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No. 1998 ~ THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT - GAUDETE 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, Kenaught: 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 December 18:
Holy Rosary Church ~ 11.00 am (Requiem Mass)
Tuesday December 19:
St Mary’s Coolcalm ~ 10.00 am
Wednesday December 20:
Holy Rosary Church ~ 10.00 am
Thursday December 21:
St Mary’s Coolcalm ~ 10.00 am
Friday December 22:
St Mary’s Coolcalm ~ 10.00 am
Holy Rosary Church ~ 7.30 pm
PARISH CAROL SERVICE
Annual Parish Carol Service on today, Sunday December 17 at 6.00 pm in Holy Rosary Church. Everyone welcome.
During this Carol Service a collection of non-perishable food items and toys will be taken up on behalf of the St Vincent de Paul Society and Sperrin Food Bank. This year’s appeal is more important than in previous years as the demand is much greater. Please support this important appeal. Thank you.
CONFESSIONS FOR CHRISTMAS
Penitential Services in Holy Rosary Church on Monday 18 December at 7.30 pm and in St Patrick’s Church Keenaught on Tuesday 19 December at 7.30 pm. All welcome.
Confessions on Friday 22 December in Holy Rosary Church from 6.30 pm until 7.25 pm and on Saturday 23 December at 11.00 am and before the 6.00pm Vigil Mass.
SVP CHRISTMAS COLLECTION
SVP greatly appreciate all donations received for this year’s Christmas Collection. Further donations would be still gratefullly accepted.
All donations will be directly used for Ballinascreen parishioners.
ST VINCENT de PAUL SOCIETY
If you, or anyone you know, needs assistance leading up to Christmas, please contact us on our help line.
Acknowledgement:
Fr Madden wishes to acknowledge two separate donations of £200 and £500 for SVP.
MONTH’S MIND MASS
Jim McGuigan, St Patrick’s Street, on Friday 22 December in Holy Rosary Church at 7.30 pm.
FIRST ANNIVERSARY MASS
Patsy Kennedy Bancran Road on Friday 22 December in Holy Rosary Church at 7.30 pm.
DEATHS
We extend our prayerful sympathy to the family and relatives of:
James McEldowney, Moykeeran;
Padraic O’Kane, St Patrick’s Street;
Nan Higgins, Maghera;
Michael Crilly, Limavady;
Francis Conway, Rouskey;
Thomas Toner, The Ward, Meath;
Michael Gallagher, Larne;
Joe Dickson, Dunlogan Road.
ANNIVERSARIES
Baby Beth Bradley;
Pat J Molloy;
Susanna Groogan;
Mary Gallagher;
Michael McGuigan;
Breige Lawless.
LIVE CRIB 2023 - OPEN INVITIATION TO ALL
Everyone is very welcome to come and discover the true meaning of Christmas at St Eugene’s Church Moneyneena on Saturday December 30. The day will commence with Mass at 10.00 am at which Bishop McKeown will be chief celebrant. Following this Mass, the Live Crib will be operational all day in the Church grounds until the closing candlelit Mass and Benediction at 6.00 pm. Refreshments will be served all day. This is a free event but voluntary donations to necessary repair work on St Eugene’s Church are welcome.
LIVE CRIB
Many thanks to all who have already volunteered to help or provide food at our parish Live Crib event on December 30.
More offers please of biscuits, buns etc to serve with the tea and coffee would be greatly appreciated.
As part of this special parish event, Eucharistic Adoration, will take place within the Church. It will commence after 10.00 am Mass and conclude at 5.30 pm. If you are willing to commit to at least 30 minutes of Adoration please email your name and your chosen half-hour or hour for Adoration, to the Parish Office or write your name and chosen time on one of the rota sheets in the Church porches.
Thank you.
PARISH COLLECTIONS
Weekly Collection: £1270
Renovation Collection: £1300
Thank you for your generous support which is greatly appreciated.
ST COLUMBA’S PRIMARY SCHOOL
Annual Christmas Mass and Christingle Service in St Columba's Church Straw on Wednesday 20 December at 7.00 pm.
All welcome.
LOCAL HISTORY BOOK
Old Houses of Sixtowns and their People, is now on sale in Heron’s Gift Shop and the Credit Union. Limited number available and they are going fast. Nice little stocking filler or souvenir.
CANTICLE AT CHRISTMAS
Join Canticle, the Sacred Music Society from Queen’s University on Sunday 17 December at 6.00 pm in St Joseph’s Church, Fincairn for music, song and readings. Admission free with retiring collection. All welcome.
DATES FOR BAPTISMS 2024
Baptisms in Ballinascreen will be held on the dates listed below. 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 Email: ballinascreenparish@gmail.com
If you email a request please leave a telephone number for contact.
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.
ADVENT PRAYER BOOKLET
Advent family prayer booklet can be downloaded from this web address: www.derrydiocese.org/advent
CHRISTMAS DRAW 2023
Desertmartin Parish Christmas Draw will have draws every day for the 12 days between Christmas Day and Friday 5 January 2024. All tickets will be in for all the draws, so you have 33 chances to win. Total prize fund £5000. Tickets £20 each are available to buy at:
Holy Rosary, Coolcalm & Keenaught Churches before and after Masses
Both Parish Offices
Fr. McGirr’s Parochial House,
Heron’s Gift Shop,
Moneyneena Post Office
A ticket would make a nice Christmas gift to send inside your Christmas cards to members of your family and friends.
COMMUNITY HUB NOTICE
Warm Welcome Wednesday Christmas Luncheon Club – offering FREE Christmas lunch for over 60s and the chance to meet and chat to others, on Wednesday 20 December in Workspace Community Hub from 11.00 am to 2.00 pm, food served about 12.30 pm. Limited places. Booking essential. To confirm your place phone Workspace on 796 28113 by 12 noon on Monday 18 Dec.
LOUGH DERG ONLINE SHOP
Online Christmas Shop is now open at www.loughderg.live/shop for Mass bouquets, Christmas cards, Lough Derg Christmas candles, Nativity sets and other gifts. The Christmas shop provides much needed income to support the mission and ministry of Lough Derg outside of the Pilgrimage Season. Thank you.
TRÓCAIRE SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS
Are you a retired teacher or someone who has experience presenting to groups of school-children? Do you have a passion for making this world a better place, especially for the most vunerable? Trócaire is looking for volunteers to support its School Talks Programme for Lent 2024 in Derry Diocese parishes. If you think you have the right skills and experience and will have a few free hours during Lent then Trócaire would love to hear from you! For more information call Casey Schell on 028 90808033 or email casey.schell@trocaire.org
ST COLM’S ~ DRAW WINNERS
Week 7: £30 Teresa McNally, £50 Kylan Conway, £100 Francis McNally.
Week 8: £30 Paul McCallion , £50 Orla McTeague, £100 Assumpta Cullinan.
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 07543420639. No questions asked or criteria to meet. Facebook page is 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 that they may be printed in the Bulletin the weekend before the Anniversary Mass.
KNOCKNAGIN HALL
Boxing Night Social Dance - Tuesday 26 December from 9.00 pm to Midnight. Music by Country Sounds.
Flower arrangement on Sunday 17 and Monday 18 December, supported by Public Health Agency. It is essential to bring your own materials, (registration necessary).
Chair Exercises, Knit & Natter and Line Dancing have all now stopped for a break at Christmas. Classes will recommence in January 2024.
Yoga classes will start on Monday 8 January at 10.00 am, numbers limited (registration is necessary).
Please contact Olive 07887614094, Kathleen 07764277809 or Anne 028 79642711 to register.
Sarsfield’s Band 2024 calendars are now on sale, cost £7. May be bought from any band member.
December Draw winner Mary Connery, Tirgan Road. Extra draw for fully paid up members: winners were Paul and Marie O’Hagan Brackagh Road.
Monthly Draw tickets for 2024 now on sale, £1 a month, £12 for the year.
Band Practice Thursdays at 7.30 pm. New and past members welcome.
GAUDETE SUNDAY PRAYER
Gaudete Sunday is the day when we light the pink candle, to represent joy.
God of Joy, as we get closer to the celebration of the birth of your Son, we remain filled with joy.
We know that life often presents us with challenges and that it is difficult to always be optimistic and cheerful.
However, we know that you wish us to be a joy-filled people.
Help us to focus on our blessings, to be appreciative of the many people who support us, and to be ever mindful of your constant presence.
As we approach the celebration of Jesus’ birth, may the peace and joy of the season fill our hearts.
Amen.
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
