Bulletin: 25th December 2022

PARISH BULLETIN – CHRISTMAS DAY – 25^th December 2022

 

SUNDAY MASSES NEXT SUNDAY

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 CHRISTMAS WEEK

 

St. Mary’s Church, Coolcalm:  Thursday and Friday ~ 11 am. [webcam]

 

Holy Rosary Church, Ballinascreen:  Monday, Tuesday 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:

 

Annabella McNabb, Massareene Manor, Antrim and Rosegarland, who was buried during the week.

 

Brian Mallanson, Canon Pat Kelly, Bridget Loughran, Shane McGregor, Patrick Rogers, Anne O’Hagan, Bridget Loughran, Frank Donnelly and Mary Brigid McCrystal who died recently.

 

Darren McDaid, Briege McGurk, Edward McGurk, Katie McGurk, Jim Joe Kelly, Shauna Murchan, Thomas Shiels, Cissie Higgins, Brian Higgins, Felix Pat Bradley, Mary Bradley, Patricia McSwiggan, Mary Burns, Brendan Burns, Mary McGirr and Pat McGirr whose anniversaries occur at this time.

 

MONTH’S MIND MASS

The Month’s Mind Mass for Eileen Mitchell, 4 Keenaught Road, will be celebrated on Friday 30^th December at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church, Ballinascreen.

 

____________________________________________________________

 

BAPTISM

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

Martha Rose McCrystal, 22 Tirgan Road.

 

THANK YOU for your generous contributions to the Parish.

Last Week:

Sunday/Priest’s Collection envelopes:  £513.50.

 

MASSES FOR THIS CHRISTMAS WEEK

Monday 26^th, Tuesday 27^th, Wednesday 28^th ~ 11 am in Holy Rosary, Ballinascreen.

Thursday 29^th ~ 11 am in St. Mary’s, Coolcalm.

Friday 30^th Parish Anniversary Masses ~ 11 am in St. Mary’s, Coolcalm and 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary, Ballinascreen.

 

 

TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS 2022 DRAW

 

The first Draws take place at the end of the 10 am Mass today.  Draws will continue for each of the 12 days between Christmas Day and Tuesday 5^th January 2023.

 

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.

 

Good luck to everyone entered in the Twelve Days of Christmas Draw.  Winners will be listed on the Parish Website and in next weekend’s bulletin. A sincere thank you to all those who sold tickets over these past weeks and to everyone for supporting the Draw this year.

 

 

KNOCKNAGIN HALL COMMITTEE

A special thank you to all the volunteers and those supported our activities throughout the year, we would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a healthy and Happy New Year.

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

UP AND COMING ACTIVITIES FOR 2023:

SPRED Group will resume on Monday 16^th January 2023.

Chair Exercise with Thomasina will resume on Tuesday 10^th January at 10 am followed by a short walk.  Admission £4.  Everyone welcome.

Knit and Natter Class will resume on Tuesday 10^th January at 7.30 pm.

Line Dancing with Thomasina will resume on Wednesday 11^th January at 7.30 pm.  Admission £4.

Here And Now:  Older People and Well-Being with Charmaine from Arts Care on Friday 20^th January 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.

 

SARSFIELD’S BAND

Sarsfield’s Band and Div. 30 offers its sincere sympathy and condolences to the O’Hagan and Murray families on the death of Anne Murray, to the Mitchell and McCullagh families on the death of Eileen Mitchell and to the McCrystal and McAllister families on the death of Mary B. McCrystal.

Only a few 2023 Calendars left.  You can purchase one from any band member.  £5 each.

The winner of the December Draw was Isla Rosie, Moneymore, and the winner of the extra draw for fully paid up members was Jacob Painters, Moneymore.

Tickets for the 2023 Monthly Draw now on sale, cost £1 per month or £12 for the year.  £50 prize drawn every month plus an extra free draw for fully paid-up members.  Tickets can be got from any Band member.  We would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Peaceful and Happy New Year.

 

TIRGAN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

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.

Traditional Irish Music Sessions each Wednesday night commencing Wednesday 4^th January 2023 at 9 pm.  Light supper provided and the bar will be open.  Everyone welcome both local musicians and those who want to listen to some nice traditional music.

 

SPERRIN FOODBANK

Sperrin Foodbank has been established by the community for the community.  Please use this facility if you require help either short or long term.  It is a facility for all.  There is a dedicated mobile number 075 4342 0639 you can ring and someone will meet you at the site in Draperstown at an agreed time.  Alternatively, you can ring Workspace on 7962 8113 and ask for Dolores.  Another option is to ring the SVP’s mobile number:  077 1083 8050.  If in any doubt please phone O’Kane’s Chemist, High Street on 7962 8680 beside Sperrin Food Bank and they will arrange for someone to call you back.  If you wish to donate food to the foodbank, you may leave your non- perishable food donations in any of the local schools or in Lynch’s Eurospar.  Thanks to all who have donated so far.

 

PIONEER CALENDAR 2023

Pioneer Calendar 2023 available to purchase from Madonna Devlin (077 8850 1610) or Kathleen Walls (028 79631 094).  Telephone to order.  Cost £5.

 

DESERTMARTIN CREDIT UNION

Our opening hours for the Christmas and New Year are as follows:

Thursday 29^th December – 6 pm to 8 pm

Friday 30^th December – 6 pm to 8 pm

Office opens as normal from Friday 6^th January 2023 from 6 pm.

 

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.

 

ST. MARY’S BOWLING CLUB DESERTMARTIN

The committee and members of St. Mary’s Bowling Club Desertmartin wish to thank everyone for their support of our recent Bonus Ball Fundraiser.  Thanks to your support we were able to have 2 pools.  The winners were as follows:

Draw 1 ~ Bonus ball was 34

Pool one winner:  Brendan McKenna.  Seller:  Kathleen McKenna.

Pool two winner:  Sammy Lupari.  Seller:  Danny McStravock.

Draw 2 ~ Bonus ball was 8

Pool one winner:  Paddy McEldowney.  Seller:  Anne McEldowney.

Pool two winner:  Isabella Gilroy.  Seller:  Martin Bradley.

Draw 3 ~ Bonus ball was 39

Pool one winner:  Ann Regan.  Seller:  Eamon Regan.

Pool two winner:  Eli Lupari.  Seller:  Danny McStravock.

Draw 4 ~ Bonus ball was 58

Pool one winner:  Kieran Lagan.  Seller:  Maura Lagan.

Pool two winner:  Sarah McKenzie.  Seller:  Jervis Hassan.

Draw 5 ~ Bonus ball was 59

Pool one winner:  Alanna McCullagh.  Seller:  Philip O’Hagan.

Pool two winner:  Peter Kelly.  Seller:  Tommy Johnston.

We would like to wish a happy Christmas and peaceful New Year to all members and their families and friends.

 

SIXTOWNS DANCE

Dance will be held in Sixtowns Cross Community Centre, Draperstown on Friday 30^th December at 9.30 pm.  Music by Larry & Co.  Everyone welcome.

 

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

 

ST. PIUS X COLLEGE, MAGHERAFELT 

Open Day is on Saturday 14^th January 2023 at 11.30 am.  Everyone is welcome to attend.

 

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.

 

MARIA’S GOSPEL HOUR

Due to huge interest Maria will be starting a show on YouTube at 4 pm on Sundays.  Search ‘@mariadoherty’ on YouTube to watch on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day onwards.

 

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 Derry Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2023, led by Bishop Donal McKeown, will go direct from City of Derry Airport.  3^rd to 7^th July, four nights full board in the Hotel Agena:  £745 sharing, £35 single supplement.  Travel insurance up to age 79 – £39.  Age 80 to 94 – £78.  (Pilgrims may wish to use their own insurance).  Further details and payment arrangements will be available in the new year via the Lourdes Pilgrimage Office, 164 Bishop Street, Derry, derrypilgrim@outlook.com, tel 028 7126 0293.

 

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.

 

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 2^nd January and will be taken down at 8 am on Thursday 5^th January.  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.