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No. 1955 ~ SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME ~ TEMPERANCE SUNDAY
PARISH CONTACT DETAILS
Fr. Peter Madden PP VF
31 Sixtowns Road
Telephone: 79628376
Fr Dermot McGirr CC
50 Tobermore Road, Desertmartin
Telephone: 79632196
Fr John Downey Priest In Residence Moneyneena
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.
FEASTS OF THE WEEK
Wednesday 22: Ash Wednesday. This is a day of Fast and Abstinence.
Friday 24: Worldwide Day of Prayer for Survivors and Victims of Sexual Abuse.
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 MASSES FOR THIS WEEK
Monday 20 February:
Holy Rosary 11.00 am
Tuesday 21 February:
St Mary’s Coolcalm 11.00 am
Ash Wednesday 22 February:
7.00 am Holy Rosary;
10.00 am St Patrick’s, Sixtowns;
11.00 am St Mary’s, Coolcalm;
11.00 am St Eugene’s, Moneyneena;
7.30 pm St Patrick’s, Keenaught;
7.30 pm St Columba’s, Straw.
Ashes will be distributed at each Mass.
Thursday 23 February:
7.00 am Holy Rosary;
11.00 am St Eugene’s, Moneyneena;
7.30 pm St Mary’s, Coolcalm.
Friday 24 February:
11.00 am St Mary’s, Coolcalm;
7.30 pm Holy Rosary.
SCRIPTURE EVENINGS FOR LENT
There will be an opportunity to come together on the Fridays of Lent to reflect on Scripture using the Lectio Divina method.
The first evening will take place on Friday 24 February at 8.15 pm in the Community Hub. There will be light refreshments served afterwards.
All are welcome. For further information please contact Fr Madden.
LOURDES HOSPITALITE COLLECTION
Derry Diocesan Lourdes Hospitalite has advised that as there will be NO sick pilgrims being accompanied to Lourdes on this year’s diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes in July, therefore the annual Lourdes Hospitalite Collection will NOT be taken up this year. Please therefore ignore the yellow envelope for this weekend.
BAPTISMS
We welcome into God’s family through the Sacrament of Baptism:
Eile-Ros Elizabeth Hegarty, Cloane Road;
Laoise Margaret Owens Donnelly, Derrynoid Road.
DEATHS
We extend our prayerful sympathy to the family and relatives of:
Michael Burns, Derrynoid Road;
Philomena Donnelly, Moykeeran.
ANNIVERSARIES
First Anniversary:
Vera McGuigan.
Anniversaries:
Joe Morgan;
Dan McKenna;
Patrick McEldowney;
Pat Logue;
Marian Haskins;
Bernie Hamill;
Bridget Elmslie;
Sadie Glasgow.
SPERRIN FOODBANK
If you require a food parcel, Sperrin Foodbank will be open on Fridays from 11.00 am – 1.00 pm for drop-ins. No appointment required. If you require assistance outside this time, please call 07543 420639 to arrange collection.
WEEKLY PARISH COLLECTIONS
From next weekend, 25/26 February, the weekly parish collection will be taken up during Mass at the beginning of the Offertory.
Anyone who can help is asked to please forward their name to the Parish Office, stating which Mass they are available to collect at. There will be only one collection and all envelopes should be placed in the one basket.
If you would like to have a box of envelopes please email the Parish Office with your name and address.
PARISH COLLECTIONS
Weekly Collection: £1712
Renovation Collection: £861.
Thank you for your generous support which is greatly appreciated.
PIONEER PINS
Anyone wishing to become a probationary pioneer, or is due a full pin or a silver, golden or diamond pin is asked to please email Fr Madden at ballinascreenparish@gmail.com
Anyone wishing to take a temporary pin for Lent which begins on Wednesday 22 February is asked to please contact Fr Madden at 02879628376.
Masses will be offered in each of the four deaneries, during the Lenten season. They will highlight the virtue of Temperance, focusing on the Pioneer promises of moderation in all things, particularly in the use of alcohol. Mass for the County Derry Deanery will be celebrated on Saturday 11 March at 12 noon in Church of St John the Baptist Swatragh. All welcome.
DO THIS IN MEMORY (DTIM)
Further Masses, as part of our Parish DTIM Programme will be celebrated in Holy Rosary Church at 6.00 pm on 25 February and 1 April.
The final Mass for this year’s DTIM programme will be on the Feast of Corpus Christi, Sunday June 11, and will be celebrated in St Eugene's Church, Moneyneena.
SIXTOWNS CROSS COMMUNITY CENTRE
Monthly Dance on Friday 24 February at 9.30 pm. Music by Sprig of Heather. Everyone welcome.
SMOKING CESSATION SERVICE
Thinking of giving up smoking for Lent? Call into O'Kane's Chemist and speak to a member of staff about joining their FREE 12 week programme.
BALLINASCREEN MEN’S SHED
A.G.M. will take place on Thursday 2 March at 11.00 am in Workspace Boardroom, Draperstown.
New members very welcome
WORKSPACE RECREATION CENTRE
Early Morning Bootcamp: Classes start Tuesday 21 February. Sessions will be Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 6.30 am. Full 6 week block is £60. Sessions to be taken by Liam McAuley, MA Performance. Suitable for all fitness levels.
Nuala’s Keep Fit Classes: Classes start Monday 20 February. Sessions every Monday and Thursday evening from 7.00 pm. Full 6 week block is £21 (one night per week) or £42 (two nights per week).
Beginner Exercise Classes: Classes start new block on Tuesday 21 February. Sessions will be every Tuesday evening from 8.00 pm. Full 6 week block is £21. A great class for those starting or not sure where to start.
Call 028 7962 8113 to book a place for any of the classes listed above.
DRAPERSTOWN LIBRARY
There will be an ‘Introduction to Creative Writing’ in Draperstown Library on Tuesday 21 February from 1.00 pm to 2.00 pm; hosted by Maura Johnston.
Also on Tuesday February 21 from 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm the Armstrong Storytellers are hosting a Stitch & Story afternoon. Everyone welcome to come along and both events are free.
The library continues to provide free IT sessions for anyone needing help with their phone, I-Pad or other device. Next session will be on Friday 24 March. This is on an individual hourly basis, but booking a slot is essential. To book either phone 028 79628249 or e-mail draperstown.library@librariesni.org.uk
NEW 2 U CLOTHES AND SHOES
Sell your new or pre-worn clothes and shoes on Saturday 25 February in An Rath Dúbh from 12 noon to 3.00 pm. Contact 07511528997 to book a table. Cost of table is £15.
LOURDES DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE 2023
Pilgrimage from 3 to 7 July 2023. The Pilgrimage Office at 164 Bishop Street, Derry, BT48 6UJ will be open to the public on Saturdays only from 11.00am until 1.00 pm commencing on Saturday 11 February. Intending pilgrims can also leave a message on 028 7126 0293 with their full postal address and the number of booking forms required, or email these details to derrypilgrim@outlook.com or write to the above address to request booking forms.
The organizing committee very much much regret that once more they are not in a position to provide medical, nursing and personal care as was customary in the past. It is their earnest hope and prayer that these services will be restored in 2024.
WARM WELCOME WEDNESDAYS
In Community Hub every Wednesday from 11.00 am – 1.00 pm during these colder months, to provide a warm space, free tea / coffee and some chat. Arrange to meet friends, call in to read the newspapers or if you just fancy a change of scenery. Free of charge and open to everyone.
No need to book, just drop-in.
ARDS FRIARY RETREAT
Ards Friary will host a residential retreat on Things that Matter’ on the first weekend of Lent 24-26 Feb.
It will be led by Philip McParland. Cost €175. To register, phone 074 91 38909 or email: e info@ardsfriary.ie.
For more details please email philipmcparland@hotmail.com .
CARMELITE RETREAT CENTRE
Ladies Lenten Retreat Friday 24 - Sunday 26 February. Cost £90. To book please phone 71262512, Retreat Centre Termonbacca Derry.
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 12 noon on Thursday of the relevant week. Email address is: ballinascreenparish@gmail.com
PLEASE NOTE: First Anniversary and Month's Mind notices should be received before the Wednesday of the previous week in order for them to be placed in the Bulletin the weekend before the Anniversary Mass.
KNOCKNAGIN HALL
SPRED Group meeting on Monday 20 February.
Chair exercises every Tuesday at 10.00 am followed by a short walk. Admission £4.
Knit & Natter every Tuesday at 7.30pm.
Line dancing every Wednesday at 7. 30 pm. Admission £4.
If interested in any of the above activities please contact Olive 07887614094, Kathleen 07764277809 or Anne 79642711.
Sarsfield’s Band, practice on Thursday at 7.30 pm. Monthly draw tickets available from any band member. Cost £1 per month.
WORLD YOUTH DAY PILGRIMAGE - LISBON 2023
The Diocese of Derry is inviting any young person who is over 18 or will be 18 by July 2023 to join their Pilgrimage to Lisbon for World Youth Day. World Youth Day (WYD) is the gathering of young people from all over the world with the Pope. It is also a pilgrimage, a celebration of youth, an expression of the universal Church and an intense moment of evangelization for the youth world. This pilgrimage will take place in August 2023. For now, they are taking expression of interest until they have more information on dates, times and prices. Spaces are limited so signing up now is essential. You can register your interest on the derrydiocese.org website or on the @derryyouth Facebook page Any questions regarding this pilgrimage, may be emailed please to Lizzie Rea, Youth Coordinator at: lizzie.rea@derrydiocese.org
IOSAS CENTRE MUFF
Iosas Centre Café Muff: Sunday Carvery from 12.30 until 3.00 pm. Delicious starters, mains and desserts, using their own organic vegetables. Booking recommended and take away is available. Phone 00353 749384866
(1 course €12.50 ~ 2 courses €15.50 ~ 3 courses €19.50)
Finish your afternoon with a walk in the beautiful Celtic Prayer Garden.
PARKRUN AND PARKWALK
Parkrun and Parkwalk at Derrynoid Forest every Saturday at 9.30 am.
Come along and walk, jog or run on Saturday mornings at Parkrun Derrynoyd Forest, Derrynoyd Road.
Suited to walkers and runners of all abilities, to boost fitness for free. Children and dogs on leads welcome. Parkrun is a free community event and is a timed 5km walk or run. Walkers, runners and new volunteers all welcome. To join register online: https://www.parkrun.org.uk/register/
For more details see: www.parkrun.org.uk/derrynoidforest/
Follow on Facebook: Derrynoid Forest Parkrun
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
