Sunday 30th November 2008

1st Sunday of Advent

Waiting for God

Jesus said to his disciples: "What I say to you I say to all: Stay awake!" Three times in the Gospel reading for the First Sunday of Advent, Jesus gives the command to stay awake - so it must be important! But what does it mean for us? This week we begin a new year in our journey of faith and the danger is that it might simply be the same as the one we are ending. We are no further along the road unless we brighten up. The same is true in your journey of love. One year can easily be the same as the last one and when it is like that you are asleep or half dead. This week is another wake up call for all of us whether we are married or single, priest or religious, living in a family or living alone. It is particularly a call to every parish community to make the year ahead a time of growth to the glory of God.

Fr. Johnny Doherty, C.Ss.R

Sunday 30th November 2008

1st Sunday of Advent.

Parish Missal Readings (Year 2) p 397 & Proper p 984

First Reading Isaiah 63: 16-17; 64:1.3-8
The prophet recalls God’s past goodness to his people, and pleads with him to save them from their present sinfulness.

Second Reading 1 Corinthians 3-9
As we await the coming of Christ in glory, the Holy Spirit keeps us steadfast in bearing witness to him.

Gospel Mark 13: 33-37
We need to stay awake at our appointed tasks because we do not know the hour when Jesus, our Master will return.

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

Today is the first day of the Season of Advent, the first day of the Church’s liturgical year. The word Advent comes from the Latin Adventus, meaning ‘Coming’ or ‘Arrival’. Advent is a time of waiting, a time of renewal, a time of preparation, a time of hope and expectation. The Church throughout the world prepares to celebrate the joyful coming of our Saviour, Jesus Christ, at Christmas.

The Prayer Intention for December during the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in St Francis of Assisi is Prayer for the Families of our Parish Community.

VISITATION OF THE SICK AND HOUSEBOUND this week, on Thursday in the Drumnabey area and on Friday in Dregish.

Sincere thanks to the donors of £30 and £50 towards the cost of the new window for St Francis of Assisi. All donations are most welcome.

ADVENT HEALING SERVICE in St Patrick’s Church, Castlederg, this evening at 6.00pm and at the same time every Sunday evening during Advent.

Mrs Susan McBrien

We offer the sympathy of the parish community to the husband, Francis, sons, Francis and Barry, the sisters, brother and entire Burns and McBrien family circles on the death of Susan last Saturday. May she rest in peace.

NEW EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS – ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI: Training Evening this Tuesday, 2nd December, in St Patrick’s Church, Castlederg, from 7.30–9.30pm. The facilitator is Sr Marie from Thornhill Centre. All new ministers are asked to attend. The newly appointed Eucharistic Ministers in Dregish are most welcome to attend also, as part of their ongoing formation.

ADVENT REFLECTIONS on the Thursdays of Advent, in St Patrick’s Church, Castlederg, starting after 10.00am Mass and lasting for 20 / 30 minutes. Led by members of the Omagh Prayer Guidance Team. Reflections are on the following Sunday’s readings. Everyone welcome.

ANNUAL PARISH BAZAAR Our Bazaar will take place in Dregish Hall next Sunday night, 7th December, commencing at 8.00pm sharp and finishing at 11.30pm sharp. Gifts and donations gratefully accepted. I ask that all collectors and helpers do their usual tasks, to ensure the success of the bazaar. I appeal for your usual generosity and support.

ENVAGH PS Christmas Show will be held in Dregish Hall, on Monday 15th December, starting at 7.30pm. Adm: £3, Under 16s free. A great evening’s entertainment is promised; I ask you to come along to support our school and witness the talents and efforts of our children of Envagh PS.

PARISHIONERS’ SAVINGS, DREGISH: The final collection of the savings will take place in the hall today after Mass. The collectors are asked to check totals for the year with all savers. The savings will be paid out, in the hall, after Mass, next Sunday 7th December. Certificates of savings for the year can be issued, for tax purposes, if required. They will be available next Sunday.
The savings has been a fantastic success this year again. Sincere thanks to everyone who saved in the savings scheme and helped raise money for parish funds. I am most grateful to the collectors, who gave of their time to ensure the success of the savings scheme in all areas. You did great work.

Pat O’Loughlin thanks everyone who sponsored him in the Dublin Marathon. He has been able to give £3,150 sponsorship money to Walton Hospital MS Research.

DREGISH GFC Lotto: Numbers last week: 3, 1, 7, 5, 2, 4, 6. £50 shared between seven people. Jackpot £450. 25 CARD PLAY in the clubrooms every Monday night, commencing at 8.30pm sharp! Everyone welcome.

SPAMOUNT SWIFT LOTTO Numbers last week: 6, 20, 23, 25. Lauren Doherty won £50. Jackpot £3,500.

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.