Sunday 27th July 2008

17th Sunday in Ordinary Time

The Treasure We Have Found

“The farmer sells everything he owns and buys the field.” In the Gospel reading of this Sunday, Jesus is calling on us to look at our priorities and set them straight. And that’s easier said than done! How do we know what our priorities are? The first test is what we spend our time at. If, for example, a couple want to make their marriage a priority, each one must be willing to invest time in their relationship. This time needs to be regular, good, creative time. Many couples do not give that time to each other. The same is true of family life. Time is the first and greatest gift of parents to their children. The second test of priorities is what we are passionate about. There are many sports widows in our country because this is what so many men are passionate about rather than their sacred commitments to marriage and family life. We can also look at this in relation to our faith commitment and the time and energy we give to those with whom we worship God.

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

Sunday, 27th July 2008

Parish Missal Readings (Year 1) p 325 & Proper p 1074

First Reading 1 Kings 3: 5.7-12
Told by God that he could have any gift he wanted, Solomon chose the gift of wisdom.

Second Reading Romans 8: 28-30
Those who love God can turn everything to their spiritual advantage.

Gospel Matthew 13: 44-52
What God offers us is so precious that it is worth everything we have.

 

Masses during the coming week

Weekend Masses:

Vigil Mass, Saturday evening 8.00 pm
Sunday morning 9.00 am & 11.00 am

Masses during the coming week

Monday & Tuesday 10.00 am

Thursday & Friday 10.00am

Confession Times:
Thursday morning after 10.00am Mass

Saturday Evening after Vigil Mass

 

Mass Intentions for this week:

Monday 10.00am - Anv. Mass - Patsy Gallen

Saturday 8.00pm - Anv. Mass - Bridget Rushe

Derry Diocesan Society From July 2008 the contribution to enrol members to the Derry Diocesan Society has been increased to £20

Each day in the Derry Diocese we are asked to pray for our priests named on that particular day. THIS WEEK WE PRAY FOR:

Fr. Kevin Mc Elhennon
Fr. Brendan Mc Ginn R.I.P.
Fr. Dermot Mc Girr
Fr. James Mc Glinchey R.I.P.
Fr. Brian Mc Goldrick
Fr. Neil Mc Goldrick
Fr. Patrick Mc Goldrick

This Week’s Calendar

Tuesday 29 St Martha. Martha, sister of Lazarus and Mary, is a woman of faith who made her profession of faith in Christ as Son of God, an in the resurrection. She is patron of innkeepers, cooks and dieticians.

Wednesday 30 St Peter Chrysologus, bishop and doctor of the Church. Peter golden-worded died c. 450. He was bishop of Ravenna, renowned for his preaching and pastoral zeal.<

Thursday 31 St Ignatius of Loyola, priest. Ignatius, 1491-1556, from the north of Spain founded the Society of Jesus. By the time of his death the Society had spread widely and had over a thousand ‹ members. His great theme was the service of God and Gods greater glory. The experience of his conversion led to his writing of the Spiritual Exercises.

Friday, 1 August St Alphonsus Ligouri, bishop and doctor of the Church. Alphonsus, 1696-1787, founder of the Redemptorist Congregation, taught much on moral theology and the spiritual life. He is remembered as a popular teacher and influential writer of theology.

Saturday 2 St Peter Julian Eymard, priest. Peter, 1811-1868, a fervent disciple of the Eucharistic mystery, established the Blessed Sacrament Fathers and, with the help of Marguerite Guillot, the Servants of the Blessed Sacrament.

Legion of Mary

Usual weekly meeting in the parish hall on Thursday at 8pm.

Everybody hurts sometimes! If you’re in distress or despair, call Lifeline and talk to trained counsellors who can provide help and support. Call free on 0808 808 8000. Lines are open 24 hours a day. See the poster in the church porch for more information.

 

Church Door & Car Park Attendants August 2008 Saturday Night: James Barclay, Patsy Connolly & John Joseph McHugh Sunday 9.00 am: Alex McCrory & James Byrne Sunday 11.00 am: Alex Byrne & Brian Moss

Church Readers for the month of August 2008

Vigil Mass 8.00 pm Sat. Eugene McMenamin

Sunday 9.00 am Martina Dolan

Sunday 11.00 am Michelle Slevin

If you are unable to attend do try and get another reader to cover for you.

Dance in Garvagh Hall

on Friday 1st August. Music by Larry & Co

First Friday Sick. The sick of the parish will be attended this incoming week: Thursday: Tullycar, Ballymongan, Shanaghy & Scraghey. Friday: The Corgary’s, Carn, Carndreen, Dreenan, The Garvagh’s, Laught & Aghyaran Can neighbours inform the housebound that I will be calling.

Altar Society for August 2008

Kathleen Dolan Marian McGrath

YOUTH 2000 SUMMER YOUTH FESTIVAL

All 16-35 yr olds are invited to attend the Youth 2000 Summer Festival in Clonmacnoise close to Athlone from Thursday 14th-Sunday 17th August. The festivals is being organised by young people for young people and will consist of music, drama, key speakers, workshops, games, prayer and free time for walks or chilling out. The event is being run on a donation only basis and there are free buses available. For more information or to book a place on the bus contact the youth co-ordinator at 71264087 or check out the website www.youth2000.ie

 

First Friday Evening Mass

is suspended for the summer months

 

Questions people ask

Q. Jesus had many parables about the kingdom of heaven. Do these parables refer to the next life or to present reality?

A. At the beginning of his preaching Jesus announced that his mission in this world would be about the kingdom or reign of God. Its perfection would be in the next life but its growth would begin in this life. The kingdom on earth means what life would be like if everybody lived according to the ideals of the gospel. A beautiful prospect indeed, involving repentance and believing. Jesus said it is a treasure waiting to be discovered, a precious pearl to be sought by every means at our disposal.

Reminder

St. Davog’s Primary School Mini Summer Scheme - 2008

Commences this Tuesday 29th July 9.30am - 1.00pm Only those registered in the scheme should attend.

Marriage Preparation Courses. 2008

October 24th & 25th. November 21st & 22nd. December 5th & 6th

Courses 2009 January 23rd & 24th, February 20th & 21st March 20th & 21st, April 24th , 25th, May 22nd & 23rd, June 19th & 20th.

Application forms are available from the parochial house or from the Accord Office 48 Brook Street,Omagh. Numbers on courses are limited. The fee of £100 per couple must be included with completed application form and forwarded to the Accord Office