Bulletin: 11th December 2022

PARISH BULLETIN – 3^rd SUNDAY OF ADVENT ~ GAUDETE SUNDAY – 11^th December 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]

 

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:

 

Canon Pat Kelly RIP

It is with sorrow that the death is announced of Canon Pat Kelly, retired Parish Priest of Holy Name, Mansewood.  Fr. Pat was born and raised in Desertmartin over 97 years ago and served as a priest of the Archdiocese of Glasgow.  A frequent visitor home, until ill health prevented his return over the past few years, he was well known in Desertmartin and will be missed as much here in Desertmartin as he will be in his adopted Diocese of Glasgow.  Canon Kelly died at the St. Joseph’s Care Home run by the Little Sisters of the Poor in Robroyston.

The Reception of Remains and Vigil will take place at Holy Name, Mansewood, on Wednesday 14^th December at 6.30 pm.  The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Name on Thursday 15^th December at 12.30 pm.  Canon Pat’s remains will thereafter be taken to Desertmartin for burial.  Requiem Mass will be celebrated in St. Patrick’s, Keenaught at 2 pm on Friday 16^th December followed by burial at Keenaught.

Fr. (later Canon) Kelly was P.P. at Holy Name for nearly 23 years and had the pleasure of the Official Opening and Consecration of the new church on 21^st October 1984 by Archbishop Thomas Winning, assisted by his auxiliaries, Bishop Charles Renfrew and Bishop John Mone.  Requiescat in pace.

 

Anne O’Hagan, 30 Garden Street, Magherafelt; Bridget Loughran, Davagh Road; Frank Donnelly, Bancran; Mary Brigid McCrystal, Parkmore Close, Magherafelt and Anna Sweeney, Birmingham, who were buried during the week.

 

Eileen Mitchell, Martina Thayaparan, Barbara Rose Di Felice and Stanley Bell who died recently.

 

Pat McCluskey, Patrick McGuigan, Johnny O’Hagan, Pat O’Neill, Gerald O’Neill, Frankie McCann, Annie Henry, Agnes Walls, Annie Kelly (Dan), Annie Mary Scullion and John Fitzgerald McGuigan whose anniversaries occur at this time.

 

____________________________________________________________

 

THANK YOU for your generous contributions to the Parish.

Last Week:

Sunday/Priest’s Collection envelopes:  £742.00.

Restoration Fund envelopes:  £608.75.

Retired Priests’ Collection envelopes:  £25.00 (total so far £871.00).

 

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL ANNUAL COLLECTION

Thank You ~ The local SVP Conference wish to sincerely thank parishioners for their great generosity last weekend when their Annual SVP Christmas Collection was taken up.  Donations may still be made this Sunday at the weekend Masses or left in at the Parochial House during the week (write SVP on the envelope).

 

BAMBINELLI SUNDAY

At all Masses this weekend you are invited to bring to Mass the figure of the Child Jesus from the Crib in your home for a special blessing on what is traditionally called Bambinelli Sunday.  If you are watching Mass online the special blessing will extend to the figure of the Child Jesus in the Crib in your home.

 

 

PENITENTIAL SERVICES

The joy of God’s forgiveness ~ Sacrament of Reconciliation in:

Holy Rosary Church (today) Gaudete Sunday 11^th December at 5 pm.

St. Patrick’s Church, Keenaught on Tuesday 13^th December at 7.30 pm.

All welcome.

 

 

ST. MARY’S PRIMARY SCHOOL, DRAPERSTOWN, DIAMOND JUBILEE MASS

The Board of Governors of St. Mary’s P.S., Draperstown would like to invite everyone to a Mass in Holy Rosary Church on Monday 12^th December at 6 pm to celebrate the 60^th Anniversary of the opening of the school.  Refreshments will be served in the school after the Mass.

 

 

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.

Good luck to everyone who enters the Twelve Days of Christmas Draw.

 

CHRISTMAS CAROL SERVICE

Christmas Carol Service will take place next Sunday 18^th December in Holy Rosary Church at 6 pm.  All welcome.  During the service a collection of non-perishable foodstuffs will be taken up on behalf of the St. Vincent de Paul Society.  This year’s appeal is more important than in previous years as the demand has become much greater.  Please remember this appeal when shopping this week.  Thank you.

 

SARSFIELD’S BAND

All Band members are asked to attend band practice on Thursday night in preparation to attend a recital at Marriot House on Saturday 17^th December.

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 any band member.

 

KNOCKNAGIN HALL COMMITTEE

Social Dance:  Keep Monday 26^th December free.  Boxing Night Dance.  Music by Francis Faulkner.  Dancing from 9 pm – 12 midnight.  Admission £7 includes light supper.

Christmas Wreath Making with Mary on Monday 19^th December at 7 pm.  Only a few places left.

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 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.

 

TIRGAN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

Christmas Craft Fair and Car Boot Sale on Sunday 11^th December from 11 am to 3 pm.  Tea and treats available on the day.

Boxing Day 10km challenge with 3.5km fun walk ~ Inaugural Boxing Day 10k challenge set on the picturesque Slieve Gallion mountain.  Challenge yourself this Boxing Day and work off the turkey and Christmas pudding by taking part in the 10k to Slieve Gallion summit and back.  In order to cater for all abilities we will also be holding a 3.5k fun walk.  Tickets cost £10 (£5 for walk) and include festive refreshments on return to Tirgan Hall.  Prizes available.  Starts and finishes at Tirgan Hall.  Register online at www.eventbrite.co.uk.

 

DESERTMARTIN GAC WEDNESDAY NIGHT WALKING CLUB

Desertmartin GAC invites you to its Winter Walking Club from 6.30 pm to 9 pm every Wednesday night until Wednesday 22^nd February 2023 around the Club’s fully lit walking track.  Everyone welcome.  All ages, all abilities, wheelchair and pram friendly.  Dogs on leads welcome.  Do as much or as little as you want.  Set your own targets.  How far can you go?  Come along and enjoy some walking, some talking, a cup of tea and a bit of craic in the community hub.  Beat those winter blues, keep fit and meet some friends.  Free to all.  Looking forward to seeing you.

 

KNOCKNAGIN PRIMARY SCHOOL

Knocknagin Primary School is hosting a ‘Breakfast With Santa’ on Saturday 17^th December in St. Mary’s Hall from 9 am to 12 noon.  Voluntary donations at the door.  Everyone Welcome.

 

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.

 

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.

 

CHRISTMAS PRAYER RESOURCE

At Christmas we celebrate the gift of Jesus, our hope and peace, Jesus, the light of the world.  We pray this Christmas that each of us will rediscover the meaning of Our Lord’s Nativity and the great hope that it proclaims for the world.  You are invited to spend time with scripture, reflection and prayer.  A Christmas prayer resource is available to download on the Diocese of Derry website for private prayer at the church or home, to share with a neighbour who may have no online access or for a time to gather each day with your family.  The booklet can be downloaded at: https://www.derrydiocese.org/news/12-days-of-christmas-2022

 

WALK IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE HOLY FAMILY THIS CHRISTMAS

Walk in the footsteps of the Holy Family this Christmas: ‘An Irish Pilgrimage Guide to the Holy Land’ is a new book by Michael Kelly, Editor of ‘The Irish Catholic’ newspaper which explores the places associated with the life of Christ.  Michael, who has led many pilgrimages to the Holy Land, says he hopes the book can also act as an ‘armchair retreat’ for people who cannot travel to the Holy Land bringing the Gospel to life for them.  It is available now from all good bookshops, www.columbabooks.com or by calling 00353 1 687 4096.  Price €16.99/£14.99.  An ideal Christmas gift.

 

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

 

GLENSHANE HOUSE

OCN Level 2 Award in ‘Introduction to Mindfulness and Reducing Anxiety in Children’ starting January on Wednesdays from 7 pm – 9 pm for 6 weeks.  Suitable for parents, classroom assistants, teachers and students over 16.  To register, phone 028 7774 2494.

 

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.