Parishes of Camus, Clonleigh and Leckpatrick
Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year C – 26th 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
Jesus began His ministry filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. This highlights an important truth: we cannot fulfil God’s purposes in our strength alone. The Holy Spirit equips and empowers us to carry out His mission.
As believers, we are called to rely on the Spirit in all we do. Whether sharing the gospel, serving others, or navigating daily challenges, God’s Spirit gives us wisdom, courage, and strength to reflect His love and truth.
Jesus came to bring good news to the poor — not just the materially poor, but those who are spiritually, emotionally, and socially impoverished. He offers hope, healing, and restoration to all who recognise their need for Him.
We are called to follow His example by sharing the good news of God’s love and salvation with those around us. This includes acts of kindness, compassion, and justice that reflect God’s heart for the marginalized and broken.
Jesus declared freedom for prisoners, which includes both literal and spiritual captivity. Sin, addiction, fear, and hopelessness can bind people, but Jesus offers true freedom. His life, death, and resurrection broke the power of sin and opened the way for us to live in victory.
As His followers, we have the privilege of pointing others to the freedom found in Christ. Whether through prayer, encouragement, or sharing our testimony, we can help others experience His transforming power.
Jesus came to give recovery of sight to the blind and bring healing to the broken. This healing extends beyond physical ailments to emotional and spiritual wounds. He is the Great Physician who restores wholeness to every part of our lives.
When we extend love and care to those in pain, we become instruments of God’s healing. A kind word, a listening ear, or a prayer of faith can bring comfort and hope to those in need.
The “year of the Lord’s favour” refers to the time of God’s grace and salvation. Through Jesus, this time has come! His mission invites us to live in the reality of His grace and extend it to others.
Today, let us embrace this calling, trusting that the same Spirit who empowered Jesus is with us, equipping us to fulfil His mission in our lives and communities.
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Children from St Catherine’s PS who are preparing for the sacrament of Confirmation this year and their families are invited to Mass today (Sunday) at 12.15 pm in Immaculate Conception Church, Strabane.
Requiescat in Pace As a parish faith community, we offer our sympathy to the family and friends of Jim Mullen, Glenside
Anniversaries Jean Conway, Laurence Walters, Benny Devine, Ricky Porter, Rita Kelly, Willie John Carlin, James Stevenson, Neil Doherty, Dicky Dixon, Sadie Blair, Kathleen Kelly, Charlie Love, Seamus Devine, Terry O’Neill, Aileen O’Neill, Margaret Connolly, Philomena Kelly, Brigid Breslin, Theresa Lynch, John Harte, John & Tommy Doherty, Frances Friel, Denis Mc Granaghan, Joe Colhoun, Willie Doherty, Maureen McColgan, Jim Mullan, Willie Crotty. May they rest in peace.
Mass Intentions for St Patrick’s, Murlog on
Friday 31st January at 9.30 am: Mary Boyle, formerly of Lifford;
Saturday 1st February at 6.30 pm: Benny Porter, Letterkenny Road. (1st anniversary);
Noel Gillespie, Porthall
Thank You for your generosity to the offertory collections on Sunday 19th January
Leckpatrick: £2,005; Clonleigh: €1,705.82 (Euro); Camus: £1,840.
Thank you also to those who contribute by standing order.
Readings for Sunday 2nd February:
1st reading: Malachi 3:1-4;
Psalm: 24:7,8,9,10;
2nd reading: Hebrews 2:14-18;
Gospel: Luke 2: 22-40
Saints of the Coming Week:
Monday: St Angela Merici, virgin;
Tuesday: St Thomas Aquinas, priest and doctor of the Church;
Wednesday: St Vincent, deacon & martyr;
Thursday: St Aidan of Ferns, bishop;
Friday: St John Bosco, priest;
Saturday: St Brigid of Kildare, Abbess;
Sunday: The Presentation of the Lord
Please Note Mass on Tuesday 28th January in St Patrick’s, Murlog will be at 9.00 am.
Baptism Dates in St Patrick’s, Murlog February 8th/22nd / March 1st/15th/29th at 2pm.
Derry Diocesan Youth Pilgrimage to Fatima We invite young people aged 16+ to join us on pilgrimage to Fatima for 4 nights from 14th – 18th July. This will be a unique experience for young people and an opportunity to engage with their peers from around the world in a faith context. Cost: £700 and there will be a budget plan to help with this. Names and deposit of £100 are required as soon as possible to ensure a place. For details or to book, please contact lizzie.rea@derrydiocese.org or 71264087.
Vocations As we celebrate this Sunday of The Word of God, we pray for those already called to serve as priests of the diocese of Derry that, filled with the Spirit of the Lord, they will work to bring the “good news” of God’s love and mercy to God’s people.
Feast of St Brigid Saturday 1st February is the Feast of St Brigid. Brigid is the secondary Patron of Ireland. Born c.454, she was renowned for her hospitality, almsgiving and care of the sick. She died in 524 and is venerated not only in Ireland but throughout many parts of Europe.
St Brigid’s crosses will be blessed at Masses at 10.00 am in Immaculate Conception, Strabane
and at 11.00 am in St Patrick’s, Murlog next Saturday.
Prayer to St Brigid
You were a woman of peace. You brought harmony where there was conflict. You brought light to the darkness. You brought hope to the downcast. May the mantle of your peace cover those who are troubled and anxious, and may peace by firmly rooted in our hearts and in our world, Amen.
St Brigid’s Cross Visit https://www.catholicbishops.ie/2022/01/31/feast-of-saint-brigid/ to see how
a St Brigid’s Cross is made.
Presentation Day (Candlemas Day) Candles will be blessed at Masses next weekend.
Derry Diocese Pilgrimage to Lourdes 30th June – 4th July 2025. Fare £849 (+£144 single supplement). The Lourdes Pilgrimage Office will open on Saturday 1st February from 11am – 1pm in The Pastoral Centre 164 Bishop St, Derry, BT48 6UJ. Tel 02871260293 and will continue to be open each week on Thursdays and Saturdays from 11 am – 1 pm. Application forms available at these times or by emailing derrypilgrim@outlook.com. We also have a Youth Pilgrimage coming with us and any young person 16 -18 years in any parish may contact us by phone or email for more information. We are also asking any nurses, doctors or care staff who are interested in joining our Care Team to make contact with the Pilgrimage Office. The Lourdes Hospitalité collection, which helps those who wish to go to Lourdes and require care and assistance, is due to take place at weekend Masses on the 8th/9th of February 2025. As in previous years, we appeal to your generosity for this worthwhile cause as we take the pilgrimage forward facing many new challenges.
Camus / Leckpatrick Parish Draws 2025
(Immaculate Conception, Strabane, Sacred Heart, Derry Rd,
St Mary’s, Cloughcor, St Joseph’s, Glenmornan)
A draw will take place in each parish this year with the following prizes in both draws:
February – October 2025 10th Month: November 2025
9 Monthly Prizes Star prize: car
1st prize: £1,000 2nd prize: £1,000
2nd prize: £300 3rd prize: £300
3rd prize: £200 4th prize: £200
5 prizes @ £100 5 prizes @ £100
Limited number of members for each draw. Voluntary subscription: £10 per month. Total subscription £100 for each draw. All proceeds in aid of parochial funds. Promoters will be updated on availability of tickets through the week. Further details for those willing to take part will be available next weekend. Thank you to our promoters and many volunteers who support the draws.
Contemplative Prayer Group meets each Monday at 8 pm in the Meditation Room at the Parochial House, Barrack St, Strabane. All welcome.
Divine Mercy Conference A bus will leave Letterkenny on Saturday 22nd February going to the conference in the RDS, Dublin, returning to Letterkenny the same day. To book the bus, please tel 087 77488174. To book your ticket at the conference please buy the ticket online at wwww.divinemercyconference.com
Hearing Aid Support takes place on Thursday 30th January from 10 am – 12 noon at Ballycolman Community Centre, Ballycolman Rd, BT82 9EH. All welcome.
Pilgrimages to Medjugorje 2025 7 nights June 18th Dublin – Mostar, return Split – Dublin, Cost: €805 pps. Price increases to €855 after 31/1/25. Also 7 nights August 13th Belfast – Mostar, return Split – Belfast €825 pps. Price increases to €875 after 31/1/25. Single supplement €170. Please contact Ursula: 0872960562.
Accord Marriage Preparation Workshops Feb 21st/22nd, March 28th/29th, April 11th/12th, May 30th/31st, June 20th/21st. Please visit www.accordni.com
Finn Valley FM broadcasts 11am Mass from St Patrick’s, Murlog each Sunday.
Book Launch You are cordially invited to a book launch celebrating the life of Dr Tom McGinley, Founder of the Foyle Hospice on Wednesday 29th January at 7.15 pm in St Columb’s Hall, Orchard St, Derry, BT48 6EG. Free entry. All welcome.
NI Blood Transfusion Service will collect blood donations at Strabane Presbyterian Church Hall, Derry Rd, BT82 8LA on Thurs 6th Feb from 1 – 4 pm & 5 – 8 pm & Friday 7th Feb from 12.30 – 4 pm & 5 – 7 pm. Visit https://nibts.bookinglive.com/book/add/p/6 or tel 08085534653 to book.
Mass cards / Mass bouquets are also available from the parish office.
St Vincent de Paul Helpline 07711156924.
School Enrolment 2025 Parish of Clonleigh Murlog National School Enrolment – Applications for enrolment to Junior Infants for September 2025 will be accepted from Monday 20th January – Wednesday 19th February. Pre-school Open Day will take place on Friday 14th February. Enrolment forms are available through the school office or by visiting our website: www.murlogns.scoilnet.ie Please include a copy of your child’s birth certificate. School tel no: 07491 41450.
Scoil Mhuire gan Smál / Lifford NS Enrolment is now open for September 2025. Open Day on Friday 7th February at 2 pm, where you will have the opportunity to see our infant classroom and meet our teachers. For application form and further information, please contact: 0749141269 or liffordns@gmail.com
Cloughfin NS, Ballindrait, Lifford is accepting applications for enrolment to Junior Infants (Sept 2025) until 19th February. Forms available on the school website: www.cloughfinns.com For details / to arrange a visit tel 074 9145705.
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.