Bulletin: 21st May 2023

PARISH BULLETIN – ASCENSION SUNDAY – 21^st 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 ~ *** NEW MASS TIMES ***

 

St. Mary’s, Coolcalm:  Tuesday, Thursday and Friday ~ 10 am. [webcam]

 

Holy Rosary, Ballinascreen:  Monday and Wednesday ~ 10 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:

 

John Connolly, Aidan Clarkin, Joe Crilly, Fr. Kevin Mullan, Mary Lynn, Paul McKenna, Mary Rogers, Madge Mullan and Jawad Elattar who died recently.

 

Pat McGuigan, Teresa Madden, Brian Wright, Margaret Walls, Michael Ryan, John Joe Ryan, Joe Shivers, Patsy Breen and Brendan Kyne whose anniversaries occur at this time.

 

____________________________________________________________

 

THANK YOU for your generous contributions to the Parish.

Last Week:  Sunday/Priest’s Collection envelopes:  £677.10.

 

CHANGE OF WEEKDAY MORNING MASS TIME

Reminder:  daily morning Mass (Monday to Friday) begins at the earlier time of 10 am.

We hope this new time will suit more people.  As always, funeral Masses will take place at 11 am and changes in mass times, etc. will be announced beforehand when possible.

 

MEDITATING WITH MARY IN THE MONTH OF MAY

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 continues on Friday 26^th May at 8.15 pm in the Community Hub, Draperstown.  All welcome.

 

12 HOUR RUN TO RAISE FUNDS FOR ALZHEIMER’S 

Therese Connery and Rois Kelly are attempting their challenge to raise much needed funds to support the Alzheimer’s Society in Northern Ireland today, Sunday 21^st May, in Barons Court Estate, Newtownstewart.  You can still donate at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/thereseconnery or give to any member of the Connery family.

 

KNOCKNAGIN HALL ACTIVITIES

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

Knit and Natter continues on Tuesday at 7.30 pm.

Line Dancing continues on Wednesday 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.

Sarsfield’s Band Practice 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 are running.  Spaces still available.  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.

 

BLOOD DONATIONS

Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service will be in the Backrow Recreation Centre, Draperstown on Tuesday 23^rd May from 3.30 pm – 8 pm.  To book an appointment to give blood, please call 08085 534 653.

 

BABY MASSAGE AND REFLEXOLOGY CLASS

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.

 

SIXTOWNS DANCE

Monthly Dance in Sixtowns Cross Community Centre on Friday 26^th May at 9.30 pm.  Music by Still Water.  Everyone welcome.

 

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

 

DROMANTINE FAMILY FUN DAY

Dromantine Family Fun Day on Sunday 11^th June, 1.30 pm – 5.30 pm.  Attractions: Grand Draw, Country and Western Music, Vintage Tractors, Bouncy Castles, Obstacle Courses, Stalls, Food, Refreshments and much more!  Admission £5 donation per car.  Everyone welcome.

 

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.

 

COME TO THE WATER

Derry Diocesan Youth Ministry is hosting a four-week programme in June 2023, for parish volunteers, of all ages.  The programme is aimed at building inter-generational collaboration and faith community amongst parish volunteers involved in parish ministry in the parishes of the Diocese of Derry.  During three online and one in-person session we will come together in prayer, learning and support, sharing best practice.  The programme will explore:  Different ways to pray; Themed talks: ‘Where have the young people gone?’; ‘How well do we welcome?’; and practical ideas on what help and programmes are on offer in the diocese, including an in-depth look at best safeguarding practices for both online and in-person gatherings in our parishes.  The first three sessions will be via Zoom; for the last session, we will come together in-person for an intergenerational gathering of prayer and food.  ‘Come to the Water’ will begin on Monday 5^th June, 7.30 pm – 9 pm and continue each Monday over four weeks.  It will be delivered via Zoom.  The last session will be held in person.  To participate, please contact Lizzie Rea at lizzie.rea@derrydiocese.org.  Closing date for registration is Thursday 25^th May.

 

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

 

KNOCK SHRINE 2023

The pilgrimage season at Knock Shrine is now underway, and the shrine community looks forward to welcoming organised pilgrimages from all across the country at the weekends, and daily ceremonies for visiting pilgrims each day.  For more details, please check church notice boards or visit the Shrine website: www.knockshrine.ie

 

YEAR OF PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS

During this Year of Prayer for Vocations to the Diocesan Priesthood we ask for open minds and hearts in those the Lord is inviting to ‘Go, make disciples of all nations’ and that, despite their doubts, fears or reservations, they will hear the Lord saying to them, ‘I am with you always.’

 

THE LETTER – A MESSAGE FOR OUR EARTH

‘Laudato Si’ Week 2023 will be celebrated globally from 21^st – 28^th May with the film ‘The Letter’ – A Message for Our Earth’, marking the eighth anniversary of Pope Francis’ landmark encyclical, ‘Laudato Si’, addressed to all of us on Care for Creation.  This year’s theme, ‘Hope for the Earth.  Hope for Humanity’, focuses on the connectedness of all things and the need for a renewed commitment to environmental justice.  The film aims to highlight the power of humanity united in action to stop the ecological crisis and its devastating effects on all creation; it shows ‘Laudato Si’ in action.  A showing of ‘The Letter’ will take place on Tuesday 23^rd May at 7 pm in St. Eugene’s Cathedral Hall, Infirmary Road, Derry.  Please pre-book by calling the Parish Office on  028 7126 2894 as spaces are limited.

 

NOVENA FOR LIFE  

The Pray for Life Novena is an invitation to join thousands of people across Ireland to pray for the protection of human life, from Tuesday 23^rd May to the Feast of the Visitation on Wednesday 31^st May.  Each day’s intention is accompanied by a short reflection and suggested actions to help build a culture of life in Ireland.  Visit www.prayforlife.ie for the daily novena prayers which will also be posted on facebook.com/PrayforLifeNovena and @ChooseLifeIRL on Twitter.  This is an initiative of the Council for Life of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference.

 

FAMILY ENCOUNTER

The Servant Sisters of the Home of the Mother invite families to attend their Family Encounter event on Pentecost Sunday 28^th May at St. Patrick’s Church, Parochial Hall and House, Killygordon, Co. Donegal F93 PN0X.  Registration:  10.45 – 11.15 am.  Mass:  11.30 am.  12.30 pm:  Lunch (bring your own packed lunch for you and your family).  Adoration and Confessions (simultaneous children’s activities):  2.30 pm.  Formation Meeting for adults (simultaneous children’s activities):  3.30 pm.  Rosary:  4.30 pm.  Tea (bring something to share):  5 pm.  Close:  6 pm.  Cost:  Donation accepted.  Link to register:  https://forms.gle/ByWk8RK3hBShPVwQ6

 

LETTERKENNY UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL ECUMENICAL PRAYER SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE

The Management and Chaplains of Letterkenny University Hospital invite you to an Ecumenical Prayer Service of Remembrance on Thursday 1^st June at 5.30 pm in the Church of the Irish Martyrs, Letterkenny.  During this service we will remember all the staff and former staff of Letterkenny University Hospital who have passed away.  We also remember the staff who suffered personal bereavements during the Covid-19 pandemic.  All the patients who died in Letterkenny University Hospital during the pandemic will also be remembered in prayer and a warm invitation is extended to their families to attend this service.

 

GRADUATION MASS – QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY BELFAST CATHOLIC CHAPLAINCY

On Thursday 1^st June at 5.15 pm, the QUB Chaplaincy will host a Graduation Mass for the Class of 2023.  Students, their families and friends, as well as staff and alumni are most welcome.  This Mass will be the last special celebration before we close our doors and move to temporary accommodation whilst our landmark building on Elmwood Avenue undergoes major redevelopment.  If the Chaplaincy holds special memories for you and you would like to experience it as-is for one last time, know that we would love to have you join us.  Refreshments will be served afterwards.  If you plan to come, it would be helpful if you could let us know by emailing catholicchaplaincy@qub.ac.uk

 

ALL IRELAND ROSARY RALLY IN KNOCK

The All-Ireland Rosary Rally will take place on Saturday 3^rd June from 1 pm in Knock.  It will include Holy Mass, the Rosary, the Stations of the Cross and a talk by Bishop Oliver Doeme.  The Main Celebrant for the Holy Mass is Archbishop Eamon Martin.  A bus will leave from Antrim/Derry.  Please book your seat early to avoid disappointment.  Tel. Patricia Casey on 075 9304 1040.

 

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.

 

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.

 

CARMELITE PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES

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.

 

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.