PRIESTS OF THE PARISH
Rev John Doherty PP Tel: 028 7188 2274
Rev Paul Farren Tel: 028 7188 3247

Sunday, 4th October 2009

26th Sunday of the Year

Jesus said to the Pharisees – when talking to them about marriage and divorce: ‘They are no longer two therefore, but one body.’ A phenomenon, and one of the very sad features of our world today, is the number of marriages that break down. And we should have the greatest reverence for and compassion towards those people who are in this situation. However the challenge for us is to keep faith in marriage and to reverence the institution of marriage as a vitally important part of God’s plan for our humanity and as one of the sacraments of the Church. Marriage is under all kinds of pressure. It needs to also have all kinds of support from all of us whether we are married or not so that every couple will be encouraged to aim for and work towards the best possible marriage and not settle for mediocrity in their love.

Fr. Johnny Doherty, C.Ss.R.

Sunday 4th October 2009

27th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Day for Life.

First Reading Genesis 2: 18-24
Man and woman are created equally and as husband and wife become one body.

Second Reading Hebrews 2: 9-11
By God’s grace Jesus had to experience death for the salvation of all people.

Gospel Mark 10: 2-16
What God has united, man must not divide.

Day for Life

The annual Day for Life is being observed today, 4th October. The specific theme which the bishops have chosen for the Day of Life this year is suicide. It would also be appropriate on this day to remember those women who have endured the trauma of abortion, many of whom have suffered adverse mental health problems.

Some copies of the Day for Life Novena have been left at the back of the church. If you are interested, please take one.

First Sunday of Mission Month

October is the traditional month of universal mission and is an opportunity for Christians to demonstrate solidarity with their missionary sisters and brothers.
Today is the first Sunday of Mission Month 2009, the theme of which is Reach Out. This annual celebration encourages us to lend our support, through spiritual and material contribution, to missionaries and mission projects worldwide. The focal point of Mission Month is Mission Sunday, which will take place this year on next Sunday 18th October.

Dates to Remember in 2009/2010

Sacramental Meeting for Parents
Thursday 12th November 2009 at 7.30pm:
Sacred Heart Church
For Parents/Guardians of all children making their First Holy Communion or Confirmation.

1st Confessions
Monday 15th March 2010 [For Glenmornan Pupils]:
First Confessions in St. Joseph’s Church, Glenmornan at 6.45pm.
Monday 15th March 2010 [For Cloughcor & Strabane Pupils]: First Confessions in the Sacred Heart Church at 7.30pm.

Confirmation
Thursday 13th May 2010:
5.00pm in the Sacred Heart Church.

1st Communions
Saturday 22nd May 2010: First Holy Communion for the children of St. Mary’s Primary School in the Sacred Heart Church at 11.00am.
Sunday 23rd May 2010: First Holy Communion for the children of St. Joseph’s Primary School in Glenmornan Church at 10.15am.
Saturday 29th May 2010: First Holy Communion for the children of Strabane Controlled Primary School in the Sacred Heart Church at 11.00am.

Last week’s Collection amounted to £1,456.00. Many thanks.

Padre Pio Devotions

Padre Pio devotions will take place in the Immaculate Conception Church, Strabane on Wednesday 7th October with the Rosary at 6.45pm followed by Mass at 7.00pm.

N.I. Leukaemia Research Fund
A meeting will be held in the Church of Ireland Church Hall, Bowling Green, Strabane on Monday 5th October 2009 at 7.30pm. Speakers: Professor Terry Lappin and Professor John Bridges.

The Catholic Unattached Directory
Are you an unattached catholic seeking new friends or perhaps looking for someone special? Why not join the Catholic Unattached Directory? All new members are given an unconditional 30-day money back guarantee if not completely satisfied. For free information pack ring 01322 222213 or write to: The Catholic Unattached Directory, FREE POST [DT 1153], DARTFORD DA1 2BR, or at: www.cathus.com

Choosing your Future
A conference with Jean Vanier in the Millennium Forum, Derry – Wednesday
21st October from 10.00am until 1.30pm. This conference is for young people but there are a limited number of tickets available for adults costing £15. To book contact the Derry Diocesan Catechetical Centre, Telephone [028] 71264087 or email ddcc@derrydiocese.org

The next Pioneer Meeting will take place tomorrow [Monday] at 8.00pm, followed directly by a meeting of the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

Sick and Housebound
The sick and housebound will be visited on Tuesday morning and afternoon.

Month’s Mind Mass
The 9.15am Mass in St. Mary’s Church, Cloughcor next Sunday [11th October] will be said for the late Gerard Kelly, on the occasion of his Month’s Mind.

To All Children

I tell you little children, not to hurry across the years:
All that age has for you is a field of worry, a sea of tears;
A mountain hard to climb where many fall,
and why should you not wander, pure and small?
Romance around early morning lingers, but not for long,
and beauty moves no more her magic fingers o’er cords of song.
Sweetness will pine amid the sunless glades,
And innocence be gathered to the shades.
I tell you, little children, not to squander sunny hours.
Too soon will come the storms of life, the thunder and leaden showers:
O children, you are growing up too soon,and you will weep the morning when ‘tis noon.

[Patrick Kavanagh]