PARISH BULLETIN – 14th SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME – 7th July 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:
Johnny McCormick, 7 Whitewater Court, Straw, whose funeral was held during the week.
Patrick Mulgrew, Lawrence Bradley, Baby Katherine Kennedy-Burns, Mary McCloskey, Margaret Shrapnel and Rose Livesey who died recently.
Esther Cassidy, Ballymaguigan, whose First Anniversary occurs at this time.
Maureen Regan, Francis Murphy Gortahurk, Philomena Toner Boveagh, Finn Higgins, Gerry Fullen, Kathleen O’Neill Tirgan, Henry McBride, Danny Donnelly, John Pat Cassidy, Joseph Toner, Barney McGovern Brackaghslievegallion and Andy McCullagh 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: £820.50.
Pope’s Collection envelopes: £35.00 (total so far £482.00).
Thank you to those who contribute to the parish by direct debit.
FR. McGIRR ~ SILVER JUBILEE OF ORDINATION
As Fr. Dermot McGirr celebrates the 25th anniversary of his Ordination to the Priesthood this weekend, we offer him our best wishes and thank him for his years of service as a priest in the Diocese of Derry and particularly among us in Desertmartin and Ballinascreen. Ad Multos Annos, Fr. Dermot.
CLEAN KEENAUGHT CHURCH
Thank You to everyone who gave some of their time and came to clean Keenaught Church last Wednesday evening to have it looking well for the weekend Mass. All your good work is very much appreciated.
DAUGHTERS OF CHARITY MISSION APPEAL
Sr. Geraldine and Sr. Christina were delighted with the warm welcome they received when they visited both parishes last weekend. Please leave any outstanding donations for their work in Africa in the sacristy or Parish Office or with one of the priests of the parish as soon as possible. Thank you.
KNOCKNAGIN HALL ACTIVITIES
Social Tea Dance: Monthly Dance as usual on Friday 12th July at 9 pm. Music by Peter McCloskey and Hugh Turner.
Irish Classes: Irish languages classes starting shortly. To register an interest, stating preference of day and time, contact Olive on 078 8761 4094, Kathleen on 077 6427 7809 or Anne on 028 7964 2711.
Convery School of Irish Dancing Class for boys and girls aged 3+ continue on Tuesday evenings at 6 pm. To register or for more information, contact Nicola on 075 1820 4758.
Yoga Classes, Knit and Natter, Chair Exercise and Line Dancing Classes have stopped for the summer months and will resume again in September.
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: July monthly draw winner, no. 187 Gerard O’Kane, Magherafelt. Band Practice continues on Thursday evenings at 7.30 pm. All members are asked to make a special effort to attend band practice and check they have a complete uniform. New and past members welcome.
BALLINASCREEN PARISH SUMMER DRAW 2024
The Ballinascreen Annual Summer Draw is upon us and this year it will aid the work at St. Eugene’s Church, Moneyneena, which is progressing well. We are hoping that the Summer Draw will be a great success. The total prize fund is £8,000 and the Draw will be held each Saturday from 13th July until Saturday 10th August. Winners will be announced each Saturday at the 6 pm Vigil Mass in the Holy Rosary Church, Ballinascreen.
Week 1: 1st Prize £1,000, 2nd Prize £200, 3rd Prize £100
Week 2: 1st Prize £1,000, 2nd Prize £200, 3rd Prize £100
Week 3: 1st Prize £1,000, 2nd Prize £200, 3rd Prize £100
Week 4: 1st Prize £1,000, 2nd Prize £200, 3rd Prize £100
Week 5: 1st Prize £2,000, 2nd Prize £500, 3rd Prize £300
Tickets only £20 each are available to buy from: Parish Draw Promoters; Heron’s Gift Shop, Draperstown; Moneyneena Post Office; Coolcalm and Keenaught church porches; Fr. Madden’s and Fr. McGirr’s Parochial Houses; Ballinascreen and Desertmartin Parish Offices; and Ballinascreen and Desertmartin Credit Union Offices. Tickets may also be purchased online by logging onto https://www.klubfunder.com/Clubs/Ballinascreen_Parish/TicketSales or by scanning this QR code:
BRACKAGH QUARRY WIND FARM COMMUNITY FUND
The 2024-2025 Community Fund is now open for applications. The Fund offers grants up to £2,000 to community and voluntary groups within a four-mile radius of the wind farm site. Groups outside this area may also apply provided all or the majority of the recipients of their services are based within the four-mile radius. For more information or to request an application pack, call Workspace on 028 7962 8113. Closing date for applications is 4 pm on Wednesday 10th July.
ST. EUGENE’S CHURCH, MONEYNEENA
Fr. Madden is grateful for the donations already received towards the renovation work at St. Eugene’s Church, Moneyneena. Further donations gratefully accepted. 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.
IRISH CATHOLIC BISHOPS STATEMENT ON END OF LIFE
To address the sensitive issue of compassionate care at the end of life, and in response to the need to inform the faithful of Catholic teaching on this important life issue that affects so many families, the Bishops of Ireland have published the pastoral letter: ‘Freedom to Live Fully, Until Death Comes’. You are invited to read this letter and view the accompanying video ‘Through the Valley’, which offers personal testimonies by carers and people with terminal illness. The key message of both letter and video asserts that every person possesses infinite dignity that remains intact regardless of their circumstances. To read ‘Freedom to Live Fully, Until Death Comes’ and to watch ‘Through the Valley’, visit the following link: https://www.catholicbishops.ie/2024/06/24/bishops-statement-on-end-of-life-care-freedom-to-live-fully-until-death-comes/ or scan the QR Code:
DIOCESAN VOCATIONS
Vocations Day for those considering diocesan priesthood in Buncrana on Sunday 8th September from 12 noon – 6 pm. Anyone interested, should please contact the Diocesan Vocations Director, Fr. Pat O’Hagan by email: pgoh2111@gmail.com.
MACMILLAN CANCER WALK
Annual Walk will be held on Saturday 27th July, starting and finishing at An Rath Dubh, Moneyneena. Registration opens from 8.30 am. Long walk (7 miles) starts at 9 am, short walk (3 miles) starts at 11 am. Lunch served from 12 noon. Buckets on day for donations or online at www.justgiving.com/page/walkhudysway2024 For more details, contact Joseph McCullagh on 078 4182 0228 or email josephmccullagh@hotmail.co.uk.
WORKSPACE RECREATION CENTRE SUMMER CAMP 2024
Camp from Tuesday 30th July until Friday 9th August. Cost: £10 for registration and £2 per day. Contact Workspace on 028 796 28113 for more details or to request a registration form.
HORTICULTURE CLASSES
Classes in the polytunnel on Back Road, Draperstown behind the Soup Kitchen, on Thursdays, 6.30 pm – 8.30 pm. Everyone welcome. For more details, please ring STEPS on 078 2111 9367.
KILCRONAGHAN CENTRE
Annual Vintage Rally, Family Fun Day and Craft Fair on Saturday 28th September from 11 am. For more details, ring 028 7962 7826 or message 078 2196 3749.
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.
LOUGH DERG PILGRIMAGE
The Lough Derg traditional Three Day Pilgrimage has begun and continues until Thursday 15th August.
DIOCESE OF DERRY THREE-DAY PILGRIMAGE TO LOUGH DERG 2024
Diocese of Derry Three-Day Pilgrimage to Lough Derg 2024 led by Bishop Donal McKeown starts on Friday 26th July and concludes on Sunday 28th July. Bus will leave St. Eugene’s Cathedral, Derry, on Friday 26th July at 11 am and will travel via Strabane, Lifford and Ballybofey. Cost £80 including transport. Cost for those making their own way to Lough Derg, £70. Pre-booking is required for those travelling by bus. Please contact Tony Brennan on tony.brennan@derrydiocese.org or phone the Diocese Office on 028 7126 2302 for a booking form. Lough Derg is a sacred place set apart to bring burdens and leave them behind, to seek healing for wounds and to ask for them to be healed. The Lough Derg Pilgrimage provides a kind of breathing space in which people can calmly explore and reflect on where they find themselves in their lives at that moment in time. We look forward to welcoming you.
PIONEER PILGRIMAGE TO KNOCK
The Pioneer Pilgrimage to Knock will take place on Sunday 21st July. Mass at 3 pm will be followed by Eucharistic Blessing and Procession to the Shrine. Pioneers along with friends and relations of people who are living ‘one day at a time’ with addiction are welcome.
NATIONAL GRANDPARENTS PILGRIMAGE TO KNOCK SHRINE 2024
National Grandparents Pilgrimage to Knock Shrine 2024 on Sunday 28th July. Led by Archbishop Luis Mariano Montemayor, Papal Nuncio to Ireland. Theme: ‘Do Not Cast Me Off in My Old Age’ (psalm 71:9). 2.30 pm – Anointing of the Sick in the Basilica. 3 pm – Pilgrimage Mass followed by Rosary Procession. Those unable to join in person can take part online at www.knockshrine.ie/watch.
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.
MEDJUGORJE IRISH CENTRE PILGRIMAGES, APRIL – OCT 2024
7 Nights Apartment B&B from €273 per person sharing. Airport transfer available on request. Contact us for details and book the dates that suit you. Tel. 00353 01 443 4510 or visit the website www.med-irishcentre.com
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.
PILGRIMAGE TO MEDJUGORJE
Group Pilgrimage to Medjugorje running from 4th – 11th September. Total cost in Euros: €835. Full religious programme operated by Marian Pilgrimages. Includes daily breakfast and evening meal. For more information, contact Group Leader Luke McCann on 079 5538 6288. To book, contact Marian Pilgrimages on 028 9568 0005.
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.
PILGRIMAGES TO FATIMA EASTER 2025
Ex Dublin, Easter 2025: 13th May 2025 Feast day of Our Lady of Fatima; 13th June 2025 for Feast of Saint Anthony; 13th October 2025. Contact James Treacy on 00353 6 192 1470, Email: jamestreacyphotography@gmail.com.
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).