06/06/2026
Strabane Pastoral Area Newsletter for Sunday 7th June 2026
https://clonleighparish.com/2026/06/05/strabane-pastoral-area-newsletter-for-sunday-7th-june-2026/
Parishes of Camus, Clonleigh and Leckpatrick
The Most Holy Body & Blood of Christ – Year A – 7th June 2026
Parish Clergy
Fr Michael McCaughey, PP: (028) 71882274 / (028) 71882215
Fr Declan Boland (priest in residence)
Email: [email protected]; Website: www.leckpatrickparish.com
Email: [email protected]; Website: www.camusparish.com
Email: [email protected]; Website: www.clonleighparish.com
Thoughts on the Gospel (John 6:51-58)
Today’s gospel teaches one central truth: Jesus, the “living bread,” offers the only nourishment that can satisfy the deepest hunger of the human heart. Jesus reveals that He gives more than physical nourishment - He offers spiritual life, inner renewal, and deep union with God. Human beings hunger for peace, purpose, love and forgiveness, but worldly pursuits like success or pleasure cannot fill this emptiness. Only Christ can.
The Eucharist expresses this intimate relationship: receiving Jesus is not just ritual but a transforming encounter that shapes thoughts, choices, relationships, and daily living. In life’s burdens - fear, grief, failure, anxiety - Jesus continues to offer Himself as strength and healing. His self-giving love becomes a model for us. Just as He nourishes us, we are called to become nourishment for others through kindness, compassion, forgiveness, and service. True communion with Christ leads to a life marked by peace, humility, and love.
Lord Jesus, Living Bread, nourish what is weak in me, heal what is wounded, and fill what is empty. Teach me to draw my life from You alone.
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A Mass of Thanksgiving to Complete the ‘Do This in Memory of Me’ Programme will be celebrated on Saturday 6th June at 6.30 pm in St Patrick’s Church, Murlog and Sunday 7th June at 11 am in Immaculate Conception, Strabane. First Communion children and their families are encouraged to come along and are most welcome.
Visitation of the Sick and Housebound
Fr McCaughey intends to visit sick and housebound in the coming days:
Monday and Wednesday: Camus and Leckpatrick;
Tuesday: Murlog. We pray for all who are sick and housebound at this time.
Derry Diocesan 3-Day Pilgrimage to Lough Derg takes place from 24th - 26th July. Lough Derg continues to welcome people seeking prayer, peace, reflection and renewal in the midst of busy lives. A bus leaves St Eugene's Cathedral, via Strabane and Lifford. Cost: £95 / €110 (includes bus). You are welcome to use your own transport. Booking form / details available at: derrydiocese/lough-derg
Pilgrimage to Fatima flying from Belfast. 7 Nights F/B Avenida Hotel 14th/21st August. Spiritual Director: Fr Andrew McMahon, PP. Cost £845pps. Full religious programme. Contact Joe 07776425631 or call J Walsh 0035312410800.
A Human Life International Talk n St Trea's Church, 140 Aughrim Rd, Castledawson, Newbridge, Co Derry on 9th June at 7.30 pm: 'The Holy Face of Jesus', a devotion for our times. Learn about the saints, popes, miracles and promises (including protection on YOUR town) associated with this devotion. Holy Face relic/blessed oil available. Tel 00353852525612 (www.sttreas.info/web-cam)
Rosary on the Coast takes place today (Sunday) at 3 pm at Lisfannon Beach, praying for peace, Ireland and our unborn children. Everyone welcome.
Fr Paddy O’Kane There are plans to publish a book next year about Fr Paddy O’Kane, who died in 2022 and who served in Melmount parish from 1982 - 1990. The author of the book, Ciaran O’Neill, is keen to hear from anyone who would like to share their memories about Fr Paddy during his years in Strabane. Anyone who would like to get in touch with Ciaran can contact him at [email protected] or 07875904354.
Requiescant in Pace We offer our sympathy to the family and friends of
Mary Daly, Main St, Lifford
Ann Mitchell, Finnside Close, Lifford
James Mitchell, Finnside Close, Lifford
Anniversaries Annie Carlin, Mary Anne Conway, Mary Ellen Conway, James Cooke, Adrian Doherty, Patrick Flanagan, Patrick Flanagan, Donna Gallagher, Gillian Gallagher, John Gallagher (Bearney), William Harte, Liam Maguire, Danny Matthewson, Carol McCool, Paddy McCrossan, Johnny McGinley, Joe Moore, Sean Gallagher. May they rest in peace.
9.45am Mass on Sundays in Murlog Chapel is live on Finn Valley Community Radio.
Thank You for your generosity to last week’s collections:
Leckpatrick: £1,386.10 (Restoration £394.01);
Clonleigh: €1,236.06;
Camus: £1,853.71 (Restoration £768).
Thanks to those who pay by standing order.
Readings for Sunday 14th June:
1st Reading: (1) Exodus 19:2-6
Psalm: 99:2-3, 5
2nd Reading: (2) Romans 5:6-11
Gospel: Matthew 9:36-10:8
Saints of the Coming Week:
Tuesday: St Columba, abbot
Wednesday: St Ephrem, deacon and doctor of the Church
Thursday: St Barnabas, apostle
Friday: The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
Saturday: The Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary
The Contemplative Prayer Group meets on Mondays at 8 pm in the Prayer Room
in the Parochial House, Barrack St. All welcome.
Murlog Parish Pilgrimage To Knock Shrine Saturday 25th July, leaving Murlog Chapel at 7.15 am. Cost: €50 per person, (includes coach/refreshments/meal). Please contact: James: 0858767999, Mary: 0877625237 or Bernie: 078 53272541.
St Columba’s Day This year, St Columba’s, Long Tower, Derry celebrates the 80th anniversary of the consecration of Long Tower in 1946. Events include:
Monday 8th June: 8.00 pm–6.30 am: All-Night Vigil of Adoration.
Tuesday 9th June (Feast of St Columba): 7 am: Mass at Hawthorn Tree; 10 am: Mass for Schools and Families; 6.30 pm: Vespers at the base of the medieval-era monastic bell tower, Lumen Christi College, Bishop St; 7 pm: Rosary in Irish for World Peace at Calvary, Long Tower Church. 7.30 pm: Mass of St Columba to mark the 80th Anniversary of the Consecration of Long Tower church celebrated by Fr John Joe Duffy, PP, Creeslough, followed by procession to St Columba’s Well and parish party in hall.
Corpus Christi Procession – St Patrick’s Church, Crossroads, Killygordon You are invited to join the Servant Sisters for their Corpus Christi procession, honouring the Real Presence of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist! Starting in St Patrick's Church, Crossroads today (Sunday) at 4 pm. First Holy Communion children are invited to dress in their communion attire. Tea/refreshments to follow. The event will be preceded by 40 Hours Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in St Patrick's Church beginning on Friday 5th June.
Diocesan Youth Pilgrimage to Fatima Those aged 16+ are invited on pilgrimage to Fatima from 3rd - 8th August. A unique experience for young people and an opportunity to engage with their peers from around the world in a faith context.
Cost: £820. Please contact [email protected] / 028 71264087.
Prayer Before Exams Lord Jesus, as I prepare for my exams, I ask you to grant me peace of mind. Take from my heart all fear, anxiety, regret and distraction. May your gift of the Holy Spirit guide & enlighten my thoughts. At this time give me the confidence that you will hear my prayer as you continue to guide me on life’s journey.
Volunteer Cleaners Call-out of for volunteer cleaners for the Sacred Heart Church, Derry Road. If you can help, please contact the parish office. Thank you. Tel: 0044 28 7188 2215. Email: [email protected]
The Friends of Lifford Community Hospital AGM takes place on Wednesday 10th June at 7 pm in the Old Court House, The Diamond Lifford.
Columban Young Adults Seeking a life with meaning, truth
and purpose? Join us on the third Thursday of every month at
7.00 pm at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Steelstown, Derry
through prayer, study, friendship and adoration of the Lord.
Also guided meditations, hikes and pilgrimages and fun
activities as a community. Contact [email protected]
Worldwide Marian Procession The world’s most recognised Marian Shrines are answering Bishop Donal’s invitation to join in unity with this first ever Worldwide Marian Procession. You and your family are invited to St Mary’s Church, Creggan, Derry for Mass on Saturday 13th May at 12 noon, the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary / Our Lady of Fatima / St Anthony, followed by the procession to Celtic Park GAA stadium, where there will be benediction and an afternoon of prayer and worship. At present, 180 parishes over 6 continents are onboard, with recognised Marian Shrines such as Knock, Fatima, Lourdes and many more signed up to join in. The event starts on Friday 12th May from 10.30 am, the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, with 24 hours of Eucharistic Adoration until 10 am on Saturday 13th May. The Men’s Rosary of Ireland takes place on Saturday from 10.45 - 11.15 am at Guildhall Sq, Derry, followed by Mass in St Mary’s, Creggan. A song for the event, ‘The Heart of a Mother’, will be released. All welcome. Join via the we**am: https://www.churchservices.tv/creggan
Volunteers Needed Overseas Viatores Christi was founded in Dublin in 1960 and since then has sent over 2,000 lay missionary volunteers overseas to share their skills, knowledge and enthusiasm. Roles are varied, based on the need identified by our partners, eg education, agriculture, social work, healthcare, ICT, pastoral and project support. A Volunteer Information Day will be held in the Emmaus Room, St Patrick’s, Pennyburn, Derry on Saturday 13th June from 2.00 - 4.30 pm. For rsvp or information, email [email protected] or tel 087 2745422.
Pilgrimage to Fatima, flying direct from Belfast. 7 Nights F/B, Avenida Hotel 14th/21st August. Spiritual Director: Fr Andrew McMahon, PP. Cost: £845 pps. Full Religious Programme. Contact Joe 07776425631 or J Walsh 0035312410800.
Walk in Our Patron Saint’s Footsteps St Patrick's Way Pilgrim Walk, Downpatrick with guides Martina Purdy & Elaine Kelly on 8th August, and Mairead Sweeney on 4th July. Cost (£55) includes bus, lunch, a stamped Camino passport and 6-mile pilgrimage walk.(9am-3pm). Tel 028 44619000. Visit www.saintpatrickcentre.com
Pray for Vocations We pray for the men who will serve the Church as priests of our diocese, that their faith in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist will be strengthened as they share the Body and Blood of Christ with their brothers and sisters. Visit https://derryvocations.org
Medjugorje Pilgrimage (45th anniversary) June 24th - July 1st. Depart Dublin - Mostar. Return Split - Dublin. €855 pps. Please contact Ursula on 0872960562.
Monthly Mass Praying With and For Sister Clare Crockett will be celebrated on Sunday 14th June at 7.00 pm in Termonbacca, Derry. Everyone welcome.
Lough Derg 3 Day Pilgrimages in tradition of prayer, fasting & vigil: May 29th-August 15th. Adm: €85. Contact +353 (0) 719861518 or [email protected]
Give Blood, Save Lives NI Blood Transfusion Service will collect blood donations at Artigavan Community Hall, 48 Berryhill Rd Artigarvan, BT82 0HN
on Mon 8th June: 12.30-4 pm & 5 -7.30 pm. New donors needed. Tel 08085534653.
Parish Bingo & Lucky Four A warm welcome to all to St Pat’s Hall every Thursday at 8 pm. Come along for some fun & excitement and slight competition.
Pilgrimage to Lourdes from 3rd - 8th July. Flight from Derry. Full board £899. Contact Maria at 028 81648357 or Whatsapp 07768 395038 for further details.
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 (7th June - alternate Sundays)
St Joseph’s, Glenmornan: Sunday: 8.30 am (14th June - alternate Sundays)
Weekday Mass Schedule
Monday: 7.45 am: Sacred Heart Church, Derry Road
10.00 am: St Patrick’s Church, Lifford
Tuesday: 10.00 am: Immaculate Conception Church, Strabane
Wednesday: 10.00 am: St Patrick’s Church, Lifford
12.00 noon: Sacred Heart Church, Derry Road
Thursday: 10.00 am: Immaculate Conception Church, Strabane
Friday: 7.45 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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.