Bulletin: 7th May 2023

PARISH BULLETIN – 5^th SUNDAY OF EASTER – 7^th May 2023

 

SUNDAY MASSES

 

SATURDAY VIGIL

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 THIS WEEK

 

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

 

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

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:

 

Mary Lynn, Cordarragh; Paul McKenna, formerly Coolsara and Mary Rogers, Brackadysart whose funerals were held during the week.

 

Madge Mullan, Ballerin, Rosie McCloskey, Jawad Elattar, Evelyn Curran, Kathleen Convery and Rose Lynch who died recently.

 

Patrick Scullion, formerly Moorside Villas and Mary Connery, Motalee Road whose Month’s Minds occur at this time.

 

Peggy Wright, Frank McKenna, Margaret McKenna, Jim McCabe, Charlie Donnelly, Joseph McKenna, Aloysius Shaw, Kevin Murphy and Catherine McGirr whose anniversaries occur at this time.

 

____________________________________________________________

 

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION

The children of Knocknagin Primary School will celebrate their First Holy Communion next Saturday 13^th May at 11 am in St. Mary’s Church, Coolcalm.

Family relatives, friends and parishioners will be able to view the Mass on the parish webcam – click on this link https://www.churchservices.tv/Desertmartin

Please keep the First Holy Communion children and their families in your prayers this coming week.

 

THANK YOU for your generous contributions to the Parish.

Last Week:  Sunday/Priest’s Collection envelopes:  £729.90.

 

TRÓCAIRE 2023

More donations have been coming in and the total now raised in the Desertmartin Parish is £3,206.50 and this has been sent on to Trócaire. Thank you for your very generous support.

 

MEDITATING WITH MARY IN THE MONTH OF MAY

Since 13^th century, the month of May has traditionally been dedicated to Mary, our Blessed Mother.  The beauty of the season itself, in which spring reaches its peak, reminds us of the Easter message of hope and joy, renewal and growth, as we observe the beauty of creation around us.  As we look forward to the brighter days ahead, and continue on our journey through the Easter season to Pentecost, we are reminded of the joy of the Resurrection and the newness of life offered by the saving events of Christ’s life.  Meditating with Mary in the Month of May will help us to rediscover the beauty of God’s message of hope and love as we contemplate the wonders God worked in Mary’s life.  A three-part programme will take place on Friday 12^th, 19^th and 26^th May at 8.15 pm in the Community Hub, Draperstown.  All welcome.

 

NOTICE

The Piano Stool is missing from St. Mary’s Church, Coolcalm.  Could whoever took it or borrowed it, could they please kindly return it at their earliest convenience.  Thank you.

 

12 HOUR RUN TO RAISE FUNDS FOR ALZHEIMER’S 

A Message from Therese Connery:  At the start of this year I decided I was going to do a challenge that would help to raise much needed funds to support Alzheimer’s Society in Northern Ireland.  With this in mind the 1 person that was going to get my friend Roisin Kelly and myself through this 12 Hour Running Challenge was mammy (my hero/buddy).  Mammy unfortunately is no longer with us but I know she will be with us in spirit on Sunday 21^st May in Barons Court Estate, Newtownstewart.  No matter how big or small your donation it will be very much appreciated.  You can donate to my Just Giving page or give to any member of the Connery family.  Here’s my JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/thereseconnery

 

SLIEVE GALLION ACTIVE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION

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

 

KNOCKNAGIN HALL ACTIVITIES

Social Dance on Friday 12^th May.  Music by Francis Faulkner.  Dancing from 9 pm – 12 midnight.  Admission £7, includes light supper.

SPRED Group next meeting on Monday 15^th May.

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

Knit and Natter continues on Tuesdays at 7.30 pm.

No Line Dancing with Thomasina this week.  It will resume on Wednesday 17^th May at 7.30 pm.  Admission £4.

If you are interested in any of the above activities, please contact Olive on 078 8761 4094, Kathleen on 077 6427 7809 or Anne on 028 7964 2711.

Sarsfields Band Practice continues on Thursday at 7.30 pm.  New and past members welcome to come along, roles for all ages and abilities, accordion players, drummers, flag bearers and majorettes.

 

WORKSPACE RECREATION CENTRE

Nuala’s Keep Fit Classes, a new block of keep fit circuit classes has started.  They are £3.50 per class.  Classes on Mondays at 7.15 pm and Thursdays at 6.45 pm.

Beginner Exercise Classes will be on Tuesdays from 8 pm.  Classes are £3.50.  A great class for those starting or not sure where to start.

Call 028 7962 8113 to secure your place for any of the classes above.  Any skill level is welcomed as you can go at your own pace.

 

DEMENTIA AWARENESS TALK

Maghera Library is a hosting a Dementia Awareness Talk by the Alzheimer’s Society on Thursday 18^th May at 11 am – 12 noon.  The talk is for anyone who cares for someone with dementia, family member or friend, and has questions about how they can help someone live well with the illness.  We will also provide you with information about how you can access support in the community.  Booking isn’t required, just pop in.  Refreshments will be provided.

 

BABY REFLEXOLOGY

New Baby Massage and Reflexology Class coming to Community Hub, Draperstown starting Friday 26^th May.  For more details, Whatsapp 077 4912 1208 or 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

 

BLESSING OF GRAVES 2023

Blessing of Graves in the parishes of Desertmartin and Ballinascreen will take place on the following dates:

Saturday 10^th June:

6.30 pm ~ Mass in St. Patrick’s, Keenaught followed by Blessing of graves.

Please note earlier Mass time.

 

Sunday 11^th June:

11 am ~ Mass in St. Patrick’s Church, Sixtowns followed by Blessing of graves.

12 noon ~ Mass in St. Eugene’s Church, Moneyneena followed by Blessing of graves.

2 pm ~ Blessing of graves at St. Columba’s, Straw.

3 pm ~ Blessing of graves at St. Mary’s, Coolcalm.

4.30 pm ~ Blessing of graves at Old Keenaught Church.

 

MARY’S MEALS – PRAY IN MAY

During May, the month dedicated to Our Lady, Mary’s Meals invites you to pray for its life-changing work, carried out in her name.  We currently provide nutritious daily school meals to 2.4 million children in 18 of the world’s poorest countries.  These meals bring children into the classroom, where they can gain an education and hope of a better future.  Could you commit to praying each day of May for the children receiving Mary’s Meals, the volunteers and all who support this work and those children still waiting?  Further information and prayer resources for individuals, groups and schools can be found at www.marymeals.org.uk/prayinmay

 

ST. EUGENE’S CATHEDRAL, DERRY – THE LITTLE WAY NOVENA

The Little Way Novena in honour of St. Thérèse of Lisieux will be take place in St. Eugene’s Cathedral from Saturday 6^th May until Sunday 14^th May.  The Opening ceremony will take place at 6 pm on Sunday 7^th with Bishop Donal McKeown.  On Monday night at 7.30 pm Marion Carroll who was cured from Multiple Sclerosis in Knock in 1989 will speak at the evening devotions.  The speaker on Tuesday evening will be Tim Shriver.  Tim is the chairman of the Special Olympics since 1996 and the founder of Unite.  On Wednesday evening the speaker is Eunan McMullan who was a barrister in Belfast and is now a Friar in Assisi.  On Thursday evening the speaker will be Alexander McLean who is the founder of Justice Defenders which is based in Uganda and seeks to improve the lives of people imprisoned in Africa.  On Friday evening the speaker will be Brendan McGinn, who is the Principal of St. Mary’s College in Derry.  Mass will be celebrated each morning Monday – Friday at 6.30 am and 10 am.  Mass for the dead will be celebrated on Saturday 13^th May at 10 am.  The Novena will close with Devotions and Blessing of Roses at 3 pm on Sunday 14^th May.  Everyone is welcome.

 

HOLY HOUR FOR VOCATIONS

The next monthly Holy Hour for Vocations will take place in St. Eugene’s Cathedral, Derry, on Friday 12^th May, at 8 pm, and will be led by Fr. Patrick Lagan, CC, Waterside. .Everyone is welcome to attend or to join in the devotions via the Cathedral website / webcam.

 

CARMELITE RETREAT CENTRE TERMONBACCA

Holy Souls Retreat on Saturday 13^th and Sunday 14^th May, Fr. Paul Denizot and Fr. Alex de Perthuis, Fraternity of Our Lady of Montligeon, France, will lead a time of prayer and retreat for the Holy Souls in Purgatory.  Saturday 10 am – 4.30 pm and Sunday 10 am – 1 pm.  A free (donation only) event.  Those attending should bring a packed lunch.

Carmelite Pilgrimage to Lourdes from 29^th August, for 6 nights.  Cost €899 per person.  For all bookings, please contact Carmelite Retreat Centre, Termonbacca.  Tel. 7126 2512.

 

LEGION OF MARY CONFERENCE

‘Who Is She?’, a day-long Legion of May Conference takes place on Saturday 13^th May in the historic DCU Rooms, All Hallows Campus, Dublin.  Insightful talks on Our Lady, Prayer, Mass.  ‘What can we learn from early Irish Christian Marian devotion?  How can we love Jesus as His mother loved Him?’  To find out, come along on 13^th May, 9.30 am – 4.30 pm.  Cost €30, including food.  For more information or to book contact mariaassumptadublin@gmail.com

 

BENONE ROSARY ON THE COAST

The next Rosary on the Coast at Benone Strand will be on Sunday 21^st May at 3 pm.  All regular Rosary Coasters welcome, as is everyone else, to come along and pray for peace, Ireland and our unborn children.  For more details, tel. 077 3033 0028.

 

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 (new date) Monday 15^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

‘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.

 

ACCORD

ACCORD Central Office is recruiting for the Certificate in Counselling (Marriage and Relationship) training programme commencing in September 2023.  Training will take place in Maynooth and the course is validated by the Pontifical University, Maynooth.  Accord CLG pays the fees for the course and provides placement.  Successful applicants will follow a 16-day Certificate programme which will provide:  the clinical skills essential to couples work; in-depth knowledge relating to the handling of Infidelity, Trauma, Addiction, Neurodiversity, Physical and Mental Illness and Disability, Sex and Intimacy, Step-Family Dynamics, Diversity, Parenting Issues, the Impacts of Family of Origin, and Domestic Abuse in the couple context; self-awareness exercises specific to the needs of the couple and relationship counsellor.  If you hold a Level 5 (UK)/Level 7 (RoI) qualification in Counselling/Psychotherapy; Substantial experience of working in the Person-Centred style; 100 client counselling hours post-graduation; and a current supervised caseload and would like more information about this unique opportunity, please contact:  info@accord.ie.  The final date for receipt of applications is 19^th May and should be submitted to Breda Landy Horgan bhorgan@accord.ie.

 

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 – 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).  Pilgrimage Office at 164 Bishop St, Derry, BT48 6UJ will be open only on Saturdays from 11 am – 1 pm.  Intending pilgrims can also leave a message on 028 7126 0293 with their full postal address and the number of booking forms required, or email these details to derrypilgrim@outlook.com or write to above address for forms.

 

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.  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.

 

HOLY LAND PILGRIMAGES

15^th October – Pilgrimage Retreat to the Holy Land (9 nights).  Direct flights ex Dublin to Tel Aviv.  Part I:  Galilee/Nazareth. Part II:  Bethlehem/Jerusalem.  Cost £1,795 stg includes taxes, transfers, tips, half-board.  To register/for details, please contact Erin/Sr. Perpetua at thornhillministries@derrydiocese.org / 077 3683 2458 or visit thornhillministries.co.uk website.

 

HOLY LAND AT CHRISTMAS

Derry Pilgrimage to the Holy Land at Christmas 2023, ex Dublin, taking in Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Nazareth, Dead Sea, Sea of Galilee, Last Supper Room, Garden of Gethsemane, Mount of Olives, with full day in Bethlehem on Christmas Day.  Contact James Treacy on 00353 61 921470, email jamestreacyphotography@gmail.com.

 

QUB HOLY LAND PILGRIMAGE

The Catholic Chaplaincy at Queen’s University Belfast will lead a Pilgrimage to the Holy Land for alumni and friends.  Departing 9^th February 2024 for 8 nights with half-board accommodation in 4 star hotels in Jerusalem and Nazareth, this promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime trip.  The Pilgrimage’s Spiritual Director will be Queen’s Chaplain, Fr. Dominic McGrattan, with music and song provided by the Chaplaincy’s Director of Sacred Music, celebrated soprano, Marcella Walsh.  In addition to a rich itinerary which includes visits to the principal sacred sites, we will also visit the Holy Family Maternity Hospital in Bethlehem and the Latin Patriarchate in Jerusalem.  If you would like to know more information including price, itinerary and how to book, please email Chaplaincy Director, Shannon Campbell, at catholicchaplaincy@qub.ac.uk

 

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 8^th May and will be taken down at 8 am on Thursday 11^th May.  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.