PARISH BULLETIN – MARY, THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD – 1^st January 2023

 

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

 

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

 

St. Patrick’s, Keenaught:  Thursday ~ 7.30 pm.

 

Holy Rosary Church, Ballinascreen:  Monday ~ 7.30 pm; Wednesday ~ 11 am; Thursday ~ 6 pm; and Friday ~ 7.30 pm. [webcam]

 

St. Eugene’s, Moneyneena:  Friday ~ 10 am.

 

 

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:

 

Patsy Kennedy, Bancran; Anthony Groogan, England; Patrick Rogers, Cookstown and Mary Duffy, Dungannon who died during the week.

 

Annabella McNabb and Brian Mallanson who died recently.

 

Rossa Brendan Foley, Mickey McDaid, Brendan Kelly, Johnny Walls, Bonnie Storey, Mary Kerr, Elizabeth Shaw, Fintan Scullin, Elizabeth Donnelly, Joseph McKenna and Nell Grant whose anniversaries occur at this time.

 

MONTH’S MIND MASS

The Month’s Mind Mass for Anne O’Hagan, 30 Garden Street, Magherafelt, will be celebrated today, Sunday 1^st January, at 12 noon in the Church of the Assumption, Magherafelt.

 

____________________________________________________________

  

The Priests of Desertmartin and Ballinascreen Parishes wish all Parishioners every Grace and Blessing in 2023

 

 

CHRISTMAS BOX COLLECTION

Fr. McGirr wishes to express his sincere thanks and deep appreciation to the people of the parish for their great kindness and generosity in the Priests’ Christmas Box Collection.

 

 

FEAST OF THE EPIPHANY

 

Friday 6^th January is the Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord.  The Epiphany is the manifestation of Jesus as Messiah of Israel, Son of God and Saviour of the world.  Masses for the Holyday are:

 

VIGIL MASSES on Thursday 5^th January

6 pm ~ Holy Rosary, Ballinascreen

7.30 pm ~ St. Patrick’s, Keenaught

 

MASSES on Friday 6^th January

10 am ~ St. Eugene’s, Moneyneena

11 am ~ St. Mary’s, Coolcalm

7.30 pm ~ Holy Rosary Church, Ballinascreen

 

 

PADRE PIO MASS

The Monthly Mass in honour of St. Pio of Pietrelcina will be celebrated on Monday 2^nd January at 7.30 pm in the Holy Rosary Church.  Rosary and Novena prayers at 7.10 pm.

 

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION

There will be NO Eucharistic Adoration in Holy Rosary Church on Monday 2^nd January.

 

TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS 2022 DRAW

 

First Day of Christmas (25^th December) Draw Winners:

Shay Shiels, Tobermore Road  (No. 593)

Cathy Nelson, Kilrea Road, Upperlands  (No. 874)

Michelle and Brian Glason, Gortnari  (No. 1119)

 

Extra Draw for Christmas Day Winner:

Conway Family, 55 Cavanreagh Road  (No. 1130)

 

Second Day of Christmas (26^th December) Draw Winners:

Evelyn McGuigan, Iniscarn Road  (No. 852)

Christopher Flanagan, Moybeg Road  (No. 590)

Deirdre McAuley, Glenelly Villas  (No. 1207)

 

Third Day of Christmas (27^th December) Draw Winners:

Sean Madden, 11 Slievegallion Park, Draperstown  (No. 793)

Fred McErlean  (No. 242)

Damien Mallon, 20A Gortahurk Road  (No. 029)

 

Fourth Day of Christmas (28^th December) Draw Winners:

Bernie Clerkin  (No. 1025)

Victor Lynn, Cordarragh  (No. 761)

Aoife Kelly, 178 Battery Road, Cookstown  (No. 193)

 

Fifth Day of Christmas (29^th December) Draw Winners:

Cathal McWilliams  (No. 1589)

Ryan McLean, Desertmartin Road  (No. 223)

Jim Coyle, c/o Corinne Coyle, St. Mary’s P.S.  (No. 031)

 

Sixth Day of Christmas (30^th December) Draw Winners:

Raymond Quigg, 49 Sallowilly Road, Claudy  (No. 872)

Rosemary Kelly, Crocknamohill Road  (No. 1203)

Denise and Ben McCann, Portglenone  (No. 1206)

 

Draws will continue for each of the 12 days between Christmas Day and Thursday 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.  All 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 healthy and Happy New Year.

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

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

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

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.  Calendars are available in the churches.

 

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. 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.

 

ANAM CARA DONEGAL

Anam Cara Donegal, the organisation that supports bereaved parents, is holding its monthly Parent Evening for bereaved parents on Thursday 12^th January 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.

 

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.