Sunday 14th December 2008

3rd Sunday of Advent - Gaudete Sunday

Our Joy in Christ

"He (John the Baptist) was not the light, only a witness to speak for the light." We live in a world where we take light for granted - until there is a breakdown in the electricity service! Then we can feel lost and fearful and angry. We also live in a world that we take for granted is in good shape and yet there is so much pain and distress in the lives of people all around us. We don't have to save the world we live in. Our task is to make it possible for Christ to save our world. We do this by being the witness for the light through the quality of our love radiating out to all we meet. This is done in all kinds of ways through the gentleness of the intimate relationships of marriage and family life. But, as we approach Christmas, we can make a special effort to reach out to those who are in need or living in isolation, especially in our parish community.

Fr. Johnny Doherty, C.Ss.R.

 

 

PARISH DRAW

As announced last week, the Parish Saving Scheme has been suspended and the reasons clearly given. This new situation will put our parish finances under strain. Our main sources of income are the Sunday collection and the Parish Draw and I encourage all our parishioners and friends of the parish to continue their ongoing generosity with regard to the Sunday collection.

The Parish Draw has been doing well over the years but during the last two years there has been a considerable downturn. I make an appeal for more people to join our Draw. In particular I ask those who were involved as collectors for the Parish Savings Scheme to take twenty tickets each and thus help to broaden the base of the Draw. I will be in contact with those involved during the week asking for their support and help. If we an expand the base of subscribers to our Draw it will be of enormous assistance in what will be a difficult year for us. I know that from past experience that I can depend on your help.

The Draw prizes have been enhanced this year and every month £2000.00 in prizes will be given out with two Extra Draws - one at Easter for all fully paid members and one at Christmas for all subscribers. The subscription remains at £5.00 per month. At a meeting of Draw promoters in St. Patrick's Hall last Monday night it was decided to keep the subscription at £5.00 per month and increase the number of subscribers. It was thought that in the present financial climate it would be unfair to raise the subscription any higher. I will be asking the promoters of the Parish Savings Scheme to use their network of contacts to assist us in building up our Parish Draw. In doing this we are all working together to meet this new challenge.

Fr. Declan Boland P.P.

 

PRAYER GROUP

The contemplative prayer group will meet on Monday evening at 8.15pm in the Parochial House. Newcomers very welcome. This is an opportunity to experiment with a new form of prayer, especially if you find that your present methods are unsatisfactory.

COLLECTION

We acknowledge last Sunday’s collection of £1498.00. Many thanks.

 

DEATHS

We offer our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of:

Mary B McGarvey, Plumbridge

Majella Duffy, Main Street

May they rest in peace.

 

ANNIVERSARIES

Attracta Harron, Bridin Grimley, Mary Boggs, Alex McNulty,

Peter McHugh, Susan O'Brien, Molly Goan, Matthew Tighe,

Denis Hegarty, Patrick McGhee, James McNally, Ann McNally,

Seamus McNally, Annie Melaugh, Sara McCrossan, Lilly McDonald, Eileen Forbes.

 

PRAY FOR PRIESTS

The diocese published a prayer card with the names of all the Derry diocesan priests. Many of you have these cards and every day a specific priest is named.

This week we ask you to pray for:

Fr. Patrick McLaughlin CC, Lavey, 14 Dec
Fr. Peter McLaughlin PP, Sion Mills, 14 Dec
Fr. Stephen McLaughlin PP, Creggan, 15 Dec
Fr. Ignatius McQuillan, Ardmore, 15 Dec
Fr. Peter Madden Adm, Desertmartin, 16 Dec
Fr. Anthony Mailey CC, Iskaheen, 16 Dec
Fr. Eamon Martin, 17 Dec
Fr. Gerard Mongan CC, Long Tower, 17 Dec
Fr. Colm Morris, Retired, 18 Dec
Fr. Joseph Morris, Retired, 18 Dec
Fr. Aidan Mullan PP, Waterside, 19 Dec
Fr. Kevin Mullan PP, Drumquin, 19 Dec
Fr. Michael F Mullan CC, Dungiven, 20 Dec
Fr. Patrick J Mullan PP, Faughanvale, 20 Dec

 

BLESSED SACRAMENT CHAPEL

Our Blessed Sacrament Chapel is open every day from 10.00am until the Church closes. It is located at the back of the Church - when you come in the main door, turn left, then left again. This is a sacred space where you can come and pray, ask for your special intentions and rest a while in the midst of a busy world.

EUCHARISTIC HEALING SERVICE
There will be Eucharistic Healing Service in the Church every Sunday during Advent at 6.00pm. Everyone welcome.

PENITENTIAL SERVICE

Penitential Service and Confessions for Christmas will be held in St. Mary's Church, Melmount on Sunday 21 December from 5.00pm to 6.30pm. There will be eight priests available.

CHRISTMAS ARRANGEMENTS 2008
Penitential Service St. Mary’s Church, Melmount
Sunday 21 December 5.00pm - 6.30pm

CONFESSIONS
Saturday 20 December 10.00am - 12.00 noon
5.30pm - 6.20pm
Monday 22 December 6.00pm - 7.00pm
Tuesday 23 December 7.00pm - 8.00pm
Wednesday 24 December 10.30am - 12.30pm

 

MASSES

Monday 22 December 10.00am
Tuesday 23 December 10.00am

CHRISTMAS EVE 10.00am
Vigil Mass 9.00pm

CHRISTMAS DAY 10.00am & 12.00 noon

Friday 26 December NO MASS
Saturday 27 December Vigil Mass 6.30pm
Sunday 28 December 10.00am & 12.00 noon
Monday 29 December 10.00am
Tuesday 30 December 10.00am
Wednesday 31 December NO MASS
Prayer Service for the New Year 11.30pm

NOVENA OF MASSES from 16 - 24 December for
those included in our special Christmas Mass Cards

 

 

PARISH DRAW

The winners of the Draw for the month of December

£50.00 Mary Conway 330
Promoter E McNulty & M Cooke

£50.00 Mary Casey 544
Promoter Sr. Carmel

£50.00 Maeve Mellon 635
Promoter Sr Carmel

£100.00 Joan Devenney 856
Promoter Jonathon McGhee

£100.00 Rose McCrossan 273
Promoter Mary & Danny O'Hagan

£100.00 Bernie Conway 428
Promoter Patricia McCrossan

£100.00 Donna Coyle 140
Promoter Maura Coyle

£100.00 Mary O'Hagan 290
Promoter Mary & Danny O'Hagan

£200.00 Kevin Taggart 765
Promoter Fr Boland

£1000.00 Carol McCrea 230
Promoter E McNulty & M Cooke

CAROL SERVICE

A Carol Service by Evish Primary School will be held in the Church of the Immaculate Conception on Thursday 18 December at 7.30pm.

SACRED HEART MESSENGER

Next year's subscription for the Sacred Heart Messenger magazine is now due. All Sacred Heart Messenger promoters should make their returns to the parish office as soon as possible.

NOTICES FOR PARISH BULLETIN

In order to facilitate printing we ask that all notices and anniversaries for the parish bulletin are either given to the sacristan or left at the parish office by Wednesday morning at the latest.

PAYMENTS BY CHEQUE

The Bank have reminded us that all payments made to the parish by cheque (for Parish Savings, Parish Draw, Sunday and Special Collections etc.) must be made payable to Church of the Immaculate Conception.

TAIZE PRAYER AND CHANT

Join us for an hour of meditative Taize Prayer and Chant on Wednesday 17 December in St. Colman's Chapel (formerly the Day Chapel), St. Mary's Church, Melmount from 7.30pm - 8.30pm. Everyone welcome.

NORTH WEST TYRONE REGIONAL PIONEER'S ASSOCIATION

One day retreat in Carmelite Retreat Centre, Termonbacca, Derry on Sunday 21 December. Bus leaving from Strabane. Anyone wishing to attend contact Mary Hegarty 15 Patrick Street, telephone 02871 882886.

TROCAIRE GLOBAL GIFT

This Christmas, why not give a gift that can change someone’s world for the better. A gift that conveys the true meaning of Christmas, that is not just thoughtful but is also genuinely life-changing. A gift that will continue to be appreciated for many Christmases to come - this Christmas, please give a Trocaire Global Gift. There are 9 gifts to choose from, from 14 countries from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe. The order forms are available at the back of the church.

CHRISTMAS YOUTH 2000 RETREAT

A National Youth 2000 Christmas Retreat for Young People aged 16-35 years takes place at Newbridge College, Newbridge, Co. Kildare from Friday 19 to Sunday 21 December. An opportunity not to be missed to experience the Catholic faith and meet many new friends! Contact Youth 2000 office (Dublin) 00353 1 6753690 or Carla 07521708876 for information. No charge - donation only. Special buses available from some locations. See poster at back of church. Website: www.youth2000.ie

ST. PATRICK’S HALL

Bingo and Lucky 4 Draw as usual this Thursday.
All our patrons are very welcome.

LUCKY 4 DRAW

There were 3 match 3 winners in last week's Draw
Gerry O'Donnell
Danielle McGrath
Mary Brown

The numbers drawn were:
5, 9, 13, 24

Next Week's Lucky 4 Jackpot is £775.00

PRAYER CORNER

AND THEY SHALL NAME HIM EMMANUEL

God of all ages,
maker of time,
mark of the alpha and
point to the omega,
Creator, sustainer of everything living,
touching us all who hold a hope
with a vision that breaks through boundaries
to grasp the blurred horizon.
You gave your promise,
a blessing of joy
to those who've not lost their faith in you.
Now time is poised with renewed expectation
of Emmanuel, God with us.
To know our time
of proclaimed favour
we make again the pledge you ask:
'Share justly the good things I give you.
Reconcile with peace the rule of abuse.
Give courage to those who voice the words
of lives that have been silenced.'
Send us to carry your good news
to those burdened with debt.
Transform their chains into clasps of love,
of prayer, concern and then action.
Aware of your Spirit always among us
we sustain your purpose with passions.
Increase our endeavour to do what you ask,
of 'Where there are wrongs, they be righted.'
Now is the time.
It will be achieved.
In acting justly,
in loving tenderly,
and in walking closely
with you, our God.