Sunday, 29th November 2009

First Sunday of Advent.

Jesus said to his disciples: "hold your heads high, for your liberation is close at hand". Over the past few years, with all the revelations of scandals in the Church and society, there is a lot for us to be ashamed of and repent for. However, the resulting despair that some people have experienced is not necessary because there continues to be so much goodness in the Church and society that we can be proud of. This week we begin a new year in our journey of faith with Christ. It is an opportunity to once again have confidence in his presence with us, and his power in us. Without in any way being unrealistic, this is a time to look towards him to save us and to set us free. We will find that freedom in how we are with one another in our homes and in our parish community as we approach Christmas and beyond with love rather than selfishness.

Fr. Johnny Doherty, C.Ss.R.

Sunday, 29th November, 2009

First Sunday of Advent

First Reading Jeremiah 33: 14-16
In those days Judah shall be saved and Israel shall dwell in confidence.

Second Reading Thessalonians 3: 12 -4:2
May the Lord be generous in increasing your love and make you love one another.

Gospel Luke 21: 25-28, 34-36
Stay awake, praying at all times for the strength to survive all that is going to happen, and to stand with confidence before the Son of Man.

Masses

Monday : 7.30 pm - Tuesday : 10.00 am

Wednesday :10.00 am

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 10.00am Mass and 6.00pm - 7.00pm

PLEASE TAKE NOTE MASS TIMES DURING THE WEEK
No Mass Wednesday night, morning Mass instead and First Friday no evening Mass

Sunday Collection: £ 1,347 and € 71

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 December
Vigil : Margaret Ann Gormley, Pat O’Loughlin, Anthony Harkin, Avril Campbell
9.00: Maureen Lynch, Annette McAleer
11.00: Pat McLaughlin, Marie McSorley, Bridgett Barrett, Kathleen Lynch

Offertory Procession for December
Vigil: Eamon and Mary Coyle
9.00: Hilary and Kathleen Lynch
11.00: Vincent and Kathleen Duggan

Readers for December : Vigil: Marie Connolly 11.00: Philomena Doherty

CHURCH CLEANERS THIS WEEK - Kathleen Lynch, May Sharkey, Nora McAnea, MB McGrath

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

CHOIR PRACTICE FOR CHRISTMAS - Monday 30th November at 8.00 pm after Mass - We would be grateful for new members - please come along

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

The sick will be attended this week

Monday Morning : Castlefin Park, Castlefin Road, Brooke Park, Hillview Park, Churchtown Park, Harpur Park, Willowcrest
Monday Afternoon : Kilclean road, Ashleigh Court, Lurganbuoy Road
Tuesday Morning : Young Crescent, Hawthorn Park, Strabane Road, Main Street, Castlegore Road
Tuesday Afternoon : Alexander Park, Derg View, Castleview Terrace, Killeter Road, Pollarnon

ST VINCENT DE PAUL - ANNUAL NON-PERISHABLE FOOD COLLECTION

Many thanks to St Eugene’s HS and St Patrick’s PS
for your generous donations

ST VINCENT DE PAUL - HELPLINE NUMBER : 028 71384488

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. Why not give someone an opportunity of going on the Lourdes Pilgrimage as your Christmas Gift - Gift Vouchers £25 - £100 are now available from Pilgrimage Office

ADVENT REFLECTIONS - “Waiting In Joyful Hope” Reflection and prayer on the Sunday Gospels of Advent - Facilitated by Omagh Prayer Guidance Team. Continues : 3rd December, 10th December, 17th December

WHAT MIGHT I DO TO GET MORE OUT OF ADVENT? What a pity that Advent has been devoured by the commercial side of Christmas. Advent develops hope in the time of waiting, and hope is a virtue most needed to sustain our faith in the wilderness of scandals and recession. Try to let Christmas wait until Christmas. Let Advent be a time for more reflection and prayer. Get in tough with those areas of life where we struggle, where we experience our incompleteness, where we come to recognise our need of God. Christmas will be properly celebrated by those who know their need of God. Come, Lord Jesus, come

CARMELITE RETREAT CENTRE - TERMONBACCA - 028 71262512
The monthly Devotions, in honour of Our Lady - Tuesday 1st December starting with confessions at 7.30 pm, followed by Rosary and Mass. Finishing around 10 pm. All are welcome

Advent Weekend Retreat - Registration - Friday 11th to Sunday 13th December. This will be a spiritual preparation for the feast of Christmas

ONE DAY RETREAT FOR PIONEERS AND THEIR FRIENDS - In The Carmelite Retreat Centre, Termonbacca - On Sunday 6th December - Bus leaving Chapel Carpark at 9.15 am - Fare £10 - Retreat £18 includes meal - for booking contact : Ann Harkin 81670693

Bingo and Whist - We would appreciate your support for the Bingo
Bingo on Tuesday night @ 9 pm Whist on Thursday night @ 8.30 pm

TRÓCAIRE GLOBAL GIFT - Instead of giving Christmas Gifts, you can sponsor a gift to Trócaire for the person and send the gift card. Cards are available in the church. Your gift can make a world of difference - Various gifts which range in price from £9 to £180

CHILDREN IN CROSSFIRE - ADVENT CAMPAIGN FOR 2009 - Advent packs containing their unique two-in-one Advent calendar/collection box are available in the church porch - They will be collected over the weekends 8th/9th January

BRITISH HEART FOUNDATION N.I. - in partnership with the WHSCT, NI Ambulance Service and NI Cardiac Services network have launched a Heart Attack awareness campaign which will run over the next 6 months. Its aims are to highlight the signs and symptoms of a heart attack and to call 999 immediately

ST EUGENE’S HIGH SCHOOL

VARIETY CONCERT - Wednesday 9th December at 7.30 pm Tickets on sale from school office - Adult £5 - Child £4 - Family Ticket £12 (2D+2C)

Launch of Year 9 Girls CD - available to buy on the night £5

CAROL SERVICE - Thursday 17th December at 8.15 pm. Everyone welcome - no charge

FOYLE HOSPICE - is currently recruiting volunteers to help support the 2 charity shops in Castlederg. There is a number of areas where your help will be appreciated - Tel 71 359888 or 07590354364

BARROWFIELD F.C. - LOTTO - 1, 9, 11, 20 - No winners - Maureen Lynch wins £30

N.I. BLOOD TRANSFUSION SERVICE - Castlederg High HS - Monday 30th November - 2.15 pm - 4 pm and 5.15 pm - 8 pm. New donors needed. You could save a life!

“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

CAISLEAN NA DEIRGE G.A.C.
G.A.A. Lotto: 24/11/09 (1, 6, 5,) 7, 4, 3, 2 - Peter Cambpell wins £100 - Next week Jackpot £500

Scor na nOg- Congratulations to Faolan Friel who won first place with his recitation in the Tyrone County Final. We wish him good luck in the Ulster Semi Final on Saturday 5th December. Well done to Barry McDaid who despite a faultless performance was unlucky in the solo singing category. Many thanks to all who particiipated, assisted or supported Scor na nOg this year. Your continued support is greatly appreciated