Sunday 6th October 2024 – 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Fr Michael McCaughey PP: (028) 71882274 / (028) 71883293
Fr. Eddie Gallagher CC: (074) 9142022 Fr. Declan Boland (Priest in Residence)

Thoughts on the Gospel Jesus addresses the Pharisees who ask Him whether it is lawful for a man to divorce his wife. In response, He highlights God’s original design for marriage, emphasising that “from the beginning of creation, God made them male and female” and that “the two shall become one flesh.” This passage powerfully teaches us about the sacredness and commitment inherent in the marital relationship.
In today’s world, where relationships are often treated casually and the value of commitment is sometimes lost, Jesus’ words remind us that marriage is more than just a contract or a temporary arrangement; it is a covenant established by God Himself. When two people come together in marriage, they are no longer two individuals but one unified being, reflecting God’s purpose and love. This unity is a divine mystery, a beautiful testament to the love and faithfulness that God has for us. Marriage is not always easy. It comes with challenges, differences, and moments of struggle. Yet, the essence of this sacred bond is found in enduring love, forgiveness, and unwavering commitment. Jesus reminds us that what God has joined together, no one should separate. This teaches us that love is not simply an emotion that comes and goes, but a conscious decision to honour and cherish one another, even in times of difficulty.
For those who are married or aspire to be, this passage serves as a call to be steadfast in our commitments. It challenges us to love selflessly, to communicate with kindness, and to forgive one another as God has forgiven us. By doing so, we reflect Christ’s love, patience, and grace in our relationships.
For those who may have experienced the pain of broken relationships or divorce, this passage also serves as a reminder that God’s grace is abundant and that He is always willing to guide, restore, and heal. Ultimately, the Gospel reading calls us to view marriage not just as a partnership but as a sacred journey ordained by God. It challenges us to honour and nurture this bond, to be patient and kind, and to grow together in love. As we do, we reflect the beauty and faithfulness of God’s love to the world, living out His divine purpose for our lives.

Do This in Memory / First Communion Preparation:

A word of welcome to parents and children who will soon begin preparation for First Confession and First Holy Communion. This is an important time and journey.
A meeting for parents of children attending St Catherine’s PS will take place on Tuesday 8th October at 2.15 pm in St Patrick’s Hall, Strabane.
A meeting of parents of children in second class making their First Holy Communion in 2025 will take place on Wednesday 9th October at 7.30 pm in the General Purpose Room of St Patrick’s N.S., Murlog.
A meeting of parents of children attending St Mary’s PS, Cloughcor will take place on Thursday 10th October at 3.30 pm in St Mary’s PS, Cloughcor.
Please make every effort to attend as we begin our preparation for this important moment in your child’s spiritual life.

Visit of the Relics of St Bernadette:

The holy relics of St Bernadette are on pilgrimage from Lourdes to Ireland for the first time, visiting every diocese in Ireland. The relics will visit St Eugene’s Cathedral from 2.00 pm on Sunday 13th October – Monday 14th October. This very special, once-in-a-lifetime event will provide an opportunity for people of all ages and backgrounds to experience the special gifts and charisms of Lourdes in their own diocese. Full programme at derrydiocese.org

Requiescant in Pace:

We extend our sympathy to the family and friends of
Marie Josephine Preston (nee McLaughlin), Chichester, West Sussex; Brendan McManus, Cavan Hill, Lifford.

Anniversaries:

Donal McCauley, John Devine, John Brady, Brendan Foley,Patrick Dooher, Roy Gibson, Arthur McNally, Artie McDaid, Tommy & Lily McDermott, Bernard Kearns, Paddy McGowan, Don Porter, Margaret Friel, Bernadette McCallion, Kathleen Deans, Brendan Foley, Fanny Harte, Margaret Caulfield, Paddy Dooher, John Bradley.

Sacred Heart Church, Derry Road, Leckpatrick
Mass: Monday – Friday 8.00 am
Eucharistic Adoration: Wednesdays from 8.30 am – 5.30 pm

Immaculate Conception Church, Strabane
Mass: Monday – Friday 10.00 am

St Patrick’s Church, Lifford
Mass: Monday: 10.00 am; Tuesday: 9.00 am; Thursday & Friday: 10 am
Please note change of time for this Tuesday only (subject to change).

Mass Intentions for St Patrick’s, Lifford:
Saturday 12th October at 6.30 pm: Month’s Mind Mass for John Dolan, Liskey and
anniversary Mass for Rose Roulston, Cavan Hill
Sunday 13th October at 10 am: John Canny, Rossgier.

Thank You for your generosity to the offertory collections last weekend:
Leckpatrick: £1,516.74; Clonleigh:€1,490.12 (Euro); Camus: £1,630
Thanks also to those who contribute by standing order.
Church Restoration Fund: Leckpatrick: £785; Camus: £1,434. Thank you.

Leckpatrick Parish Draw:

The next parish draw will take place on Monday 14th October . Draw cards and draw money are due in on Monday 7th October / Tuesday 8th October from 9.30 am – 12.30 pm.

Mass Cards / Mass Bouquet Cards are available at the parish office, Ballymagorry.
Readings for Sun 13th October (28th Sunday in Ordinary Time) 1st reading: Wis 7:7-11. Psalm: 89, 12-17, R/ v 14. 2nd reading: Heb 4:12-13. Gospel Mk 10:17-30.
Baptism Dates in St Patrick’s Church, Lifford 2.00 pm on
October 19th & November 2nd & 9th; December 14th 21st & 28th & January 2025 11th & 25th
Saints of the Week: Monday: Our Lady of the Rosary; Wednesday: St Denis, bishop and companions, martyrs; St John Henry Newman, priest; St John Leonardi, priest; Friday: St Canice, abbot; St John XXIII, pope.

All or Nothing Youth Club for Girls meets on Fridays from 4.30-6.30 pm at the parochial house, Crossroads, Killygordon. Open to girls in 4th – 6th class in primary school and girls in 1st – 3rd year in secondary school. Activities vary every week and include cooking / baking, art, crafts, music lessons, Spanish lessons, games, prayer, formation and more.
Monthly Get-Togethers for Girls in 2nd – 6th Class Activities includes games, sports, music, arts & crafts, baking, prayer, faith formation and much more. Starting on 12th October at parochial house, Crossroads, Killygordon from 1.30 pm-6.45 pm (5.30 pm pickup for those who don’t come to Mass with us). Contact derryshm@homeofthemother.com to express your interest.
Monthly Sisterbucks for Teen Girls Come for an evening of homemade Italian pizza, video forum & craic with the Sisters, Parochial House, Crossroads.
Faith Formation & Tea for everyone every Monday 7.30 – 8.30 pm at the parochial house, Crossroads, Killygordon;
Holy Hour, Prayerful Reading of the Scriptures and Rosary every Tuesday from 6.30 – 7.30 pm at St Mary’s Church, Sessiaghoneill, Ballybofey and every Thursday from 7- 8 pm at St Patrick’s Church, Crossroads, Killygordon. All welcome.

Clonleigh Church of Ireland invites you to their New to U sale at the church hall, F93 HR13 on Saturday 12th October from 12 noon – 3.30 pm. Everyone welcome.

Vocations:

While this weekend’s readings speak about the vocation of marriage and invite us to pray for engaged and married couples, we pray also for those called to serve as priests of this diocese, thinking particularly of the four men to be interviewed next weekend as they hope to begin seminary studies in January. If you are considering a vocation, please contact Vocations Director, Fr Pat O’Hagan by email: pgoh2111@gmail.com

Ballylast National School is celebrating Halloween with a dress up fun run / walk on Sunday 20th October leaving Ballylast school at 10.30 am. Spot prizes for best dressed. Donations welcome.

NI Blood Transfusion Service will collect blood donations on Wednesday 9th October from 1 – 4 pm & 5 – 8 pm and Thursday 10th October from 1 – 4 pm & 5 – 7.30 pm in Strabane, Presbyterian Church Hall, Derry Rd, Strabane, BT82 8LA. Visit https://nibts.bookinglive.com/book/add/p/6 or tel 08085534653 to book.

Mission Month of October:

Today marks the first Sunday of Mission Month of October. ‘Go and invite everyone to the banquet’ (cf. Matthew 22:9) is the theme chosen by Pope Francis for World Mission Day 2024 which will be observed on October 20th.
Every Christian is called to be a missionary and witness to Christ. The Church, the community of Christ’s disciples, has no other mission than that of bringing the Gospel to the entire world by bearing witness to Christ. Each baptised person is called to mission, in the Church and by the mandate of the Church.
World Missions Ireland is the Holy Father’s official charity for overseas mission which brings the hope of the gospel where there is turmoil, poverty or uncertainty, and aid to where the Church is new, young or poor. World. Missions Ireland also empowers local people to form and sustain communities of faith. They also help to train and nurture future leaders so the vital work of the Church can continue to take place. The world is in crisis. In many poorer parishes in Africa, Asia, and Latin America it is overseas missionaries who are on the front line. Visit www.missio.ie. Through your generosity they support missionaries who are caring for some of the most vulnerable communities in the world.
Sharing the Good News, the weekly newsletter of the Irish Bishops’ Conference available at https://catholicnews.ie.

A Silent Retreat for Men and Women Fri 11th – Sun 13th October in Termonbacca, Derry. This is a great opportunity to grow in contemplative prayer & friendship with Christ. Cost £90. Tel: 71262512/ termonbaccaderry@gmail.com
Rosary on the Coast today (Sunday) at 3pm at Lisfannon Beach, praying for peace, Ireland and our unborn children.
Franciscan Friary, Rossnowlagh Healing Service. Rosary at 2.45 pm followed by Mass / Healing Service at 3 pm. Confessions 2 pm – 5 pm.

Job Opportunity:

Derry Diocesan Trust invites applications for the post of Parish Operations and Administration Manager in Parishes of Desertegney & Lower Fahan (Buncrana) and Burt, Inch & Fahan. 34.5 hours per week. 3 year fixed term contract with possible extension. For job description/application pack, please contact the Diocesan Office: 71262302 / recruitment@derrydiocese.org Closing date: 16/10/24.

World Rosary Day:

Pope Francis asks the faithful across the world to come together to pray the Rosary at 7 pm on Mon 7th October, Feast Day of Our Lady of the Rosary in preparation and for the success of the upcoming Jubilee Year 2025.

Anam Cara, the organisation that supports bereaved parents, will hold its monthly Parent Support Evening on Thurs 10th October at 7:15 pm in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Letterkenny. Online support also available. Email info@anamcara.ie

Aware NI:

Living with depression, anxiety or bipolar can be very isolating. Aware’s support groups provide an opportunity to meet others going through similar experiences. Next meeting of Strabane group in Melvin Sports Complex is on Wed 16th October at 6.30 pm. The group runs fortnightly. All welcome. Contact info@aware-ni.org

Safeguarding If you have any concerns regarding safeguarding children or adults in need of protection within the Church, please contact Maire Gormley, Diocesan Designated Liaison Person (DLP): +447596 500 793 or mairegormley@derrydiocese.org or PSNI 101 or Social Services: WHSCT, +442871314090 (Duty Social Worker), or Garda Síochána, Buncrana 074 9320540, Letterkenny HQ 074 9123672 or TUSLA Family & Child Agency Buncrana 074 9320420