Sunday, 8th November 2009

32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time.

Christian Trust

Jesus said to his disciples: "This poor widow has put more in than all who have contributed to the treasury". Today we judge the importance of things by how much they cost. And we also judge the importance of people by how wealthy they are. Jesus gives us a different way of judging, namely by how generous a person is. Generosity is one of the best signs of how free people are within themselves because the greatest freedom is to love with our whole hearts. So many things block that freedom in us, particularly our need to protect our possessions and to increase them. In the person of the poor widow, Jesus gives us the example of complete freedom. This week we are invited to practise this freedom in our homes and in our community by giving time and attention to one another. We are also asked to give to those in need in our world. How free are you to be generous?

Fr. Johnny Doherty, C.Ss.R.

Sunday, 8th November 2009

32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time.

First Reading 1 Kings 17; 10-16
In the middle of a famine, a poor widow shares the last of her food with the prophet Elijah and far from losing by so doing, she is enriched.

Second Reading Hebrews 9: 24-28
Through his death Christ has taken our sins upon himself and has opened for us the door to salvation.

Gospel Mark 12: 38-44
In the eyes of others the offering of the widow was the least, but in the eyes of Christ it was the greatest.

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 8th November 2009

Thirty Second Sunday Ordinary Time

In today’s Gospel, Jesus points out the contrast between the false piety of the Scribes and the selfless generosity of the poor widow. The widow gave everything she possessed to God, while the Scribes gave what they had to spare. Her giving showed she had complete trust in God. Their giving showed that their priority was keeping enough for themselves.

BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE: I invite you to write the names of your deceased relatives and friends in the Book of Remembrance at the front of the church. They will be prayed for each time Mass is celebrated in the church during the month of November.

EXPOSITION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT in St Francis of Assisi, Drumnabey, on Thursday evenings, during November, before the Evening Mass, from 6.30pm – 7.20pm. I encourage as many people as possible to use this opportunity to spend some time of prayer and reflection in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament.

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

Drumnabey: Monday 10.00am, Thursday 7.30pm

Dregish: Wednesday 10.00am, Friday 7.30pm

Please note, the Friday Mass in Dregish,
during the month of November, is at 7.30pm.

TRUST FUND FOR RETIRED PRIESTS collection will be taken up, as a second collection, at all Masses today.

FUNDRAISING EVENT IN AID OF ENVAGH PRIMARY SCHOOL: A Fundraising Weekend of Pampering, Facials and Make-overs, is being hosted by Margaret and friends, of Nutrimetics, next weekend, Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th November. You are invited to come along to 51 Cashty Road, between 11.00am and 6.00pm on Saturday and between 12.00 noon and 7.00pm on Sunday. Refreshments will be served. Tel Margaret on 07714014757. All proceeds will go to the school. It is hoped that this fundraising initiative for our school will be well supported by the school and parish community.

CHRISTMAS CARDS depicting the cribs at Dregish and Drumnabey have been printed and are available for purchase after Mass today and in the weeks ahead. They are made up in packs of eight, for £5. It is hoped that many of you will purchase these cards. All proceeds will go to parish funds.

DREGISH BAZAAR

Our Bazaar this year will take place in the hall on the night of Sunday 29 November. All prizes and donations will be gratefully accepted. We ask that all the collectors and helpers do their usual tasks this year again, for the success of the Bazaar.

ADVENT RETREAT in the Ards Friary Retreat and Conference Centre, Creeslough, Co Donegal, commencing Sat 28th November at 9.30am and finishing on Sun 29th November, after lunch. Facilitator: Fr Owen O’Sullivan OFM Capuchin. Cost €85 residential, €60 non-residential. Tel 0035374 913 8909 or email info@ardsfriary.ie

OMAGH CARDIAC SUPPORT GROUP invites anyone with angina or other heart problems to their monthly meeting on the second Tuesday of every month. Next meeting is this Tue night, 10 Nov, at 7.30pm in the Post Graduate Building, Omagh County Hospital. Guest speaker Stephen Lecky from British Heart Foundation. For further information tel 82244 152 or 816 79 686.

Pat O’Loughlin would like to thank everyone who sponsored him in his 30th Dublin Marathon. Pat raised £4,175 for MS Research.

DREGISH GFC Lotto: Numbers last week: 5, 3, 2, 7, 6, 1, 4. £50 won by Kathleen Nugent. Jackpot £1,650.

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

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.