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.

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

Sunday 29th November 2009

First Sunday of Advent

Today is the start of a new Church year and a new cycle of Scripture readings, Cycle C. ‘Advent’ comes from the Latin word ‘Adventus’, meaning Coming or Arrival. It is a time of waiting, expectation, preparation, hope and renewal. Most of all, Advent is an opportunity for us to prepare, spiritually, for the celebration of the birth of Jesus. We pray that we will all use the sacred Season of Advent to prepare as best we can for this celebration of the birth of our Saviour.

The Advent wreath helps to take us through our Advent journey. Each candle represents one of the four weeks of Advent. The first purple candle is lit today, purple symbolising penance. It is traditionally called the Candle of Expectation or Hope, and it reminds us that Jesus is the light of the world, coming into the darkness of our lives, bringing newness, life and hope. It also reminds us that, as followers of Christ, sharing in God’s grace, we too are called to be a light to others.

VISITATION OF THE SICK AND HOUSEBOUND

Fr O’Doherty will visit the sick and housebound this week: in the Drumnabey area on Thursday and in Dregish on Friday.

CHURCH DUTIES ROTA – Readings, Offertory Gifts, Cleaning & Flowers: Thank you to the Drumnabey Park area for this month’s duties in Drumnabey and the Dunteague area for this month’s duties in Dregish. In December, the Gamble Park area is on duty in Drumnabey, and the Glassmullagh / Lisnacreight area in Dregish.

THANK YOU for your generosity in last week’s collection:
Sunday 15 November: Dregish £345, Drumnabey £275.

W E E K D A Y M A S S E S

I have been delighted with the large numbers coming along to the Friday evening Mass in Dregish and, in view of its popularity, I propose to continue with it for the month of December. I welcome any views you may have on retaining the Friday evening Mass / reverting to Friday mornings.

Drumnabey: Monday 10.00am, Thursday 7.30pm

Dregish: Wednesday 10.00am, Friday 7.30pm

DREGISH BAZAAR: Tonight, commencing at 8.00pm sharp and finishing at 11.15pm sharp. I appeal for your support of our Bazaar. It is our main source of fundraising each year for our parish. Collectors are asked to bring all gifts and donations for the Bazaar to the hall for 2.00pm today.

LOURDES GIFT VOUCHERS for the 2010 Derry Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes, 16 – 21 July, are available from the Pilgrimage Office, Bishop St, Derry, Tel 71 260 293. Office open Tue 11am-1pm, Thurs 11am-2pm and Sat 11am-1pm. Vouchers from the value of £25 to £100.

SPAMOUNT & DISRICT CROSS COMMUNITY HALL: All support for the activities in the hall will be greatly appreciated: Monday nights, Volleyball; Tuesday nights, Bowls; Thursday nights, Salsa Dancing.

DREGISH GFC Lotto: Numbers last week: 2, 1, 5, 7, 4, 6, 3. £50 shared between A McGuire and Nicola McCrossan. Jackpot £1,700.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING: This Friday night, 4th December, at 8.00pm in the clubrooms.

25 CARD PLAY in the clubrooms, every Monday night, commencing at 8.30pm sharp. All support greatly appreciated.

ENVAGH PS Christmas Show: The staff and children on Envagh PS extend a warm invitation to everyone in the parish community to join with them for their Christmas Show, in Dregish Hall, on Tuesday 15th December, commencing at 7.30pm. A great night’s entertainment is guaranteed. Adm £3, children free. All proceeds will go to school funds. Supper will be served.

CHRISTMAS CARDS depicting the cribs at Dregish and Drumnabey are available for purchase after Mass today and in the weeks ahead. They are also available at McGuires’ Post Office and at the Parochial House. They are made up in packs of eight, for £5. All proceeds will go to parish funds. It is hoped that many of you will purchase these cards to send to family and friends this Christmas.

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.