Bulletin: 20th November 2022

PARISH BULLETIN – FEAST OF CHRIST THE KING – 20^th November 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. [webcam]

 

St. Patrick’s Church, Keenaught:  Wednesday ~ 7.30 pm.

 

Holy Rosary Church, Ballinascreen:  Monday and Wednesday ~ 11 am; Friday ~ 7.30 pm. [webcam]

 

 

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:

 

Josie Trainor, Moneyneena; Thomas McFlynn, Swatragh and Anna Sweeney, Birmingham who died during the week.

 

Kathleen Toner and Rose McWilliams who died recently.

 

Maggie Donnelly, Mary O’Hagan, Andrew Kearns, James Callan, Paddy Joe McGuigan, Bernard McGuigan and Johnny McDaid whose anniversaries occur at this time.

 

FIRST ANNIVERSARY MASS

The First Anniversary Mass for Bridie McGuigan, Brackalislea Road, will be celebrated on Friday 25^th November 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:  £525.00.

 

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY

If you would like to make a donation to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, place your donation in an envelope marked SVP and drop it through the Parochial House letterbox at any time.  Thank you for your kind generosity.

 

PARISH BOOKS OF REMEMBRANCE

A Book of Remembrance has been placed in St. Mary’s, Coolcalm and St. Patrick’s, Keenaught for parishioners to enrol the names of their deceased loved ones.  These books will remain in place for the month of November.

 

ANNUAL MASS FOR DECEASED PARISHIONERS

The Annual Parish Mass for Deceased Parishioners will take place this Wednesday 23^rd November at 7.30 pm in St. Patrick’s Church, Keenaught.  The names of all who died or were buried or waked 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 from 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.

 

IN MEMORY CANDLES are available at the back of the church throughout November.  Cost £1.  Please put money in the candelabra slot.

 

 

The Parish is having a CHRISTMAS DRAW this year.  There will be draws every day of the 12 days between Christmas Day and Tuesday 5^th January 2023.  As before, everyone’s ticket will be in for All the draws, which means you have 33 chances to win prizes.  Total prize fund is £5,000.  TICKETS are £20 each, available from:

• the Churches before and after Mass

• Desertmartin Parish Office on a Thursday between 10.30 am and 3 pm

• from McGirr at the Parochial House, 50 Tobermore Road

• Heron’s Gift Shop, Draperstown

• Moneyneena Post Office

A ticket would make a nice Christmas gift to send inside your Christmas cards to members of your family and friends this Christmastime.

 

If anyone would like a Ticket Posted to them, please contact Fr. McGirr on 028 7963 2196 or email desertmartinparish@gmail.com

 

PRIZES ~ on the first 10 days there are 3 prizes each day of £100.  On 11^th Day the draw will be for 2 prizes of £500 and on the 12^th and last Day of Christmas there is one final prize of £1,000.  Please let your family and friends know about our special Christmas Draw.

 

Thank you for all your generous support of the Draw last Christmas.  This year’s Draw will be essential to helping with the basic running of the parish during these times into 2023.  Good luck to everyone who enters the Twelve Days of Christmas Draw.

 

 

SARSFIELD’S BAND

The annual Mass for Deceased Members will be on Monday 28^th November at 7.30 pm in St. Mary’s, Coolcalm.  A 2023 Calendar featuring 12 photos of the band down through the ages are now on sale.  Calendars are £5 each and can be bought at band practice.  Band Practice continues every Thursday at the new starting time of 7.15 pm to 8.30 pm.  New and past members welcome.  The winner of the November Draw was Fionn McHugh, Nutgrove.

Sarsfield’s Band and Div. 30 offer sincere sympathy and condolences to the Rocks and Bradley families on the death of Alice Rocks, Ballinderry, and to the McBrearty and French families on the death of Kathleen McBrearty, Feeny, also to Fr. McGirr and his family on the death of his aunt Mrs. Anna Sweeney.

 

KNOCKNAGIN HALL COMMITTEE

SPRED Group:  Meets every other Monday at 7 pm – 8.30 pm for socializing, fun and games.  Next Meeting on Monday 21^st November at 7 pm.

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

Knit and Natter Class meet on Tuesday evenings at 7.30 pm.

Indoor Bowls on Tuesday nights at 8 pm.  Come along and try the game.

Line Dancing with Thomasina on Wednesday evenings at 7.30 pm – 8.30 pm.  Admission £4.

Here And Now:  Older People and Well-Being with Charmaine from Arts Care on Fridays at 7 pm for a Music and Dance programme.  Come along and enjoy the craic.  Open to all over 55s.  This is a funded programme.  Free admission.

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 to register.

 

SLIEVEGALLION PRESCHOOL

Slievegallion Preschool will be holding a Christmas Craft Fair with Santa’s Grotto on Saturday 26^th November from 10 am – 1 pm.  This will be held in Desertmartin Gaelic Hall.  Adults are £3 entry which includes tea, coffee, shortbread and mince pies and Children are £4 entry which includes visit to Santa and a present.  Everyone welcome.  Come along to pick up some gift ideas for Christmas.

 

SIXTOWNS CROSS COMMUNITY GROUP

Coffee morning and Christmas Market will take place at Sixtowns Hall on Sunday 27^th November from 12 noon – 3 pm.  All proceeds go towards the hall’s maintenance and running costs.  Donations of baked goods would be very welcome.  Please get in touch with Emma on 077 6928 9385 if you can assist.

 

KILCRONAGHAN CENTRE CHRISTMAS EVENTS

Porcelain Christmas Tree Decorations Workshop on Monday 28^th November, 10 am – 1 pm.  Cost £5, includes all materials and festive refreshments.

Deck the Halls With Boughs of Holly on Monday 5^th December.  Cost £3, includes festive refreshments.  Choose from 10 am – 12 noon OR 7 pm – 9 pm.  Enjoy a demonstration filled with ideas for you to decorate your home naturally.  Learn how to create simple and cost effective decorations / door wreaths / garlands with greenery and foliage from your garden or local countryside.

Christmas Gift Wrapping With a Difference on Monday 12^th December.  Cost £3, includes festive refreshments.  Choose from 10 am – 12 noon OR 7 pm – 9 pm.  You will be shown how to wrap even the most awkward shaped present.  Use materials you have in your home, watch how to make your own gift paper and even get gift ideas for those hardest to buy for.

Places MUST be booked for all these events.  To book ring / text or WhatsApp 078 2196 3749 or PM KilcronaghanFacebook or email manager@kilcronaghan.co.uk.

 

TIRGAN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

Christmas Craft Fair and Car Boot Sale on Sunday 11^th December from 11 am to 3 pm.  There are a few remaining tables free for the craft fair.  If you’re interested in booking a table, contact Eileen on 079 5519 1890.  £20 per table or two for £30.  There is also a car boot sale on the day for anyone doing a clear out before Christmas – £10 per car.  Tea and treats available on the day.

Boxing Day Challenge ~ Registration on the morning at 9 am, event starts at 10 am.  Cost £10.  10km run/walk up the mountain or shorter run/walk 3.71 km.  Further details to follow.

 

PLEDGE FOR NOVEMBER

Many people offer spiritual support to a relation who is struggling because of alcohol or an addiction problem.  Parishioners who wish to take a short-term Pioneer pledge during the month of the Holy Souls are invited to visit www.pioneers.ie/pray.

 

ALCOHOL AWARENESS WEEK

Al-Anon groups provide family support to anyone whose life is or has been affected by someone else’s drinking.  All meetings are listed on the website or call Confidential Helpline on 028 9068 2368 between 10 am – 1 pm or 6 pm – 10 pm Monday to Friday.

 

LONG TOWER NOVENA

Annual Solemn Novena in St. Columba’s Long Tower, Derry this Sunday 20^th November at 6 pm.  The theme of this year’s Novena is ‘What do I believe?  Exploring our faith in the Creed’.  This week’s guest speaker is Michael Kelly who will speak on ‘the Communion of Saints’.  Michael is an award-winning writer and broadcaster specialising in religious and social affairs.  He is Managing Editor of ‘The Irish Catholic’ newspaper, a weekly columnist with ‘The Irish Independent’ and a regular guest on television and radio, providing commentary and translation services for RTÉ religious programmes from across Europe.  Michael has also published ‘How to defend the Faith without raising your voice’ (2018) with Columba Press and recently published ‘An Irish Pilgrimage Guide to the Holy Land’ (Columba Press, 2022).  All welcome.

 

CATHOLIC MOTHERS GROUP

The Catholic Mothers Group will host a Retreat in Termonbacca on Saturday 26^th November.  This all-day Retreat will begin at 10 am with registration.  Come and join us for a day away from the busyness of motherhood and take time for prayer, restoration and encouragement.  Contact Sinead for further information and to register on 075 2310 4760 or 086 052 8282.

 

ADVENT REFLECTION

Advent Reflection at Dromantine Retreat Centre from Tuesday 13^th December at 4 pm to Wednesday 14^th December at 5 pm in preparation for Christmas.  Hosted by the SMA Community, it includes Sacrament of Reconciliation, Eucharist and Anointing of the Sick.  Cost:  £120.  To book, tel 028 3082 1224 or email admin@dromantineconference.com.

 

DIOCESAN VOCATIONS

Anyone interested in serving the Diocese of Derry as a priest should contact their local priest(s) and/or the diocesan Vocations Director, Fr. Pat O’Hagan, P.P., Bellaghy, at pgoh2111@gmail.com

 

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.

 

MID ULSTER COUNCIL PUBLIC CONSULTATION EVENTS 

Mid Ulster Council Reminder for the Public Consultation Events regarding the development of a Mid Ulster Peaceplus Local Community Action Plan on the following dates and locations – Wednesday 23^rd November at 2 pm Online and Friday 25^th November at 2 pm at the Council Office Magherafelt, Ballyronan Road.  To register, please contact Danielle McCann, email danielle.mccann@midulstercouncil.org or telephone 03000 132 132  ext: 24614.  If you are unable to attend any of the events, you can still contribute your views by completing the Concept Form online at https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/MUDCPPActionPlan or in hardcopy form at any of the main Council Offices in Dungannon, Cookstown or Magherafelt.

 

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.

 

PILGRIMAGE TO MEDJUGORJE 2023

Seven Nights Pilgrimage to Medjugorje from 24^th May – 31^st May 2023.  Spiritual Director will be Fr. Séamus Kelly.  Bed/Breakfast and dinner, price is £799.  Offer of special price for early booking:  £699 – if paid before 5^th December 2022.  Money must be paid in full.  Contact Martina for further information. Phone 028 7774 1219 or 077 1549 0880.

 

LOURDES PILGRIMAGE 2023

The Irish Pilgrimage Trust Pilgrimage to Lourdes – Easter 2023.  The Irish Pilgrimage Trust travels to Lourdes every Easter Sunday with young people and children from all over Ireland.  Groups are now accepting applications from young people of all religious denominations with:

• A medical condition, physical disability or illness (aged 9-18)

• A learning disability (aged 11-21)

•  Very seriously ill children under the age of 9, accompanied by a parent or close relative

•  Young adults between the age of 19 and 30 with a disability or illness.

The young person travels without their family but accompanied by experienced adult carers in the group.  This week is a great experience for the young person as they have the opportunity to make new friends, increase their social skills and confidence and often provides respite for parents/carers.  The Irish Pilgrimage Trust covers the cost of those young people selected to travel.  If there is a young person that you feel would be eligible and would benefit from a trip to Lourdes please contact Mary Dunnion on 00353 87 796 2047 or Aileen Henry on 00353 87 206 3183 for further details and an application form.  Please note closing date for applications is 31^st October.

Have you ever wanted to volunteer and help others?  If you are interested in volunteering with The Irish Pilgrimage Trust to travel to Lourdes as a carer for a week next Easter, please contact Mary on 00353 87 796 2047 for more information.  All volunteers pay their own fare which is €750 for adults or €495 for students.  More details can be found on our website www.irishpilgrimagetrust.ie.

 

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