PARISH BULLETIN – 5th SUNDAY OF LENT – 26th 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
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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:
Katie Sargent, Gortnaskea whose funeral was held during the week.
Josie Abela, Toronto, Canada (sister of Nora Donnelly, Moorside Villas); Margaret Doherty, Antrim and Paddy Kelly, London who died during the week.
Pat Devlin, Mary Trainor, Vera Donaghy and Peter Convery who died recently.
Mary O’Hagan, Curr Road and Kathleen Mayberry, Upperlands and Grange whose First Anniversaries occur at this time.
Johnny Hughes, Agnes Breen, Patrick Breen, Brian McGuigan, John Collins, James Kidd, Fr. Joe Houghton, Tommy McPeake, Martina McLeron, Mary O’Hagan, Aloysius O’Kane, Mary McGuigan and Madeline O’Connell whose anniversaries occur at this time.
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BAPTISM
We welcome into God’s family through the Sacrament of Baptism:
Ruaídhraí Christopher James Bilton, 6 Kristen Turton Close, Holton le Clay, Grimsby.
THANK YOU for your generous contributions to the Parish.
Last Week:
Sunday/Priest’s Collection envelopes: £838.00.
Clerical Education Collection: £506.00.
STATIONS OF THE CROSS
The ‘Way of the Cross’ is an ancient Christian tradition. The custom of pilgrims visiting Jerusalem on Holy Thursday, to retrace the footsteps of Jesus Christ during his last hours, began as early as the 4th century. For many centuries Jerusalem was the only place where Christians practised the ‘Way of the Cross’. But by the 11th century it became too dangerous to visit Jerusalem due to the upheaval of the Crusades, so, in Europe, it became popular to do a substitute ‘pilgrimage’ in one’s local area. This eventually became known as the ‘Stations of the Cross’. The tradition of having 14 Stations was first seen in Spain in the 17th century. These were sculpted or painted to represent certain moments along Jesus’ journey towards the Cross. They were placed in or around the church building. Some of the Stations originated from the scriptural accounts, others grew out of popular legends, such as Veronica wiping the face of Jesus. The ‘Stations of the Cross’ was encouraged by the Franciscans and was officially recognised by the Church in 1731. By this time pilgrims had also begun returning to Jerusalem to make the Holy Week pilgrimage. This journey in Jerusalem is known today as the ‘Via Dolorosa’ (Way of Sorrows). Some forms of the Stations of the Cross include a 15th station to recall the Resurrection as an integral part of the Paschal Mystery. Christian liturgy never focuses on the death of Christ without recalling his Resurrection.
Today, Sunday 26th March, in Holy Rosary Church a Scriptural Presentation of the Stations of the Cross will take place at 5 pm.
DAILY MASSES FOR THIS 4th WEEK OF LENT
Monday 27th:
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 28th:
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 29th:
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 30th:
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 31st:
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 31st March at 8.15 pm. Light refreshments served. All welcome.
SAFEGUARDING MEETING
This Tuesday 28th 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. The last session will be held this Wednesday 29th March from 1 pm – 1.50 pm. Registration and details can be found at: https://www.derrydiocese.org/news/space-for-lent-at-lunchtime
DIVINE MERCY NOVENA
Novena begins on Good Friday and continues for 9 days until the Feast of Divine Mercy on Sunday 16th April. Novena leaflets will be available in the Churches of the parish. A recording of the Divine Mercy Chaplet and Novena Prayers for each of the 9 days will be available online at www.parishofballinascreen.com and on the Ballinascreen Parish Facebook Page. Our Lord urged St. Faustina to encourage others to pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, promising extraordinary graces to those who would recite it. The Feast of Divine Mercy will be celebrated in Holy Rosary Church on Sunday 16th April at 3 pm.
KNOCKNAGIN HALL ACTIVITIES
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.
SLIEVE GALLION PRE-SCHOOL
Table Quiz for the Pre-School on Friday 31st March in Tirgan Hall at 8 pm. Prizes, raffle and refreshments on the night. £5 per person. Maximum of 6 people per team. Everyone welcome.
SIXTOWNS DANCE
Monthly Dance in Sixtowns Cross Community Centre on Friday 31st March. Music by Kieran McAree. Everyone welcome.
POPE JOHN PAUL II AWARD YOUTH PILGRIMAGE TO KNOCK SHRINE
Pilgrimage takes place on Tuesday 28th 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 27th March from 7 pm – 8.30pm. Tea and Coffee included. All enquiries, tel. 00353 74 93 84866 / by email: info@sanctuarydonegal.com.
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 21st 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 26th to 30th April in Cranagh Hall. Tickets will be on sale in Glenelly House, Plumbridge on Friday 24th, Saturday 25th and Friday 31st March and Saturday 1st 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 8th 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 29TH AND 30TH 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 29th August and Primary 30th 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 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 – LISBON 2023
Derry Diocesan Youth is taking a group on Pilgrimage to World Youth Day in Lisbon, from 25th July to 7th 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 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.
THORNHILL MINISTRIES
15th 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.
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).