Fr Frank McManus PP Tel: 028 686 31315
email: culmaine@clogherparishes.ie
Parish Office Tel: 028 686 29062
SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL: Helpline no 07864726536
Sunday 16th February 2025
6th Sunday in Ordinary TimeLiturgical Year C
If you are remaining at home you can join in at the times outlined below on Livestream or listen on Parish Radio CB Channel 37 if you are local.
PARISH CALENDARS FOR 2025: Are now available in the Churches.
Ederney reader for February: Eileen Fairclough
DEVOTIONS: ROSARY AND DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET: Each evening in St Joseph’s Church, Ederney: Sunday – Friday at 6.30pm and on Saturday at 5pm. Everyone is welcome.
IMPORTANT DATES:
Ash Wednesday: 5th March
First Confessions: Tuesday 11th March @ 7.30pm
Confirmation: Friday 21st March @ 6.00pm
BAPTISMS: Because Fr McManus now has commitments in Belleek & Garrison it will only be possible to have baptisms in Ederney on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month. We will also be returning to having more than one family for baptism ceremonies. Also at least one weeks’ notice is required when booking a baptism.
COELIACS ARE WELCOME: Gluten Free Hosts are available. Please let the sacristans or Fr McManus know in advance.
SOUTHWEST ACUTE HOSPITAL ENNISKILLEN: OUR FUTURE:
There is currently a Public Consultation ongoing for the Department of Health regarding all Hospitals - Creating a Network of Better Outcomes
THIS WILL NOT BE a better outcome for the SWAH and the people of Fermanagh and South Tyrone.
Their plan includes permanently removing Emergency General Surgery from the SWAH and downgrading the Hospital's status from an Acute Hospital to a General Hospital, therefore potentially losing more services.
The voluntary group Save our Acute Services will have response forms available to sign this weekend in Montiagh and Ederney after Mass. It is vital we collect as many signatures as possible to oppose these changes.
This is YOUR hospital, we must all take action to save it and its services. Some forms will also be available at McGrade’s Chemist, Mace, Headlines, Ederney GAA , the Village shop and Irvine’s .
The consultation closes on 28th February 2025, but all forms must be returned to Fermanagh House by 24th February 2025 for counting.
St Patrick’s Church: The long-awaited Architect’s Report on the condition of the Church has been sent to the Parish. It contains much detail and identifies several problems, some small and others big. As expected, the main problems have been caused by damp. The report will take time to consider but it should provide a basis for preserving the Church and applying for funding from several bodies, especially the National Church’s Trust.
SERVING AT MASS: Traditionally this has been provided by children after they have received First Communion up until they are about the ages of 13 (2nd year in secondary school). We are grateful for the help of servers in both St Joseph’s and St Patrick’s. But because we now have very few volunteers serving the masses in Ederney the Liturgy Group is now looking into the possibility of training adults to serve the masses. Assisting at Mass is a recognized ministry in the Church, the ministry of Acolyte. Indeed, the first order commissioned on a seminarian on the way to priesthood is the order of Acolyte.
The Liturgy Group will examine this further at its next meeting.
FOSTER PARENTS WANTED: Recently the diocese and parish were contacted by Vanessa Nelis who is the Western Trust Fostering Recruitment Officer. Vanessa is seeking to highlight the urgent need for new foster carers in the WHSCT area. At the moment there are higher numbers of children coming into care than foster placements that are available - currently there are over 700 children who are looked after in the Western Trust. Information regarding the dates and times of virtual information sessions this year
JUBILEE YEAR OF HOPE: Pope Francis has declared 2025 to be a Holy or Jubilee Year. A Jubilee Year is one set aside by the Church to encourage us all to embark on pilgrimages, to repent for our sins, to forgive and be reconciled with one another and to renew the spiritual life. The theme for this forthcoming Holy year will be “Pilgrims of Hope”, thus bringing to the fore the journey of life that we are all on and our need to be people of hope, a hope rooted in the person of Jesus Christ.
LOUGH DERG: Seasonal employment positions available: Boat Crew, Domestic Supervisor, Cleaner Supervisor, Cook/Chef, Catering Assistant, Domestic Assistant, Cleaner, administrative Assistant, Retail Assistant, First Aid Attendant Job Descriptions and Application Forms are available from: The HR Department, Lough Derg, Pettigo, Co Donegal or telephone 353719861518, or by email to hr@loughderg.org. Applications can be downloaded from: www.loughderg.org. Closing Date: Friday 21st February 2025 @4pm
MEDJUGORJE PILGRIMAGE: 1. 9th-16th July '25 Belfast to Mostar; return via Split. £765 pps. 2. 17th-24th September '25 Dublin to Dubrovnik to Dublin. £765 pps. Early booking discount of £50 per person for all deposits of £200 received before 31st Jan'25 - applicable to both flights. Contact John Calgie 02868631177, 07736336262 or johnjcalgie@gmail.com
CLOGHER DON ÓIGE (LOURDES): are now accepting expressions of interest from young people (aged 16-18 at time of pilgrimage) who want to travel to Lourdes as pilgrims this summer. The dates for the pilgrimage are July 4th-09th 2025
More information about the Lourdes Pilgrimage (including the online Expression of Interest Form) is available on our website at: www.clogherdonoige.org/lourdes2025 The deadline for submitting an expression of interest form is Friday 07th February at noon.
CLOGHER DON OIGE YOUNG ADULT JUBILEE PILGRIMAGE TO ROME 26 July - 5 August 2025: A limited number of places available for a 10-day pilgrimage to Rome for the Jubilee Year, open to young adults (18-30) a full pilgrimage programme including events with Pope Francis. Join over 1.5 million young people from across the world who are expected during these days to come together to celebrate their faith. More details at www.clogherdonoige.org/rome2025 or email james@cdo.email
AISLING CENTRE, ENNISKILLEN: SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES:
Forget Me Not - Bereaved by Suicide Support Group meets on the first Monday of the month @ 7.30pm. For further information contact 0283 325811. Mindfulness Meditation drop-in sessions, last Tues of the month @ 7pm
BIG KNIT: We’re delighted to announce the Big Knit is back for 2025!
So grab your needles and your brightest yarn and get knitting for Age NI.
For every hat knitted, Age NI receives 30p, and that money helps the Charity support older people who have no one else to turn to.
To register and find out more, call Age NI on 028 9024 5729, email bigknit@ageni.org or visit www.ageni.org/thebigknit
WORD ON FIRE UK BIBLE CONFERENCE - FEBRUARY 2025: Join Bishop Robert Barron and thousands of other Catholics from across the UK and beyond for Evangelisation & Culture: The Bible. Come to London this February to gain a deeper appreciation of the Sacred Scriptures and their relevance to the Church’s mission today.
Date - Friday 21st - Saturday 22nd February 2025. Location - Excel Centre, East London. Speakers Include - Bishop Robert Barron, N.T. Wright, Professor Tracey Rowland and more... For more information and to register, please visit: wordonfire.org/the-bible-event
During the conference there will be an opportunity to gather with Irish participants to discuss Word on Fire in Ireland. If you are interested contact Emily on emily@faithversed.com or +353 (0)8737 33851 for more details.
AED DEFIBRILLATOR TRAINING -Free- Methodist Hall, Tullyhommon - Tuesday 11th February, 8pm -- 9.30pm.
Please contact The Forge FRC to book 00353719861924.
EDERNEY GAA:
Indoor fundamentals coaching today at 12.15pm -1.15pm. All nursery, P1 Girls and Boys welcome.
Lotto jackpot is £11,400.
Lights switched on at Ederney GAA grounds on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 7pm- 8:30pm. All walkers welcome.
Couch to 5K training Saturday from 9am.
Club membership due.
THE CALL OF GOD: A brief thought. In past Kings and currently a number of ‘political’ leaders feel called by God. Today in the readings those being called, Isaiah and the first Apostles respond to their call with humility and a sense of unworthiness. This is the first sign of a genuine call. The second is that they are not being called to rule but to serve.
SISTERS OF ST. LOUIS MASS OF THANKSGIVING – After 166 years of presence and ministry in Monaghan, the Sisters of St. Louis are closing their Motherhouse Convent. To mark this occasion, all are invited to join them for a Mass of Thanksgiving which will take place on Sunday, 2nd March 2025, in St Macartan’s Cathedral at 3pm follow by light refreshments in the Hillgrove Hotel. There will also be an Open Day & Exhibition of “The Story of the St Louis Sisters in Monaghan” from 11am to 2pm in St Louis Secondary School on 2nd March also.
WELLBEING AND CATHOLIC SCHOOLS: Catholic schools create environments that foster resilience, hope, and moral integrity, ensuring students thrive not just academically but as whole individuals. As part of this, the Council for Catechetics and the Council for Education of the Irish Episcopal Conference have published a new document called Wellbeing and the Catholic School for primary and post-primary Catholic Schools across Ireland. This resource offers practical insights for school leaders, teachers, and parents to embed a Catholic vision of wellbeing into policies, curriculum, and daily practices. The document is available online here: https://catholiceducation.ie/wellbeing-resources/ Hard copies are being distributed to schools and further supports are being planned.
''OPENING THE BIBLE'': A free six-part video introduction to the Bible for those interested in Scripture, and those unsure where to begin. Available now at: www.tarsusscriptureschool.ie
LENTEN RETREAT: Sign up to our 6-week video Lenten Pilgrimage Retreat with Sr Janet Fearns FMDM. Only £20. Starts Ash Wednesday 5th March. From Durham to Rome: a 4,600-mile pilgrimage without leaving your home! Sign up by 28th February to guarantee your place.
JUBILEE PILGRIMAGE TO ROME AND ASSISI - QUB Alumni and Friends: The Catholic Chaplaincy at Queen’s University Belfast will lead a Pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi for alumni and friends.* Departing 25 August 2025 for 7 nights, staying in excellent hotels in Rome and Assisi, this promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Every quarter century, the Holy Father invites the faithful from across the world to make pilgrimage to the Eternal City and to avail of the special graces associated with the ancient custom. The Pilgrimage’s Spiritual Director will be Queen’s Chaplain, Fr Dominic McGrattan, with dedicated tour guide, private coach travel and group meals included. In addition to a rich itinerary which takes in visits to the principal sacred and cultural sites, we will also observe the customs associated with this Year of Jubilee declared by Pope Francis. If you would like to know more information including price, itinerary and how to book, please email Chaplaincy Director, Shannon Campbell, at catholicchaplaincy@qub.ac.uk *We expect most families have an association with Queen’s. Perhaps you or a loved one studied or worked at the University and have benefited from the faith and pastoral supports we provide. Know that we consider you friends.
EDERNEY GAA:
Tonight’s Lotto jackpot is £11,000.
The lights will be switched on at Ederney GAA grounds on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 7pm- 8:30pm for walks all welcome.
Club membership is now due.
NI CANCER PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES. Sat 10 May to Thurs 15 May 2025 The price of £859 (with price reduction for Cancer Patients) includes: Return flights from Belfast International Airport, operated by Northern Star Travel Ltd and facilitated by Joe Walsh Tours. Full board and accommodation at the Hotel Agena in Lourdes for five nights based on twin/double/triple rooms. The party will consist of patients, ex-patients, relatives and friends accompanied by medical, nursing and other staff. To enquire or to obtain a booking form please contact:- Mrs. Jean Clarke, Hon. Secretary, NI Cancer Pilgrimage, 67 Ballynahinch Road, Carryduff, Belfast, BT8 8DL, or speak to us on Tel. 078746 88388, or e-mail at:- mail@nicancerpilgrimage.org.uk
ASSISTED SUICIDE: There is a clear path toward assisted suicide Bill being defeated at Third Reading. Early analysis shows that at least 36 MPs supported the Bill but have concerns that mean they may vote NO at later stages. Just 28 MPs switching their stance to NO would ensure it is defeated at Third Reading. We need MPs to know that their constituents want them to vote NO at Third Reading. Please take action now and visit www.righttolife.org.uk/ASvote to find out how your MP voted and ask them to vote against the Bill at Third Reading.
PARISH COLLECTIONS
SUNDAY 2nd February:
Monthly £1081;
Weekly £446.
Thank you for all your contributions. Envelopes and contributions can also be made through the letterbox of the Parish Centre. This is quite safe because the Parish Centre has both an alarm that is always active when there is no-one in the building and CCTV cameras covering all approaches to the Centre, especially the front door. The basket attached inside of the letterbox is regularly checked and all donations are moved to the safe where they are kept until they are counted and banked. Please do not leave any contributions in the Church outside of mass times or in the Priest’s House.
Thank you for all your contributions.
DONATING TO PARISH AND CHURCH FUNDS:
Envelopes and contributions can also be made through the letterbox of the Parish Centre. This is quite safe because the Parish Centre has both an alarm that is always active when there is no-one in the building and CCTV cameras covering all approaches to the Centre, especially the front door. The basket attached inside of the letterbox is regularly checked and all donations are moved to the safe where they are kept until they are counted and banked. Please do not leave any contributions in the Church outside of mass times or in the Priest’s House.
A standing order form can be downloaded below;
GIFT AID: We strongly urge people to use the parish envelopes/standing orders and sign up for Gift Aid. In doing so you will be increasing your contribution by 20% without any extra cost or inconvenience to yourself, or your family or your business. This would be of immense benefit to the parish.
You may have heard of Gift Aid before but not really understood what it is or how it could benefit you or your Parish. Simply put, Gift Aid is a form of tax relief that allows our parish to receive up to 25% more income than a donation made by you. Once a donation has been made, we can then claim back the basic rate of tax from it from the government. The charity will reclaim 25p of tax on every £1 that you have given them. Donating through Gift Aid means we can claim an extra 25p for every £1 you give to our parish. It will not cost you any extra.
If you have not submitted a Gift Aid Form to the Parish and would like to do so, forms are available at on the tables near the doors of the Church. PLEASE TAKE ONE and leave it through the Letter Box of the Parish Office. If you are already on Gift Aid, there is no need to reapply.
You can also download and complete a Gift Aid Form below. If you prefer, you can email your completed form to culmaine@clogherparishes.ie
Please be assured that there is absolutely no danger regarding confidentiality in regard to your financial and tax affairs. Our parish benefits greatly from gift aid and we are very grateful to all who have submitted a form so far.
Enniskillen Parish Lending Library: Enniskillen Parish are pleased to announce their Parish Library is now up and running. So far, parishioners and visitors have been delighted to see such a wide variety of books available to borrow or to read in the Library along with a welcome cup of tea or coffee.
This resource is open to all Parishes in the area. The Lending Library is located above the Parish Shop in Hall’s Lane, Enniskillen and is open Mon - Sat 10.30am — 1.30pm. There are also copies of books available for borrowing at the back of St. Michael’s Church. Everyone is welcome!
ACCORD: If you feel your relationship is in crisis or need a little guidance and feel that you and your partner could benefit from Counselling either face to face or online call us on 02890233002
DIOCESE JUSTICE, PEACE, AND INTEGRITY OF CREATION GROUP: New Members Wanted - An appeal to parishioners in the Diocese of Clogher. If you are interested, please call 077 54494425 (Fr Joe) or contact your Parish Priest.
CONNECT FERMANAGH: Don’t feel alone we are here to talk. Phone Connect Fermanagh and we can provide a friendly chat & information /help to link you to the right support & services in your area. We also welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. Calls can be made from the comfort of your own home. Please call 02866320230; info@connectfermnagh.org; www. Connectfermanagh.org
IRISH CATHOLIC: If you are buying the Irish Catholic or any other publication in the Church, please leave the money in the Candle Shrines in front of either St Joseph’s or Our Lady’s Altars. Please do not leave money on the tables.
SINGING AT SUNDAY MASS IN ST JOSEPH'S: Everyone is most welcome to join in with the singing either from their seat or by sitting with the core group if they wish. If anyone would like to be kept up to date with Hymn plans, sheet music or any rehearsals for special ceremonies you can text Janette 07989323409 to join the WhatsApp group.
COMMUNITY HALL:
Ederney Community Development Trust (ECDT) has launched its fundraising plan recently in St Joseph’s GAA Meeting Rooms. The plan is to provide an all-purpose modern Community Hall. This is a very ambitious project which will be of enormous benefit to all ages in our community for generations to come.
The funding of this is planned in a three pronged strategy:
1. Community Fundraising;
2. Donations from grants from local Wind Farms;
3. The establishing of a loan facility, plus interest to build over a ten year period.
Information leaflets are available at all exits of the Churches.
On behalf of all in the parish we wish them well with this project.
SAFEGUARDING
If you wish to report a child safeguarding concern, please contact
Martha Smyth 0044 777 5507445,
Brendan Kelly 00353 42 9741383,
or Anne Molloy 0044 787941 3855 or
An Garda Síochána 00353 1 66343
PSNI 028 90650222
TUSLA 00353 47 30475
Western Health and Social Care Trust 028 7131 4090.
WITH YOU’ has launched an OVER 50s ALCOHOL HELPLINE which provides advice and support to individuals aged over 50, concerned others and professionals who are worried about their own or someone else’s drinking. Furthermore, our over 50s Alcohol Helpline continues to offer an enhanced service for individuals who are considering makingchanges to their alcohol use. Our enhanced service provision offers callers up to 4 additional appointments during which Helpline alcohol advisors use evidenced based interventions to support callers to achieve their goals. This service is available 7 days a week. The Helpline is open Monday to Friday 12pm-8pm and 10am to 4pm atweekends. The freephone number to call is 0808 801 0750. To make an online booking for a phone call or video chat, over 50’s, concerned others and professionals can access appointments slots by visiting the With You website.
