Bulletin: 11th September 2022

PARISH BULLETIN – 24^th SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME – 11^th September 2022

 

SUNDAY MASSES

VIGIL MASS

Holy Rosary, Ballinascreen:                6 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

St. Eugene’s, Moneyneena:               12 noon

 

 

WEEKDAY MASSES THIS WEEK

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:

 

Kevin Donnelly, 21 Moorside Villas; Patrick Bradley, Dungiven and Maureen Kelly, Belfast, who were buried during the week.

 

Sean Diamond, Pat Hughes and Paddy Henry who died recently.

 

Eddie Higgins, Bella Murray, James O’Hagan, James Fullen, Francie Walls, Michelle McDaid and Michael McGurk whose anniversaries occur at this time.

 

MONTH’S MIND MASS

The Month’s Mind Mass for Paddy Henry, 132 Tobermore Road, will be celebrated on Friday 16^th September at 11 am in St. Mary’s Church, Coolcalm.

 

____________________________________________________________

 

THANK YOU for your generous contributions to the Parish.

Last Week:

Sunday Collection/Priests’ Collection envelopes:  £872.75.

Restoration Fund envelopes:  £655.00.

 

PARISH SICK VISITATION

During the pandemic the greatest loss to parish life has been the cancellation of regular visitation by the priests to the sick and housebound.  Many who were already familiar with isolation and loneliness on top of their medical situation were the most impacted in the community by Covid 19.  Thankfully, we have received this week an email from Bishop McKeown informing us that regular visitation of the sick may be resumed.  However, he realised that many parishes will have begun new ways of sick visitation during the pandemic that respected social distancing, etc.

For the past year Fr Madden and Fr McGirr have been visiting the sick of the parish over weeks, rather than over two days.  This allowed them to sit that bit longer to chat and pray with those they visit. They will continue to do this and those being visited will be contacted beforehand. Covid is still a part of life and the visitation of the sick on this basis, ensures that the spread of the virus is minimised as the protection of the sick and vulnerable of the parish continues to be our priority.  As always, should someone feel the need to receive a visit from a priest, Fr Madden and Fr McGirr will be very glad to oblige.  Please keep the sick of the parish in your prayers.

 

This coming week Fr. McGirr will visit the sick on Iniscarn, Gortahurk, Brackaghlislea and Nutgrove Roads.

 

KNOCKNAGIN HALL COMMITTEE

Lough Derg One-Day Retreat:  A bus will leave Coolcalm Chapel on Saturday 24^th September.  Cost £15 payable on booking.  Admission to the island will cost €45, includes refreshments and lunch.  Please contact Lawrence on 078 8981 0947 or Olive on 078 8761 4094.

SPRED Group Coffee Morning Fundraiser ‘Coffee Morning on Sunday’ on Sunday 11^th September from 10.30 am to 1 pm.  Your support would be much appreciated please.

Christmas Craft Fair:  Back this year on Sunday 13^th November, starting at 10.30 am until 4 pm.   1 table £20, 2 tables £30.  £10 deposit to pay when booking.  For further details, contact Monica on 075 9406 1178 or Olive on 078 8761 4094.

Chair Exercise with Thomasina on Tuesday mornings at 10 am.  Admission £4.  Everyone welcome.

Knit and Natter Class will resume on Tuesday 13^th September at 7.30 pm.  You can bring along your own work, have a natter and we will learn from each other.

Line Dancing with Thomasina on Wednesday 28^th September (if numbers are sufficient).  Please contact Olive or Kathleen if you are interested.

If you are interested in any of the above activities, please contact Olive 078 8761 4094, Kathleen 077 6427 7809 or Anne 028 7964 2711.

Knocknagin Hall Committee A.G.M. on Wednesday 21^st September at 8 pm.  This is an open meeting.  Everyone welcome to attend.

 

SLIEVE GALLION ACTIVE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION

SGARA Monthly meeting will be held in St. Mary’s Hall, Desertmartin on Monday 12^th September at 8 pm.  New members welcome.  Contact Chris for any enquiries on 075 4601 0560.

 

SARFIELD’S BAND

Sarsfield’s Band and Div. 30 offers its sincere sympathy and condolences to the families of Kevin Donnelly, Paddy Henry, Paddy Bradley, Dungiven, Charlie Higgins, Magherafelt and Ryan Spears, Loup.

The AOH annual Pilgrimage to Knock will take place on Saturday 8^th October, depending on numbers.  Bus fare plus full breakfast and evening meal £45.  Anyone interested, contact Seamus on 078 8081 6392 asap.

Band practice resumes on Thursday nights.  Please note new starting time of 7.30 pm.  New members are always welcome

The winner of the September Draw:  Ticket no. 86, £50 to Maura Quinn, Swatragh.

 

ST. MARY’S BOWLING CLUB

St. Mary’s Bowling Club on Tuesday nights.  After two seasons interrupted due to COVID, we are hoping to welcome back all previous members plus anyone who would like to try out the game.  Play commences at 8 pm and usually runs to 9.30-10 pm.

 

KILCRONAGHAN CENTRE

Build a Scarecrow Competition – Kilcronaghan Centre is seeking entries from families, schools, youth groups or individuals for their new Build a Scarecrow Competition.  Be as original as you want.  Scarecrows are to be brought to the Vintage Rally and Family Fun Day on Saturday 24^th September and there will be prizes for 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd place.  Free registration between 11 am and 1 pm on the day.

Family Dog Show will return to the Kilcronaghan Vintage Rally & Family Fun Day on Saturday 24^th September.  £2 to register your dog from 11 am and there will be various classes available to enter.  Prizes on the day.  More details on both above events on Kilcronaghan facebook page or message 07821963749.

Yoga with Angela begins on Thursday 22^nd September, 10.30 am – 12 noon for 6 weeks.

Watercolours with George Gourley begins on Monday 3^rd October, 10 am – 12 noon for 4 weeks.

Creative Writing with Maura Johnston begins on Tuesday 4^th October, 10.30 am – 12 noon for 9 weeks.

Our annual Vintage Rally, Craft Fair and Family Fun Day returns this year on Saturday 24^th September at 11 am.  We are taking bookings for craft tables now – drop us a message if you’re interested in reserving a space.  Text 078 2196 3749, ring 028 7962 7826 or PM Kilcronaghan facebook for more details and to book your place.

 

IRISH LANGUAGE CLASSES

Classes for adults recommence on Thursday 6^th October from 7.30 pm – 9 pm in Glór na Speiríní, Straw.  Cost for 10 weeks is £30.  Classes to suit all levels from beginners to advanced.  To register or for more details, please email conchurglor@gmail.com or fón 028 7962 7703 nó 077 9553 6682.  Tá fáilte roimh chách – Everyone welcome.

 

PALLIATIVE CARE WEEK

Annual Palliative Care Week, from Sunday 11^th to Saturday 17^th September.  The theme this year is ‘Palliative Care:  Living As Well As Possible’.  The week offers an opportunity to raise awareness of the positive impact that palliative care has on the lives of people with life-limiting illnesses and their families; allowing them to live their lives as fully as they can.  For details please visit: thepalliativehub.com/public-awareness.

 

MAGHERA LIBRARY FREE CLASS

Free eBooks and eMagazine Class – Come along and find out how to access eBooks and eMagazines for free on your compatible device in Maghera Library on Wednesday 14^th September from 2 pm – 4 pm.  Booking essential.  Ask staff for details on 028 7964 2578 or email maghera.library@librariesni.org.uk.

 

THE MEN FOR CHRIST CONFERENCE 2022 

The Men for Christ Conference 2022, a Catholic Conference for Men will be Live and Exclusive on Radio Maria Ireland on Saturday 17^th September from 2 pm.  Speakers for this year’s Conference are Fr. Jamie Twohig SAC, John Pridmore, David Quinn and Fr. Marius O’Reilly.

 

ST. PIO PILGRIMAGE TO KNOCK SHRINE

The National Pilgrimage in honour of St. Pio takes place at Our Lady’s Shrine at Knock on Sunday 18^th September.  Coach leaving Holy Rosary Church, Draperstown at 7 am, returning 10 pm approx.  Fare £30, including breakfast payable on booking.  Contact:  078 3636 6949, 077 3212 5316 or 028 7962 8920.

 

THE VOICE OF PADRE PIO MAGAZINE

The annual subscriptions for the magazine are now due and will cover you receiving your magazine every second month throughout the year until August 2023.  If you wish to get this interesting and informative St. Pio magazine, posted directly to your home from San Giovanni Rotondo, please enclose £14 in a sealed envelope with your name and full address and leave into Ballinascreen Parish Office by Monday 26^th September.  Thank you.

 

DERRY YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP

Derry Youth is taking expressions of interest for the Derry Youth Scholarship Programme.  This is a year-long programme for young people in 6^th Form or doing their Leaving Cert.  The programme provides opportunities for young people to meet others from across the diocese, to come together to explore their faith, to meet new friends, gain training and learn new skills, and work with a charitable organisation.  If you are interested in this programme or would like more information, please message us @Derryyouth on social media or email Niamh at niamh.mclaughlin@derrydiocese.org.

 

GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS

Is Gambling affecting your life?  Perhaps we can help.  Tel 028 7135 1329.

 

SAFEGUARDING SUNDAY – 18^th SEPTEMBER
Safeguarding Sunday is a chance to shine a light on what our diocese is doing to ensure our parish communities and our places of worship are safe environments.  Protecting children, and adults at risk, is at the heart of the Church’s message.  The National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland has developed comprehensive safeguarding standards which are designed to support best practice in providing safe environments and child-protection procedures.  The Diocese of Derry, along with all Church bodies, is committed to complying with these standards.  This year’s Safeguarding Sunday Mass takes place next Sunday, 18th September 2022, at 3:00pm in St Columb’s Church, Waterside, Derry.  We take this opportunity to thank and pray for those who have stepped up to co-ordinate safeguarding in our church so that we can ensure the protection of children and adults at risk.
We believe that safeguarding is an outworking of our faith in a loving and just God – the God who calls us to speak up on behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves and to defend the rights of the vulnerable (Proverbs 31:8).

 

SMA NOVENA 2022

SMA Novena 2022 in honour of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus, Patroness of the Missions from Friday 23^rd September to Saturday 1^st October.  Daily Mass and Novena Prayers at 10 am and 7.30 pm in the S.M.A. Chapel, Dromantine.  All welcome.  Also available via webcam at www.sma.ie.

 

LOUGH DERG ONE-DAY RETREATS 

Lough Derg One-Day Retreats will be held on 13^th, 17^th, 18^th, 24^th and 25^th September.  Booking is essential.  Admission €45 p.p., includes all refreshments, lunch, return boat service, full retreat programme, free car and coach parking.  Boats available from 9.15 am on the day, retreat begins at 10.30 am, finishing at 4.30 pm.  For booking and further information, tel. 00353 71 9861518, online:  www.loughderg.org or email:  info@loughderg.org.

 

LOUGH DERG DAY OF PRAYER FOR PEACE IN UKRAINE

The One Day Retreat on Sunday 25th September will have the special focus of praying for an end to the conflict in Ukraine.  Guest Speaker, refugee, Halyna Tesluk, Associate Professor of Old Testament at The Ukrainian Catholic University.  More information at www.loughderg.org.  Boats from 9.15 am.  Retreat Programme begins at 10.15 am.  Boats return at 4.30 pm.  Morning coffee and lunch included.  Booking essential.  Special discounted rate of €25 for Ukrainian refugees (must be booked by telephone:  00353 71 9861518.  Full price €45.

 

DERRY DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO KNOCK SHRINE

Derry Diocesan Pilgrimage to Knock Shrine on Saturday 24^th September led by Bishop Donal McKeown.  Stations of the Cross at 2 pm followed by Mass at 3 pm with Sacrament of the Sick.  Buses will travel from a variety of pick-up points.  For further information, please contact Fr. Patrick Lagan at St. Eugene’s Cathedral on 028 7126 2894 or email the Cathedral parish office at cathedral@derrydiocese.org.

 

QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY CATHOLIC CHAPLIANCY

The Chaplaincy at Queen’s University Belfast looks forward to reopening for the new academic year from Monday 12^th September.  Open during term from 10 am to 10 pm Monday through Thursday and Fridays 10 am to 3 pm, the Chaplaincy provides vital pastoral and faith supports to students, offering them a home-from-home during their time at University.  More on what’s on offer can be found at qubcatholic.org.  Mosaic Café is open Monday through Friday from 10 am to 3 pm and the ever-popular Sunday evening Mass, open to the University community and wider public, resumes from Sunday 18^th September at 8 pm.  Spread the word, especially with any incoming or returning students.

 

PILGRIMAGE TO THE HOLY LAND

Bishop Donal McKeown will lead a pilgrimage to the Holy Land from 13^th – 21^st February 2023.  Visiting Bethlehem, Nazareth, Jerusalem, the Sea of Galilee and other important sites, this is an opportunity to walk in the footsteps of Jesus.  Price is €1,895 / £1,655 p.p.s. including taxes and tips.  For more details, email info@marian.ie or call Belfast on 028 9568 0005 or Dublin on 00353 1 878 8159.

 

PATHWAYS – ADULT FAITH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
Two-year, part-time course, now enrolling for 2022-2023 intake.  Have you ever thought about exploring your faith or wished that you could broaden your understanding of your faith?  Would you like to explore, discuss and reflect upon issues and questions of faith, the Church, and how to link faith to life?  If the answer is ‘yes’, then Pathways may be for you.  The course runs one Saturday per month (10 am – 4.30 pm) from October to June, either in-house at Drumalis, Larne, or online via Zoom.  To register for Pathways, please contact Drumalis during office hours (Monday – Friday 9 am – 5 pm) on 028 2827 6455 / 2827 2196 or email maura@drumalis.co.uk.  Further information also available on Drumalis website: http://www.drumalis.co.uk.

 

ENERGY OF LIGHT DISCOS AT MILLENNIUM FORUM

We are excited to see the return of our 15+ Energy of Light Disco on Friday 30^th September at 8.30 pm.  We now also have a Kids (0-8 years) at 4 pm – 5 pm and Juniors (9-14 years) 5 pm – 6 pm on Saturday 24^th September.  Our discos are aimed at those experiencing limited physical, sensory and or learning disability.  Tickets are £3 with carers and parents going free – complimentary tea/coffee provided.  Tickets for this performances are on sale through our box office (028 7126 4455 choose option 1) or at our website www.millenniumforum.co.uk.

 

GROWTH IN PRAYER AND REFLECTIVE LIVING
Do you feel restless, do you sense there is a deeper meaning to life, that God is out there but you feel disconnected?  The Growth in Prayer and Reflective Living may be for you.  This 20 session course via Zoom between September and March is based on the insights of Ignatian Spirituality.  For further details, have a look at the Drumalis Facebook page or website or contact Drumalis during office hours (Monday – Friday 9 am – 5 pm) on 028 2827 6455 / 2827 2196 or email drumalis@btconnect.com.

 

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 us on 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, we are taking expression of interest until we have more information on dates, times and prices.  We have limited space so signing up is essential.  You can register your interest on the derrydiocese.org website or on the @derryyouth Facebook page.  If you have any questions regarding this pilgrimage, please email Lizzie Rea, Youth Coordinator at: lizzie.rea@derrydiocese.org

 

HIGHER DIPLOMA/DIPLOMA IN PASTORAL LITURGY

The National Centre for Liturgy at Maynooth University invites applicants for this blended learning course which will combine online modules with some on-campus learning.  For more details, please log onto www.maynoothcollege.ie/courses.  Closing date for applications is 9^th September.  Course will commence on 23^rd September.

 

MASTERS IN CATHOLIC SCHOOL LEADERSHIP

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.  Applications for the Autumn intake close on 30^th September.  If you require any further information, please contact the Derry Diocesan Catechetical Centre on 028 7126 4087 or email tferry@derrydiocese.org.

 

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 12^th September and will be taken down at 8 am on Thursday 15^th September.  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.