Bulletin: 26th May 2024

PARISH BULLETIN – THE MOST HOLY TRINITY – 26^th 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

____________________________________________________________

 

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:

 

Vonie McCullagh, 54 Glenelly Villas; Ronan Hawthorne, Magherafelt and Chris Orr, Canada, formerly of Derrynoyd, whose funerals were held during the week.

 

Jean McGuigan who died recently.

 

Patsy Breen Gortahurk Road, Leo Fullen, John James Ryan, Michael Ryan, John Joe Ryan, Thomas O’Kane and Johnny Corry whose anniversaries occur at this time.

 

MONTH’S MIND MASS

The Month’s Mind Mass for Colette Murphy, Dunmurry, will be celebrated on Friday 31^st May at 7.30 pm in the Holy Rosary Church, Ballinascreen.

 

FIRST ANNIVERSARY MASS

The First Anniversary Mass for Joe Crilly, Newtownards and Drumard, will be celebrated on Friday 31^st May at 7.30 pm in the Holy Rosary Church, Ballinascreen.

 

____________________________________________________________

 

BAPTISM

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

Daíre Ethan McGrath, 9E Crocknamohill Road.

 

THANK YOU for your generous contributions to the Parish.

Last Week:  Sunday/Priest’s Collection envelopes:  £678.70.

Diocesan Purposes Collection envelopes:  £421.01.

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

 

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION

Congratulations to the Primary 4 children of St. Columb’s P.S., Cullion who made their First Holy Communion on Saturday 25^th May.  Congratulations also to their parents, families, relatives and friends on this special day for them too.

 

 

MID-ULSTER TRUCK FESTIVAL

Mid Ulster Truck Festival this weekend 25^th and 26^th May at Lavey Club.  Fun for all the family.  Convoy will pass through Draperstown today, Sunday, at approximately 4.10 pm.  Please see their Facebook page for relevant updates.

 

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 8^th June:

6.30 pm ~ Mass in St. Patrick’s, Keenaught followed by Blessing of graves.

Please note earlier Mass time.

Sunday 9^th 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.

 

KNOCKNAGIN HALL ACTIVITIES

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 have stopped for the summer months and will resume again in September.

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.

 

ST. EUGENE’S CHURCH, MONEYNEENA

Fr. Madden is grateful for the donations already received towards the renovation work at St. Eugene’s Church, Moneyneena.  Donations may be given directly to Fr. Madden or left in the Ballinascreen Parish Office or made on-line via the Donate Button on the Ballinascreen Parish website.  If using this button, please select the ‘Restoration Fund’ option.  You may also contribute directly to Ballinascreen Church Renovation Fund account, using these bank account details:  Ballinascreen Parish Premium Business Reserve account number: 10585922.  Sort code: 98-05-50.  Thank you once again for your ongoing support and for your support of the various fund-raising events.

 

SIXTOWNS DANCE

Social Dance on Friday 31^st May at 9.30 pm.  Music by Still Water.  All 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 5^th 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 14^th June – Garden Show Ireland at Antrim Castle Gardens.  Includes transport, entrance fee and refreshments.  Contact Workspace on 028 7962 8113 to book by 4 pm on Wednesday 23^rd May or for more details.

 

ST. COLM’S HIGH SCHOOL FASHION SHOW

St. Colm’s High School is holding a Fashion Show on Thursday 6^th June from 7 pm – 9 pm.  Tickets are £10 and can be bought from the school office.

 

KILCRONAGHAN CENTRE

Annual Plant Sale on Friday 7^th June at 6.30 pm.  A wonderful selection of annuals and perennials available at great prices.

Annual Art Exhibition and Creamed Tea Fundraiser on Saturday 22^nd June, 12 noon – 4 pm.  All proceeds on the day for a local Parkinson’s support group.

Annual Vintage Rally, Family Fun Day and Craft Fair on Saturday 28^th September from 11 am.  For more details, ring 028 7962 7826 or message 078 2196 3749.

 

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.

 

SIXTOWNS CROSS COMMUNITY GROUP

On Thursday 6^th June Sixtowns Hall will host the Farm Families Mobile Screening Unit which offers Free advice and health assessments.  Appointments about 20-25 minutes, checking blood pressure, BMI cholesterol, diabetic risk and more.  General lifestyle, mental health and wellbeing advice will be provided by trained nurses.  Health checks available to anyone over 18 who hasn’t had a cholesterol test or blood pressure check within the past year.  Booking essential.  To book, please call Emma on 077 6928 9385.

 

WORKSPACE COMMUNITY HUB

Nuala’s Keep Fit Classes:  New block of classes starts on Thursday 16^th May and are held on Monday and Thursday nights from 6.45 pm in the Recreation Centre, Draperstown.  Sign up anytime, classes only £3.50 each.  Call Workspace for more details or to book your place 028 7962 8113.

 

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 or Tel. 077 4953 8199.  Over 18s only, smart dress code.

 

TRADITIONAL MUSIC FUNDRAISING EVENT

Irish Traditional music session in An Rath Dubh, Moneyneena on Saturday 15^th June.  Junior session from 7.30 pm to 8.30 pm.  Senior Session 8.30 pm to late.  Everyone is welcome.  Admission £10.  All proceeds in aid of renovation work on St. Eugene’s Church, Moneyneena.

 

MACMILLAN CANCER WALK

Annual Walk will be held on Saturday 27^th July, starting and finishing at An Rath Dubh, Moneyneena.  More details later.

 

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.

 

DROMANTINE SUNDAY ~ FAMILY FUN DAY

Dromantine Retreat Centre, Newry, on Sunday 9^th June, 1.30 pm – 5.30 pm.  Attractions:  Grand Draw, Country and Western Music, Flower Demonstration by renowned florist Susan Turley, Vintage Tractors, Bouncy Castles, Obstacle Courses, Stalls, Food, Refreshments and much more.  Admission:  £5 Donation per car.  Everyone Welcome.

 

FR. LIAM DONNELLY – 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF ORDINATION

To mark this special occasion, Fr. Liam will celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving on Friday 21^st June at 7 pm in the Church of Our Lady of Mercy, Lavey.  Refreshments will be served afterwards in Lavey Club.  Everyone is invited to attend.

 

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.   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 RETREAT IN MAY

The last guided day of prayer and reflection will take place on 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.

 

PRAY FOR LIFE NOVENA

The Pray for Life Novena is an invitation by the Council for Life of the Irish Bishops Conference to join thousands of people across Ireland to pray, from Thursday 23^rd May to the Feast of the Visitation on Friday 31^st May, for the protection of human life.  Each day’s intention is accompanied by a short reflection and suggested actions to help build a culture of life in Ireland.  Visit www.prayforlife.ie for the daily novena prayers and to sign up for daily reminders.  The prayers will also be posted on facebook.com/PrayforLifeNovena  @PrayforLife_ie on X and @prayforlifenovena on Instagram.

 

ALL IRELAND ROSARY RALLY

Rosary Rally on Saturday 1^st June in Knock.  Marian Conference at 9.30 am with speakers Fr. Brendan Kilcoyne, Sr. Ana Margarita Lanzas SCTJM, and Fr. Joseph Mary Deane CFR.  Then 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.  Mass and Anointing of the Sick at 3 pm.  Bishop Phonsie Cullinan will be the Main Celebrant.  Dana will join the choir to sing.  Confessions available all day.  There will also be rosary and scapular making workshops in the marquee.  Over 50 buses are going from around Ireland.  See www.allirelandrosaryrally.com for more details.

 

SCALP WALK DONEGAL

Supporting Concern Worldwide, the Annual Scalp Walk will take place on Sunday 2^nd June at 2 pm.  Concern Worldwide’s work tackling extreme poverty among some of the world’s poorest communities would be impossible without the compassion and generosity of the public and supporters.  They are calling on everyone to support them to help highlight and support the work of Concern Worldwide.  The Route will be signposted from Burnfoot in Donegal.  This is a moderately challenging walk of 6.8 km and 309 m ascent.

 

QUB CHAPLAINCY

Summer Concert with Canticle, the Choir of the Catholic Chaplaincy at Queen’s University.  We are thrilled to announce details of our forthcoming Summer Concert on Sunday 2^nd June at 7 pm.  The singers and musicians of Canticle Sacred Music Society will provide a rich programme of sacred and traditional music, with contributions from our student string quartet, our Irish traditional ensemble, and celebrated soprano, Eilis Fox.  Our good friend, Rev. Steve Stockman, will host us in Fitzroy Presbyterian Church, with light refreshments afterwards by Mosaic Cafe.  All monies raised from tickets, priced at just £10 each, as well as a charity raffle on the evening, will help support our choir tour to Italy in June.  Please follow the link to secure your ticket early for what is sure to be a popular event:  https://fixr.co/event/canticle-summer-concert-tickets-82467491

 

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 3^rd to Sunday 9^th 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 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.

 

PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES

Our Lady of Lourdes Pilgrimage Society’s 52^nd Annual Pilgrimage to Lourdes, 7 nights – 10^th – 17^th July.  From Belfast International Airport and staying full board at Hotel Agena.  Contact Kathleen McCann on 028 7963 2205 or 077 1970 1925.

 

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.

 

GLENSHANE PILGRIMAGE TO ROME, SAN GIOVANNI AND MONTECASSINO

6^th – 10^th 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).

 

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 3^rd June and will be taken down at 8 am on Monday 10^th June.  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.