No. 1942 ~ OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST KING OF THE UNIVERSE
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, preferably by email.
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.
DAILY MASS TIMES
Monday: Holy Rosary Church: 11.00 am
Tuesday: St Mary’s Coolcalm: 11.00 am
Wednesday: Holy Rosary Church: 11.00 am
Thursday: St Mary’s Church, Coolcalm 11.00 am
Friday - Parish Anniversary Masses: St Mary’s Coolcalm 11.00 am & Holy Rosary Church 7.30 pm
SUNDAY MASS TIMES
Vigil Masses:
Holy Rosary: 6.00 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
St Eugene's Moneyneena: 12 noon
CONFESSIONS
Saturday in Holy Rosary Church before the 6.00 pm Vigil Mass.
FEASTS OF THE WEEK
Monday 21: The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Tuesday 22: St Cecilia, virgin and martyr.
Wednesday 23: St Columban, abbot and missionary.
Thursday 24: Saints Andrew Dung-Lac, priest, and Companions, martyrs.
BOOKS OF REMEMBRANCE
Books of Remembrance are 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 during November.
DEATHS
we extend our prayerful sympathy to the family and relatives of:
Josie Trainor, Moneyneena;
Thomas McFlynn, Swatragh;
Anna Sweeney, Birmingham.
MONTH’S MIND MASS
Peggy Conway, High Street, on Friday November 25 in Holy Rosary Church at 7.30 pm.
FIRST ANNIVERSARY MASSES
Peter McAllister, Straw, on Friday November 25 in Holy Rosary Church at 7.30 pm.
ANNIVERSARIES
First Anniversary:
Katie Donnelly
Anniversaries:
Sarah Quinn;
Mamie O'Hagan;
Patsy Heron;
John McDaid.
BAPTISMS
We welcome into God’s family through the Sacrament of Baptism:
Charlie James McKenna, Ballynagilly Lane Cookstown;
Conlaith Sean Kelly, Derrynoyd Lane.
PARISH COLLECTIONS
Weekly Collection: £1715
Renovation Collection £830
Thank you for your generous support which is greatly appreciated.
PLEDGE FOR NOVEMBER
Many people offer spiritual support to a relation who is struggling because of alcohol or an addiction problem. Parishioners who wish to take a short-term Pioneer pledge during the month of the Holy Souls are invited to visit www.pioneers.ie/pray.
ADVENT REFLECTION
At Dromantine Retreat Centre, from 4.00 pm on Tuesday 13 December to 5.00 pm on Wednesday 14 December,
in preparation for Christmas. Hosted by the SMA Community, it includes Sacrament of Reconciliation, Eucharist and Anointing of Sick. Cost £120. To book, phone 028 3082 1224 or email admin@dromantineconference.com
DIOCESAN VOCATIONS
Anyone interested in serving the diocese of Derry as a priest should contact their local priest(s) and/or the diocesan Vocations Director, Fr Pat O’Hagan, PP, Bellaghy, at pgoh2111@gmail.com
PILGRIMAGE TO MEDJUGORJE 2022
Seven Nights Pilgrimage to Medjugorje from 24 May to 31 May 2023. Spiritual director will be Fr. Séamus Kelly. Bed/Breakfast and dinner, price is £799.
Offer of special price for early booking: £699 – if paid before 5 December 2022. Money must be paid in full. Contact Martina for further information. Phone 77741219 or 07715490880.
ST MARY’S PRIMARY SCHOOL ~ DIAMOND JUBILEE
The Board of Governors of St. Mary’s P.S. Draperstown would like to invite everyone to a Mass in Holy Rosary Church on Monday 12 December at 6.00 pm to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the opening of the school. A special effort is being made to reunite the first P1 and P7 classes from 1962. Please pass this invitation on to any past pupils and community members who would like to attend.
Refreshments will be served at the school after the Mass.
ST EOGHAN’S PRIMARY SCHOOL
Open Night in St Eoghan's P. S. on Thursday 1 December at 7.30 pm.
Christmas Craft Fair in St. Eoghan’s P.S. on Sunday 4 December. Book now to secure your place. £10 per table. Please contact Brigid Donnelly on 07595658380 for more information
TOYS WANTED
Used toys in good condition are being sought please! These will be sold to raise money for SVP. Anyone wishing to donate toys are asked to leave them please in the GAC Club Shop next Friday 25 November between 7.00 pm and 8.00 pm. The toys will be on display and available to purchase at the Christmas Fair on Friday 2 December in GAC Hall from 6.00 pm - 9.00 pm.
SIXTOWNS CROSS COMMUNITY GROUP
Christmas Craft Fair and Coffee Morning in Sixtowns Hall on Sunday 27 November from 12 noon to 3.00 pm.
Donations of baked goods would be gratefully received. Please contact Emma on 077692989385 if you can assist.
A raffle will take place at the Craft Fair and prizes will include a £200 car service / tyre voucher from Cleary Car Sales, £100 oil voucher from McLean Fuels, £60 bouncy castle hire voucher from Bounceabouts, £50 car valet voucher from Straw Car Wash, £25 Apparo voucher, Sperrin Bakery Christmas cake and many more prizes. Tickets may be bought in Heron’s Gift Shop or on the day of the event.
£1 a ticket or £5 for 6 tickets.
ALCOHOL AWARENESS WEEK
Al-Anon groups provide family support to anyone whose life is, or has been affected by someone else’s drinking. All meetings are listed on the website or call Confidential Helpline on 028 90682368 from 10.00 am to 1.00 pm or from 6.00 pm to 10.00 pm Monday to Friday.
LONG TOWER NOVENA
Annual Solemn Novena in St Columba’s Church Long Tower, Derry today Sunday 20th November at 6.00pm. The theme this year is 'What do I believe? Exploring our faith in the Creed'. This week’s speaker is Michael Kelly, Managing Editor of The Irish Catholic. He will speak on 'The Communion of Saints.’ All welcome.
MARY’S MEALS - DOUBLE THE LOVE
Mary’s Meals is keeping the promise of a daily school meal to 2.2 million children in 20 countries. Their Double the Love Campaign means that all donations made to Mary’s Meals until 31 January 2023 will be doubled by a group of generous supporters, up to £1.5 million. With Double the Love, your donation will be matched, and your kindness will go even further, providing children with hope of a better future through education and helping them to reach the next child waiting.
To learn more or to browse their range of Christmas cards and gifts, visit www.marysmeals.org.uk or contact Caoimhe McCann on 07394564065
CATHOLIC MOTHERS’ GROUP
Retreat in Termonbacca on Saturday 26 November. This all-day Retreat will offer a day away from the busyness of motherhood and take time for prayer, restoration and encouragement. Contact Sinead for more details and to register on 07523104760 or 0860528282
HOLY LAND PILGRIMAGE
Bishop Donal McKeown will lead this pilgrimage from 13 February 13 to 21 February, visiting Bethlehem, Nazareth, Jerusalem, the Sea of Galilee and other important sites. Price is £1655 per person sharing includes taxes and tips.
For more details please email info@marian.ie or phone 028 956 80005 or 003531 8788159.
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.
KILCRONAGHAN CENTRE CHRISTMAS EVENTS
Porcelain Christmas Tree Decorations Workshop: Monday 28 November from 10.00 am to 1.00 pm. Cost £5. Includes all materials and festive refreshments.
Deck the Halls With Boughs of Holly: Monday 5 December. Cost £3. Includes festive refreshments. Choose from 10.00 am to 12 noon OR from 7.00 pm to 9.00 pm. Enjoy a demonstration filled with ideas for you to decorate your home naturally. Learn how to create simple and cost effective decorations / door wreaths / garlands with greenery and foliage from your garden or local countryside.
Christmas Gift Wrapping With a Difference: Monday 12 December. Cost £3. Includes festive refreshments. Choose from 10.00 am to 12 noon OR from 7.00 pm to 9.00 pm. You will be shown how to wrap even the most awkward shaped present. Use materials you have in your home, watch how to make your own gift paper and even get gift ideas for those hardest to buy for!
Places MUST be booked for all these events. To book ring / text or WhatsApp 07821963749 or PM KilcronaghanFacebook or email manager@kilcronaghan.co.uk
KNOCKNAGIN HALL
SPRED Group: Monday 21 November from 7.00 pm to 8.30 pm for socializing, fun and games.
Chair Exercises: Tuesdays 10.00 am. Admission £4.00. All welcome.
Knit & Natter: Tuesdays at 7.30 pm.
Indoor Bowls: Tuesdays at 8.00 pm.
Line Dancing: Wednesdays from 7.30 pm to 8.30 pm. Admission £4.
Here and Now ~ Older People & Well-Being: Fridays at 7.00 pm. Come along and enjoy the craic. Open to all aged over 55. This is a free programme
To register for any of the above please contact Olive 07887614094, Kathleen 07764277809 or Anne 79642711.
A PRAYER OF REMEMBRANCE FOR NOVEMBER
God, thank you for the special people in our lives whom we are remembering in a special way during the month of November.
We thank you for being a compassionate God who walks with us in the dark moments of our grief and loneliness.
We are thankful for all who continue to love and support us through our grief.
Lord, continue to be a light for us, giving us hope, direction and courage.
May we now live our lives treasuring the memories of those special people we have known and loved and help us to bring light and hope to others.
We make this prayer through Christ our Lord.
Amen
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