PARISH BULLETIN – 6th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME – 12th February 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
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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:
Tel. 028 7939 7047. Wednesday and Thursday 10.30 am to 3 pm.
Email: desertmartinparish@gmail.com
SVP Helpline: 077 1083 8050
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DEATHS AND ANNIVERSARIES
Please remember in your prayers:
Mary McMullan, Drumard and London who was buried during the week.
Brian Regan, Essie Breen, Annie Donnelly, Marie Scullion, John Wright and Jim Reid whose anniversaries occur at this time.
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THANK YOU for your generous contributions to the Parish.
Last Week:
Sunday/Priest’s Collection envelopes: £782.20.
Restoration Fund envelopes: £479.00.
LOURDES COLLECTION
Derry Diocesan Lourdes Hospitalite has advised that as there will be no sick pilgrims being accompanied to Lourdes on this year’s Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes in July, the annual Lourdes Hospitalite Collection will NOT be taken up this year. Please therefore ignore the yellow ‘Lourdes Collection’ envelope for next Sunday 19th February.
The white ‘Parochial Fund’ envelope will be taken up as usual next Sunday.
PARISH SICK VISITATION
This coming week Fr. McGirr will visit the sick on Iniscarn, Brackagh, Gortahurk, Brackalislea and Nutgrove Roads.
CLEAN THE CHURCH FOR CONFIRMATION
Bishop Donal McKeown is coming to Confirm our Primary 7 children on Sunday 5th March in St. Patrick’s Church, Keenaught and we would like to have the church looking well for the children and our visitors. We will have a Cleaning of Keenaught Church on Monday 27th February at 7 pm and we invite parishioners to plan ahead and give a bit of their time that evening to come along and help with the clean. The more that come along, the sooner we’ll have the church tidied. Please note the date – the 27th at 7 – the Last Monday in February! Bring along a brush and dustpan, and if some people could bring along a mop and bucket, even a hoover, that would be most helpful. Please help have your church clean for the Confirmation children’s big day. Thank you.
PIONEER
Anyone wishing to become a probationary pioneer, or is due a full pin or a silver, golden or diamond pin is asked to please email Fr. Madden at ballinascreenparish@gmail.com.
Anyone wishing to take a temporary pin for Lent which begins on Wednesday 22nd February is asked to please contact Fr. Madden on 028 7962 8376.
PIONEER TOTAL ABSTINENCE ASSOCIATION
RTÉ will broadcast Mass on Sunday 19th February at 11 am to mark Temperance Sunday. Prayers will be offered for all who are in treatment for addiction and for those who are in recovery. The Offertory Hymn composed by Ephrem Feeley is a new arrangement of the Serenity Prayer.
SVP RECYCLING SCHEME
St. Vincent de Paul would like to thank all those who kindly donated their child’s preloved communion dresses and suits. They still have beautiful items available and should anyone which to view to please call the SVP phone number for arrangements – 077 1083 8050.
KNOCKNAGIN HALL ACTIVITIES
SPRED Group will meet on Monday 20th February.
Chair Exercise with Thomasina every Tuesday morning 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.
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 AND DIV. 30
Sarsfield’s Band and Div. 30 offer their sincere sympathies and condolences to the Devlin and McKee families on the death of Cecilia Devlin, Lissan.
Sarsfield’s Band Practice continues every Thursday at 7.30 pm. Only 5 practice nights left until 17th March. All members are asked to please make a special effort to attend in preparation for St. Patrick’s Day.
January winner of the Monthly Draw was Bernie Donnelly, Tirgan. February winner was Patsy Carmichael, Magherafelt.
Tickets still available from any Band member cost £1 per month or £12 for the year. £50 monthly prize draw, extra free draw in December for fully paid up members.
SGARA (SLIEVE GALLION ACTIVE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION)
Monthly meeting will be held in St. Mary’s Hall, Desertmartin on Monday 13th February at 8 pm. New members welcome. Contact Chris for any enquiries on 075 4601 0560.
TIRGAN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
Traditional Music Sessions – The traditional music sessions will now take place monthly on the first Saturday night of each month. Doors open at 8 pm. Music starts at 8.30 pm. Admission £5 includes light supper. Everyone welcome. Come along and enjoy some nice music. The bar will be open.
BALLINASCREEN TRADITIONAL MUSIC GROUP
Monthly session in An Scioból on Friday 18th February. Juniors from 7.30 pm to 8.30 pm followed by Open House. Everyone welcome.
O’KANE’S PHARMACY
O’Kane’s Pharmacy will be running an ear wax removal clinic on Saturday 18th February at their High Street, Draperstown store. Appointments are available for consultations and treatment of wax buildup. Please call 028 7962 8680 to book or for further information.
KILCRONAGHAN CENTRE
Come along and enjoy a quilting, embroidery and collage techniques talk with a demonstration on crazy quilting. This will be hosted by Wilma Kirkpatrick, who has exhibited her work both locally and internationally, on Monday 20th February, 10 am – 12 noon. £3 including light refreshments. Please reserve your place, txt/WhatsApp 078 2196 3749 or email manager@kilcronaghan.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 22nd 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.
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.
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.
JOB OPPORTUNITY WITH DERRY DIOCESAN TRUST
Caretaker, St. Joseph’s Parish Hall, Church Street, Omagh. 20 hours per week – 1 year fixed term contract (with possibility of extension). Days and times in agreement with Parish Priest and to facilitate operational needs of the parish hall (evening and weekend work may be required). For job description and application pack, please contact: Bishop’s House, St. Eugene’s Cathedral, Francis Street, Derry, BT48 9AP, telephone (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 17th February 2023. Derry Diocesan Trust is an Equal Opportunities Employer. We welcome applications from all men and women and from members of all communities.
MID ULSTER DISTRICT COUNCIL’S 2023/24 GRANT PROGRAMME
Mid Ulster District Council’s 2023/24 Grant Programme will be open for applications on Monday 30th January until Thursday 16th March 2023. To make an online application visit www.midulstercouncil.org/resident/grants. The Council’s Good Relations and Mid Ulster Policing and Community Safety Partnership are currently developing their Action Plans for 2023/24. If you would like to engage or partner with them on the delivery of their plans, please contact the PCSP or Good Relations team on 03000 132 132.
To receive Councils monthly grants newsletter, please email communitydevelopment@midulstercouncil.org or telephone 03000 132 132 ext: 24615.
WORKSPACE COMMUNITY HUB DRAPERSTOWN
Warm Welcome Wednesdays in the Community Hub every Wednesday from 11 am – 1 pm during these colder months, to provide a warm space, free tea/coffee and some chat. Arrange to meet friends, call in to read the newspapers or if you just fancy a change of scenery. Free of charge and open to everyone. No need to book, just drop-in.
SPERRIN FOODBANK
Sperrin Foodbank has been established by the community for the community. If you are experiencing difficult times or struggling to make ends meet, please do not hesitate to call 075 4342 0639. If you wish to donate food, donation points can be found in all schools in Ballinascreen, Lynch’s Eurospar, Centra and Devlin’s in Moneyneena. Thanks to everyone who has donated so far.
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
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.
CARMELITE RETREAT CENTRE
Ladies Lenten Retreat from Friday 24th to Sunday 26th February. Cost £90.
To book, please phone Retreat Centre, Termonbacca, Derry on 028 7126 2512.
ARDS FRIARY RETREAT
Ards Friary is hosting a residential retreat, ‘Things That Matter’, on the first weekend in Lent, 24th – 26th February. It will be led by Philip McParland. Cost €175. To register, tel. 00353 74 91 38909 or email: info@ardsfriary.ie. Enquiries/further information can be obtained by emailing: philipmcparland@hotmail.com
PRECIOUS LIFE – RALLY FOR LIFE
Please join us and be a voice for the voiceless unborn child as we march for life on Saturday 11th March gathering in Custom House Square, Belfast, at 2 pm. Buses to the Rally leaving from various locations. For further information, please contact Precious Life on 075 9228 0522 / 028 9027 8484 / email info@preciouslife.com.
PILGRIMAGE TO MEDJUGORJE
Seven Nights Pilgrimage to Medjugorje from 24th May – 31st May. Spiritual Director will be Fr. Séamus Kelly. Bed/Breakfast and dinner, price is £799. Money must be paid in full. Contact Martina for further information. Phone 028 7774 1219 or 077 1549 0880.
PILGRIMAGE TO FATIMA
Fully escorted group pilgrimage for seven nights from 25th May to 1st June. Cost £745 p.p.s. Single room supplement £175. Staying in 4* Hotel Styler. Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day. Mass daily and spiritual activities. Services of Marian Pilgrimages guide. Direct flights Dublin / Lisbon. Bus will travel from Oakleaf Restaurant, Maghera to Dublin Airport. For more details, please contact Bridie Gallagher on 028 2564 4181.
NI CANCER PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES
Sunday 28th May to Friday 2nd 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
The Derry Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2023, led by Bishop Donal McKeown, will go direct from City of Derry Airport. 3rd to 7th 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. 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 150th Anniversary Celebrations, Bishop Donal McKeown will lead a pilgrimage to San Giovanni and Rome from 25th – 30th September. 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.
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).