Bulletin: 19th March 2023

PARISH BULLETIN – 4^th SUNDAY OF LENT – 19^th March 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, Coolcalm:  Monday and Friday ~ 11 am; Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday ~ 7.30 pm. [webcam]

 

Holy Rosary, Ballinascreen:  Monday and Friday ~ 7.30 pm; Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday ~ 7 am. [webcam]

 

St. Colm’s High School:  Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday – 8.40 am.

 

St. Eugene’s, Moneyneena:  Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday ~ 11 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

 

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

 

____________________________________________________________

 

DEATHS AND ANNIVERSARIES

Please remember in your prayers:

 

Pat Devlin, The Rock (father of Donna O’Hagan, Brackagh Road) who died during the week.

 

Mary Trainor, 33 Brackalislea Road whose funeral was held during the week.

 

Vera Donaghy, Lissan; Peter Convery, Maghera; Maureen McWilliams, Siobhan Bradley, Nellie Glass and Bridget McLaughlin who died recently.

 

Cecilia Shields, Brendan Hegarty, Mary Murray, Jim Joe O’Kane, Maggie O’Kane, Thomas John McGuigan, Willie John Fullen, Mary Walls, Hugh Bradley, Owen Breen and Jim Donnelly whose anniversaries occur at this time.

 

FIRST ANNIVERSARY MASSES

The First Anniversary Mass for Kathleen Mayberry, Upperlands and The Grange, will be celebrated on Friday 24^th March at 11 am in St. Mary’s Church, Coolcalm.

 

The First Anniversary Mass for Mary O’Hagan, Curr Road, will be celebrated on Friday 24^th March at 11 am in St. Mary’s Church, Coolcalm.

 

____________________________________________________________

 

BAPTISM

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

Odhran Patrick Mackle, 3 Gortahurk Road.

 

THANK YOU for your generous contributions to the Parish.

Last Week:

Sunday/Priest’s Collection envelopes:  £1,132.40.

Holy Places Collection:  £50.00 (Total so far:  £500.50).

 

PARISH SICK VISITATION

This coming week Fr. McGirr will visit the sick on Carncose, Quilly, Luney, Motalee, Drumsamney, Tobermore and Forgetown Roads.

 

STATIONS OF THE CROSS

There will be NO Stations of the Cross in Holy Rosary Church, Ballinascreen today, Sunday 19^th March.

 

DAILY MASSES FOR THIS 4^th WEEK OF LENT

Monday 20^th:

11 am – St. Mary’s, Coolcalm

7.30 pm – Holy Rosary, Ballinascreen

 

There will be Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in Holy Rosary, Ballinascreen on Monday from 12 noon until the 7.30 pm Mass.

 

Tuesday 21^st:

7 am – Holy Rosary, Ballinascreen

8.40 am – St. Colm’s High School

11 am – St. Eugene’s, Moneyneena

7.30 pm – St. Mary’s, Coolcalm

 

Wednesday 22^nd:

7 am – Holy Rosary, Ballinascreen

8.40 am – St. Colm’s High School

11 am – St. Eugene’s, Moneyneena

7.30 pm – St. Mary’s, Coolcalm

 

Thursday 23^rd:

7 am – Holy Rosary, Ballinascreen

8.40 am – St. Colm’s High School

11 am – St. Eugene’s, Moneyneena

7.30 pm – St. Mary’s, Coolcalm

 

There will be Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in St. Mary’s, Coolcalm on Thursday from 12 noon until 7.30 pm (Stations of the Cross at 7 pm).

 

Friday 24^th:

11 am – St. Mary’s, Coolcalm:

7.30 pm – Holy Rosary, Ballinascreen

 

SCRIPTURE EVENINGS FOR LENT

Scripture Evenings using the Lectio Divina method continue in the Community Hub, Draperstown on Friday 24^th March at 8.15 pm.  Light refreshments served.  All welcome.

 

SAFEGUARDING MEETING

On Tuesday 28^th March in Knocknagin Hall, Desertmartin at 8.15 pm, Briege O’Neill, Derry Diocesan Safeguarding Officer will present an information evening and safeguarding refresher training for ALL in Desertmartin and Ballinascreen Parishes who are in leadership positions and/or carry out any voluntary work within the parish that brings them into personal contact with parishioners young or old.

 

SPACE FOR LENT AT LUNCHTIME

‘Space for Lent at Lunchtime’ will provide you with a wonderful opportunity to gather with others to pray, share and reflect on the Sunday Gospels during Lent leading up to Palm Sunday and Holy Week.  It is delivered via Zoom and facilitated by Ursula Doherty – Lectio Divina Guide, and Tony Brennan – Pastoral Coordinator, Diocese of Derry.  Each session is held on the Wednesdays of Lent, 1 pm – 1.50 pm, and will continue until Wednesday 29^th March.  Registration and details can be found at: https://www.derrydiocese.org/news/space-for-lent-at-lunchtime

 

SMA DROMANTINE RETREAT CENTRE NEWRY

Lenten Reflection Day on Saturday 25^th March from 9.30 am – 5 pm.  This day provides time and space to reflect and pray on themes of Lent and to prepare our hearts and minds to celebrate Holy Week and Easter.  Led by Fr. Des Corrigan SMA.  Cost (including lunch) £35.  Contact SMA Dromantine, Newry, BT34 1RH, tel; 028 3082 1964 or email: admin@dromantinecomference.com

 

THORNHILL MINISTRIES

Thursday 23^rd March, 7.30 pm – 8.30 pm – ‘Let’s start at the very beginning’.  An introductory workshop for those who sing in Church covering basic techniques such as breathing, posture, vocalisation, etc.

15^th October 2023 – Pilgrimage Retreat to the Holy Land.  Direct flights ex Dublin.  9 Nights staying in Bethlehem and Nazareth.  To register/for details, please contact thornhillministries@derrydiocese.org / 077 3683 2458 or visit thornhillministries.co.uk website.

 

KNOCKNAGIN HALL ACTIVITIES

Spred Group:  next meeting on Monday 20^th March.

Chair Exercise with Thomasina on Tuesday mornings 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.

 

FRIENDS OF KNOCKNAGIN

Easter Bingo on Saturday 25^th March in St. Mary’s Hall, Desertmartin, starting at 6.30 pm.  Doors open at 6.15 pm.  Everyone Welcome.

 

POPE JOHN PAUL II AWARD YOUTH PILGRIMAGE TO KNOCK SHRINE   Pilgrimage takes place on Tuesday 28^th March, starting at 11 am and concluding with Mass at 2.30 pm.  Mass will be celebrated by the Award patron, Bishop McKeown.  Many young people from this diocese, with others from across the country, attended this youth pilgrimage last year.  Open to all 16-18 year-olds.  The pilgrimage, including transportation, is being organised through schools.  Parental consent is required.  The pilgrimage theme is ‘Pilgrimage for Peace’.  Prayer intentions can be sent with any young person you know attending.  For more information, visit www.jp2award.com or contact the Diocesan Catechetical Centre on 028 7126 4087.

 

IOSAS CENTRE

Want to learn about the rich wisdom and inspiration from our Celtic Spiritual Heritage?  The IOSAS Centre, Derryvane, Muff, Co. Donegal is running three weekly programs on ‘How our Celtic Past Can Help Us Today’.  These programs that are made up of short videos and small group discussions.  Building Welcoming Communities, Growing in Faith, Renewed in the Holy Spirit, Caring for God’s Creation and Evangelising with Love and Action.  Starting Monday 27^th March from 7 pm – 8.30pm.  Tea and Coffee included.  All enquiries, tel. 00353 74 93 84866 / by email: info@sanctuarydonegal.com.

 

DRAPERSTOWN LIBRARY

The library provides free IT Sessions for anyone needing help with their phone, iPad or other devices.  Next session will be on Friday 24^th March.  This is on an individual hourly basis, but booking a slot is essential.  To book, phone 028 7962 8249 or e-mail  draperstown.library@librariesni.org.uk.

 

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.

 

BABY MASSAGE AND REFLEXOLOGY

New class coming to Workspace Community Hub starting Friday 21^st April.  For more details, please email rosiesbabymassage@hotmail.com 

 

SPERRIN FOODBANK

If you require a food parcel, Sperrin Foodbank will be open on Fridays from 11 am – 1 pm for drop-ins.  No appointment required.  If you require assistance outside this time, please call 075 4342 0639 to arrange collection.  No questions asked or criteria to meet.  Other contact details are Facebook page Sperrinfoodbank or email foodbank@theworkspacegroup.org

 

GLENELLY PLAYERS

Present ‘The Maiden Aunt’ by Jimmy Keary from 26^th to 30^th April in Cranagh Hall.  Tickets will be on sale in Glenelly House, Plumbridge on Friday 24^th, Saturday 25^th and Friday 31^st March and Saturday 1^st April or phone 077 1049 4613 for more details.

 

ACCORD NI CATHOLIC MARRIAGE CARE SERVICE

Accord NI Catholic Marriage Care Service is recruiting Marriage Education Facilitators to provide Sacramental Marriage Preparation for couples in your diocese.  We are seeking individuals who are good communicators and have an enthusiasm for supporting couples as they prepare for the Sacrament of Marriage and future family life.  This is an opportunity to formally train within a supportive, nurturing and inspiring community.  In 2022, our teams helped 2,140 couples to develop good communication skills, manage conflict and understand the responsibility and significance of the Sacrament of Marriage.  For further details and an application form, please contact Brenda at 028 9023 3002 or email info@accordni.com.

 

MASTERS IN CATHOLIC SCHOOL LEADERSHIP

The Derry Diocesan Catechetical Centre, working in Partnership with Saint Mary’s University, Twickenham, offers the Masters in Catholic School Leadership.  This is a post graduate degree dedicated to the professional development and spiritual formation of Catholic school leaders.  It is a great opportunity for those currently in leadership roles and those who aspire to, or have an interest in, leadership roles within the Catholic School system.  An information session via Zoom will be held on Monday 8^th May at 3.30 pm.  If you require any further information or wish to register for the information session, please contact the Derry Diocesan Catechetical Centre on 028 7126 4087 or email tferry@derrydiocese.org.

 

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS DIOCESAN EDUCATION CONFERENCE 29^TH AND 30^TH AUGUST 2023

‘Go Make Disciples of all Nations’  (Pope Francis in Christus Vivit says that, ‘schools remain essential places for the evangelisation of the young’.)  We are delighted to announce that David Wells will be our Keynote Speaker for our Diocesan Education Conference in August in Saint Columb’s College, Derry.  David is an internationally renowned speaker with a background in Education.  Popular motivational speaker David Wells | David Wells Live.  We will also have a number of workshops and a session looking at how, as Catholic schools, rooted in Jesus, we encourage a culture of dialogue and forgiveness in all our relationships.  Post Primary will be 29^th August and Primary 30^th August.  A full programme of events, with booking forms will be issued in the coming months.  We are really looking forward to this gathering of our Diocesan Education Community – over 900 delegates attended the last one.  We hope you will be able to attend.

 

PILGRIMAGE TO MEDJUGORJE

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.  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 25^th May to 1^st 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 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

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 – LISBON 2023
Derry Diocesan Youth is taking a group on Pilgrimage to World Youth Day in Lisbon, from 25^th July to 7^th August 2023.  This pilgrimage is for over 18s.  Limited places available.  If you would be interested in travelling on the pilgrimage, or finding out more, please contact Lizzie Rea on 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.  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).

 

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 6^th March and will be taken down at 8 am on Thursday 9^th March.  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.