St. Patrick's Church, Aghyaran.

Parish Priest: Fr. J. Gilmore

Telephone 8167 0728

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.

Weekend Masses:

Vigil Mass Saturday evening 6.30pm

Sunday morning 9.00am & 11.00am

Confession Times

Thursday morning after 10.00am Mass

Saturday Evening 6.00pm

Masses during the coming week

Monday & Tuesday 10.00 am

Thursday & Friday 10.00am

Mass Intentions for this week:

Tuesday - 10.00 am - Anv Mass - Edward Moss

Thursday - 10.00 am - Anv Mass - May Harvey

Saturday - 8.00 pm - Anv Mass - Charlie Connolly

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. Noel McDermott

Fr. Eamon McDevitt

Fr. John McDevitt

Fr. Michael McEldowney

Fr. Kevin McElhennon

Fr. Brendan McGinn R.I.P.

Fr. Dermot McGirr

This Week's Calendar

Monday 30 - Advent Weekday

Tuesday 1 - Advent Weekday

Wednesday 2 - Advent Weekday

Thursday 3 - Advent Weekday

Friday 4 - Advent Weekday

Saturday 5 - Advent Weekday

Baptisms

We welcome into our Faith Community

Patrick Anthony O’Neill- Dolan and Aoife Celine Moss

who were Baptised and welcomed into the family of God recently.

Weekly Church Collection

Last week’s collection totalled: £1264.50stg. - € 42

Church Readers for the month of December

Vigil Mass 6.30 pm Sat. Mickey Connolly

Sunday 9.00 am Liam McGlinchey

Sunday 11.00 am Sadie McSorley

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

Altar Society for December 2009

Rosemary McSorley & Anna Logue

Church Door & Car Park Attendants for December

Sat. Night John Browne, John McNabb & Willie J. Dolan

Sunday 9.00 am John Pat Connolly & Ian McSorley

Sunday 11.00 am James Patrick Collins, Dermot Dolan & P.J. McAleer

BINGO

Every Friday night in the Parish Hall commencing at 9.00 pm.

Everyone welcome. Proceeds in aid of parish funds.

Legion of Mary

During the month of November the Rosary will be recited in the church on Wednesday evening at 8pm The intention of the rosary is to pray for the Holy Souls

Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage (Led by Bishop Hegarty) takes place from 16th - 21st July 2010. The fare £629 includes flights, full board hotel, airport taxes, insurance, coach transfers. Fares may be paid by any number of instalments. Booking forms available here in the parish or from the Pilgrimage Office, 164 Bishop Street, Derry. Tel. 028 71260293. Opening hours Tuesday 11am-1pm, Thursday 11am-2pm, Saturday 11am-1pm. for further information.

Why not give someone an opportunity of going on the Lourdes Pilgrimage 16th - 21st July 2010 as your Christmas Gift. Gift vouchers (£25-£100) are now available from the Pilgrimage Office, 164 Bishop Street, Derry. Tel. 028 71260293. Opening hours Tuesday 11am-1pm, Thursday 11am-2pm, Saturday 11am-1pm. for further information.

Christmas Party Night

in Garvagh Hall Friday 4th December Music by Glenside Country

Everyone welcome!

ST. PATRICK’S CHURCH, AGHYARAN, CHRISTMAS BAZAAR

Commencing at 8 pm sharp Sunday 29th Nov. Ticket sellers and committee please be there before 7.45 pm. We look forward to the support of the whole parish at our annual bazaar.

Killeter Heritage Centre

The Annual Christmas Lunch

will be served on Wednesday 17th December at 1.00pm in the Heritage Centre This event is for everyone and is great value at £6 for a four course meal, visit from Santa and entertainment. Booking by Friday 12th December is essential as only 80 places are available. Phone Gordon or Mary 81670636 or 8167021. Don’t forget the launch of the Aghyaran Choir CD on Sunday 30th at 3pm. CD’s will be on sale at £7 or 10 Euro.

Advent Weekend Retreat.

Registration Friday 11th. at 7.30pm to Sunday 13th December. A quiet residential weekend, which will be a spiritual preparation for the feast of Christmas, will be conducted by the Carmelite Fathers in Termonbacca, Carmelite Retreat Centre, Derry. All are welcome to attend. For further details and bookings Tel 71262512.

The monthly devotions in honour of Our Lady will take place in the Carmelite Retreat Centre, Termonbacca, Derry on Tuesday 1st December starting with confessions at 7.30 pm followed by Rosary and Mass, finishing around 10.00 pm. All are welcome to attend.

Lotto numbers drawn were 8, 12, 15, 29 and 30. £100 consolation prize went to Mark Connolly.

Cards continue every Monday night, Monday's winner was Robert Cunningham, Runners up were Art Gallagher andÊBarney McGrath.

Viva Las Vegas comes to Aghyaran this Saturday, 28th November. A very entertaining night is expected. Refreshments served at 9, casino tables in action from 9.30pm. Learn how to play all well known Vegas games. Play for fun or play to win. Strictly over 18s. Limited tickets available from club members and local shops. See advertisements in localÊshopsÊfor further details.

The A.G.M. takes place on Sunday 29th November at 2pm sharp.

Adoption: Could you make a child happy again after a difficult start in life? Family Care Society is presently seeking adoptive families who would be interested in parenting children aged between 2 Ð 6 years and who need the love and attention of a caring and understanding family.Could this be you?

Please contact Family Care Society on:Belfast 028 9069 1133 or Derry 028 7136 8592

Email: email@family-care society.org

Website:www.family-care-society.net

First Friday Sick. The sick of the parish will be attended this incoming week: Thursday Tullycar, Ballymongan, Killeter, & Scraghey. Friday: Carn, The Laught’s & Aghyaran

Can neighbours inform the housebound that I will be calling

Fund Raising Guest Tea in the Blacktown Arms Friday 4th December '09

Proceeds to Kenya Humanitarian Aid Fund.

Tea served 9pm

Music by R.J.Catterson/Sean Mongan

Border Arts 2000 invite you to their Annual Community Carol Service on Sunday 6th December at 7.00pm in St. Bestius Church, Killeter. Everyone welcome.

Aghyaran Development Association

Annual Family Fun Day

in St. Davog’s G.A.A. Centre Sunday 6th December at 4.30pm. sharp New Children's Entertainer, Santa + Elves + Gifts Refreshments for parents Please support!

Bulletin Notices

Parish email address is kathleen@parishofaghyaran.com

USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS

Accord - 8224 2439
Al-Anon Famly Groups - 9086 2368
Alcoholic's Anonymous - 9043 4848
AWARE - 7126 6602
Care for Cancer - 8224 6599
CRUISE - 8224 4414
Drugs Anonymous - 8224 6177
Gamblers Anonymous - 7135 1329
The Samaritans - 8224 4944
Women's Aid - 8224 5998
Parkinson's Disease - 8224 2889