PARISH BULLETIN – 1st SUNDAY OF LENT – 18th February 2024
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: Monday and Friday ~ 10 am; Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday ~ 7.30 pm. [webcam]
St. Eugene’s, Moneyneena: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday ~ 10 am.
Holy Rosary, Ballinascreen: Monday and Friday ~ 7.30 pm; Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday ~ 7 am. [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
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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
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
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DEATHS AND ANNIVERSARIES
Please remember in your prayers:
Peter Brown, Glengomna Road; Sharon McGuigan, The Orchard and Mary Darragh, Lavey whose funerals were held during the week.
Veronica McKernan, Kathleen Faulkner, Cillian McKenna, Danny Otterson, Anne Doyle, Kathleen Donnelly, Katie McVeigh and Imelda Bowden who died recently.
Sean McGovern, Ballinderry and Brackaghslievegallon, whose Month’s Mind occurs at this time.
John Higgins, Margaret McGurk, Seamus McGurk, John Wright, Lena Armour, Fr. Charlie Donnelly, Tony O’Kane, Brian Donnelly, Mary Moran, Nellie Walls, Joan Dell, Dolores Toner, Margaret Ryan and Eva Gibbs whose anniversaries occur at this time.
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THANK YOU for your generous contributions to the Parish.
Last Week: Sunday/Priest’s Collection envelopes: £751.50.
Lourdes Hospitalité Collection envelopes: £598.00.
Thank you to those who contribute to the parish by direct debit.
LENT WEEKDAY MASS TIMES
Monday 19th February:
St. Mary’s, Coolcalm ~ 10 am
Holy Rosary, Ballinascreen ~ 7.30 pm
Tuesday 20th February:
Holy Rosary, Ballinascreen ~ 7 am
St. Eugene’s, Moneyneena ~ 10 am
St. Mary’s, Coolcalm ~ 7.30 pm
Wednesday 21st February:
Holy Rosary, Ballinascreen ~ 7 am
St. Eugene’s, Moneyneena ~ 10 am
St. Mary’s, Coolcalm ~ 7.30 pm
Thursday 22nd February:
Holy Rosary, Ballinascreen ~ 7 am
St. Eugene’s, Moneyneena ~ 10 am
St. Mary’s, Coolcalm ~ 7.30 pm
Friday 23rd February:
St. Mary’s, Coolcalm ~ 10 am
Holy Rosary, Ballinascreen ~ 7.30 pm
TRÓCAIRE 2024
Trócaire boxes will be available in all Church porches during Lent. We encourage families to please take one home. Your contributions will help Trócaire to continue its vital work in developing countries. www.trocaire.org
CONFIRMATION 2024
Confirmation will be celebrated in Desertmartin Parish on Sunday 10th March at 12 noon in St. Patrick’s Church, Keenaught for the children attending St. Columb’s P.S., Cullion and Knocknagin P.S.
ST. VINCENT de PAUL
Ballinascreen SVP has preloved Communion dresses, suits and shoes available to any families who need assistance. Please call to schedule a time to view and try on. If you have preloved Communion attire at home, please consider donating to their recycling scheme. Tel. 077 1083 8050.
KNOCKNAGIN HALL ACTIVITIES
Yoga Classes: new 6-week block starting Monday morning 12th February at 10 am. £36. Numbers limited. Registration is necessary. Contact Olive on 078 8761 4094, Kathleen on 077 6427 7809 or Anne on 028 7964 2711 to register.
Chair Exercise on Tuesday mornings at 10 am, followed by a short walk. Admission £4.
Knit and Natter Classes resume on Tuesday 20th February at 7.30 pm. Bring your own project or you can help with knitting for local charities.
Line Dancing on Wednesdays at 7.30 pm. Admission £4.
Read Yourself Well: Selection of books from wellness experts, doctors and bestselling authors. There are a number of books out on loan but no details were recorded. If you are borrowing a book, it is necessary to record your name and a contact number. Please return any overdue books or if you require it for a longer period then contact any committee member below.
Come along to any of the above actives and enjoy a fun way to exercise, keep fit and improve your health and wellbeing. Contact Olive on 078 8761 4094, Kathleen on 077 6427 7809 or Anne on 028 7964 2711 to register.
Sarsfield’s Accordion Band: All band members are invited to attend practice on Thursdays at 7.30 pm and to check their uniforms in preparation for St. Patrick’s Day.
TIRGAN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
Aware NI will be running a 6 week Free mental health programme in Tirgan Hall. The dates will be announced in due course. This programme is open to men and women. If anyone is interested, please contact Eileen on 079 5519 1890.
KILCRONAGHAN CENTRE
Tuesday 20th February, 12 noon – 2 pm. Free event. MUDC will give talks on Home Accident prevention, Energy Efficiency advice and other schemes and services offered by the Mid Ulster Council. Refreshments served. Book your place now and everyone welcome.
Pilates and Yoga Style Exercise Class, adaptable for all abilities and ages. Ideal also for those who are less mobile. Continues every Friday, 10 am – 11 am, £4. Includes advice on nutrition, sleep, stress and mindfulness to help you look and feel your best self.
Watercolours Painting Class with George Gourley, Monday 8th April x4 weeks, 10 am – 12 noon. Ring/text 078 2196 3749 to book your place/more details.
BALLINASCREEN RENOVATION FUND DANCE
To kick start fundraising for the emergency work beginning shortly at St. Eugene’s Church, Moneyneena, a Parish Dance will be held on Friday 1st March in An Ráth Dubh, Moneyneena. Music by Bleed’N Cowboys. More details later.
SMOKING CESSATION SERVICE
Thinking of giving up smoking for Lent? Call into O’Kane’s Chemist, Draperstown and speak to a member of staff about joining their Free 12 week programme.
WORKSPACE RECREATION CENTRE
Nuala’s Keep Fit Classes: New 6 week block of classes starts on Monday 19th February. Classes Monday and Thursday nights from 6.45 pm. Full block of classes £21 (£3.50 per class). Call Workspace for more details or to book your place on 028 7962 8113.
SIXTOWNS DANCE
Monthly Dance in the Sixtowns Cross Community Centre on Friday 23rd February at 9.30 pm. Music by Sprig of Heather. Everyone welcome.
SIXTOWNS CROSS COMMUNITY GROUP
Sixtowns Hall is hosting a Free series of classes as part of a ‘Wellness Week’ initiative from Monday 26th February to Sunday 3rd March, with thanks to funding support from the Workspace Group.
Monday 26th: Pilates classes with AMG from 7 pm – 7.30 pm and 7.45 pm – 8.15 pm. Booking essential. Contact 077 1163 7349 or the FB page.
Tuesday 27th: Waltz and Line Dancing Classes with Christopher Bradley, 8.30 pm – 10 pm. No booking required.
Wednesday 28th: Healthy Eating Airfryer Cookery Class with Seana McCafferty, 7 pm – 9 pm. Booking essential. Contact 077 1163 7349 or the FB page.
Thursday 29th: First Aid Class with Hibernian Medical Service Ltd., 7.30 pm – 9.30 pm. No booking required.
Friday 1st: Mindfulness Class with Caroline Kelly, 7 pm – 8 pm. No booking required.
Saturday 2nd: Crochet and Chat, 11 am – 12 noon. No booking needed.
Sunday 3rd: Breezy Kids Workshops, in the small hall, 1-4 year olds with a parent/carer from 12 noon – 1 pm and for 5-11 year olds from 1 pm – 2 pm. Contact Karen on 075 4611 5167 to find out more and register your interest.
Sunday 3rd: Exhibition in main hall from 12 noon – 2 pm with a variety of stalls focusing on health and wellness. Drop in for a cuppa and a chat. All welcome.
GLENSHANE HOUSE
Names are being taken for a 1 day First Aid and Defibriliator Course which will be held on a Friday from 9.30 am – 4.30 pm. Cost £40 including certificate. To register, phone 028 7774 2494 or call into the office.
WARM WELCOME WEDNESDAYS
Free craft sessions in Workspace Community Hub, Draperstown, 11 am – 1 pm with Michaela Mills on these dates: Wednesday 6th March ~ Create a moss-land style terrarium using recycled glass jars. Wednesday 13th March ~ Ireland Pebble Art for St. Patrick’s Day. No previous experience or skill required and all materials will be supplied. Booking required as places are limited. Call Workspace on 028 7962 8113 to book.
DIOCESAN VOCATIONS
The Vocations Directors of the northern dioceses invite anyone interested in serving the Church as a diocesan priest, to attend a retreat at the Drumalis Retreat Centre, Larne from 8th – 10th March. Anyone aged 18 or over wishing to attend should please email the Diocesan Vocations Director, Fr. Pat O’Hagan, at pgoh2111@gmail.com.
LIFE IN THE SPIRIT SEMINARS
Omagh Charismatic Prayer Group invite you to seminars on Thursdays in conjunction with 7.30 pm Mass in Christ the King Church, Strathroy, from 15th February until 21st March. Speaker on Thursday 22nd February will be Rev. Dr. Columba M. Toman, O.P. Seminars online at www.churchservices.tv/strathroy.
DIVINE MERCY CONFERENCE BUS TRIP
Last chance to book your seat. Organised local transport to the Divine Mercy Conference, RDS Dublin, next Saturday 24th February. Only a few seats remaining. Please contact: Brenda on 078 5696 8091 or Mary on 075 0070 6798 to register your interest by today, Sunday 11th February. To learn more about the Conference, visit https://www.divinemercyconference.com/
DIOCESAN VOCATIONS
The Vocations Directors of the northern dioceses invite anyone interested in serving the Church as a diocesan priest, to attend a retreat at the Drumalis Retreat Centre, Larne from 8th – 10th March. Anyone aged 18 or over wishing to attend should contact the Diocesan Vocations Director, Fr. Pat O’Hagan at pgoh2111@gmail.com.
LENT RETREAT
‘Lent: Season of Well-Being’ Weekend Retreat at Ards Friary, Donegal, 23rd – 25th February. Led by Philip McParland. This weekend will present Lent as a suitable time to practice the things that are good for our physical, mental and spiritual health. To book, contact Ards. Tel. 00353 74 91 38909. Email: info@ardsfriary.ie.
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.
PILGRIMAGE TO FATIMA
Fully escorted group pilgrimage accompanied by Spiritual Director for seven nights from 28th May – 3rd June. Accommodation in 4* Hotel Style, with breakfast, lunch and dinner each day. Cost £825 p.p.s. Single room supplement £280. Mass daily and spiritual activities. Services of JWT tour guide. Direct flights from Dublin. Coach from Oakleaf Restaurant, Maghera to Dublin Airport. For further details, please contact Christina Lagan on 078 0319 2621.
DERRY DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES
Monday 1st to Friday 5th July, ex City of Derry Airport. Led by Bishop Donal McKeown. Full board £799, single room supplement £150. The pilgrimage office at 164 Bishop Street, Derry, will open to the public 11 am to 1 pm on Thursdays and Saturdays, starting Saturday 10th February. Tel. 028 7126 0293 or email derrypilgrim@outlook.com.
DERRY DIOCESAN YOUTH PILGRIMAGE TO MEDJUGORJE
We are inviting young people aged 16+ to join us on pilgrimage to Medjugorje for 9 nights from 30th July to 8th August. This will be a unique experience for young people and an opportunity to engage with peers from around the world, in a faith context. Up to 50,000 young people attend the Medjugorje Youth Festival each year. Cost is £800 and there will be a budget plan to help with this. Names and deposit of £100 are required as soon as possible to secure a place. For more information or to book in, please contact lizzie.rea@derrydiocese.org or tel. 028 7126 4087.
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).