Clonleigh (Strabane Pastoral Area) Parish Bulletin

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Parishes of Camus, Clonleigh and Leckpatrick
Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year A – 13 September 2026
Parish Clergy
Fr Michael McCaughey, PP: (028) 71882274 / (028) 71882215
Fr Declan Boland (priest in residence)
Email : leckpatrickparish@derrydiocese.org; Website : www.leckpatrickparish.com
Email : strabaneparish@derrydiocese.org; Website: www.camusparish.com
Email: clonleighparish@derrydiocese.org; Website : www.clonleighparish.com
Thoughts on the Gospel (Matthew 18:21-35)
The gospel today tells of Peter asking Jesus how many times he should forgive
someone who wrongs him. Jesus responds with a parable: a serv ant forgiven of an
immense debt refuses to forgive a fellow servant of a small de bt. The lesson is
clear: those who receive mercy must extend mercy.
Forgiveness begins with humility, recognising our own frai lty and the mercy we
have received. It is not weakness, but strength rooted in gra ce. Humility opens our
hearts to Godʼs mercy and enables us to extend that same mercy to others.
Forgiveness also requires empathy. By seeing the humanity o f those who hurt us,
we can respond with compassion without excusing wrongdoing . In forgiving, we
honour the forgiveness we ourselves have received and becom e stewards of grace.
Ultimately, forgiveness reshapes our hearts, relationshi ps, and communities,
making us more like the One who forgives endlessly.
The parable of the unforgiving servant is not just a warning; it is an invitation. It
calls us to live with a HEART shaped by humility, empathy, acc ountability, release,
and transformation. Forgiveness is not easy, but it is essen tial. When we forgive, we
reflect the very heart of God. And in doing so, we discover fre edom, peace, and the
joy of a life lived in mercy.thClonleigh (Strabane Pastoral Area) https://clonleighparish.com

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Lord, help us forgive with humble hearts and share your mercy with others. Amen.
A Time of Prayer in Honour of St Pio As we prepare to celebrate the
feast day of St Pio on Wednesday 23rd September, we invite all
to take part in a Novena of Prayer beginning on Monday 14th
September . Prayer cards will be available in the coming days for
people to oer prayers to St Pio. Prayer and reflection on the life
of St Pio will be included in weekend Masses on 19th and 20th
September. Please note that Mass will be celebrated in Sacre d Heart
Church, Derry Rd on Saturday 19th September at 9.00 am when we will include
prayers for bishop-elect, Bishop Router and prayers in hono ur of St Pio. On Monday
21st, Tuesday 22nd and Wednesday 23rd September, all are wel come to join in a
triduum of prayer at various times – more details in next week endʼs newsletter.
Bishop Router has kindly agreed to oer Mass at 7.00 pm on Wednesday 23rd
September , the Feast of St Pio, at St Patrickʼs Church, Murlog. Further details to
follow. People from all parishes in our pastoral area are war mly welcome to come
along to this Mass.
Installation of Bishop Michael Router As the diocese prepares to celebrate the
joyous occasion of the installation of Bishop Router as Bish op of Derry on Sunday
20th September, parishioners throughout the diocese are in vited to participate in a
Triduum of Masses, on Friday 18th, Saturday 19th & Sunday 20t h September. This is
an important occasion for all of us in the diocese and people a re invited to pray as
a community or at home as a family or individually. We invoke t he intercession of

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the Holy Spirit and the words ʻCome Holy Spiritʼ . So too, we pr ay for the presence
of Our Lady and protection of St Michael the Archangel and of c ourse the
intercession of St John Vianney and St Pio.
For the pastoral area, Mass will celebrated as follows:
Friday 18th September:
8.00 am: Sacred Heart Church, Derry Road
10.00 am: Church of the Immaculate Conception
11.00 am: St Patrickʼs Church, Murlog
Saturday 19th September:
9.00 am: Sacred Heart Church, Derry Road
and in turn the usual Vigil Masses (19th September) and morni ng Masses
(20th September), the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time.
Requiescant in Pace We oer our sympathy to the family and friends of
Chloe McShane, Moorlough Rd, Strabane
Mickey McAteer, Carrigullin Rd, Strabane
Kathleen OʼHagan, Cloughfin, Ballindrait, Liord
Anniversaries Eric Adams (Canada), Seamus Browne, Jim Burns, Ellen Clarke , James
Coyle, Jimmy Coyle, James Crawford, Joseph Crawford, Rober t Devereux, Joe
Doherty, Margaret Doherty, John Dolan, Marcella Edginton, Jonathan Gallagher,
Paddy Gallagher, Brian Harte, Angela Hegarty, Brenda Hume, Michael Hunt, James
Lannon, Bernadette McAleer, Eileen McBride, Jean McElwee, Nan McGettigan,

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Sarah McGettigan-Porter, Artie McGinley, Seamus McLaughl in, Catherine OʼBrien,
Mollie OʼKane, Bridie Pollock, Charlie Pollock, Mary Potts , Mary Quinn, Bert
Ridewood, Ned Rodgers. May they rest in peace.
Thank You for your generosity to last weekʼs collections
Leckpatrick: £1,578.87
Clonleigh: €1,421.81
Camus: £1,957.26.
Thanks also to those who pay by standing order.
9.45am Mass on Sundays in Murlog Chapel is live on Finn Valley Community R adio.
Legion of Mary An urgent appeal for new members to join us. Role includes
visitation of nursing homes, promotion of the rosary with th e pilgrim statue and
weekly meetings. Time commitment of approx 3 hrs per wk. Meet ing on Thursday
mornings at 11 am in St Patʼs Hall. Please contact Margaret Ha rte: 028 71883159.
Readings for Sunday 20th September:
1st Reading : Isaiah 55:6-9
Psalm: 145:2-3, 8-9, 17-18
2nd Reading : Philippians 1:20c-24, 27a
Gospel: Matthew 20:1-16

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Saints of the Coming Week:
Monday: The Exultation of the Cross
Tuesday: Our Lady of Sorrows
Wednesday: St Cornelius, pope and St Cyprian, bishop, martyrs
Thursday : St Hildegard of Bingen, virgin and doctor of the Church,
St Robert Bellarmine, bishop & doctor of the Church
Saturday: St Januarius, bishop & martyr
Parking at Immaculate Conception Church You are asked to note that parking in
the grounds of the church is restricted to those attending Ma ss or praying in the
church. Each day there is pedestrian access to the church at t he front entrance.
These gates will always remain open, however the main gate wi ll generally close
each day aer morning Mass. In circumstances for funerals or weddings, the main
gates will remain open. We ask you to respect this decision an d thank you for your
understanding and co-operation. The driveway to the paroch ial house is private
property and we ask you to refrain from parking on the drivewa y on a daily basis.
We again that you for your understanding and co-operation.
Eucharistic Adoration takes place on
Monday from 10.30 am – 1.00 pm in St Patrickʼs Church, Murlog and
Wednesday from 8.30 am – 5.30 pm in Sacred Heart Church, Derry Rd . Everyone is
welcome to come and spend some time in the presence of the Bles sed Sacrament.
The Contemplative Prayer Group meets on Mondays at 8.00 pm in the Pastoral
Oice, 27 Butcher Street, Strabane. Everyone welcome.

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The Columban Young Adults are a new group for those aged 18 – 30 in the diocese,
who are seeking a community of like-minded young adults who h ave Christ at the
centre of their lives. Our September event will be a Holy Hour and meditation on
Thursday 17th September at 7.00 pm at Our Lady of Lourdes Chur ch, Steelstown,
Derry, delivered by Fr Declan McGeehan. The meditation will be followed by
Solemn Benediction and light refreshments. We are actively seeking new
members- please come along and bring a friend!
Eucharistic Adoration Derry Diocese is renewing and developing its Diocesan
Adoration Lay Committee to increase the practice of Euchari stic Adoration in
parishes throughout the diocese. You are welcome to an Infor mation Meeting on
Wednesday 30th September at 8 pm in the Drummond Hotel, 2 Main St, Ballykelly,
BT49 9HP. Registration / light refreshments from 7.30 pm. All welcome.
Job Opportunity Derry Diocesan Trust invites applications for the post of sa cristan
at Granaghan (Swatragh) parish. 12 hrs per week. Rate of pay: £12.88 per hr.
Contact recruitment@derrydiocese.org / 028 71262302. Clos ing date: 15
September 2026.
Human Life International Ireland Fr L Carney (USA), international speaker and
popular author, Provincial Tour of Ireland. Join us for the U lster event at Canal
Court Hotel, Newry on 29th Sept at 6:45pm with 1st class relic of St Thérèse.
Season of Creation Water heals, restores, and makes creation flourish, but it a lso
challenges us to recognise ecological damage, embrace our i nterconnectedness,
and immerse ourselves in the responsibility of caring for an d restoring our Common
Home.May this season be a path for the healing of the earth and human well-being
to flourish together. Please visit https://youtu.be/xVVZ8LSpcRk
th

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Blessing of Bikers & Motorcycles today (Sunday) at 1.30 pm in St Aengusʼ Chapel,
Burt. Following blessing all are welcome to join the run to Ne dʼs Point RNLI
Station, to present a donation to RNLI. Mass will be celebrat ed on 13th September
at 11.30 am in St Patrickʼs Chapel, DUNGIVEN for deceased bik ers. All welcome.
Coee Morning in aid of Foyle Hospice in Murphyʼs on the Green on Friday 25th
September from 9.30 am – 12.30 pm. Prize draw included at £1 pe r line. A great
range of prizes up for grabs. Draw at 1 pm on the day. Hope to see you all there.
Queenʼs University Catholic Chaplaincy reopens on Monday 14th September, with
weekday Masses and our semester programme resuming. The fir st Sunday Mass will
be celebrated on 20th Sept at the earlier time of 7.00 pm . New or returning
student? Find out about whatʼs on, ways to connect and get inv olved, and student
accommodation at Ryan Hall at qubcatholic.org and on our soc ials. Sta and
alumni are always welcome too. Visit our newly renewed Chapl aincy at 28 Elmwood
Ave for Mass, Confessions or candle-lighting — and call into M osaic for some of the
best coee, hot lunches and home-baked treats in South Belfa st!
Michael English Church Concert This evening of faith, hope and inspiration takes
place on Friday 2nd October at 7.15 pm, in St Patrickʼs Church , Keenaught,
Desertmartin. Tickets (£30) available at Heronʼs Gi Shop, Draperstown,
Moneyneena Post Oice, Ballinascreen and Desertmartin Par ish oices, or online
with Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/michael-english-band-
fundraising-concert-tickets-1996641829460
Lough Derg Day Retreats September 15, 19, 20 – a day of prayer, reflection
and spiritual renewal. Visit www.loughderg.org All welcome.
Parish Bingo and Lucky Four in St Patʼs Hall on Thursdays at 8 pm. All welcome.

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Trócaire Could you help share the true spirit of Christmas? Each year, volunteers in
parishes across Ireland set up a small stall aer Masses to se ll Trócaireʼs Gis of
Change: meaningful gis that make a real dierence to famili es living in poverty
around the world. We provide everything you need including t raining and support.
All we ask is a little time and a big heart. Last Christmas, 50 p arishes took part —
and weʼd love to grow that number this year! If you would like t o find out more,
please email Mark at mark.mcmahon@trocaire.org or call 028 9080 8030.
Weekend Mass Schedule
Immaculate Conception: Saturday Vigil: 4.30 pm ; Sunday: 11.00 am
Sacred Heart, Derry Road: Sunday: 12.15 pm
St Patrickʼs, Clonleigh: Saturday Vigil: 6.30 pm ; Sunday: 9.45 am
St Maryʼs, Cloughcor: Sunday: 8.30 am (13th Sept – alternate Sundays – 27th Sept)
St Josephʼs, Glenmornan: Sunday: 8.30 am (20th Sept – alternate Sundays – 4th
Oct)

Weekday Mass Schedule

Monday: 8.00 am: Sacred Heart Church, Derry Road
10.00 am: St Patrickʼs Church, Liord
Tuesday: 10.00 am: Immaculate Conception Church, Strabane
Wednesday: 8.00 am: Sacred Heart Church, Derry Road
(followed by Eucharistic Adoration until 5.30 pm).

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10.00 am: St Patrickʼs Church, Liord
Thursday: 10.00 am: Immaculate Conception Church, Strabane
Friday: 8.00 am: Sacred Heart Church, Derry Road
10.00 am: Immaculate Conception Church, Strabane
Weddings Please contact the parish oice. At least 6 monthsʼ notice re quired.
Baptisms: Parent(s) are asked to contact the parish oice.
The Parish Pastoral Area Oice , 27 Butcher St, Strabane covers all 3 parishes .
Oice hours: Monday – Thursday: 9.30 am – 4.30 pm; Friday: 9.30 am
– 12.30 pm. Please feel free to call in or phone on 028 7188 2215 .
Reminder that the deadline for parish bulletin notices is 2 pm on Wedne sdays.
A Small Collection of Candles is available for purchase at the Pastoral Oice.
A gentle reminder that we can only accept cash or cheque payme nts. Thank you.
Safeguarding (Northern Ireland) If you have any concerns with regard to the
Safeguarding of Children or Adult at risk of harm or Adult in n eed of protection
within the Church please contact Marie Gormley, the Diocesa n Designated Liaison
Person (DLP) on 07596 500793 or at marie.gormley@derrydioc ese.org To report a
safeguarding suspicion, concern, knowledge or allegation directly to the statutory
authorities please contact PSNI on 101,Western HSCT Childr enʼs Gateway Services
on 028 71 314090, WHSCT Adult Gateway Services on 028 71 61136 6 or the Regional
Emergency Social Work Service on 028 95 049999.
Safeguarding (Republic of Ireland) If you have any concerns with regard to the
Safeguarding of Children or Vulnerable Adults within the Ch urch please contact
Marie Gormley, the Diocesan Designated Liaison Person (DLP ) on +44 7596 500793

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or at marie.gormley@derrydiocese.org To report a safeguar ding suspicion,
concern, knowledge or allegation directly to the statutory authorities please
contact Garda Síochána Buncrana on 074 93 20540, Garda Síoch ána Letterkenny on
074 91 67100, TUSLA (ROI) Child and Family Agency on 074 91 022 33 or HSC Adult
Safeguarding, Donegal on 071 983 4660.