Sunday 8th March 2009

2nd Sunday of Lent

This Is My Son, The Beloved

"It is wonderful for us to be here." Peter made this enthusiastic statement in the story of the Transfiguration, which is given to us this Sunday for our inspiration in faith. Each of us has a right to be able to make this same statement in our following of Christ. It is also one of the most important responsibilities we have to each other to make that possible. We do this by working together to build our parish into a real community of faith and hope. It means everyone being willing to take their full part in the life of the parish. We do it by making our homes into places of joy and happiness. Again, each person, no matter how young, has a part to play in bringing this about. Married couples do it for each other by working on the quality of their relationship of love in terms of tenderness and affection. This takes dedicating time for each other and using that time well.

Fr. Johnny Doherty, C.Ss.R

REV PATRICK DOHERTY
Tel 028 816 71393
patrick.doherty@derrydiocese.org

REV COLM O’DOHERTY
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 8th March 2009

2nd Sunday in Lent

First Reading Genesis 22: 1-2.9-13.15-18
The sacrifice of Abraham, our father in faith.

Second Reading Romans 8: 31-34
God did not spare his own Son.

Gospel Mark 9: 2-10
Jesus is revealed as the Beloved Son of God.

‘This is my Son, the Beloved. Listen to Him’

The story of the Transfiguration of Jesus is told every year on the Second Sunday of Lent. This story, which tells of Jesus meeting God the Father in a glorious encounter and being confirmed in His mission, comes at a critical time in Mark’s Gospel – it comes shortly after Jesus’ prediction of His death and at a time when His teachings and actions are meeting with growing opposition and hostility from religious leaders. The Transfiguration was to sustain the disciples in times when their faith would be sorely tested. The story reassures us too and gives us a glimpse of our destiny if we remain faithful to Jesus and the teachings of the Gospel.

This year, in supporting the annual Trocaire Lenten Campaign, we are helping people who have suffered injustice and have been forced to give up their homes, due to war and conflict. Forced to Flee from Conflict is the theme this year. Your usual generous support will be appreciated. Please encourage children, in particular, to participate in contributing to this vital cause. Boxes are available at the back of the church for anyone who did not receive one.

WEEKDAY MASSES

St Francis of Assisi, Drumnabey:
Monday 10.00am, Thursday 7.30pm

St Mary’s, Dregish:
Wednesday 10.00am, Friday 10.00am

I encourage as many as possible to attend our Weekday Masses, particularly during Lent.

ST PATRICK’S NIGHT FUNDRAISING DANCE will be held in St Patrick’s Hall, Castlederg, on Tuesday 17th March, commencing at 10pm. Music by Country Traditions. Adm £5, including refreshments.

All proceeds will go to Parish Funds. Tickets are already on sale in the Drumnabey areas. Tickets in Dregish can be obtained from Fr Colm or Francis McGuire. There will be a draw on the night for unused tickets. Everyone welcome and all support will be greatly appreciated.

EXPOSITION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT every Thursday evening in St Francis of Assisi, from 6.30pm to 7.20pm.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION will be held in Dregish and Drumnabey on Sunday 17th May.

APOSTOLIC WORK

Mass will be offered during Lent for all Honorary Members. All your donations and fundraising for Apostolic Work is given directly to the missions.

Tickets for the Apostolic Work Easter Draw are available at the back of St Mary’s, Dregish, Cost £0.50 or three tickets for £1.00. The draw will be held on 31st March. Your support will be greatly appreciated.

WORKSHOP FOR CHOIRS

An Afternoon Workshop for Choirs, or for anyone else interested in Church Music, will be held on Saturday 21 March, in St Patrick’s Hall, Castlederg, from 2.00pm to 4.00pm. Music will include pieces for Holy Week and Easter. Cost £3 per person, including refreshments. It is hoped that as many as possible from our parish choirs will attend this workshop. Please let Fr O’Doherty know the numbers attending, during the coming week.

LENTEN COURSES are currently being run at the Thornhill Centre, Derry. These include Lenten Retreats each Thursday morning and Scripture Courses. Contact Thornhill Centre on 71351233 for further details.

DREGISH GFC Lotto: Numbers last week: 5, 6, 3, 7, 1, 4, 2. £50 shared between Matt Moore, James Baxter and The Legend. Jackpot £750.
25 CARD PLAY tomorrow night at 8.30pm.

SPAMOUNT SWIFTS LOTTO Numbers last week: 8, 10, 20, 23. Liam Doonan and Michelle McHugh shared £50. Jackpot £3,500.

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.