REV COLM O’DOHERTY PP
16 Castlefin Road, Castlederg, Co Tyrone, BT81 7EB

Tel 028 816 71393, Mobile 07786115471 (028 816 61475 Messages may be left)

Email c.odoherty@btinternet.com Parish Website www.castledergparish.com

Neighbouring Priests: Fr J Gilmore, Aghyaran, 028 816 70728,

Fr K Mullan, Drumquin, 028 82 831 225 - Fr S Kearney, Newtownstewart, 028 816 61445

Sunday, 8th January 2012 - The Baptism of Our Lord

Sunday, 8th January 2012 - The Baptism of the Lord

First Reading: Isaiah 42:1-4.6-7
Lift up your eyes and look around you.

Second Reading: Acts of Apostles 10:34-38
I have been entrusted by God with the grace he has meant for you.

Gospel: Mark 1:7-11
For out of you will come a leader who will shepherd my people Israel.

Immersed in Christ,aware of the gift received,sent into the world. Mark 1:7-11

WEEKEND MASS SCHEDULE SAT/SUN 14 / 15 JANUARY

Vigil Mass - St Patrick’s, Castlederg 6.00pm

Vigil Mass - St Francis of Assisi, Drumnabey 8.00pm

Sunday - St Patrick’s, Castlederg 10.00am

Sunday - St Mary’s, Dregish 11.30am

WEEKDAY MASS SCHEDULE THIS WEEK

Monday Drumnabey 10.00am

Tuesday Castlederg 9.30am

Wednesday Dregish 10.00am
Wednesday Castlederg 7.30pm

Thursday Drumnabey 7.30pm

Friday Castlederg 10.00am

SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM this month in St Patrick’s, Castlederg, will be administered next Sunday, 15 January 2012, at 1.30pm. Completed Baptism Cards should be returned today.

Please bring your Christmas stamps in to our churches for the missions!

I take this opportunity to thank the many, many people who took such an active part in the pastoral life of our parish community in the last year and who were involved in so many different forms of ministry. In particular, I wish to thank all who took an active role in our Weekend Masses/Liturgies and in preparation for them: Altar Servers, Choirs, Eucharistic Ministers, Ministers of the Word, Offertory Gift bearers, Collectors, Counters, Cleaners, Flower Arrangers, Co-ordinators of duties, Sacristans. I thank our Groundsmen, those who counted the weekly collections, those who carried out administrative roles – book-keeping, envelopes, archival work, weekly newsletter. I am most grateful for the witness of those involved in parish groups – the Pioneer Association, Legion of Mary, Apostolic Work Society, St Vincent de Paul, Parish Council, Parish Finance Council. I thank everyone involved in parish fundraising activities and all who gave of their time and talents in carrying out work and projects at our churches/halls. Many other people helped out in a variety of ways and I thank you so much for your support. Your witness is the living faith of our parish community. I look forward to serving you in the coming year and to your continued support and prayers. God bless you all. Fr Colm

SINCERE THANKS for your generosity to me in the Christmas collection. It is greatly appreciated.
THANK YOU for your generosity in last week’s collection, which amounted to £2,380.

PARISH COUNCIL MEETING tomorrow night, Monday 9 January, in St Patrick’s Hall, at 7.30pm, to review the Weekend Mass Schedule. The outcome of the meeting will be published next week.

VISITATION OF THE SICK AND HOUSEBOUND: I will visit the sick and housebound this week, as follows:

Dregish: Wednesday morning (after 10.00am Mass), Drumnabey: Wednesday afternoon, from 12.00noon

Castlederg: Town areas – Thursday (starting at 11.00am) Rural areas – Friday morning (after 10.00am Mass)

PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL As mentioned last month, it is my hope that our parish will, this year, participate in the Parish Pastoral Council Support Programme which the diocese offers. The programme aims to guide and assist parishioners in taking an active role in the life and future of their parish. Seven other parishes intend to participate this year. For the programme to provide meaningful support and formation, the parishes participating are required to commit to the following format:

· January: The Parish Priest and three / four delegates (parishioners) attend a Study Day and form a co-ordinating team

· February: The co-ordinating team hold an Introductory / Information Weekend in the parish, with special prayers during the weekend

· April: Parishioners are asked to participate in a Questionnaire on ‘The Life and Future of our Parish as a Living Faith Community’

· May / June: A Parish Assembly Day is held, when the first members of the new Pastoral Council are elected

· September / October: the first members attend a Weekend Formation Programme

· November / December, the new Parish Pastoral Council will be fully operational.

The Study Day will be on Saturday 21 January. I am hoping that three representatives from our parish will attend it with me, one from Dregish, one from Drumnabey and one from Castlederg. I will keep you updated on this initiative.

SERVICE OF LIGHT for all children taking the Sacrament of Confirmation, their parents/guardians and sponsors, in St Patrick’s Church, Castlederg, on Wed 18 January 2012, at the 7.30pm Mass.

CHILDREN IN CROSSFIRE wish to thank everyone who supported their 2011 Advent Appeal. Advent Calendar Boxes or other donations should be returned next weekend. Proceeds will benefit children suffering from severe malnutrition in Ethiopia. For further information visit www.childrenincrossfire.org/advent

TROCAIRE wish to thank the people of the Derry Diocese for their most generous response to the Trocaire Lenten Campaign. The amount raised was £413,237 and €94,134. They also express sincere thanks for the generous response to their East Africa Emergency Appeal. Your continued support is helping them to transform the lives of people living in poverty and, without it, the work of Trocaire would not be possible.

LYENGAR YOGA AND PILATES CLASSES resume in Churchtown Community Centre on Mon 9 January: 6.15 pilates, 7.30 pilates and yoga. Tuesday and Friday mornings: pilates at 10.00am and yoga at 11.15am. Contact Annie on 816 71126 or 07716034570. All classes run through NWRC. £20 for ten weeks.

GIVE BLOOD in Castlederg High School on Monday 16 January, from 1.30pm-3.45pm and 5.00pm-8.00pm.

DREGISH GFC: Lotto Nrs 25 December: 1, 3, 5, 2, 6, 7, 4. Aideen Sweeney won the £50. Nrs 1 January: 5, 2, 7, 1, 4, 6, 3. Four people shared the £50. Jackpot £1,500. 25 Card Play in the clubrooms every Monday night, commencing at 8.30pm sharp. Tea served. All support greatly appreciated.

CAISLEÁN NA DEIRGE First round of the Senior Scor takes place on 27 January 2012. Anyone interested in representing the club please contact Berlinda Logue.

CHURCH DUTIES FOR JANUARY:

ST PATRICK’S, CASTLEDERG

CHURCH DUTIES ROTA, DREGISH AND DRUMNABEY: Thank you to those who carried out the church duties in the Drumnabey Park and Dunteague areas this month. In December, the Glasmullagh and Gamble Park areas are on duty. Thanks also to the co-ordinators.