Sunday, 23rd November 2008

Our Lord Jesus Christ, Universal King

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

Christ the King

Jesus said to his disciples: "In so far as you did this to one of these brothers/sisters of mine, you did it to me." There are many ways of looking at what Christianity is about and most of them are valid. This extraordinary statement by Christ brings us to the very heart of it - the absolute dignity of every human being, the beloved of God. We practice our Christianity primarily through our love for one another and our care for all those in need. They say that charity begins at home. How true that is. Very often the person who is in most need is a wife or husband who is being taken for granted. Or there is often the child or young person who has everything except real affection for which they crave. But charity cannot remain at home. It has to spread out to the parish community and through that community to the poor and marginalised. That is how we honour Christ as our King.

Fr. Johnny Doherty, C.Ss.R.

First Anniversary Mass

The first anniversary Mass for Daniel Doherty, Calhame, will take place in the Immaculate Conception Church, Strabane on Monday 24th November at 7.30pm.

Month’s Mind Mass

The Month’s Mind Mass for Annie McSheffrey will take place in the Sacred Heart Church on Friday 28th November at 7.30pm.

The Greatest Evil in the World

Mother Teresa said:

‘Many today are starving for ordinary bread.
But there is another kind of hunger –
the hunger to be wanted, to be loved, to be recognised.
Nakedness too is not just the want of clothes,
but also about loss of dignity, purity, and self-respect.
And homelessness is not just want of a house;
there is the homelessness of being rejected,
of being unwanted in a throwaway society.
The biggest disease in the world today
is the feeling of being unwanted and uncared for.
The greatest evil in the world is lack of love,
the terrible indifference towards one’s neighbour.’

Lord, warm our cold hearts with your grace,
so that we your disciples may produce the fruits of love.

Last week’s Collection was £1,277.00. Many thanks.

Retired Priests’ Collection
A second collection to help provide for the needs of retired priests is being taken up at all Masses this weekend. Please use the appropriate envelope in your box of envelopes.

NI Blood Transfusion Services

A team from the NI Blood Transfusion Service will be collecting blood donations in St. Patrick’s Hall, Strabane on Monday 24th November from 1.30pm – 4.00pm and again from 5.15pm – 8pm. In order to maintain the vital supply of blood to our hospitals, both existing and new donors are invited to come along – you could save a life!

Concert of Spiritual Song

There will be a concert of spiritual song featuring Louise Irvine in St. Patrick’s Hall, Strabane on Sunday 14th December commencing at 8.00pm. Louise was first heard singing in St. Mary’s Church, Melmount at the special Mass to welcome the statue of Our Lady of Fatima to Melmount.

Advent Calendar with a difference!

Children in Crossfire is delighted to launch its new Advent Campaign. Advent is the season when we prepare for Christmas. Often our Christmas preparations focus on buying gifts for our families and those we love. This year through the Advent calendar there will be an opportunity to prepare for Christmas in a different way. Each day you will be able to contribute to Children in Crossfire and also get a short reflection to help focus on what Christmas is really about. The Advent Calendar boxes can be collected from the church and can be returned at Christmas. Telephone [028] 71269898.

Derry Diocesan
Lourdes Pilgrimage 2009

Why not give someone an opportunity of going on the Lourdes Pilgrimage from 16th until 21st July 2009 as your Christmas gift?

Gift vouchers [£25/50] are now available from the Pilgrimage Office, 164 Bishop Street, Derry. Office opens on Thursdays from 11.00am until 2.00pm and on Saturdays from 11.00am until 1.00pm and again from 2.00pm until 4.00pm. Please contact [028] 71260293.

Advent Retreat

“Christus natus eat – Christ is born”

This retreat is open to everyone and will take place from Saturday 29th November [9.30am] until Sunday 30th November [4.00pm]. Prepare for Christmas by centring ourselves on the birth of the child Jesus. What does the birth of Christ mean to us at this busy time? Have we lost the reality of what Christmas means? The cost of €85euro or £70stg includes accommodation, meals and retreat. Contact: Ards Friary [00 353 74] 9138909 info@ardsfriary.ie

Parish Savings
This weekend is the final weekend for collecting savings. We hope to have the cheques available for collection from promoters on Sunday 30th November.