Sunday, 20th September 2009

25th Sunday of the Year

Christ the Son of God

Jesus said to his disciples: 'If anyone wants to be first he/she must make himself/herself least of all and servant of all.' Whoever said that religion is the opium of the people obviously never read the Gospels because if opium was nearly as difficult to take as some of the things that Jesus said there would be very few people taking it! And yet the truth is that only his way works. We all want to be first in so many different ways. We can see people in every sphere of life going around puffed up with their self-importance, often putting others down in order to keep their position. It is the opposite to the way of Jesus and can never lead to lasting happiness. This week again we are invited to practise putting other people first, especially in our families and communities, and know the joy that this brings.

Fr. Johnny Doherty, C.Ss.R.

Sunday, 20th September 2009

Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading Wisdom 2: 12. 17-20
The godless plot to do away with the just one, because his blameless life is a reproach to them.

Second Reading James 3: 16 – 4: 3
Jealousy, ambition and self-seeking lead to disharmony and fighting. Gentleness, reasonableness and mercy lead to peace.

Gospel Mark 9: 30-37
Jesus tells his apostles he will suffer bitter humiliation and death, and says true greatness shows itself in service towards the weaker members of the community.

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

Living the Sunday Liturgy

PRAYER FOCUS

May we love one another.
What does 'love one another' mean in your life right now?

Take time to wonder at the beauty of a baby or small child.
Could you babysit for someone this week?

“Anyone who welcomes one of these little children in my name, welcomes me; and anyone who welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.”

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

Dregish: Wednesday: 10.00am, Friday 10.00am

Drumnabey: Monday: 10.00am, Thursday 7.30pm

I encourage as many people as possible to attend our Weekday Masses.

SISTERS OF NAZARETH COLLECTION

The Sisters of Nazareth in Derry have written to thank the parish very much for the generous contribution to the annual collection that was taken up on 15th August. The parish raised £1,860 in total, which is going towards the replacement of one the boilers at Nazareth House.

FORTY HOURS ADORATION in St Patrick’s Church, Castlederg, next Sunday, starting with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament after 11.00am Mass, and concluding with a Holy Hour from 6.00 – 7.00pm. Everyone in the parish is encouraged to come along.

STATION MASSES: If anyone wishes to host a Station Mass in their home during the month of October, please contact Fr O’Doherty this week.

ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI PRIMARY SCHOOL, DRUMNABEY

Bishop Hegarty will visit the school on Thursday 8th October, at 12.00 noon, to conduct a short service, officially re-naming and dedicating the school to the patronage of St Francis of Assisi. Everyone in the parish is welcome to come along and join in the Service of Dedication and, afterwards, to share in refreshments and meet with Bishop Hegarty.

IHCPT (THE IRISH PILGRIMAGE TRUST) – Young People’s Pilgrimage to Lourdes, Easter 2010: the Irish Pilgrimage Trust welcomes applications from young people, aged 11 – 18, with a physical or learning disability or suffering caused by illness / trauma / bereavement. The organisation also accepts applications from family Groups for very seriously ill children under the age of 9. the IHCPT covers the cost of the young people selected to travel. Contact Damian on 07968 312770 or 0035391 796622 for further information or for an application form. Closing date for applications is 31 October 2009. Check website www.irishpilgrimage.com

DERRY DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES next year, 2010, from 16 – 21 July. Cost £629, can be paid in instalments. Application forms available at the Parochial House or from the Pilgrimage Office in Derry, Tel 7126 0293. Application forms for those in need of care or for those aged 80+ available only from the Pilgrimage Office.

NORTHERN IRELAND BLOOD TRANSFUSION SERVICE

The next blood donation session will be held in Castlederg High School (Castlegore Rd) on Tuesday 29 September, from 2.15pm – 4.00pm and 5.15pm – 8.00pm. The Blood Transfusion Service need the support of new donors, in addition to existing donors. I encourage you to give their request your consideration.

CHURCHTOWN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION in conjunction with NWRC is offering a variety of classes in the coming weeks and months. For further information, contact the Association on 816 70652.

PAT O’LOUGHLIN is planning to run his 30th Dublin Marathon, on 26th October, for MS Research at Walton MS Unit, Liverpool. Pat is the only person north of the border and one of only twenty-five people in the world to have completed all 29 Dublin Marathons. Pat asks for your support. Contact him on 816 71550 or contact John Doherty on 816 79686.

DREGISH GFC Lotto: Numbers last week: 6, 2, 4, 3, 1, 5, 7. Thomas O’Kane won the £50. Jackpot £1,450.

SPAMOUNT SWIFTS Lotto: Numbers last week: 11, 14, 17, 25. No winners. Jackpot £1,000.

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.