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No. 1952 ~ FOURTH 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 31: St John Bosco, priest.
Wednesday 1: St Brigid, abbess, Secondary Patron of Ireland
Thursday 2: The Presentation of the Lord, also known as Candlemas Day. This is also the World Day for Consecrated Life.
Friday 3: St Blaise, bishop and martyr.
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: Holy Rosary Church - 8.00 am & St Mary’s Coolcalm - 11.00 am
Friday - Parish Anniversary Masses: St Mary’s Coolcalm 11.00 am & Holy Rosary Church 7.30 pm
BLESSING OF ST BRIGID’S CROSSES
St Brigid Crosses will be blessed at the 11.00 am Mass in Holy Rosary Church on Wednesday February 1.
CANDLEMAS DAY
Feast of the Presentation of the Lord on Thursday February 2.
Candles will be blessed at Mass in Holy Rosary at 8.00 am and in St Mary’s Coolcalm at 11.00 am. Please contact the Parish Office or Davy O'Kane’s to order and reserve candles.
We receive the Light of Christ on the day of our baptism and Candlemas Day allows us the opportunity to have a candle in our homes blessed especially to remind us of God’s eternal love for us.
FEAST OF ST BLAISE
The blessing of throats will take place after both Masses on Friday February 3 - 11.00 am in St Mary’s Coolcalm and 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
VISITATION OF SICK AND HOUSEBOUND
Over the next two weeks Fr Madden will visit the sick of the parish. He will contact each family the day or two before to confirm.
Please continue to pray for all who are sick at home and in hospital.
CATHOLIC SCHOLS WEEK
Catholic Schools Week 2023 begins today Sunday 29 January and continues until next 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.
ORDINATION IN DERRY DIOCESE
Rev Michael McCaul will be ordained priest in St Eugene’s Cathedral, Derry, at 3.00 pm today (Sunday 29 January). We ask the Lord to bless Michael in his priestly ministry in the diocese of Derry as we pray that many more will answer God’s call to them to serve the Church and the diocese as priests
DEATHS
We extend our prayerful sympathy to the family and relatives of:
Sr Mary Kelly, Canterbury Kent, formerly from Disert;
Patrick Joseph Kelly, Donegal;
Eamon McDonagh, Tempo.
ANNIVERSARIES
First Anniversaries:
Roseanne Kelly
Joe Crilly.
Anniversaries:
Josephine Kelly;
Michael McKenna;
Helen Lagan;
Deirdre Diamond;
Baby Oisin Graham;
Margaret Mary Doherty.
PARISH COLLECTIONS
Weekly Collection: £1320
Renovation Collection: £767.
Thank you for your generous support which is greatly appreciated.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Fr Madden acknowledges with sincere gratitude a generous donation of £1,000 for the parish funds.
MONEYNEENA CHOIR
After a first meeting which was well attended the first choir practice will take place on Thursday February 2 at 7.30 pm in the church. Please come along and join the choir, you don’t have to have been at last week’s meeting.
DO THIS IN MEMORY (DTIM)
Further Masses, as part of our Parish DTIM Programme will be celebrated in Holy Rosary Church at 6.00 pm on 25 February and 1 April. The final Mass for this year’s DTIM programme will be on the Feast of Corpus Christi, Sunday June 11, and will be celebrated in St Eugene's Church, Moneyneena.
A FUTURE FULL OF HOPE
Bishop Donal McKeown, has recently issued an important Pastoral Letter called; A Future Full of Hope.
The full text of this Pastoral Letter is available on our Parish website. https://www.parishofballinascreen.com/pastoral-letter-january-2023
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.
WARM WELCOME WEDNESDAYS
In Community Hub every Wednesday from 11.00 am – 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.
MONEYNEENA BIG BREAKFAST
Big Breakfast takes place in An Ráth Dubh on Sunday 12 February, with breakfast being served from 9.00 am – 1.00 pm. Fundraising event by donations. Everyone welcome!
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.
GAELSCOIL NA SPEIRÍNÍ
Special Needs Classroom Assistant required. 30 hours per week. Please visit the Education Authority to apply
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
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 25 – 30 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 please email info@marian.ie or call Belfast on 956 80005 or Dublin on (01) 878 8159
EUCHARISTIC CONFERENCE
Totus Tous Eucharistic Conference will be live on Radio Maria Ireland from 2.00 pm on Saturday 4 February. Speakers will include:
Fr Columba Mary Toman O.P.;
Fr. Patrick Cahill O.J.S.S.;
Fr. Patrick Lagan (Derry Diocese);
Maura Murphy (Holy Family Mission).
Radio Maria Ireland can be listened to by downloading the Radio Maria Ireland APP, Saorview Channel 210 or listen live at (01)4373277
PILGRIMAGE TO FATIMA
Fully escorted group pilgrimage for seven nights from 25 May to 1 June. Cost £745 p.p.s. Single room supplement £175.Staying in 4* Hotel Styler. Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day. Mass daily and spiritual activities. Services of Marian Pilgrimages guide. Direct flights Dublin / Lisbon. Bus will travel from Oakleaf Restaurant Maghera to Dublin Airport. For more details please contact Bridie Gallagher on 028 25644181.
DRAPERSTOWN LIBRARY
Scam Awareness talk on Tuesday 7 February from 2.00 pm to 3.00 pm. To book: call into the library or phone 79628249
Need help on a one to one basis with IT, phone, lap top, iPad etc. The library has an IT manager who is available every month to give help and advice. Contact library staff to book a slot.
Knit and Natter continues every Tuesday from 2.00 pm to 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 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. If interested please contact the library.
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
Making of St Brigid’s Crosses today Sunday 29 January from 3.00 pm.
SPRED Group meeting on Monday 30 January .
Chair exercises 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.
To register for any of the above please contact Olive 07887614094, Kathleen 07764277809 or Anne 79642711 .
POPE FRANCIS @PONTIFEX
What is the shortest way to encounter Jesus?
Make yourself needy. Recognize your need for grace, your need for forgiveness, your need for joy and Jesus will draw near to you.
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
