05/09/2026
https://clonleighparish.com/2026/09/04/strabane-pastoral-area-newsletter-for-sunday-6th-september-2026/
Parishes of Camus, Clonleigh and Leckpatrick
Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year A – 6th September 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 (Matthew 18:15-20 )
In today’s gospel, Jesus teaches that reconciliation is a sacred responsibility rooted in love, humility and a desire for restored relationship. When conflict or hurt arises, the first response should not be anger, gossip, avoidance or revenge, but a quiet and honest conversation with the person involved. This private dialogue gives space for listening, understanding and healing. If the conflict cannot be resolved alone, Jesus encourages the involvement of trusted witnesses, not to shame or accuse, but to help guide the conversation with wisdom, fairness and care. When difficulties continue, the wider community has a role in encouraging accountability, unity and peace.
This message can be remembered through the word LOVE:
Listen with humility,
Offer reconciliation,
Value community, and
Embrace divine presence.
Love calls us to hear one another deeply, choose restoration over pride, protect unity, and trust that God is present wherever people gather in faith, prayer, forgiveness, and harmony. Overall, Jesus reminds us that love is more than a feeling; it is a way of living. Through patience, courage, humility, and faith, conflict can become an opportunity for healing, forgiveness, and renewed fellowship.
May the peace of Christ guide our hearts, strengthen our unity, and fill our community with love, forgiveness and grace. Amen.
A Time of Prayer and Reflection in Honour of St Pio will take place
in our pastoral area from Saturday 19th September until Wednesday
23rd September. At this time we invite people to simply take time
aside from their busy schedules to invoke the intercession of St Pio
on individuals, families, and parish community. At this time of year
when schools / colleges reopen and many people return to work,
it is good to think about our own faith commitment.
At our Masses on the weekend of 19/20th September, a reflection on the life of St Pio will be offered. Mon 21st / Tues 22nd / Wed 23rd, we will celebrate together an early morning Mass in each of our churches and again, Mass at 10.00 am with an evening devotion at 7.00 pm. So too, an opportunity for reflection. Specific times and places will be confirmed next week.
On Wednesday 23rd September, the Feast Day of St Pio, Bishop Michael Router will celebrate Mass at 7.00 pm in St Patrick’s Church, Murlog. This is a prayerful opportunity to welcome Bishop Michael to our diocese and to our pastoral area.
Eucharistic Adoration takes place on Wednesday from 8.30 am - 5.30 pm in
Sacred Heart Church, Derry Road.
Eucharistic Adoration will resume in St Patrick’s, Murlog on Monday 7th September from 10.30 am - 1.00 pm. Everyone welcome.
Sick and Housebound Fr McCaughey hopes to visit the sick and housebound through the coming week as follows:
Monday and Wednesday: Leckpatrick and Strabane
Tuesday: Lifford.
We pray for all who are sick and housebound at this time and for those who accompany them.
Requiescant in Pace We offer our sympathy to the family and friends of Eamonn McNulty, Ballyduff Pk, Lifford
Conor Woods, Lisnafin Pk, Strabane
Teresa Madden, Glenview Pk, Strabane
Aiden Dunne, Townsend St, Strabane
Anniversaries Jackie Bjourson, Margaret Crotty, Anthony Diver, Hugh Duncan, Sarah Huston-Richmond, Gerard Kearney, Billy Kelly, Lena Kelly, Patrick Joseph Kelly, Patrick McAleer, Bobby McBride, Robert McClay Jnr, Reece McColgan, Danny McDaid, Mariah McElwee, Frances McElwee-Gallagher, Simsey McFarland, Detta McKane, Betty Montague, Johnnie Montague, Patrick Murray, Robert Porter, Mary Anne McCloskey. 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: £949.28(offertory), £453.55 (renovation)
Clonleigh: €1,558.64
Camus: £1,653.65 (offertory), £738 (restoration).
Thanks also to those who pay by standing order.
Readings for Sunday 13th September:
1st Reading: Sirach 27:30-28:7
Psalm: 102:1-4, 9-12
2nd Reading: Romans 14:7-9
Gospel: Matthew 18:21-35
Saints of The Coming Week:
Tuesday: Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Wednesday: St Ciaran of Clonmacnoise
Thursday: St Peter Claver
Saturday: St Ailbe, The Most Holy Name of Mary
St Patrick’s Hall, Strabane We wish to acknowledge all those who continue to use the facilities at St Patrick’s Hall. The hall serves our community and creates opportunity for so many people. Throughout the years the hall has been used for various purposes including celebrations to mark special occasions and also reflects so much talent from all age groups. Sadly too, in circumstances of death, the hall has offered hospitality to families. Many of these events have been supported by our local caterers. We thank everyone for their ongoing support. The hall is an important community facility. However, in terms of insurance and safeguarding, proper booking procedures need to be in place so as to ensure the safety of all those who use this facility. We ask that those who wish to use the hall for any planned event to please contact Sinead (Parish Administrator) at the pastoral office, or speak with Brian (Caretaker) at the hall so as to complete the necessary documentation for insurance and safeguarding requirements, and to clarify any queries. We thank everyone for their cooperation and understanding in regard to these matters. It is important to maintain good practices for the continuing safe use of the hall as it is a valuable community facility. We thank people for their support through the years.
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 week. Meeting on Thursday mornings at 11 am in St Pat’s Hall. Please contact Margaret Harte: 028 71883159.
¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬Blessing of Bikers & Motorcycles on Sunday 13th September 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.
The Contemplative Prayer Group meetings resume on Monday 7th September at 8.00 pm in the Pastoral Office, 27 Butcher Street, Strabane. Everyone welcome.
Vocations Society of St Joseph St John Vianney branch meets on Tues 8th September in Immaculate Conception Church with rosary after 10am Mass. All welcome.
Pray for Vocations We pray for the men called to priesthood, to the ministry of teaching and preaching in the name of Jesus, and encouraging their brothers and sisters to turn away from sin and live as followers of Christ in today's world. Visit: https://derryvocations.org
St Joseph’s Men’s Camino A Day of pilgrimage, prayer, brotherhood and renewal on Sat 12th Sept. Inspired by the ancient tradition of pilgrimage, the 25km guided pilgrimage along the beautiful Boyne Valley is open to all men aged 18+. Cost €65/€55 (incl lunch/dinner). Visit www.dominicans.ie
Catholic Mothers Ireland Family Day today (Sunday) at Termonbacca, Derry, beginning with the National Mass at 2.00 pm, celebrated by Bishop McKeown, followed by refreshments, children's activities, and a talk for parents. This promises to be a lovely day for the whole family. Email [email protected]
Host for Hospice October is Foyle Hospice Coffee Morning Month. We are calling on supporters to help us raise vital funds by hosting a Coffee Morning. Whether it’s at home, work or in your local community, you can support your local hospice by bringing your friends together and putting the kettle on - it’s a piece of cake! To request your FREE host pack or for more info, please contact Ailbhe, Community Fundraiser, Foyle Hospice: 028 71359888 or [email protected]
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 hour. Contact [email protected] / 028 71262302. Closing 15/ 9/26.
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 During this Season of Creation, Pope Leo invites us to turn our attention to one of the most essential gifts for life: water. Let us pray that we may learn to manage water with justice and responsibility, protecting it as a common good and ensuring that everyone has equitable access to it.
Strabane / Leckpatrick Draw August 2026
Prize Winner Promoter
£2,000 Robert Coyle Marian Cooke
£1,000 Jacqueline Donaghey Sadie Kerlin
£500 Sean Devine Maisie Boggs
£500 Bernie & Joan Nuala Kerr
£250 Ryan Clarke Maura Coyle
£250 Pat Timoney John Devine
£100 Eileen Devine Gabrielle Dooher
£100 Margaret Kavanagh Paul Mullen
£100 Martina Murray Fr Michael
£100 Colm Clarke Maura Coyle
£100 Celine Ward Ann McCrory
Congratulations to all the winners. Thank you for your support.
Parish Bingo and Lucky Four in St Pat’s Hall on Thursdays at 8 pm.
Some fun, excitement and slight competition.
ACCORD Derry Marriage Preparation Course The next course is on 20th/21st November at Ebrington Hotel, Derry. Booking online www.accordni.com
Lough Derg Day Retreats September 9, 12, 15, 19, 20 - a day of prayer, reflection and spiritual renewal. Visit www.loughderg.org All welcome.
Porter School of Irish Dancing Classes resume on Monday 7th Sept at Lifford Resource Centre. Registration is now open. Classes available for 4 year olds and over. Teachers fully qualified and garda vetted. To register your interest, please call 0044 7515525499 or visit page: Porter School of Irish Dance.
Rosary on the Coast takes place today (Sunday) at 3.00 pm at Lisfannon Beach, praying for peace, Ireland and our unborn babies. Everyone welcome.
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 (6th Sept - alternate Sundays - 20th Sept)
St Joseph’s, Glenmornan: Sunday: 8.30 am (13th Sept - alternate Sundays - 27th Sept)
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 [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.
Parishes of Camus, Clonleigh and Leckpatrick
