Parish News for Sunday 25th Nov 2007

Christ The King

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

Our Lord Jesus Christ, Universal King

Who rules you?

Even in these democratic times, there is something about a monarch that even a child can understand. Talks of assemblies, senates, parliaments, representative bodies, councils – these make the eyes glaze over. But everyone understands a king. There is something personal and protective about it, which touches a chord in many people.

When you think about it, the one quality asked of a subject in a monarchy is – loyalty. We all know that life is made up of loyalty - loyalty to our friends, loved ones and family; loyalty to things beautiful and good; loyalty to our country. Holding all these loyalties together is loyalty to God.

In today’s world who rules our lives? Certainly there have been times when weapons appeared to rule. Once we had wars between nations, now lately terrorism appears to rule. Power seems to rule for those who hunger for it. For some economics rule with its twin sisters of advertising and marketing.

At times there are conflicting loyalties in our lives. But on days like the Feast of Christ the King we need to answer this question: who is my master?

Last week’s Collection was £1,343.00. Many thanks.

Parish Savings
This weekend is the final weekend for collecting savings. We hope to have the cheques available for collection from promoters on Sunday 2nd December.

Owen Roe O’Neill’s GAC, Leckpatrick
Friday 30th November – Charity Quiz Nite in aid of the 1st Strabane Brownies, organised by Ann Marie McMenamin. Starts 10.00pm.

Sunday 2nd December – The Club will be holding its Annual General meeting and all full adult members are urged to attend. Nomination forms and motion forms will be in the post soon.

The new range of Clubwear including jackets, grandda shirts and polo shirts in adult and children’s sizes, as well as children’s playing shorts are still available from Joe Hegarty and would make ideal gifts for Christmas. Club kitbags in both adult and children’s sizes are available from Sarah Jane Kelly.
See Club website for details on www.owenroe-leckpatrick.ie

The following are asked to assist as collectors and church cleaners during the month of December:

SACRED HEART CHURCH:
Collectors:
Saturday 7.00pm:-
Brian Edwards and Declan Carlin.

Sunday 11.30am:-
Stephen Barrett, Terry McCallion and Patsy McNulty.

Cleaners: Team A

ST. MARY’S CHURCH, CLOUGHCOR:
Collectors: Leon Farrell.

Altar Society & Cleaners: Geraldine Devine, Laura Devine and Terina Devine.

ST. JOSEPH’S CHURCH, GLENMORNAN:
Collectors: Sean McShane and Domnhaill McShane.

Altar Society: Marie Bradley and Donna Doherty.

Our thanks are due to all who served the parish in any way during the month of November.

North West Tyrone Pioneers
A One Day Retreat will take place in Termonbacca on Sunday 9th December. Anyone interested in attending should contact Mary Hegarty, 15 Patrick Street. Telephone [028] 71882886.
The next Pioneer Meeting will take place tomorrow [Monday] at 8.00pm, followed directly by a meeting of the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

Advent Retreat
An Advent Retreat reflecting on the meaning of Christmas will be directed by Fr. Sean Donohoe OFM Cap in Ards Capuchin Friary, Creeslough, Co Donegal. Tel [00 353 74] 9138909. Email info@ardsfriary,ie. Saturday 1st December at 9.30am until Sunday
2nd December with Mass at 5.30pm. Accommodation, meals and retreat €85euro or £60stg.

First Anniversary Mass
The first anniversary Mass for Charlotte Moore, Ballee will be said in the Sacred Heart Church on Thursday 29th November at 7.30pm.

Prayer for Advent
‘Walk with Me’ is a booklet containing prayers and meditations on Marriage and Family Life for each day during Advent. Copies are available in our three churches at a cost of £1 each.

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 2007 are listed in the leaflets at the back of the Church – please take one for details.

Prayer for Priests

Eucharist: a prayer inspired by the Mass

O Lord!
Look into our hearts this day and read us
Look in our souls this day and hear us
When we thrust out our hands for help - hold us
When we open our arms for love - embrace us
When we bow our heads to thee - bless us
When we give of ourselves - come to us. Amen.
Judith Ann Pounder

Lord Jesus, bless all priests and give them grace to do your great work on earth. Keep them, Lord, close to your heart and under the shadow of your protection. Bless their labours for you and grant that their harvest of souls may be a source of joy and consolation to them during life and may merit an everlasting reward for them in death, that having led many souls to you they may see you to face to face. Amen.

Telephone numbers if you feel you cannot cope

Samaritans - 0845 790 9090

Zest - a counselling service offering free support to those who feel suicidal, friends and loved ones who have been affected by suicide and those who self harm. Telephone 7126 6999 or e-mail. zestni@yahoo.co.uk

Prayer for the Suicidal

O Eternal Father, we pray for all those who are suicidal.
May Your loving hand guide and protect them
so they receive the help they need,
preventing them from dying from suicide.
Let them know that we need them and love them,
show them Your love Lord Jesus.
Remind them that they are very special people,
filling their minds with beautiful memories.
Give them everything they need so as to ease their pain,
grant that they may find hope, comfort, guidance
and healing in every way possible.
Let them feel our love, and Your love,
carry them when they are weary.
Embrace them and let Your love
shine down upon them always. Amen.