Sunday 23rd December 2007

Fourth Sunday of Advent

CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM FR. BOLAND

Christmas is almost upon us and it is time to reflect on the wonderful mystery that God became “one of us” when he took on himself our human flesh and nature through Jesus His Son. I pray that the implications of this great event will be made more evident to us at this particular time.

I am sure that all your preparations are now complete and that you are looking forward to the family being around you for the Christmas dinner and for the holiday period. I truly hope that you all have a well deserved break and a good rest from the pressures and stress that can come alongside the joy and celebrations. I would like to thank all of you, parishioners and friends of the parish alike for your loyalty, support and deep faith over the years. It is a joy to behold. We have a a deep sense of family here in Strabane Parish, great co-operation and dedication from so many, some of whom I mention below, and please God we will never lose that. I thank Bishop Francis for his loyalty and hard work and Amanda our Parish Administrator for her dedication and sterling work over the past year. She is now very much part of our family. The following groups or individuals deserve a special mention and are worthy of our highest praise and sense of gratitude:-

Church music:- John Mc Granaghan retired in September and we wish him all the best as he gets a well deserved rest. Ronan Doherty has now taken over and as well as leading the senior choir and playing the organ at the vigil Masses, he plays for the 12 noon Masses on Sundays. We owe him a great debt of gratitude. Noel McCafferty leads the talented traditional Irish group, and St Joseph's brass band led by Tommy and Noel Barr, grace us with their presence for all the big occasions. We are very grateful to them all.

Church:- Hugo our sacristan and Columba, lay ministers, (Raymonde for his help) readers, (organised by Sheila, Paddi and Mary) altar personnel, collectors, counters, (Maisie, Susie and John), St Vincent de Paul, Legion of Mary, flowers, (Marion and Maisie), St Pio Group:- (Mary, Denis and Margo). Parish Savings:- Eamon,Eunan and Kevin and all savers and promoters. Parish Draw:- all our collectors and promoters. St Patrick’s Hall:- Brian, John (plus the extras around the church and house) Raymond and the team in the Hall. Strabane Community Project:- Danny, Lillian and their team (particularly the Bingo Team), Eileen and the entertainment committee (they had a spectacular success with the Wizard of Oz in October), Aodh and his team (Pantomime).

Grotto:- Mary, John and their support group. I make special mention of the Sisters of Mercy for all their kindness and support to the parish over the years and Srs Carmel and Benedict in particular for their outstanding contribution. Sr Carmel underwent major surgery during the summer and we wish her a full and speedy recovery. Sr Ursula returned after having spent a time in St Catherine's Thornhill, and we welcome back Sr Margaret Mary who came back to Strabane just over a year ago. There are many others who work away quietly yet do great work for the parish and I wish to acknowledge very gratefully their significant contribution.

Our debt continues to go down. The parish debt is now around £90,000 and the Hall debt is now zero. Last year it was £35,000. Our fund raising activities especially our Draw (which this year brought in £20,000) are very important and we ask for your continuing support. A Financial Statement will be issued early in the new year. We built new toilets during the year and did some major sewerage connections. We are very grateful to our plumbers Paul and Sean Forbes and their associates for their excellent work. The Blessed Sacrament Chapel continues to be widely used and that is a source of deep joy. In September we put in place our Parish Pastoral Council which has bedded in quickly and now meets every month. The Contemplative/Meditation Group moved from the St Vincent de Paul Centre back to the parochial house and the prayer meeting there each Monday evening is very well attended. We thank the St Vincent de Paul Society for the use of their hall over the years. Over at the parochial house Mary Conaghan retired at the end of November after eight years of sterling service to myself and the people of Camus. She has been a priests housekeep for well over twenty years and we wish her all the best as she enjoys a well earned rest.

These are demanding and exciting times that we have the privilege of experiencing. A review of Primary School Provision in the parish is underway and this will inevitably bring in change. With small rural schools under threat, the Evish community (including School Board and parents) has produced a well ordered and comprehensive response to the initial survey document brought out by CCMS. This response seeks not only the retention of their school but also the provision of a new school in the area. I fully support their stand. Next July Holy Cross College will move into the new site on the Melmount Road and this magnificent building will be a flagship for education for many years to come.

To survive in a time of flux and upheaval we need to be rooted in God. Without that we will be blown away by the pace of life. We need to be men and women of deep prayer having a daily relationship with the risen Lord if we are going to meet the challenges of our day and adequately respond to them.

We are assured of the continuing presence of the Holy Spirit to guide us. In that confident note and with joy and optimism in my heart I wish you every possible blessing that this Christmas season brings .

May the light of Christmas brought by the Infant Christ shine forever in our hearts and may we share that light in the coming year with all our brothers and sisters.

Fr. Declan Boland PP

***

COLLECTION
We acknowledge last Sunday’s collection of £1698.00. Many thanks.

ANNIVERSARIES
Edward O'Kane, PJ Hasson, Mary Millar, Sarah McCrossan, Gertrude McDevitt,
Minnie McGrinder, Danny Harkin, Nana McCrossan, Kathleen McBrearty, Joe Lynch,
John Harper, Anthony Boggs, Jeannie Logue, Ignatius Dunne, Cassie Patton,
Marion Kennedy, William Kennedy

DEATHS
We offer our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of
Annie McCormack, Dunamanagh,
Patsy Fricker, Magirr Park,
Sheila Arbuckle, O'Nolan Park,
Joan Holliday (Leeds) who died during the week. May they rest in peace.

PRIEST'S CHRISTMAS COLLECTION
The Priest's Christmas Collection will be taken up at Mass on Christmas Eve (Vigil) and Christmas Day. You will find a special envelope in your box.

PRAYER GROUP
The contemplative prayer group will meet on Monday 7th January 2008 at 8.15pm in the Parochial House. Newcomers very welcome.

PENITENTIAL SERVICE AND CONFESSIONS
There will be a Penitential Service and Confessions in St. Mary's Church, Melmount this Sunday 23rd December from 5.00pm - 7.00pm.

PRAY FOR PRIESTS
Last year 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 the following priests:
Fr. Kieran O'Doherty PP, Swatragh, 23rd Dec
Fr. Brian O'Donnell PP, Lavey, 23rd Dec
Fr. Francis P O'Hagan PP, Magilligan, 24th Dec
Fr. Patrick O'Hagan CC, Melmount, 24th Dec
Fr. David O'Kane CC, Cathedral, 25th Dec
Fr. Patrick O'Kane PP, Moville, 25th Dec
Fr. Peter O'Kane CC, Waterside, 26th Dec
Fr. Seamus O'Kane, 26th Dec
Fr. Arthur O'Reilly, 27th Dec
Fr. Kieran Page CC, Ballymagroarty, 27th Dec
Fr. Desmond Polke CC, Doneloop, 28th Dec
Fr. Michael Porter CC, Fahan, 28th Dec
Fr. Anthony Quinn, Retired, 29th Dec
Fr. William Rafferty, Retired, 29th Dec

PARISH SAVINGS SCHEME
The Parish Savings Scheme for next year will commence on Monday 31st December 2007. We remind all our savers again that in order to join the scheme they must have a bank account, building society account or credit union account

A CHILD OF THE SNOW
Following upon the success of the Sacred Christmas Concert 'A Child of the Snow' which was performed in the Church of the Immaculate Conception in December 2005, local composer Ronan Doherty has produced an album of original music featuring material first aired in that initial concert. The CD features the talents of soloists and choirs from the Northwest performing extracts from 'A Child in the Snow'; songs, instrumentals and bible texts which celebrate the essential Christian essence of the Christmas message. CDs can be purchased at the parish office, the parochial house, the Foyle Hospice shop in Church Street or from Ronan directly (Tel: 02871884827).
CD's cost £10.00 and all proceeds will go to the Foyle Hospice.

CONFIRMATION 2008
Please note the date for Confirmation for the parish of Camus is 18th May 2008 at 3.00pm.

AA TYRONE
13th Annual Convention will be held on 18th/19th/20th January 2008 in the Mellon Country Inn. AL ANON will be in attendance.

BARRACK STREET PRIMARY SCHOOL
Application forms for Barrack Street Primary School are now available at the school office.

ST VINCENT DE PAUL
The recent St. Vincent de Paul Special Collection which was taken up at all the Masses amounted to £1282.00. Sincere thanks to everyone for their generosity and support.

NORTH WEST REGIONAL COLLEGE NEW YEAR, NEW CHALLENGE
North West Regional College, Derry, Limavady and Strabane is now offering an exciting range of new part-time courses, beginning this month. So, if you are looking for something new this year call 028 71276000 or visit www.nwi.ac.uk

ST PATRICK’S HALL

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

STRABANE SIGERSONS G.A.A.
The Club extend a Happy Christmas and a Peaceful and Prosperous New Year to all our members, players, supporters, sponsors and their families. Nollaig Shona agus Athbhliain faoi mhaise daoibh. Go raibh míle maith agaibh go léir to everyone for their support over the past year.

PARISH WEBSITE
Visit our website at www.strabaneparish.com

PRAYER CORNER



A CHRISTMAS PSALM

O Blessed One,
it is said that Christmas is for children.
Indeed, I agree:
it's only a feast for the young of heart,
a feast for finding beneath tree
gifts to surprise and delight the eternal child.

Peel back the scabs of cynicism from my eyes
so that this calloused and aging child,
may see holiness blazing at the tip of every branch,
may see every tree as a Christmas tree.

Let me not be ashamed to dance with delight
at hidden gifts wrapped in shimmering paper
with bows of rainbow coloured ribbon.

But also grant me the youthful and wide-eyed wonder
to recognise, and even to expect,
life-giving miracles on every street corner,
miracles of kindness and generosity and
care.

Gift my all-too-calculating heart
with the excitement of anticipation
to truly receive the gifts of life,
the capacity to feast and rejoice.

Give birth within me to a to a spaciousness of heart
that can celebrate this feast
of the birth of Christ, the Child,
as a child.