No. 1990 ~ TWENTY-NINTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - MISSION SUNDAY
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 October 16:
Holy Rosary Church ~ 10.00 am
Tuesday October 17:
St Mary’s Coolcalm ~ 10.00 am
Wednesday October 18:
Holy Rosary Church ~ 10.00 am
Thursday October 19:
St Mary’s Coolcalm ~ 10.00 am
Friday October 20:
St Mary’s Coolcalm ~ 10.00 am
Holy Rosary Church ~ 7.30 pm
FEASTS OF THE WEEK
Monday 23: St John of Capistrano.
Saturday 28: Saints Simon and Jude, apostles.
DEATH
We extend our prayerful sympathy to the family and relatives of:
Christopher Bradley, Moorside Villas, Desertmartin.
MONTH’S MIND MASS
Pat O’Neill, Bancran Road in Holy Rosary Church on Friday 27 October at 7.30 pm.
Dan Kelly, Glenelly Villas, in Holy Rosary Church on Friday 27 October at 7.30 pm.
FIRST ANNIVERSARY MASS
Peter McGuigan, Drumderg Cottages, on Friday 27 October at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
ANNIVERSARIES
First Anniversaries:
Peggy Conway;
Peter McGuigan.
Anniversaries:
Margaret Donnelly;
Mary O'Hagan;
Anna McCormick;
Maureen Murray;
Maggie McGillian;
Rita Harkin;
Maureen McCullagh;
Reece Kelly;
Bronagh Murray;
Daniel Doherty;
Teresa Kelly;
Bridget McCloskey.
BAPTISMS
We welcome into God’s family through the Sacrament of Baptism:
Jack Ryan Kelly, Drumard Road;
Flynn William Burns, Toorrmina, Australia.
PARISH COLLECTIONS
Weekly Collection: £2341
Renovation Collection: £1155.
Thank you for your generous support which is greatly appreciated.
CONFIRMATION 2024
Confirmation will be celebrated in Ballinascreen Parish on the following dates:
Saturday 2 March at 12 noon for children attending Gaelscoil na Speiríní.
Saturday 9 March at 12 noon for children attending St Columba’s P.S. St Eoghan’s P.S. and St Mary’s P.S.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION
First Holy Communion will be celebrated in Ballinascreen Parish on the following dates in 2024.
Saturday April 27 at 11.00 am for children attending Gaelscoil na Speiríní and St Eoghan’s P.S.
Saturday May 11 at 11.00 am for children attending St Mary’s P.S.
Saturday May 18 at 11.00 am for children attending St Columba's P.S.
MASS FOR DECEASED YOUNG PEOPLE & CHILDREN
Annual Mass at 7.00 pm in St Eugene’s Cathedral on Sunday 12 November.
ST ANNE’S CHURCH OF IRELAND SIXTOWNS
Harvest Thanksgiving Service in St Anne's Church of Ireland today, Sunday 15 October at 3.00 pm. This is one of only two times that the church is open each year. All are welcome.
HARVEST THANKSGIVING
Harvest Thanksgiving Service in St Columba's Church of Ireland, Draperstown with the Seven Towers Male Voice Choir on Sunday 22 October at 7.00 pm Apple tart supper all are welcome.
WORKSPACE
The Workspace Community Fund is now accepting applications. Open to community and voluntary groups in the Ballinascreen, Kilcronaghan and Desertmartin areas, the Fund welcomes applications for grants between £500 - £2,000. If a group wishes to apply, a representative must attend one of the compulsory information sessions taking place on Wednesday 25 October or Monday 30 October. Closing date for applications is 4.00 pm on Monday 13 November. For more information please contact Workspace on 028 79628113.
Draperstown Health Matters Project: Áine from O’Kane’s Pharmacy will be holding an information session on Diabetes & Blood Sugar Awareness on Wednesday 25 October at 12 noon in Workspace Community Hub. The event is free and open to all. No need to book, just drop-in.
New ‘Diamond Painting’ Beginners Group now meeting every Tuesday in Workspace Community Hub from 11.00 am – 1.00 pm. Diamond Painting is a new art hobby which involves applying multi-colored rhinestones on a canvas to produce a shimmering picture. If interested in learning more just call in to one of the sessions. Booking not required.
BABY MASSAGE
New 4 week block of baby massage and reflexology in the Workspace Community Hub from 10 November contact Rosie on 07749121208 for more details.
SIXTOWNS CROSS COMMUNITY GROUP
AGM on Wednesday 1 November at 8.00 pm, in the Community Hall. Come along and find out what’s happening at the hall and share your ideas for the future. We welcome interest from new Committee members and volunteers.
SIXTOWNS CROSS COMMUNITY GROUP
10th Anniversary Celebrations:
Tea Dance in St Mary's Hall Desertmartin on Sunday 5 November. Music from 3.00 pm - 5.00 pm by Country Star Shaun Loughrey. Everyone welcome.
SIXTOWNS CROSS COMMUNITY GROUP
Weekly Chair Exercises & Well Being talk Fridays at 10.00 am with Elaine. All welcome, £4 per week.
Planting Spring window boxes/pots on Monday 6 November Choose from 10.00 am or 11.30 am class. All materials will be provided including pot/bulbs and spring flowers. £8. Must be booked, text 07821963749 or ring 028796 27826.
Dates of Christmas classes & workshops will be available soon. If you want to be among the first to know about classes and events at Kilcronaghan, please text/WhatsApp your name to 07821963749
LONG TOWER NOVENA
Annual Novena in honour of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in St Columba's, Long Tower, Derry for the 9 Sundays before Christmas starts today Sunday 22 October at 6.00 pm. This year's theme is 'Year of Vocations to Diocesan Priesthood'. Each night will comprise of the Rosary, talk given by various speakers, Novena prayer and petitions, Eucharistic Healing Service and Benediction. Guest speaker today will be Bishop Cullinan, Chair of the Irish Bishops' Council for Year of Diocesan Priesthood. All welcome.
WORKSPACE RECREATION CENTRE
Nuala’s Keep Fit classes on every Monday and Thursday at 6.45 pm. Classes only cost £21 for 6 weeks (one night per week) works out at only £3.50 per class! To register your place or more information call Workspace on 0287962 8113
ANCESTRAL FAMILY NAMES
Glór na Speiríní announce their new project in partnership with all Ballinascreen schools. Please note that pupils from all the schools will be visiting family members, elderly neighbours to collect information on family ancestral names, the link to the past and the history behind them within the family. Our primary aim is to log and retain our rich heritage before it's all lost it will then be published as a booklet.
PREPARING FOR CHRISTMAS
Weekend Retreat at Ards Friary, from 8 - 10 December. Led by Philip McParland. In the weeks leading up to Christmas there is usually a lot going on in our lives. This weekend will offer you an opportunity to focus on your spiritual preparation. It will be both reflective and practical, suggesting ways to keep in touch with Jesus. To book contact Ards Friary Phone: 00353 749138909 or email info@ardsfriary.ie
SPERRIN FOODBANK
Foodbank operates from Monday to Friday from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. If you or someone you know requires assistance please call 07543 420639. No questions asked or criteria to meet. facebook page Sperrinfoodbank, email foodbank@theworkspacegroup.org
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 they may be printed in the Bulletin the weekend before the Anniversary Mass.
KNOCKNAGIN HALL
Annual Christmas Craft Fair on Sunday 12 November.
Chair Exercises: Tuesdays at 10.00 am followed by a short walk. Admission £4.
Knit & Natter: Tuesdays at 7.30 pm. Bring your own project or you can help with knitting for local charities.
Line Dancing: Wednesdays at 7.30 pm. Admission £4.00.
Bowling: Tuesdays from 8.00 pm to 10.00 pm. New and past members welcome.
Books by wellness experts, doctors and bestselling authors available to borrow for free, during any of the above activities.
Contact Olive 07887614094, Kathleen 07764277809 or Anne 02879 642711 to register.
Sarsfield’s Accordion Band & Div. 30 Band pass on their deepest sympathy to the Bradley and McGilligan families on the tragic loss of Christopher Bradley, a former member of Sarsfield’s Band
POPE FRANCIS @PONTIFEX
War does not resolve any problem. It only sows death and destruction, increases hate, multiplies vengeance. War erases the future. I exhort believers to take only one side in this conflict: the side of peace – not in word, but in prayer.
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
