Dear Parishioner and Gentle Reader,
Reflecting on his Christmas childhood, the Monaghan poet
Patrick Kavanagh calls to mind beautiful images that he associated with the holy
season: “Mass going feet crunched the water-ice on the potholes”. At this time of
year, I think many people are inclined to reminisce on their childhood and touch
on memories that are filled with innocent joy but sometimes tinged with sadness.
Older people will often compare the simplicity of the past with the extravagance
of the present. While recognising that there is something seasonal about exchanging
presents, a lot of people today dislike the commercialisation and materialism that
has almost smothered the real meaning of what we are celebrating.
In the meantime, we continue our Advent journey in joyful
hope, trusting that the Lord will come to each of us in a personal way at this time.
It is my prayer that your hearts be lifted in praise this
Christmas for the wonderful gift of Jesus and the joy he brings to our lives. May
his love surround you and your families at this special time and throughout the
coming year.
I take this opportunity to thank you sincerely for your
fidelity, your co-operation and your generosity expressed in so many ways.
With love, joy and peace! Fr Colum
The Visitation
The journey of Mary to visit Elizabeth is one of the symbolic
journeys of the Gospel. In some respects, it could be described as the life of the
Christian in summary. This incident could become part of my prayer, as I set out
each day. I can offer myself as someone who is willing, and who wants to bring Jesus
to others today. My prayer could be, “Lord, may your presence within me today touch
the hearts of those I meet, either through the words I say, the prayers I pray,
the life I live or the very person I am”. It might also be a good thing to reflect
on the words of Elizabeth to Mary, “All these things have happened to you because
you believed that the promises of the Lord would be fulfilled”. May we too believe
that what the Lord has promised will be fulfilled in our lives.
Office Opening Hours
Tuesdays:
1.00 pm - 4.00 pm; Fridays: 9.00 am - 1.00 pm
Mass Times for Christmas
Christmas Eve
Church
of the Immaculate Conception, Beragh - 6.00 pm
Church
of St Patrick, Drumduff - 8.00 pm
Christmas Day
St Malachy’s
Church, Seskinore -10.00 am
Church
of the Immaculate Conception, Beragh - 11.30 am
Mass Times
Church of the Immaculate Conception, Beragh
Sunday: 11.30 am
Church of St Malachy, Seskinore
Sunday: 10.00 am
Church of St Patrick, Drumduff
Saturday: 7.30 pm
Grant them Eternal Rest, O Lord
Parish Dead List
Recently Deceased: Tracey
Coyle, Pomeroy; Pat Donnelly (funeral last Friday in Beragh).
Church of the Immaculate Conception, Beragh
Sun 23rd December 11.30 am Brendan
Prevett; Willie Spear and deceased members of the Spear family.
Tues 25th December 11.30 am John
Donnelly and his daughters, Anne & Maureen.
Sun 30th December 11.30 am Margaret
McDonald.
Church of St Patrick, Drumduff
Sat 29th December 7.30 pm Jack
McEnhill and Eugene McCrystal.
Sr Consillios Addiction Centre
Sr Consillios Addiction Centre in Newry would like to
thank most sincerely all those who performed free of charge at their
recent concert in the Strule Arts Centre, Omagh on 16th November
2018. After the Srule Arts Centre expenses, and the promotion
for the event had been paid, the total raised for the charity
was £1,668, for which we are truly grateful.
Congratulations
We welcome into our community, through the Sacrament of
Baptism, Donnacha Ryan McNally.
From Advent to Christmas
Very shortly we will place the baby Jesus in the crib.
As we do so let us remember all children, especially the children and young people
of this parish. We remember children who, like Jesus, are born poor and homeless.
We remember children who are victims of abuse of various kinds, and all those who,
through no fault of their own, do not have a good start in life. We ask the Holy
Family to comfort people who mourn, console those who are worried and give peace
to our troubled world.
Weekly Collection 16th December 2018
Envelopes:
£ 891.60
Loose
Collection: £ 235.63
Building
Fund: £ 575.00
Candles:
£ 187.28
Priest’s
Dues: £ 151.00
Bishop’s
Collection: £ 63.00
Messenger:
£ 40.00
Total: £2,143.51
Beragh Red Knights
The Club
would like to wish all our players, mentors, supporters, sponsors and friends a
very Merry Christmas and a Prosperous
New Year.
We look forward to your continued support for 2019.
The numbers
drawn in our new 5* Lotto were 3,11,12, 24 and 25. Mark Lyons and
Barry
McGuinness matched 4 numbers and share £50. Next week's draw will take place on
Sunday in Farley's Bar at 10.00 pm. Jackpot will be £5,200. Tickets are £1 and available
in Farley’s Bar, Heaney’s Bar, Spar Sixmilecross and Spar Beragh. Lotto helper this
week is
Ryan
McAleer. On pavillion duty this week is Mickey McCann.
Cloughfin Community Association
In Cloughfin
Old School activities are over until the New Year.
The Christmas
Raffle in aid of MS Society Omagh & District Group took place at the Christmas
Party night on Wednesday
12th
December and prizes have been distributed to the winners. The amount raised was
£1,330 which would not have been possible without the help and generosity of many
people. Thank you all so much for the part you played. A cheque will be presented
to Joe Doran in the New Year. We are still looking for photographs/information concerning
the people who lived in Cloughfin and surrounding area over the years. For any information
contact rosiemcm@btinternet.com,
07709 712 989 or pm the facebook page. A trained Walk Leader is interested in setting
up a morning walking group to cater for all abilities. More information can be obtained
by ringing or texting 07533 691 895. We wish all our supporters a Happy Christmas
and New Year.
St Vincent de Paul Society
The St
Vincent de Paul Society would like to thank everyone who contributed to our Special
Christmas Collection which raised £1,560. We appreciate your support, which enables
us to help families in need in our Parish this Christmas.
