Parishes of Camus, Clonleigh and Leckpatrick
The Presentation of the Lord – Year C – 2nd February 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
Today’s gospel unfolds in the temple of Jerusalem, where Mary and Joseph bring the infant Jesus to present Him to the Lord, according to the Law of Moses. In this sacred moment, we encounter two elderly servants of God – Simeon and Anna – whose lives were marked by unwavering faith and devotion.
Simeon is described as a righteous and devout man who had been waiting for the “consolation of Israel.” His joy at seeing Jesus reminds us that God is always faithful to His promises, even if the fulfilment takes time. Waiting can be difficult, but Simeon teaches us that waiting on God is never in vain. His timing is perfect, and His promises are sure.
Anna, a prophetess, is another shining example of faithfulness. A widow for most of her life, she devoted herself to worship, fasting and prayer in the temple. At the age of 84, she was still steadfast in her commitment to God. When Anna sees Jesus, she gives thanks to God and speaks about the child to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem. Her devotion and her joy reveal the richness of a life centred on God.
In our busy lives, it’s easy to become distracted by temporary pursuits. For both Simeon and Anna, their long years of waiting culminate in a single moment of seeing Jesus. In Him, they recognise the fulfilment of God’s plan for salvation. Their joy is not rooted in earthly achievements or possessions but in the presence of the Saviour. This teaches us that true fulfilment is found in Christ. When we focus on Him, we discover a peace and joy that transcends our circumstances.
Jesus is the Saviour for all people, bringing light to those in darkness and redemption to those in need.
The stories of Simeon and Anna encourage us to remain faithful in our waiting, devoted in our worship, and hopeful in our trust in God. Whatever season of life you are in, hold on to His promises and fix your eyes on Jesus. He is the fulfilment of all our longings and the source of eternal joy.
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Service of Light – Confirmation Pupils of sixth class and their families are invited to join the parish community for Mass on Sunday 9th February at 11am in St Patrick’s Church, Murlog during which a Service of Light in preparation for Confirmation will take place.
Lourdes Hospitalité Collection This collection, which will be taken up at Masses next weekend (8th/9th Feb), enables medical assistance to some pilgrims travelling on the diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes. Your generosity is very valuable. Thank you.
Requiescant in Pace As a parish faith community, we offer our sympathy to the family and friends of Kacper Dudek, Beechwood Park, Lifford
William O’Halloran, Mount Carmel Heights
Mary Stevenson, Lisnafin Park
Patrick McGill, Orchardstown, Waterford (formerly Cavan, Lifford).
Anniversaries Laurence McDermott, Bonnie McDermott, Barney Browne, Mary Jane McCrossan, Seamus Devine, Eugene McDevitt, Paddy Farrell, George Sproule, Nuala Deans, Barney McCrossan, Robbie White, Pat Doherty, Mary Boyle, Benny Porter, Noel Gillespie, William Doherty, Jane McGranaghan, Maisie Egan, Anna McCormick, Marty Quinn, Tommy Blair, James Connolly, Joseph Connolly, Bridget McGillian, Hugh McNulty, James Connolly, Joseph Connolly, Helen McGilloway. May they rest in peace.
Mass Intentions for St Patrick’s, Murlog on
Friday 7th Feb at 9.30 am: Bridie Canny, Galway;
Saturday 8th Feb at 6.30 pm: Vincent Doherty, Cloughfin (1st anniversary), Brendan Brolly, Cloughfin, Phonsey Brolly, Wales, Frances McGinley, Ballindrait;
Sunday 9th Feb at 11 am: Brian Anderson, Ballinabreen (1st anniversary), Olive McCullagh, Ballinabreen, Frances & Edmund Devenney, Tober
Thank You for your generosity to the collections on Sunday 26th January
Leckpatrick: £691 (offertory), £273 (restoration);
Clonleigh: €1,262.17 (Euro);
Camus: £1,485 (offertory), £1,315 (restoration).
Thank you also to those who contribute by standing order.
Readings for Sunday 9th February: 1st reading: Isaiah 6: 1-8; Psalm: 137:1-5, 7-8;
2nd reading: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11; Gospel: Luke 5: 1-11
Saints of the Coming Week:
Monday: St Ansgar, bishop; St Blaise, bishop & martyr
Wenesday: St Agatha, virgin & martyr
Thursday: St Paul Miki & companions, martyrs
Friday: St Mel of Ardagh, bishop
Saturday: St Jerome Emiliani; St Josephine Bakhita
Baptism Dates in St Patrick’s, Murlog – 2.00 pm
February 8th / 22nd
March 1st /15th / 29th
Monthly Mass in Honour of St Pio will be celebrated on Wednesday 5th February at 7.00 pm in Immaculate Conception Church, Strabane. We ask God’s blessing on all through the intercession of St Pio.
DDS Masses Mass for deceased members of the Derry Diocesan Society will be celebrated on
Tuesday 4th February at 7.45 am in Sacred Heart Church, Derry Rd
Wednesday 5th February at 7 pm in Immaculate Conception, Strabane
Thursday 6th February at 9.30 am in St Patrick’s, Murlog
Please Note Mass in Murlog on Friday 7th February will be at 9.00 am.
Vocations Society of St Joseph The St John Vianney branch will meet on Tuesday 4th February in Immaculate Conception Church with rosary after 10.00 am Mass and continue in St Pat’s Hall. New members welcome.
A Meeting of St Vincent de Paul, Leckpatrick takes place on Monday 3rd February at 7.30 pm at St Vincent de Paul, Barrack St. Leckpatrick Helpline: 07711 156924.
Presentation of the Lord / Candlemas Day The traditional blessing of candles for use in our parishes and in our homes takes place at Masses this weekend.
St Blaise Blessing of throats takes place after Masses in our parish on Mon 3rd Feb.
Accord Marriage Preparation Workshops 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.
SPARK: A weekend of fun, faith and friendship for 12-16 year olds 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 fun in the process! The weekend takes place February 21st – 23rd 2025 at Termonbacca Carmelite Retreat Centre, Derry. To book or for further information, please text or WhatsApp Brendan on +353 86 8067973 or Vivienne on +44 7935 007351. Cost: €80/£70 per person (to cover food and board). Spark is fully endorsed by Bishop McKeown and supported by local diocesan priests. Our adult volunteers are fully vetted and we take safeguarding very seriously. Please note that places are limited and will be allocated on a first come basis.
33 Days of Family Prayer Bishop McKeown continues leading 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 is being delivered on the Diocese of Derry Facebook each evening at 7 pm until 11th February. Visit https://www.derrydiocese.org/news/invitation-33-days-of-family-prayer
Jubilee Prayer
Jesus Christ, our brother, and the flame of charity enkindled in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, reawaken in us the blessed hope for the coming of your Kingdom. May your grace transform us into tireless cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel. May those seeds transform from within both humanity and the whole cosmos in the sure expectation of a new heaven and a new earth, when, with the powers of Evil vanquished your glory will shine eternally. May the grace of the Jubilee reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope, a yearning for the treasures of heaven. May that same grace spread the joy and peace of our Redeemer throughout the earth. To you our God, eternally blessed, be glory and praise for ever, Amen.
Rosary on the Coast takes place today (Sunday) at 3pm at Lisfannon Beach, praying for peace, Ireland and our unborn children. Everyone welcome.
Contemplative Prayer Group meets each Monday at 8 pm in the Meditation Room at the Parochial House, Barrack St, Strabane. 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.
Donegal County Council is seeking photographs of Donegal people at work in Scotland from 1940 – 1990 for an upcoming exhibition. Participants are encouraged to share images, stories, documents or objects that reflect the working lives of Donegal people in Scotland. For more information contact: donegalscotland@donegalcoco.ie or (074) 9163824. Exhibition in the spring.
Franciscan Friary, Rossnowlagh Healing Service today (Sunday). Rosary at 2.45 pm followed by Mass / Healing Service at 3 pm. Confessions 2 pm – 5 pm.
The January Edition of ‘The Net’, the monthly publication sharing the fruits of the faith in our parish communities within the Derry diocese is available at https://www.derrydiocese.org/news/the-net-january-2025
Volunteers Needed Do you want to make a positive impact in your community? The SVP Society are seeking passionate volunteers to join our team. We truly value and appreciate our hard-working volunteers as they bring in new ideas and perspectives, as well as provide practical support to SVP, helping us increase the impact of our presence in the community. Our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. If you have a few hours to spare each month to help members of our community in need then please contact 028 71884479 or call into the SVP shop, Barrack St. No experience needed.
Strabane Pastoral Area – 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.
Thank you to our promoters and many volunteers who support the draws.
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: 9.30 am; Friday: 9 am* (*please note change of time this week)
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.