A look into the life of Priesthood

Rev Declan McGeehan

The Evangelist John recounts an interesting encounter between John the Baptist,

two of his disciples, and Jesus. As John sees the Lord, he cries out: “Behold,

the Lamb of God!” His two disciples follow Christ and put this question to him:

“Rabbi…where are you staying?”

It may seem like a strange question for them to ask, but it reveals the very essence of Christian vocation, because a vocation is, first and foremost, an invitation to intimacy with the Lord; a call to “come and see”. The disciples were seeking intimacy with Christ. They desired to be with Him; to spend time in His company and to learn more about Him. They wanted to grow in friendship with Him, to love Him and experience His love. We’re all called to grow in intimacy with the Lord, and when we do, we can begin to hear His call in our lives.

This is how my own vocation developed. At first I never imagined that I’d be ordained a priest, but I felt drawn to get to know the Lord better; and so, through study and prayer, and especially

Eucharistic Adoration, I began to hear His call to serve Him and His Church as a priest.

On this Good Shepherd Sunday, may we all accept anew the Lord’s invitation to “come and see” and may more men hear His call to serve Him as His priests.

Is God calling you to serve as a priest, deacon or in the consecrated life?

If you are interested in exploring the possibility of diocesan priesthood, you are invited to attend a Come & See weekend in St Patricks College, Maynooth on Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th May.

For information, contact Fr Chris Ferguson: 07973423152 or email:chris_j_ferguson@hotmail.com

CATHOLICISM: THE PIVOTAL PLAYERS VOL1

Commencing Monday 13th May at 8pm in Christ the King Church and on Tuesday 14th May at 10.30am in the Parish Centre, Killyclogher with St Francis of Assisi - the Reformer.

Week 1: Watch the inspiring film and account of the early life of St Francis “Brother Sun, Sister Moon”.

Week 2 & 3: Journey with Bishop Barron in an

awe-inspiring film as he travels through Assisi, Rome, and other places associated with St Francis.

Week 4: Watch the documentary “Pope Francis: A Man of His Word” ,which focuses on the life and goals of the Holy Father.

Books, priced £20, to accompany the complete study of the 6 Pivotal Players: Vol. 1 available on Week 1.

Popcorn for movie night/day will be provided!

Rev Declan McGeehan Ordination

On Sunday 23rd June Rev Declan will be ordained into the Priesthood in St Eugene’s Cathedral, Derry at 3pm. A bus will go from the parish to his ordination. Cost: £10. The bus will leave from the hall car park in Killyclogher at 1pm and return directly after the ordination. If you are interested in attending there are still places on the bus. Booking with the parish office is essential : 028 8224 3375.

Recent Baptisms

We welcome through Baptism:

Nancy Mary Rodgers

Migle Marija Nic Gabhann

Recent Weddings

Congratulations to the following couple: Serena McDermott & Brendan McDevitt

Recent Deaths

We pray for the families of:

Bernard McLaughlin, Killyclogher & Donegal

Anne Bourke, Glendore Pk

Sean Carlin, Castleview Court

May they rest in peace

Evening Mass in Christ the King Church

Please note there will be no 7.30pm Mass in Christ the King Church on Wednesday 15th May.

Bingo Every Monday at 9pm in the Parish Centre

Baptism Preparation Evening

Parents/expectant parents are required to attend an evening of preparation for their child to receive the Sacrament of Baptism.

Next Date: Mon 20th May at 7.30pm in Christ the King Church. Please contact the office to book.

Thank you for your donation:

Weekly: £3,493

Anniversary Mass

Tues 14th May: Neil McAleer, Berkley Heights / 7.30pm / KC

Fri 17th May: 1st Aniv: Maureen McBride, Glenlee Ave / 7.30pm / KC

Sat 18th May: M.Mind: Roisin Atkinson, Pinefield Dr / 10am / KC

Sat 18th May: Sean McGarrity, Shandon Park / 7.30pm / KC

Sun 19th May: 1st Aniv: Nora O’Donnell, Strathroy Pk / 10am / KM

Sun 19th May: Patricia McDermott, Inisclan Rd / 10am / MF

Sun 19th May: Liam Burns, McIvor Villas / 11am / KC

Sun 19th May: 1st Aniv: John Stankard, Willowmount Pk / 12noon / CTK

Derry Diocesan Society

The following names have been added to the list of deceased members of the Society:

Kevin Joseph Fox, Maine Rd

Angela McShane, Derry

Mickey Logue, Beechgrove

Annie Logue, Beechgrove

Frances Quinn, Mullaghmore Dr

Brigid McNulty, Fernagh Rd

John McNulty, Fernagh Rd

Celsus McNulty, Fernagh Rd

Margaret McNulty, South Africa

Derry Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lough Derg

The annual pilgrimage to Lough Derg will take place Friday 21st June - Sunday 23rd June. Spiritual director: Bishop Donal McKeown. Please consider participating in the diocesan pilgrimage this year. A bus is bring arranged from Derry for those who wish to avail of it. £80 per person (including bus) or £65 for students (ages 16-18) including bus. For those making their own way to Lough Derg the cost is £65/€75. To book a place on the bus, tel:028 7126 4087 or email: padriag.delargy@derrydiocese.org

PTAA

Mass for the intentions of all Pioneers and total abstainers will be celebrated in St Mary’s Church, Ardmore on Tuesday 21st May at 8pm. Light refreshments served after. Everyone welcome.

Bus to Knock

Bus travelling to Knock on Sunday 2nd June. Leaving Gortin at 8am, via Greencastle and Mountfield. To book contact Pat: 028 8164 7099 or Brigid: 028 8077 1357.

Thank You

Mary’s Meals wish to thank most sincerely all who supported and made donations at the coffee morning in the Parish Centre on Divine Mercy Sunday. Total amount raised was £750.

Omagh Faith and Light

Announce with great sadness the passing of their founder Jean Vanier. There will be a prayer vigil for him with all L’Arche and Faith and Light communities around the world. We invite parishioners to join us in prayer on Wednesday 15th May at 8pm in St Joseph’s Hall.

Malawi Fundraising Car Treasure Hunt & BBQ

On Friday 17th May, starting from 6.30pm at First Omagh Church Car Park. Cost is £10 per person (primary school children free) which includes BBQ in the church grounds. All profits go towards projects the team will support in Embangweni Mission Station this summer.

Stanton Healthcare Fundraising Ball

Gala Ball to fundraise for Stanton’s life-saving work of supporting women in unplanned pregnancies to choose life, will take place in the Wellington Park Hotel, Belfast, at 7pm on Saturday 1st June. For info contact: 02890332882 / email: info@stantonbelfast.org

“Scalp Challenge”

The annual Scalp Challenge fundraiser for Concern will take place next Sunday 19th May, commencing at 2pm. Follow signage on the right from Burnfoot. This event requires a reasonable degree of fitness and weather appropriate clothing and footwear.

Cappagh GAA Lottsodoo:

Winning No’s: 17, 18, 27, 29, 30. Jackpot remains at £5,000.