No. 1991 ~ THIRTIETH 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
MASS TIMES FOR THIS WEEK
Monday October 30:
Holy Rosary Church ~ 10.00 am
Tuesday October 31:
(No morning Mass today)
Vigil Masses for Feast of All Saints:
Holy Rosary ~ 6.00 pm
St Patrick’s Keenaught ~ 7.30 pm
Wednesday November 1 - All Saints Day:
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
Thursday November 2 - All Souls Day:
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
St Patrick’s Keenaught ~ 7.30 pm
Friday November 3:
St Mary’s Coolcalm ~ 10.00 am
Holy Rosary Church ~ 7.30 pm.
FEASTS OF THE WEEK
Wednesday 1: Feast of All Saints.
This is a holyday of obligaton. On this day we celebrate not only the saints who have been officially cannised by the Church but all those who share in the glory of heaven.
Thursday 2: Feast of All Souls.
Friday 3: St Malachy, bishop.
Saturday 4: St Charles Borromeo, bishop.
ANNUAL MASS FOR DECEASED PARISHIONERS
The Annual Parish Mass for Deceased Parishioners will take place on Wednesday 15 November at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church. The names of all who died or were buried in our parish since All Soul’s Day last year will be read out at this Mass.
After all these names have been read out an adult member, of each of these bereaved families, will be invited to carry a lit candle to the altar. Each family should ensure that an adult member has been selected to represent them. All candles will be provided at the back of the church during this Mass.
DDS MASS
The 6.00 pm Vigil Mass in Holy Rosary, on Tuesday October 31, will be offered for the deceased members of the Derry Diocesan Society.
DEATHS
We extend our prayerful sympathy to the family and relatives of:
Michael McGillian, Sixtowns Road;
Norah O’Hagan, Tobermore Road;
Josephine McDonald, Moneymore;
Teresa McKeever, Magherafelt;
Clifford Barr, Magherafelt.
MONTH’S MIND MASS
Donna Kelly Campbelltown on Friday 3 November at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
FIRST ANNIVERSARY MASS
Kathleen Toner, Drumard, on Friday 3 November at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
Rose McWilliams, Drumderg Road on Friday 3 November at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
ANNIVERSARIES
Gertrude Coyle;
Michael Gordon;
Mary McKenna;
Brigid McEldowney;
Peter Rogers;
Patrick Kelly;
Baby Groogan;
Annie McBride;
Patsy Cassidy.
BAPTISMS
We welcome into God’s family through the Sacrament of Baptism:
Alara Marie Kelly, Drumderg;
Eabha Brigid Clerkin, Sixtowns Road.
PARISH COLLECTIONS
Weekly Collection: £1629
Mission Collection: £1890
Renovation Collection: £255.
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.
MEMORY'S GIFTING
A Morning Retreat led by Fr Paschal McDonnell - ‘In remembering, we touch both gratitude, longing and the acceptance of the unfinished,’ on Saturday 11 November, from 10.00 am until 1.30 pm, in An Grianan Hotel, Burt, Co Donegal. For details/to register, contact Erin at thornhillministries@derrydiocese.org
CISTERCIAN VOCATION WEEKEND
The Cistercian monks at Our Lady of Bethlehem Abbey, Portglenone, invite men who are between the ages of 18 and 50 and who may feel a call to the monastic life, to come and share a weekend of prayer and discernment at the Abbey, from 3 - 5 November. For further details please contact the Vocation Promotor Fr Aelred OCSO on 028 25821211, or email frmagee@yahoo.co.uk
AFTER SCHOOL CLUB - CHILDCARE VACANCY
Draperstown Afterschool Club is currently recruiting a staff member to assist with the supervision of children helping to provide a safe and fun environment for all. 5 afternoons per week. For more details, please contact Workspace 028 79628113 or email: ann@theworkspacegroup.org
BABY MASSAGE
New 4 week block of baby massage and reflexology in 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.
SLIEVE GALLION ACTIVE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION
10th Anniversary Celebrations Tea Dance in St Mary's Hall Desertmartin on Sunday 5 November.
Music from from 3.00 pm to 5.00 pm by Country Star Shaun Loughrey. Everyone welcome.
KILCRONAGHAN CENTRE
Weekly Chair Exercises & Well Being talk every Friday at 10.00 am. All welcome, £4 per week.
Interactive & fun workshop on ‘Take 5 Steps to Wellbeing’ on Monday 13 November from 10.00 am to 12 noon. Refreshments & goodie bag for all who attend. FREE event but places must be booked. Text 07821963749 or call 028 796 27826
Dates of Christmas classes and 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
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 028 7962 8113
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 Monday from Friday 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
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, from 10.30 am to 4.00 pm. Crafters from all over Mid-Ulster with a wide selection of handcrafted and homemade items, from baking, crochet, wooden plaques, personalised gifts and much more, Perfect gifts for Christmas, suitable for all the family. Always a few bargains to be had!
Chair Exercises Tuesdays at 10.00 am followed by a short walk. £4
Knit & Natter Tuesdays at 7.30 pm..
Line Dancing Wednesdays at 7.30 pm. Admission £4.00
Band practice Thursdays at 7.30 pm. New and past members welcome.
POPE FRANCIS@ PONTIFEX
Mary invites us to turn our gaze to the origin and goal of our existence, which is Jesus Christ. This encourages us to follow His example, walking the paths of peace, kindness, listening and patient and trusting dialogue
FAMILY PRAYER O sweet and gentle Lady,
Immaculate Mother of God, we choose you this day / night
to be the Lady of this house. Guard it, dear Mother from all harm. Protect our family, sweet Mary;
watch over our coming and going. Preserve us from sudden death.
Keep us free from all sin and evil
and pray for us to God,
that we may live in His service
and depart from this life in His grace. Amen.
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
