MASS TIMES

Monday 28 May 10.00am

Tuesday 29 May 10.00am

Wednesday 30 May 7.00pm

Thursday 31 May 10.00am

Friday 1 June 10.00am

Saturday 2 June 10.00am 6.30pm

Sunday 3 June 10.00am 12.00noon

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CONFESSIONS

Saturdays: 10.30am - 12.30pm; 5.45pm - 6.20pm

Thursday before First Friday after morning Mass

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BAPTISMS

Friday: 6.30pm

Sunday: 12.45pm

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CONTACTS

Parish Priest: Rev. Declan Boland PP

Parochial House: 02871 883293

Parish Administrator: Mrs. Amanda Cairns

Parish Office: 02871 882215

Email: amanda@strabaneparish.com

Website: www.strabaneparish.com

Parish Hall: 02871 882483

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FOR YOU TOO

To be holy does not require being a bishop, a priest or a religious. We are frequently tempted to think that holiness is only for those who can withdraw from ordinary affairs to spend much time in prayer. That is not the case. We are all called to be holy by living our lives with love and by bearing witness in everything we do, wherever we find ourselves. Are you called to the consecrated life? Be holy by living out your commitment with joy. Are you married? Be holy by loving and caring for your husband or wife, as Christ does for the Church. Do you work for a living? Be holy by labouring with integrity and skill in the service of your brothers and sisters. Are you a parent or grandparent? Be holy by patiently teaching the little ones how to follow Jesus. Are you in a position of authority? Be holy by working for the common good and renouncing personal gain.

Let the grace of your Baptism bear fruit in a path of holiness. Let everything be open to God; turn to him in every situation. Do not be dismayed, for the power of the Holy Spirit enables you to do this, and holiness, in the end, is the fruit of the Holy Spirit in your life. (cf. Gal 5:22-23). When you feel the temptation to dwell on your own weakness, raise your eyes to Christ crucified and say: Lord, I am a poor sinner, but you can work the miracle of making me a little bit better’. In the Church, holy yet made up of sinners, you will find everything you need to grow towards holiness. The Lord has bestowed on the Church the gifts of scripture, the sacraments, holy places, living communities, the witness of the saints and a multifaceted beauty that proceeds from God’s love, ‘like a bride bedecked with jewels’ (Is 61:10).

This holiness to which the Lord calls you will grow through small gestures. Here is an example: a woman goes shopping, she meets a neighbour and they begin to speak, and the gossip starts. But she says in her heart: ‘No, I will not speak badly of anyone’. This is a step forward in holiness. Later, at home, one of her children wants to talk to her about his hopes and dreams, and even though she is tired, she sits down and listens with patience and love. That is another sacrifice which brings holiness. Later she experiences some anxiety, but recalling the love of the Virgin Mary, she takes her Rosary and prays with faith. Yet another path of holiness. Later still, she goes out onto the street, encounters a poor person and stops to say a kind word to him. One more step.

GAUDETE ET EXSULTATE

Rejoice and be Glad

ON THE CALL TO HOLINESS IN TODAY’S WORLD

APOSTOLIC EXHORTATION

POPE FRANCIS

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CHURCH RESTORATION FUND

TOTAL TO DATE: £125,805.00 & €9545.00

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PRAYER GROUP

The contemplative prayer group will meet on Monday at 8.15pm in the Parochial House. New members very welcome.

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BAPTISMS

We welcome into God’s family through the sacrament of baptism: Anna Catherine Rouse, Lola-Mae Lindsay, Weinde Theresa Geraldine Mullen, Cahir Edward McCrea.

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ANNIVERSARIES

Kevin Quigley, Frances Molloy, Mary Murphy, Brendan Brady,

Susie McHugh, Nora O’Neill, Eddie Patton, May Stewart, Frank McCrory,

James Conway, John Nelson, Lily Nelson, Roy Hyndman.

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PRAY FOR PRIESTS

Fr. Michael Collins Retired, 27 May

Fr. Oliver Crilly, Castlefin, 28 May

Fr. Patrick Crilly, Retired, 29 May

Fr. Brendan Crowley PP, Garvagh, 30 May

Most Rev. Edward Daly, Deceased, 31 May

Fr. Robert Devine, Deceased, 2 June

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CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to the boys and girls who made their First Holy Communion and also to their parents, families, teachers and school Principals.

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SICK AND HOUSEBOUND

Fr. Declan Boland will visit the sick and housebound in the following areas on Monday 28 May starting after 10.00am Mass: Springhill Park, Evish Grove, Newtownkennedy Street, Courtrai Park, Meetinghouse Street. (Area 1)

Fr. Eugene Boland will visit the sick and housebound in the following areas on Monday 28 May starting after 10.00am Mass: Lower Main Street, Riverside Terrace, Alexander Place, Church Street, Church View, Glen Road, Hillmount Grove, Evish Road, Dergalt Road. (Area 2)

Fr. Declan Boland will visit the sick and housebound in the following areas on Friday 1 June starting after 10.00am Mass: Fountain Street, Fountain Terrace, Marian Park, Casement Place, Innisfree Gardens, Drumrallagh. (Area 3)

Fr. Eugene Boland will visit the sick and housebound in the following areas on Friday 1 June starting after 10.00am Mass: Townsend Street, Townsend Terrace, Liskey Road, Conthem Road, Bearney Road, Dernalebe, Camus Park. (Area 4)

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PLEASE JOIN US IN CELEBRATING

The Sisters of Mercy are pleased to invite you to join us in marking 150 years of Presence in Strabane. Mass will be celebrated in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Strabane, at 3.00pm on Sunday 3 June. Refreshments afterwards in St. Patrick’s Hall.

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BLESSING OF GRAVES

The annual ceremony of the blessing of graves for the parish will be held on Sunday 17 June at 3.00pm.

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CARMELITE RETEAT CENTRE

Mass for the Sick with Eucharistic Blessing will take place in the Carmelite Retreat Centre Termonbacca on Tuesday 29 May, beginning at 8.00pm. All welcome.

Day Retreat for Senior Citizens and Friends will take place in the Carmelite Retreat Centre, Termonbacca on Thursday 7 June. For bookings please ring 02871262512.

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HEALING MASS

Fr. Neal Carlin and the Columba Community will celebrate a special Mass for healing on Thursday 31 May at 7.30pm in Columba House, 11 Queen Street, Derry. We invite you to come along and share in this special evening of prayer for healing.

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DERRY DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOUGH DERG

Led by Bishop Donal McKeown, the Pilgrimage will take place Friday 22–Sunday 24 June. Coach travelling from St. Eugene’s Cathedral, Derry, via Strabane. For pilgrims travelling by coach, the cost will be £80.00 per person (which includes all transport and pilgrimage costs). A non-refundable deposit of £20.00 per person is required to secure your place. Pilgrims may, of course, use their own means of transport. For more information about the pilgrimage or to register, please contact the Diocesan Catechetical Centre on 02871264087 or email: rebecca.odoherty@derrydiocese.org

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ACCORD

Applications are invited from individuals wishing to join ACCORD for the Certificate in Counselling (Marriage and Relationship). The Certificate in Counselling is validated by the Pontifical University at St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth and is aligned to the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) at Level 8, 20 ECTS. The training programme is delivered on a part time basis, at weekends, over 1 academic year in Maynooth. Please contact the ACCORD Omagh Centre for further information Tel: 028 82242439 Email omagh@accordni.com

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MA IN CATHOLIC SCHOOL LEADERSHIP

Working in Partnership with St. Mary's College, Twickenham, the Derry Diocesan Catechetical Centre will offer this post-graduate degree, dedicated to the professional development and spiritual formation of Catholic school leaders. It is a great opportunity for those who aspire to, or have an interest in, leadership roles within the Catholic School system. Begins Autumn 2018. Information session in Saint Mary's College, Derry, on Monday 18 June at 4.00pm. If you would like to attend or require any further information please contact Thérèse Ferry on 00442871264087 or email tferry@derrydiocese.org.

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FREE HEARING AID SUPPORT SESSION

The next session will be on Thursday 31 May in Ballycolman Community Centre from 10.00am – 12.00noon and in Strabane Day Centre, County Buildings from 1.00pm - 2.30pm.

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NOTICES FOR PARISH BULLETIN

We ask that all notices and anniversaries for the parish bulletin are either given to the sacristan or left at the parish office by Wednesday morning at the latest.

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PARISH DRAW

The winners of the Draw for the month of May are:

£1000.00 Flanagan Family 154

Promoter Kathleen Morris

£300.00 Helen Murtagh 316

Promoter Patricia McCrossan

£200.00 Anna McGrinder 226

Promoter Fr. Boland

£100.00 Roisin McDevitt 183

Promoter Siobhan McDevitt

£100.00 Kathleen Falconer 563

Promoter Eileen Canning

£100.00 Nellie Doherty 931

Promoter Fr. Boland

£100.00 Jimmy & Dympna Coyle 425

Promoter Kathleen Connolly

£100.00 M & L Christy 196

Promoter Fr. Boland

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BINGO AND LUCKY 4 DRAW

Bingo and Lucky 4 Draw as usual this Thursday. All our patrons are very welcome. Next Week’s Lucky 4 Jackpot is £1100.00

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PRAYER CORNER

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PRAYER FOR THOSE WHO ARE FACING DIFFICULT EXAMINATIONS

Lord I am worried and tense as I think about my forthcoming exams.

I feel the tension rising in my heart and at times I am afraid.

I ask you to send down upon me the power of your Holy Spirit to ease my worry, to fill my heart with courage and to give me the great gift of your wisdom.

Lord you know the path that lies ahead and how important my exams are for me. Take away all fear and stress, give me confidence and strength as I enter the place of examination. Let there be no panic, but a deep trust in you and in my ability to succeed. Help me to do myself justice for the work and effort I have put in to date and may all my hard work bear fruit in plenty later on.

Spirit of calm, Spirit of peace, Spirit of confidence, Spirit of courage come into my heart today and powerfully guide me as I sit and write. Remove all fear from me and fill my heart to overflowing with your understanding and love.

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