Sunday 10th May 2009

Fifth Sunday of Easter

Christ the True Vine

Jesus said to his disciples: "It is to the glory of my Father that you should bear much fruit." When we think of faith we generally think of our faith in God. Jesus reveals God's faith in us, and the trust he puts in us to show his love to the world in which we live. We 'bear much fruit' for God by the way we love one another, first of all in our homes, and then in our community. Each of us has a great responsibility to practise all the qualities of love constantly - kindness, gentleness, compassion, understanding, forgiveness, encouragement, praise, thanksgiving and so on. Our homes and our parish community should be places where everyone can be glad to be and can know God's love and praise his name. In this way, the renewal of the Church is never completed but is something that is started fresh every Sunday.

Fr. Johnny Doherty, C.Ss.R

Sunday 10th May 2009

5th Sunday of Easter

First Reading Acts of the Apostles 9: 26-31
Saul (Paul) overcomes the suspicions of the other disciples and begins preaching.

Second Reading John 3: 18-24
Our love must be expressed not just in words, but in real action.

Gospel John 15: 1-8
Whoever remains in Jesus bears fruit in plenty.

Derry Diocese Child Protection Annual Update

A lot of work has been accomplished in the area of Child Protection in the Diocese over the past number of years due to the commitment of personnel at all levels in the diocese from the Bishop through to dedicated Parish Representatives working on the ground in all parishes.

The Diocese of Derry continues to put in place those structures, personnel, policies and procedures that will try to ensure the protection and welfare of children and young people in a manner consistent with statutory requirements and Church guidelines. In the light of the teaching of the Church, Civil Legislation and Guidance, every part of the Church community must be committed to taking the necessary steps to :

• Demonstrate that the right of the child to protection from harm is paramount

• Cherish and safeguard children and young people

• Foster best practice

• Support Church organisations and personnel in safeguarding children

• Establish safe recruitment and vetting practices - aimed at preventing those who pose a risk to children from holding positions of trust

• Maintain codes of behaviour - having clear guidelines that set out what is and is not acceptable behaviour as an essential part of keeping children safe.

The Diocese now has a Child Protection Committee, Diocesan Co-ordinator, 2 Diocesan Trainers and a network of Parish Representatives.

The trainers deliver information on “best practice” and raise awareness of child protection issues; they also provide support to parishes within the Diocese. In turn the Parish Representatives will pass on this information and raise awareness within their parish communities. This is done through information evenings that have been and continue to be held throughout the Diocese.

Notices are displayed in our churches which include the Diocesan Policy Statement, contact numbers for statutory authorities for anyone with a concern in relation to child protection or who wish to make an allegation as well as the names and contact numbers of the diocesan delegates.

28th April 2009

Masses

Monday : 7.30 pm Tuesday : 10.00 am Wednesday : 7.30 pm
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: Monday: 7.00 pm - 7.30 pm
Saturday: After 10.00 am Mass and 6.00 pm - 7.00 pm

Sunday Collection: £ 1,821.00

Thank you for your generosity

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

Legion of Mary meets every Monday at 6.30 pm in the meeting room in church. New members welcome

Eucharistic Ministers for May
Vigil : Anthony Harkin, Avril Campbell, Patricia McGlynn
9.00: Seamus Duffy, Margaret Cassidy
11.00: Jean Coyle, Marie Devenney, Sean Dolan

Offertory Procession for May
Vigil: Harper Family
9.00: Paddy Carlin and Peter McCullagh
11.00: Jimmy Duffy and John McCallion

Readers for May : Vigil: Maureen Lynch 11.00: Ann Marie Anderson

CHURCH CLEANERS THIS WEEK - Mary McAnea, Denise Gallagher, Bernie Breen, Annie Quinn, Vera Harvey, Geraldine McHale

ALTAR SERVERS – Group 4 – Eadaoin Devlin, Roisin Devlin, Catherine Coyle, Colleen Logue, Ciara Porter, Kevin Shaughnessy

PRE-MARRIAGE COURSES IN OMAGH - 2009
2009 - May 22nd & 23rd, June 19th & 20th - Application Forms available from our priest or apply to The Secretary, ACCORD, Mount St.Columba’s Pastoral Centre, 48 Brook Street, Omagh BT78 5HD or Tel: 028 82242439

DERRY DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO KNOCK - Sunday 7th June. Bishop Hegarty will celebrate the Mass

POPE’S INTENTION FOR MAY

General: That the laity and Christian communities may be responsible promoters of priestly and religious vocations

Mission: That the recently founded Catholic Churches, grateful to the hold for the gift of faith, may be ready to share in the universal mission of the church, offering their availability to preach the Gospel throughout the world

FEASTS THIS WEEK :
Wednesday : Our Lady of Fatima
Thursday : St Matthias

ST VINCENT DE PAUL - HELPLINE NUMBER : 028 71 384488

CAISLEAN NA DEIRGE G.A.C.

G.A.A. Lotto - (2, 4, 6,) 7, 3, 1, 5 - M Nicholll, 16 Alexander Park - Vera Catterson, Cavan Road wins £50 each. Next Weeks Jackpot £ 475

Minors - At home to Clann na Gael on Wednesday 13th May at 7.30 pm

Under 12s - Training continues on Mondays at Marius McHugh Park at 6.00 pm

Coaching for Under 10s, 8s & 6s - BOYS & GIRLS - Saturdays at 10.00 am & Mondays at 6 pm

GOLF CLASSIC - At Newtownstewart Golf Club on Friday 29th May. Details from Declan Devine

CAISLEAN NA DEIRGE AND MNA NA DEIRGE – CELEBRATION OF 125 YEARS OF GAA

Exhibition of underage football with all children from under 12 at the pitch starting at 2 pm. All boys and girls to be there from 1.30 pm

A special Variety Concert will take place on Sunday 10th May at 7.00 pm in St Patrick’s Hall. History of the Club will be on display. Refreshments included. Admission £3 – Under 18s Free. Please come along for a very enjoyable night of local entertainment

N.I. BLOOD TRANSFUSION SERVICE - Castlederg High School on Thursday 28th May at 2.15 pm - 4 pm and 5.15 pm - 8 pm. New donors are always needed

GUIDES, BRIGINIS & CYGNETS - Annual Gate Collection at all Masses this weekend 9th and 10th May 2009

STRABANE AND CASTLEDERG DISTRICT - SPECIAL OLYPMICS CLUB - GOLF CLASSIC - Sunday 24th May 2009 at Strabane Golf Club - Teams: Men/Ladies/Junior - Team Entrance Fee £60 - 4 players - for times or further information ring Frankie Houston 028 71 382271 - PLEASE SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL SPECIAL OLYMPIANS

DERG VALLEY COMMUNITY FAMILY CENTRE - TABLE QUIZ IN GALLEN’S BAR On Friday 22nd May at 9.00 pm £10 Per Team - Table of 4

CASTLEDERG CANCER RESEARCH COMMITTEE - Are holding their Annual Spring Sale in Bridgetown Hall, Main Carpark from Monday 4th May to Friday 15th May daily from 10 am - 9 pm

BODYFIT - CONTINUES IN ST PATRICK’S HALL on Thursday evenings at 7.00 pm - 8.00 pm sharp. Suitable for beginners, intermediate, advanced - male and female. Work at your own pace

CHURCHTOWN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION - Are delivering “Start IT” commencing on Monday 11th May (subject to numbers) For further information please contact Mary 81670652

BARROWFIELD F.C. LOTTO – JACKPOT £1500 - 2, 12, 16, 20
Winner : Hugh Coyle, Greystone Avenue - wins £30

NEXT IRISH FR. BILL “YOUNG ADULTS” RETREAT (Given by Fr. Anthony)
Will be held in Ards Friary, Co Donegal - From 28th June - 4th July 2009. For more information contact : Roisin on 0035374 9363336 or 00353 868937399 - “God is Love”

ENGAGED ENCOUNTER : Engaged? Getting married with the next year? Engaged Encounter is a recognised form of marriage preparation. It is a communication enrichment workshop designed for couples preparing for marriage. It will take place in Thornhill Centre on 6th & 7th June. Early booking is advised. Contact : 028 79300340 or 028 27628512 after 4.30 pm Website - www.marriageencounter.ie

ULSTER PROJECT 2009 - Would like to thank everyone who took part in the Car Wash fund raiser last week