Sunday 23rd November 2008

Christ the King

Jesus said to his disciples: "In so far as you did this to one of these brothers/sisters of mine, you did it to me." There are many ways of looking at what Christianity is about and most of them are valid. This extraordinary statement by Christ brings us to the very heart of it - the absolute dignity of every human being, the beloved of God. We practice our Christianity primarily through our love for one another and our care for all those in need. They say that charity begins at home. How true that is. Very often the person who is in most need is a wife or husband who is being taken for granted. Or there is often the child or young person who has everything except real affection for which they crave. But charity cannot remain at home. It has to spread out to the parish community and through that community to the poor and marginalised. That is how we honour Christ as our King.

Fr. Johnny Doherty, C.Ss.R

Sunday 23rd November 2008.

Parish Missal Readings (Year 1) p 392 & Proper p 1108

First Reading Ezekiel 34; 11-12.15-17
The Lord will be a true shepherd to his people.

Second Reading 1 Corinthians 15: 20-26.28
All will be subject to God, so that God may be all in all.

Gospel Matthew 25: 31-46
The Son of Man will take his seat on his throne of glory.

I rejoiced when I heard them say:
“Let us go to God’s house.”
And now our feet are standing
within your gates, O Jerusalem.

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

Today’s celebration of the Feast of Christ the King marks the end of the Church’s liturgical year. Today’s Gospel, which describes the last judgement, gives an insight into Christ’s model of kingship. For Him, kingship is not about power and authority. It is about service to God through one another - it is about responding positively to others, particularly to the plight of the needy. When we do this, we are reaching out to Christ himself.

‘In so far as you did this to one of the least of these brothers of mine,
you did it to me’

‘In so far as you neglected to do this to one of the least of these,
you neglected to do it to me’

CEMETERY SUNDAY COLLECTION: There is a second collection at our Masses today for the upkeep of our parish graveyards. There is an envelope for this collection. Your generosity will be much appreciated. Sincere thanks to those who give of their time to maintaining our graveyards to such a high standard and to everyone for looking after their family graves so well. It is a great honour to our deceased family members and friends.

WEEKDAY MASSES
St Francis of Assisi, Drumnabey:
Monday 10.00am, Thursday 7.30pm, with Exposition from 6.30pm

St Mary’s, Dregish:
Wednesday 10.00am, Friday 10.00am

ANNUAL PARISH BAZAAR - Our Bazaar will take place in Dregish Hall on the night of Sunday 7th December. The bazaar will commence at 8.00pm sharp and finish at 11.30pm sharp. Gifts and donations gratefully accepted. I ask that all collectors and helpers do their usual tasks. I appeal for your generous support.

THANK YOU for your generosity in recent collections:
Sunday 16th November: Dregish £267, Drumnabey £324.
Trust Fund for Retired Priests collection:
Dregish £312, Drumnabey £308.

Sincere thanks to the donors of £20, £50 and £100 towards the cost of the new window for St Francis of Assisi. All donations are most welcome.

PARISHIONERS’ SAVINGS, DREGISH: The final collection of the year will be next Sunday, 30th November. The collectors are asked to check totals for the year with all savers. The savings will be paid out, in the hall, after Mass, on Sunday 7th December.

Please note: If anyone requires a certificate of their savings for the year to be issued, for tax purposes, please contact Fr O’Doherty.

NEW EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS – ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI: There will be a training evening on Tuesday 2nd December in St Patrick’s Church, Castlederg, given by Sr Marie from Thornhill Centre, Derry, from 7.30 – 9.30pm. All new ministers are asked to attend. The newly appointed Eucharistic Ministers in Dregish are most welcome to attend also, as part of their ongoing formation.

ADVENT REFLECTIONS “Prepare for God’s Arrival”, Isaiah 40:3. Members of the Omagh Prayer Guidance Team will attend the 10.00am Mass in St Patrick’s Church, Castlederg, on four consecutive Thursdays beginning this Thursday, 27th November. Immediately after Mass, they will lead us in a reflection on the following Sunday’s readings. This will last between 20 / 30 minutes. Everyone is welcome to attend.

CONFIRMATION

The Sacrament of Confirmation will be administered in our parish on Sun 22 February 2009 at 11.00am Mass in St Patrick’s.

ST EUGENE’S HIGH SCHOOL presents The Sound of Music on 17th and 19th December, at 7.45pm. Tickets available from the school office. Adults £5, children £4, Family ticket £12 (2 adults and 2 chidren).

DREGISH GFC Lotto: Numbers last week: 5, 6, 3, 7, 4, 1, 2. £50 shared between James Baxter and The Legend. Jackpot £400.

25 CARD PLAY in the clubrooms every Monday night, commencing at 8.30pm sharp! Everyone welcome.

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.