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.

Wedding Feast of Cana

Last week, we celebrated the Baptism of the Lord, which marked the beginning of the public ministry of Jesus. That is followed, this week, in John’s Gospel, with his account of the first Miracle of Jesus - the changing of the water into wine at the Wedding Feast of Cana.

Today is also World Day of Prayer for Migrants and Refugees.

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

MASS SCHEDULE FOR THIS WEEK

DRUMNABEY: Monday 10.00am, Thursday 7.30pm

DREGISH: Wednesday 10.00am, Friday 7.30pm

THANK YOU for your generosity in last week’s collection:
Dregish £405, Drumnabey £485.

SERVICE OF LIGHT for the children from the parish who are making their Confirmation this year, and their families, will take place during the 7.30pm Mass in St Patrick’s Church, Castlederg, on Wednesday 3rd February.

Thursday 11th February, Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, is World Day of Prayer for the Sick. To mark the occasion, a special Mass will be held in St Francis of Assisi, Drumnabey, on that date, at 7.00pm, during which the sick will be anointed and carers of the sick will have their hands blessed. I hope that as many of our sick as possible can attend, as well as those who care for the sick in any capacity.

VOCATIONS INFORMATION DAY

A Vocations Information Day in relation to vocations for diocesan priesthood will take place on Saturday 20th February, in the Thornhill Centre, Culmore Road, Derry, from 11.00am – 4.00pm. Further details in the coming weeks.

ACCORD PRE-MARRRIAGE COURSES in the Pastoral Centre, Brook Street, Omagh, on the following dates: 5 & 6 February, 26 & 27 February, 16 & 17 April, 14 & 15 May, 11 & 12 June. To book, tel 028 8224 2439. I encourage any couples who are getting married this year to take up this valuable opportunity to help further develop their relationship.

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK commences on Sunday 31 January. The theme this year is ‘Catholic Schools – A Light for Every Generation’. As part of the celebrations for Catholic Schools Week there will be a Mass in St Eugene’s Cathedral, Derry, on Thursday 4 February, at 12.30pm. The schools from our parish will be represented at this Mass. Everyone is welcome.

LENTEN RETREAT directed by Fr Eddie Butler (priest of the Birmingham Diocese) will take place in Ards Friary, Creeslough, from Sat 20 February, starting at 9.30am, until lunch time on Sun 21 February. The theme is ‘Prepare the way for Jesus our Lord’ and is aimed at helping us to focus upon the Christ at the centre of our lives. Cost €85 (residential) or €60 (non-residential). Contact Ards Friary on 0035374 913 8909 or email info@ardsfriary.ie

ST EUGENE’S HIGH SCHOOL Open Night tomorrow night, Monday 25th, from 7.30pm – 9.00pm. Principal’s address will take place at 7.30pm. Everyone welcome.

THE ALL IRELAND TALENT SHOW Chloe Coyle, a student at St Eugene’s High School, has qualified for the All Ireland Talent Show and is now in the last eight for the North. Chloe will be singing on the show on Sunday 7th February, on RTE 1, commencing at 6.30pm. We all wish her Good Luck and ask for your support for her. Telephone numbers for voting will be available on the night on the live show.

DREGISH GFC Lotto Numbers for last week: f1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 6, 2. Six people shared the £50. Jackpot £1,850.

25 CARD PLAY every Monday night, in the clubrooms, commencing at 8.30pm. All support for the cards will be greatly appreciated.

SPAMOUNT SWIFTS Lotto Numbers for last week: 5, 7, 10, 22. Jo Carter won £50. Jackpot £1,380.

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.