Parishes of Camus, Clonleigh and Leckpatrick
Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year C – 16th 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
A Call to Choose God’s Kingdom
Jesus presents a powerful contrast between those who are blessed and those who are warned. His words challenge the world’s perspective, turning our expectations upside down. He declares blessings upon the poor, the hungry, the weeping, and the persecuted, while issuing warnings to the rich, the satisfied, those who laugh now, and those who are praised by the world. What does this mean for us today?
We are called to a life of faith, humility, and dependence on God. The struggles we face today, whether financial difficulties, sorrow, or persecution, are not signs of failure but invitations to draw closer to God. He promises that those who endure these trials with faith will experience the riches of His kingdom, both now and forever. At the same time, we must be careful not to become too comfortable in the world’s pleasures. If our lives are focused only on success and enjoyment, we may be missing out on the deeper blessings of God. True fulfilment is found not in temporary riches but in a heart that seeks after Him.
If you are going through hardship, take heart. Jesus sees you and calls you blessed. Your hunger, sorrow, and struggles for righteousness are not in vain. God is preparing an eternal reward for those who trust in Him.
If you find yourself in a season of prosperity, remember Jesus’ warning. Use your blessings to honour Him, rather than letting them distract you from His kingdom. Seek to live with a heart that is rich in faith, generosity, and love for others.
Jesus’ message challenges us, but it also gives us hope. No matter where we are in life, we are invited to choose His kingdom over the fleeting treasures of this world. May we live each day with our hearts set on Him, knowing that the greatest blessing is to belong to Christ.
Lord, help us to be humble and trust in your boundless love,
make us happy with what we have and are. ___________________________________________________
Confirmations Please remember in your prayers the children from our parish pastoral area who will receive the sacrament of Confirmation in the coming week. Two Confirmation ceremonies will be celebrated on Friday 21st February in Sacred Heart Church, Derry Road for the girls and boys of Strabane Controlled Primary School and later for the girls and boys of St Mary’s Primary School, Cloughcor. We welcome parents, guardians, sponsors and all who have helped and supported the boys and girls to prepare for this special occasion in their lives.
Children from the national schools in Murlog and St Catherine’s Primary School, Strabane will receive the sacrament of Confirmation in the coming weeks.
Vocations Today’s gospel challenges all of us to ‘comfort the afflicted, and to afflict the comfortable’ (including ourselves!) We pray for those being called to do so as priests of the diocese of Derry.
Vocations Weekend for men aged 18+ in Drumalis Retreat Centre, Larne, 7-9 March. Please contact pgoh2111@gmail.com
Requiescant in Pace As a parish faith community, we offer our sympathy to the family & friends of Eunan Colhoun, Rossgier; Charlie Kearns, Mullaghanney
Anniversaries Brian Connolly, Catherine McCormick, Joe Melarkey, Mamai O’Neill, Hugh McGillian, Ena Devine, Teresa McElroy, Michael & Annabella Friel, Andrew Burns, Mary Conway, Michael Gallen, Margo McColgan, baby Geraldine Magill, Brian McGonagle, Tony Crotty, Peggy Quinn, John McGettigan, Elizabeth Harte, Patrick Kelly, Michael McCloskey, John O’Brien Snr, Mary Crawford, Marie Laird, Madeline McMenamin, Mary McBrearty, Maggie Farrell, Patrick & Elizabeth McHugh, Edward Hone, John Kelly, Tony Kelly, Paddy Casey, Willie McDermott, Joe Melarkey, Mary Rose McDermott, Bernadette Wright, Francie & Sally Conwell, Jimmy & May McShane.
Mass Intentions for St Patrick’s, Murlog on Saturday 22nd February at 6.30 pm:
Kasper Dudek Beechwood Pk (Month’s Mind)
Noel Gallagher, Croaghan Heights.
Thank You for your generosity to the collections on 8th / 9th February
Leckpatrick: £959; Clonleigh: €1,806.70 (Euro); Camus: £1,806.
Thank you also to those who contribute by standing order.
Readings for 23rd February:
1st reading: 1 Samuel 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23
Psalm: 102:1-4, 8, 10, 12-13
2nd reading: 1 Corinthians 15:45-49
Gospel: Luke 6:27-38
Saints of the Coming Week:
Monday: St Fintan of Clonenagh, abbot; The Seven Founders of the Order of Servites, religious;
Friday: St Peter Damian, bishop and doctor of the Church;
Saturday: The Chair of St Peter, Apostle.
Baptism Dates in St Patrick’s, Murlog Feb 22nd / March 1st/15th/29th at 2pm.
Contemplative Prayer Group meets each Monday at 8 pm in the Meditation Room at the Parochial House, Barrack St, Strabane. All welcome.
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes 30th June – 4th July. Fare £849. Also Youth Pilgrimage (16 – 18 years). Application forms available from the Pilgrimage Office, 164 Bishop St, Derry, BT48 6UJ on Thurs/Sat from 11am-1pm or at derrypilgrim@outlook.com . Tel 02871260293. We are also asking any nurses, doctors or care staff interested in joining our Care Team to make contact.
LIFE Camp 2025 Living – In – Faith – Everywhere: LIFE Camp is a voluntary organisation staffed by teachers, students and experienced volunteers. It takes place in St Mary’s College, Northland Rd, Derry. We are calling pupils currently in P3 – P7. Week 1: 1st – 4th July & Week 2: 7th July – 11th July. Cost for Wk 1: £35. Cost for Wk 2: £40. Visit www.klubfunder.com/Clubs/Life%20Summer%20Camp
Buncrana – Medjugorje Pilgrimages 2025: 14-21 May via City of Derry Airport; 2-9 July via Belfast; 24 Sept-1 Oct via Knock Airport. Full price €875pp. Early booking advised as places limited. Tel Marie for details / to book on 074 9361625.
Reading with the Carmelites Fathers, Termonbacca, Derry The monthly session to explore learning friendship with Christ through the example of the Carmelite Saints takes place on Thursday 20th February at 7.30 pm.
Contemplative Prayer Group meets each Monday at 8 pm in the Meditation Room at the Parochial House, Barrack St, Strabane. All welcome.
The Diocesan Pilgrimage to Knock will take place on Sunday 15th June 2025.
NI Blood Transfusion Service will collect blood donations at The Guildhall, Guildhall St, Derry, BT48 6DQ on Monday 24th Feb from 1 – 4pm & 5 – 8 pm & Tuesday 25th Feb from 12.30 – 4 pm & 5 – 7.30 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.
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 the Strabane Support Group takes place in The Koram Centre, 12 Railway St, Strabane, BT82 8BG on Wed 19th February at 6.30 pm. The group runs fortnightly and all welcome. Contact info@aware-ni.org
The Sister Clare Rosary continues every Monday at 8.30 pm in St Joseph’s Room at the Carmelite Retreat Centre, Termonbacca, Derry. Everyone welcome.
Our Lady of Montligeon Prayer Group, praying for the holy souls in purgatory, will meet on Wed 26th Feb from 12.30 – 1.30 pm in Termonbacca, Derry. All welcome.
‘Pilgrims of Hope Pilgrimage’ to Rome, led by Thornhill Ministries takes place on 16th October 2025 x 4 Nights £1095 stg pp sharing. Please contact 07736832458.
Rosary on the Coast takes place today (Sunday) at 3 pm at Benone Strand, praying for peace, Ireland and our unborn children. Everyone welcome.
The Priory Institute Study Theology Online – is this for you? The Priory Institute provides online theology courses to degree level. Attend Saturday lectures in Tallaght or from the comfort of your own home. Please visit prioryinstitute.com
Sister Benedict 100th Birthday Sr Benedict was born on 16th February 1925, and was baptised in Kilrush, Co Clare, given the name Mary Valentine Culligan, probably because of her birth date! Although she remained a lifelong supporter of all things Clare, she came to school in Strabane at the tender age of 8 years – to Prep school, with other young children of similar age, as was customary at the time. Mary (Valentine) had an aunt in Strabane convent, Sr Mary de Pazzi, to whom she and her family were devoted, so the young Mary settled very easily, and grew to love her new school-experience and the companionship of the other children. She graduated to second level in Mount Carmel under the care and direction of Mother M Cecilia, Headmistress, and finished school in 1944.
At this stage, Mary expressed the desire to enter religious life in Strabane, but was advised by the community to take time out, to discern her future. This she did, but returned to Strabane on 7th December 1945, and entered the convent. After the required 3-year novitiate, Mary made First Profession of Vows as a Sister of Mercy on the 10th of September 1948. She was given the name of Sr Mary Benedict.
Sr Benedict’s professional life as a teacher began in 1951. Both she and Sr Carmel did teacher training together in Sedgely Park College, Manchester, and taught together in the Convent PS, Strabane. Sr Benedict retired in 1990, aged 65.
Teaching was her vocation, and Sr Benedict specialised in infant education. Despite the large classes of the time, she was a warm, friendly and encouraging presence in the lives of her charges. She loved them all, especially those in any kind of difficulty or need. She offered her pupils a wonderful experience of the liberal arts, music, art and craft, nature appreciation – as well as the required academic subjects, and her pupils loved her. When the school day ended for the infant classes, Sr Benedict took the older classes for art and crafts.
Sr Benedict did not stop at 65! She continued giving in her usual light-hearted style. After their retirement, she and Sr Carmel RIP continued to serve the local parishes in diverse ways. They assisted with sacristy duties in Leckpatrick parish, cleaning, flower arranging and taking care of the altar linen for many years, Sr Benedict assisted with the children’s choruses in local pantomimes, was involved in the Ladies’ Guild founded by Sr Ignatius in a back room of the convent during the Troubles, and with Sr Carmel she continued to visit the sick and elderly of the local parishes. She and Sr Carmel also served in our local Church of the Immaculate Conception in later years. Sr Benedict, in conjunction with Sr Brendan RIP, began a very successful Art Class for Adults in the convent which continued for many years and exhibited annually. Sr Benedict was herself a very accomplished painter and has produced many fine works. As a community member, Sr Benedict was kind, gentle and generous – always willing to help in any way she could. She served as community bursar, sacristan, flower arranger, and excelled in the finest embroidery & handicrafts. Blessed with a beautiful singing voice she added greatly to the community liturgy and festivities, in addition to her artistic and décor skills.
In her senior years, as she looks forward to her 100th birthday, Sr Benedict shows the same kind disposition she always possessed. Gracious, kindly, welcoming of all who come to visit and especially appreciative of all who care for her.
We are so blessed to have her in our midst! Deo Gratias!
Please note that Eucharistic Adoration in Sacred Heart Church, Derry Rd
will end at 2.30 pm this Wednesday.
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–2.30 pm
(Please note that Eucharistic Adoration ends at 2.30 pm this Wednesday)
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.