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No. 1968 ~ THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD ~ World Communications Day
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.
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 May 22: Holy Rosary Church ~ 10.00 am
Tuesday May 23: St Mary’s Coolcalm ~ 10.00 am
Wednesday May 24: Holy Rosary Church ~ 10.00 am
Thursday May 25: St Mary’s Coolcalm ~ 10.00 am
Friday May 26: St Mary’s Coolcalm ~ 10.00 am & Holy Rosary Church ~ 7.30 pm.
FEASTS OF THE WEEK
Monday 22: St Rita of Cascia.
Wednesday 24: World Day of Prayer for the Church in China.
Friday 26: St Philip Neri, priest. Founded Congreation of the Oratory to foster good preaching and promote holiness of priestly life.
Saturday 27: St Augustine of Canterbury, bishop and monk.
BLESSING OF GRAVES 2023
Blessing of Graves in the parishes of Ballinascreen and Desermartin will take place on the following dates:
Saturday June 10:
6.30 pm ~ Mass in St Patrick’s Keenaught followed by Blessing of Graves. Please note the earlier Mass time.
Sunday June 11:
11.00 am ~ Mass in St Patrick’s Church, Sixtowns followed by Blessing of graves.
12 noon ~ Mass in St Eugene’s Church, Moneyneena followed by Blessing of graves.
2.00 pm ~ Blessing of graves at St Columba’s Straw.
3.00 pm ~ Blessing of graves at St Mary’s, Coolcalm.
4.30 pm ~ Blessing of graves at Old Keenaught Church.
MEDITATING WITH MARY
This three part programme will conclude on Friday 26 May at 8.15 pm in the Community Hub. It will help us to rediscover the beauty of God's message of hope and love as we contemplate the wonders God worked in Mary’s life. All welcome.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2023
Congratulations to all P4 pupils in our schools who received their First Holy Communion over the past few weeks. The parish is deeply appreciative to all the schools, especially P4 teachers and classroom assistants who prepared the children so well.
BAPTISM
We welcome into God’s family through the Sacrament of Baptism:
Amber Eva Kelly, Farm Lodge Lane, Magherafelt.
MONTH’S MIND MASSES
Rose McCloskey, Moneyneena on Friday May 26 in Holy Rosary Church at 7.30 pm.
Mary Rogers, Brackaghdysart on Friday May 26 in Holy Rosary Church at 7.30 pm.
Breige Flynn, England on Friday May 26 in Holy Rosary Church at 7.30 pm.
Mary Lynn, Cordarragh on Friday May 26 in Holy Rosary Church at 7.30 pm.
DEATH
We extend our prayerful sympathy to the family and relatives of:
John Convery, Maghera.
ANNIVERSARIES
First Anniversaries:
Baby Henry Gray, Cahore Heights;
Pearly Burns, Magherafelt Road.
Anniversaries:
Kathleen Wilds;
John Reid.
SVP VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Volunteers needed to help with weekly collections after each Saturday Vigil and Sunday Masses. If you can help please contact 07710 838050.
PARISH COLLECTIONS
Weekly Collection: £2091
Renovation Collection: £1860.
Thank you for your generous support which is greatly appreciated.
TRÓCAIRE
A further £55 was received towards this year’s Trócaire Lenten Appeal. Thank you.
COME TO THE WATER
Derry Diocesan Youth Ministry is hosting a four-week programme in June for parish volunteers, of all ages. The programme is aimed at building inter- generational collaboration and faith community amongst parish volunteers involved in parish ministry in the parishes of the Diocese of Derry. During three online and one in-person session we will come together in prayer, learning and support, sharing best practice. The programme will explore different ways to pray, themed talks, where have the young people gone? and how well do we welcome? Practical ideas on what help and programmes are on offer in the diocese, including an in-depth look at best safeguarding practices for both online and in-person gatherings in our parishes will also be discussed. The first 3 sessions will be via Zoom, for the last session all participants will come together for an intergenerational gathering of prayer and food. Come to the Water begins Monday 5 June, 7.30 pm - 9.00 pm and continues each Monday over four weeks. To participate, please contact Lizzie Rea at lizzie.rea@derrydiocese.org
Closing date for registration is Thursday 25 May. Please give this serious consideration.
FAMILY ENCOUNTER EVENT
The Servant Sisters of the Home of the Mother invite families to attend this Family Encounter Event on Pentecost Sunday, 28 May, at St Patrick’s Church, Parochial Hall and House, Killygordon, F93 PN0X. Registration from 10.45 am to 11.15 am. Mass 11.30 am. Lunch at 12.30 pm (bring packed lunch for you and your family). Adoration and Confessions (simultaneous children's activities) at 2.30 pm. Formation Meeting for adults (simultaneous children's activities) at 3.30 pm. Rosary 4.30pm. Tea (bring something to share) at 5.00 pm. Close at 6.00 pm. Cost: Donations accepted. Link to register: https://forms.gle/ByWk8RK3hBShPVwQ6
GAELSCOIL NA SPEIRÍNÍ
Posts for three classroom assistants are now available to apply for on the Education Authority website.
BLOOD DONATIONS
Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service will be in the Backrow Recreation Centre next Tuesday 23 May from 3.30 pm TO 8.00 pm.
To book an appointment to give blood please call 08085 534 653.
KNOCK SHRINE 2023
The pilgrimage season at Knock Shrine is now underway, and they look forward to welcoming organised pilgrimages from all across the country at the weekends, and daily ceremonies for visiting pilgrims each day. For full details please visit their website: www.knockshrine.ie
DROMANTINE FAMILY FUN DAY
On Sunday June 11, from 1.30 pm to 5.30 pm. Attractions include Grand Draw, Country & Western Music, vintage tractors, bouncy castles, obstacle courses, stalls, food and much more! Admission: £5 donation per car. Everyone welcome.
SIXTOWNS DANCE
Monthly Dance in Sixtowns Cross Community Centre on Friday 26 May at 9.30 pm. Music by Still Water. Everyone welcome.
GRADUATION MASS ~ QUB CATHOLIC CHAPLAINCY
On Thursday 1 June at 5.15pm the QUB Chaplaincy will host a Graduation Mass for the Class of 2023. Students, their families and friends, as well as staff and alumni are most welcome. This Mass will be the last special celebration before the chaplaincy moves to temporary accommodation whilst their landmark building on Elmwood Avenue undergoes major redevelopment.
If the Chaplaincy holds special memories for you and you would like to experience it as-is for one last time, you would be very welcome. Refreshments served after Mass.If you plan to come, it would be helpful if you could inform them by email: catholicchaplaincy@qub.ac.uk
WORKSPACE RECREATION CENTRE
Nuala’s Keep Fit Circuit Classes are still running with spaces still available. Cost: £3.50 per class. Classes on Mondays at 7.15 pm and Thursdays at 6.45 pm.
Beginner Exercise Classes on Tuesday evenings from 8.00 pm. Cost: £3.50. A great class for those starting or not sure where to start.
MARY’S MEALS PRAY IN MAY
During May, the month dedicated to Our Lady, Mary’s Meals invites you to pray for its life-changing work, carried out in her name. They currently provide nutritious daily school meals to 2.4 million children in 18 of the world’s poorest countries. These meals bring children into the classroom, where they can gain an education and hope of a better future. Could you commit to praying each day of May for the children receiving Mary’s Meals, the volunteers and all who support this work and those children still waiting? For more information and prayer resources see www.marymeals.org.uk/prayinmay
ALL IRELAND ROSARY RALLY
All Ireland Rosary Rally on Saturday June 3 from 1.00 pm in Knock. Will include Mass, Rosary, Stations of the Cross and a talk by Bishop Oliver Doeme. Main Celebrant of the Mass will be Archbishop Eamon Martin.
A bus will leave from Antrim / Derry. Please book bus early to avoid disappointment. Ring Patricia Casey 075 93041040 to book.
BABY REFLEXOLOGY
New Baby Massage and Reflexology Class coming to Community Hub starting Friday 26 May. For more details contact 07749121208 by Whatsapp or email rosiesbabymassage@hotmail.com
SPERRIN FOODBANK
If you require a food parcel, Sperrin Foodbank will be open on Fridays from 11.00 am to 1.00 pm for drop-ins. No appointment required. If you require assistance outside this time, please call 07543 420639 to arrange collection. No questions asked or criteria to meet. Other contact details are Facebook page Sperrinfoodbank or 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 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.
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
