No. 1785 ~ OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, KING OF THE UNIVERSE
SUNDAY MASS TIMES
VIGIL MASSES
St Eugene’s Moneyneena 6.00 pm
St Patrick’s Keenaught 7.30 pm
SUNDAY
St Eugene’s Moneyneena 9.00 am
St Patrick’s Sixtowns 10.00 am
St Mary’s Coolcalm 10.00 am
St Columba’s Straw 11.00 am
DAILY MASS TIMES FOR THIS WEEK
St Eugene's Moneyneena
Monday – Friday ~ 10.00 am
St Columba’s Church Straw
Friday ~ 7.30 pm
CONFESSIONS
Before the Vigil Mass
CONTACT DETAILS
Fr. Peter Madden PP VF
40 Derrynoyd Road
Telephone: 79628376
Email:ballinascreenparish@gmail.com
Fr Dermot McGirr CC
50 Tobermore Road, Desertmartin
Telephone: 79632196
Fr John Downey
Priest In Residence
36 Moneyneena Rd
Telephone: 79628375
Email: j.downey75@btinternet.com
PARISH OFFICE
9 High Street Telephone:79628248
Opening Hours
Monday, Tuesday and Thursday
9.00 am – 3.00 pm
Wednesday and Friday ~ 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
FEASTS OF THE WEEK
Saturday 30: St Andrew.
REOPENING OF HOLY ROSARY
Holy Rosary Church will re-open next Sunday 1 December with Mass at 3.00 pm. Bishop Donal McKeown will be the chief concelebrant at this Mass during which he will rededicate the church and anoint the new altar. All are most welcome.
SUNDAY MASS CHANGES
The reopening of Holy Roasry provides an opportunity for the rescheduling of Sunday Masses in Ballinascreen and Desertmartin, taking into account the availability of priests in active full-time ministry in both parishes. At the centre of the changes taking place is the provision of a Sunday Mass in all churches, either on the Saturday evening or Sunday morning. This we hope to maintain for as long as possible. Consequently, as and from 7 and 8 December Masses in Ballinascreen and Desertmartin will be as follows:
6.00 pm Vigil Holy Rosary, Draperstown
7.30 pm Vigil St Patrick’s Keenaught
9.00 am St Eugene’s Moneyneena
10.00 am St Mary’s Coolcalm
11.00 am St Patrick’s Sixtowns
12 noon St Columba’s Straw.
While Holy Rosary Church was closed for renovation, many parishioners remarked positively on the atmosphere at the other Masses, the larger congregations seeming to be an unexpected boost to a sense of an entire community at prayer. This concurs with what has been written about parishes that have reduced the number of Sunday Masses due to the fall in the number of priests. The pooling of talent and resources and the larger congregations have enlivened the worship of God and the celebration of the Eucharist. Please God this will be our experience too.
VISITATION OF SICK AND HOUSEBOUND
Fr Madden will visit the sick and the housebound for Christmas throughout the month of December. Times and days will be announced in next week’s bulletin.
PARISH NOTICE
In order to update and keep an accurate account of parishioners being cared for in Residential Nursing Homes in the area, we ask that a member of the family contact the Parish Office with the name of their relative and the nursing home.
EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS
All Eucharistic Ministers who bring Holy Communion to homes in the parish are asked to leave in the Parish Office an updated list of those they visit. Anyone requesting a home visit on a Sunday or Saturday evening must make this arrangement through the Parish Office. Eucharistic Ministers cannot take it upon themselves to begin new visits without the priests of the parish knowledge.
BOOKS OF REMEMBRANCE
During the month of November a Book of Remembrance will be in each of the churches for parishioners to enrol the names of their deceased loved ones.
MONTH’S MIND MASS
Brónagh Murray Tirrudah Square on Sunday 24 November in St Columba’s Church Straw at 11.00 am.
DEATHS
We extend our prayerful sympathy to the family and relatives of:
Briege McGuigan, Drumard Road,
Anne Johnstone, Cordarragh,
Michael Joseph McGuigan, Brackalislea,
Margaret McCormack, Swatragh,
Brian O’Neill, Park.
ANNIVERSARIES
Brenda Kennedy, Mamie O’Hagan,
Rose Conville.
DATES FOR THE DIARY
Sunday December 15 ~ Annual Parish Carol Service at 6.00 pm in St Columba’s Church Straw.
Wednesday December 18 ~ Annual Service of Reconciliation at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
Saturday April 25 ~ Parish Confirmation 11.00 am in St Columba’s Church Straw.
PARISH BAPTISMS
Baptisms will take place at 3.00 pm in St Columba’s Church Straw on Sunday 22 December.
Baptisms will take place at 3.00 pm in St Eugene’s Church Moneyneena on Saturday 7 December.
A baptism card is to be completed when booking a baptism.
Please contact the Parish Office to book.
PARISH ANNIVERSARY MASS
The Friday 7.30 pm Mass in St Columba’s Church 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.
These names will also be read out at the 10.00 am Mass on Friday mornings (exception when this 10.00 am Mass is cancelled).
LAST SUNDAY’S COLLECTIONS
Weekly Envelope Collection: £1973
Retired Priests’ Collection: £1562.
Many thanks to all who contributed.
BALLINASCREEN PARISH DRAW
November Draw on Monday 25. Results will be printed in next week’s Bulletin.
CHURCH CLEANERS
If you are willing to be included on a rota for cleaning in St Columba’s Church, Straw please leave your name and contact details in the Parish Office this week.
DRAPERSTOWN SURGERY
Flu Vaccination Catch-Up Clinic on
Monday 25 November 6.00 pm – 8.00 pm. No appointment necessary.
DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES 2020
Pilgrimage from 2 - 7 July. The Pilgrimage Office, 164 Bishop Street, Derry, is open for general enquiries and for the supply of Gift Vouchers on Thursdays and Saturdays, from 11.00 am – 1.00 pm. Phone 028 7126 0293 or email: derrypilgrim@outlook.com.
Applications are invited for the 2020 Youth Pilgrimage, from those who will be age 17 at time of travel. Forms may be requested through schools or directly from Lourdes Pilgrimage Office, Derry.
DERRY DIOCESAN YOUTH PILGRIMAGE TO MEDJUGORJIE
Pilgrimage for young people aged 16-18 to Medjugorje from 28 July- 4 August 2020. This will be a unique experience for young people to engage with peers at the Medjugorje Youth Festival. Cost is £599 and there will be a budget plan to help. Names and deposit of £100 due by 1 December. For more details or to book please phone 71264087 or email lizzie.rea@derrydiocese.org
THORNHILL MINISTRIES
Crib Festival from Friday 29 November to Sunday 1 December in Thornhill House, Culmore Road, Derry, where hundreds of nativities from all over the world create a wonderful display of the Christmas Story.
Advent: Wednesdays 4, 11 and 18 December ~ Reflection Mornings (9.30 am to 12.00 noon) includes Mass and light lunch. Meditation (6.30pm to 7.00 pm).
Décor Workshops Tuesday 10 at 7.30 pm (Christmas Wreath) and Thursday 19 December at 7.30pm (Table Centrepiece).
For details phone 71351233 or email thornhillministries@derrydiocese.org or view www.thornhillministries.co.uk.
SIXTOWNS CROSS COMMUNITY
Christmas celebrations at Sixtowns Hall on Sunday 1 December where Santa and friends will switch on the lights at 4.00 pm sharp. Festivities continue indoors with live music, stalls, face painting, balloons and craft activities. £3 admission. Under 2's and seniors free. Everyone welcome.
CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAYRE
In An Rath Dubh, today Sunday 24, from 12 to 3.00 pm, in aid of Cancer Research.
AA ~ PUBLIC MEETING
Do you or someone you know have a problem with alcohol? To mark 25 years of Plumbridge AA Group a Public Information Meeting in Glenelly House Plumbridge on Monday 25 November at 8.00 pm. Speakers from AA, Al-Anon and a medical expert will attend. All welcome.
SPUC (Society for Protection of Unborn Children)
Information Evening Tuesday 3 December at 7.30 pm in Drummond Hotel Ballykelly, on the steps that pro-life promoters can take regarding the unjust imposition of abortion in Northern Ireland. Light refreshments served. All welcome. For details phone 90778018 or 07730330028.
MEDJUGORJE PILGRIMAGE 2020
Seven night Pilgrimage to Medjugorje from 10 - 17 June. Spiritual Director will be Fr Seamus Kelly. Bed/breakfast and dinner. Price £670. Special price of £570 for early booking and payment before 6 December 2019. Money must be paid in full. Flight from Belfast. Contact Martina for details on 77741219 or 07715490880.
KNOCK ALL-NIGHT VIGIL
All- Night Vigil on December 7. Main Celebrant at the 4.00 am Concluding Mass on December 8 will be His Excellency Archbishop Okolo, Papal Nuncio. For more details phone Knock Shrine on 0035394 9388100 0 or see knockshrine.ie
The Auberge of Knock, operated by The Order of Malta is taking bookings for this night. It offers a variety of accommodation types, with facilities for all individual requirements. To book phone Noel on 016430060 or 0873387410.
BALLINASCREEN CREDIT UNION
AGM on Monday 25 in Apparo at 8.00 pm
FINANCIAL EDUCATION COMPANY
Overview from a company for its upcoming launch in Mid-Ulster in St Colm’s GAC on Tuesday 26 November. Tea/coffee served at 7.00 pm. Presentation which will teach people how money works and how to become debt free and financially independent begins at 7.30 pm.
ST COLUMBA’S PRIMARY SCHOOL
Open Night Thursday 5 December from 6.00 pm -7.00 pm. If unable to attend the Open Night please make an appointment with the school. The Principal will be happy to show you around the school.
Christingle Mass in St Columba's Church Straw Monday 16 December at 7.00 pm. Everyone welcome.
GAELSCOIL NA SPEIRÍNÍ & NAÍSCOIL NA SPEIRÍNÍ
Open Night on Wednesday 27 November at 6.30 pm. PEAGs and pre-pre places available. All welcome. Phone 79628445 or 79627797 for more details.
ST MARY'S PRIMARY SCHOOL
Open Night on Wednesday 27 November from 6.00 pm to 7.30 pm. Meet the staff and find out more about the school. Light refreshments served. Everyone welcome.
LITTLE WOMBLES PLAYGROUP
Open Night in their premises (above the old library) on Tuesday 26 November from 6.30 pm - 7.30 pm.
ST MARY’S HALL DESERTMARTIN
Tea Dance Friday 29 November, from 9.00 pm – midnight. Music by Ed Fox.
Bingo on Wednesday 11 December.
ST COLM’S GAC
400 Club Winners: £300 Diarmuid O’Neill, £50 Mickey McKenna, £50 Benny Kerr.
Irish History Talk on the Cineál Eoghain Group on Friday 29 November at 8.30 pm sharp in Club. Talk will be delivered by Martin Ó Mealláin about the history, heritage and culture of the Cineál Eoghain group who dominated the history and politics of Ulster and Ireland.
AGM ~ Monday 2 December at 7.30 pm.
POPE FRANCIS @PONTIFEX
God has entrusted us with His greatest gifts: our life, the lives of others, and so many different gifts for each person. He invites us to make these talents bear fruit with audacity and creativity.
