No. 1701 ~ THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER
SUNDAY MASS TIMES
VIGIL MASSES
Holy Rosary: 6.00 pm
St Eugene’s Moneyneena: 7.30 pm
SUNDAY
St Eugene’s Moneyneena: 9.00 am
St Patrick’s Sixtowns: 10.00 am
St Columba’s Straw: 11.00 am
Holy Rosary: 12 noon
DAILY MASS TIMES
Holy Rosary
Monday ~ 10.00 am and 7.30 pm
Wednesday ~ 10.00 am
Friday ~ 10.00 am
St Eugene’s Moneyneena
Tuesday and Thursday ~ 10.00 am
St Columba’s Straw
Friday ~ 7.30 pm
CONFESSIONS
Before the Vigil Masses
Fr. Peter Madden PP VF
40 Derrynoyd Road
Telephone: 79628376
Email:ballinascreenparish@gmail.com
Fr John Downey CC
36 Moneyneena Rd
Telephone: 79628375
Email: j.downey75@btinternet.com
Fr Dermot McGirr CC
50 Tobermore Road, Desertmartin
Telephone: 79632196
PARISH OFFICE
9 High Street Tel: 79628248
Opening Hours
Monday, Tuesday and Thursday
9.00 am – 3.00 pm
Friday 9.00 am – 1.00 pm
Wednesday ~ Closed
BULLETIN NOTICES
All notices for the Bulletin should be received by 1.00 pm on Wednesday. ballinascreenparish@gmail.com
SVP HELPLINE
Helpline telephone number: 07710838050
BISHOP’S PASTORAL LETTER
Bishop Donal McKeown has issued a Pastoral Letter to assist those who are voting in the forthcoming referendum on Abortion in Ireland to make an informed decision based on the deeply held and centuries old belief that life begins at the moment of conception. Though we do not have a vote in this referendum we know many family and friends who do. Please email the Pastoral Letter to them or the link derrydiocese.org so that they can download it for themselves.
We will continue to support the unborn and all expectant mothers and fathers with our prayers.
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will take place every Friday evening in St Columba’s Church Straw from 6.00 pm until 7.25 pm for their intentions. All are welcome.
Copies of Bishop McKeown’s Pastoral Letter are available in all our churches.
ST EUGENE’S CHURCH
St Eugene's Church, Moneyneena, has reopened following the completion of the new sanctuary floor. Over the coming weeks and months other works will take place and parishioners will be informed of any further temporary closures. Many thanks to An Rath Dubh Committee for their generosity and help in accommodating the parish.
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION
Eucharistic Adoration in Holy Rosary Church, on Monday April 16 will commence after the 10.30 am Mass and conclude with Mass at 7.30 pm.
MONTH’S MIND MASS
Peter McGuigan Moykeeran,on Saturday 21 April in Holy Rosary Church at 6.00 pm.
FIRST ANNIVERSARY MASSES
Andrew Church, Sixtowns, on Sunday 22 April in St Patrick’s Church Sixtowns at 10.00 am.
Annie McGovern, Campbelltown, Sunday 22 April in St Columba’s Church Straw at 11.00 am.
ANNIVERSARIES
First Anniversaries:
Andrew Church, Annie McGovern
Eileen Duffy, Garry Manning,
Helen Kelly, Kieran McCullagh,
Nuala O’Kane, John P Bradley,
Lily McGurk.
DEATH
We extend our prayerful sympathy to the family and relatives of:
Brian McCloskey, Fivemilestraight.
LAST SUNDAY’S COLLECTIONS
Weekly Collection: £2420
Church Renovation Collection:£1651.
Many thanks to all who contributed
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED~ WMOF DUBLIN ~ AUGUST 2018
The World Meeting of the Families from 21 – 26 August will attract thousands of Irish and International pilgrims. Organising it and seeing it through will only be possible with the help of generous volunteers who will put their love and talents to service. Many more volunteers are urgently needed. For more information and to access an online application form view:
www.worldmeeting2018.ie
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2018
First Holy Communion will be celebrated in Ballinascreen Parish on the following dates in May 2018:
Saturday 5 May ~ Gaelscoil na Speiríní in St Coumba’s Church Straw,
Saturday 12 May ~ St Columba’s P.S. in St Columba’s Church, Straw,
Saturday 19 May ~ St Mary’s P.S. in Holy Rosary Church, Draperstown,
Saturday 19 May ~ St Eoghan’s P.S. in St Eugene’s Church, Moneyneena.
PARISH BAPTISMS
First Sunday of the month:
Holy Rosary after 12 noon Mass
Second Saturday of the month:
St Eugene’s Moneyneena at 3.00 pm
Fourth Sunday of the month:
St Columba’s Straw at 3.00 pm
St Patrick’s Sixtowns:
By arrangement.
A baptism card is to be completed when booking a baptism. Please contact the Parish Office to book a baptism.
KNOCK PILGRIMAGE
Annual Pilgrimage of the Apostolate of Eucharistic Adoration on Sunday 29 April from 11.30 am. Pilgrimage Theme is ‘The Family of Eucharistic Adoration.’ Mass at 3.00 pm, chief celebrant will be Bishop Cullinan.
DAY OF REFLECTION
Exploring the theme The Gospel of the Family - Joy for the World, hosted by American Catholic evangelist, author and biblical scholar, Jeff Cavins, on Saturday 21 April, in Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, 120 Gilnahirk Road, Knock, Belfast BT5 7DL. Day starts at 10.30 am, doors open 9.30 am. Opening Prayer will be led by The Priests. Jeff Cavins will then lead participants in journeying with the Scriptures, reflecting on God's plan for each of our families and our parish families. There will be facilitated workshops and question and answer sessions. This Day of Reflection ends at 4.00 pm. For further details please view www.livingchurchevents.com or telephone 90690920.
YOUTH 2000 WEEKEND
Catholic Youth Weekend for young adults aged 16 – 35 from 20 -22 April at St Patrick’s College, Tullyheran Road, Maghera. This exciting weekend for over 150 young people from all over the country will include talks, music, Adoration and Youth Masses. Meals and accommodation are on site. Parental permission essential for those under 18. See www.youth2000.ie
PROTECT THE 8TH
Conference at Mount Errigal Hotel, Letterkenny on Tuesday April 17 at 7.30 pm.
CATHOLIC SCHOOL LEADERSHIP
Working in Partnership with Saint Mary's College, Twickenham, the Derry Diocesan Catechetical Centre offers the MA in Catholic School Leadership, beginning Autumn 2018. This post graduate degree is dedicated to the professional development and spiritual formation of Catholic school leaders. It is a great opportunity for those who aspire to, or have an interest in, leadership roles within the Catholic School system. For further information please contact Derry Diocesan Catechetical Centre 71264087 email tferry@derrydiocese.org
BALLINASCREEN CREDIT UNION
March Quarterly Cash Draw Winners:
£10,000 – Mrs Maureen Conway, 269 Sixtowns Road.
£5,000 – Mrs Patricia Boone, 29 Coolnasillagh Lane.
HEALTH & WELLBEING EVENT
Free Ladies Health and Wellbeing evening in Workspace Recreation Centre on Friday 27 April from 7.00 pm – 9.00 pm. 20 minute exercise classes with Nuala McWilliams, 15 minute session of reflexology with Michelle Conway (booking essential), free health check from O'Kanes Chemist (booking essential). There will also various information stands. For more details or to book contact Nicole on 79628113.
S.T.E.P.S.
Creative get together in the STEPS office starting Thursday 19 April from 10.30 am -12.30 pm. Can you knit, sew, crochet or do you enjoy creative activities? Come along for a cuppa and share your skills!
DRAPERSTOWN LIBRARY
Tuesday 17 April at 6.00 pm free talk on how to manage fibromyalgia by Donna McNicholl, physiotherapist.
Friday 11 May at 1.30 pm workshop on how to shop securely online. Booking is essential.
Rhythm and Rhyme free sessions for babies and toddlers every Friday from 10.30 am - 11.00 am. New members welcome.
Adult Book Club 24 April at 7.00 pm.
SAN GIOVANNI PILGRIMAGE
Pilgrimage from 21 – 28 September 2018 will depart from Belfast.
Spiritual Director is Fr. Daniel Ilhunnia M.S.P. This pilgrimage will include
visits to many places such as Benevento, Pietrelcina and Piana Romano. 7 nights full board. Fare is £819. If interested please contact:
Marian Pilgrimages 028 95680005
Marie 07799112224 or
Clare 07778025587.
DRAPERSTOWN CELTIC
Run DC 10k / 5k / walk on Sunday
22 April at 11.00 am, from Backrow Sports Hall. Registration that morning, 9.00 am -10.30 am. Chip timed course for runners.Proceeds to
DCFC Youth.
ST COLM’S GAC BALLINASCREEN
U6 camogie training begins Monday 16 April at the Club 6.15 pm- 7.15 pm. All new members welcome.
U6 Hurling starts Monday 16 April at 7.00 pm at Backrow 3G.
400 Club Winners:
£300 - John Boyle, £50- PJ Mc Kenna, £50 - Shea Murray
Club Shop open every Friday 7.00 pm - 8.00 pm.
For all the latest club information view Club’s Facebook page.
OFFICIAL FAMILY PRAYER FOR WMOF2018
God, our Father, we are brothers and sisters in Jesus your Son,
One family, in the Spirit of your love.
Bless us with the joy of love.
Make us patient and kind, gentle and generous, welcoming to those in need.
Help us to live your forgiveness and peace.
Protect all families with your loving care,
Especially those for whom we now pray:
Pause to remember family members and others
Increase our faith, strengthen our hope,
Keep us safe in your love,
Make us always grateful for the gift of life that we share. This we ask, through Christ our Lord. Amen
POPE FRANCIS@ PONTIFEX
The Word of God is a light in the darkness: it helps us face our difficulties without fear.