Parish News for Sunday 20th January 2008

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

Mass Times
Sacred Heart Church, Derry Road
Weekdays
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday – 10.00am

Sundays
Vigil: 7.00pm, 11.30am

St. Mary’s Church, Cloughcor
Sundays
9.15am

St. Joseph’s Church, Glenmornan
Sundays
10.15am

Confessions
Saturday: Sacred Heart Church at 11.30am and 6.15pm

Not Just Ordinary

Returning to Ordinary Time in the liturgical year is kind of restful after the happy hubbub of Christmastide.

If you check it, the word ‘ordinary’ comes from the same root as ‘order’. ‘Ordinary’ is one of those words like ‘plain’ that has taken on a negative aura. It carries with it the sense of being dull, boring, humdrum or ‘just ordinary’.

But ordinary time in our lives is the in between time when our lives are lived. The time between the first day of school and graduation day is when we discover ourselves and the world and get educated. The time between the wedding and silver jubilee party are the years a couple survive the ups and downs of everyday life, give life to their children, make a home, squabble and reconcile, become one in their love. The time between the job interview and the retirement party is the time we do the work of a lifetime, contribute to our world, help to build our society.

Green is the liturgical colour of Ordinary Time, a colour which signifies hope. It is like the restful green of landscape, against which the lights of Christmas and the lilies of Easter can show up. Living Ordinary Time makes us who we are – a people ready for the joy of Christmas and the glory of Easter.

Last week’s Collection was £1,371.00. Many thanks.

Alzheimer’s Support Group
A meeting will take place on Wednesday 23rd January at 7.30pm in Melmount Manor Care Home, 1 Orchard Road, Strabane. Guest speaker is Caroline Sweeney from the Western Trust who will speak on ‘The Role of the Dementia Team’. Everyone is welcome.

Black Dyke Band in concert
St. Joseph’s Brass Band is hosting the world famous ‘Black Dyke Band’ in concert at St. Patrick’s Hall, Strabane on Saturday 2nd February 2008. The doors open at 7.15pm and the band will take the stage at 7.45pm. Admission is by ticket only and tickets, priced £15 each, are available from the Band Secretary, Paddy McGranaghan [028] 71382883 or 07512 727373.

Samaritans
The Derry branch of the Samaritans is holding Information Evenings to recruit new volunteers. The dates are:
• Tuesday 22nd January 2008 at 16 Clarendon Street, Derry
• Wednesday 23rd January 2008 at The Orchard Inn, Letterkenny
• Thursday 24th January 2008 at 16 Clarendon Street, Derry.

These evenings will begin at 8.00pm and will last approximately one hour – refreshments will also be served.

NI Blood Transfusion Service
A team from the NI Blood Transfusion Service will be in St. Patrick’s Hall, Barrack Street, Strabane on Monday 28th January from 1.30pm – 4pm and from 5.15pm until 8.00pm.

In order to maintain the vital supply of blood to our hospitals, the Blood transfusion Service needs the support not only of existing donors, but also of new donors. All support is appreciated.

First Anniversary Mass
The first anniversary Mass for the late Eileen Craig, sister of Fr. John Doherty’s housekeeper Lily, will take place on Tuesday 22nd January at 7.30pm in St. Columba’s Church, Straw, Draperstown. The 10.00am Mass in the Sacred Heart Church on Tuesday will also be said for Eileen.

Inter-Church Service Today
To mark the centenary of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, there will be an Ecumenical Service in the Sacred Heart Church today [Sunday 20th January] at 5.00pm. All are welcome. During the service there will be a collection which will be shared between the Irish School of Ecumenics, an organisation which promotes the unity of Christians, and also a local charity which addresses the needs of the immigrant community – the Strabane Ethnic Communities Association. All are welcome.

Entry to Primary 1 or Pre-school
If your child is due to start Primary 1 in September 2008 or if you have a child of Pre-school age, please remember that the closing date for completed application forms is Wednesday 23rd January 2008. Forms are available from the parish schools.

Cardinal’s Visit to Derry
His Eminence Cardinal Brady will be making his first official visit to the diocese on Wednesday 23rd and Thursday 24th January. He will be Principal Concelebrant at Mass in St. Eugene’s Cathedral on Thursday at 10.00am to which you are all welcome. The cardinal will be available after Mass to greet the congregation.