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

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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

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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

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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.

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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.