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

St Mary's Church Cloughcor

(we will rotate the church images each week)

Sunday, 29th November 2009

First Sunday of Advent.

Jesus said to his disciples: "hold your heads high, for your liberation is close at hand". Over the past few years, with all the revelations of scandals in the Church and society, there is a lot for us to be ashamed of and repent for. However, the resulting despair that some people have experienced is not necessary because there continues to be so much goodness in the Church and society that we can be proud of. This week we begin a new year in our journey of faith with Christ. It is an opportunity to once again have confidence in his presence with us, and his power in us. Without in any way being unrealistic, this is a time to look towards him to save us and to set us free. We will find that freedom in how we are with one another in our homes and in our parish community as we approach Christmas and beyond with love rather than selfishness.

Fr. Johnny Doherty, C.Ss.R.

Sunday, 29th November, 2009

First Sunday of Advent

First Reading Jeremiah 33: 14-16
In those days Judah shall be saved and Israel shall dwell in confidence.

Second Reading Thessalonians 3: 12 -4:2
May the Lord be generous in increasing your love and make you love one another.

Gospel Luke 21: 25-28, 34-36
Stay awake, praying at all times for the strength to survive all that is going to happen, and to stand with confidence before the Son of Man.

Parish Finance Council

Canon Law states that each parish must have a finance council, whose purpose is to aid the parish priest in administering parish funds. The first meeting of the Leckpatrick Finance Council took place on 8th December 2008. One of the duties of the council is to draw up a report of its administration at the end of each year. The end of 2009 is fast approaching, so this weekend I am making available to parishioners a copy of the first annual report, in which the council outlines the present financial situation of the parish and invites people to make suggestions on how our parish might move forward to a more stable financial position. I am well aware that we are living in difficult times, and I am most grateful to the many people who have so generously helped to raise substantial funds over the last ten years or so for major renovation works. I am also very appreciative of the efforts of many parishioners who week after week contribute what they can to the envelope collection.

Finally, please read the report of the Finance Council which you will find at the back of the church and kindly support your parish in whatever way you can. Many thanks in anticipation!

Fr. John Doherty

Interim Report

Parish of Leckpatrick Financial Review 2009

The parish finance committee have over recent weeks examined the financial position of the parish during the last few years and the results make for disappointing reading. There had been considerable expenditure over the past ten years or so on church improvements and cemetery maintenance and it is to the credit of parishioners that such work has been paid for through special fund raising and donations. Last year the parish accounts showed a credit balance and it appeared that the financial position was sound.

This latest examination decided to look at income versus expenditure during this current year and project this to a potential end of year position. Special donations that did much to cloak the situation were ignored. The results show that the parish is operating at a deficit and in danger of falling into debt; this will quickly rise if remedial action is not taken.

The main source of income for parish running costs is the weekly envelopes and the receipts from these have remained fairly steady over the years. The total reclaimable under the Gift Aid scheme (reclaiming income tax paid on contributions) is disappointingly low and many more people could be signed up to this scheme. Interest on parish savings was always an important source of income, averaging about £8000 per year, but this has now ended and there appears little likelihood of the parish savings scheme being re-established. Thus this income source has gone for the foreseeable future and we need to plan without it. The figures given here suggest that income needs to be increased by about £20,000 per year – an annual income of approximately £88,000 - if we are to break even and halt the decline in parish assets.

Waiting in Hope

Nobody likes the critical person, someone who always seems to have the negative word, view or barb, the slightly caustic remark, the person who, if it’s sunny today, will tell you rain is coming tomorrow.

So why in the world choose a Gospel like today’s to begin Advent? As the thronged shops operate to the joyful sound of Christmas jingles, we have ‘…nations in agony … men dying of fear … the powers of the heavens will be shaken.’

It isn’t pretty, but it’s real. The sad truth is that all of us who are old enough realise that we do not live in a ‘Santa Claus’ world. Children’s visions are washed away with the hot tears of grown-up disappointment and despair. The Gospel vividly shows the world ending, but most people find their world ends in a more personal way. A relationship ends, a loved one dies, illness intervenes, addiction brings sorrow into a family. When your life is rocked to its foundations, does the misery of disappointment, disease and death have the last word? No it doesn’t – God does. What we should do is increase in love [Paul – 2nd Reading]. Stand erect, don’t flee situations or blot them out [Gospel]. God is at work. Advent is more than just waiting for the coming Christ child; it is anticipation – waiting combined with hope.

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 be returned at Christmas. For further details contact Children in Crossfire, telephone [028] 71269898.

Padre Pio Devotions

Padre Pio devotions will take place in the Immaculate Conception Church, Strabane on Wednesday 2nd December with the Rosary at 6.45pm followed by Mass at 7.00pm.

Last week’s Collection amounted to £1,829.00. Many thanks.

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.