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Third Sunday of Advent

Don’t blame John the Baptist for doubting the true identity of Jesus. His outspokenness in front of King Herod earned him imprisonment and the prospects of death. In prison John had been hearing stories about Christ which did not fit his expectations of a Messiah.

Anxious then to find out if Christ was the promised one, John sent his messengers to Jesus with the question: ‘Are you the one that is to come or are we to await someone else?’ The reply by Jesus indicated that his ministry was one of healing and life-giving. The deaf were hearing; the blind were seeing. People were beginning to experience a new life and the poor were receiving the news that God was on their side, and that Christ was indeed the long awaited Messiah. John the Baptist could die assured that his own life had been worthwhile.

Our gospel poses the problem of our acceptance or rejection of Jesus. The question voiced by John has relevance in every age and is of importance to us, because the basic requirement for entry into the kingdom of God depends on welcoming Jesus and placing no obstacles in our lives. Advent is a time to assess what influence Jesus has on our behaviour. His work continues in every age. The Many different guises in which Jesus appears never cease to amaze and often he comes to us in the flesh and blood of people whose sins are looking for a healing word of comfort and encouragement. The best kind of preparations for Christmas are deeds of kindness which make Jesus’ presence felt in our homes and lives.

ADVENT BASKET: The Advent Basket is placed

at the foot of the Altar in which gifts are placed.

The Saint Vincent de Paul will pack the gifts in

boxes and distribute as a gift from us (the parish)

to one of the nursing homes.

FIRST ANNIVERSARY MASSES

The First Anniversary Mass for Helen McLaughlin will

be offered in Drung Church on Wednesday 18th

December @ 7.00 p.m. The First Anniversary Mass for

Patsy Cunningham will be offered in Drung Church on

Saturday 21st December @ 8.00 p.m. May they rest in peace….

BUÍOCHAS:

Sunday Collection: (7th /8th December): € 1,018.50c & £45.65 stg

Retired Priests’ Collection: (7th /8th December): €233.40c

Thank you for your continuing generosity to all the collections.

The Annual Christmas St Vincent de Paul Collection taken up last weekend came to €900.00c. Thank you to everyone who gave so generously.

FAMILY ROSARY FOR ADVENT 2019  Fr. Mailey invites you to say the Rosary in your homes during Advent, as a spiritual preparation for Christmas.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: GETTING MARRIED IN DRUNG IN 2020? YOU MUST INFORM THE REGISTRAR OF MARRIAGES IN BUNCRANA OF YOUR INTENT TO MARRY AT LEAST 3 MONTHS BEFORE THE DATE OF YOUR WEDDING. (Telephone: 074 9362196 to make an appointment). As regards your church papers, please make an appointment to come and see Fr. Mailey as soon as possible! To book your Marriage preparation course at Thornhill Ministries, book at www.accord-ni.co.uk (book early to secure your place).

Derry Diocesan Youth Pilgrimage to Medjugorje 28th July: We are inviting young people aged 16-18 to join us on pilgrimage to Medjugorje for 7 nights from 28th July-4th August. This will be a unique experience for young people and an opportunity to engage with their peers from around the world in a faith context. Up to 50,000 young people attend the Medjugorje Youth Festival each year. Cost is £599 and there will be a budget plan to help with this. Names and deposit of £100 are due by 20th of December. For more information or to book in please contact lizzie.rea@derrydiocese.org 00 44 2871264087

MEDJUGORJE 2020: For two weeks from 21st July to 4th August. €719 for one week plus €245 for the second week per person sharing. Contact Patricia Rea on (0044) 7472869618 for further booking and further details.

PILGRIMAGE TO SAN GIOVANNI ROTONDO, 20–24 April 2020. This is a fully escorted pilgrimage, accompanied by Spiritual Director. Includes a visit to Pietrelcina and Mass at the Shrine of St Michael the Archangel. Cost £619 pps (single room supplement £125 – limited availability). For further details contact one of the organisers: Marie on 07799112224 or Clare on 07778025587 (Cappagh Parish Padre Pio Group).

Training Opportunity for Young People: The Diocese in conjunction with Youthlink NI are offering an exciting training opportunity for young people aged 16-18 interested in Youth Work and Leadership Training. The course will be an OCN Level 1 Award in Practical Youth Work/Ministry Skills. It will run over on 3 days, Saturday 18th January, Sunday 2nd February and Saturday 7th March in Maghera Pastoral Centre. Contact Yvonne Rooney the Diocesan Pastoral Youth Leader for more details or an application form. yvonne.rooney@derrydiocese.org 0044 2871264087

IMPORTANT NOTICE  OUR DIOCESAN DESIGNATED PERSONS SAFEGUARDING REPRESENTATIVES ARE:

Noel O’ Donnell  Telephone: (0044)7596500793.

Celine McKenna  Telephone: (0044)7707311358.

PARISH DRAW RESULTS FOR DRUNG

1st Prize: Rose McCorriston

2nd Prize: John Hegarty

3rd Prize: Eugene Bonner

CHRISTMAS MASS BOUQUET CARDS: On Sale in Drung Parochial House and Sacristy.

A Sacrament of Reconciliation will be held in Sacred Heart Church Muff on Tuesday 17th December at 7:30 pm. Visiting priests in attendance. Everyone welcome.

Meeting of the Marriage and Family Life group in Warren View Manor, Muff on Monday night at 8.00pm.

A Night of Christmas Songs & Carols with Crescendo Community Choir joined by The Musical Memories Singers and a Special Performance by Little Singing Stars in St. Columba’s Church, Drung this coming Monday, 16th December @ 7.30 p.m. Proceeds in Aid of Alzheimer’s Research. Tea, Coffee and Sweet Bites provided by the Redcastle Hotel afterwards.

Christmas Exhibition  The Way to Bethlehem, Fahan Presbyterian Church, Tooban from 10.00 a.m. 15th to 22nd December. Free Admission.

Naomh Padraig Club Bazaar in Clubhouse Ture, today Sunday 15th.December, starting at 2.30. Lots of prizes to be won on the day .Come along and your support will be appreciated.

Muff Community News: Good as New Charity Shop @ Muff Community Park will be closed now until the New Year. We would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone for supporting us in 2019 and we look forward to seeing you all in 2020. Please note Muff Community Park will be closed all day on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day. Muff Resource Centre will be closed for Christmas from 4.30pm Fri 20th December 2019. We will re-open in the New Year at 9.30am on Thursday 2nd January 2020.