Sunday 28th December 2008

Feast of the Holy Family

Mary, the Ark of God's Covenant

“Meanwhile the child grew to maturity and he was filled with wisdom; and God’s favour was with him”. It is always fascinating to watch children growing up. Each small stage is filled with wonder. It doesn’t take long for each child to begin to show his/her own individuality and special gifts. This is what happened with Jesus also. Mary and Joseph had to go through all the emotions of parents everywhere, wondering how this boy was going to turn out. They worried about him. In today’s world, hildren growing up have to contend with so much that get in the way of their true development. Many are being drawn away from the practice of their faith and any real knowledge of God’s love, much to the distress of their parents and grandparents. It is only by working together as parents, as couples, as community, that we can hand on this most valuable gift of faith. Make your home a place of love and prayer. And make your faith community a place of joy and welcome and God’s favour.

Fr. Johnny Doherty, C.Ss.R

The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

First Reading Genesis 15: 1-6
Your heir shall be your own flesh and blood.

Second Reading Hebrews 11: 8, 11-12, 17-19
The faith of Abraham, Sarah and Isaac.

Gospel Luke 2: 22-40
The child grew, filled with wisdom.

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’

Sunday 28th December 2008
Feast of the Holy Family

On this first Sunday after Christmas we honour the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. We entrust all families to their patronage and we give thanks for our family of origin and for the blessings of family life.

WEEKDAY MASSES

St Francis of Assisi: Monday 10.00am
Please note, Mass on Thursday (New Year’s Day) will be in Dregish, at 11.00am.

St Mary’s, Dregish: Wednesday 10.00am
Thursday, New Year’s Day 11.00am
Friday 10.00am

We will have a short prayer service in St Patrick’s, Castlederg, on Wednesday night (New Year’s Eve Night), from 11.30pm until 12.00 midnight, to welcome in the New Year and to ask God’s blessing on all members of our parish community. Everyone in the parish is warmly invited to attend.

The sick and housebound in Dregish and Drumnabey will be attended next week, Thursday 8th and Friday 9th January.

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.

USED STAMPS

Please remember to bring in your used stamps from over the Christmas period to the chapel, for collection by the people from our parish who save them for the missions. There is a collection box at the back of both churches.

DREGISH GFC Lotto: Numbers last week: 3, 7, 2, 5, 6, 1, 4. £50 went to Eamon Ferris. Jackpot £550. 25 CARD PLAY tomorrow night at 8.30pm.

AGM takes place on Friday 23rd January. Nominations and motions should be with Liam Strain on or before Friday 9th January.

TYRONE ANNUAL is now on sale, price £10.

SPAMOUNT SWIFTS LOTTO Christmas Draw: Nos 5, 8, 16, 19. £50 went to Willie Oliver, £25 to Mary Devenney, £25 to Philip O’Donnell. Jackpot £3,500.

2009

The priests of the parish wish you and your families a very peaceful and happy New Year and every blessing throughout the coming year. We 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

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.