No. 2004 ~ FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
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 29:
Holy Rosary Church ~ 10.00 am
Tuesday January 30:
St Mary’s Coolcalm ~ 10.00 am
Wednesday January 31:
Holy Rosary Church ~ 10.00 am
Thursday February 1:
St Mary’s Coolcalm ~ 10.00 am
Friday February 2:
St Mary’s Coolcalm ~ 10.00 am
Holy Rosary Church ~ 7.30 pm.
FEASTS OF THE WEEK
Wednesday 31: St John Bosco, priest.
Thursday 1: St Brigid, abbess, Secondary Patron of Ireland.
Friday 2: The Presentation of the Lord. Also World Day for Consecrated Life.
Saturday 3: St Blaise, bishop and martyr.
BLESSING OF ST BRIGID’S CROSSES
St Brigid Crosses will be blessed at the 10.00 am Mass in St Mary’s Coolcalm on Thursday February 1
CANDLEMAS DAY
Friday 2 February: Candles will be blessed at Masses in St Mary’s Coolcalm at 10.00 am and in Holy Rosary at 7.30 pm.
FEAST OF ST BLAISE
Blessing of throats will take place after both Vigil Masses on Saturday 3 February, the 6.00 pm in Holy Rosary and the 7.30 pm in St Patrick’s Keenaught.
VISITATION OF SICK
Fr Madden will continue to make arrangements to visit the sick of the parish in their homes by making contact the day before his planned visit.
DEATHS
We extend our prayerful sympathy to the family and relatives of:
Sean Murphy, Magherafelt;
Séan McGovern, Ballinderry;
Bernie Friel, Buncrana.
ANNIVERSARIES
Josephine Kelly;
Margaret McCallion;
Michael McKenna;
Brian McGurk;
Deirdre Diamond;
Roseanne Kelly;
Baby Oisin Graham.
MONTH’S MIND MASS
Leon Toner Glenelly Villas on Friday 2 February at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
FIRST ANNIVERSARY MASS
Mary McMullan Ballinascreen Fold on Friday 2 February at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
PARISH COLLECTIONS
Weekly Collection: £1510
Renovation Collection: £1635.
Thank you for your generous support which is greatly appreciated.
BAPTISMS
We welcome into God’s family through the Sacrament of Baptism:
Bonnie Marie Peyre, Farm Lodge Lane, Magherafelt;
Daniel Patrick McWilliams, Moneyneena Road;
Cathain James Devlin, Moneyneena Road;
Ava Rose Doherty, Mulinderg;
Cassie Grace Monaghan, Cloane Road;
Cassie Mary McGlade, Carnamoney Lane;
Ciara Rose McConnell, Cahore Road.
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 2024
First Holy Communion will be celebrated in Ballinascreen Parish on the following dates:
Saturday 27 April at 11.00 am for children attending Gaelscoil na Speiríní and St Eoghan’s P.S.
Saturday 11 May at 11.00 am for children attending St Mary’s P.S.
Saturday 18 May at 11.00 am for children attending St Columba's P.S.
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.
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
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
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.
BALLINASCREEN 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.
AN RÁTH DUBH
Moneyneena Big Breakfast on next Sunday 4 February in An Ráth Dubh. Breakfasts served from 9.00 am to 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.
SIXTOWNS HISTORY AND HERITAGE GROUP
Wednesday 31 January is the eve of the feast of St. Bridget. Sixtowns History and Heritage Group will be making crosses in Shepherd`s Rest from 8.00 pm until 10.00 pm so come along and make your crosses or show someone how to make them. Everyone welcome.
WARM WELCOME WEDNESDAYS
St Brigid’s Cross Making Session ~ Rushes and all materials will be provided to make St Brigid’s Crosses at the Warm Welcome Wednesday session in Workspace Community Hub, on Wednesday 31 January from 11.00 am to 1.00 pm. Tea / coffee and refreshments served. Everyone welcome, no need to book, just drop-in.
AFTER SCHOOL CLUB
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
O’KANE’S CLINICAL PHARMACY
O'Kanes Clinical Pharmacy are pleased to announce the return of the Alzheimer’s and Macular Degeneration risk factor screening clinic on Friday 2 February. This FREE non invasive test will be carried out to determine your carotenoid score, followed by advice regarding your score. This clinic is open to everyone, whether it be your first time attending or returning to compare your score from our previous clinic. Call 028 796 28680 to book your free 10 minute appointment.
GLENSHANE HOUSE DUNGIVEN
Names are now being taken for courses in Adult Mindfulness, Sage Accounts and Make-Up. Courses may be free if eligible. Also a few spaces are available on the Managing Challenging Behaviour in Children course which is starting soon. To register Tel 028 77742494.
WORKSPACE RECREATION CENTRE
Nuala’s Keep Fit Classes: 6 week block of classes have started back again. You can sign up anytime! Monday and Thursdays from 6.45pm.Classes only cost £3.50 per class. Call Workspace on 028 79628113 for more details or to book.
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 Friday 2 February.
DIVINE MERCY CONFERENCE
Potential opportunity for organised transport from our local area to National Divine Mercy Conference in RDS Dublin, on Saturday 24 February. Please contact Brenda 07856968091 or Mary 075007 06798 to register your interest as soon as possible before Friday, February 2.
MEDJUGORJE
Youth Pilgrimage: Young people aged 16 + are invited to join a pilgrimage from 30 July to 8 August. 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. For more details or to book please phone 71264087 or Email: lizzie.rea@derrydiocese.org
THERESA LANIGAN NETBALL TEAM
Training in Backrow every Wednesday from 8.00 pm to 9.00 pm. New members welcome. No skills needed. Just for the craic and a bit of exercise. Over 18s only.
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 at 10.00 am. £36 for 6 weeks.
Chair Exercises: Tuesdays at 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 at 7.30 pm. Admission £4.00.
Contact Olive 07887614094 Kathleen 07764277809 or Anne 028 79642711to 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:
