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No.1905 ~ FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT
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
36 Moneyneena Rd
Telephone: 79628375
Email: j.downey75@btinternet.com
PARISH OFFICE
9 High Street Phone: (028)79628248
email: ballinascreenparish@gmail.com
Open Monday and Tuesday from 9.00 am until 3.00 pm
NOTICES FOR THE BULLETIN
Notices for the Bulletin should be received by 1.00 pm on Wednesday ballinascreenparish@gmail.com
Bulletins are presently only available:
Online at www.parishofballinascreen.com
On the noticeboard inside the front porch of Holy Rosary Church.
SVP HELPLINE
Helpline telephone number: 07710838050
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
Monday 7: St Perpetua and St Felicity.
Tuesday 8: St John of God.
SUNDAY MASS TIMES
Vigil Masses
St Eugene’s Moneyneena: 5.00 pm
Holy Rosary: 6.15 pm
St Patrick’s Keenaught: 7.30 pm
Sunday
St Columba’s Straw: 9.00 am
St Mary’s Coolcalm: 10.00 am
St Patrick’s Sixtowns: 11.00 am
Holy Rosary: 12 noon
DAILY MASS TIMES (MONDAY 7 MARCH - FRIDAY 11 MARCH)
Holy Rosary Church
Monday - Thursday ~ 7.00 am
Friday ~ 7.30 pm
St Mary’s Coolcalm
Tuesday - Thursday ~ 7.30 pm
Friday ~ 11.00 am
St Eugene's, Moneyneena
Monday - Thursday ~ 11.00 am
EASING OF RESTRICTIONS
All seats at church services are now available though we ask that overcrowding in any seat be avoided. We would also appreciate the continued use of face masks and hand sanitising as you enter and leave the church. Holy Communion will continue to be distributed at the end of Mass. As people become more confident more easing of restrictions will take place.
DEATHS
We extend our prayerful sympathy to the family and relatives of:
Johnnie Feeney, Feeny;
Joseph McGuigan Limavady.
MONTH’S MIND MASS
Francis Costello, Cahore on Friday 11 March at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
FIRST ANNIVERSARY MASSES
Margaret Heron, Cahore Road, on Friday 11 March at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
Cassie Toner, Straw, on Friday 11 March at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
Anna Mulligan, Drumderg Road on Friday 11 March at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
ANNIVERSARIES
First Anniversaries:
Margaret Heron;
Anna Mulligan.
Anniversaries
Maureen Kelly;
Helen Cuskeran;
Pat Joe Bradley;
Nancy Kelly;
Danny Kelly;
Josie Cushenan.
SYNOD ~ PARISH CONVERSATIONS
Listening Conversations for Ballinascreen Parish will be held in An Rath Dubh, Moneyneena on Wednesday 9, Wednesday 23 and Wednesday 30 March.
Adult parishioners are invited to come along to one of these events at which the following three questions will be discussed:
1. What is it like to be a catholic today and has your experience of being a catholic changed over your own life time?
2. What in the church has caused you pain or hurt, either for yourself or for others?
3. How has the church helped your faith in God to grow and how can we make the church a better place for everyone?
The GAA Clubs in Ballinascreen and Desertmartin have kindly agreed to facilitate a conversation for the young people of each parish. More details later.
PARISH VIDEO ON THE SYNOD
A short locally produced video explaining what Synod means and why we should all be part of it may be viewed below:
SYNOD~ A CHANGE OF TIME
In the February edition of The Net there is an informative article written by Fr Madden on the backgroud to the Synod which Pope Francis wishes us all to be part of. To read the full article please click on the link below: https://www.derrydiocese.org/publications/the-net/the-net-february-2022.pdf
TRÓCAIRE BOXES
Trócaire boxes are now available in all Church porches. Please take one home with you.
ANNUAL TRÓCAIRE LECTURE
Online lecture on Tuesday 8 March at 7.00 pm, titled ‘How women of faith are responding to the ecological crisis’. Dr. Carmody Grey, Durham University & Laudato Si Institute. Lucy Vokhiwa, Malawi will deliver this lecture .
To register please contact Frances.Harnan@trocaire.org
NATIONAL YOUTH PILGRIMAGE TO KNOCK
Are you between the age of 16 and 18?
You are invited to join the Pope John Paul II Award Youth Pilgrimage to Knock on Tuesday, 22 March. Join youth from all over Ireland in a day of prayer, talks and music. Guest speaker will be Fr Peter McVerry of the Peter McVerry Trust. Music by Elation Ministries. The pilgrimage will start at 11.00am and will conclude after 2.30pm Mass, celebrated by Award patron, Bishop Donal McKeown. For transport information contact your local secondary school or the Derry Youth Ministry office on 7126 4087 or email: lizzie.rea@derrydiocese.org.
HOLY HOUR FOR VOCATIONS
In St Mary's Church, Creggan, on Friday 11 March, from 8.00 pm – 9.00 pm, led by Fr Patrick Lagan. Everyone is welcome to attend, or to follow the Holy Hour on the Creggan Parish webcam at www.cregganparish.com
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 emailtheir name to Ballinascreen Parish Office by 12 noon on Thursday of the relevant week. e mail address is ballinascreenparish@gmail.com
PLEASE NOTE: First Anniversary and Month's Mind notices should be received the previous week in order for them to be placed in the Bulletin the weekend before the Friday Anniversary Mass.
At Bishop McKeown’s request, those attending any mass or service in our churches must wear a face mask.
Thank you for your cooperation on these important matters.
PARISH COLLECTIONS
Sincere thanks to all who have returned parish envelopes, established standing orders, made online payments or used the ‘Donate’ button on Parish Website. Envelopes may be returned at any parish Mass, to Parish Office or any Parochial House.
Thank you for your generous support which is greatly appreciated.
NOVENA OF HOPE 2022
The Novena continues until Monday 14 March. Everyone is welcome to join in online. For full details of times and speakers for each day of the Novena please visit the Graan’s website: www.thegraan.com
DERRY DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES 2022
The pilgrimage will resume this year, from 3 - 8 July 2022. Cost: £689 per person sharing, with single room supplement £150. Price includes flights, transfers and full board. The pilgrimage will be suitable for pilgrims who do not require medical, nursing or personal assistance as, unfortunately, this cannot be provided this year. The intentions of the sick of the diocese can be taken to Lourdes. The Pilgrimage Office, 164 Bishop Street, Derry, will be open for enquires and application forms on Thursdays and Saturdays, 11.00 am – 1.00 pm, from 3 March. Tel: 028 71 260293 or email derrypilgrim@outlook.com
KILCRONAGHAN CENTRE
Painting for Pleasure, 5 week set of classes commencing Wednesday 9 March, 7.00 pm – 9.00 pm. Suitable for all levels including beginners.
Watercolour Painting Masterclass with George Gourley, 4 week set of classes commencing Monday 9 May, 10.00 am – 12 noon. Suitable for all abilities, all materials supplied.
Numbers are restricted and places MUST be pre booked. Class fees must be paid on week 1. All enquiries and to book your place Text: 07821963749 OR Email: manager@kilcronaghan.co.uk
DROMANTINE RETREAT CENTRE
The Wonder of Creation – the Miracle of Life: Friday 11 March, 5.00 pm – Sunday 13 March, 2.00 pm. In contemplating the wonder of our common home and current threats to its integrity, we will explore an ecological vision in responding to the cry of the poor at this time of unprecedented planetary change. Led by Sr Nellie McLaughlin RSM. Cost, including full board, £220.
For further information or to enrol, please phone 028 30821964 or email admin@dromantineconference.com
NO GREATER LOVE
Five-week Zoom programme, each session lasting one hour, with a time for prayer, sharing and reflection. This programme is considered a great way to prepare our hearts and minds for the holiest of seasons in the Church calendar. In a series of short films shot on location in the Holy land, No Greater Love is a biblical pilgrimage, taking us through the key events of Christ’s passion and revealing His amazing love for us. Best-selling author, Edward Sri, will guide us through the final hours of Christ’s life. You will walk step by step with Jesus through the Scriptures from the Garden of Gethsemane to Mount Calvary. Hosted by the Living Church Office in Down & Connor Diocese, there are six ‘starting’ options to choose from:
Tuesday 8 March at 7:.30 pm,
Wednesday 9 March at 7:30 pm,
Thursday 10 March at 11 am or 7.00 pm,
Monday 14 March at 11 am or 7.00 pm.
Please consider participating!
To book your place please click on the link: https://forms.office.com/r/TZkWYFSAHR
KNOCKNAGIN HALL
Tuesday 8 March: Exercise with Thomasina at 10.00 am Admission £4.
Wednesday 9 March: Line Dancing with Thomasina FROM 7.30 pm until 9.00 pm
Wednesday 16 March: ‘Taster Session’. Now Covid restriction have eased we welcome you to come and join in with Thomasina who will give a talk on “Good Food Improving Mood“ and demonstrate how chair exercises, simple line dancing and connecting with people can help minimise loneliness and help to improve our physical and mental wellbeing. Refreshments will be served. Free admission. Start at 7.30 pm sharp.
Contact Kathleen: 07764277809: Anne: 02879642711: or Olive: 07887614094
Early registration would be appreciated.
CONFIRMATION DATES 2022
Proposed dates for Confirmation Ceremonies in Ballinascreen Parish are:
St Mary’s P.S. on Friday 11 March at 5.00 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
Gaelscoil na Speiríní on Friday 1 April at 5.00 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
COMMUNION DATES 2022
Proposed dates for First Holy Communion Masses in Ballinascreen Parish are:
St Mary’s P.S. on Saturday 7 May at 11.00 am in Holy Rosary Church.
St Eoghan’s P.S. on Saturday 14 May at 11.00 am in St Eugene’s Church, Moneyneena.
St Columba’s P.S. on Saturday 21 May at 11.00 am in Holy Rosary Church.
Gaelscoil na Speirini on Saturday 4 June at 11.00 am in Holy Rosary Church.
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
