No. 2010 ~ FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT ~ LAETARE SUNDAY
PARISH CONTACT DETAILS
Fr. Peter Madden PP VF
31 Sixtowns Road
Telephone: 79628376
Fr Dermot McGirr CC
50 Tobermore Road, Desertmartin
Telephone: 79632196
PARISH OFFICE
OPENING HOURS: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 9.00 am to 3.00 pm.
9 High Street
Phone: (028)79628248
NOTICES FOR THE BULLETIN
Notices for the Bulletin should be received by 1.00 pm on Wednesday, preferably by email.
SAFEGUARDING
The Diocesan Designated Liaison Person (DLP) is Marie Gormley. To contact Marie Tel: 07596500793, or Email: mariegormley@derrydiocese.org
SVP HELPLINE
Helpline telephone number: 07710838050
SPERRIN FOODBANK
Tel: 07543420639
BALLINASCREEN COMMUNITY SUPPORT GROUP
Please click the link https://www.parishofballinascreen.com/ballinascreen-community-support-gro for full details of Ballinascreen Community Support Group.
SUNDAY VIGIL MASSES
Holy Rosary: 6.00 pm
St Patrick’s, Keenaught: 7.30 pm
SUNDAY MASSES
St Columba’s, Straw: 9.00 am
St Mary’s, Coolcalm: 10.00 am
St Patrick’s, Sixtowns: 11.00 am
St Eugene’s, Moneyneena: 12 noon
DAILY MASS TIMES
Monday 11 March:
St Mary’s Coolcalm ~ 10.00 am
Holy Rosary Church ~ 7.30 pm
Tuesday 12 March:
Holy Rosary Church ~ 7.00 am
St Colm’s High School ~ 8.40 am
St Eugene’s Moneyneena ~ 10.00 am
St Mary’s Coolcalm ~ 7.30 pm
Wednesday 13 March:
Holy Rosary Church ~ 7.00 am
St Colm’s High School ~ 8.40 am
St Eugene’s Moneyneena~ 10.00 am
St Mary’s Coolcalm ~ 7.30 pm
Thursday 14 March:
Holy Rosary Church ~ 7.00 am
St Colm’s High School ~ 8.40 am
St Eugene’s Moneyneena ~ 10.00 am
St Mary’s Coolcalm ~ 7.30 pm
Friday 15 March:
St Mary’s Coolcalm ~ 10.00 am
Holy Rosary Church ~ 7.30 pm.
VISITATION OF SICK
Fr Madden will visit the sick of the parish over the next few weeks. Contact will be made before hand to arrange a time.
BAPTISMS
We welcome into God’s family through the Sacrament of Baptism:
Katie Mary Hegarty, Bancran Road;
Pádraig Brendan Higgins, Cavanreagh Road;
Frankie Rodgers, Magherafelt;
Danny James Conway, Mulinderg;
Aura Wren Donnelly, Cheylesmore Coventry;
Arya Aurora Kelly, Cahore Terrace;
Nancy Pauline McGuigan, Fivemilestraight.
DEATHS
We extend our prayerful sympathy to the family and relatives of:
Bernadette Kelly, Glenelly Heights;
Gerard Lagan, Lisnamuck Road, Maghera.
MONTH’S MIND MASS
Peter Brown, Glengomna Road, on Friday 15 March at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
ANNIVERSARIES
Maura Kelly;
Peter Bradley;
John Bradley;
Anna McGuigan;
Josie Cushenan;
Patricia McKee;
Eamon McGovern;
Margaret Heron;
Anna Mulligan;
Cassie Toner;
Margaret Quinn;
James Murray.
PARISH COLLECTIONS
Priests’ Collection: £2250
Renovation Collection: £1850
Additional £60 for Holy Lands
Additional £50 for Lourdes Hospitalité.
Thank you for your generous support which is greatly appreciated.
PARISH DANCE
Many thanks to all those who supported the Parish Dance in An Ráth Dubh. Special thanks to the Bleed ‘N Cowboys also the management and staff of An Ráth Dubh. £1905 was raised towards the current restoration work being carried out on St Eugene’s Church, Moneyneena.
NEW PARISH WEEKLY ENVELOPES
Parish records for organising the distribution of the new boxes of weekly envelopes are being updated. 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 Parish Office as soon as possible.
ST EUGENE’S CHURCH
Work on the repointing of the exterior of St Eugene’s Church is well underway. This work is essential to ensure that this church building is fit for purpose, for current and future generations. If you would like to contribute to Ballinascreen Church Renovation Fund account, you may do so by using the bank account details below.
You may also use the Donate button on our Parish website. If using this button please select the ‘Restoration Fund’ option.
Ballinascreen Credit Union will also receive and deposit any contribution you may wish to make.
Donations may also be given directly to Fr Madden.
Also please send the account details or information about the Donate button on our website to members of your family who live elsewhere in the world inviting them to please support Ballinascreen Parish and in particular at this time as the necessary restoration work is being carried out on St Eugene’s Church.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Renovation Account Details
Ballinascreen Parish Premium Business Reserve account number: 10585922
Sort code: 98-05-50
DIOCESAN VOCATIONS
We pray God's blessing on all those involved in a Vocations Retreat in Larne this weekend, for Fr Ryan Connors who is leading the retreat, for the Vocations Directors of the northern dioceses who helped organise it, and for the 28 men taking part in it, including 12 from our own diocese.
VINTAGE VEHICLE SHOW
Vintage Vehicle Show in Moneyneena on Sunday 7 April at 1.00 pm. All vintage vehicles welcome. All proceeds in aid of necessary repair work on St Eugene’s Church. More details later.
TRÓCAIRE 2024
We encourage each family to please take a Trócaire box home. Your contributions will help Trócaire to continue their vital work in developing countries.
LOURDES PILGRIMAGE 2024
From Monday 1 to Friday 5 July, ex City of Derry Airport. Led by Bishop Donal McKeown. Full board £799, single room supplement £150. Pilgrimage Office at 164 Bishop Street, Derry, open from 11.00 am to 1.00 pm, Thursdays and Saturdays. Phone 028 71260293 or email derrypilgrim@outlook.com
DAY RETREAT FOR READERS AND EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS
On Saturday 9 March, 10.30am – 4.00pm, at Ards Friary, Creeslough Co Donegal. The day will include some input, silent time, social time and a full lunch. For more details phone 00353 749138909 or Email: info@ardsfriary.ie
PILGRIMAGE TO ROME & SAN GIOVANNI
From 4 to 10 November 2024. Led by James Molloy, Spiritual Director Fr. John McKeever. To book please phone Kieran & Laura Troyon 00353579355050. To book by debit card see www.myriam.ie. Passport details needed when booking. Coach pickup at Oakleaf Restaurant, Maghera. Cost 895 Euro p.p.s.
PALM SUNDAY RETREAT
Join with the Columba Community for a Day of Healing Prayer at St Anthony's Retreat Centre, Burnfoot on Sunday 24 March from 11.00 am to 4.00 pm. Day will include Scripture meditations, Eucharistic Adoration and Teaching. Mass at 3 pm. Light lunch included. Suggested donation £20. To book call 028 71262407 or Email: columbacommunity@hotmail.com to.
LIFE IN THE SPIRIT SEMINARS
Omagh Charismatic Prayer Group invite you to seminars on Thursdays during Lent in conjunction with the 7.30 pm Mass in Christ the King Church, Strathroy. Speaker on Thursday 14 March will be Fr Eamonn Kelly. Seminars online at: www.churchservices.tv/strathroy
SLIEVE GALLION ACTIVE RETIREMENT
SGRA are running a series of six health and wellbeing sessions with including complimentary breakfast. These will take place on Sunday mornings beginning on 24 March, additional dates will follow.
Numbers will be strictly limited so if you are interested please contact Chris on 07546010560 to reserve your spot.
SIXTOWNS CROSS COMMUNITY GROUP
'Gut Health' talk by Angela Murray followed by 'The Benefits of a Positive Mindset' by Anne Morrison on Wednesday 13 March from 7.00pm to 9.00 pm, This free event is part of the Wellness Funding from Workspace. Refreshments served. Everyone welcome.
Celebrate St Patrick's Day, Sunday 17 March, at Sixtowns Hall. Irish Stew served and traditional music playing, from 11.30 am to 2.00 pm. Entry by donation, all proceeds will go towards hall roof repairs. Take away option also available.
Bowls Club meet every Monday at 8.30 pm, new members welcome.
Dance class every Tuesday at 8.30 pm, old time, waltz and line dancing, no booking.
Pilates continues every Monday in April with AMG Pilates. Suitable for age 16+, men and women welcome. Exercises modified to suit all abilities. To book for this new block of classes contact Emma on 07769289385.
WORKSPACE COMMUNITY HUB
Free Craft Session in Community Hub with Michaela Mills from 11.00 am to 1.00 pm on Wednesday 13 March - Ireland Pebble Art for St Patrick’s Day. No previous experience or skill required and all materials will be supplied. Booking required, places are limited. Call Workspace 028 79628113 to book.
DERRY DIOCESAN YOUTH SYNOD GATHERING
Lizzie and Niamh of the Diocesan Youth Team invite young people or those who work with young people in parishes and schools to an evening of sharing faith along with tea, chat and prayer. This event will be held in the Cathedral Hall Derry on Tuesday 12 March from 6.30 pm to 8.00 pm and in Maghera Pastoral Centre on Wednesday 20 March from 6.30 pm to 8.00 pm. To register please email Lizzie on lizzie.rea@derrydiocese.org or phone 028 71264087.
ST PATRICK'S WAY PILGRIMAGE
In Downpatrick on March 16, led by pilgrim guides Martina Purdy and Elaine Kelly. Visit The St Patrick Centre, see IMAX film and receive passport to walk with guides to Inch Abbey and Saul Church and St Patrick's grave. Lunch and bus transfers inc £35 p.p. From 9.00 am to 3.00 pm. For more details contact the Centre 028 44619000 (The walk is 6 miles approx)
PARISH BAPTISMS 2024
All baptisms on Sundays at 3.00 pm and bookings are to be made via the Parish Office, by phone 028 79628248 or Email: ballinascreenparish@gmail.com
March 24 ~ St Columba’s Straw
April 7 ~ St Columba’s Straw
April 14 ~ St Patrick’s Sixtowns
April 21 ~ Holy Rosary Church
May 5 ~ St Eugene’s Moneyneena
May 19 ~ St Columba’s Straw
June 2 ~ St Patrick’s Sixtowns.
PARISH ANNIVERSARY AND MONTH’S MIND MASSES
If you wish to have a deceased loved one prayed for at any Anniversary Friday Mass, you MUST please email their name to Ballinascreen Parish Office by noon on Thursday of the relevant week.
Notices for First Anniversary and Month's Mind Masses should be received before the Wednesday of the previous week so that they may be printed in the Bulletin the weekend before the Anniversary Mass
SPERRIN FOODBANK
Foodbank operates Monday – Friday 9.00 am – 5.00 pm. If you or someone you know requires assistance please call 07543420639. No questions asked or criteria to meet. Facebook page is Sperrinfoodbank, Email:
KNOCKNAGIN HALL
Gala Country Concert on Tuesday 12 March at 8.00 pm, featuring Yodelling Kenny Archer, Caillin Joe and other artists. Proceeds for Macmillan Cancer and other charities. Tickets £15 or pay at the door. Contact Fiona on 07746895968.
Line Dancing finishes Wednesday 13 March.
Jive NI will take a 5 weeks jiving class from Wednesday 20 March at 8.00 pm. Contact Angela 07746895949 or Olive 07887614094 to register.
Yoga Classes: Mondays at 10.00 am. Numbers limited so registration necessary. Contact Angela 07746895949, Olive 07887614094, or Anne 02879642711.
Chair Exercises: Tuesdays at 10.0 am followed by a short walk. Admission £4.00
Knit & Natter: Tuesday at 7.30 pm. Bring your own project or you can help with knitting for local charities.
Sarsfield Band: Monthly Draw, March winner, Anna McKay, Maghera. All members are asked to please make a special effort to attend practice in preparation for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Rasharkin on Sunday 17 March at 2.30 pm.
SYNTHESIS REPORT FROM FIRST SESSION OF THE XVI ORDINARY GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE SYNOD OF BISHOPS TO THE PEOPLE OF GOD - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2023
The Participants in the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops have approved a Letter to the People of God. The text offers reflections and proposals on topics such as the role of women and the laity, the ministry of bishops, priesthood and the diaconate, the importance of the poor and migrants, digital mission, ecumenism, and abuse.
It is not a final document, but an “instrument at the service of ongoing discernment“.
The Synthesis Report is structured in three parts:
The first outlines “the face of the synodal Church”, presenting the practice and understanding of synodality and its theological underpinning.
The second part, entitled “All disciples, all missionaries”, deals with all those involved in the life and mission of the Church and their relationships with one another.
The third part bears the title “Weaving bonds, building community”.
Episcopal Conferences are now called to focus on the questions and proposals that are considered most urgent, all this sustained by a climate of mutual listening and sincere dialogue.
To read the report, please click link below:
