Bulletin: 25th February 2024

PARISH BULLETIN – 2^nd SUNDAY OF LENT – 25^th 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. Colm’s High School, Draperstown:  Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday ~ 8.40 am.

 

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

____________________________________________________________

 

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:

 

Fr. George McLaughlin, Moville; James Joseph McGuckin, Cookstown and Ballinderry; and Andy McGuckin, Magherafelt whose funerals were held during the week.

 

Peter Brown, Sharon McGuigan, Mary Darragh, Veronica McKernan, Kathleen Faulkner, Cillian McKenna and Danny Otterson who died recently.

 

Martin Walls, Hugh Bradley, Rita Shaw, John McBride, Andrew Shaw, Christopher Shaw, Paul O’Hagan, John O’Hagan, Brigid McGonigle, John Connery, Brigid McGirr, Ellen McGirr and Vincent Corry whose anniversaries occur at this time.

 

____________________________________________________________

 

BAPTISM

We welcome into God’s family through the Sacrament of Baptism:

Edward Maurice Higgins, 5 Sherbourne Heights, Magherafelt and Jessica Rose Neill, 62 Desertmartin Road, Magherafelt.

 

THANK YOU for your generous contributions to the Parish.

Last Week:  Sunday/Priest’s Collection envelopes:  £748.22. 

Lourdes Hospitalité Collection envelopes:  £56.00 (total so far £654.00).

Holy Places Collection envelopes:  £420.90.

Thank you to those who contribute to the parish by direct debit.

 

LENT WEEKDAY MASS TIMES

Monday 26^th February:

St. Mary’s, Coolcalm ~ 10 am

Holy Rosary, Ballinascreen ~ 7.30 pm

 

Tuesday 27^th February:

Holy Rosary, Ballinascreen ~ 7 am

St. Colm’s High School ~ 8.40 am

St. Eugene’s, Moneyneena ~ 10 am

St. Mary’s, Coolcalm ~ 7.30 pm

 

Wednesday 28^th February:

Holy Rosary, Ballinascreen ~ 7 am

St. Colm’s High School ~ 8.40 am

St. Eugene’s, Moneyneena ~ 10 am

St. Mary’s, Coolcalm ~ 7.30 pm

 

Thursday 29^th February:

Holy Rosary, Ballinascreen ~ 7 am

St. Colm’s High School ~ 8.40 am

St. Eugene’s, Moneyneena ~ 10 am

St. Mary’s, Coolcalm ~ 7.30 pm

 

Friday 1^st March:

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.  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 10^th March at 12 noon in St. Patrick’s Church, Keenaught for the children attending St. Columb’s P.S., Cullion and Knocknagin P.S.

 

KNOCKNAGIN HALL ACTIVITIES

Chair Exercise on Tuesday mornings at 10 am, followed by a short walk.  Admission £4.

Knit and Natter Classes resume on Tuesday 20^th 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
Grand Country Concert on Tuesday 12^th March at 8 pm, featuring Yodelling Kenny Archer, Caillin Joe and many more artists.  Proceeds for Macmillan Cancer and other charities.  Tickets £15 or pay at the door.  Contact Fiona on 077 4689 5968.

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 8^th April x4 weeks, 10 am – 12 noon.  Ring/text 078 2196 3749 to book your place/more details.

 

BALLINASCREEN PARISH DANCE

Dance this Friday 1^st March in An Ráth Dubh, Moneyneena.  Music by Bleed’N Cowboys.  Dancing from 10 am – 1 pm.  Admission £10.  Proceeds in aid of restoration work on St. Eugene’s Church, Moneyneena.  Light refreshments served.  All welcome.

 

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 COMMUNITY HUB

Health Matters Session on Wednesday 28^th February, 11 am – 1 pm.

Managing Your Medicines session with Aine of O’Kane’s Pharmacy at 12 noon.

 

SIXTOWNS CROSS COMMUNITY GROUP

Sixtowns Hall is hosting a Free series of classes as part of a ‘Wellness Week’ initiative from Monday 26^th February to Sunday 3^rd March, with thanks to funding support from the Workspace Group.

Monday 26^th:  Pilates classes fully booked.

Tuesday 27^th:  Waltz and Line Dancing Classes with Christopher Bradley, 8.30 pm – 10 pm.  No booking required.

Wednesday 28^th:  Healthy Eating Airfryer Cookery Class fully booked.

Thursday 29^th:  First Aid Class with Hibernian Medical Service Ltd., 7.30 pm – 9.30 pm.  No booking required.

Friday 1^st:  Mindfulness Class with Caroline Kelly, 7 pm – 8 pm.  No booking required.

Saturday 2^nd:  Crochet and Chat, 11 am – 12 noon.  No booking needed.

Sunday 3^rd:  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.

Sunday 3^rd:  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

OCN L2 Managing Challenging Behaviour in Children Course starts Tuesday 27^th February 6.30 – 9.30 pm (4 weeks).  Registration fee:  £30 and Certificate / Accreditation Fee:  £29 (payable on first night).  The course is free to people in receipt of certain benefits or not in full time work.  Phone 028 7774 2494.

 

PILATES

Pilates Classes at Sixtowns Hall each Monday in March: 4^th, 11^th, 18^th and 25^th with AMG Pilates.  Suitable for age 16+.  Men and women welcome.  Exercises will be modified to suit all abilities.  £25 for the 4 week block.  To book your space, contact Emma on 077 6928 9385.

 

WARM WELCOME WEDNESDAYS

Free craft sessions in Workspace Community Hub, Draperstown, 11 am – 1 pm with Michaela Mills on these dates:  Wednesday 6^th March ~ Create a moss-land style terrarium using recycled glass jars.  Wednesday 13^th 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.

 

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.

 

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 15^th February until 21^st March.  Speaker on Thursday 29^th February will Martina Purdy.  Seminars online at www.churchservices.tv/strathroy.

 

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 8^th – 10^th March.  Anyone aged 18 or over wishing to attend should contact the Diocesan Vocations Director, Fr. Pat O’Hagan at pgoh2111@gmail.com.

 

ACCORD NI SEEKING MARRIAGE PREPARATION FACILITATORS

ACCORD NI Catholic Marriage Care Service is currently recruiting people to train as marriage preparation programme facilitators.  If you have a positive attitude towards marriage in the Catholic Church, if you have the enthusiasm to be part of the Accord team in supporting couples who are preparing for the Sacrament of Marriage, then Accord wants to hear from you.  Successful applicants will receive professional training and will be part of a team delivering marriage preparation programmes locally.  Contact Brenda on 028 9023 3002 or by email to info@accordni.com.  www.accordni.com

 

LOUGH DERG RETREAT FOR YOUNG ADULTS (18 – 30 year olds)

The Knights of Columbanus, Omagh, is organising a Retreat in Lough Derg for young adults, to take place on Saturday 27^th April from 10 am – 4 pm.  Guest Speakers, inspirational talks, reflective time and concluding with Mass.  This event is Free.  For further information, email info@knightsofstcolumbansomagh.co.uk

 

PILGRIMAGE TO FATIMA

Fully escorted group pilgrimage accompanied by Spiritual Director for seven nights from 28^th May – 3^rd 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 1^st to Friday 5^th 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 10^th 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 30^th July to 8^th 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).

 

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 4^th March and will be taken down at 8 am on Monday 11^th March.  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.