No.1907 ~ THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT
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
36 Moneyneena Rd
Telephone: 79628375
Email: j.downey75@btinternet.com
PARISH OFFICE
9 High Street Phone: (028)79628248
Open Monday and Tuesday from 9.00 am until 3.00 pm
NOTICES FOR THE BULLETIN
Notices for the Bulletin should be received by 1.00 pm on Wednesday ballinascreenparish@gmail.com
Bulletins are presently only available:
Online at www.parishofballinascreen.com
On the noticeboard inside the front porch of Holy Rosary Church.
SVP HELPLINE
Helpline telephone number: 07710838050
BALLINASCREEN COMMUNITY SUPPORT GROUP
Please click the link https://www.parishofballinascreen.com/ballinascreen-community-support-gro for full details of Ballinascreen Community Support Group.
FEAST OF THE WEEK
Friday 25: The Annunciation of the Lord. Giving her consent to God’s word, Mary becomes the mother of Jesus. Espousing the divine will for salvation wholeheartedly, without a single sin to restrain her, she gave herself entirely to the person and work of her Son; she did so in order to serve the mystery of redemption with him and dependent on him, by God’s grace.
SUNDAY MASS TIMES
Vigil Masses
St Eugene’s Moneyneena: 5.00 pm
Holy Rosary: 6.15 pm
St Patrick’s Keenaught: 7.30 pm
Sunday
St Columba’s Straw: 9.00 am
St Mary’s Coolcalm: 10.00 am
St Patrick’s Sixtowns: 11.00 am
Holy Rosary: 12 noon
DAILY MASS TIMES
MONDAY 21 MARCH - FRIDAY 25 MARCH
There will be NO 7.00 am early morning Mass this week.
Holy Rosary Church
Monday ~ Rosary, Prayers and Mass for peace in Ukraine in honour of St Pio of Pietrelcina
7.10 pm ~ Rosary and Prayers
7.30 pm ~ Mass
Friday ~ 7.30 pm (Parish Anniversary Mass)
St. Mary’s, Coolcalm
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday ~ Mass at 7.30 pm
Friday ~ 11.00 am - Parish Anniversary Mass
St. Eugene's, Moneyneena
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday ~ Mass at 11.00 am
PADRE PIO MASS
A Mass in honour of St Pio of Pietrelcina will be celebrated in Holy Rosary Church on Monday 21 March at 7.30 pm. Rosary and prayers at 7.10 pm.
SYNOD CONVERSATIONS
On Wednesday 23 March in An Rath Dubh at 7.30 pm. Please come along and take the opportunity to express your opinion. Pope Francis truly wishes to hear what ordinary Catholics think; to hear what you think.
On Friday 25 March in St Colm's GAC Ballinascreen and St Martin’s GAC Desertmartin at 7.30 pm listening conversations will take place for the young people of our parishes so they can voice their opinions too and let Pope Francis know what they think. Fr Madden and Fr McGirr and the Parish Synod Teams are grateful to the GAA Leadership in the parishes for facilitating these conversations.
VIDEO ON THE SYNOD
A short locally produced video explaining what Synod means and why we should all be part of it may be viewed by clicking below:
UKRAINE COLLECTION
The priests of the parish wish to thank everyone for their great generosity and wonderful support for the recent appeal for Ukraine.
£18,500 has been forwarded from Ballinascreen Parish to the Derry Diocesan Office from where it will be sent directly to the Archbishop of Lviv in Ukraine.
We will all continue to pray for peace.
TRÓCAIRE BOXES
Trócaire boxes are now available in all Church porches. Please take one home with you.
FIRST ANNIVERSARY MASS
Catherine Kelly Portstewart, on Friday 25 March at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
ANNIVERSARIES
First Anniversaries:
Catherine Kelly.
Anniversaries
Baby Freya Rose McSorley;
Mary Hegarty;
Ann McKenna;
John Trolan;
Siobhan Lappin;
Brian Quinn;
Francis Donnelly;
Maire Gormley;
Francis Deery.
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.
COVID-19 MEMORIAL PRAYER GARDEN
The COVID-19 Memorial Prayer Garden, which is located behind the Grotto in the grounds of St Eugene’s Cathedral, will be officially opened and blessed by Bishop McKeown today, Sunday 20 March, at 3.00 pm. The Prayer Garden bears the names of all the parishes of the diocese and prayers for those who died during the pandemic.
YEAR OF PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS
To mark the recent launch of The Year of Prayer for Vocations there will be a celebration of Mary’s “Yes” to the Lord, in St Eugene’s Cathedral, Derry, beginning with Evening Prayer at 7.00 pm, Mass (celebrated by Bishop McKeown) at 7.30 pm, followed by the Rosary and Night Prayer. This will be held on Friday 25 March, the Feast of the Annunciation.
All are welcome to attend, or to join the celebrations online via the Cathedral webcam.
EASING OF RESTRICTIONS
All seats at church services are now available though we ask that overcrowding in any seat be avoided. We would also appreciate the continued use of face masks and hand sanitising as you enter and leave the church. Holy Communion will continue to be distributed at the end of Mass. As people become more confident more easing of restrictions will take place.
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 the previous week in order for them to be placed in the Bulletin the weekend before the Anniversary Mass.
PARISH COLLECTIONS
Sincere thanks to all who have returned parish envelopes, established standing orders, made online payments or used the ‘Donate’ button on Parish Website. Envelopes may be returned at any parish Mass, to Parish Office or any Parochial House.
Thank you for your generous support which is greatly appreciated.
KILCRONAGHAN ACTIVITY CENTRE
Watercolour Painting Masterclass with George Gourley, 4 week set of classes commencing Monday 9 May from 10.00 am until 12 noon. Suitable for all abilities, all materials supplied. Numbers are restricted and must be pre booked.
Energy Efficiency in the Home (NEA NI) Monday 4 April, from 11.00 am until 12.30 pm. This informative talk will include low cost/no cost top tips, advice and support and how some simple changes to day to day activities in your home could make a big difference to household bills. This is a free event but places must be booked in advance as numbers are limited.
All enquiries and to book your place on either event text: 07821963749 or email: manager@kilcronaghan.co.uk
KNOCKNAGIN HALL
SPRED Group Meeting on Monday 28 March at 7.30 pm.
Chair Exercises with Thomasina on Tuesday 22 March at 10.00 am.
Bowling Club has now recommenced on Tuesdays from 8.00 pm until 10.00 pm. New members welcome so why not come along and have a go.
Line Dancing with Thomasina on Wednesday 23 March at 7.30 pm.
Irish Traditional Music session on Saturday 26 March.
Friday 8 April: Flower Arranging with Mary. Admission £5 00 - further details later.
Easter Monday Social Dancing from 9 until 12. Music by Michael Mawhinney. Admission £7.
Contact Kathleen 07764277809: Anne: 79642711 or Olive 07887614094. Early registration would be appreciated.
MASTERS IN CATHOLIC SCHOOL LEADERSHIP
The Derry Diocesan Catechetical Centre, working in Partnership with Saint Mary’s University, Twickenham, offers the Masters in Catholic School Leadership. This is a post-graduate degree dedicated to the professional development and spiritual formation of Catholic school leaders. It is a great opportunity for those currently in leadership roles and those who aspire to, or have an interest in, leadership roles within the Catholic School system. The Derry Centre to date has 42 graduates and 30 more students at different stages of the programme. Applications for the Autumn intake close 30 September 2022. If you require any further information, please contact the Derry Diocesan Catechetical Centre on 004428 71264087 or email tferry@derrydiocese.org.
DERRY DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES 2022
The pilgrimage will resume this year, from 3 - 8 July 2022. Cost: £689 per person sharing, with single room supplement £150. Price includes flights, transfers and full board. The pilgrimage will be suitable for pilgrims who do not require medical, nursing or personal assistance as, unfortunately, this cannot be provided this year. The intentions of the sick of the diocese can be taken to Lourdes. The Pilgrimage Office, 164 Bishop Street, Derry, will be open for enquires and application forms on Thursdays and Saturdays, 11.00 am – 1.00 pm, from 3 March. Tel: 028 71 260293 or email derrypilgrim@outlook.com
KNOCKNAGIN HALL
Wednesday 16 March. “Teaster Session”. Now Covid restriction have eased you are welcome to come and join with Thomasina for a talk on ‘Good Food Improving Food’ and demonstrate how chair exercise, simple line dancing, connecting with people can help minimise loneliness and help improve our physical and mental wellbeing. Refreshments served. Free admission. Start sharp at 7.30 pm.
Friday 8 April: Flower Arranging with Mary. Admission. £5.00
Contact Kathleen: 07764277809: Anne: 02879642711: or Olive: 07887614094
Early registration would be appreciated.
CONFIRMATION DATE 2022
Gaelscoil na Speiríní on Friday 1 April at 5.00 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
COMMUNION DATES 2022
Proposed dates for First Holy Communion Masses in Ballinascreen Parish are:
St Mary’s P.S. on Saturday 7 May at 11.00 am in Holy Rosary Church.
St Eoghan’s P.S. on Saturday 14 May at 11.00 am in St Eugene’s Church, Moneyneena.
St Columba’s P.S. on Saturday 21 May at 11.00 am in Holy Rosary Church.
Gaelscoil na Speirini on Saturday 4 June at 11.00 am in Holy Rosary Church.
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