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No. 1788 ~ THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT ~ GAUDETE SUNDAY
SUNDAY MASS TIMES
VIGIL MASSES
St Eugene’s Moneyneena 6.00 pm
St Patrick’s Keenaught 7.30 pm
SUNDAY
St Eugene’s Moneyneena 9.00 am
St Mary’s Coolcalm 10.00 am
St Patrick’s Sixtowns 11.00 am
St Columba’s Straw 12 noon
DAILY MASS TIMES FOR THIS WEEK
HOLY ROSARY CHURCH
Monday ~ 10.00 am and 7.30 pm
Tuesday – Friday ~ 10.00 am
ST COLUMBA'S CHURCH, STRAW
Friday ~ 7.30 pm
ST EUGENE'S MONEYNEENA
Thursday ~ 7.30 pm
CONFESSIONS
Before the Vigil Mass
RECONCILIATION SERVICE
Holy Rosary ~ 7.30 pm Wednesday
CONTACT DETAILS
Fr. Peter Madden PP VF
40 Derrynoyd 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 Telephone:79628248
Opening Hours
Monday, Tuesday and Thursday
9.00 am – 3.00 pm
Wednesday and Friday ~ Closed
BULLETIN NOTICES
All notices for the Bulletin should be received by 1.00 pm on Wednesday. ballinascreenparish@gmail.com
SVP HELPLINE
Helpline telephone number: 07710838050
PARISH WEBCAM
All Masses in the Holy Rosary Church are transmitted live on the parish website:
www.parishofballinascreen.com
PARISH CAROL SERVICE
Annual Parish Christmas Carol Service will be held today Sunday 15 December in St Columba’s Church Straw at 6.00 pm.
The Carol Service will include the presentation of gifts for distribution by the St Vincent de Paul local conference.
Parishioners are invited to please bring a non-perishable food item as their gift for presentation during the Carol Service.
All are very welcome.
SPECIAL SVP COLLECTION
Annual Christmas Collection will be taken up following all Masses this weekend 14 and 15 December. Your support for the vital work of the Conference in our parish will be greatly appreciated, especially at this time of year which can be difficult for some families in our local community.
RECONCILIATION SERVICES
Evenings of Love and Forgiveness
Reconciliation Services for Advent in Holy Rosary Church on Wednesday December 18 at 7.30 pm and in
St Patrick’s Church Keenaught next Sunday December 22 at 5.00 pm.
The priests, from both parishes, will be present and with you, the People of God, we will reflect on our sinfulness and our need to say sorry to God and to each other. Mindful that Pope Francis has often encouraged us to say ‘Please’, ‘Thank you’ and ‘I’m sorry’, this unique celebration of the Sacrament of Confession or Reconciliation will afford us the opportunity to say sorry for our sins.
The priests will stand at the front of the altar and you will be invited to come forward, after we have recited together an Act of Sorrow, to say ‘I am sorry for my sins’, and if there is something in particular you wish to mention you may then do so. The priest will then give you absolution and you will return to your seat.
This is not the occasion for an in depth conversation about issues in your life that you may wish to talk about.
We hope that many people who have not been to confession for some time will see in these ‘Evenings of Love and Forgiveness’ an opportunity to return to the sacramental life of the church and be ready then to celebrate the birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ with renewed faith.
CONFESSIONS FOR CHRISTMAS
Confessions will be held on Saturday December 21 in St Eugene’s Church Moneyneena from 11.00 am to 12 noon and before the Vigil Mass on Saturday December 21 in Holy Rosary Church beginning at 5 pm.
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION
Eucharistic Adoration in Holy Rosary Church on Monday 16 December will commence after the 10.00 am Mass. Adoration will finish with 7.30 pm Mass.
VISITATION OF SICK AND HOUSEBOUND
Fr Madden will continue to vist the sick and housebound on
Monday 16 December: Tobermore Road, Magherafelt Road, Slievegallion Park, Bradley Park, Glenshane Park, Drumard, Gortnaskea.
MASSES FOR CHRISTMAS DAY - FEAST OF THE NATIVITY
Christmas Eve Tuesday 24 December
Holy Rosary Draperstown ~ 6.00 pm,
St Eugene’s Moneyneena ~ 7.30 pm
St Patrick’s Sixtowns ~ 8.00 pm
St Columba’s Straw ~ 8.00 pm
Christmas Day Wednesday 25 December
St Eugene’s Moneyneena ~ 9.00 am
St Patrick’s Sixtowns ~ 11.00 am
St Columba’s Straw ~ 12 noon.
MONTH’S MIND MASSES
Breige McGuigan, Drumard on Saturday 14 December in Holy Rosary at 6.00 pm.
John McDaid Moneyneena Thursday 19 December in St Eugene’s Church Moneyneena at 7.30 pm.
Angela Hegarty Australia on Friday 20 December in St Columba’s Church Straw at 7.30 pm.
DEATHS
We extend our prayerful sympathy to the family and friends of;
Peter McEldowney, Magherafelt Road,
Brigid Murray, Magherafelt,
Tarlach Connolly, Armagh.
ANNIVERSARIES
Susan Potter, Hugh Watson, Patrick Heron,
Baby Beth Bradley, Michael McGuigan.
DO THIS IN MEMORY MASS
Do This In Memory Mass will be celebrated in Holy Rosary Church this Saturday 14 December at 6.00 pm.
BAPTISMS
We welcome into God’s family through the Sacrament of Baptism;
Ivy Kelly, Rannakeeran,
Melissa McGuigan, Mulinderg.
PARISH BAPTISMS
Baptisms at 3.00 pm in St Columba’s Church Straw on Sunday 22 December at 3.00 pm. A baptism card is to be completed when booking a baptism. Please contact the Parish Office to book.
LAST SUNDAY’S COLLECTIONS
|Priests’ Monthly Collection: £2060
Church Renovation Collection: £1551.
Many thanks to all who contributed.
PARISH ANNIVERSARY MASS
The Friday 7.30 pm Mass in St Columba’s Church Straw is offered as an anniversary Mass for deceased parishioners. If you wish to have your loved one prayed for at this Mass you MUST give their name to the Parish Office by Thursday of the relevant week. These names will also be read out at the 10.00 am Mass on Friday mornings (exception when this 10.00 am Mass is cancelled).
TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS DRAW
Desertmartin Parish is having a Christmas Draw again this year. There will be draws every day of the 12 days between Christmas Day and Sunday 5 January. Every ticket will be entered into all the draws, which means everyone has 33 chances to win. Total prize fund is £5,000. Tickets £20 each are now available from Ballinascreen Parish Office. This would make a nice Christmas gift to send to members of your family and friends.
BALLINASCREEN PARISH DRAW
Parish Draw will be held on Monday December 16. Results will be printed in next week’s Bulletin.
PARISH MEMORIES
Ballinascreen Historical Society’s new CD / DVD is now on sale in local shops.
DIOCESAN LOURDES PILGRIMAGE
Pilgrimage from 2 - 7 July 2020. The Pilgrimage Office, 164 Bishop Street, Derry, is open for general enquiries and for the supply of Gift Vouchers on Thursdays and Saturdays, from 11.00 am – 1.00 pm. Phone 028 - 71260293 or email derrypilgrim@outlook.com
Applications are invited for the 2020 Youth Pilgrimage, from those who will be age 17 at time of travel. Forms may be requested through schools or from Pilgrimage Office, Derry
DERRY DIOCESAN YOUTH PILGRIMAGE TO MEDJUGORJE
Young people aged 16-18 are invited to join this pilgrimage for 7 nights from 28 July- 4 August. This will be a unique experience to engage with young people from around the world in a faith context at the Medjugorje Youth Festival. Cost is £599 and there will be a budget plan to help. Names and deposit of £100 due by 20 December. For more details or to book please phone 71264087 or email lizzie.rea@derrydiocese.org
NI CANCER - PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES
From19 - 24 May. Cost £695 (with price reduction for cancer patients).For details phone 07933938981 email @nicancerpilgrimage.org.uk
TRAINING FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
The Diocese in conjunction with Youthlink NI are offering an exciting training opportunity for young people aged 16-18 interested in Youth Work and Leadership Training. The course will be an OCN Level 1 Award in Practical Youth Work/Ministry Skills and be on 3 days: Saturday 18 January, Sunday 2 February and Saturday 7 March in Maghera Pastoral Centre. If interested please contact Yvonne Rooney. Phone 71264087 or email yvonne.rooney@derrydiocese.org
TRAINING FOR ADULTS
The Diocese is also offering a training course for adults interested in Parish Pastoral Ministry. This course will be a Level 2 Certificate in Youth Work Practice and will run over 5 Saturdays and a few evenings beginning Wednesday 4 March 6.00 pm – 9.00 pm in Maghera Pastoral Centre. If interested, please contact Yvonne Rooney, Diocesan Pastoral Youth Leader. Phone 71264087 or email yvonne.rooney@derrydiocese.org
PILGRIMAGE TO SAN GIOVANNI
This fully escorted pilgrimage from 20–24 April includes a visit to Pietrelcina and Mass at the Shrine of St Michael the Archangel. Cost £619 p.p.s. (single room supplement). For more details phone Marie 07799112224 or Clare 07778025587 Cappagh Parish Padre Pio Group
CHILDREN IN CROSSFIRE
Thanks to all who have taken an Advent box this year. Donations will help to provide lifesaving treatment for children in Ethiopia suffering from severe acute malnutrition. All donations will be collected in January.
BALLINASCREEN TRADITIONAL MUSIC GROUP
Christmas Session in An Scioból on 20 December starting at the earlier time of 8.00 pm. Come along to support the children at the last session of 2019. Special guest will be ‘Dadaí na Nollaig.’ Nollag shona dhaoibh uilig.
MID ULSTER WOMEN’S AID
Collection in Centra Draperstown from Friday 20 December until Christmas Eve.
THORNHILL MINISTRIES
Tuesady 17 December Advent Retreat: ‘With Mary we Ponder the Mystery’ (9.30 am to 1.00 pm) Fr Paschal will lead this time of spiritual nourishment as we prepare to celebrate the Christmas Miracle. Day includes Mass and light lunch. Booking essential. Suggested offering £20.
Wednesday 18 December ~ Reflection Time 9.30 am -12.00 noon,with Mass and light lunch Meditation Hour 6.30 pm to 7.00 pm.
Thursday 19 December ~ Décor Workshop at 7.30 pm. Create a table centrepiece. Suggested offering £30. Includes all materials.
Please phone 71351233 or email thornhillministries@derrydiocese.org for more information.View thornhillministries.co.uk.
ST COLUMBA’S PRIMARY SCHOOL
Christingle Mass in St Columba's Church Straw Monday 16 December at 7.00 pm.
All welcome.
ST MARY'S PRIMARY SCHOOL
The Christmas Story in Holy Rosary Church on Tuesday 17 December at 6.30 pm.
All welcome.
AN RÁTH DUBH
Christmas Disco and Santa's Wonderland on today Sunday 15 December, from 3.00 pm - 5.00 pm. Admission £5 per child (includes disco, present, visit to reindeers, visit to life size Crib and other activities). Children must be accompanied by an adult. Kindly supported by Mid Ulster District Council.
SIXTOWNS CROSS COMMUNITY
Christmas Dance in Cross Community Centre Thursday 19 December at 9.00 pm. Music by Casscades. Refreshments served. All welcome.
ST COLM’S HIGH SCHOOL
Draw Winners ~ Week 3
£30 Yvette Lindsay, £50 Damien O’Hagan, £100 Martina Madden. Collector’s Prize: Jamie Murray.
Draw Winners ~ Week 4
£30 Caroline O’Kane, £50 Murray Family, £100 Peter Lagan. Collector’s Prize: Ryan McAulay.
Draw Winners ~ Week 5
£30 James McWilliams, £50 Peter Murray, £100 Matt Trolan. Collector’s Prize: Saoirse O’Kane.
Draw Winners ~ Week 6
£100 Eamon Donnelly, £50 Mary Connolly, £30 Francis McCloskey. Collector’s Prize: Aoife Frain.
Draw Winners ~ Week 7
£100 Cara Kidd, £50 Pearl and Eugene Kelly, £30 Paul Bell. Collector’s Prize: Molly O’Doherty.
ST MARY’S HALL DESERTMARTIN
Boxing Night Dance Thursday 26 December at 9.00 pm. Music by Micheal Mawhinney.
Crochet Classes on Thursdays, 7.00 pm - 9.00 pm. Classes resume 16 January 2020
Sewing Classes Fridays, 7.00 pm - 9.00 pm.
Yoga on Mondays, 10.30 am -12 noon classes resume on 3 February 2020.
To register please phone Olive 07887614094, Anne 79642711 or Philomena 07866381473.
FRIENDS OF KNOCKNAGIN P.S.
‘Breakfast with Santa’ on Sunday 15 December from 9.00 am – 12 noon in St. Mary’s Hall, Desertmartin. Everyone welcome.
ST COLM’S GAC
400 Club Winners: £300 Michaela Moran, £50 Conor McWilliams, £50 Packie Farrell.
Club Shop: Open Friday 20 December from 7.00 pm – 8.00 pm. This will also be the last chance to collect any Christmas orders.
LAUDATO SI ~ ADVENT REFLECTION
A few years ago Pope Francis wrote:
“The pace of consumption, waste and environmental change has so stretched the planet’s capacity that our contemporary lifestyle, unsustainable as it is, can only precipitate catastrophes, such as those which even now occur in different areas of the world”. (Laudato Si Encyclical).
