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No. 1993 ~ THIRTY-SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
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
MASS TIMES FOR THIS WEEK
Monday November 13:
Holy Rosary Church ~ 10.00 am
Tuesday November 14:
St Mary’s Coolcalm ~ 10.00 am
Wednesday November 15:
Holy Rosary Church ~ 10.00 am
Annual Mass for Deceased in Holy Rosary Church ~ 7.30 pm
Thursday November 16:
St Mary’s Coolcalm ~ 10.00 am
Friday November 17:
St Mary’s Coolcalm ~ 10.00 am
Holy Rosary Church ~ 7.30 pm.
FEAST OF THE WEEK
Friday 17: St Elizabeth of Hungary, religious.
ANNUAL MASS FOR DECEASED PARISHIONERS
Annual Parish Mass for Deceased Parishioners on next Wednesday 15 November at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church. The names of all who died or were buried or waked in our parish since last year’s Parish Mass of Remembrance will be read out at this Mass.
After all these names have been read out an adult member, of each of these bereaved families, will be invited to carry a lit candle to the altar. Each family should ensure that an adult member has been selected to represent them.
All candles will be provided at the back of the church during this Mass. After Mass the candle carried up in memory of your loved one may be taken home.
PARISH BOOKS OF REMEMBRANCE
A Book of Remembrance has been placed in each of the churches in the parish for parishioners to enrol the names of their deceased loved ones. These books will remain in place for the month of November.
MONTH’S MIND MASS
Michael McGillian, Sixtowns Road on Friday November 17 at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
DEATHS
We extend our prayerful sympathy to the family and relatives of:
Patsy McEldowney, Cloane;
Tommy Magill, Randalstown;
Peter McKenna, Bellaghy.
ANNIVERSARIES
Alicia Kelly,
Eileen Donnelly,
Patrick Joseph Kelly,
Annie Kelly,
Breige McGuigan,
Mary Theresa Lanigan
BAPTISM
We welcome into God’s family through the Sacrament of Baptism:
Hudson Crawford, Moykeeran Drive
PARISH COLLECTIONS
Priests’ Collection: £2565
Renovation Collection: £1795.
Thank you for your generous support which is greatly appreciated.
BALLINASCREEN PARISH OFFICE
Office will be closed for the next week. It will reopen on Monday November 20. All notices for anniversary Masses and the Parish Bulletins must be sent by email when the Parish Office is closed.
DATES FOR BAPTISMS 2024
Please take note of the following new arrangements for the celebration of the Sacrament of Baptism in the Parish of Ballinascreen effective from 1 January 2024. All baptisms will take place on Sundays at 3.00 pm and bookings are to be made via the Parish Office by phone 028 79628248 or by email: ballinascreenparish@gmail.com
If you email a request please leave a telephone number for contact.
Baptisms will be celebrated on the following dates:
January 7 ~ Holy Rosary Church
January 21 ~ St Eugene’s Moneyneena
February 4 ~ St Columba’s Straw
February 18 ~ St Patrick’s Sixtowns.
March 3 ~ Holy Rosary Church
March 10 ~ St Eugene’s Moneyneena
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.
DO THIS IN MEMORY MASS
Do This In Memory Mass for children preparing for First Holy Communion next Saturday November 18 in Holy Rosary Church at 6.00 pm.
DIARY DATES
Sunday December 3 ~ St Patrick's Church Keenaught Mass at 12 noon to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of the Opening of the Church.
Saturday December 16 ~ Do This In Memory Mass in Holy Rosary Church at 6.00 pm.
Sunday December 17 ~ Annual Parish Christmas Carol Service in Holy Rosary Church at 6.00 pm.
Saturday December 30 ~ Live Crib (800th Anniversary of the First Crib created by St Francis) More details to follow.
ST. PATRICK’S CHURCH, KEENAUGHT (1973-2023)
The first weekend in December will be the 50th Anniversary of the Opening of St. Patrick’s Church, Keenaught. Does anyone in Ballinascreen, Desertmartin or across the community have any photographs of the construction of the church building or of the Official Opening of the church in December 1973 or have any taken during the first weeks or months of St. Patrick’s being open to parishioners? Fr. McGirr would like to put together a display of the images to put up in the church for people to view.
If you would like to help, please contact Fr. McGirr on 028 79632196 and then bring any photographs to the Parochial House, 50 Tobermore Road and he will then scan them and give them back to you. All help with this little project would be appreciated. Thank you.
MASS FOR DECEASED CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE
Annual Mass will take place at 7.00 pm in St Eugene’s Cathedral today, Sunday 12 November. There will be an opportunity to write the name of your deceased loved one before Mass. All welcome.
CONFIRMATION 2024
Confirmation will be celebrated in Ballinascreen on the following dates:
Saturday 2 March at 12 noon for children attending Gaelscoil na Speiríní.
Saturday 9 March at 12 noon for children attending St Columba’s P.S. St Eoghan’s P.S. and St Mary’s P.S.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2024
First Holy Communion will be celebrated in Ballinascreen on the following dates:
Saturday April 27 at 11.00 am for children attending Gaelscoil na Speiríní and St Eoghan’s P.S.
Saturday May 11 at 11.00 am for children attending St Mary’s P.S.
Saturday May 18 at 11.00 am for children attending St Columba's P.S.
WARM WELCOME WEDNESDAYS
November’s Warm Welcome Wednesday Monthly Luncheon Club, offering FREE hot lunch for over 60s and the chance to meet and chat to others, takes place on Wednesday 15 November in Workspace Community Hub from 11.00 am to 2.00 pm. Food served about 12.30pm. Only 30 places available so booking is essential. To confirm your place please contact Workspace on 028 79628113 by 12 noon on Tuesday 14 November.
The Workspace Community Fund is now accepting applications. Open to community and voluntary groups in the Ballinascreen, Kilcronaghan and Desertmartin areas, the Fund welcomes applications for grants between £500 - £2,000. Closing date for applications is 4.00 pm on Monday 13 November. For an application pack, please phone Workspace on 7962 8113.
AONACH NA NOLLAG CHRISTMAS MARKET
Glór na Speiríní are delighted to announce that their annual indoor Christmas Market will be held on Sunday 26 November from 5.00 pm to 8.00 pm in Straw. Come and lend your support to the growth of the Irish language in Ballinascreen, all proceeds will go to Naíscoil and Gaelscoil na Speiríní.
COFFEE MORNING
Fundraising Coffee Morning on Sunday 19 November in An Rath Dubh Moneyneena from 10.00 am – 2.00 pm. Raffle and prizes on the day. All money raised will go towards Year 13 St Colm’s High School students who will be participating in the Camino Walk in Spain June 2024.
ST EOGHAN’S PRIMARY SCHOOL
Open Night on Thursday 30 November at 7.00 pm. Everyone welcome
SIXTOWNS CROSS COMMUNITY GROUP
Christmas Craft Fair and Coffee Morning in Sixtowns Hall on Sunday 19 November from 12 noon to 3.00 pm. Live music by James Bradley. Santa will be present. Fundraising raffle on the day, raffle tickets are now available to purchase at Heron’s Gift Shop. Everyone welcome.
GLENSHANE HOUSE DUNGIVEN
OCN L2 Introduction to Mindfulness and Reducing Anxiety in Children course starts Wednesday 15 November at 7.00 pm. Phone 77742494 for details.
TOTUS TUUS
Scripture Conference 2023 live on Radio Maria Ireland on Saturday 18 November from 2.00 pm. Speakers include Fr John Ryan (Cloyne Diocese), Fr Luke Demasi (Home of the Mother), Fr John McEnaney (Waterford and Lismore Diocese), Frances Hogan (Scripture Scholar). Radio Maria Ireland can be listened to by downloading the Radio Maria Ireland APP, Saorview Channel 210 or listen live at (01)4373277.
PREPARING FOR CHRISTMAS
Weekend Retreat at Ards Friary from 8 - 10 December. Retreat will be led by Philip McParland. To book please phone: 00353 749138909 or email info@ardsfriary.ie
SPERRIN FOODBANK
Foodbank operates Monday to Friday from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. If you or someone you know requires assistance please call 07543 420639. No questions asked or criteria to meet. facebook page Sperrinfoodbank, email
PARISH ANNIVERSARY AND MONTH’S MIND MASSES
If parishioners wish to have their 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 they may be printed in the Bulletin the weekend before the Anniversary Mass.
KNOCKNAGIN HALL
Christmas Craft Fair: Today Sunday 12 November from 10.30 am to 4.00 pm.
Chair Exercises: Tuesdays at 10.00 am followed by a short walk. Admission £4.
Knit & Natter: Tuesdays at 7.30 pm.
Line Dancing: Wednesdays at 7.30 pm.
Band Practice: Thursdays at 7.30 pm. New and past members welcome.
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:
NATIONAL SYNTHESIS OF THE SYNODAL PROCESS
The Irish Bishops' Conference has published the National Synthesis of the Synodal Process conducted across the Church in Ireland from Autumn 2021. The National Synthesis is the fruit of a wide-ranging process of listening and consultation and is based on the syntheses produced by the 26 dioceses in Ireland, as well as those submitted by religious congregations and other interested groups. The National Synthesis will be forwarded to Rome as part of the worldwide synodal process of listening and discernment launched by Pope Francis in October 2021 and which will culminate in the General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops in Rome in 2023.
To view this document click HERE
SYNODALITY
Synodality is about seeking together to discover God’s way forward in a new time and place.
This is not just a time of change but a change of time.
It is about learning to journey in hope from the great figures of the Advent liturgy: Isaiah, John the Baptist, Mary and Joseph.
We are a pilgrim people, following the voice of God who calls us one step at a time.
We are moving beyond a Church where everything depends on ‘Father’.
Pope Francis has asked us to rediscover the Advent spirit of leaving our secure base and trusting that the Lord will guide our feet into the way of peace.
We aim to have a time of local listening to one another in January/February, building towards a diocesan submission to an Irish national response.
All national responses will be considered by the Vatican and a Working Document sent back for local reflection and comment in late 2022 – building towards the Synod of Bishops’ meeting in October 2023, and beyond.
This is the beginning of a new way of being Church. It is not just a passing initiative. It is facing the future together, open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Advent is not just a season of the year. It is a permanent part of our identity as Church.
PRAYER FOR THE SYNOD
We stand before You, Holy Spirit, as we gather together in Your name.
With You alone to guide us, make Yourself at home in our hearts; Teach us the way we must go and how we are to pursue it.
We are weak and sinful; do not let us promote disorder. Do not let ignorance lead us down the wrong path nor partiality influence our actions.
Let us find in You our unity so that we may journey together to eternal life and not stray from the way of truth and what is right.
All this we ask of You, who are at work in every place and time, in the communion of the Father and the Son, forever and ever. Amen.
THE SYNOD PRAYER ~ IRISH TRANSLATION (Paidir an tSionaid)
Seasaimid i Do láthairse, a Spioraid Naoimh,
agus muid ag teacht le chéile i D’ainm
Agus Tusa amháin mar threoraí againn
socraigh Tú féin síos inár gcroíthe;
Múin dúinn an tslí a chaithfimid dul
agus conas is féidir linn leanúint di.
Táimid lag agus claonta chun peaca;
ná lig dúinn ainriail a chur chun cinn.
Ná lig don aineolas sinn a chur amú,
ná don chlaonpháirtíocht ár ngníomhartha a mhúnlú.
Lig dúinn teacht Ort inár n-aontacht
chun go dtriallfaimid le chéile chun na beatha síoraí
gan dul ar strae ó bhealach na fírinne ná ón cheart.
Iarraimid é seo uile Ort,
Tusa a bhíonn ag obair de shíor agus i ngach uile áit,
i gcomaoin an Athar agus an Mhic,
trí shaol na saol.
Amen.
To learn more about the Synodal Pathway for the Catholic Church in Ireland please visit:
To learn more about the worldwide Synod please visit: https://www.synod.va/en.html
Please say each day in your prayers the following prayer for the success of the Synodal Process which is both old and new.
PRAYERS FOR OUR PROTECTION
The Irish Catholic Bishops have asked for prayers for those affected by the Coronavirus. Placing all our trust in the Lord, and asking Our Lady to intercede for us, the bishops invite everyone to pray these prayers:
EXTRACT FROM SAINT PATRICK’S BREASTPLATE
Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me,
Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ when I arise, Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me, Christ in every eye that sees me, Christ in every ear that hears me.
MEMORARE
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to you,
O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To you I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your mercy, hear and answer. Amen
