Sunday 17th May 2009

Sixth Sunday of Easter

The Spirit of God’s love

Jesus said to his disciples: “You did not choose me; no, I chose you.” Anybody who is involved in a team sport will know the tension there is in wondering if they will be picked for the team and then the delight when they are picked or the utter disappointment when they are not. Jesus has picked each one of us for his team of disciples because the task of transforming the world is so vast and because each one of us has our own unique gifts and opportunities for the task. Our responsibility is to say yes to his call and take our part in his mission. As always this begins in our homes with the most intimate relationships of human life, to make those the best they can possibly be. Our mission is also to our faith community where we have a special relationship in the Body and Blood of Christ. And it extends to the world in which we live. This week we can refresh the enthusiasm and joy of being chosen.

Fr. Johnny Doherty, C.Ss.R

Sunday 17th May 2009

6th Sunday of Easter

First Reading Acts of the Apostles 10: 25-26
The baptism of Cornelius, the first pagan to receive the grace of baptism, shows that God’s salvation is offered to all.

Second Reading John 4: 7-10
This reading contains what is probably the most important statement ever made about God.

Gospel John 15: 9-17
Jesus leaves his friends the supreme commandment of love.

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 17th May 2009 - Sixth Sunday of Easter

‘Remain in my love’

WEEKDAY MASSES

Drumnabey: Monday 10.00am, Thursday 7.30pm

Dregish: Wednesday 10.00am, Friday 10.00am

THANK YOU for last week’s collection: Dregish £332, Drumnabey £348.

TROCAIRE Collection amounted to: Dregish £1,585, Drumnabey £2,275.
Sincere thanks for your generosity.

CONGRATULATIONS to the P4 children of Envagh PS and Drumnabey PS who are making their First Holy Communion today. Please pray for them and their families today, that the Eucharist may always be central to their lives. Thank you to their teachers for preparing them so well for the Sacrament of the Eucharist and to their parents and families for their help in preparing them for this very important day in their lives.

MAY ALTARS, ST MARY’S, DREGISH AND ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI

I invite you to continue to place your prayer intentions during the month of May in the Prayer Intention Boxes at the May Altars. As you pray at the Altars during the month of May, I ask you to remember all the prayer intentions that are placed there.

A few cheques from the Parishioners’ Savings Scheme have not yet been cashed. It would be appreciated if they could be cashed as soon as convenient. If your savings cheque is out of date (over six months old), please contact Fr Doherty on 816 71393.

FORTY HOURS ADORATION in St Francis of Assisi, Drumnabey, today, starting with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament at 1.00pm and finishing with Devotions and Benediction from 7.30pm – 8.00pm. To ensure that the Blessed Sacrament is attended at all times during Exposition, a sheet is placed at the doors of the Church for you to assign yourselves a time for adoration. I encourage as many people as possible to come along to spend some time of prayer and reflection in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. Everyone is warmly invited to our Devotions and Benediction commencing at 7.30pm.

PARISH MISSION, hosted by St Patrick’s, Castlederg, from Sat 6th June to Sun 14th June. The Mission is being preached by the Ceili Community, from Kilbeggan, Co Westmeath.

The Evening Devotions will be held in Castlederg, at 7.30pm. A 6.30am Mission Mass will be held in Dregish from Monday to Friday and a 12.30pm Mission Mass will be held in Drumnabey, Monday to Friday. A full schedule of the Mission will be available for everybody within the next couple of weeks.

DERRY DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO KNOCK, SUNDAY 7th JUNE Provision of Care for the Sick: Please register for assistance by phoning the Pilgrimage Office in Derry on 028 7126 0293.

Bus: Pick-up points at Drumnabey PS, 8.00am, McGuires, Envagh, 8.20am. To book, please put your name on the sheet at the back of the church or phone Brian Devenney on 816 79806.

SPECIAL FEATURES currently on the Irish Bishops’ Conference website, www.catholicbishops.ie , which may be of interest to you:

• Lough Derg, as a Place of Pilgrimage, past and present, featuring a video interview with Bishop Joseph Duffy;

• Remembering the Irish Famine, marking the celebration today of the First National Famine Commemoration Day.

SPAMOUNT SWIFTS Lotto Numbers last week: 8, 13, 21, 25. Shane Devine won £50. Jackpot £3,500. AGM on Wednesday 3rd June at 7.30pm.

DREGISH GFC Lotto: Numbers last week: 6, 3, 4, 7, 5, 1, 2. £50 shared between Laura Quinn, Aidan Sweeney and Thomas Nugent. Jackpot £1,000.
Tyrone play Armagh on 31st May. Ticket applications have to be with Liam Strain by 2.00pm on 21st May or left in the letterbox by 8.00pm on Tuesday 19th May. Family tickets are available for the Pat McGrane Stand.

CHARITY AUCTION at Duncans’ Store, Drumquin, next Saturday, 23rd May, at 11.00am in aid of Smiles Foundation, Romania, and Wyresdale children’s Home, Nepal. Many items, including furniture. All support welcomed.

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.