Bulletin: 8th January 2023

PARISH BULLETIN – BAPTISM OF THE LORD – 8^th January 2023

 

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

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

 

Holy Rosary Church, Ballinascreen:  Monday and Wednesday ~ 11 am; and 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:

 

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and Packie Farren, Clonmany, Co. Donegal who were buried during the week.

 

Patsy Kennedy, Anthony Groogan, Patrick Rogers, Mary Duffy, Annabella McNabb and Brian Mallanson who died recently.

 

Ann McCrystal, Michael Mulholland, Katie Smith, Bridie McIvor, Aloysius McElwee, Josie Murray, James McKay and John Ryan whose anniversaries occur at this time.

 

____________________________________________________________

  

THANK YOU for your generous contributions to the Parish.

Last Week:

Sunday/Priest’s Collection envelopes:  £1,552.40.

Restoration Fund envelopes:  £632.50.

 

 

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 Glasgow, Gortnari  (No. 1119)

 

Extra Draw for Christmas Day Winner (£100):

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)

 

Seventh Day of Christmas (31^st December) Draw Winners:

Margaret T. O’Hagan, 5 Gallion Heights, Moneymore  (No. 052)

Philip Trainor, 35 Brackalislea Road, Draperstown  (No. 338)

Caroline Morrison, 36 Glenburn Park, Magherafelt  (No. 900)

 

Eighth Day of Christmas (1^st January) Draw Winners:

Kathy McLernon, 37A Drumsamney Road  (No. 073)

Clifford Wilson, 3 Luney Villas  (No. 515)

Arthur and Brigid McGuigan, 46 Fivemilestraight  (No. 1568)

 

Ninth Day of Christmas (2^nd January) Draw Winners:

Michelle Kelly, 54 Drumderg Road  (No. 1552)

Breige Heron, Draperstown  (No. 1034)

Melissa Walls, Longfield Lane  (No. 818)

 

Tenth Day of Christmas (3^rd January) Draw Winners:

Celia Bradley, 30 Gortnari, Moneyneena  (No. 455)

James Mullan, 61 Mullaslin, Omagh  (No. 826)

Chris O’Hagan, 3 Moneyneena Lane  (No. 409)

 

Eleventh Day of Christmas (4^th January) Draw Winners:

Rosaleen Murray, 25 Dunlogan Road  (No. 459)

Cathal McBride, Enniskillen  (No. 610)

 

Extra Draw on Eleventh Day Winner (£100):

Rois Conway, 11 Cordarragh  (No. 671)

 

Twelfth Day of Christmas (5^th January) Draw Winner:

Daíre Moran, 32 Farmlodge Lane, Magherafelt  (No. 195)

 

Extra Draws on Twelfth Day Winners (£100 each):

Tony Higgins, Longfield Lane  (No. 978)

Kieran McBride, 10 Dromdallagan, Straw  (No. 933)

Marie McWilliams, 8 Gortnari  (No. 456)

 

PRIZES ~ on the first 10 days there are 3 prizes each day of £100.  On 11^th Day there are 2 prizes of £500 and on the 12^th Day there is one final prize of £1,000.

 

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF THE WINNERS OVER THE 12 DAYS!

  

We would like to THANK EVERYONE in Desertmartin, Ballinascreen and beyond for your very generous support of the Christmas Draw once again this year.  We are grateful to parishioners who entered the Draw and who sold tickets among family and friends, in the community and farther afield; to parish workers who distributed and sold tickets through the Churches and Parish Offices; to volunteers from St. Colm’s High School who helped do that in Ballinascreen Parish Office; and to the staff of Heron’s Gift Shop and Moneyneena Post Office who helped and sold so many tickets over the weeks in the run-up to Christmas.  A heartfelt thank you to everyone and your fabulous response to the Twelve Days of Christmas 2022 Draw especially in these times.  It is appreciated very, very much.

 

 

 

SLIEVE GALLION ACTIVE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION

Monthly Meeting will be held in St. Mary’s Hall, Desertmartin, on Monday 9^th January at 8 pm.  New members welcome.  Contact Chris about any enquiries on 075 4601 0560.

 

KNOCKNAGIN HALL COMMITTEE

UP AND COMING ACTIVITIES FOR 2023:

Social Dance:  Next dance on Friday 13^th January.  Music by Liam McLaughlin.  Dancing from 9 pm – 12 midnight.  Admission £7, includes light supper.

SPRED Group will resume on Monday 16^th January.

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.

Acro Bats Gymnastics Club:  Reminder all classes have recommenced Saturday 7^th January.

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

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.

 

KILCRONAGHAN CENTRE

Painting Classes resume on Wednesday 11^th January for 12 weeks.  Class times are 10 am – 12 noon or 7 pm – 9 pm.

Yoga with Angela O’Loughlin resumes on Thursday 25^th January for 5 weeks, 10.30 am – 12 noon.

Bird Box and Glass Decoupage Workshop on Monday 23^rd January for 2 weeks, 10.30 am – 12.30 pm.  All materials included.  £10.

Spring Wreath Decorating Workshop using artificial flowers/greenery on Monday 6^th February, 10.30 am – 12.30 pm.  All materials included.  £5.

Message 078 2196 3749 for more information and to book your place.

Kilcronaghan Centre would like to thank everyone for their support during 2022 and we look forward to a busy 2023 offering something for everyone.

 

TIRGAN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

Traditional Irish Music Sessions each Wednesday night 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 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 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 at 11.30 am.  Everyone is welcome to attend.

 

DERRY DIOCESE JOB APPLICATIONS

Derry Diocesan Trust Administrative Officer based at the Derry Diocesan Office, Bishop’s House, Derry 3 days per week (9 am – 5 pm).

Derry Diocesan Trust HR Officer based at the Derry Diocesan Office, Bishop’s House, Derry 2 days per week (9 am – 5 pm).

For application pack for either position, please email office@derrydiocese.org  or telephone 028 7126 2302.  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 30^th January.  Derry Diocesan Trust is an Equal Opportunities Employer.  We welcome applications from all men and women and from members of all communities.

 

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

 

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.

 

SONGS OF PRAISE

Songs of Praise is coming to Derry.  Come and join the congregation for the recording of traditional hymns and songs on Wednesday 8^th February from 6.30 pm – 9.30 pm at The Guildhall, Derry.  All tickets to our recordings are free of charge.  To apply for tickets, please contact SOPcongregations@afantimedia.tv with your name, contact number and the number of tickets you’d like.  Please be sure to include ‘Songs of Praise Derry/Londonderry Traditional’ in your subject header.

 

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.  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.  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.

 

NI CANCER PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES

Sunday 28^th May to Friday 2^nd June.  The price of £799 (with price reduction for Cancer Patients) will include return flights from Belfast International Airport, operated by

Northern Star Travel Ltd, full board and accommodation at the Hotel Agena in Lourdes for five nights based on twin/double/triple rooms.  Service of JWT guides in Lourdes.  The party will consist of patients, ex-patients, relatives and friends accompanied by medical, nursing and other staff.  To enquire or to obtain a booking form, please speak to a member of the committee, tel. 078 7468 8388 or email mail@nicancerpilgrimage.org.uk.

 

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.