Bulletin: 14th April 2024

PARISH BULLETIN – 3^rd SUNDAY OF EASTER – 14^th April 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

 

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

 

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:

 

Raymond Cuskeran, formerly Glenelly Villas, and Richard Cardno, Scotland, whose funerals were held during the week.

 

Claire O’Neill, May O’Neill, Shauna Mullan, Tommy Scullion, Marie Heaney, Benny Kerr, John Kennedy and Bernie Corrigan who died recently.

 

Sinéad McErlean, 28 Broagh Road, Knockloughrim and Phyllis Kelly, 31 Gortahurk Road, whose Month’s Minds occur at this time.

 

Irene Mulholland, Frank Loane Motalee, Teresa Kelly Brackalislea Road, Brendan McGuigan, Mary MacOscar, Michael Higgins, Michael Toner, Jim Walls, Henry Walls, Frank Higgins, Mary McGuigan, Nellie Donnelly, Peter McGovern, Kathleen O’Hagan, Frank O’Hagan, Anna O’Hagan and Declan McGirr whose anniversaries occur at this time.

 

____________________________________________________________

 

THANK YOU for your generous contributions to the Parish.

Last Week:  Sunday/Priest’s Collection envelopes:  £682.00.

Restoration Fund envelopes:  £663.00.

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

 

TRÓCAIRE 2024

THANK YOU to all who contributed so generously to this year’s Trócaire Lenten Appeal.  £2,361.00 (updated total) has been raised in Desertmartin Parish.  If you would still like to make a donation, please put the donation in an envelope marked ‘Trócaire’ and put it through the letterbox at the Parochial House. Your generous donations will enable Trócaire to continue its vital work in developing countries. On its behalf, thank you most sincerely for your generous support.

 

SICK VISITATION

On Monday and Tuesday this coming week Fr. McGirr will visit the sick on Iniscarn, Brackagh, Gortahurk, Brackalislea and Nutgrove Roads.

 

On Thursday and Friday this coming week Fr. McGirr will visit the sick on Carncose, Quilly, Luney, Drumsamney, Tobermore and Forgetown Roads, and Brackagh Lane.

 

 

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2024

First Holy Communion will be celebrated on the following dates:

Saturday 27^th April at 11 am in Holy Rosary, Ballinascreen for children attending Gaelscoil na Speiríní, Straw.

Saturday 11^th May at 11 am in St. Mary’s, Coolcalm for the children attending Knocknagin P.S.

Saturday 25^th May at 11 am in St. Mary’s, Coolcalm for the children attending St. Columb’s P.S., Cullion.

 

KNOCKNAGIN HALL ACTIVITIES

Irish Dancing Lessons starting soon in Parochial Hall on Tuesday Evenings.  Convery School of Irish Dancing is holding beginner Irish dancing class for boys and girls aged 3 and over.  To register or for more information, contact Nicola on 075 1820 4758.

Yoga Classes:  Next 6-week block starts on Monday 15^th April at 10 am.  Numbers limited, so registration necessary.  To register, contact Olive on 078 8761 4094, Angela on 077 4689 5949 or Anne on 028 7964 2711.

Jiving Classes continue on Wednesday at 8 pm.  Contact Angela on 077 4689 5949 or Olive on 078 8761 4094.

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

Knit and Natter Classes continue on Tuesday at 7.30 pm.  Bring your own project or you can help with knitting for local charities.

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 and Div. 30:  The band would like to pass on our deepest sympathy and condolences to the Scullion family on the death of Tommy Scullion.

Band Practice continues on Thursday evenings at 7.30 pm.  New and past members welcome.

Monthly Draw, April winner:  no, 156, £50 to Brogan Bradley, Longfield.

 

KILCRONAGHAN CENTRE
Weekly Exercise Class starts Friday 19^th April and continues every Friday morning, 10 am – 11 am.  Particularly suitable for those who prefer a chair-based work out or for anybody less mobile.  Exercises are tailored to individual’s needs and abilities.  Everyone welcome.

Yoga with Angela O’Loughlin every Thursday morning, 10.30 am – 12 noon.

Weekly Painting Class every Wednesday at 10 am and 7 pm.

Tel:  078 2196 3749 for more details and to book your place on any class.

Kilcronaghan Centre has recently purchased a Defibrillator, thanks to funding from the Workspace Community Fund.  Free training on its use will be held at Kilcronaghan on Tuesday 23^rd April at 12 noon and Thursday 25^th April at 6.30 pm.  It is only necessary to attend either the morning or the evening session, and each session will last 2 hours.  Places must be prebooked.  Please ring/text 078 2196 3749 to book your place.

 

WARM WELCOME WEDNESDAY

Luncheon Club offering Free lunch for over 60s on Wednesday 17^th April in Workspace Community Hub, Draperstwon, 11 am – 1.30 pm.  Food served about 12.15 pm.  To confirm your place, contact Workspace on 028 7962 8113 by 12 noon on Monday 15^th April.

 

WORKSPACE COMMUNITY HUB

Nuala’s Keep Fit Classes on Monday and Thursday nights from 6.45 pm.  Four weeks  lwft on this block.  Sign up anytime, classes only £3.50 each.  Call Workspace for more details or to book your place 028 7962 8113.

Baby Massage Classes starting on Fridays in Workspace Community Hub.  Contact Rosie on 077 4912 1208.

 

COFFEE MORNING

Ballinascreen GAC will host a Coffee Morning on Sunday 21^st April in the Clubhouse from 9.30 am until 1 pm.  All proceeds in aid of essential repair work being carried out on St. Eugene’s Church, Moneyneena.  Everyone welcome.

 

33^rd DERRY BALLINASCREEN SCOUTS

30^th Anniversary Gala in The Shepherds Rest on 1^st June at 7.30 pm, dinner will be served at 8 pm.  Tickets now on sale £40 each.  Search Ballinascreen Scouts Gala on Eventbrite or contact ballinascreen.scouts@gmail.com.  Over 18s only, smart dress code.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.  If you are interested in registering for the Masters in September 2024 or require any further information,  please contact the Derry Diocesan Catechetical Centre on 028 7126 4087 or email tferry@derrydiocese.org.

 

THE ANNUAL SR. CLARE RETREAT, LONG TOWER, DERRY

Sister Clare’s Retreat begins every morning, Monday 15^th – Friday 19^th April, with 7 am and 10 am Mass, followed by Benediction and a guest speaker in the evening at 7 pm.  A healing service will take place on Thursday 18^th April at 7 pm.  On Saturday 20^th April there will be a guest speaker at 10 am Mass and 3 pm Mass.  The Retreat will conclude on Sunday 21^st April at 3 pm with a closing Mass celebrated by Bishop Donal McKeown.  Everyone is welcome to attend in person or you can stream the services online at www.longtowerchurch.org.

 

MUCKAMORE ABBEY

Muckamore Abbey is having a Service of Thanksgiving and Prayer in the Moyola Building for staff, past and present on Thursday 18^th April at 7.30 pm.

 

LAVEY PARISH ALL-NIGHT ADORATION

Praying for Vocations.  ‘Take the risk for Christ.’  Friday 19^th April, beginning at 9 pm and concludes with Mass on Saturday 20^th April at 9.15 am.  Everyone welcome.

 

MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER IRELAND

Marriage Encounter Ireland invites married couples to their next Marriage Enrichment Weekend in the Focolare Centre, Prosperous, Co Kildare, Friday 26^th – Sunday 28^th April.  Register online.www.marriageencounter.ie.

 

SMA RETREAT CENTRE, DROMANTINE

Reflection Day at SMA Retreat Centre, Dromantine on Saturday 4^th May, 9.30 am – 5 pm entitled ‘Forgiveness:  the journey from hurt to healing, freedom, peace and happiness’ led by Fr. Des Corrigan SMA.  Cost (including lunch) £38.  Tel 028 3082 1964 or Email:  admin@dromantineconference.com.

 

LOUGH DERG ONE DAY RETREATS IN MAY

These guided days of prayer and reflection will take place on Sunday 5^th, Monday 6^th, Sunday 12^th, Tuesday 14^th, Saturday 18^th, Sunday 25^th and Monday 27^th May.  More details can be found at www.loughderg.ie.  €45 per person.  Booking essential.

The Lough Derg traditional Three Day Pilgrimage begins on Friday 31^st May and continues until Thursday 15^th August.

 

ALL IRELAND ROSARY RALLY

Rosary Rally on Saturday 1^st June in Knock.  Marian Conference at 9.30 am with speakers Fr. Michael Donnelly, Sr. Ana Margarita Lanzas SCTJM, and Fr. Joseph Maria Deane CFR.  hen there will be an opportunity to meet over 20 apostolates from around Ireland from 11.30 am in St. John’s Centre.  Mother Adela Galindo from Miami will deliver the keynote Rosary talk at 1 pm in the Basilica.  Stations of the Cross outside at 2 pm, followed by Rosary Procession.  Concelebrated Mass and Anointing of the Sick at 3 pm.  Confessions available all day.  Rosary and scapular-making workshops.  For more details, visit www.AllIrelandRosaryRally.com

 

LIFE CAMP 2024

Living – In – Faith – Everywhere.  LIFE Camp is a voluntary organisation staffed by teachers, students and experienced volunteers.  It takes place in St. Mary’s College, Northland Road, Derry.  We are calling all pupils currently in P3 – P7.  Week 1:  Monday 1^st – Friday 5^th July and Week 2:  Monday 8^th – Friday 12^th July.  Cost for each week is £40.  To register go to www.klubfunder.com/Clubs/Life%20Summer%20Camp

 

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.

 

PILGRIMAGE TO FATIMA

Fatima Pilgrimage, 9^th – 14^th August.  Ex Dublin.  Mass in Santarem where the bleeding host took place, visit visionaries homes, Hungarian stations of the cross, Lisbon with church of Saint Anthony where he was born and baptised, seaside excursion.  Payments can be made by instalments.  Contact James Treacy on 00353 61 921 470 or email jamestreacyphotography@gmail.com.

 

ST. EUGENE’S CATHEDRAL PILGRIMAGE TO FATIMA

19^th – 24^th October.  Cost £770 per person sharing with a single room supplement of £150 (subject to availability).  For more information, please contact Anne Marie Hickey on amhickey@derrydiocese.org or phone St. Eugene’s Parish Office on 028 7126 2894.

 

PILGRIMAGE TO ROME AND SAN GIOVANNI 

4^th – 10^th November, led by James Molloy.  Spiritual Director, Fr. John McKeever.  To book please phone Kieran and Laura Troyon on 00353 57 9355050.  To book by debit card, see www.myriam.ie.  Passport details needed when booking.  Coach pickup at Oakleaf Restaurant, Maghera.  Cost 895 Euro p.p.s.

 

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).