Sunday 20th April 2008

Fifth Sunday of Easter.

Our Royal Priesthood

Jesus said: “I am the way, the truth and the life.” Because these words are so familiar to us we can easily hear them and move on. What do they mean? Jesus is the way, first of all, to the true God. We can easily reduce God to our own size, into proportions that we can manage. Jesus constantly lifts us out into the vastness of God and we are out of control. He also is the way to the full mystery of ourselves made in the image of God because there too we tend to reduce each other and ourselves down to size. Jesus is the truth about God who loves us with an infinite and passionate love. God adores us like a parent in the presence of a newborn baby. And he is the life. He teaches us that the only true human way of living is the way of love – the love of God and of each other. This has huge implications for us in our homes and in our parish community.

Fr. Johnny Doherty, C.Ss.R. - http://www.loveisforlife.com

Parish Missal Readings (Year 1) p 259 & Proper p 1040

First Reading Acts of the Apostles 6: 1-7
They elected seven men full of the Holy Spirit.

Second Reading 1 Peter 2: 4-9
You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood.

Gospel John 14: 1-12
I am the Way, the Truth and the Life.

Masses during the coming week

Monday & Tuesday 10.00 am
Wednesday 7.00pm
Thursday & Friday 10.00am

Weekend Masses:
Vigil Mass Saturday evening 8.00 pm
Sunday morning 9.00 am & 11.00 am

Confession Times: Saturday Evening after Vigil Mass

Mass Intentions for this week:

Monday 10.00am - Anv. Mass - Joey Connolly
Saturday 8.00 pm - Anv. Mass - Patrick Baxter

This Week's Calendar

Monday 21 - St Anselm, bishop and doctor of the Church.

Tuesday 22 - Weekday (5th Week of Easter)

Wednesday 23 - St George, martyr. George was venerated as a soldier saint at Lydda in the Holy Land where he was probably martyred around the year 300. Also, St Adalbert, bishop and martyr. Adalbert, born 956, after b ïeing bishop of Prague, went as a missionary among the Prussians on the Polish coast where he was martyred in 997.

Thursday 24 - Easter Weekday Today is the anniversary for the solemn inauguration in 2005 of Pope Benedict XVI as Supreme Pastor of the Church. An intention for the Holy father should be included in the Prayer of the Faithful at all Masses.

Friday 25 - St Mark, Evangelist. Mark was closely connected with the preaching of Ss Peter, Paul and Barnabas.

Saturday 26 - Easter Weekday

Legion of Mary meeting as usual every Thursday at 8pm in the parish hall.

Parish Bingo every Friday night in the Parish Hall commencing at 9.00 pm. Everyone welcome.

ACCORD - OMAGH
Recruitment of Marriage Education Facilitators and Associate Counsellors Empower yourself by Empowering others Ð Share your experience to help couples share theirs - Become a Marriage Education Facilitator or Relationship Counsellor for Accord Information Evening - Wednesday 16 April at 7.30pm in Mount Saint Columba Pastoral Centre, 48 Brook St, Omagh. Tel: 028 82242439 email : accordomagh@btopenworld.com

Pat O'Loughlin is planing to run the Belfast Marathon on Monday 5th May to raise money for Diabetes Research. Pat is asking for your support. Telephone 028 816 71550

North West Regional College Open Evening on Wednesday 23rd April - 5pm to 8pm... Information available on all Full-Time courses commencing September 2008 at all College locations. Everyone welcome. Telephone 028 7127 6022 or visit www.nwrc.ac.uk

St Davogs GAA

Seniors
Senior men get underway this weekend with home match on SundayÊto Ardboe reserves 2.15pm seniors 3.45pm During interval in senior match the primary schools will be playing a mini matchÊall support welcome.

Minors
The minors had a good win over Loughmacrory but were defeated by a strong Newtownstewart team and drew with Beragh,

Training
U14's training continues every Monday & Wednesday eve 6.30pm to 8pm.

Training for all underage is up & going Know training timesÊMonday & Wednesday eve 6.30pm to 8pm for all boys & girls.

Training for all U'12 & U14 girls Saturday 11am to 12.15pm.The minor girls had a win over Pomeroy and were beaten by Gortin. Monday sees them play Sigersons at home at 7pm in the semi-final of the championship all support welcome.

The club would like to wish Fr. Willie Sproule a speedy recovery.

Cards
The cards have finished with Jimmy Penrose been the last winner for this season thanks toÊall who have supported the cards and who have helped out with teas etc.

Youth Mass
You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses (Acts 1:8) There will be a Diocesan Youth Mass on Pentecost Sunday 11th May in St ColumbÕs Church, Chapel Rd, Waterside Derry at 6pm. Bishop Hegarty will be the main celebrant and all young people are invited to attend. The new Diocesan Youth Choir will provide the music for the Liturgy at this Mass. All young people studying for their exams this year are also most welcome. Refreshments will be held afterwards in the adjacent Parish Centre. Everyone welcome.

Castlederg M.S. Group host an Evening of Colour & Image by A Colour Me Beautiful Consultant on Tuesday 29th April 2008 at 8pm in Derg Valley Health & Living Centre Light Refreshments. Tickets £5.

University of Ulster Choir, based at the Magee campus in Derry, will perform a concert of sacred music in Christ Church, Infirmary Road, Derry on Wednesday 23rd April at 8pm. Admission free. Optional retiring collection at the end of concert for donations.

World Youth Day Experience in Lourdes July 08
As an alternative to World Youth day in Sydney, Lourdes has been nominated the European Centre for WYD and the diocese will be taking a youth group to experience these days of celebration. The trip will be from 16th-21st July for 20-35 year olds and will travel as part of the larger Diocesan Pilgrimage. The cost is £449. There will be a set program for this group for the 5 days including live screen linkup to Sydney, International Youth Masses, concerts, drama and much more. If you are interested in going or finding out more please contact the Pilgrimage Office on 71260293 or pick up a form from the parish office.

 

Marriage Preparation Courses.


2008


April 4th , 5th, and April 25th & 26th,
May 23rd & 24th,
June 13th &14th.
Numbers on courses are limited. The fee of £80 per couple must be included with completed application form and forwarded to the Accord office