Leckpatrick Parish Bulletin

Page 1

Parishes of Camus, Clonleigh and Leckpatrick
Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year A – 13th 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 servant forgiven of an immense debt refuses to forgive a fellow
servant of a small debt. The lesson is clear: those who receive mercy must extend
mercy.
Forgiveness begins with humility, recognising our own frailty and the mercy we have
received. It is not weakness, but strength rooted in grace. Humility opens our hearts
to God’s mercy and enables us to extend that same mercy to others.
Forgiveness also requires empathy. By seeing the humanity of those who hurt us, we
can respond with compassion without excusing wrongdoing. In forgiving, we honour
the forgiveness we ourselves have received and become stewards of grace. Ultimately,
forgiveness reshapes our hearts, relationships, 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 i nvitation. It calls
us to live with a HEART shaped by humility, empathy, accountability, release, and
transformation. Forgiveness is not easy, but it is essential. When we forgive, we reflect
the very heart of God. And in doing so, we discover freedom, peace, and the joy of a
life lived in mercy.
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 offer 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 Sacred 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 honour of St Pio. On Monday
21st, Tuesday 22nd and Wednesday 23rd September, all are welcome to join in a
triduum of prayer at various times - more details in next weekend’s newsletter. Bishop
Router has kindly agreed to offer Mass at 7.00 pm on Wednesday 23rd September ,
the Feast of St Pio, at St Patrick’s Church, Murlog. Further details to follow. Peop le
from all parishes in our pastoral area are warmly welcome to come along to this Mass.
Leckpatrick https://www.leckpatrickparish.com

Page 2

Installation of Bishop Michael Router As the diocese prepares to celebrate the joyous
occasion of the installation of Bishop Router as Bishop of Derry on Sunday 20 th
September, parishioners throughout the diocese are invited to participate in a
Triduum of Masses, on Friday 18 th, Saturday 19 th & Sunday 20 th September. This is
an important occasion for all of us in the diocese and people are invited to pray as a
community or at home as a family or individually. We invoke the intercession of the
Holy Spirit and the words ‘Come Holy Spirit’. So too, we pray for the presence of
Our Lady and protection of St Michael the Archangel and of course 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 Patrick’s Church, Murlog
Saturday 19th September:
9.00 am: Sacred Heart Church, Derry Road
and in turn the usual Vigil Masses (19th September) and morning Masses
(20th September), the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time.
Requiescant in Pace We offer our sympathy to the family and friends of
Chloe McShane, Moorlough Rd, Strabane
Mickey McAteer, Carrigullin Rd, Strabane
Kathleen O’Hagan, Cloughfin, Ballindrait, Lifford
Anniversaries Eric Adams (Canada), Seamus Browne, Jim Burns, Ellen Clarke,
James Coyle, Jimmy Coyle, James Crawford, Joseph Crawford, Robert 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,
Sarah McGettigan-Porter, Artie McGinley, Seamus McLaughlin, Catherine O’Brien,
Mollie O’Kane, Bridie Pollock, Charlie Pollock, Mary Potts, Mary Quinn, Bert Ri dewood,
Ned Rodgers. May they rest in peace.
Thank You for your generosity to last week’s 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 Radio.
Legion of Mary An urgent appeal for new members to join us. Role includes visitation
of nursing homes, promotion of the rosary with the pilgrim statue and weekly
meetings. Time commitment of approx 3 hrs per wk. Meeting on Thursday mornings
at 11 am in St Pat’s Hall. Please contact Margaret Harte: 028 71883159.

Page 3

Readings for Sun 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
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 Mass or praying in the church.
Each day there is pedestrian access to the church at the front entrance. These gates
will always remain open, however the main gate will generally close each day after
morning Mass. In circumstances for funerals or weddings, the main gates will remain
open. We ask you to respect this decision and thank you for your understanding and
co-operation. The driveway to the parochial house is private property and we ask you
to refrain from parking on the driveway 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 Patrick’s 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 Blessed Sacrament.
The Contemplative Prayer Group meets on Mondays at 8.00 pm in the Pastoral Office,
27 Butcher Street, Strabane. Everyone welcome.
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 have 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 Church, 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 Eucharistic Adoration in parishes
throughout the diocese. You are welcome to an Information 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 sacristan at
Granaghan (Swatragh) parish. 12 hrs per week. Rate of pay: £12.88 per hr. Contact
recruitment@derrydiocese.org / 028 71262302. Closing date: 15th September 2026.

Page 4

Human Life International Ireland Fr L Carney (USA), international speaker and popular
author, Provincial Tour of Ireland. Join us for the Ulster 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 also
challenges us to recognise ecological damage, embrace our interconnectedness, and
immerse ourselves in the responsibility of caring for and 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
Blessing of Bikers & Motorcycles today (Sunday) at 1.30 pm in St Aengus’ Chapel, Burt.
Following blessing all are welcome to join the run to Ned’s Point RNLI Station, to
present a donation to RNLI. Mass will be celebrated on 13th September at 11.30 am
in St Patrick’s Chapel, DUNGIVEN for deceased bikers. All welcome.
Coffee Morning in aid of Foyle Hospice in Murphy’s on the Green on Friday 25th
September from 9.30 am - 12.30 pm. Prize draw included at £1 per line. A great rang e
of prizes up for grabs. Draw at 1 pm on the day. Hope to see you all there.
Queen’s University Catholic Chaplaincy reopens on Monday 14th September, with
weekday Masses and our semester programme resuming. The first Sunday Mass will
be celebrated on 20th Sept at the earlier time of 7.00 pm . New or returning student?
Find out about what’s on, ways to connect and get involved, and student
accommodation at Ryan Hall at qubcatholic.org and on our socials. Staff and alumni
are always welcome too. Visit our newly renewed Chaplaincy at 28 Elmwood Ave for
Mass, Confessions or candle-lighting — and call into Mosaic for some of the best
coffee, hot lunches and home-baked treats in South Belfast!
Michael English Church Concert This evening of faith, hope and inspiration takes place
on Friday 2nd October at 7.15 pm, in St Patrick's Church, Keenaught, Desertmartin.
Tickets (£30) available at Heron’s Gift Shop, Draperstown, Moneyneena Post Office,
Ballinascreen and Desertmartin Parish offices, 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 Pat’s Hall on Thursdays at 8 pm. All welcome.
Trócaire Could you help share the true spirit of Christmas? Each year, volunteers in
parishes across Ireland set up a small stall after Masses to sell Trócaire’s Gifts of
Change: meaningful gifts that make a real difference to families living in poverty
around the world. We provide everything you need including training and support. All
we ask is a little time and a big heart. Last Christmas, 50 parishes took part — and we’d
love to grow that number this year! If you would like to find out more, please email
Mark at mark.mcmahon@trocaire.org or call 028 9080 8030.

Page 5

Weekend Mass Schedule
Immaculate Conception: Saturday Vigil: 4.30 pm ; Sunday: 11.00 am
Sacred Heart, Derry Road: Sunday: 12.15 pm
St Patrick’s, Clonleigh: Saturday Vigil: 6.30 pm ; Sunday: 9.45 am
St Mary’s, Cloughcor: Sunday: 8.30 am (13th Sept - alternate Sundays - 27th Sept)
St Joseph’s, 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 Patrick’s Church, Lifford
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).
10.00 am: St Patrick’s Church, Lifford
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 office. At least 6 months’ notice required.
Baptisms : Parent(s) are asked to contact the parish office.
The Parish Pastoral Area Office , 27 Butcher St, Strabane covers all 3 parishes .
Office 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 Wednesdays.
A Small Collection of Candles is available for purchase at the Pastoral Office.
A gentle reminder that we can only accept cash or cheque payments. 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 need of protection within
the Church please contact Marie Gormley, the Diocesan Designated Liaison Person
(DLP) on 07596 500793 or at marie.gormley@derrydiocese.org To report a
safeguarding suspicion, concern, knowledge or allegation directly to the statutory
authorities please contact PSNI on 101,Western HSCT Children’s Gateway Services on
028 71 314090, WHSCT Adult Gateway Services on 028 71 611366 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 Church please contact Marie
Gormley, the Diocesan Designated Liaison Person (DLP) on +44 7596 500793 or at
marie.gormley@derrydiocese.org To report a safeguarding suspicion, concern,
knowledge or allegation directly to the statutory authorities please contact Garda
Síochána Buncrana on 074 93 20540, Garda Síochána Letterkenny on 074 91 67100,
TUSLA (ROI) Child and Family Agency on 074 91 02233 or HSC Adult Safeguarding,
Donegal on 071 983 4660.