Baptism Support for Parents and Godparents. A very successful first meeting was held with those who are willing to support Parents (and Godparents) as they prepare for the Baptism of their children. The next meeting of the support group will be held on Wednesday, 24th February at 7.30pm in the Parish Centre. Any parishioners who is still interested in joining this group, but was not able to attend the first meeting will be warmly welcomed at the next meeting.

Children's Liturgy. We are currently recruiting leaders for our children's liturgy team. No previous training required. Commitment is on a rota of 2 weeks on 4 weeks off. All new volunteers will be fully supported by the current leaders. Altar Servers. Congratulations to our newly commissioned Senior Altar Servers Hanna, Beth, Rachel, Saoirse, Sean & Liam. We are truly proud of all our 27 Altar Servers. GIFT 1. Our GIFT 1 programme ends with a celebration night at the YMCA on

GIFT 1. Our GIFT 1 for year 8 pupils continues with a special Mass on Sunday 21st February at 11.30am when our young people will assist by welcoming, reading, singing and bring up the gifts. An end of their GIFT 1 programme will be celebrated at a night out at the YMCA on Tuesday 23rd February. GIFT 2. A meeting has been arranged for the GIFT 2 leaders at the YMCA, Greenhill on 23rd Feb at 8pm. The GIFT 2 programme (year 9 pupils) begins on Tuesday 1st March in St Patrick'

Church events this week: Lent begins Ash Wednesday on the 10th February. Ashes will be distributed at 10am Mass. Ashes service on Ash Wednesday at 7.30 pm in Our Lady of the Assumption, led by the Liturgy group. Altar Servers Club. Our next liturgy training and activity session will take place on Saturday 13th February at St Patrick's Church, Bryansford 12-2pm. Our youth leaders have organised a fun and games session in St Patrick's hall to follow the training. A light lunch

Many of you who attended our volunteer lunch on Sunday 24th January had the opportunity to meet with Fr. Brendan McManus, a Jesuit based in Belfast, who is the author of the book, ‘Redemption Road’. We are delighted to say he has agreed to lead our parish mission this coming Lent (Friday 11th March to Tuesday 15th March). The themes of the mission will be related to the Year of Mercy, the Pontificate of Pope Francis and also will reflect on bereavement and suicide. On Friday

The Parish is hoping to provide a short course to help parents and guardians in relation to their roles and responsibilities of having their child baptised into the Church. We are very pleased at the response we have received from parishioners who are interested in becoming involved in this new ministry in our parish. A special Information Meeting will take place on Wed 17 Feb at 7.30 pm in the Parish Pastoral Centre. Deacon Martin Barlow from the Archdiocese of Armagh will s

Thank you to all 240 that attended the Parish volunteer thank you lunch. It was a great success and lots of fun for all involved. It was marvelous to see so many people attending from all of our 48 groups within the Parish. If you would like to be involved with any of our 48 groups please call into the Parish Office or email us at parishoffice@parishofmaghera.com

Congratulations to the following winners of the 1st Monthly Draw held in the Parish Centre on Thursday, 28th January: First Prize (£500) 006- Paddy Shannon; 2nd Prize (£200) 762-Gerry Doherty 3rd Prize (£100) 753-Gerry Boden; 4th Prize (£100) 326-Adrian & Donna Rodgers; 5th Prize (£100) 813-Eddie Chew; 6th Prize (£100) 441- Vincent Brennan; Promoter’s Prize (£50): Chris Hand. Please claim your prizes in the Parish Office during office hours. Good luck for the next Draw!!!

The process of meeting parishioners who recall the building and opening of the church in 1966 has begun. If you have memories, we want to hear from you. We are also interested in photos taken at the time. Leave your contact details with the Parish Office (43722401) or Michael Boyd (43722257).