Bulletin: 8th May 2022

PARISH BULLETIN – 4^th SUNDAY OF EASTER – 8^th May 2022

 

SUNDAY MASSES NEXT WEEKEND

VIGIL MASS

St. Eugene’s, Moneyneena:                5 pm

Holy Rosary, Draperstown:                6.15 pm [webcam]

St. Patrick’s, Keenaught:             7.30 pm

 

SUNDAY

St. Columba’s, Straw:                         9 am

St. Mary’s, Coolcalm:                  10 am [webcam]

St. Patrick’s, Sixtowns:                       11 am

Holy Rosary, Draperstown:               12 noon [webcam]

 

 

WEEKDAY MASSES

St. Mary’s Church, Coolcalm:  Tuesday, Thursday and Friday ~ 11 am.

 

Holy Rosary Church:  Monday and Wednesday ~ 11 am; Friday ~ 7.30 pm.

 

 

All Masses in St. Mary’s, Coolcalm are transmitted live via the Desertmartin parish webcam:

https://www.churchservices.tv/Desertmartin

All Masses in the Holy Rosary Church are transmitted live on the Ballinascreen parish webcam:

https://www.churchservices.tv/Draperstown

____________________________________________________________

 

Fr. Peter Madden P.P. V.F.                                    

31 Sixtowns Road, Draperstown

Phone:  028 7962 8376

Email:  ballinascreenparish@gmail.com

 

Fr. Dermot McGirr C.C.

50 Tobermore Road, Desertmartin

Telephone:  028 7963 2196

Email:  desertmartinparish@gmail.com

 

Fr. John Downey C.C.

36 Moneyneena Road

Telephone:  028 7962 8375

Email:  j.downey75@btinternet.com

 

____________________________________________________________

 

DEATHS AND ANNIVERSARIES

Please remember in your prayers:

 

Canon Robert (Bob) Fullerton, Belfast, formerly of Lisnamuck, Maghera; Phillip Gallagher, Belfast and Phyllis Gavigan, Magherafelt whose funerals were held this week.

 

Fr. John Cargan and Michael Hickson who died recently.

 

John Pat McGuigan, Frank McKenna, Margaret McKenna, Henry McElwee, Joseph McKenna and Marie Donnelly whose anniversaries occur at this time.

 

____________________________________________________________

 

THANK YOU for your generous contributions to the Parish.

Last Week:

Sunday Collection/Priests’ Collection envelopes:  £937.50.

Restoration Fund envelopes:  £547.50.

 

TRÓCAIRE ~ LENT 2022

If anyone would still like to contribute, please bring your donation to any weekend Mass.

 

UKRAINE APPEAL

The total amount sent to the Archdiocese of Lviv from the Diocese of Derry was (Euro) €464,461.30.  Bishop McKeown, who is in regular contact with the Archbishop of Lviv, will inform you in due course regarding the use of the money.

 

VOCATIONS SUNDAY

Today, Sunday 8^th May, is Vocations Sunday and is a very special day in the life of our Diocese, as Michael McCaul will be ordained to the diaconate in Christ the King Church, Omagh, at 3 pm.

Are you being called to love the Lord and his people as a diocesan priest?  If considering such a vocation, contact your local priest or Diocesan Vocations Director, Fr. Pat O’ Hagan, P.P. Moville at pgoh2111@gmail.com or email the info@vocations.ie

 

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION

The children of St. Columb’s Primary School, Cullion will celebrate their First Holy Communion next Saturday, 14^th May, at 11 am in St. Mary’s Church, Coolcalm.

Family relatives, friends and parishioners will be able to view the Mass on the parish webcam – https://www.churchservices.tv/Desertmartin

Please keep the First Holy Communion children and their families in your prayers this coming week.

 

 

RETURNING TO MASS

In March 2020 the Irish Bishops removed the obligation to attend Sunday Mass so that no one need feel any sense of personal responsibility due to their non-attendance.  For the first time in their lives, many people could not attend Mass and it caused great distress.  Now that the pandemic has eased and the rules are relaxed, the bishops are inviting the People of God to return.

In their Spring Statement following their spring meeting at Maynooth, the bishops said:  ‘When we gather for the Eucharist on the Lord’s Day, we do so to express our joy in the Risen Lord and to unite with our brothers and sisters in the Church in thanksgiving and praise to God.  This is a communal celebration which shapes us as a community of faith, life and charity.’  The bishops go on to say:  ‘This will once again be deemed an essential expression of faith for all in our Church in Ireland.  As always, those whose health is vulnerable or who are unwell will not be under any obligation to attend Mass, and should keep themselves safe and pray at home until they are better.’

In these challenging times and in a world beset with war, we need the closeness and the nearness of God in our lives.  We look forward to welcoming you home to your place of worship, to hear God’s word and to be nourished and fed by the Body of Christ in the Eucharist.  A piece of advice someone once gave to those who were unsure about God and faith, though they have been raised Catholic, is worth passing on:  ‘Don’t analyse it.  Just come back.  The heart will follow.’

 

KNOCKNAGIN HALL COMMITTEE

Upcoming activities in May:

Knit and Natter Class to knit or crochet baby hats for Antrim Area Hospital neonatal unit will commence on Tuesday 10^th May at 7 pm until 8.30 pm.  Everyone welcome.  Wool can be provided.  Contact Kathleen:  077 6427 7809, Anne:  028 7964 2711, Olive:  078 8761 4094.

SPRED Group:  Next Meeting on Monday 9^th May at 7.30 pm.

Chair Exercises with Thomasina continue on Tuesday mornings at 10 am.

Line Dancing Classes continue on Wednesday evenings at 7.30 pm.

Band Practice continues on Thursdays at 8 pm.  New members always welcome.

Keep Friday 27^th May free for a Charity Dance for Air Ambulance N.I.

 

ROSARY AT THE GROTTOS

As part of the Nationwide Prayer for Peace, Rosary will take place at Chris Trainor’s every evening in May at 8 pm at 11 Quarry Road, Desertmartin.  Everyone welcome.

 

TIRGAN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

Sunday 29^th May ~ Tirgan Hall Big Breakfast and Hill Walk.  Breakfast served from 9 am, registration for hill walk from 8.45am.  £10 breakfast and hill walk.  Breakfast £7.50.

Sunday 5^th June ~ Kids mini tractor/bike run at 11 am.  £5 per child.

Saturday 25^th June ~ Adrain Knight, Comedy Hypnotist.  Ticket details to follow.

 

SLIEVE GALLION ACTIVE RETIREMENT 

The group is resuming activities shortly and would like to hear from all previous members and anyone who would be interested in joining the group.  Membership is open to anyone over 55 and includes various activities, day trips and holidays.  Contact Chris on 075 4601 0560.

 

PARKRUN AND PARKWALK

Taking place at Derrynoid Forest, Derrynoyd Road, every Saturday at 9.30 am.  Come along and walk, jog or run.  Suited to walkers and runners of all abilities, to boost fitness.  Children and dogs on leads welcome.  Parkrun is a free community event and is a timed 5 km walk or run.  Walkers, runners and new volunteers welcome.  To join register online: https://www.parkrun.org.uk/register/   For more details see www.parkrun.org.uk/derrynoidforest/

 

CONCERT FOR UKRAINE 

featuring ‘The Magnificent Seven Crew’ in partnership with the Derry Branch of Concern Worldwide on Monday 6^th June in the Millennium Forum with over 30 top singers and entertainers from Derry City and beyond, who are giving of their time freely to help those suffering as a result of the terrible devastation being inflicted on the people of Ukraine.  Tickets, £16.50, are available online or at the Millennium Forum Box Office.  All proceeds from the show will go to the Ukrainian humanitarian appeal.

 

WALK WITH ME – PARISH LEADERSHIP YOUTH MINISTRY MENTORING 
Throughout May 2022, Derry Diocesan Youth Ministry is hosting ‘Walk With Me’, a four-week mentoring programme for parish and volunteer leaders working with young people (13-18 year olds) in the Diocese of Derry.  This programme is for everyone in the Diocese of Derry who is involved in youth ministry, who would like to be involved or who would like to find out about youth ministry in the diocese.  The four online sessions will provide an opportunity to come together in prayer and support, celebrate and share best practice and strategically plan Youth Ministry in your parish.  The mentoring programme will explore:
– What young people have said during the synodal pathway listening sessions in the Diocese
– How does Pope Francis talk about Youth Ministry?  What is the approach we should be taking with the young people in our parishes?
– Practical ideas of what help and programmes are on offer in the Diocese and suggestions for all parishes
– Making a strategic plan for your parish on what you think could be achieved.
What is required?  Four group sessions via zoom; some pre-reading and videos to view; commitment to one-to-one work to develop your plans for youth ministry; and supporting your peers – invitation to ‘buddy up’ with another participant.
Dates, times and registration.  ‘Walk With Me’ will begin on Tuesday 17^th May at 7.30 pm – 9 pm and continue each Tuesday over four weeks.  It will be delivered via Zoom.  To participate, please contact Lizzie Rea at lizzie.rea@derrydiocese.org.  Closing date for registration is Friday 13th May.

 

ACCORD

Accord Catholic Marriage Care Service is currently recruiting volunteers to train as marriage preparation programme facilitators.  Accord is seeking registration of interest from those who have a positive attitude towards marriage in the Catholic Church and the enthusiasm to be part of a team supporting couples who are preparing for the Sacrament of Marriage.  Accord Catholic Marriage Care Service has 54 centres in dioceses across the island.  Successful applicants will receive professional training and will be part of a team delivering marriage preparation programmes locally in accordance with best practice.  Contact Deirdre on 079 8089 8399 or by email to info@accordni.com.  The closing date for receipt of registration of interest forms to be included in Selections for this year is Friday 27^th May.  Registration of Interest form and additional information about becoming a facilitator is available on www.accordni.com.

 

LIFE IN THE HOLY SPIRIT SEMINARS

Seminars on Thursday evenings until Thursday 2^nd June at 7.30 pm in Sacred Heart Church, Omagh.  Mass with homily.  www.churchsetvices.tv/drumraghparish

 

ROSARY AT THE GROTTOS

The Rosary will be prayed for peace in the world each day during May at hundreds of grottos around Ireland.  For more details including the list of grottos please visit www.coastalrosaryireland.ie

 

DROMANTINE CENTRE NEW WORKSHOPS

Bookings now open for these workshops:  HELLO YOU ~ Finding the joy, purpose and happiness you deserve.  Friday 20^th May at 5 pm – Sunday 22^nd May at 2 pm.  ALONE TOGETHER ~ Finding our way back to connection.  Saturday 18^th June, 9.30 am – 4.30 pm.  THE LONG GOODBYE ~ Practical advice for caregivers of people living with dementia.  Friday 19^th August at 5 pm – Sunday 21^st August at 2 pm.  WHEN IT IS DARKEST ~ Understanding suicide.  Saturday 24^th September, 9.30 am – 4.30 pm.  CHURCH ABUSE:  A UNIQUE BETRAYAL ~ A call to listen, a call to action, a call to change.  Friday 4^th November at 5 pm – Sunday 6^th November at 2 pm.  The Workshop Facilitator is Fr. Hugh Lagan SMA, priest and chartered clinical psychologist who has led retreats, workshops and trainings internationally on psychological and spiritual well-being, positive change, trauma, mental health and resilience.  Please contact Jacinta or Louisa to reserve your place:  Phone 028 3082 1964 or email admin@dromantineconference.com.

 

LOUGH DERG RE-OPENS

Lough Derg welcomes Pilgrims again with a full Pilgrimage programme this summer.

Three Day Pilgrimage:  1^st June – 15^th August.  Booking advised.  Concessions available for students, seniors and groups.

One Day Retreats and guided Pilgrim Path experience:  dates in May and late August through September.  Booking essential.

All booking information at www.loughderg.org, email info@loughderg.org or telephone 00353 71 9861518.  Lough Derg, Pettigo, Co. Donegal, F94 N289.

 

MATT TALBOT ANNUAL PILGRIMAGE

Do you or somebody you know suffer from an addiction?  Yes?  Pilgrimage to Shrine of Matt Talbot in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Sean McDermott Street, Dublin on Sunday 12^th June 2 pm – 4.30 pm, when prayers for freedom from addiction through Jesus will be offered.  For more details, phone 00353 48 7126 2894 see www.matttalbotprayersociety.com

or email vita@matttalbotprayersociety.com

The Matt Talbot Prayer Society prays daily for those with addictions.  You can enrol somebody to be prayed for each day as well as at the Mass on the First Monday of each month at 7.30 pm in St. Eugene’s Cathedral, Derry.  For more details visit www.matttalbotprayersociety.com where you can also enrol somebody via an online submission.

 

DERRY DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOUGH DERG ~ FRIDAY 24^TH – SUNDAY 26^TH JUNE 

The Annual Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lough Derg will take place on Friday 24^th June – Sunday 26^th June.  Bishop McKeown will lead the pilgrimage and invites you to join him.  Booking is essential, so please contact the Diocesan Catechetical Centre.  Tel: 028 7126 4087 or Email:  lizzie.rea@derrydiocese.org.  Cost is £80, which includes return transport from St. Eugene’s Cathedral, Derry.

 

IRISH CHURCH MUSIC SUMMER SCHOOL

The Irish Church Music Association is resuming its Summer School in St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth, Co. Kildare on Thursday 14^th July and Friday 15^th July.  They resume their ‘in person’ Summer School with two days of workshops this year.  Dr. John O’Keeffe and Ronan McDonagh will be guest presenters on Thursday 14^th July.

 

THE DERRY DIOCESAN CATECHETICAL CENTRE

The Derry Diocesan Catechetical Centre, working in Partnership with Saint Mary’s University, Twickenham, offers the Masters in Catholic School Leadership.  This is a post-graduate degree dedicated to the professional development and spiritual formation of Catholic school leaders.  It is a great opportunity for those currently in leadership roles and those who aspire to, or have an interest in, leadership roles within the Catholic School system.  The Derry Centre to date has 42 graduates and 30 more students at different stages of the programme.  Applications for the Autumn intake close on 30^th September 2022.  If you require any further information, please contact the Derry Diocesan Catechetical Centre on 028 7126 4087 or email tferry@derrydiocese.org.

 

DERRY DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES 2022

The Derry Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes will resume this year, from 3^rd to 8^th July.  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 am – 1 pm from 3^rd March.  Tel:  028 7126 0293 or email derrypilgrim@outlook.com.

 

PILGRIMAGE TO FATIMA

Escorted group Pilgrimage.  7 nights departing from Dublin with 20 kgs check-in-bag.  Staying in 4 Star Styler Hotel with breakfast, lunch and evening meal each day.  Excursion to Santarem, guided tour of Aljustrel and sights relating to the apparitions in the surrounding area.  Cost: £679 per person sharing.  For more information, contact Bridie Gallagher on 028 2564 4181.  Pick up Points:  Oak Leaf Restaurant, Castledawson Roundabout and Ballymena.

 

STRESS CONTROL ONLINE  

Stress is a normal reaction to the rapidly changing and uncertain times we are all living in at the moment.  If you are feeling a bit more stressed than usual and would like to learn some great ways, free-of-charge, to deal with common problems like anxiety, depression, panicky feelings, poor sleep and poor wellbeing then come along to our online Stress Control class.  ‘Stress Control’ is a six-session cognitive-behavioural therapy class used extensively in community-settings by the NHS (UK) and HSE (Ireland) and across the world.  You can find out more here: https://ni.stresscontrol.org/

As you can’t come to a regular Stress Control class due to the current circumstances, Stress Control will come to you and live stream the sessions.  Each session will be available on the YouTube channel from 9 am and will remain available until 8 am the morning of the next session, e.g. Session One will be available from 9 am on Monday 9^th May and will be taken down at 8 am on Thursday 12^th May.  Session Two will then premiere at 9 am.

The sessions will be led by Dr. Jim White, consultant clinical psychologist, who created the class and who has taught most of the NHS (UK) and HSE (Ireland) trainers who would normally be running classes across the country.

To take part:

1. Go to https://ni.stresscontrol.org/ where you can learn more about the class and get the dates. Everything you need to successfully complete the class – the booklets, self-assessment, relaxation and mindfulness – can be found in the ‘Free zone’.  If you can, please read, and start working on, the booklets in the ‘Preparing for the course’ section before Session 1.

2. On the homepage, click on the ‘Stress Control Online’ link to access our YouTube channel where the classes will be available to view at the scheduled times. If you click the ‘Subscribe’ button on our YouTube page (free), you will receive notifications when a new session is available.  You can also follow this link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdCfzKgmXbB30baWLv6L5-g

3. The session will begin exactly on time, so make sure you are there from the start. Sessions run for about 90 minutes and there will be a 10-minute break in the middle.

4. Each session is one piece of the jigsaw in tackling your Stress. By coming to each class, the jigsaw will form, and the big picture can emerge, making you better able to handle your stress.  This is cognitive-behavioural therapy so it is crucial you practice the skills you will learn between sessions.

Life is very hard for us just now and there are no easy solutions or magic cures, but, with hard work and determination, we can boost our resilience to cope with these difficult times and come out the other end stronger. Please pass this on to anyone who you think might benefit from the class.