Parishes of Camus, Clonleigh and Leckpatrick
33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year B – 17th November 2024
Parish Clergy
Fr Michael McCaughey, PP: (028) 71882274 / (028) 71883293
Fr Eddie Gallagher, CC: (074) 91 42022 Fr Declan Boland (priest in residence)
Email: leckpatrickparish@derrydiocese.org; Website: www.leckpatrickparish.com
Email: strabaneparish@derrydiocese.org; Website: www.camusparish.com
Email: clonleighparish@derrydiocese.org; Website: www.clonleighparish.com
Thoughts on the Gospel
The Gospel reading today presents a powerful message about the return of Christ and the fulfilment of God’s promises. Jesus describes signs in the heavens and on earth that signal His coming. Although this passage may initially feel overwhelming with its descriptions of cosmic upheaval, it ultimately points to a message of hope and a call to readiness. Jesus assures us that though we cannot know the exact time of His return, we are given signs to remind us of God’s nearness and His ultimate plan to restore all things.
The imagery of stars falling and powers shaking speaks of the profound transformation that will take place. But rather than inciting fear, Jesus’ words are intended to comfort believers by reaffirming God’s sovereignty. Despite the darkness and uncertainty that can sometimes fill our world, God is in control, and His promises stand firm. He reassures us that His words will never pass away, even as heaven and earth may seem to change. This promise is an anchor for our souls, grounding us in the reality of God’s unchanging truth amid life’s uncertainties. Jesus also uses the example of a fig tree to teach us the importance of spiritual awareness and readiness. Just as we observe natural signs and anticipate the coming of seasons, we are invited to observe the spiritual signs around us. When we see changes and feel the world shifting, we are reminded to fix our eyes on God and keep our hearts prepared for His coming.
The message of this passage calls us not to be passive observers but active participants in faith, looking for signs of God’s work around us and within us. Our hope isn’t merely for the future; it’s an invitation to live with purpose and urgency now. Each day, we have opportunities to embody Christ’s love, to grow in faith, and to reach out to others with the hope we have in Him.
In times of personal struggle or global turmoil, we can hold to the unshakeable truth that Jesus will come again and make all things new. By staying spiritually awake, we live in a way that reflects God’s light to the world, prepared for the day of His return whenever it may be.
Do This in Memory Masses 24th November We invite the children and families of those in 2nd class in Clonleigh Parish schools to join us on Sunday 24th November at 10 am in St Patrick’s Church, Murlog and children and families from St Catherine’s PS, Strabane to join us at 12 noon Mass in Immaculate Conception Church as we continue our preparation for First Confession and First Holy Communion.
We Welcome children preparing for Confirmation from St Catherine’s PS, who will take part in 12 noon Mass today in Immaculate Conception Church.
Requiescant in Pace As a parish faith community, we offer our sympathy to the family of
Anne Stevenson, Towncastle Road
Annette Lynch, Ballycolman Estate
Anniversaries James McGettigan, James & Mary Devine, Jim & Finnula Devine, Taffy Doherty,
Mary Quigley, Kathleen & Gerry Crawford, Lawrence Doherty, Frances & Tommy Gallagher, Kitty Kelly, Denis Gallagher, Marie Breslin, Anne Stewart, Sadie Russell, Claire Devine, Peter Devine,
Jonathan Quinn, Patrick Clarke, John Clarke, Josephine Coyle, Josie Doherty, Liam Brennan, John Casey, Tom B Mullan, Martin Mullan, Pat Mulligan, Susan Carlin, Tom McDaid, Anne McCrory, Patsy Casey, Sarah Barron, John Casey, Stan Caulfield, Clare Devine, Peter Devine, Jean Christy, Andy Madden, Josephine Coyle. May they rest in peace.
Mass Intentions in St Patrick’s Church, Lifford
Friday 22nd November at 9 am: Mary & Danny McKendy, Scotland
Saturday 23rd November at 6.30 pm: Jean Allen, Strabane (Month’s Mind)
Tony Friel, Ballindrait (Month’s Mind)
Kitty & Patrick Kelly, Braide
Thank You for your generosity to the offertory collections last weekend:
Leckpatrick: £1,764; Clonleigh: €1,632.20 (Euro); Camus: £1,665
Thank you also to those who contribute by standing order.
Readings for Sunday 24th November: Daniel 7: 13-14; Psalm Psalms 93: 1abc, 1d-2, 5; Revelation 1: 5-8; John 18: 33b-37
Baptism Dates in St Patrick’s, Lifford Dec14th, 21st & 28th & Jan 11th & 25th
Pioneer Pledge for November A short-term pledge gives spiritual support and encouragement to people and their families who are living under the shadow of addiction. Contact Pioneer Assoc: 003531 8054226 or via www.pioneers.ie/pray
Gamblers Anonymous Tel 71351329. Alcoholics Anonymous 90351222.
Mass Cards / Mass Bouquet Cards available at the parish office, Ballymagorry.
Spark A weekend of fun, faith and friendship for 12–16 year olds takes place from 22nd – 24th November at the Carmelite Retreat Centre, Termonbacca, Derry. Do you know a young person who would like to build their faith and make new friends? Spark is a weekend experience which follows core themes from YouCat as well as stories of role models such as Blessed Carlo Acutis and Sr Clare Crockett, to help young people learn about their faith, while making friends and hopefully having a bit of craic in the process. Please text or WhatsApp Brendan on +353 86 8043065. Cost; £70/€80 per person (includes food and board). Everyone welcome.
Vocations Prayer That our seminarians and those discerning a vocation as priests of this diocese will “shine brightly as the stars in heaven” and be zealous in the instruction and example they give of Christian living to God’s people.
Thornhill Ministries’ Crib Festival is being held this year in ‘The Den’ 37 Melmount Rd, Strabane on Saturday 30th November & Sunday 1st December from 11.00 am – 5.30 pm. A unique event inviting us into the Story of Christmas through a truly inspirational display. Children will love it! And so will the adults!!
The Net, the monthly publication sharing the fruits of faith in the Derry Diocese, is available in print in parishes as well as at https://www.derrydiocese.org/publications/the-net/the-net-november-2024.pdf
November is a time for remembering and praying for our loved ones who have gone before us. This week, as we continue our journey of remembering our beloved dead we pray, God, we believe in your tender love for us. Give comfort and strength to those who mourn. Keep us all in your care and renew our lives in a spirit of trust. You are the God of light and hope.
Prayer for All the Deceased
God our Father, Your power brings us to birth,
Your providence guides our lives, and by Your command we return to dust.
Lord, those who die still live in Your presence, their lives change but do not end.
I pray in hope for my family, relatives and friends, and for all the dead known to You alone.
In company with Christ, who died and now lives, may they rejoice in Your kingdom,
where all our tears are wiped away. Unite us together again
in one family to sing Your praise forever and ever, Amen.
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Saints of the Coming Week:
Monday: The Dedication of the Basilicas of St Peter & St Paul in Rome, apostles;
Thursday: The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary;
Friday: St Cecilia, virgin and martyr;
Saturday: St Columban. abbot
Contemplative Prayer Group meets on Mondays at 8.00 pm in the Meditation Room at the Parochial House, Barrack St, Strabane. Newcomers very welcome.
St Vincent de Paul Helpline Tel: 07711156924.
Sycamore – Faith Discovery Programme, an informal course about our Catholic faith and its relevance for life today continues on Monday: 18, 25 Nov & 1 Dec. Venue: Muff, Co Donegal 7.30 pm – 9.30 pm; Tuesday: 19, 26 Nov & 2 Dec. Venue: Dungiven 7.30 – 9.30 pm. Please register at derrydiocese.org/sycamore
Rosary on the Coast takes place today (Sunday) at 3pm at Benone Beach, praying for peace, Ireland and our unborn children. Everyone welcome.
Clonleigh Church of Ireland will hold a New 2 U – homebakes, etc sale on Saturday 23rd November from 12 noon until 3.30 pm. Everyone welcome.
Calling All Men To St Joseph’s Church, Galiagh, Derry: Saturday 23 November from 2.30 – 5.30pm. Three hours of Adoration, talk on Christ the King and the father’s role in the family. Ending with Vigil Mass of Christ the King at 7.15pm. Confessions during adoration and St Padre Pio Relic will be available.
Radio Maria Ireland Christmas Fundraiser! Join us on Thursday 28th November in Mount Errigal Hotel, Letterkenny. Doors open at 6pm followed by 4 course meal, live music, information about Radio Maria and its Mission, Vision and how it can help support the faithful in Ireland today. Why not come along and enjoy a great night and help a charity! To book (€65/£60 per person) go to Eventbrite.ie or call the studio on 01 4 123456 or visit www.radiomaria.ie for information.
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Leckpatrick Parish Draw – Monday 11th November 2024
£500: Tony Vaughan (ticket 799) Promoter: Sadie Kerlin
£200: Colette Boyle (ticket 687) Promoter: Geraldine Murphy
£100: Joanne McNamee (ticket 500) Promoter: Blanche Gallagher
£100: Eoghain Kelly (ticket 395) Promoter: Nichola Hegarty
£100: Jim McFadden (ticket 644) Promoter: Patsy Barrett
We thank our promoters and all who support our parish draws (winners of Strabane’s draw in last week’s bulletin). Your support is greatly appreciated.
Christmas Parish Draw
Tickets for our Pastoral Area Draw are now available at the parish offices. This is an ideal Christmas gift. Subscription: £5. Twenty-five prizes will be drawn on 5 days through the 12 days of Christmas. The final draw will take place on 6th January 2025. Your support would be greatly appreciated.
Day 1: Christmas Day – 25th Dec 2024 1st Prize £325; 2nd Prize £225; 3rd Prize £125; 4th Prize £75; 5th Prize £50 Gift Voucher for McBride’s Spar, Strabane
Day 2: St Stephen’s Day – 26th Dec 2024 1st Prize £325 2nd Prize £225; 3rd Prize £125; 4th Prize £75; 5th Prize: £50 Gift Voucher for Fir Trees Hotel
Day 3: 1st January 2025 1st Prize: £325; 2nd Prize £225; 3rd Prize £125; 4th Prize £75;
5th Prize: Gift Voucher for a Treatment at the Gift Lodge, Derry
Day 4: 2nd January 2025 1st Prize £525; 2nd Prize £425; 3rd Prize £325; 4th Prize £225; 5th Prize £125
Day 5: 6th January 2025 1st Prize £2,025; 2nd Prize £1,025; 3rd Prize £425; 4th Prize Midweek break for two at the Great Northern Hotel, Bundoran 2 nights B&B and Evening Meal; 5th Prize £225.
Various Promoters’ Prizes
Parish Schedule
Immaculate Conception Church, Strabane
Mass: Saturday Vigil: 6.30 pm; Sunday: 10 am & 12 noon
Monday – Friday: 10.00 am; Wednesday: 7.00 pm
Eucharistic Adoration: 10.30 am – 1 pm
Leckpatrick
St Mary’s Church, Cloughcor
Mass: Saturday Vigil: 6 pm
Sacred Heart Church, Derry Rd
Mass: Sunday: 11.30 am; Monday – Friday: 7.45 am
St Joseph’s Church, Glenmornan:
Mass: Sunday: 10am
Eucharistic Adoration in Sacred Heart Church: Wednesdays from 8.15 am–5 pm
St Patrick’s Church, Murlog
Mass: Saturday Vigil: 6.30 pm; Sunday: 10 am Mass: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 9 am
Rosary: 8.40 am Confessions: Saturday: 6.00 pm – 6.15 pm
Eucharistic Adoration: 9.30 am – 12.30 pm
Weddings Please contact any of our parish offices. At least 6 months’ notice required.
Baptisms: Parent(s) are asked to contact any of our parish offices.
Safeguarding If you have any concerns with regard to safeguarding children or adults in need of protection within the Church, please contact Maire Gormley, the Diocesan Designated Liaison Person (DLP) at tel: +447596 500 793 or email: mairegormley@derrydiocese.org or PSNI (Police Service of N Ireland) 101 or Social Services: Western HSC Trust, +442871314090 (Ask for the Duty Social Worker) or Garda Síochána, Buncrana 074 9320540, Letterkenny HQ 074 9123672 or TUSLA Family & Child Agency Buncrana 074 9320420 or Letterkenny 074 9123672.