Sunday 8th March 2009

2nd Sunday of Lent

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

This Is My Son, The Beloved

"It is wonderful for us to be here." Peter made this enthusiastic statement in the story of the Transfiguration, which is given to us this Sunday for our inspiration in faith. Each of us has a right to be able to make this same statement in our following of Christ. It is also one of the most important responsibilities we have to each other to make that possible. We do this by working together to build our parish into a real community of faith and hope. It means everyone being willing to take their full part in the life of the parish. We do it by making our homes into places of joy and happiness. Again, each person, no matter how young, has a part to play in bringing this about. Married couples do it for each other by working on the quality of their relationship of love in terms of tenderness and affection. This takes dedicating time for each other and using that time well.

Fr. Johnny Doherty, C.Ss.R.

Transfiguration

‘One cannot judge a book by the cover.’ True. For this very reason we, at times, wear masks: the straight face, stiff upper lip, put–on smile or look away eye. Each mask is adopted to hide one’s feelings, thoughts and true identity. A closed book.
An open book reveals its inner story. Likewise, an open face is a window to one’s heart and soul. Happiness and hurt, delight and dread, peace and persecution; these are written on forehead and cheek for all who read and they flash from one’s eyes with a clarity more vivid than neon signs.

Transfiguration: big word. It means: a major change of appearance. For a short time the face of Jesus became a window to his godliness. His divine identity blazed forth, in beauty and in light; a dazzling glimpse of his heavenly glory.

Later, the same companions, Peter, James and John, would witness his full human identity when they would see his open features bloodied by anguish in the garden of Gethsemane and by the thorns in Pilate’s courtyard.

In our times of darkness may the Lord Jesus let us sense his nearness and glimpse the open features of his face.

Last week’s Collection was £1,467.00. Many thanks.

Donation

We acknowledge with thanks an anonymous donation of £1,000.00 for Leckpatrick parish funds.

Solemn Annual Exposition

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will begin today [Sunday] in St. Joseph’s Church, Glenmornan after the 10.15am Mass, and will close with a Eucharistic Service at 5.00pm.

Exposition will take place in St. Mary’s Church, Cloughcor next Sunday.

We ask our Cloughcor worshippers to kindly write your name in the appropriate space on the sheet at the back of the church to signify your intention of being present on Sunday between 10.00am and 5.00pm at a time that suits you. It is important that there are people present in the church all during the period of Exposition.

First Confessions

First Confessions will take place in St. Joseph’s Church, Glenmornan on Tuesday 10th March at 6.30pm, and in the Sacred Heart Church at 7.30pm. We wish God’s blessing on the children who will be receiving this important sacrament for the very first time.

Missionaries of Africa

Next weekend Fr. Joe McMenamin, a member of the above missionary society and a native of Aghyaran, will visit this parish and address the congregation at all the Masses. He will speak about the work of the ‘White Fathers’ in Africa. A collection will be taken up after the Communion of each Mass.

Thornhill Centre, Derry

Thornhill Centre is at present providing the following courses:

Lenten Thursdays/Lenten Scripture Course/Dreams Workshop.
For further details please contact the Centre at [028] 71351233.

Church Flower Arrangers : The date of the next meeting has been changed to Thursday 26th March at 7.30pm.

Owen Roe O’Neill’s GAC, Leckpatrick

Monday 9th March – Underage training for children aged 7yrs to 14yrs in Melvin from 6.00pm to 7.00pm. New players welcome.

Wednesday 11th March – Tin whistle lessons continue at the usual time.

Thursday 12th March – Irish dancing lessons in Glenmornan Community Hall between 7.00pm and 8:30pm.

Sunday 15th March – boys Minor training at 10.00am in the Meadows (Strabane by–pass). All players aged 15yrs–18yrs are asked to attend. New players welcome.

Tuesday 17th March – The Club will be taking part in the Strabane St Patrick's Day parade. More news on this soon but it is hoped as many members as possible will be able to take part, both the young and not so young.

Sunday 10th May – All Clubs have been asked to mark this as a special Club Day to celebrate 125 years of the GAA. The Committee are currently making plans for this and any suggestions/help would be appreciated.

Membership fees for 2009 are now due. All Youth, Ladies and Adult members should be making an effort to get their fees paid as soon as possible. Remember – no membership means no playing football and no tickets for Tyrone matches!!!

There will be a Ladies Level 1 Coaching Course in early March. If any Foundation Level (Ladies) coach would like to attend, please contact Julie Devine or Coaching Officer, Gerard Kelly.

Boys Minor training will be starting this week. For Minor team management contact details see the Club’s website at www.owenroe–leckpatrick.ie