PARISH BULLETIN – FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY – 31^st December 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, Friday and Saturday ~ 10 am. [webcam]

 

St. Patrick’s, Keenaught:  Friday ~ 7.30 pm.

 

Holy Rosary, Ballinascreen:  Monday and Wednesday ~ 10 am; Friday ~ 7.30 pm. [webcam]

 

St. Columba’s, Straw:  Saturday ~ 9 am.

 

St. Patrick’s, Sixtowns:  Saturday ~ 11 am.

 

St. Eugene’s, Moneyneena:  Saturday ~ 12 noon.

 

 

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

 

Desertmartin Parish Office:

Tel. 028 7939 7047.  Wednesday and Thursday, 10.30 am to 3 pm.

Email:  desertmartinparish@gmail.com

 

Christenings:  To book a baptism, contact Fr. McGirr on 028 7963 2196

 

Parish Anniversary and Month’s Mind Masses:  If parishioners wish to have their loved one prayed for at any Anniversary Friday Mass, please email their name to the Parish Office by noon on Thursday of the relevant week.  Email:  desertmartinparish@gmail.com.

Notices for First Anniversary and Month’s Mind Masses should be received before the Thursday of the previous week so they may be printed in the Bulletin the weekend before the Anniversary Mass.

 

Sperrin Foodbank:  075 4342 0639           SVP Helpline:  077 1083 8050

____________________________________________________________

 

DEATHS AND ANNIVERSARIES

Please remember in your prayers:

 

Hugh McGuckin, Carncose Road; Bridget McKay, Maghera; Michelle Cartin, Park and Vincent McHenry, Ballycastle whose funerals were held during the week.

 

Elizabeth O’Connor, Bridget Stokes, Conor Kerr, Evelyn Haskins, Paul Crilly, Sadie Hennighan, Padraic O’Kane, James McEldowney, Nan Higgins, Michael Crilly, Francis Conway, Austin Quinn, Thomas Toner, Michael Gallagher and Joe Dickson who died recently.

 

Mary McCullagh, Moorside Villas, whose Month’s Mind occurs at this time.

 

Mickey McDaid, Joe McKenna, Bonnie Storey, Cassie Ryan, Baby Rossa Brendan Foley, Elizabeth Shaw, Fintan Scullin, Brendan Burns, Mary Burns and Brendan Kelly whose anniversaries occur at this time.

 

____________________________________________________________

 

The Priests of Desertmartin and Ballinascreen Parishes wish all Parishioners every Grace and Blessing in 2024

 

THANK YOU for your generous contributions to the Parish.  Last Week:  Sunday/Priest’s Collection envelopes:  £1,459.00.  Thank you to those who contribute to the parish by direct debit.

 

CHRISTMAS BOX COLLECTION

Fr. McGirr wishes to express his sincere thanks and deep appreciation to the people of the parish for their great kindness and generosity in the Priests’ Christmas Box Collection.

 

FEAST OF THE EPIPHANY

 

Saturday 6^th January is the Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord.  The Epiphany is the manifestation of Jesus as Messiah of Israel, Son of God and Saviour of the world.  Masses for the Holyday are:

 

VIGIL MASSES on Friday 5^th January

7.30 pm ~ Holy Rosary, Ballinascreen

7.30 pm ~ St. Patrick’s, Keenaught

 

MASSES on Saturday 6^th January

9 am ~ St. Columba’s, Straw

10 am ~ St. Mary’s, Coolcalm

11 am ~ St. Patrick’s, Sixtowns

12 noon ~ St. Eugene’s, Moneyneena

 

SATURDAY VIGIL MASSES

6 pm ~ Holy Rosary, Ballinascreen

7.30 pm ~ St. Patrick’s, Keenaught

 

 

 

 

TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS 2023 DRAW WINNERS

 

First Day of Christmas (25^th December) Draw Winners:

Caroline Kelly, 28 Cordarragh, Draperstown  (No. 1052)

Seamus McElwee, 1 Gortahurk Road  (No. 1142)

Bridget Hegarty, 36 Roshure Road,  (No. 0085)

Extra prizes:

Patrick Hegarty, 36 Roshure Road  (No. 0084)

Aisling Conway, 55 Cavanreagh Road, Draperstown  (No. 1524)

 

Second Day of Christmas (26^th December) Draw Winners:

Fred McEldowney, Brackagh  (No. 0992)

Ronán Cassidy, Roscommon (No. 1281)

Mary O’Hagan, 86 Iniscarn Road  (No. 1358)

 

Third Day of Christmas (27^th December) Draw Winners:

Paul McCloskey, Benedy, Dungiven (No. 0479)

Brendan & Geraldine McCullagh  (No. 1563)

Helen Ryan, 157 Ardboe Road, Coagh, Cookstown  (No. 0016)

Extra prize:

Florence Hegarty, Moneymore Road (No. 1589)

 

Fourth Day of Christmas (28^th December) Draw Winners:

Lisa & Barry Doherty, Rannakeeran Drive  (No. 1197)

The Thompson Family, c/o Angela McGuigan, Knocknagin  (No. 0823)

Cormac Heron, Galway  (No. 0274)

 

Fifth Day of Christmas (29^th December) Draw Winners:

The Devlin Family, 54 Moneymore Road  (No. 0416)

Vincent McGirr, Lifford  (No. 0156)

Phil and Colette Trainor, Brackagh  (No. 0467)

 

Draws will continue for each of the 12 days between Christmas Day and Friday 5^th January 2024.

 

PRIZES ~ on the first 10 days there are 3 prizes each day of £100.  On 11^th Day the draw will be for 2 prizes of £500 and on the 12^th and last Day of Christmas there is one final prize of £1,000.

 

Good luck to everyone entered in the Twelve Days of Christmas Draw.  All winners will be listed on the Parish Website and in next weekend’s bulletin.  A sincere thank you to all those who sold tickets over these past weeks and to everyone for supporting the Draw this year.

 

 

NORTHERN/WESTERN TRUST FOSTER CARE TEAM

The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph no doubt experienced many of the same joys and struggles as any other family.  Indeed Mary and Joseph struggled to find somewhere safe and warm to have their child.  Although there was no room for them, our traditional narrative tells us of a kindly innkeeper, who pointed them to the stable where Jesus was born.

 

Today, on this Feast of the Holy Family we pray for foster carers, and that more people will consider fostering as an option, to generously opening their hearts and their homes to provide care, support and love to children in need.  Foster carers are ordinary people who make an extraordinary difference to the lives of those children and young people who, for a variety of reasons, are unable to live with their birth families.  There are many challenges and reasons leading to children and young people requiring foster care:  sometimes material poverty and hardship; sometimes parental struggles due to relationship difficulties or addictions.

 

Unfortunately, there are times when there are no available spaces for foster care placements.  The HSC NI Foster Team is urgently seeking more people to think seriously about fostering.  On this Feast of the Holy Family, do you think you can make that extraordinary difference to a child’s life?  If you think you can help or if you have any questions at all in relation to fostering, please make contact with the Team:  Tel. 0800 0720 137 or email info@fostering.hscni.net.

 

KNOCKNAGIN HALL ACTIVITIES

Chair Exercise, Knit and Natter, Line Dancing are stopped for Christmas break.  Will recommence again in January 2024.

Yoga Classes starting on Monday 8^th January 2024 at 10 am.  Numbers limited.  Registration is necessary.  £36 for 6 weeks.

Contact Olive on 078 8761 4094, Kathleen on 077 6427 7809 or Anne on 028 7964 2711 to register.

The Hall Committee wishes to thank everyone who attended functions in the hall or supported us in any way this year.  It is very much appreciated and we look forward to your continued support in 2024.  Hopefully you will all have a good Christmas and a successful new year.

 

GIVE BLOOD, SAVE LIVES

Give Blood at Workspace Recreation Centre, Draperstown on Tuesday 9^th January from 12.30 pm to 4 pm and 5 pm to 7.30 pm.  To book an appointment, visit www.nibts.org or tel. 080 8553 4653.

 

ANAM CARA DONEGAL

Anam Cara Donegal, the organisation that supports bereaved parents, is holding its monthly Parent Evening for bereaved parents on Thursday 11^th January at 7.15 pm in the Raddison Blu Hotel, Letterkenny Co. Donegal.  This event is free and open to all bereaved parents regardless of the age your child died, the circumstances of their death, or whether their death was recent or not.  We also offer an online service.  For more information, call 00353 1 404 5378.

 

ST. PIUS X COLLEGE, MAGHERAFELT

Open Day is on Saturday 13^th January at 11.30 am.  Everyone is welcome to attend.

 

SPERRIN FOODBANK NEW OPENING HOURS

Foodbank operates Monday – Friday 9 am – 5 pm.  If you or someone you know requires assistance, please call 075 4342 0639.  No questions asked or criteria to meet.  Follow them on facebook at Sperrinfoodbank or email foodbank@theworkspacegroup.org.

 

TRÓCAIRE SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS 

Are you a retired teacher or someone who has experience presenting to groups of school children?  Do you have a passion for making this world a better place, especially for the most vulnerable?  Trócaire is looking for volunteers to support its School Talks Programme for Lent 2024 in parishes of the Derry Diocese.  If you think you have the right skills and experience and will have a few free hours during Lent, then we would love to hear from you!  For more information, call Casey Schell on 028 9080 8033 or email casey.schell@trocaire.org.

 

MARY’S MEALS – DOUBLE THE LOVE 

Mary’s Meals is keeping the promise of a daily school meal to over 2.4 million children in 18 countries.  Our ‘Double the Love’ Campaign has launched and all donations made to Mary’s Meals until 22^nd January 2024 will be doubled by a group of generous supporters, up to £1 million.  Amongst the many challenges we see in today’s world, from conflict to the cost-of-living crisis, your little acts of love can go further thanks to ‘Double the Love’, bringing hope to desperately hungry children and their families.  Please pray that we can reach even more children around the world with our life-changing school meals this Christmas.  Find out more and browse our Christmas gift cards at marysmeals.org.uk or freephone 0800 698 1212.

 

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.  There is still time to sign up for the Academic Year 2023/2024.  If you require any further information, please contact the Derry Diocesan Catechetical Centre on 028 7126 4087 or email tferry@derrydiocese.org.

 

MARRIAGE AND RELATIONSHIP COUNSELLING WITH ACCORD NI

Help Accord help you support your marriage and relationship.  If you feel your relationship is in crisis or you need a little guidance and help, either face to face or online, contact your local Accord centre.  Accord NI counsellors are professionally trained in the specialism of couples and relationships counselling.  Every year Accord helps thousands of couples rebuild and sustain healthy relationships.  For support, tel. 028 9023 3002 or visit accordni.com.

 

THE NET – DECEMBER 2023

Sharing the fruits of the faith in the Derry Diocese, the December edition of ‘The Net’ is available in print in parishes as well as on the Diocesan website.  For coverage of faith related stories just email editorthenet15@gmail.com

Coverage in this edition includes:

 

• Lavey blessing on Bambinelli Sunday

• St. Aengus’ NS stars shine at Burt Carol Service

• Experience true meaning of Christmas – Ballinascreen Live Crib celebrates 800 years since first crib

• Santa Sunday goes down a treat at St Eugene’s

• St. Patrick’s P.S. Castlederg celebrates 50 years of faith, life and learning

• Loreto girls fundraising for Lusaka Tyrone School

• All kinds of wonderful fun for St Eugene’s primary children

• Syro Malabar Community News by John Augustine Joseph

• City parishes blessed through Divine Child Novena

• St. Columba’s Greenlough camogs celebrate 80^th anniversary

• Diocesan Safeguarding Mass

 – Prayer for respectful & life-giving relationships to be hallmark of Church

• Children’s Catechism Club – C3 by Veronica Harley

 

Young Writers share thoughts on…

*Preparing for Jesus – Light of the World

*Journeying through Advent

*Fire in Christianity

*Finding meaning in the talents God has given us

*Young people engaging in acts of service

*Leading not leaving the Church in time of crisis

*Connecting with God in song lyrics

*COP28 and Pope Francis

*Devotion to St. Pio

 

• Limavady parishioners enjoy Advent talks and Carol Service Walk

• Banagher folk feeling festive at S.V.P. party

• Cathedral Carols enjoyed by all ages

• Christmas spirit high at Afternoon Tea with Anne Marie and Friends in Cathedral Hall

• Wonderful Golden Jubilee celebration for St. Joseph’s Church, Ballyscullion

• Desertmartin faithful celebrate 50^th anniversary of St. Patrick’s Church

• New Eucharistic Ministers commissioned for Dungiven Parish

• Beautiful new Grotto celebrates St. Mary’s Cloughcor 200^th

• Termonbacca Ladies Prayer Group yet another bud of faith bursting forth in Derry

• Legion of Mary members enjoy inspiring retreat by Tom McDermott

• Flame of faith fanned during Long Tower Men’s Prayer

• Call to keep flame of faith burning in our hearts – Dana reflects on connections with Hill of Slane

• The Rosary meets needs of modern family – to get together to pray – Ven Patrick Peyton

• The Holy Rosary – the prayer we all love by Annie Mullan

• Pilgrimage to Fatima – Reflection and Perspective by John-Martin O’Kane

• Derry reunion for Holy Land pilgrims

• The last priests in Ireland?  I don’t think so! – Fr. Pat O’Hagan spoke on vocations at Long Tower Novena

• Faith not just holding but being re-ignited in Emerald Isle – Reflection by Pat Breslin on Maynooth ‘Come & See’ Weekend

• Dromantine gathering a grace-filled time for Bishop Donal and Diocesan Priests

•  Continue to pray the Lord will send many into the harvest – Vocations update by Fr. Pat O’Hagan

• The Eucharist is the Source and Summit of Synodality and New Evangelization by Rev. Dr. Joseph Karukayil Varghese

• Encounter The Lord in silent retreat by Aoife O’Neill

• Fondly remembering the late Lawrence Moore – A man of strong faith, committed to family, friends and parish

• Lord, help us to build a society that is pleasing to You – Reflection by Shauna Clifford

•  Eternal Echoes…Timeless Truths for today’s hearts by Regina Deighan – Enriching your Advent season

• Waiting for God by Fr. Johnny Doherty CSsR

• Divine Mercy Image explained:  The Gaze of Jesus by Sr Benedetta Hutnikiewicz ZSJM

• ‘All the beauty I see He has given to me and His giving is gentle as silence’ – Fr. John McLaughlin ssc

• Adomnán – 1400^th Anniversary in 2024 by Dr. Seán Beattie, Culdaff

• Parish Post-its

• Diocesan Diary

• …other Diary Dates

• Quiz Time with Lawrence

 

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