No. 2011 ~ FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT ~ ST PATRICK'S DAY
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 18 March:
St Mary’s Coolcalm ~ 10.00 am
Holy Rosary Church ~ 7.30 pm
Tuesday 19 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 20 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 21 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 22 March:
St Mary’s Coolcalm ~ 10.00 am
Holy Rosary Church ~ 7.30 pm.
CONFIRMATIONS 2024
We congratulate and ask God’s blessing on all the children from our parish who received the Sacrament of Confirmation, over the past fortnight. May the Holy Spirit continue to be their guiding light.
VISITATION OF SICK
Fr Madden will continue to visit the sick of the parish over the next few weeks. Contact will be made before hand to arrange a time.
DEATHS
We extend our prayerful sympathy to the family and relatives of:
Rose Lagan, Sixtowns Road;
Phyllis Kelly Gortahurk Road,
Clare McDermott, Feeny;
Charlie Higgins, Magherafelt;
Charlie O’Neill, Dunamanagh.
FIRST ANNIVERSARY MASS
Agnes Conway, Cavanreagh on Friday 22 March at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
ANNIVERSARIES
First Anniversaries:
Katie Sargent
Margaret Doherty
Anniversaries:
Baby Freya Rose McSorley;
John Trolan;
Jennifer Walsh;
Peter McGuigan;
Francis Donnelly;
Francis Deery;
Noel McKenna;
Oliver Gormley;
Patrick McGuigan.
PARISH COLLECTIONS
Weekly Collection: £1515
Renovation Collection: £1952
Thank you for your generous support which is greatly appreciated.
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, 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
The gospel for St Patrick's Day challenges the future priests of our diocese to die to themselves and their own desires and ambitions; to give up their "life in this world" for the sake of the Kingdom; to love and follow Jesus; to stay close to the Lord, standing with Him wherever He is, particularly in His closeness to, and love for, the poor, the needy, the oppressed, and the most vulnerable.
We pray for those already answering that call, and for those who will serve the people of this diocese as priests for many years to come.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2024
First Holy Communion will be celebrated on the following dates:
Saturday 27 April at 11.00 am for children attending Gaelscoil na Speiríní and St Eoghan’s P.S.
Saturday 11 May at 11.00 am for children attending St Mary’s P.S.
Saturday 18 May at 11.00 am for children attending St Columba's P.S.
IRISH LANGUAGE COLLECTION
A Church Gate collection will be taken up after all Masses this weekend (16/17) to raise funds for bursaries that will be awarded to the youth from Ballinascreen who will be attending the Gaeltacht during the summer.
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.
ST COLM’S HIGH SCHOOL
Due to more children availing of school dinners, St Colm’s High School are looking to recruit new members of staff, Monday to Friday from 11.45 am until 1.45pm. If interested please contact Chris in the meals kitchen at St Colm’s High School or phone 02879 627953.
33rd DERRY BALLINASCREEN SCOUTS
Easter Bake Sale: Saturday 30 March from 10.00 am to 1.00 pm in Ballinascreen Credit Union.
Easter Trail in Derrynoid Forest on Saturday 30 March from 11.00 am to 3.00 pm. Bookings at Eventbrite, select ‘Easter trail – Derrynoid.’ One slot per group booking. Cost £6.50 per child. For details Tel: 07749538199 or Email: ballinascreen.scouts@gmail.com
30th Anniversary Gala for in Shepherds Rest on 1 June at 7.30 pm. Dinner will be served at 8.00 pm. Tickets now on sale £40 each. Search Ballinascreen Scouts Gala on Eventbrite or Email: ballinascreen.scouts@gmail.com. Over 18s only, smart dress code.
BABY MASSAGE CLASSES
Classes Starting on Friday 12 April in Community Hub Draperstown. Contact Rosie on 07749121208.
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 02871260293 or Email: derrypilgrim@outlook.com
PILGRIMAGE TO ROME & SAN GIOVANNI
4-10 November 2024. Led by James Molloy, Spiritual Director Fr. John McKeever. To book please phone Kieran and 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 next 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
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 21 March will be Bishop Donal McKeown. 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
Celebrate St Patrick's Day, today, Sunday, 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 on every Monday 8.30 pm, new members welcome.
Dance class every Tuesday 8.30 pm, old time, waltz and line dancing, no booking.
WORKSPACE COMMUNITY HUB
Warm Welcome Wednesday Luncheon Club – offering a FREE lunch to over 60s and the chance to meet and chat to others, on Wednesday 20 March in Workspace Community Hub from 11.00 am to 1.30 pm, food served about 12.15 pm. Only 30 places available so booking is essential. To confirm your place contact Workspace on 028 7962 8113 by 12 noon on Tuesday 19 March.
Draperstown Health Matters Project – next session will be held on Wednesday 27 March in Workspace Community Hub and will focus on mental health and loneliness. The session will include a workshop facilitated by STEPS, commencing at 12 noon. The event is free and open to all. No need to book, just drop-in.
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 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:
KNOCKNAGIN HALL
Jive NI will take a 5 weeks jiving class from Wednesday 20 March at 8.00 pm.
Yoga Classes: Mondays at 10.00 am, numbers limited, registration necessary. Contact Angela 07746895949, Olive 07887614094, or Anne 02879642711.
Chair Exercises on 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.
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: