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BALLINASCREEN PARISH - 21 JANUARY 2024

No. 2003 ~    THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - SUNDAY OF THE WORD OF GOD

 

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 January 22: 

Holy Rosary Church  ~ 10.00 am

Tuesday January 23: 

Holy Rosary Church  ~ 10.00 am

Wednesday January 24:

Holy Rosary Church  ~ 10.00 am

Thursday January 25:

Holy Rosary Church  ~ 10.00 am

Friday January 26:

St Mary’s Coolcalm ~ 10.00 am

Holy Rosary Church ~ 7.30 pm.      


FEASTS OF THE WEEK

Wednesday 24: St Francis de Sales, bishop and doctor of the Church.

Thursday 25: Conversion of St Paul, apostle. 

Friday 26: St Timothy and St Titus.


VISITATION OF SICK

Over the next fortnight, Fr Madden will make arrangements to visit the sick of the parish in their homes by making contact the day before. 


DEATHS

We extend our prayerful sympathy to the family and relatives of:

Fr Seamus O’Connell, P. Em.;

Rosaleen Conway, Derry;

Patrick McCormick, Stockholm. 


ANNIVERSARIES

Peter Joe McNeill;

Frank O'Hagan;

Mary Margaret McGillian;  

Patrick McGlone;

Francis McSorley;

Rosalind Donnelly;

Jean McElhinney.


ST VINCENT de PAUL

Ballinascreen SVP has preloved Communion dresses, suits and shoes available to any families who need assistance.  Please call to schedule a time to view and try on.  If you have preloved Communion attire at home, please consider donating to our recycling scheme.  Call 07710838050.  


CATHOLIC SCHOOLS’ WEEK

From Sunday 21 until Saturday 27 January.  The theme this year is ‘Catholic Schools: Communities of Service’. During this week we are invited to reflect on the contribution Catholic Schools make  to the common good of society.


LOURDES DIOCESAN 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, will open to the public 11.00 am  to 1.00 pm on Thursdays and Saturdays, starting Saturday 10 February. Phone  028 7126029 or Email: derrypilgrim@outlook.com


DIOCESAN VOCATIONS

The Vocations Directors of the northern dioceses invite anyone interested in serving the Church as a diocesan priest, to attend a retreat at the Drumalis Retreat Centre, Larne from 8-10 March. Anyone aged 18 or over wishing to attend should contact the Diocesan Vocations Director, Fr Pat O'Hagan at pgoh2111@gmail.com with their name, date of birth, and phone number.


PARISH COLLECTIONS

Weekly Collection: £2363

Renovation Collection: £1526.

Thank you for your generous support which is greatly appreciated. 


PARISH BAPTISMS 2024

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.

February 4 ~ St Columba’s Straw

February 18 ~ St Patrick’s Sixtowns 

March 3 ~  Holy Rosary Church

Mar 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.


BALLINASCREE RENOVATION FUND

To kick start our fundraising for the emergency work beginning shortly at St Eugene’s Church, Moneyneena, a Parish Dance will be held on Friday 1 March in An Ráth Dubh. Music by Bleed’N Cowboys.   More details later.


FINANCIAL OVERVIEW

A five year overview of parish finances is available in all Church porches. Please take a copy home with you.


AN RÁTH DUBH

  • Moneyneena Big Breakfast on Sunday 4 February in An Ráth Dubh.  Breakfasts served 9.00 am - 1.30 pm. Admission by donations. Proceeds in aid of Community Hall and projects. Everyone welcome.

  • St Brigid Cross Making Night on Wednesday 31 January at 8.00 pm. Refreshments served, all welcome. 


WARM WELCOME WEDNESDAYS

Warm Welcome Wednesday Luncheon Club – offering FREE lunch for over 60s and the chance to meet and chat to others, takes place on Wednesday 24 January 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 book a place contact Workspace on 79628113 by 12 noon on Monday 22 January.


FREE PRE-SCHOOL PLACES

EA Connect Portal opens on Tuesday 9 January at 12 noon. If your child was born between 2 July 2020 and 1 July 2021 they will be eligible for a funded preschool place from September 2024 - June 2025. 


NAÍSCOIL NA SPEIRÍNÍ

Naíscoil na Speiríní's Pre-Pre Program has now started, for more details Email: naiscoilnaspeirini@gmail.com 


KILCRONAGHAN CENTRE

Classes are open to everyone and places must be pre booked. For more details and to book a place, message / ring 07821963749.

  • Creative Writing resumes on Tuesday 23 January, from 10.30 am to 12 noon. This will be a 9 week block, finishing on Tuesday 19 March. The class fees are £4 per week or £32 if paying in full on week 1.

  • Yoga classes resume on Thursday 25 January at 10.30 am 'til 12 noon. This is a 5 week block, cost £35. 

  • Pilates and Yoga style exercise class, adaptable for all abilities and ages. Ideal also for those who are less mobile. Commences Friday 26 January. From 10.00 am to11.00 am, for 8 weeks (off mid-term week).  Advice on nutrition, sleep, stress and mindfulness will be given, £30 payable week one or £4 weekly.


SIXTOWNS SOCIAL DANCE

Monthly Social Dance in Sixtowns Cross Community Centre on Friday 26 January at 9.30 pm. Music by The Lakelanders. All welcome.


DRAPERSTOWN AFTER SCHOOL CLUB

The Club is currently recruiting a staff member to assist with the supervision of children and the provision of a safe and fun environment for all. 5 afternoons per week. For more details, please contact Workspace Tel: 028 79628113 or email ann@theworkspacegroup.org


GLENSHANE HOUSE DUNGIVEN

  • North West Regional College will hold an information event on fully funded or part funded courses on Tuesday 23 January from 11.00am to 1.00 pm in Glenshane House.

  • 6 week Recreational Art course will start soon on Monday afternoons. All materials supplied. To book phone 77742494. 


GCSE CHEMISTRY TUITION

GCSE DA Chemistry Unit 2 (Year 12) small group tuition beginning Tuesday 23 January from 4.45 pm to 5.45 pm in The Community Hub, Draperstown. Limited numbers. For more details text Claire 07921838699.


O’NEILL IRISH DANCE CLASSES

Every Thursday in An Ráth Dubh at 4.45 pm. All new members welcome.


PILGRIMAGE TO FATIMA

Fully escorted group pilgrimage accompanied by Spiritual Director for seven nights from 28 May to 3 June. Accommodation in 4* Hotel Styler, with breakfast, lunch and dinner each day. Cost £825 p.p.s. Single room supplement £280. Mass daily and spiritual activities. Services of JWT tour guide. Direct flights from Dublin. Coach from Oakleaf Restaurant, Maghera to Dublin Airport. Further details please contact  Christina Lagan on 07803192621.


SCHOOL LIAISON COORDINATOR

The Parishes of Banagher and Claudy wish to recruit a School Liaison Coordinator.  Under the guidance of the Parish Priest / Administrator the successful candidate will work in the two parishes that have 4 primary schools and 1 post primary school.  This is a full-time role for one year. For application packs please contact; Bishop’s House, St Eugene’s Cathedral, Francis Street, Derry, BT48 9AP, phone 028 7126 2302 or Email recruitment@derrydiocese.org. Completed applications must be returned by 4.30 pm on 2 February.


MEDJUGORJE YOUTH PILGRIMAGE

Young people aged 16 + are invited to join a pilgrimage to Medjugorje for 9 nights from 30  July to 8 August. This will be a unique experience for young people to engage with peers from around the world, in a faith context.  Up to 50,000 young people attend the Medjugorje Youth Festival each year. Cost is £800 and there will be a budget plan to help with this.  Names and deposit of £100 are required as soon as possible to secure a place. For more details or to book  please phone 028 71264087 or email lizzie.rea@derrydiocese.org  


ST MARY'S MAGHERAFELT

P6 and P7 pupils and their parents / carers are invited to an Open Event on Thursday 25 January. Principal’s address at 1.00 pm, 3.00 pm and 5 pm. Booking essential via school website.


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

  • Yoga classes  Mondays 10.00 am, £36 for 6 weeks

  • Chair Exercises, Tuesdays 10.00 am followed by a short walk, adm £4.00

  • Knit & Natter Tuesdays at 7.30 pm. Bring your own project or you can help with knitting for local charities.

  • Line Dancing Wednesdays 7.30 pm. Admission £4.00. Contact  Olive 07887614094, Kathleen 07764277809 or Anne 02879 642711 to register.

  • Sarsfield’s Accordion Band: Making St Brigid’s Crosses on Sunday 28 January at 2.30 pm. Band Practice Thursdays at 7.30 pm. New and past members welcome.

 

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:

 

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