Parishes of Camus, Clonleigh and Leckpatrick
Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year C – 13th July 2025
Parish Clergy
Fr Michael McCaughey, PP: (028) 71882274 / (028) 71882215
Fr Declan Boland (priest in residence)
Lifford Parish Office: tel: 003537491 42001
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
Parables are never what they seem. They have a clever way of enticing us to figure out what is really going on beneath the surface. One of the real questions in today’s gospel parable about the Good Samaritan is: Who offers correct worship to God? Jesus spoke about a God who was not concerned with the constraints of the Temple, but who was on the streets. Look at what the Samaritan did for the man on the road: he bound his wounds, he poured oil on them, he took him to an inn. These are all action words. The emphasis in this parable is on action and compassion. The Samaritan is considered to be an outcast, yet Jesus makes him the hero of this story, no doubt causing outrage to those who were listening to Him. The priest and Levite were most likely carrying oil and wine on their person; in the case of the priest, these items were needed for making sacrifices in the Temple. Coincidently these items were also a vital part of a first century first aid kit, needed for cleaning the wounds of the injured man.
The lawyer is concerned with the limits to ‘love of neighbour.’ But there are no limits, no boundaries, no outsiders in God’s Kingdom. Holiness is not separation from the marginalised, but proximity to them.
O God of love and compassion, open our eyes to make us aware
of others and their needs. Enkindle our hearts so that we are
moved with warm compassion towards all who need us.
Bless our hands that they will bring help to those in need.
Parish Pastoral Area Annual Pilgrimage to Knock takes place on Saturday 26th July led by Fr Michael McCaughey, PP. Coach departs St Patrick’s Church car park, Murlog at 7.30 am. Mass will be celebrated by Fr Michael in the Apparition Chapel at 12.30 pm. Visit https://www.knockshrine.ie/watch-live/ to watch the Mass.
Diocesan 3-Day Pilgrimage to Lough Derg led by Bishop McKeown takes place from Fri 26th July – Sun 28th July. Bus leaves St Eugene’s Cathedral on 26th July at 11 am. Cost £80 includes transport. Cost for those making their own way to Lough Derg: £70. Pre-booking required for those travelling by bus. Contact Tony Brennan tony.brennan@derrydiocese.org or tel 028 71262302 for a booking form.
Requiescat in Pace As a parish community we offer our sympathy to the family and friends of John Gibson, Ballindrait, Lifford.
Anniversaries Hugh O’Donnell, Francis Moss, Margaret Quigley, Kathleen Porter, Martin Egan, Patrick Devanney, Kathleen McFarland, Patricia Devine, Patrice Brennan, Brigid McShane, Ann McCay, Patrick McCullagh, Laura Connolly, James McBrearty, Olive McConnell, Peter Eunan Quigley, Jude Crotty, Holly Gormley, Matt McDaid, Kathleen Porter. May they rest in peace.
Saints of the Coming Week:
Monday: St Camillus de Lellis, priest
Tuesday: St Bonaventure, bishop & doctor of the Church
Wednesday: Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Readings for Sunday 20th July:
1st Reading: Genesis 18:1-10
Psalm 14:2-5
2nd Reading: Colossians 1:24-28
Gospel: Luke 10:38-42
Thank You for your generosity to last week’s collections:
Leckpatrick: £1,111
Clonleigh: €1,417 (Euro)
Camus: £1,900.
Once again, we thank people for their continued generosity. Thanks also to those who pay by standing order.
The Contemplative Prayer Group meets on Mondays at 8 pm in the Prayer Room in Parochial House, Barrack St. All welcome. Entry by Parish Priest’s front door.
Mass Cards / Mass Bouquets are available from the parish office.
Pray for Vocations We pray for our seminarians and the men who are considering a vocation to the diocesan priesthood, that they will be the Good Samaritans of our time – compassionate, taking pity on the weak, comforting the afflicted, soothing the wounds of those who are hurting, giving without counting the cost.
Vocations Is God calling you? If you are interested in serving the diocese of Derry as a priest you can contact your local priest and/or the Diocesan Vocations Director, Fr Pat O’Hagan, PP, Bellaghy, at pgoh2111@gmail.com / 07703444280. Visit derryvocations.org
Monthly Mass Praying for the Canonisation of Sr Clare Crockett and asking for her intercession will be celebrated today (Sunday) at 7 pm in Termonbacca, Derry. Mass streamed live via Termonbacca YouTube channel.
Part-Time Certificate in Religious Education for Primary School, with Online Delivery ATU St Angela’s is inviting applications for this programme, which begins Autumn 2025. The programme is open to qualified primary school teachers and qualified post-primary school teachers who wish to transfer to primary school teaching. Parents, sacramental preparation teams and parish catechists who have a specific interest in the area of primary religious education may also apply. Closing date for Applications is Friday 15th August 2025. For further information, contact Mary Kearns, Senior Administrator, School of Education, ATU St Angela’s, Lough Gill, Sligo. Email: mary.kearns@atu.ie or visit website: www.atu.ie
World Day for Grandparents and Elderly will be marked with the Annual National Grandparents’ Pilgrimage to Knock Shrine on 27th July. All are warmly invited.
Hope – for our Pilgrim Journey The Priory Institute two week on-line Summer School is reflective, informative and interactive and will run from 11th August. The course includes eight recorded presentations and two on-line zoom discussions and is very flexible as it is delivered entirely online. Find out more and register prioryinstitute.com Tel: +353 (01) 404 8129.
Pilgrimage to Medjugorje 7 nights August 13th 2025 Belfast – Mostar, return Split – Belfast €875 pps. Single supplement €170. Please contact Ursula: 0872960562.
Mary’s Meals Walk ‘Two Bridges Walk’ takes place on Sunday 3rd August, over the Foyle Bridge and Peace Bridge, Derry. We will meet in Sainsbury’s car park at 11.45 am to begin the walk at noon—distance is approx 5 miles. The walk is part of a series of walks taking place across Ireland to raise awareness of Mary’s Meals and the work they do. You can register for the walk at https://www.marysmeals.org.uk/step or tel Helen Quinn on 07814441701.
Annual Pioneer Total Abstinence Association Pilgrimage to Knock takes place on Sunday 20th July. 2 pm: Rosary, 2.30 pm Anointing of the Sick, 3 pm Concelebrated Mass followed by Eucharistic Blessing, Rosary Procession to the Shrine (weather permitting) and Blessing of Religious Objects. Prayers will be offered at Our Lady’s Shrine for all who work in alcohol and drug treatment centres around Ireland. Contact Fr Robert McCabe via prayer@pioneers.ie for further details. Visit https://www.knockshrine.ie/watch-live/
An Opportunity During National Heritage Week to Visit Lough Derg Join us for a guided tour of Station Island and boat tour of the lake to learn more about the history and heritage of this ancient place of Christian Pilgrimage that has been a place of welcome and sanctuary to millions of people since the 5th century. Heritage Day takes place on Thursday 21st August. Tours at 11 am & 2.30 pm. Limited places. Cost: €15 adult,€5 (children 8-16 yrs), under 8 years free. For further information, please contact info@loughderg.org or 00353 (0)719861518. Visit https://www.loughderg.org/heritagedays.html
The Annual Fr Jack Gallagher Cycle in Aid of Foyle Hospice takes place on Sunday 3rd August. There will be music, refreshments and raffles on the day! Registration begins at 9.15 am. Cycle starts at 10 am. Entry is £10 with all proceeds going to Foyle Hospice. For more information please contact Andrew Barr: 07791760237. You can also register on the day of the cycle.
Termonbacca Derry Summer Fun Once again this year we will hold our annual summer scheme for young people aged 8-14 from Monday 18th – Friday 22nd August. Each day will run from 12 pm – 4 pm. Cost £20 per child. Applications can be completed at the link:https://forms.gle/q5EX9RPCBSpBKiVS7
Camus / Leckpatrick Draws Returns can be made to St Pat’s Hall on Monday 14th July between 10.30 am – 11.30 am or St Pat’s Hall / Ballymagorry Parochial House on Wednesday 16th July from 7.30 pm – 8.30 pm. The next draws will take place in Ballymagorry Parochial House on Thursday 31st July at 7.30 pm. Thank you for your ongoing support.
Parish of Clonleigh / Pastoral Area Draw It has been decided to propose running a draw within Clonleigh Parish and hence part of our pastoral area. The proceeds of this draw are solely for parish use.
The draw will include star prize of a car and in turn, ten months draws of €1,000, €300, €200, €100 x 5 each month.
The total subscription for each ticket is €100 or €10 per month and that subscription covers 10 monthly draws in total. It is proposed, through time, to gather people together to discuss who would be willing to promote this draw among family, friends, work colleagues or neighbours. If willing and interested, please contact Jane: 00353 872944016 or Sharon: 00353 876645241. Your support would be greatly appreciated.
Gamblers Anonymous 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.
Give Blood, Save Lives NI Blood Transfusion Service will collect blood donations on Tuesday 15th July from 1 – 4 pm & 5 – 8 pm & Wednesday 16th July from 12.30 – 4 pm & 5 – 7.30 pm at Strabane Presbyterian Church Hall, Derry Rd, BT82 8LA. Visit https://nibts.hscni.net/online-booking–for-blood-donation-appointments/
Rosary on the Coast takes place on Sunday 20th July at 3 pm at Benone Strand, praying for peace, Ireland and our unborn children. Everyone welcome.
Lough Derg 3 Day Pilgrimages from 30th May – 15th August. Adm €85. Booking is advised. Pilgrims can begin their pilgrimage on any day until 13th August.
One Day Retreats will takes place on August 19th, 23rd, 24th, 25th, 30th, September 3rd, 6th, 7th, 9th, 13th, 20th & 21st. Contact 00353 7198 61518 / info@loughderg.org As we celebrate this Jubilee Year, there’s no better time to seek spiritual renewal and deepen our faith journey. Consider making a pilgrimage to Lough Derg, a place steeped in prayer and rich tradition. The Three Day Pilgrimage at Lough Derg offers a unique opportunity to step away from the busyness of life, reconnect with God, and experience profound peace and healing. Join fellow pilgrims in a tradition that has been a beacon of faith for centuries.
Accord Derry Marriage Preparation Workshops take place on September 26th & 27th 2025, October 17th & 18th 2025 and November 7th & 8th 2025 in the Everglades Hotel, Prehen Rd, Derry, BT47 2NH. Please visit www.accord.com
‘To be saints is not a privilege for the few, but a vocation for everyone.’ Pope Francis Francis
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 (Northern Ireland) If you have any concerns with regard to the Safeguarding of Children or Adult at risk of harm or Adult in need of protection within the Church please contact Marie Gormley, the Diocesan Designated Liaison Person (DLP) on 07596 500793 or at marie.gormley@derrydiocese.org To report a safeguarding suspicion, concern, knowledge or allegation directly to the statutory authorities please contact PSNI on 101,Western HSCT Children’s Gateway Services on 028 71 314090, WHSCT Adult Gateway Services on 028 71 611366 or the Regional Emergency Social Work Service on 028 95 049999.
Safeguarding (Republic of Ireland) If you have any concerns with regard to the Safeguarding of Children or Vulnerable Adults within the Church please contact Marie Gormley, the Diocesan Designated Liaison Person (DLP) on +44 7596 500793 or at marie.gormley@derrydiocese.org To report a safeguarding suspicion, concern, knowledge or allegation directly to the statutory authorities please contact Garda Síochána Buncrana on 074 93 20540, Garda Síochána Letterkenny on 074 91 67100, TUSLA (ROI) Child and Family Agency on 074 91 02233 or HSC Adult Safeguarding, Donegal on 071 983 4660.