Sunday 12th October 2008

Many are called but few are chosen.

"Everything is ready. Come to the wedding." I have been at several weddings again this year and it strikes me that no matter how many you go to they are always great occasions. You never get tired of them. That's what Jesus wants for us as his people - that we would be wedding people, joyful, happy, and celebrating. In response to his word this week make a special effort to bring this sense of joy to one another, as this is a vital way to practise our faith. This is particularly important in our homes so that all who live there may know the wonder of God's love. It takes a real effort on the part of everyone to constantly create this sense of gladness but it is well worth the effort. It is also so important in the parish community to develop this sense of freedom for one another so that others can come to know how much they are loved.

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 Fr E Graham 816 61445

Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Day of Prayer for Emigrants

Parish Missal Readings (Year 1) p 367 & Proper p 1096

First Reading Isaiah 25: 6-10
The Lord will wipe away the tears from every cheek; he will take away his people’s shame everywhere on earth, for the Lord has said so.

Second Reading Philippians 4: 12-14, 19-20
There is nothing I cannot master with the help of the One who gives me strength.

Gospel Matthew 22: 1-14
The invitation to join God is given to everyone, from generation to generation, now what’s our response to this invitation?

Today is a Day of Prayer for Emigrants

We remember, in a special way today, all those who have departed our shores down through the years, for whatever reason, to live in foreign lands. We pray in a special way for those who have lost contact with their loved ones.

THANK YOU for your generosity in recent collections:
Sunday 28th September: Dregish £320, Drumnabey £400
Sunday 5th October: Dregish £374, Drumnabey £413.

Next Sunday is Mission Sunday. There will be a second collection at all Masses, the Propagation of the Faith, annual collection. There is an envelope in your envelope boxes. This collection is managed by the Pontifical Society for the Propagation of the Faith, and is used for the spread of the Gospel in third world countries. Your generosity will be greatly appreciated.

WEEKLY EXPOSITION of the Blessed Sacrament continues every Thursday evening in St Francis of Assisi, from 6.30 to 7.20pm. This month, the prayer intention is Prayer for the Missions. I ask you to ensure that people are present at all times when the Blessed Sacrament is exposed in the church.

FORTY HOURS ADORATION will take place in St Mary’s, Dregish, on Sunday 26th October, commencing after 10.00am Mass and finishing with a Holy Hour from 7.00pm to 8.00pm.

In preparation for the Forty Hours, we will have a ‘spring clean’ of the church on Saturday 25th October, at 4.00pm. I would ask that as many people as possible come along on that day to help. Cleaning materials will be provided.

STATION MASSES: A small number of dates in the last week of October are available for Station Masses. The dates are: Mon 27th, Tue 28th, Wed 29th. If anyone would like to host a Station Mass in their home on any of these dates, please contact Fr O’Doherty as soon as possible.
A Station Mass has already been booked for 24th, for the Glassmullagh area.

CHILD PROTECTION INFORMATION EVENING will be held on Thursday 23rd October at 8.30pm in St Patrick’s Hall, Castlederg. If your work for the parish (voluntary work or paid employment) involves you working with minors (under 18 years of age), it is important that you attend this Information Evening. Our Parish Representatives will give information on our Parish Child Protection policy, including vetting procedures, and relative questions or queries will be addressed.

USED STAMPS A parcel of used stamps is being sent off to the Kiltegan Fathers within the next week. If you have used stamps gathered up, please put them in the boxes provided at the back of our churches. Thank you for your support.

ST JOSEPH’S PRAYER GROUP, OMAGH: Anyone who wishes to spend one hour in Community, Friendship and Prayer can come along to the Christian Brothers Oratory, Kevlin Road, Omagh, on Wednesday evenings, at 8.10pm, to include the Rosary with Meditations, Sunday Gospel of the coming week, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Intercessory Prayers and Intentions, Music and Hymns. Everyone welcome.

RALLY FOR LIFE (Pro-Life Rally) next Saturday (18th) in Belfast, at 1.00pm. This rally is to give the people of Northern Ireland an opportunity to send a clear message to Westminster that we are united in our opposition to the proposal to extend the 1967 Abortion Act to Northern Ireland. For further information please contact Pauline on 028 816 71003. Bus leaving Omagh bus depot at 9.30am, fare £7.

DUBLIN MARATHON FOR BREAST CANCER RESEARCH Louise Quinn, Niall Gallen and Gloria Donaghey are running the Dublin Marathon on 27th October for Breast Cancer Research. They welcome all sponsorship. Online donations can be made via www.justgiving.com/paulasrun,

Pat O’Loughlin is running the Dublin Marathon for Multiple Sclerosis Research at Walton Research Unit, Liverpool. Pat also asks for your support.

DREGISH GFC Lotto: Numbers last week: 2, 3, 4, 1, 7, 5, 6. Pat Dooris won the £50. Jackpot £300.

25 CARD PLAY resumes in the clubrooms tomorrow night (Monday), commencing at 8.30pm sharp! Your support of the card play will be greatly appreciated.