Sunday, 24th January 2010

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Good News to the poor

Jesus read from the scroll: ‘He has sent me to bring the good news to the poor, to proclaim liberty to captives, and to the blind new sight, to set the downtrodden free, to proclaim the Lord’s year of favour’. Then he said: ‘this text is being fulfilled today, even as you listen’. This is surely the clearest statement about the purpose of the Church and of our part in it that could be made. We don’t just have a faith that is for us to make us comfortable. We have a power to transform the world we live in and living our faith is about doing just that. Our homes are to be places where each person finds healing and affirmation. The same has to be made true of the faith community we belong to. It is time to move away from a sense of duty in regard to our faith and move into a sense of adventure for the Kingdom of God.

Fr. Johnny Doherty, C.Ss.R.

Sunday, 24th January 2010

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading : Nehemiah 8: 2-6.8-10
After Jesus returned from exile in Babylon, Ezra sought to re-establish the Jewish religion. Here, he reads the book of the law of Moses to the people.

Second Reading: Corinthians 12: 12-30
Just as the human body is one though made up of many parts, so the Church, though composed of different members with different gifts, form a unity in Christ.

Gospel: Luke 1: 1-4; 4: 14-21
Gods’ promises are fulfilled in Jesus, the long awaited Saviour of the poor and oppressed.

MASSES

Monday : 7.30 pm Tuesday : 10.00 am

Wednesday : 7.30 pm Thursday : 10.00 am

Friday : 10.00 am

Saturday : 10.00 am and Vigil : 7.00 pm

Sunday : 9.00 am and 11.00 am

Confessions: Saturday after 10.00 am Mass and 6.00 pm - 7.00 pm

Sunday Collection:

£ 1,661.00 and € 40

Thank you for your generosity

Legion of Mary meets every Monday at 6.30 pm in the meeting room in church. New members welcome

Eucharistic Ministers for January - 30th & 31st
Vigil : Bridgett Barrett, Kathleen Lynch, Pat O’Loughlin, Seamus Duffy
9.00 Mary McCrory, Kathleen Duggan
11.00 Mary Gallen, Grace McMenamin, Seamus Duffy, Margaret Cassidy

Offertory Procession for January
Vigil: John McGlynn and Family
9.00: Colm and May Sharkey
11.00: Lynch Family, Brooke Park

Readers for January : Vigil: Maolíosa McHugh 11.00: Philomena Doherty

CHURCH CLEANERS THIS WEEK - Ruby Catterson, Celine Catterson, Ann James, Marie McMenamin, Anne Marie Anderson, Betty Dolan

ALTAR SERVERS – Group 1 – Eoin Byrne, Aoife Byrne, Gavin Kelly, Laura Lee Penrose, Casey McHugh, Maria McLaughlin

CONFIRMATION DAY - The Sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated in this Parish by Bishop Lagan on Sunday 7th March 2010 at 11.00 am

DERRY DIOCESAN LOURDES PILGRIMAGE - led by Bishop Hegarty DD in 16th -21st July 2010 Fare £629 inclusive. Booking forms available in all parishes and from the Pilgrimage Secretary - Tel 028 71260293

ST VINCENT DE PAUL - HELPLINE NUMBER : 028 71384488

SPECIAL DIOCESAN MASS - The Annual Diocesan Mass for those with Special Needs, and their families and friends, will take place in Saint Joseph’s Church, Galliagh, Derry on Saturday 24th April 2010. Bishop Lagan will celebrate the Mass. If you have a child who wishes to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation or First Communion at this Mass please contact the Catechetical Centre on 028 71264087 or email ddcc@derrydiocese.org

CHOIR PRACTICE - Monday night at 8.00 pm (after 7.30 pm Mass) It is vital that all members attend as new hymns are being learnt for Easter. New members welcome

“YOU ARE PRECIOUS IN MY SIGHT” - If you are concerned about someone with suicidal feeling phone the Samaritans or consult your GP - Samaritans 0845 9090 90

ARDS FRIARY - RETREAT AND CONFERENCE CENTRE - Saturday 20th - Sunday 21st - Lenten Retreat (Open to everyone) Directed by Fr Eddie Butler (priest of the Birmingham Diocese) Theme: “Prepare the way for Jesus our Lord” Commences: 9.30 am - Concludes after Lunch - Cost €85 Residential - €60 Non Residential - Contact : Ards Friary Retreat Centre Tel No. 00353 749138909 or info@ardsfriary.ie - Make time to reflect, pray and prepare oneself for Easter. This retreat will help you focus upon the Christ at the centre of our lives

THE ALL IRELAND TALENT SHOW - Sunday 7th February - RTE 1 at 6.30 pm Congratulations to Chloe Coyle (Student at St Eugene’s H S) who has qualified for the above competition and is now in the last 8 for the North. We all wish her good luck - please give Chloe your support & vote - Telephone Numbers for voting will be available on the night on the live show

BARROWFIELD F.C. - LOTTO - There was no lotto at the weekend

Bingo and Whist - We would appreciate your support for the Bingo
Bingo on Tuesday night at 9 pm Whist on Thursday night @ 8.30 pm
Bingo will not resume until Tuesday 2nd February 2010

ST EUGENE’S HIGH SCHOOL - OPEN NIGHT - The Principal and Staff warmly invite Parents and P7 Transfer Pupils to our Open Night on Monday 25th January 2010 at 7.30 pm to 9.00 pm. Principal’s address will take place at 7.30 pm and all are welcome

DERG VALLEY LEISURE CENTRE - HEALTH AWARENESS EVENING - 2nd FEBRUARY 2010 - 7.00 PM - 9.00 PM - Aims to attract the local population, encouraging them to seriously consider how they feel about their body, mind and general well being. Includes blood pressure, body mass, diabetes checks and cholesterol checks as well as physiotherapy, massage and cancer awareness demonstrations. Information on food and diet. Any further information contact : Niamh mcGlynn, Sports Development, Strabane District Council 71382204

CASTLEDERG YOUTH FORUM - DROP IN continues on Fridays 6 pm - 7.45 pm (8 - 12 year olds) 8 pm - 12 pm (13+ Year Olds) Loads of Fun …… Wii, Play Stations, Board Games, Pool Tables, Internet, Air Hockey, Chill out and much, much more. The Drop In will also open Saturdays 7.30 pm - 11.30 pm for 13+ year olds.
Join the Castlederg Youth Singing group 13+ every Friday 6 pm - 7 pm. For more information : Janet or Tammy 07733913132. Volunteers required

Body Fit - Continues in St Patrick’s Hall on Thursday nights at 7 pm sharp. Ideal for male or female beginners, intermediate or advanced

CHURCHTOWN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION - Are recruiting women for their Positive Relations Project commencing with Personal Development training on Monday 8th and 15th February at the Ard Mor Centre. All training is FREE with childcare and travel subsidy available to qualifying participants. To enrol or for further information contact : Anita on 81670652

CAISLEAN NA DEIRGE G.A.C.

Seniors & Reserves : Training resumes on Wednesday and Friday nights at St Eugene’s HS. Anyone who is interested in playing football in the coming year should come along

Under 14s : Training will start on Saturday mornings at 11.00 am at St Eugene’s HS. Registration will also take place - Youth Membership £5

Scor na nOg - Well done to Faolan Friel who took part in the Ulster Final last weekend. He did his Club and County proud

Merchandise : Jerseys, Hoodies, Tracksuits, Shorts/Socks, Bags - Contact: Jo Lynch