Sunday, 13th December 2009

Third Sunday of Advent.

The people asked John: ‘What must we do?’ This question was in the context of John’s proclaiming the Good News of the coming of Christ. As we prepare for Christmas this year what a good question that is for all of us. ‘What must we do?’ If you are a parent, give time to your children rather than just giving them all the costly presents that you are planning. If you are married, give your wife/husband the gift of your attention and affection rather than spending all that time apart at Christmas parties. If you are young, give some of your time and energy to those in need rather than just looking for what you can get. If you are at odds with someone, make it up. If you are in bad form, change for the sake of those close to you. And for all of us, what we must do is put Christ at the heart of Christmas and have a wonderful time.

Fr. Johnny Doherty, C.Ss.R.

Sunday, 13th December, 2009

Third Sunday of Advent
(Gaudete Sunday)

First Reading Zephaniah 3: 14-18
Jerusalem is urged to rejoice because God stands in her midst. We too can take heart from this message of hope.

Second Reading Philippians 4: 4-7
Paul urges us to rejoice in the Lord and to let go of anxiety by living in a spirit of prayer and thanksgiving.

Gospel Luke 3: 10-18
John the Baptist tells the people what they must do to prepare for the Lord’s coming and to escape his searching judgement.

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 13th December 2009

Third Sunday of Advent

Today is known as Gaudete Sunday, Gaudete meaning Rejoice. The pink candle in the Advent Wreath is lit today, in joyous anticipation of the Lord’s coming.

The ancestral line of Jesus is shown today by decorating the Jesse Tree with various symbols representing the events and people who went before Him. The name Jesse Tree comes from Jesse, father of King David, of whose line Jesus was born.

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

C O N F E S S I O N S F O R C H R I S T M A S

Drumnabey: Before Mass on Thursday evening, 7.00pm – 7.25pm
Dregish: Before Mass on Friday evening, 7.00pm – 7.25pm

CHRISTMAS MASS SCHEDULE

St Francis of Assisi: Christmas Eve 7.00pm, Christmas Day 11.30am

St Mary’s, Dregish: Christmas Eve 9.00pm, Christmas Day 10.00am

Sarah (Sadie) McCanny RIP, late of Dublin (formerly Castlebane)
As a parish community, we offer our sympathy and prayerful support to Francie and Cassie McCanny, on the death of their sister, Sarah, whose Funeral Mass took place on Wednesday of this week in St Francis of Assisi. May she rest in peace.

THANK YOU for your generosity in last week’s collection:

Dregish £400, Drumnabey £380.

DREGISH BAZAAR

The net profit from our Bazaar, which goes to parish funds, was £2,797. Renewed thanks to all who contributed to this fantastic achievement.

The staff and children of our schools extend a warm invitation to everyone in the parish community to their Christmas Shows:

ENVAGH PS: In Dregish Hall, on Tuesday night (15th), commencing at 7.30pm.

ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI PS : In the school on Tuesday (15th): Matinee at 11.00am, Evening Show 7.30pm. Wed (16th) 7.30pm. Tickets on sale from the school office. Chilldren free, but require a ticket.

ST EUGENE’S HIGH SCHOOL Carol Service, in the school, on Thursday night (17th), at 8.15pm. Admission is free. Everyone welcome.

SUGAR AND SPICE EARLY YEARS CENTRE, DRUMQUIN: Application forms for funded pre-school children for 2010/2011 are now available at the Centre. Contact the Centre on 028 82832 997 or Bernadette on 028 82 831 680.

OUR VOLUNTEER VOYAGE TO ZAMBIA

Deirdre Timoney has written a book on the experiences of herself and her husband, Thomas, while on a year’s voluntary work in Zambia. The book is available for purchase in McNamee’s shop, Newtownstewart, and McKenna’s shop, Drumquin, as well as at a variety of outlets in Omagh. Cost £10. All proceeds will go towards projects in Zambia. Your support will be much appreciated.

USED STAMPS

Please remember to save your used stamps for the missions. There are boxes at the back of our churches in which to place them.

DREGISH GFC Lotto: Numbers last week: 6, 5, 4, 1, 2, 7, 3. £50 won by M McCawille. Jackpot £1,750.

SPAMOUNT SWIFTS Lotto: Numbers last week: 3, 7, 13, 20. Theresa Gormley won £50. Jackpot £1,260.

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

CHRISTMAS CARDS depicting the cribs at Dregish and Drumnabey remain available for purchase after Mass. They are also available at McGuires’ PO and at the Parochial House. Packs of eight, cost £5. All profit will go to parish funds.

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.