No. 1750 ~ THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT
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 FOR THIS WEEK
Holy Rosary Church
Monday ~ 10.00 am and 7.30 pm
Tuesday – Thursday ~ 7.00 am and 10.00 am
Friday ~ 10.00 am
St Eugene’s Church Moneyneena
Wednesday ~ 7.30 pm
St Columba’s Church Straw
Friday ~ 7.30 pm
St Colm’s High School
Tuesday – Thursday ~ 8.40 am.
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
PARISH WEBCAM
Masses in the Holy Rosary Church are transmitted live on the parish website:
www.parishofballinascreen.com
FEAST OF THE WEEK
Monday 25: The Annunciation of the Lord. Giving her consent to God’s word, Mary becomes the mother of Jesus.
PARISH SURVEY
If you haven’t already completed a Parish Survey form please complete one this weekend or follow the links on the parish website and complete it online. Every parishioner over the age of 11 is invited to complete a survey. Many thanks to the parishioners who have already completed and returned their surveys.
VISITATION OF SICK AND HOUSEBOUND
Fr Madden will visit the sick and housebound in his care on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday after morning Mass.
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION
Adoration in Holy Rosary Church on Monday 25 March, starts after 10.00 am Mass and ends at 7.25 pm. Mass 7.30 pm.
LENTEN PASTORAL LETTER
Bishop Donal McKeown, Bishop of Derry has issued a Pastoral Letter on the challenges facing all parishes in the Diocese of Derry as a greater number of priests reach retirement age (75) and the number of vocations has fallen dramatically in recent years. Follow the links on the parish website to read it.
DEATHS
We extend our prayerful sympathy to the family and relatives of:
Fr Robert Kaslyn S.J.Washington,
Hugh Bradley, Desertmartin,
Mary Lynch, Canada,
Thomas McErlain, Larne.
MONTH’S MIND MASS
Joey Sargent, Cavanreagh Road, Sunday 31 March in St Columba’s Church Straw at 11.00 am.
ANNIVERSARIES
Angela O’Keeney, Annie Kelly,
Mary Hegarty, Ann McKenna,
Baby Jack Molloy, Brian Quinn, Eileen McDermott, Mary Kerr, Patrick Conway.
LAST SUNDAY’S COLLECTIONS
Weekly Collection: £2045
Clerical Education Collection: £1732
Many thanks to all who contributed.
BAPTISM
We welcome into God’s family through the Sacrament of Baptism:
Cillian James Moran, Glenviggan Road.
PARISH WEEKLY ENVELOPES
The new boxes of envelopes are now being delivered. If you do not have envelopes and wish to receive a box or if you have changed your address during the past year please advise the Parsh Office. We ask that all wage earners contribute to the parish by having their own personal box of envelopes.
We are also asking you to consider joining our Gift-Aid Scheme, if you have not already done so. To join it simply complete the card enclosed in your new box of envelopes and return it in with your first envelope. If you join the Gift-Aid Scheme ,it is vital that you use the envelope method or direct debit to pay the Church so we may claim Gift-Aid on your contributions, which have to be recorded. If you have already signed up for Gift Aid there is no need to sign up again.
Many thanks for your continued support. We also wish to thank all those who are delivering the new boxes of envelopes.
DO THIS IN MEMORY 2019
Do This in Memory Mass will be celebrated in Holy Rosary Church at 12 noon on 14 April. On 23 June the Final Mass will be celebrated in St Columba’s Church, Straw.
TRÓCAIRE
This year’s Trócaire Lenten campaign highlights the different ways land is stolen from vulnerable people in the developing world. It could be by corporate land grabs, by war or simply because they are a woman. To find out more visit www.trocaire.org
Trócaire boxes available in all churches.
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.
PARISH ANNIVERSARY MASS
The Friday 7.30 pm Mass in St Columba’s Straw is offered as an anniversary Mass for deceased parishioners. If you wish to have your loved one prayed for at this Mass you MUST give their name to the Parish Office by Thursday of the relevant week.
CEMETERY SUNDAY 2019
Cemetery Sunday will be held on Sunday 16 June. Further details later.
SHARING THE GOOD NEWS
The March issue of this monthly newsletter, issued by the Catholic Communications Office of the Irish Catholic Bishops, may be accessed by following the links button on the parish website.
ALTAYESKEY PRIMARY SCHOOL
Former Altayeskey Primary School premises at 177 Sixtowns Road, Sixtowns, Draperstown, County Derry is for sale.
Offers are invited for the purchase of freehold property at 177 Sixtowns Road, Draperstown, County Derry.
The Vendors (Ballinascreen Parish) wish all interested parties to make their offers to purchase by means of sealed bids. The sealed bids are to be received at the office of O’Kane Boyle Solicitors at 51 St. Patrick’s Street, Draperstown, County Derry, BT45 7AJ on or before 12 April 2019.
The property will be agreed for sale, subject to contract, to the highest bidder.
Viewing strictly by appointment only via the vendor’s solicitors, O’Kane Boyle Solicitors, 51 St. Patrick’s Street Draperstown Co. Derry, BT45 7AJ by 11 April 2019. Telephone: 028 79628333.
All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.
ST JOSEPH’S YOUNG PRIESTS’ SOCIETY
The Society acknowledges with sincere thanks a generous donation for the support and education of student priests at home and abroad. All benefactors share in the Masses and prayers of the society.Please continue to pray for vocations to the priesthood for the church of tomorrow.
BOOK SIGNING
Veritas 20 Shipquay Street, Derry, invite you to ‘A Leap of Faith’ book signing with Rev David Latimer on Thursday 28 March from 12 noon -2.00 pm.
All royalties will be donated to North West Cancer Centre.
SIXTOWNS COMMUNITY CENTRE
Dance in Sixtowns Cross Community Centre on Tuesday 26 March at 9.00 pm. Music by Sprig of Heather, all welcome.
ANNUAL YOUTH PILGRIMAGE TO CROAGH PATRICK
Pilgrimage on Friday 5 April for young people aged between 16 and 25. Cost £30, this includes food and transport. Buses will be leaving from Derry and Strabane. Registration Form on the Diocesan website, www.derrydiocese.org . Completed forms should be returned to the Catechetical Centre, 2 Francis Street, Derry, BT48 7DS by Friday 29 March. For more information please phone Padraig on 71264087 or email padraig.delargy@derrydiocese.org.
THE NET
This Derry Diocesan monthly newspaper which reports on various diocesan events and personal faith stories is available to buy in church porches. Cost £1.50.
ST MARY’S P.S. ANNUAL DRAW
Winners Week 1:
£60 G. Magee Tonagh Heights,
£30 Colette Dillon Sixtown Road,
£20 Maureen Brunton High Street.
Sellers’ Prizes:
Ryan McGovern P6
Jake Quinn P7 Cara Woods P3
Matthew Caulfield P7.
BALLINASCREEN TRADITIONAL MUSIC GROUP
Grand Variety Concert in St. Colm's High School on tonight Sunday 24 March featuring local musicians, singers and dancers. Special guest All-Ireland champion singer, Jack Warnock. Doors open at 6.00 pm Concert starts at 6.30 pm. All welcome.
Congratulations to all the members who participated in the Ballymena Feis.
The Junior Grupá Cheoil won first place for the second year running. The 12 to 15 age group were unlucky against very stiff opposition. Éadaoin O'Hagan came first in the 10 to 12 Fiddle and was also awarded the Cecil Colville Shield for most promising fiddle player overall. Naoimh McNamee came first in the under 8 fiddle.
Well done also to all who entered and won 2nd and 3rd places in the various competitions.
KILCRONAGHAN CENTRE
Mother’s Day Cupcake Decorating, Saturday 30 March at 11.00 am.
Interested in attending a free set of classes to learn a new skill? Come along on Monday 8 April at 10.00 am to find out more.
Cookery Book available to buy only £5 Ideal Mother’s Day or Easter gift!
Gardening Classes with Margaret Johnston, Monday 1 April and Monday 13 May, 10.00 am – 12 noon.
Easter Floral Art, with Margaret Johnston, Wednesday 17 April, 10.00 am.
Phone 79627826 to book any of the above.
N.I. BLOOD TRANSFUSION SERVICE
Blood donation sessions in St Colm’s High School on Wednesday 27 March. 2.30 pm – 4.15 pm and 5.30 pm – 8.00 pm.
LOURDES DERRY YOUTH TEAM
Many thanks to everyone who supported the Fundraising Event held in Shepherds’ Rest on Sunday 17 March. Thanks also to local businesses who sponsored the raffle prizes and to Bleed’n Cowboys and management of Shepherds’ Rest.
ST MARY’S HALL DESERTMARTIN
Tea Dance on 29 March. Music by Michael Mawhinney.
Advice NI Clinic Friday 12 April 1.00 pm- 4.00 pm. For appointment contact Out Reach Officer Micheal on 92448738.
Sewing Class, places still available beginners welcome. Please contact Olive 07887614094 or Philomena 07866381473.
Bingo Wednesday 24 April at 8.00 pm.
DRAPERSTOWN CELTIC RunDC
Run DC on 28 April at 11.00 am with 10km and 5km runs and a 5km walk. All funds raised will go to DCFC Youth Teams. Enter online at www.draperstownceltic.co.uk
GAELIC FOOTBALL FOR MOTHERS & OTHERS
Training 8.00 pm -9.00 pm every Friday on 3G pitch behind St Colm’s High School. New members welcome.
ST COLM'S GAC
400 Club Winners: £300 Danny Bradley, £50 Jayden Curran, £50 Kieran O’Hagan.
Cubs’ Club has ended for the year, thanks to all the coaches. Each code will now run their own U6 sessions, please see Facebook for details.
POPE FRANCIS@PONTIFEX
Lent is rediscovering that we are made for the flame that always burns: for God, for the eternity of Heaven, and not for the world.