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No. 1951 ~ THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
PARISH CONTACT DETAILS
Fr. Peter Madden PP VF
31 Sixtowns Road
Telephone: 79628376
Email:ballinascreenparish@gmail.com
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
email: ballinascreenparish@gmail.com
NOTICES FOR THE BULLETIN
Notices for the Bulletin should be received by 1.00 pm on Wednesday, preferably by email.
Email: ballinascreenparish@gmail.com
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
Tuesday 24: St Francis de Sales, bishop and doctor of the Church.
Wednesday 25: The Conversion of St Paul, apostle.
Thursday 26: St Timothy and St Titus, bishops.
Saturday 28: St Thomas Aquinas, priest and doctor of the Church.
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: 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 Coolcalm - 11.00 am
Friday - Parish Anniversary Masses: St Mary’s Coolcalm 11.00 am & Holy Rosary Church 7.30 pm
PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY
This year’s Week of Prayer for Christian Uninty continues until Wednesday 25 January. The theme for this year is Do good; seek justice.
CATHOLIC SCHOLS WEEK
Catholic Schools Week 2023 begins on Sunday 29 January and continues until Saturday 4 February in the Diocese of Derry.
The theme for this year is: ‘Catholic Schools: Walking Together in Faith and Love’
During Catholic Schools Week families, parishes and schools are invited to participate in a week of celebration of Catholic schools, reflecting on their contribution to the common good of society.
To launch Catholic Schools Week in our diocese, the Eucharist will be celebrated by Bishop McKeown in Saint Eugene’s Cathedral, Derry on Thursday 26 January at 10.00 am.
MONTH’S MIND MASS
Patsy Kennedy, Bancran Road, on Friday January 27 in Holy Rosary Church at 7.30 pm.
MASS FOR FIRST ANNIVERSARIES
Jean McElhinney, Oak Park, on Friday January 27 in Holy Rosary Church at 7.30 pm;
Joe Crilly, Sixtowns Road, on Friday January 27 in Holy Rosary Church at 7.30 pm;
Roseanne Kelly, Bancran Road, on Friday January 27 in Holy Rosary Church at 7.30 pm.
ANNIVERSARIES
First Anniversaries:
Rosalind Donnelly;
Jean McElhinney.
Anniversaries:
Peter Joe McNeill;
Frank Hagan;
Mary Margaret McGillian;
Patrick McGlone;
Margaret McCallion;
Brian McGurk;
Francis McSorley.
BAPTISM
We welcome into God’s family through the Sacrament of Baptism:
Sophia Rose Smith, Randalstown.
PARISH COLLECTIONS
Weekly Collection: £1370.
Renovation Collection: £1115.
Thank you for your generous support which is greatly appreciated.
A FUTURE FULL OF HOPE
Bishop Donal McKeown, Bishop of Derry has just issued an important Pastoral Letter called "A Future Full of Hope". In it, he addresses the challenges facing the Diocese of Derry over the next 5 to 10 years and how parish life will change as priests age and retire. Currently, priests are expected to work until they are 75 years of age but this has always been predicated on the assumption that a parish priest would have one or two or even three curates to do a great deal of the work. That was the case up until about 25 years ago. The reality now is very different. Increasingly, there are parishes in the Diocese of Derry that have no resident priest at all and that will be the experience for many more over the next few years. Bishop Donal is inviting us to see this as an opportunity for the church in the Diocese of Derry to grow. He wants us to reflect on his words in the Pastoral Letter and to let the Holy Spirit stir the hearts and minds of those who believe in Jesus and for them to step into this new developing model of Church. A model where the Laity are not mere spectators at the feast whose role is to pay, pray and obey but are actively involved in spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ, risen from the dead; who are called to be the new evangelisers, keeping faith alive in these secular times. The full text of the bishop’s Pastoral Letter is now available to read on Ballinascreen Parish website. https://www.parishofballinascreen.com/pastoral-letter-january-2023
Copies are available at the back of all churches for those who have no access to the internet.
RECYCLING SCHEME ~ FIRST HOLY COMMUNION & CONFIRMATION DRESS/SUIT
SVP are organising a First Holy Communion and Confirmation Dress/Suit Recycling Scheme. Bring along preloved dresses/suits on Saturday 28 January and Sunday 29 January from 12 noon to 2.00 pm. Dresses/suits available for viewing and collection on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 February from 12 noon to 2.00 pm. Location: Basement of Holy Rosary Church (bottom of the car park). Donation to SVP of £5 per suit/dress welcome.
WORKSPACE COMMUNITY HUB ~ WARM WELCOME WEDNESDAYS
Commencing Wednesday 25 January, the Community Hub will be open every Wednesday from 11.00 am to 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.
SPERRIN FOODBANK
Sperrin Foodbank has been established by the community for the community. If you are experiencing difficult times or struggling to make ends meet please do not hesitate to call 07543 420639.
If you wish to donate food, donation points can be found in all local schools, Lynch’s Eurospar, Centra and Devlin’s in Moneyneena. Thanks to everyone who has donated so far.
CARMELITE RETREAT CENTRE
Silent Retreat for men and women from Friday 10 to Sunday 12 February. Cost £90.
Ladies Lenten Retreat from Friday 24 to Sunday 26 February. Cost £90.
To book please phone 71262512, Retreat Centre Termonbacca Derry.
LOURDES DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE 2023
The Derry Diocesan Pilgrimage, led by Bishop Donal McKeown, will go direct from City of Derry Airport from 3 to 7 July, four nights full board in the Hotel Agena: £745 sharing, £35 single supplement. Travel insurance for those aged up to age 79 is £39 and for those aged 80 to 94 it is £78. (Pilgrims may wish to use their own insurance.) Further details and payment arrangements will be available in the new year via the Lourdes Pilgrimage Office, 164 Bishop Street, Derry derrypilgrim@outlook.com or phone 02871 260 293
SLIEVE GALLION ACTIVE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION
Country and Irish Tea Dance in St Mary's Hall, Desertmartin on Sunday 22 January from 3.00 pm to 5.00 pm. Music by Shawn Cuddy. All welcome. Tickets available or pay at door.
Now taking membership for 2023. Events include day trips; short breaks, lunch and health events. For more information contact any committee member or Chris on 07546010560
SIXTOWNS DANCE CLASSES
Social Dance classes (Quickstep, Foxtrot, Waltz, Polka’s, Barn dances) for beginners in Sixtowns Cross Community Centre on Tuesday 24 January at 8.30 pm. Everyone welcome.
Monthly dance on Friday 27 January at 9.30pm. Music by The Lakelanders. Everyone welcome
GLENSHANE HOUSE
OCN Level 3 Award in Working with Children and Young People with Special Needs on Tuesday 24 January from 6.30 pm to 9.30 pm, for 10 weeks.
Names being taken for OCN L2 Award in Mindfulness and Reducing Anxiety in Children. Phone 77742494.
PILGRIMAGE TO SAN GIOVANNI AND ROME
As part of St Eugene’s Cathedral 150th Anniversary Celebrations, Bishop Donal McKeown will lead a pilgrimage to San Giovanni and Rome from 25th – 30th September 2023. Visiting the birthplace of Padre Pio, Shrine of St Michael Archangel, St Peter’s Basilica and other important sites.
Cost is £879 p.p.s. (Single room supplement is £150.)
For more details email info@marian.ie or call Belfast on (028) 956 80005 or Dublin on (01) 878 8159.
DRAPERSTOWN LIBRARY
Need help on a one to one basis with IT, phone, laptop, iPad etc. The library has an IT manager who is available every month to give help and advice. Call in or contact any member of staff to book a slot.
Scam Awareness talk on Tuesday 7 February from 2.00 pm until 3.00 pm. To book a place call into the library or phone 79628249.
Knit and Natter continues every Tuesday from 2.00 pm until 4.00 pm.
Rhythm & Rhyme for babies and toddlers on every Friday at 11.30 am.
Are you feeling lonely or bored? Draperstown Library would like to set up a Chatty Corner in the library on a Friday morning where you can read the papers, tackle a jigsaw or crossword, do some mindful colouring, have a chat and a cuppa. Anyone interested please contact the library, contact details as above
KILCRONAGHAN CENTRE
Kilcronaghan Winter Health and Wellbeing Event on Tuesday 24 January, from 10.00 am to 12 noon.
Come along and find out what support is available for you or your family. Demonstrations, energy and money saving tips, information stands, community safety, healthy eating tips and guest speakers. Free refreshments and hot lunch also included.
Please register your attendance to assist with numbers for catering.
Text 07821963749 or email healthalliance@cwsan.org
MARY’S MEALS
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. View www.marysmeals.org.uk or or phone 07394564065 for more details.
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
Afternoon Tea Dance today Sunday 22 January at 3.00 pm. Music by Shawn Cuddy. Admission £10.
SPRED Group meeting: Monday 30 January
Chair exercises with Thomasina: On Tuesdays at 10.00 am followed by a short walk. Admission £4.
Knit and Natter: On Tuesdays at 7.30 pm
Line dancing: On Wednesdays at 7. 30 pm. Admission £4.
Here & Now ~ Older People & Well-Being with Charmaine from Arts Care on Friday 20 January at 7.00 pm.
Making of St Brigid’s Crosses on Sunday 29 January from 3.00 pm.
To register for any of the above please contact Olive 07887614094, Kathleen 07764277809 or Anne 79642711.
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
