Parishes of Camus, Clonleigh and Leckpatrick
Fifth Sunday of Easter – Year C – 18th May 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
Love One Another
‘Love one another’ is the basic principle of Christianity, to love as Jesus loved. It is simple, yet we can make it so complicated. Jesus’ love was controversial for some people, because it was love without exclusion. To love as Jesus loved is to love those it is hard to love. This love ultimately led to Jesus’ death. Jesus loved sinners, tax collectors, prostitutes, people of other religions, the poor, the unwanted, the sick, the beggar, the leper. This love is too much for some Christians today also. It is hard to love the sinner or to love family members or friends who have hurt us. Yet this is the love that we are called to. Once we begin to accept that we are infinitely loved by God, it is like a domino effect where that love is poured outwards in our lives. We are part of this outpouring of God’s creative love and are called to bring this into places where there is none. In this way we are helping to heal, sustain and nourish this world.
Let us hear those words of the Gospel more clearly today: ‘Just as I have loved you, you must also love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples.’ Let us dream of, and work towards, a world where this is a reality.
‘God has given us the power to create beauty, to make another smile, to be a healing presence in someone’s sorrow, to bring justice to the oppressed, to console those in difficulty, to bring peace and joy to others, to help those in need, to laugh and enjoy life, to do good and turn from evil, to forgive those who have hurt us, and, most of all, to love.’ – IRIS PEREZ
The Sick & Housebound of the pastoral area will be visited through the coming week. If you are aware of anyone who may need a visit and not already on the visitation schedule, please contact the parochial house. Thank you.
First Holy Communion We pray for the children of Murlog NS who will receive their First Holy Communion today (Sunday) in St Patrick’s, Murlog.
A Service of Intercession for the Dead will take place in St Patrick’s Church Cemetery, Murlog on Friday 23rd May at 7.00 pm. Everyone is most welcome. Drivers are asked to be respectful of parking at the cemetery so as to allow access for those with mobility concerns. You are asked to bring holy water with you to the cemetery to sprinkle on your family grave. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace.
A Prayer Before Exams Lord Jesus, as I prepare for my exams, I ask you to grant me peace of mind. Take from my heart all fear, anxiety, regret and distraction. May your gift of the Holy Spirit guide and enlighten my thoughts. At this difficult time give me the confidence that you will hear my prayer as you continue to guide me on life’s journey.
Requiescat in Pace We offer our sympathy to the family and friends of
Peter McHugh, Camus Park
Anniversaries Sean Porter, Annie Doherty, Peter Quigley, Margaret & John Kenny, Joan & Kevin Gallen, Brendan McCrossan, Elizabeth McBrearty, Gary & Kathleen Drum, Michael Devine, Lelia Crawford, Phil Groogan, George Potts, Manus O’Doherty, Donal Smyth, Packie Lynsey, Jacinta Kelly, Sean Porter, Margaret McGonagle. May they rest in peace.
Thank You for your generosity to the collections last weekend:
Leckpatrick: £1,479
Clonleigh: €1,152 (Euro)
Camus: £1,515.
Thanks also to those who pay by standing order.
Readings for Sunday 18th May:
1st Reading Acts 15:1-2, 22-29
Psalm 66: 2-3, 5-6, 8
2nd Reading: Revelation 21:10-14, 22-23
Gospel John 14:23-29
Saints of the Coming Week:
Tuesday: St Bernardine of Siena, priest
Wednesday: St Christopher Magallanes, priest, and companions, martyrs
Thursday: St Rita of Cassia, religious
Friday: St Brendan of Clonfert, abbot
Mass Cards / Mass Bouquets are available from the parish office.
Derry Diocesan 3-Day Pilgrimage to Lough Derg takes place from Friday 25th – Sunday 27th July. For those wishing to avail of transport, a bus will depart after 10 am Mass in St Eugene’s Cathedral on the Friday travelling via Lifford / Ballybofey. Cost: £95/€110 (including transport). Pre-booking required. Please contact tony.brennan@derrydiocese.org or the Diocesan Office: 0044 28 71262302 for a booking form. Alongside Knock Shrine and Croagh Patrick, Lough Derg is one of three esteemed traditional pilgrimage locations to be designated by the Irish Bishops’ Conference as national places of pilgrimage in the present Jubilee Year.
Meditating with Mary in the Month of May This prayer resource is available to view at https://www.derrydiocese.org/news/meditating-with-mary-in-the-month-of-may The texts provide an opportunity to understand more deeply Mary as the model of discipleship for the Church.
‘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.
Lough Derg Day of Friendship and Prayer – Wednesday 21st May. Guest Speaker Very Rev Harold Good, Director of Corrymeela Centre for Peace and Reconciliation. 10 – 11 am Tea/Coffee, scones. 12 noon Keynote address followed by Prayer Service. 1.15 – 3.30 pm light lunch. Departure. Admission £25 includes boat fare & hospitality. Booking essential @ www.loughderg.org or 07198615183.
Venerable Matt Talbot, an Irishman whose journey from alcoholism to the heights of holiness, has inspired many who struggle with addiction. In 2025, we celebrate the 100th anniversary of his death. A pilgrimage to his Shrine in Dublin will take place on Sunday 15th June. For more information contact Brid Toner 00353 87 12000242 or 00353 87 6223036.
Rosary on the Coast takes place today (Sunday) at 3.00 pm at Benone Strand, praying for peace, Ireland and our unborn children. Everyone welcome.
Long Tower Parish is Organising a Columban Camino in Derry and Donegal from 5th – 7th June. Participants will walk from Derry to Buncrana, from Rathmullan to Milford and from there to Gartan. All sponsorship raised will go to Children in Crossfire. Accommodation at Inishowen Gateway and Mulroy Woods Hotel. Contact Aishling: 028 71278955 or Aishling.cunningham@childrenincrossfire.org
Mary’s Meals – Pray in May Mary’s Meals is built on a foundation of prayer and the many little acts of love offered by those who believe in our mission. During the month of May, dedicated to Our Lady, we invite you to join us in praying for the 2.6 million children in 16 of the world’s poorest countries who receive our nutritious school meals daily and for all the children and families around the world living in poverty. For free prayer calendars and resources for individuals, families, schools, prayer groups or to sign up to our fortnightly prayer email for May, visit www.marysmeals.org.uk/prayinmay
Job Opportunity with Derry Diocesan Trust Parish Catechist – Three Patrons Parish, Derry City – 3-year Fixed Term Contract. 35 hours per week. In addition to faith development work in the parish, the catechist will establish and develop chaplaincy initiatives at the Derry Campus of Ulster University. For information and/or application, email recruitment@derrydiocese.org or tel: 028 71262302.
Pilgrimage to Fatima 30th July – 6th August 2025 flying from Belfast International Airport for 7 nights. Full board. Spiritual Director Fr Martin Graham, Adm., St Peter’s Cathedral, Belfast. Cost £885 pps. Contact Joe Catney on 07776425631.
Pilgrimage to Medjugorje Seats are still available on a pilgrimage to Medjugorje leaving Belfast International Airport on 2nd July 2025. Cost £765 pps. For more details contact John Murray on 07801105575.
The Pray for Life Novena is an invitation to join thousands of people across Ireland to pray for the protection of human life at every stage, beginning Friday 23rd May until the Feast of the Visitation on Saturday 31st May. Each day of the novena features a specific intention, along with a brief reflection and practical suggestions to help foster a culture of life across the island of Ireland. The Novena, which is in its third year now, coincide with the commemoration of the 30th Anniversary of the Encyclical Letter Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of Life) of Saint Pope John Paul II. In this Jubilee Year of Hope, everyone is invited to reflect on the message of hope offered by Evangelium Vitae – a call for a renewal of respect for life and a transformation of society through the redemptive message of the Gospel. To learn more about the Novena, to obtain daily novena prayers and to sign up for daily reminders visit www.prayforlife.ie. The prayers will also be posted on Facebook facebook.com / PrayforLifeNovena on X @PrayforLife_ie and on Instagram @prayforlifenovena. This is an initiative of Council for Life of the Irish Bishops’ Conference.
Camus / Leckpatrick Draws
The next draws will take place on Thursday 29th May.
Draw returns for May may be made at St Pat’s Hall on Monday 19th May
from 10.30 am – 11.30 am or St Pat’s Hall / Parochial House, Ballymagorry
on Wednesday 21st May from 7.30 – 8.30 pm. Thank you for your ongoing support.
Diocesan Youth Pilgrimage to Fatima for young people aged 16 + from 14 – 18th July. Cost: £700. Names and deposit of £100 required. Please contact lizzie.rea@derrydiocese.org or 00 44 2871264087.
Sharing the Good News The weekly newsletter of the Irish Bishops’ Conference can be viewed at https://catholicnews.ie/
Annual SMA Knock Pilgrimage takes place on Saturday 24th May. Bus going through the following parishes: Cookstown, Kildress, Carrickmore/Loughmacrory, Greencastle, Killyclogher, Omagh and Dromore. Bus Fare: £20 Meals (optional); €40. To book, contact Mona: 02886737954 or Una: 07743575969.
The Strabane / Lifford Half Marathon is taking place today (Sunday). The half marathon will take place along roads which will be subject to traffic disruption. This will help to ensure the safety of both runners and motorists. People are asked to note that various guidelines in regard to road closures and traffic disruption will be in place.
NI Blood Transfusion Service will collect blood donations at Artigarvan Community Hall on Tuesday 3rd June from 1.30-4pm & 5-7.30pm.
Visit https://nibts.bookinglive.com/book/add/p/6 or tel 08085534653 to book.
Lough Derg 3 Day Pilgrimages from Friday 30th May – Friday 15th August. Admission €85. Booking is advised. Pilgrims can begin their pilgrimage on any day until Wednesday 13th August. One Day Retreats during May 24th, 26th. August: 19th, 23rd, 24th, 25th, 30th. September: 3rd, 6th, 7th, 9th, 13th, 20th, 21st. Admission €50. Booking essential. For more information and booking telephone 00353 7198 61518 or email: info@loughderg.org
Hearing Aid Support takes place on Thursday 29th May from 10 am – 12 noon at Ballycolman Community Centre, 339 Ballycolman Rd, Strabane, BT82 9QB. Everyone welcome.
Donegal County Council is seeking your help to record the stories of Donegal people who worked in Scotland between 1940 and 1990. As part of the Working Over By Smartphone Competition, you are invited to record a short video on your phone sharing a memory of your work. One participant will win a return flight for two between Donegal and Glasgow. Closing date for entries is Friday 30th May. For more information contact donegalscotland@donegalcoco.ie
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.