Sunday, 7th December 2008

2nd Sunday of Advent

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

PARISH SAVINGS

At a meeting this week with the Bishop and diocesan authorities we were informed that Parish Savings schemes should not commence for 2009. As you know there has been significant instability in the financial sector since September 2008. The diocese, and indeed parishes and individuals, have, despite the instability, maintained confidence in the financial sector by continuing to support banks and other financial institutions through depositing funds with them. This support continues.

However the nature of the money held in Parishioners’ Savings schemes is quite different from parish or diocesan money, in that the money in Parishioners’ Savings schemes does not at any stage belong to the parish. At all times – from collection, while in the bank and at repayment – it belongs to the individual parishioner.

The suspension of the savings schemes will give an opportunity for the diocese to investigate with various professional bodies the possibility of devising a scheme which protects the money of individual parishioners, obeys the laws on financial regulation and is in accordance with the new Charities Laws on both sides of the border which come into effect in the coming year.
Bishops, priests and parishioners very much regret the suspension of the scheme and hope that a new formula will be created to allow Parish Savings schemes to be re-established.

A sincere ‘thank you’ to all who have been involved in any way in the scheme and all of us hope that the suspension will be brief. You will be kept informed of any developments.

Last week’s Collection was £1,640.00. Many thanks.

Trócaire Global Gifts
Trócaire has once again launched its hugely successful Global Gift Plan offering a range of nine ethical non-commercial and life-changing gifts for families and communities in the developing world. The global gifts for 2008 are listed in the leaflets at the back of the Church – please take one for details.

Feast of the Immaculate Conception

Monday 8th December is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, and is a holyday of obligation. Masses as follows:

Sacred Heart Church: Monday at 11.30am.

St. Mary’s Church, Cloughcor:
Monday at 9.15am

St. Joseph’s Church, Glenmornan:
Monday at 10.15am

Knock Marriage Introductions Bureau

The aim of the Bureau is to introduce people considering marriage to a suitable marriage partner. For further information contact the Bureau at Knock, Co. Mayo. Phone [00 353 94] 9375960 or visit our website at www.knockmarriagebureau.com

Christmas Youth 2000 Retreat

A National Youth 2000 Christmas Retreat for Young People aged 16yrs – 35yrs takes place at Newbridge College, Newbridge, Co. Kildare from Friday 19th until Sunday 21st December. An opportunity not to be missed to experience the Catholic faith and meet many new friends! Contact Youth 2000 Office [Dublin] +353 1 6753690 or Carla 07521708876 for information. No charge – donation only. Special buses available from some locations. See poster at back of the church. Website: www.youth2000.ie

Carmelite Retreat Centre, Termonbacca
Advent Weekend Retreat from Friday
12th December at 7.30pm until Sunday
14th December. For details and booking telephone 71262512.

‘Glenmornan’

The new book ‘Glenmornan’ by Annie May Harte can now be purchased at McShane’s Shop, Glenmornan; Mace, Derry Road and The Argosy, Abercorn Square.

Carol Service

Children from St. Mary’s P.S. Cloughcor, Years 5-7 will be participating in a carol service in the Sacred Heart Church, Derry Road on Tuesday 16th December at 7.00pm. Parishioners are very welcome. There will be a collection for St. Vincent de Paul at the entrance doors on the night.

Parish Schools Applications

Application forms for places in St. Mary’s Pre-School, St. Mary’s P.S or St. Joseph’s P.S. Glenmornan for September 2009 are now available from the schools. Completed application forms must be returned on or before Wednesday 21st January 2009 at the latest.