Parishes of Camus, Clonleigh and LeckpatrickFifth Sunday of Lent – Year C – 6th April 2025 Parish Clergy Fr Michael McCaughey, PP: (028) 71882274 / (028) 71882215Fr Eddie Gallagher, CC: (074) 91 42022 Fr Declan Boland (priest in residence)Email: leckpatrickparish@derrydiocese.org; Website: www.leckpatrickparish.comEmail: strabaneparish@derrydiocese.org; Website: www.camusparish.com Email: clonleighparish@derrydiocese.org; Website: www.clonleighparish.comLifford Parish Office: tel: 003537491 42001Thoughts on the GospelThis story is one of the most powerful moments of grace in the ministry of Jesus. It begins with a dramatic scene: religious leaders bring a woman caught in adultery before Jesus as He teaches in the temple. They remind Him that, according to the Law of Moses, she should be stoned. But their true motive is not justice; they want to trap Jesus in a dilemma. If He upholds the law, He seems merciless. If He lets her go, He appears to dismiss the law.Jesus doesn’t rake over the woman’s past. He doesn’t ask her about the claims of her accusers. He does not condemn or criticise her. Instead he accepts her, loves her, treats her with the respect and dignity that was so lacking in the mob, and gently nudges her forward into a new way of living.When we experience Jesus’ mercy, it should lead us to change. His love empowers us to walk in righteousness, not out of fear, but out of gratitude. The story of the woman caught in adultery is a beautiful reminder that Jesus sees beyond our failures. He does not define us by our worst mistakes, but by His love and mercy. He calls us to leave behind our old ways and walk in the freedom of His grace. Today, if you feel weighed down by guilt or shame, know that Jesus stands ready to forgive. If you have been judgmental toward others, ask God for a heart of compassion. His grace is not just for the woman in the story; it is for all of us. Let us receive His mercy and extend it to others, knowing that grace, not judgment, is the path to transformation. As we draw close to Holy Week, we are invited to recognise that in the saving mystery of Easter God is always doing a new deed. Welcome In Immaculate Conception Church today (Sunday), Mass will be celebrated at 10.00 am. Bishop McKeown will be the main celebrant. We welcome him to the parish pastoral area. First Confessions will take place this week in our parishes. Children will receive the sacrament as follows: St Mary’s PS, Cloughcor on Monday; Strabane PS on Tuesday and St Catherine’s PS on Thursday. Please keep the children and their families in your prayers as they continue their preparation for First Holy Communion. May God bless them.Palm Sunday Palms will be blessed at all Masses next Sunday.Anniversaries Mary McCormick, Martin Boggs, Tommy Connolly, Mary Foley, Anna McDaid, Mary Ellen McCrossan, Gretta Doherty, Ann Gallagher, Shaun Donnelly, John Gallagher, Celine Kelly, Maggie Grogan, William (Billy) Doherty, Billy Bonner, Billy Harte, John & David Devine, Gertie Gallagher, Cassie Connolly, Sadie Brolly, Helena Chaney, Tessie & Celly Melaugh, Natasha Melaugh, Paul Friel, Bobby Rodgers, Patrick Masterson, Emanuel & Grace Boyle, Rose O’Neill. May they rest in peace.Mass Intentions for St Patrick’s, Murlog on Saturday 12th April at 6.30 pm: Gloria White, Drumbuoy Thank You for your generosity to the collections last weekend: Leckpatrick: £1,516, (restoration £895)Clonleigh: €1,826 (Euro) Camus: £2,085, (restoration £1,060) Thanks also to those who pay by standing order.The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be celebrated on Sunday 13th April at 6 pm in Immaculate Conception Church, Strabane. All welcome.Derry Diocesan Youth Department, along with young people participating in the Pope John Paul II Award, invite you to a Lenten Reflection with music and prayer in St Mary’s Church, Maghera, on Monday 14th April at 7.00pm. All are welcome. The event will also be available on the Maghera parish webcam. Job Opportunity Derry Diocesan Trust Marriage Tribunal Official 30 – 35 hours per week. Job Role: Reporting to the Director, Derry Diocesan Pastoral Centre is recruiting a Marriage Tribunal Official. The post requires the individual to be self-motivated, confident and competent in written and oral communication and to be an effective organiser with excellent leadership qualities. For application packs please contact: Bishop’s House, St Eugene’s Cathedral, tel 028 7126 2302 or email: recruitment@derrydiocese.org. Closing date: 12 noon on Thursday 10th April.‘The Net’ March 2025 available at Diocese of Derry – News – The Net – March 2025 Services of Intercession for the Dead will take place in various cemeteries within our parish pastoral area as follows. We take this opportunity to thank people for their ongoing commitment in remembering their loved ones by visiting and maintaining their graves.St Patrick’s Church, Murlog – 23rd May at 7.00 pmSt Joseph’s Church, Glenmornan – 30th May at 7.00 pmSacred Heart Church, Derry Road – 1st June at 3.00 pmSt Mary’s Church, Cloughcor – 1st June at 7.00 pmStrabane Cemetery & Camus – 8th June at 3.00 pmOur Lenten JourneyPlease note that weekday Masses in Lent are as follows:Church of the Immaculate Conception: Monday – Friday 7.00 am, 10.00 am; Saturday: 11 amSacred Heart Church, Derry Rd: Monday – Friday 12 noonSt Patrick’s Church, Murlog: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 9.30 am, Wednesday 7.00 pm, Friday 7.00 am, 9.30 amLenten Prayer Cards available. You are invited to join in prayer each day, praying for various areas, schools, ministries associated with our parishes.Baptism Dates in St Patrick’s, Murlog April 12th, 26th @ 200 pm.Readings for Sunday 13th April: 1st reading Isaiah 50:4-7; Psalm 22:8-9, 17-18, 19-20, 23-24; 2nd reading: Philippians 2:6-11; Gospel Luke 22:14-23:56Saints This Week: Monday: St John Baptist de la Salle, priest; Friday: St Stanislaus, bishop and martyr.Vocations That those called to serve the Church as priests of the diocese of Derry will, in their ministry, show the mercy and compassion (without condemnation) which Jesus shows to the woman in today’s gospel. Murlog Wednesday Evening Lenten Mass Each Wednesday at 7.00 pm Mass in St Patrick’s Church, Murlog, a little reflection from an invited speaker will be spoken on the theme of hope. Please join us as we continue to journey through Lent this Jubilee Year of Hope.A Short Time of Prayer & Reflection with Taizé Chant each Sunday of Lent at 7 pm in Sacred Heart Church, Derry Rd. Prayer focuses on the theme of hope.Stations of the Cross are recited publicly each Friday after 10.00 am Massin Immaculate Conception Church; 9.30 am Mass in in St Patrick’s Church, Murlog; 12.00 noon Mass in in Sacred Heart Church, Derry Road.Trócaire Let us pray for all people who are looking for a new direction. Lord, may your Spirit guide us to always seek justice and create change in the world. You can support Trócaire’s vital work by using a Trócaire box at home or visit https://www.trocaire.org/ An Exploration into Theology – Reading the signs of the times: a theology course presented by Fr Brian Brady takes place on the Tuesdays of Lent, at 7.00 pm in St Eugene’s Cathedral Hall, Derry (a few yards outside the cathedral grounds). Camus / Leckpatrick Draws Thank you for your wonderful response to our parish draws. Your support is very much appreciated. So too, a word of thanks to all our promoters and their generous commitment. The next draw will take place on Thursday 24th April 2025. Draw returns for April may be made at St Pat’s Hall on Monday 14th April from 10.30 – 11.30 am & Wednesday 16th April 6.30 – 7.30 pm;Parochial House, Ballymagorry: Monday 14th April from 10.30 – 11.30 am & Wed 16th April from 6.30 – 7.30 pm. Again, thank you and every good wish to all.Camus Parish Draw Winners – March 2025Prize Winner Promoter£1,000 Diane McLaughlin Maura Coyle£300 Laura Mullen Kathleen Mullen£200 Sinead Duffy Fr Michael£100 Eddie McElhinney Brian & Sinead£100 Aggie McDaid Diane Flanagan£100 Marie Brisrow Eileen Canning£100 Lucy Browne Maisie Boggs£100 Sonia Bonnar Brian & SineadLeckpatrick Parish Draw Winners – March 2025Prize Winner Promoter£1,000 Cathal McShane Nichola Hegarty£300 Callum Dunnion Geraldine Murphy£200 Edith Black Nichola Hegarty£100 Jacqueline McColgan Hegarty Family£100 Joe Devine Roisin Kielty£100 Ellen McGonigle Hegarty Family£100 Chloe McShane Nichola Hegarty£100 Danielle Flanagan Sadie KerlinEaster Monday Pilgrim Path Walk @ Lough Derg Join the Team at Lough Derg for a guided walk along the ancient Pilgrim Path around Lough Derg on Monday 21st April at 10.30am. 8km & 12km option available. Free event. Booking essential. More information at www.loughderg.orgDiocesan Youth Pilgrimage to Fatima We invite young people aged 16 + to join us on pilgrimage to Fatima from 14 – 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. Names and deposit of £100 are required as soon as possible. Please contact lizzie.rea@derrydiocese.org 00 44 2871264087.Pope Francis’ Prayer Intention for April You are invited to answer the Holy Father’s request and to join with many people worldwide in praying for this intention: For the use of the new technologies. Let us pray that the use of the new technologies will not replace human relationships, will respect the dignity of the person, and will help us face the crises of our times. Dromantine Holy Week Retreat led by the SMA community takes place from Wednesday 16th (5 pm) – Sunday 20th April (AM). Cost £385.00/€455.00 Please contact Leanne or Louisaadmin@dromantineconference.com or 028 30821964. Give Blood, Save Lives NI Blood Transfusion Service will collect blood donations at Aughabrack Community Hall, Lisnaragh Rd, Plumbridge, BT82 0SD on Monday 14th April from 12.30 – 4 pm & 5 – 7.30 pm. Visit: https://nibts.hscni.net/online-booking–for-blood-donation-appointments/ to book. New donors needed.Clonleigh Church of Ireland, Organ Recital & Hymn Singing Marathon takes place at the church today (Sun) from 3-5pm. Donations in aid of church repairs.Termonbacca Pilgrimage Fr Stephen will lead a pilgrimage to Krakow / Wroclaw from 17th-24th September 2025. Price: £1,079 pps. Please tel 00353 12410800.Gamblers Anon Tel 71351329. Alcoholics Anonymous Tel 90351222.‘Pilgrims of Hope Pilgrimage’ to Rome led by Thornhill Ministries takes place 16th October for 4 nights. Cost: £1,095 stg pps. Please text: 07736832458. Rosary on the Coast takes place today (Sunday) at 3 pm at Lisfannon Beach, praying for peace, Ireland and our unborn children. Everyone welcome.Franciscan Friary, Rossnowlagh Healing Service today (Sun). Rosary at 2.45 pm followed by Mass / Healing Service at 3 pm. Confessions 2 pm – 5 pm. Parish ScheduleImmaculate Conception Church, Strabane Mass: Saturday Vigil: 6 pm; Sunday: 9.45 am & 12.15 pmMonday – Friday: 7.00 am, 10.00 am; Saturday: 11.00 amConfessions: Saturday 11.30 am; 5.15 pmEucharistic Adoration: Tuesday 10.30 am – 1.00 pmLeckpatrick St Mary’s Church, Cloughcor Mass: Saturday Vigil: 5 pm Sacred Heart Church, Derry Rd Mass: Sunday: 11.15 am; Monday – Friday: 12 noon Confessions: Monday 12.30 pmEucharistic Adoration: Wednesday 9 am – 11.45 am & 12.30 — 5 pmSt Joseph’s Church, Glenmornan: Mass: Sunday: 9.45 amSt Patrick’s, MurlogMass: Saturday Vigil: 6.30 pm; Sunday: 11.00 amMass: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 9.30 am; Wednesday: 7.00 pm; Friday: 7 am, 9.30 amRosary: 8.40 am Confessions: Saturday: 5.30 pmEucharistic Adoration: Friday 7.30 am – 9.15 am & 10 am — 12.30 pmWeddings 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.