PARISH BULLETIN – 6th SUNDAY OF EASTER – 5th May 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: 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
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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:
Manus McElhone, Belfast; Colette Murphy, 38 Dunmurray Road; Johnny McWilliams, 21 Ballinascreen Fold and John Heaney, Maghera, whose funerals were held during the week.
Baby Bella-Rosé Moran, Eva McKee, Gerry McAllister, Mary Cushenan, Ernie Guy, Francie Small, Sheila Mallinson, Patsy Breen, Mary Cushenan, Brian Cassidy and Teresa McGuigan who died recently.
May O’Neill, Brackaghlislea and Claire O’Neill, Magherafelt Manor, whose Month’s Minds occur at this time.
Joseph McKenna, James Breen, Peggy Wright, Henry McElwee, Susan Moran, Michael McCann, Jim McCabe and Catherine McGirr whose anniversaries occur at this time.
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PRIESTS’ CONFERENCE
Bishop Donal McKeown and the priests of the diocese of Derry are meeting in conference this week in Dromantine, Newry, from Monday to Wednesday. Fr. Madden and Fr. McGirr are very grateful to Fr. Sean McGuigan for his help at this time. This is the second diocesan meeting of the priests of the diocese in ongoing Synodality Formation.
BAPTISM
We welcome into God’s family through the Sacrament of Baptism:
Matthew James Hyndman, 76 Iniscarn Road and Grace Maureen Connery, 7 Cranny Lane, Moneymore.
THANK YOU for your generous contributions to the Parish.
Last Week: Sunday/Priest’s Collection envelopes: £1,080.50.
Thank you to those who contribute to the parish by direct debit.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION
The children of Knocknagin Primary School will celebrate their First Holy Communion next Saturday 11th May at 11 am in St. Mary’s Church, Coolcalm.
Family relatives, friends and parishioners will be able to view the Mass on the parish webcam – click on this link https://www.churchservices.tv/Desertmartin
Please keep the First Holy Communion children and their families in your prayers this coming week.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2024
First Holy Communion will be celebrated on Saturday 25th May at 11 am in St. Mary’s, Coolcalm for the children attending St. Columb’s P.S., Cullion.
THE LITTLE WAY NOVENA
The Little Way Novena in St. Eugene’s Cathedral – 11th to 19th May. The theme is: ‘I choose your will only’. The Novena will begin at the 7.30 pm Mass with the Sacrament of the Sick on Saturday 11th May. Devotions and talk on Sunday 12th May at 6 pm. Monday to Friday (13th to 17th May) Novena Masses at 6.30 am and 10 am each morning and an evening service with a guest speaker at 7.30 pm. Saturday 18th May, 10 am Mass for those who have died. The Novena will close on Sunday 19th May at 3 pm. Everyone is welcome to St. Eugene’s Cathedral for this time of prayer and petition.
BLESSING OF GRAVES 2024
Blessing of Graves in the parishes of Desertmartin and Ballinascreen takes place this weekend at the following days and times:
Saturday 8th June:
6.30 pm ~ Mass in St. Patrick’s, Keenaught followed by Blessing of graves.
Please note earlier Mass time.
Sunday 9th 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.
The annual gate collection will be taken up at the end of each ceremony to help with the upkeep of the graveyards.
FREE HOUSE INSULATION
Homeseal has secured funding for free insulation for households with income less then £40,000 per annum. All works completed under the scheme are completely free. This includes loft/cavity wall insulation. For more information, please contact Homeseal on 028 7962 7474.
KNOCKNAGIN HALL ACTIVITIES
SOCIAL TEA DANCE on Friday 10th May at 9 pm. Music by Colin Harney.
SPRED: Next meeting on Monday 13th May at 7.30 pm
Yoga Classes continue on Monday mornings at 10 am.
Convery School of Irish Dancing Class for boys and girls aged 3 and over on Tuesday evenings at 6 pm. To register or for more information, contact Nicola on 075 1820 4758.
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.
Line Dancing Classes on Wednesday evenings at 7.30 pm. £24 for 6 weeks to be paid on registration.
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 Practice continues on Thursday evenings at 7.30 pm. New and past members welcome.
FREE BUS EXCURSIONS FOR OVER 60S
Workspace is organising the following free excursions to 30 members of the local community, thanks to funding received from The Older People’s Fund (Previously Turkington Fund) / Community Foundation:
Wednesday 8th May – Mayor’s Tea Dance at the Guildhall, Derry. Includes transport, tour of the Guildhall and refreshments on arrival. Departs Draperstown at 11.30 am, returns 5 pm. To book your place, please contact Workspace on 028 7962 8113 by 10 am on Tuesday 7th May.
Wednesday 5th June – Hillsborough Castle and Gardens. Includes entrance fee to Castle and Gardens, tour and refreshments. Contact Workspace on 028 7962 8113 for more details.
Friday 14th June – Garden Show Ireland at Antrim Castle Gardens. Includes transport, entrance fee and refreshments. Contact Workspace on 028 7962 8113 for more details.
KILCRONAGHAN CENTRE
Weekly Exercise Class starts Friday 19th 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.
TIRGAN HALL
Big Breakfast and Hillwalk today, Sunday 5th May. Breakfast served from 9 am. Hillwalk registration at 8.45 am. Breakfast – £7.50. Hillwalk and Breakfast – £10.
BALLINASCREEN HISTORICAL SOCIETY
The Society is pleased to announce that the special guest for its next meeting is Colin Urwin. Colin is a professional folksinger, songwriter and storyteller from the Glens of Antrim. The meeting will be on Tuesday 7th May at 8 pm in the Shepherd’s Rest. Admission £5. Everyone welcome.
GLENSHANE HOUSE
L2 Autism Course on Tuesday 7th May from 6 pm – 9 pm (4 weeks).
First Aid and Defibrillator Training starts on Wednesday 15th May, 7 pm – 9 pm (4 weeks). To register, phone 028 7774 2494.
SIXTOWNS CROSS COMMUNITY GROUP
Yoga Classes with Sperrin Wellbeing and Yoga in Sixtowns Hall from Wednesday 8th May for a 4 week block from 8 pm – 9 pm.
Pilates Classes with AMG Pilates will run from Monday 13th May for a 4 week block from 7 pm – 8 pm. To book, contact Emma on 077 6928 9385.
WORKSPACE COMMUNITY HUB
Nuala’s Keep Fit Classes on Monday and Thursday nights from 6.45 pm. Four weeks left 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.
33rd DERRY BALLINASCREEN SCOUTS
30th Anniversary Gala in The Shepherds Rest on 1st 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.
MARY’S MEALS – PRAY IN MAY
Mary’s Meals provides school meals to over 2.4 million children every day. During the month of May, dedicated to Our Lady, we invite you to join us in praying for the hungry children who rely on our life-changing school meals, and for all the children and families around the world who live in poverty. We are praying particularly for families facing extreme food insecurity and hunger in Ethiopia. Further details on our Ethiopia appeal and prayer resources for adults and children can be found at www.marysmeals.org.uk/prayinmay
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. An Information Session via Zoom will be held on Monday 20th 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.
LOUGH DERG ONE DAY RETREATS IN MAY
These guided days of prayer and reflection will take place on Monday 6th, Sunday 12th, Tuesday 14th, Saturday 18th, Sunday 25th and Monday 27th 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 31st May and continues until Thursday 15th August.
ANAM CARA DONEGAL
Anam Cara Donegal, the organisation that supports bereaved parents, is holding its monthly Parent Evening for bereaved parents on Thursday 9th May 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 4045378.
HUMAN LIFE INTERNATIONAL
‘Following Christ as a Catholic in Ireland today’ Conference and Gala Dinner in the Guildhall, Derry on Saturday 11th May. With Dana, Mickey Harte, John Pridmore (former East London gangster), Patrick McCrystal and others. Bishop Donal McKeown will lead grace at Saturday night dinner. Book at www.humanlife.ie or call Human Life International Ireland on 00353 94 9375993. Book by Monday 6th May deadline for dinner bookings.
ALL IRELAND ROSARY RALLY
Rosary Rally on Saturday 1st 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
FOYER OF CHARITY SILENT RETREAT
Theme: ‘If You But Knew the Gift of God…’ Do you need to come away, have time for yourself and rest for a while? This is the invitation that Jesus is offering you today. A privileged time to leave noise and distractions and listen to the Spirit of God, who is Love. Retreat from Monday 3rd to Sunday 9th June at the Carmelite Retreat Centre, Termonbacca, Co. Derry. Cost (Full Board) £350/€400. Preached by Fr. Kilian Byrne (Foyer of Charity). Daily Mass, Rosary, Eucharistic Adoration, Teachings. For enquiries, tel. Helen on 00353 86 167 8027 or email hellywilliams@gmail.com. www.foyerofcharity.ie
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 1st – Friday 5th July and Week 2: Monday 8th – Friday 12th 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 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.
PILGRIMAGE TO FATIMA
Fatima Pilgrimage, 9th – 14th 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
19th – 24th 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
4th – 10th 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.
GLENSHANE PILGRIMAGE TO ROME, SAN GIOVANNI AND MONTECASSINO
6th – 10th November. €895 euros all in. Afternoon flights with Aer Lingus. Excellent accommodation and dinners. All coaches and tours included. Phone Kieran and Laura on 00353 57 93 55050.
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).