changing our hearts and minds so that we can recognise the presence of Christ in our lives.

The second purple candle of the Advent Wreath is lit today. It is traditionally called the Candle of Peace, acknowledging Christ as the Prince of Peace, who will come into our lives, bringing new life, hope and peace.

Tuesday of this week, 8th December, is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, and is a Holy Day of Obligation. Masses as on Sundays.

W E E K D A Y M A S S E S

Drumnabey: Monday 10.00am, Tuesday 11.30am, Thursday 7.30pm

Dregish: Tuesday 10.00am, Wednesday 10.00am, Friday 7.30pm

C O N F E S S I O N S F O R C H R I S T M A S

Drumnabey: Before Mass on Thursday evening, 7.00pm – 7.25pm

Dregish: Before Mass on Friday evening, 7.00pm – 7.25pm

Confessions will also be heard at these times next week

THANK YOU for your generosity in last week’s collection:

Sunday 15 November: Dregish £460, Drumnabey £381

Cemetery Sunday collection: Dregish £285, Drumnabey £270.

DREGISH BAZAAR

Sincere thanks to everyone who helped make our Bazaar the great social and financial success that it was, last Sunday night. Thank you to the collectors, those who helped prepare the hall, everyone who came along to the Bazaar and to those who donated prizes and money. Special thanks to Mary Timoney, Patricia O’Neill, Eithne and Francie McGuire, Frank McCanny, and our great team of ticket sellers, for all their hard work on the night. The final proceeds raised will be published next week.

ENVAGH PS Christmas Show: The staff and children on Envagh PS extend a warm invitation to everyone in the parish community to join with them for their Christmas Show, in Dregish Hall, on Tuesday 15th December, commencing at 7.30pm. A great night’s entertainment is guaranteed. Adm £3, children free. All proceeds will go to school funds. Supper will be served.

CHRISTMAS SOCIAL in the Spamount Cross Community Hall, this Friday night, 11th December. Dancing from 9.30. Music by The Crystal. Adm £5. All support will be greatly appreciated.

INTERCESSORS OF THE LAMB ONE DAY RETREAT in the Ards Friary, Creeslough, commencing at 9.30am and finishing at 7.00pm. Tel 0035374 9138909 or email info@ardsfriary.ie for further details.

FOUNDATIONS IN LITURGY

A 12-week Liturgy Course will be held in Sion Mills Parish Centre, starting on Tue 19 January 2010, from 7.30 – 9.30pm. This course is designed to foster an understanding of the richness of the liturgy of the church, examining core elements and symbols of our ritual and worship. The course is led by the Thornhill Centre. Cost £100. For further details, contact the Thornhill Centre on 7135 1233.

OUR VOLUNTEER VOYAGE TO ZAMBIA

Deirdre Timoney has written a book on the experiences of herself and her husband, Thomas, while on a year’s voluntary work in Zambia. The book is available for purchase in McNamee’s shop, Newtownstewart, and McKenna’s shop, Drumquin, as well as at a variety of outlets in Omagh. Cost £10. All proceeds will go towards projects in Zambia. Your support will be much appreciated.

DREGISH GFC

Lotto: Numbers last week: 4, 2, 6, 3, 5, 1, 7. £50 shared between F McGuire and M Timoney. Jackpot £1,750.

25 CARD PLAY in the clubrooms, every Monday night, commencing at 8.30pm sharp. All support greatly appreciated.

SPAMOUNT SWIFTS Lotto: Numbers last two weeks: 7, 19, 22, 24: no winners. 2, 14, 16, 19, James Doherty won £50.

CHRISTMAS CARDS depicting the cribs at Dregish and Drumnabey are available for purchase after Mass today and in the weeks ahead. They are also available at McGuires’ Post Office and at the Parochial House. They are made up in packs of eight, for £5. All proceeds will go to parish funds. It is hoped that many of you will purchase these cards to send to family and friends this Christmas.

PLEASE NOTE: Notices for the parish bulletin are welcome; however, they need to be with Fr O’Doherty by Thursday afternoon at the latest, for inclusion.