Parishes of Camus, Clonleigh and Leckpatrick
The Solemnity of Saint Peter and Saint Paul – Year C – 29th June 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
Today is the Solemnity of Saint Peter and Saint Paul. Saints Peter and Paul are two major figures in Christianity, recognised for laying the foundations of the Church. Their joint feast, celebrated each year on 29th June, is one of the oldest Christian solemnities. It highlights their essential role in spreading the Gospel and their martyrdom in Rome.
The history of the Church begins with two men who were very different, but whom God united to build His people. Simon, called Peter, was a Galilean fisherman – impulsive, sometimes weak, but deeply faithful. Jesus chose him to be the rock on which He would build His Church: “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church” (Matthew 16:18). He became the first pope, leading the early Christians in Jerusalem.
Paul, originally Saul of Tarsus, was a learned and zealous Pharisee, a fierce opponent of Christ’s followers. But on the road to Damascus, a blinding light appeared: the risen Christ revealed Himself. It was a radical conversion. Paul became the apostle to the Gentiles, tireless in his travels, writing to the early Christian communities. His letters form much of the New Testament.
Two destinies, two personalities, one mission: to proclaim the love and resurrection of Christ. Peter and Paul are the pillars of the early Church, united in faith despite their differences.
The date of 29th June is no coincidence. It is full of memory, sacrifice, and faith. It was in Rome, under Emperor Nero, around the year 67, that both apostles were martyred: Peter was crucified upside down out of humility; Paul, a Roman citizen, was beheaded.
The Church has honoured them together on this day since the earliest centuries, because they represent the universality of the Gospel: Peter for the Jews, Paul for the Gentiles. Two voices, one message. Their shared feast reminds us that the Christian faith is built on these two pillars: fidelity and mission, the rock and the word.
God Our Father, today you give us the joy of celebrating the feast of the Apostles Peter
and Paul. Through them, your Church first received the faith. Keep us true to their teaching. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with
you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Parish of Clonleigh / Pastoral Area Draw Earlier this year the other parishes of Camus and Leckpatrick launched a parish draw respectively. However, it was not possible to do this in Clonleigh/Lifford Parish because of certain legal requirements in seeking a permit. This permit/permission was sought and granted in late April. However, in respect of parishioners and the various events in the past few weeks, the proposal to organise this draw has been delayed. However, it has now been decided to propose running the 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.
A Summer Blessing May the Lord bless all the parishioners of the Parishes of Camus, Clonleigh and Leckpatrick and keep you safe this summer. May His face shine upon you. May He be gracious to you. May He look upon you with kindness. May you know His peace, Amen.
Requiescant in Pace We offer our sympathy to the family and friends of
Marcella Love, Castletown Court
June Kelly, Newtownkennedy Street
Anniversaries
Kathleen Walters Cassie Carlin, Tommy McHugh, Alex Carolan, Wally Griffin, Margaret Edmundson, Phyllis McCallion, Annie Conaghan, Noel McGinty, Charlie McGillian, Ellen Doherty, Martha McNulty, Joe McNulty, Kathleen Walters, Roger Connolly, Eileen Gallagher, Maurice Foley, Hugh McCallion, Gregory Kearney, John O’Kane.
May they rest in peace.
Readings for Sunday 6th July
1st Reading: Isaiah 66:10-14
Psalm: 65:1-7, 16, 20
2nd Reading: Galatians (6:14-18
Gospel: Luke 10:1-12, 17-20
Saints of the Coming Week:
Tuesday: St Oliver Plunkett, bishop & martyr
Thursday: St Thomas, Apostle; Friday: St Elizabeth of Portugal
Saturday: St Anthony Mary Zaccaria, priest
Thank You for your generosity to last week’s collections:
Leckpatrick: £1,327
Clonleigh: €1,374 (Euro)
Camus: £1,595
Thanks to those who pay by standing order.
Thank You for your generosity to the recent Diocesan Purposes Collection:
Leckpatrick: £675
Clonleigh: €284
Camus: £525
Trócaire We thank you for your outstanding generosity to this year’s Lenten Appeal: Leckpatrick: £3,357
Camus: £11,140
Clonleigh: €4,665
Our Parish Pastoral Area Annual Pilgrimage to Knock takes place on Saturday 26th July led by Fr Michael McCaughey, PP. Luxury 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. Cost for bus / evening meal €30 per person. To book your seat please contact James: 0858767999, Mary: 0877625237 or Bernie: 07853272541.
Pope’s Prayer Intention for July You are invited to answer the Holy Father’s request and to join with many people worldwide in praying for this intention: For formation in discernment. Let us pray that we might again learn how to discern, to know how to choose paths of life, and reject everything that leads us away from Christ and the Gospel.
Franciscan Friary, Rossnowlagh Healing Service next Sunday, 6th July. Rosary at 2.45 pm followed by Mass / Healing Service at 3 pm. Confessions 2 pm – 5 pm.
The Annual Derry Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes takes place from 1st – 6th July led by Bishop McKeown. Lourdes is a place of spiritual renewal, consolation and solidarity where the healthy and sick combine to pray and where together they honour the message of Our Lady to Bernadette. The pilgrimage is an occasion of prayer and petition as well as a time of celebration of our faith. In this Jubilee Year of Hope, we pray God’s blessing on all who travel to Lourdes and ourselves at home who join in the spirit of the pilgrimage.
Derry Search Youth Group – 40 Years of Faith, Friendship & Fellowship! Join us as we celebrate Derry Search Youth Group’s 40th Anniversary with a night of praise and worship on Sunday 6th July at 7.00 pm in St Mary’s Church. Creggan. Join via the parish webcam: https://www.churchservices.tv/creggan
Pray for Vocations As we celebrate the Apostles Peter and Paul we pray for our seminarians and all those discerning a vocation to the priesthood, that they will “…fight the good fight… run the race to the finish…(and) keep the faith.” “Vocations are born in prayer and from prayer and only in prayer, can they persevere and bear fruit.” (Pope Francis)
Vocations Director: Fr Pat O’Hagan – https://derryvocations.org/about/
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.
Diocese of Derry 3-Day Pilgrimage to Lough Derg led by Bishop Donal McKeown starts on Friday 26th July, and concludes on Sunday 28th July. Bus leaves St Eugene’s Cathedral, Derry, on Friday 26th July at 11 am. Cost £80 including transport. Cost for those making their own way to Lough Derg, £70. Pre-booking is required for those travelling by bus. Please contact Tony Brennan on tony.brennan@derrydiocese.org or tel 028 7126 2302 for a booking form.
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
Lough Derg 3 Day Pilgrimages from 30th May – 15th August. Admission €85. Booking is advised. Pilgrims can begin their pilgrimage on any day until 13th August. Contact 00353 7198 61518 / info@loughderg.org
Mass Cards / Mass Bouquets are available from the parish office.
Job Opportunity with Derry Diocesan Trust Diocesan Youth Coordinator – 1 Year Fixed Term Contract (with possible extension) – 35 hours per week. Job Role: The main focus of the post will be working with young people, schools and parishes to help them develop their knowledge and understanding of youth ministry in the context of the Catholic Church. For application packs, tel 028 7126 2302 or email: recruitment@derrydiocese.org. Completed applications must be returned to Personnel, Bishop’s House, St Eugene’s Cathedral, Francis St, Derry, BT48 9AP or via email to recruitment@derrydiocese.org no later than 12 noon 7th July 2025.
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/
All-Ireland Rally for Life takes place in Dublin on Saturday 5th July. Make a stand to protect Ireland’s unborn babies. Coaches will be travelling from towns across N Ireland. To book your seat contact 02890278484 / 07592280522 or email info@preciouslife.com
Sr Clare Rosary continues every Monday at 8.30 pm in Termonbacca, Derry.
Rosary on the Coast takes place on Sunday 6th July at 3 pm at Lisfannon Beach, praying for peace, Ireland and our unborn children. Everyone welcome.
Lough Derg Annual Draw tickets are available online at https://www.loughderg.org/store/c3/annualdraw Draw date 19th October 2025. Prizes: £10,000, £5,000, £2,000, £1,500, £1,000, £500. Tickets: €10/£9 single; €50/£45 for book of 6.
Pilgrimage to Fatima, flying direct from Belfast. 7 Nights Full Board from 30th July – 6th August. Cost £885 pps. Spiritual Director Fr. Martin Graham, St. Peter’s Cathedral, Belfast. For more information contact Joe Catney on 07776425631.
Pilgrimage to Medjugorje 7 nights August 13th 2025 Belfast – Mostar, return Split – Belfast €875 pps. Single supplement €170. Please contact Ursula: 0872960562.
Lough Derg There are still a number of places on our upcoming Residential Retreat – Hope In The Wilderness – with Eoin Madigan. Discover peace and renewal from Thursday 10th – Sunday 13th July 2025. For details visit www.loughderg.org/residentialretreats2025
or email marcas@loughderg.org
Sean Davis 4 Day Outdoor Summer Fun Soccer Academy takes place at Templemore Sports Complex, Derry Monday 7th – Thursday 10th July. Boys and girls aged 5 – 18 years welcome. Times: 10 am – 3 pm daily. Lunch: 12.30 – 1 pm. For further details tel Sean Davis FAI, IFA, FA European A Licence Coach on 07787791880.
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.