Bulletin: 27th November 2022

PARISH BULLETIN – 1^st SUNDAY OF ADVENT – 27^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:  Monday ~ 7.30 pm; Tuesday, Thursday and Friday ~ 11 am. [webcam]

 

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:

 

Martina Thayaparan, Mallon Villas; Barbara Rose Di Felice, Philadelphia and Stanley Bell, Cookstown who died during the week.

 

Josie Trainor, Thomas McFlynn, Anna Sweeney, Kathleen Toner and Rose McWilliams who died recently.

 

Bridie McGuigan, Brackalislea, whose First Anniversary occurs at this time.

 

Mickey Joe McGuigan, Cecilia McBride, Baby Roseanne Molloy, Pat McBride, Seamus Scullion, Rose Walls, Dominic Wilson, Tommy O’Kane, May McGuigan and Elizabeth and Michael McGuigan whose anniversaries occur at this time.

 

____________________________________________________________

BAPTISM

We welcome into God’s family through the Sacrament of Baptism:

Croía Rose McFlynn, 4A Craigmore Road, Moneymore.

 

THANK YOU for your generous contributions to the Parish.

Last Week:

Retired Priests Collection envelopes:  £685.00.

 

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 SICK VISITATION

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

 

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.

 

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

 

TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS 2022 DRAW

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.

 

ADVENT DEVOTIONS 2022

All Devotions listed below will be held in Holy Rosary Church.  All welcome.

First Sunday of Advent ~ Sunday 27^th November at 5 pm ~ Our Lady Untier of Knots.

Second Sunday of Advent ~ Sunday 4^th December at 5 pm ~ St. Joseph, Sleeping on Our Worries.

Third Sunday of Advent, Gaudete Sunday ~ 11^th December at 5 pm ~ The Joy of God’s Forgiveness – Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Fourth Sunday of Advent ~ Sunday 18^th December at 6 pm ~ Ballinascreen Parish Carol Service

 

PRAYER FOR THE RETURN OF THE DISAPPEARED

As we look forward to Christmas on this First Sunday of Advent, the birth of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, calls on us to remember those families whose hearts are not at peace because the bodies of their loved ones don’t rest in peace at a place where families can visit and lay flowers like we all do.  Please pick up a prayer card at the back of the church and remember them.  Pray that they be found and given the dignity of Christian Burial and their families the consolation of a grave they can visit at Christmas, on Cemetery Sunday and all other times.

 

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.

The Band has produced 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 from band members.

Band Practice continues every Thursday at the new starting time of 7.15 pm to 8.30 pm.  New and past members welcome.

 

KNOCKNAGIN HALL COMMITTEE

Social Dance:  Next dance date is Friday 9^th December.  Music by Country Memories.  Dancing from 9 pm – 12 midnight.  Admission £7 includes light supper.

Keep Monday 26^th December free.  Boxing Night Dance.  Music by Francis Faulkner.

SPRED Group breaks for Christmas.  Will resume on Monday 16^th January 2023.

Chair Exercise with Thomasina on Tuesday mornings at 10 am followed by a short walk.  Admission £4.  Everyone welcome.

Knit and Natter Class meets 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.  Admission £4.

Here And Now:  Older People and Well-Being with Charmaine from Arts Care on Friday 25^th November 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.

Christmas Wreath Making with Mary on Monday 19^th December at 7 pm.

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.

 

TIRGAN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

Christmas Shopping Trip:  The bus for the shopping trip to Sligo on Saturday 3^rd December will leave Tirgan Hall at 8.30 am sharp.

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.

 

KILCRONAGHAN CENTRE CHRISTMAS EVENTS

Deck the Halls with Boughs of Holly on Monday 5^th December.  Cost £3, includes refreshments.  Choose from 10 am – 12 noon or 7 pm – 9 pm.  A festive demonstration filled with ideas on how to decorate your home naturally using greenery and foliage from your garden or local countryside.

Christmas Gift Wrapping with a Difference on Monday 12^th December.  Cost £3, includes refreshments.  Choose from 10 am – 12 noon or 7 pm – 9 pm.  Join us in this inspiring festive demonstration and we will show you how to wrap even the most awkward shaped present.  Use materials you have in your home and get gift ideas for those hardest to buy for.

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

 

CHILDREN IN CROSSFIRE ADVENT APPEAL BOXES

Children in Crossfire Advent Appeal Boxes are available at the back of the church.  As we all know, drinking dirty water costs lives, particularly children’s lives.  Up to 70,000 per year in Ethiopia alone because of water-related diseases. Our 2022 Appeal aims to build 6 new wells in rural communities in Ethiopia, providing clean safe water for thousands.  Thank you for your support.

 

COLUMBA COMMUNITY ADVENT RETREAT

The Columba Community invites you to our Advent Retreat entitled ‘It is the Lord’ being held at St. Anthony’s Retreat Centre on Sunday 4^th December at 11 am – 4 pm.  Holy Mass will be celebrated by Fr. Michael Sweeney and lunch is included.  Suggested donation £20.  Booking Essential.  Contact Jacklyn on 028 7126 2407 or email columbacommunity@hotmail.com for more information.

 

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.

 

ANAM CARA DONEGAL

Anam Cara Donegal, the organisation that supports bereaved parents, is holding its monthly Parent Evening for bereaved parents on Thursday 8^th December at 7.15 pm in the Raddison Blu Hotel, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal.  This event is free and open to all bereaved parents regardless of the age your child died, the circumstances of their death, or whether their death was recent or not.  We also offer an online service.  For more information call 00353 1 404 5378.

 

YOUTH 2000 PRAYER GROUP

Youth 2000 Prayer Group at Lavey Parochial House (opposite Lavey chapel) every Friday evening at 7.30 pm.  For ages 16-35.  Please contact Gemma on 079 3479 1188.

 

YOUTH 200 CHRISTMAS RETREAT

The Youth 2000 Christmas retreat will take place in Newbridge College, Newbridge, between 9^th and 11^th December.  This retreat is for anyone aged 16-35.  Great Craic!  Excellent Speakers, Inspiring Talks and Workshops, Fantastic Music, Group Activities, Youth Masses, Adoration, Reconciliation, Prayer, Drama, Games and plenty of time to chill out, meet new people and find out what it means to be young and Catholic today!  Donation only.  Free buses leaving from all over Ireland.  Register now on www.youth2000.ie.

 

DERRY DIOCESE JOB OPPORTUNITY

Cook at Banagher Parochial House, 42 Glenedra Road, Feeny, Co. Derry.  10 hours per week (hours flexible but must include Saturday 11 am to 2 pm).

For an application pack, please contact Bishop’s House, St. Eugene’s Cathedral, Francis Street, Derry BT48 9AP.  Tel. 028 7126 2302 or email:  payroll@derrydiocese.org.  Completed applications must be returned to Personnel, Bishop’s House, St. Eugene’s Cathedral, Francis Street, Derry BT48 9AP or via email to payroll@derrydiocese.org no later than 4.30 pm on 16^th December 2022.

 

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

 

ALCOHOL AWARENESS

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.

 

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.

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.

 

PILGRIMAGE TO SAN GIOVANNI AND ROME

As part of St. Eugene’s Cathedral 150^th Anniversary Celebrations, Bishop Donal McKeown will lead a pilgrimage to San Giovanni and Rome from 25^th – 30^th September 2023.  Visiting the birthplace of Padre Pio, Shrine of St. Michael Archangel, St. Peter’s Basilica and other important sites.  Price is £879 p.p.s. (Single room supplement £150).  For more details, email info@marian.ie or call Belfast on 028 9568 0005 or Dublin on 00353 1 878 8159.

 

LETTER FROM BANK OF IRELAND