Bulletin: 15th January 2022

PARISH BULLETIN – 2^nd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME – 15^th 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, 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

 

Desertmartin Parish Office:

Open on Wednesday and Thursday from 10.30 am to 3 pm.

Tel. 028 7939 7047.  Email:  desertmartinparish@gmail.com

 

____________________________________________________________

 

DEATHS AND ANNIVERSARIES

Please remember in your prayers:

 

Patsy Kennedy, Anthony Groogan, Patrick Rogers and Mary Duffy who died recently.

 

Matthew Shields, Maureen McGuigan, Sarah McElwee, Rosanne McGuckin, Denis McWilliams, Helena McElhennon, Harry O’Kane, Veronica O’Kane, Maureen O’Kane, Seamus McGuigan, Catherine Kearns, Lelia Burns and Patrick Corry whose anniversaries occur at this time.

 

MONTH’S MIND MASS

The Month’s Mind Mass for Annabella McNabb, formerly Rosegarland, will be celebrated on Friday 20^th January at 11 am in St. Mary’s Church, Coolcalm.

 

____________________________________________________________

 

      ‘A FUTURE FULL OF HOPE’

 

Bishop Donal McKeown, Bishop of Derry, has just issued an important Pastoral Letter called ‘A Future Full of Hope’.  In it, he addresses the challenges facing the Diocese of Derry over the next 5 to 10 years and how parish life will change as priests age and retire. Currently, priests are expected to work until they are 75 years of age, but this has always been predicated on the assumption that a parish priest would have one or two or even three curates to do a great deal of the work.  That was the case up until about 25 years ago.  The reality now is very different.  Increasingly, there are parishes in the Diocese of Derry that have no resident priest at all and that will be the experience for many more over the next few years.  Bishop Donal is inviting us to see this as an opportunity for the Church in the Diocese of Derry to grow.  He wants us to reflect on his words in the Pastoral Letter and to let the Holy Spirit stir the hearts and minds of those who believe in Jesus and for them to step into this new developing model of Church.  A model where the Laity are not mere spectators at the feast whose role is to pay, pray and obey, but are actively involved in spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ, risen from the dead; who are called to be the new evangelisers, keeping faith alive in these secular times.  The full text of the Bishop’s Pastoral Letter is now available to read on Ballinascreen Parish website.

https://www.parishofballinascreen.com/pastoral-letter-january-2023

Copies are available at the back of all churches for those who have no access to the internet.

 

____________________________________________________________

  

THANK YOU for your generous contributions to the Parish.

Last Week:

Sunday/Priest’s Collection envelopes:  £621.00.

 

PARISH SICK VISITATION

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

 

KNOCKNAGIN HALL ACTIVITIES

SPRED Group will meet on Monday 16^th January.

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

Knit and Natter Class on Tuesdays at 7.30 pm.

Line Dancing with Thomasina on Wednesdays 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 Classes on Saturdays.

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 – Spaces still available on evening painting class, suitable for all abilities.  Wednesday evenings 7 pm – 9 pm for 10 weeks.

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.

Winter Health and Wellbeing Event on Tuesday 24^th January, 10 am – 12 noon.  Come along and find out what support is available for you or your family.  Demonstrations, energy and money saving tips, information stands, community safety.  Includes free tea and coffee and hot lunch.  Please register your attendance to assist with numbers for catering.  Text 078 2196 3749 or email healthalliance@cwsan.org

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.

 

TIRGAN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

Traditional Irish Music Sessions continue each Wednesday night in Tirgan Hall.  Doors open at 8 pm with music starting at 8.30 pm.  £5 entry and includes refreshments.  The bar will also open.

Saturday 11^th February – ABBA Tribute Night.  Everyone welcome.

 

DRAPERSTOWN LIBRARY

Need help on a one to one basis with IT, phone, lap top, iPad, etc.  The library has an IT manager who is available every month to give help and advice.  Call in or contact any member of staff to book a slot.

Scam Awareness Talk on Tuesday 7^th February 2 pm – 3 pm.  To book a place, call into the library or phone 028 7962 8249.

Knit and Natter continues every Tuesday from 2 pm – 4 pm.

Rhythm and Rhyme for babies and toddlers on every Friday at 11.30 am.

Are you feeling lonely or bored?  Draperstown Library would like to set up a Chatty Corner in the library on a Friday morning where you can read the papers, tackle a jigsaw or crossword, do some mindful colouring, have a chat and a cuppa.  Anyone interested please contact the library, contact details as above.

 

BALLINASCREEN TRADITIONAL MUSIC GROUP

Registration for the new term of music classes will be on Tuesday 17^th January.  Classes will start back on 24^th.  Our monthly session will be on Friday 20^th January in An Scioból.  Juniors from 7.30 pm to 8.30 pm followed by open house.  Traditional singing classes every fortnight in An Scioból from 10 am to 11 am beginning on Saturday 21^st January.

 

WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY

This week of prayer for Christian Unity will be from 18^th – 25^th January.  The theme for this year is ‘Do Good; Seek Justice’.

 

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK

The Derry Diocese will be celebrating Catholic Schools’ Week from 29^th January – 4^th February.  The theme for 2023 is ‘Walking Together in Faith and Love’.

 

ST. COLM’S HIGH SCHOOL, DRAPERSTOWN

St. Colm’s High School Open Night will be on Thursday 19^th January from 7 pm.  Principal’s Address at 8.30 pm.  All P6 and P7 pupils and parents are very welcome.

 

ST. MARY’S GRAMMAR SCHOOL, MAGHERAFELT

St. Mary’s Grammar School invites P6 and P7 pupils and their parents/carers to an Open Evening on Wednesday 18^th or Thursday 19^th January.  Principal’s Address at 7 pm. Parents can book to attend their preferred option by visiting the following link https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/st-marys-grammar-school-magherafelt-open-evening-2023-tickets-504755797177.

 

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.

 

GLENSHANE HOUSE

OCN Level 3 Award in Working with Children and Young People with Special Needs will commence on Wednesday 25^th January from 6.30 pm – 9.30 pm.  To register, phone 027 7774 2494 or visit their office on Main St., Dungiven.

 

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

 

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.

 

SAFEGUARDING NOTICE

If you have any concerns with regard to Safeguarding children or adults in need of protection within the Church, contact Marie Gormley, the Diocesan Designated Liaison Person (DLP), on 075 9650 0793, or at mariegormley@derrydiocese.org.

Additional contact numbers:  PSNI Tel. 101 or Social Services Western HSC Trust on 028 7131 4090 (ask for Duty Social Worker).

 

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.