Parishes of Camus, Clonleigh and Leckpatrick
Second Sunday of Christmas – Year C – 5th January 2025
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
Of the four Gospels, St Mark’s begins with the baptism of Jesus. Matthew and Luke begin theirs with stories of Jesus’ birth and infancy. However, St John begins his Gospel with a poetic theological reflection. It opens by going back in time and using the very first words in the Bible – in the beginning … in principio … Here John presents Jesus as existing from the very beginning of time, taking human form or becoming incarnate here on earth, then being rejected ‘by his own’ only to eventually be raised in glory. Thus in that introduction John gives us a summary of the life of Jesus. He describes God as becoming human in Jesus as ‘the Word was made flesh, [he] lived among us and we saw his glory, the glory that is his as the only Son of the Father …’
The easiest way to understand what John means by referring to Jesus as Word becoming flesh is to think of how and why we use words or language. Words are the means we use to communicate with each other. In John’s Gospel Jesus is presented as the definitive WORD God uses to relate or communicate with us. So Jesus as the WORD is the visible human expression of God, the channel through whom God enters into a relationship with us, in a way we would understand and thus be drawn into the life of God.
So, at this beginning of 2025, let us pray to the God of beginnings: “Begin again in us and sow the seed of your eternal word in the everyday soil of our hearts. Let it grow there so that, in the daily round of our lives, we may become gentle yet powerful witnesses to your light. In this deep mid-winter, surrounded as we are by uncertainty, may the light you sow in us through your Word burn brightly and become a source of hope and joy for all whom we meet.
Invitation to 33 Days of Family Prayer Bishop McKeown will lead the diocese in 33 days of Family Prayer towards Consecration to Jesus Christ through Mary, as part of a diocesan programme for the Jubilee Year of 2025, Pilgrims of Hope. It will be delivered online on the Diocese of Derry Facebook, each evening at 7 pm, starting on Thursday 9 January and concluding on the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, Tuesday 11 February. Bishop McKeown explains, “It is a journey I set out to make to entrust myself and my priesthood to Christ through the Mother of God. I extend an invitation to you and your families from the parishes of the diocese to join me”.Details and times of the prayer programme with a video message from Bishop McKeown can be viewed at https://www.derrydiocese.org/news/invitation-33-days-of-family-prayer
Requiescant in Pace As a parish faith community, we offer our sympathy to the family and friends of Ina Maguire, Innisfree Gardens
Pat Morris, Innishfree Gardens
Patsy White, Owenreagh Drive
Jo Logue,Townsend Street
Frank Kelly, Evish Road
Seamus McDevitt, Tulacorr Drive
Martyn Burke, Bearney Road
Genevieve Boyle, Meadow Crescent / Foyle Vale
Anniversaries Sean Harper, John McCafferty, Brenda McLaughlin, Hugh Henry, Keith Roddy,
Margaret Rose Logue, Jerry Conaghan, Agnes Connolly, Rose Wray, Dan O’Neill, Davy Devine,
Betty O’Donnell, Kathleen Montague, Danny Molloy, Gerard McCrossan, Hugh Brown,
Caroline McBride, John Dooher, Hugh & Maureen McDermott, Leonard Friel. May they rest in peace.
Thank You for your generosity to the offertory collections on Sunday 22nd December
Leckpatrick: £1,632; Clonleigh: €1,832.33 (Euro); Camus: £1,820.
Thank You for your generosity to the offertory collections on Sunday 29th December
Leckpatrick: £1,323; Clonleigh: €2,154 (Euro); Camus: £1,205
Thank you also to those who contribute by standing order.
Thank You for your astounding generosity to weekly contributions and also at this time thank you for your generosity to the Christmas collection for the priests of the area. Every blessing for 2025.
The Magi and the Humble King
The Gospel of Matthew tells the story of the Magi visiting Jesus. This is more than a story about wise men bringing gifts. It shows that Jesus is the Messiah for all people. The star guiding the Magi symbolises God’s light leading all nations to Jesus. This light is different from the power of King Herod. Herod is powerful and fearful. Jesus, though a baby, shows a different kind of kingship. He is humble and vulnerable, yet He changes the world.
The Feast of the Epiphany celebrates this revelation. It shows us that God’s kingdom is different from earthly kingdoms. In God’s kingdom, the humble are lifted up, and true power is found in love and service. Jesus came for all people, and His light shines on everyone.
As we reflect on the Epiphany, we are reminded to follow the example of the Magi. We are called to seek Jesus, recognise His light, and honour Him as our king. Let us embrace the humility and love that Jesus shows us and share His light with the world.
Lord Jesus, light of the world, guide us to You. Help us to see Your light in our lives. May we follow Your example of humility and love. Teach us to share Your light with others, showing them the way to Your truth and grace. Amen.
The Magi set out at the rising of the star. They teach us that we need to set out anew each day, in life as in faith, for faith is not a suit of armour that encases us; but a fascinating journey, constant and restless movement, ever in search of God. (Pope Francis)
Masses on Monday 6th January for the Feast of the Epiphany are as follows:
Sacred Heart Church, Derry Road: 7.45 am
Immaculate Conception Church, Strabane: 10.00 am, 7.00 pm
St Joseph’s Church, Glenmornan: 9.45 am
St Patrick’s Church, Murlog: 11.00 am
St Mary’s Church, Cloughcor: 11.00 am
Readings for Sunday 12th January (The Baptism of the Lord): 1st reading: Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7: Psalm: 29: 2nd reading: Acts 10: 34-38; Gospel: Luke 3: 15-16, 21-22
Feast Days This Week: Monday: TheEpiphany of the Lord; Tuesday: St Raymond of Penyafort, priest.
Contemplative Prayer Group meetings resume on Monday 6th January at 8 pm in the Meditation Room at the Parochial House, Barrack St, Strabane. All welcome.
Eucharistic Adoration takes place in our pastoral area as follows:
Sacred Heart Church, Derry Road: Wednesday 8.15 am – 5 pm
St Patrick’s Church, Lifford: Friday 9.30 am – 12.30 pm
Immaculate Conception Church, Strabane: Tuesday 10.30 am – 1 pm
You are invited to come and pray quietly before the Lord Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and to commit yourself to be present for a half hour / hour to ensure someone is always present in the churches. Thank you for your prayerful support.
Save us, Lord, while we are awake; protect us while we sleep; that we may keep watch with Christ and rest with him in peace.
Pope’s Prayer Intention for January You are invited to answer the Holy Father’s request and to join with many people worldwide in praying for this intention: January: For the Right to an Education: Let us pray for migrants, refugees and those affected by war, that their right to an education, which is necessary to build a better world, might always be respected.
Monthly Mass in Honour of Sr Clare Crockett will NOT take place on the second Sunday due to the opening of her cause in Madrid. It will take place a week later on Sunday 19th January at 7pm in the Carmelite Retreat Centre, Termonbacca, Derry. If you have any prayer intentions you would like to have included please send by private message. Mass will be streamed live on Termonbacca YouTube channel. All welcome.
Accord Derry Marriage Preparation Workshops The following dates are available: February 21st/22nd, March 28th/29th, April 11th /12th, May 30th/31st and June 20th /21st. Visit www.accordni.com. These courses are in person.
Baptism Dates in St Patrick’s, Murlog: January 11th/25th at 2.00 pm.
The Net, the latest edition, sharing the fruits of faith in the Derry Diocese is available at https://www.derrydiocese.org/publications/the-net/the-net-december-2024.pdf
Teach Us To Pray Booklet for the occasion of the Jubilee Year of Prayer 2025, the Dicastery for Evangelisation has created a handbook containing very useful guides and reminders of occasions of prayer, including: In the Parish Community; in the Family; with Young People; in Sanctuaries; and more Including catechesis on prayer. It can be downloaded at: https://www.derrydiocese.org/news/teach-us-to-pray
Silent Retreat Fr Stephen Quinn will lead a silent retreat in Termonbacca, Derry from Friday 24th – Sunday 26th January. A great opportunity to start the New Year with space for God and growing in friendship with Christ through silence and contemplation. This weekend is suitable for all. The retreat costs £90 which includes accommodation and all meals. For queries and booking contact termonbaccaderry@gmail.com or call 02871262512.
Christmas Draw Thank you for your support of our Christmas Draw. The final draw takes place on 6th January. Winners’ names will be included in the next parish newsletter.
NI Blood Transfusion Service will collect blood donations in Shantallow Community Hall Residents Association, 38 Drumleck Dr, Derry, BT48 8EN on 24th January from 1.30 – 4 pm & 5 – 7 pm. Visit https://nibts.bookinglive.com/book/add/p/6 or tel 08085534653 to book.
Derry Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes, led by Bishop McKeown takes place from Monday 30 June to Friday 4 July 2025, leaving from City of Derry Airport. Price £849 plus insurance and single supplement if required. Gift Vouchers are available which can be used to assuage the cost from the Pastoral Centre, 164 Bishop St, Derry. Enquiries can be made by email to derrypilgrim@outlook.com
Hearing Aid Support takes place on Wednesday 8th January from 9.30 – 11 am at Sion Mills Parish Hall, Primrose Park, BT82 9QB. Visit our free drop-in service for basic repairs and information. No appointment needed.
Gamblers Anonymous Tel 71351329. Alcoholics Anonymous Tel 90351222
Sharing the Good News, the weekly newsletter of the Irish Bishops’ Conference, can be viewed at https://catholicnews.ie
Mass cards / Mass bouquets are also available from the parish office.
St Vincent de Paul Helpline 07711156924.
New Year Prayer Eternal God: in your purpose our lives are lived, and by your grace our hopes are bright. Be with us in the coming year, forgiving, leading, and saving; so that we may walk without fear, in the way of Jesus Christ.
Parish Schedule
Immaculate Conception Church, Strabane
Mass: Saturday Vigil: 6.00 pm; Sunday: 9.45 am & 12.15 pm
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: 5 pm
Sacred Heart Church, Derry Rd
Mass: Sunday: 11.15 am; Monday – Friday: 7.45 am
St Joseph’s Church, Glenmornan:
Mass: Sunday: 9.45 am
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: 11 am Mass:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 9.30 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.