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

Sunday, June 27th 2010

The 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Golden Jubilee

A Message from Fr. John Doherty

Last Sunday was one of the happiest days of my life. The 50th anniversary of my ordination to the priesthood was an occasion I’ll never forget. The Mass celebrated in the Sacred Heart Church was joyful, dignified, prayerful and relaxed. Those who participated did so with commendable reverence – the readers, the children who presented the gifts, the Eucharistic ministers, the altar servers – all eighteen of them – who never put a foot wrong and behaved impeccably. The ushers – all of them young people involved in the Pope John Paul II Awards Scheme – carried out their tasks like seasoned veterans, while the stewards, most of whom are already seasoned veterans, guided the motorists with the utmost courtesy. The combined choirs and soloists under the direction of Peter Doherty sang beautifully and sensitively, and their singing received unanimous approval – in fact, one person compared it to the choir of Canterbury Cathedral!

Those who cleaned and prepared the church deserve the gratitude of all of us, as do those who were responsible for the beautiful floral display. And, of course, our sacristan Pauline was as reliable as ever, and she was so elegantly dressed that she captured the admiration of all

Father John Doherty (right) pictured on his ordination day on June 19, 1960 with Father Martin Gildea.

I was delighted to welcome two of my classmates, Bishop Francis Lagan and
Fr. Séamus O’Connell, and my former colleague Bishop Edward Daly, with whom I spent two fascinating years as Diocesan Secretary. I was glad of the support of those of my priest friends who were able to be present – Frs. Declan Boland, Michael Doherty, Patrick Doherty, John Forbes, Charles Keaney, Eamon McDevitt, George McLaughlin, Peter McLaughlin, Kevin Mullen, Pat O’Hagan, Paddy O’Kane and Peter O’Kane.

Fr. Paul Farren acted as M.C. and made sure that the ceremony moved along smoothly from beginning to end, and, of course, excelled himself in delivering the homily. At times he was just a little mischievous, but we’ll forgive him this time!

Strabane Concert Brass added to the celebratory nature of the occasion, and while I’m not used to seeing my name displayed on a banner, I must say I appreciated the expertise shown in incorporating the three parish churches, symbolising the undoubted fact that this was indeed an occasion organised and enjoyed by the entire parish.

It was wonderful to witness the enthusiastic reception given by the congregation to Rev. Irene Lyttle and her husband Ian, Rev. Geoff Wilson and his wife Elaine and Rev. Noel Fallows and his wife Ann. I was delighted that they were able to come.

And, of course, the presence of the Sisters of Mercy was much appreciated by many people, including myself. Their work for the people of Strabane down through the years has not been forgotten, and many of us will always remember their traditional welcome and hospitality.

When Mass was over the celebration continued in Floyds Restaurant. After enjoying a feast of home-baking donated by parishioners and hot food provided by the restaurant, we were treated to a feast of music, singing and dancing from ‘C.R.A.I.C.’ and some local dancers. Both schools in the parish added to the entertainment with their choral and solo singing, instrumental work and displays of Irish dancing. Two lovely girls from the parish, Aoife Doherty and Ruth Corey sang beautifully and professionally, and then came the breathtaking surprises.

First of all, two of my heroes, Stephen Kenny and Eddie McCallion appeared, representing Derry City FC, and I‘m told that my mouth opened wide, such was the shock. Then came the second surprise. I suddenly realised that Terina and Ita Devine were singing songs composed by my father many years ago. I couldn’t understand how they got hold of the words and music. It was an emotional moment. And finally came ‘the return of the ‘Ventures’, a group of singers I formed when I served in Melmount in the seventies. And when they began to sing some pieces from the album, I felt I was dreaming! Eventually I joined them onstage, and we sang songs that we hadn’t performed together for over thirty years.

Fr. Paul, members of the committee, all who helped in any way, and beloved parishioners of Leckpatrick, on behalf of my sister Rita, my housekeeper Lily and myself thank you for a perfect day. God bless you all.

Above images were sourced on derryjournal.com

Last week’s Collection was £1,010.00. Many thanks.

Sick and Housebound

The sick and housebound will be attended on the morning and afternoon of Tuesday next [29th June].

Church Cleaners and Collectors

Please refer to poster on noticeboard for church cleaners
and collectors for the month of July.

True glory
Some people have an excessive need of approval from others.
The great luminaries of stage and screen glow
under the adulation of their fans.
But when the curtain goes down, and the lights fade,
they often feel empty and lonely,
because they realise that they are valued,
not for themselves, but only for their talent.
Lord, grant that I may not get carried away when people praise me,
or become downcast when people ignore me.
Grant that I may have a little lamp of my own,
a lamp which will enable me to see the dignity which you have given me,
and which no one can take from me.