Sunday 21st December 2008

4th Sunday of Advent

Mary, the Ark of God's Covenant

"Rejoice so highly favoured; the Lord is with you." The Angel addressed these words to Mary, the Mother of Jesus, and our Mother. But they are also addressed to each of us who have the wonderful privilege of knowing Jesus through our Baptism. They have a very special significance for couples who are privileged to have each other and to be united in the Sacrament of Marriage. In the course of this week of Christmas, be aware of all the good that is in your love relationship, how highly favoured you are to have this person as your wife/husband. Be aware also of the goodness of each one of your children and how privileged you are to have them. As you celebrate the Eucharist during this week leading up to Christmas, make a special effort to appreciate the people of your parish. And know that your love makes Christ present.

Fr. Johnny Doherty, C.Ss.R

4th Sunday of Advent

Parish Missal Readings (Year 2) p 410 & Proper p 990

First Reading 2 Samuel 7: 1-5, 8-11, 16
Daniel wants to build a house for God, but instead God promises to build an everlasting dynasty for him.

Second Reading Romans 16: 25-27
God’s plan of salvation for Jews and Gentiles has come to fulfillment in Christ.

Gospel Luke 1: 26-38
God’s promise to David was fulfilled in Jesus.

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

‘I have baptised you with water, but He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit’

PLEASE NOTE THE TIMES OF THE
CHRISTMAS AND CHRISTMAS WEEK MASSES

St Francis of Assisi: Monday 10.00am
Christmas Eve (Wed) 7.00pm
Christmas Day (Thurs) 11.30am

St Mary’s, Dregish: Christmas Eve (Wed) 9.00pm
Christmas Day (Thurs) 10.00am
St Stephen’s Day (Fri) 11.00am

CONFESSIONS: Today in St Mary’s, Dregish, from 3.00 – 4.30pm.

The priests of the parish wish you and your families every joy and blessing at this Christmas time and throughout 2009. Thank you all for your generous support to us at all times and especially for your prayers. God bless you all.

Fr Paddy

Fr Colm

ADVENT HEALING SERVICE

The final of the Advent Healing Services takes place this evening in St Patrick’s Church, Castlederg, at 6.00. You are warmly invited to come along to join in this time of prayer and reflection, in preparation for the great celebration of the birth of our Saviour.

CLEANING OF OUR CHURCHES IN PREPARATION FOR CHRISTMAS
St Mary’s, Dregish: Tomorrow evening (Monday) at 7.30pm
St Francis of Assisi: Tomorrow evening (Monday) at 8.00pm

It will be greatly appreciated if as many people as possible could come along tomorrow evening to the cleaning of our churches in preparation for our Christmas celebrations. Cleaning materials will be provided. Many hands will make light work!

CONGRATULATIONS to the children of Envagh PS and Drumnabey PS on your performances in the Christmas shows this week. You showed gifts and talents in abundance and are a credit to your schools and families. Sincere thanks also to the management and staff of our schools for their hard work in putting the shows together and to the members of our parish community for your great support.

ST PAT’S PLAYERS present Robin Hood in St Patrick’s Hall, Castlederg, on Sunday 28th, Monday 29th, Tuesday 30th December and Thursday 1st, Friday 2nd and Saturday 3rd January. Starting nightly at 8pm. Adm £5. Tickets can be purchased at Dinny McCrory’s, Castlederg.

Thank you for your generosity in recent collections:
Sunday 7 December Dregish £, Drumnabey £
Sunday 14 December Dregish £, Drumnabey £.

USED STAMPS

Please remember to save your used stamps over the Christmas period for the missions. There is a collection box at the back of both churches.

DREGISH GFC Lotto: Numbers last week: . £50 went to . Jackpot £500.

SPAMOUNT SWIFTS Lotto: Numbers last week: 1, 13, 15, 24. No winners. Jackpot £3,500.

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.