Bulletin: 21st July 2024

PARISH BULLETIN – 16^th SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME – 21^st 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

____________________________________________________________

 

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:

 

Eamon Toner, Glenelly Villas, whose funeral will be in St. Columba’s Church, Straw today, Sunday, at 12 noon.

 

Rosemary Doherty, Drumderg Road; Patricia Davey, Ballymena, formerly Brackalislea Road; P. J. O’Kane, Cahore Heights and Paddy McCallion, Cordarragh, whose funerals were held during this past week.

 

Johnny McCormick, who died recently.

 

Lawrence Corry, Birmingham, whose First Anniversary occurs at this time.

 

Elizabeth Hughes, Brian McGuigan Brackalislea, Gerry Donnelly, Thomas McGuckin Tirgan Road, Dan McKenna, Chrissy Donnelly and Patricia Crawley whose anniversaries occur at this time.

____________________________________________________________

 

A BIG THANK YOU FROM FR. McGIRR

 

I would like to thank everyone involved with the Celebration Mass in St. Patrick’s Church, Keenaught on Saturday 6^th July to mark the 25^th Anniversary of my Ordination to the Priesthood.  Thank you to the priests, Fr. Doherty, Fr. Sweeney and Fr. McGuigan, for concelebrating the Mass with Fr. Madden and myself.

 

I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to all those involved with the Mass, such as the Church Readers, pupils from St. Columb’s, Cullion and Knocknagin Primary Schools as well as members of my family helping with the offertory, Eucharistic Ministers, Church Altar Servers, and Sacristan for helping the Mass go so well.  Thanks also to the musicians and singers of the Ballinascreen Choir who performed during the Mass and to the Sarsfield’s Band which played outside before the Mass and afterwards towards St. Martin’s GAA Club.  Thanks as well to the flower arranger for the floral displays, Devlin Media for live streaming the Mass and the photographer capturing the occasion.  I would also like to extend my gratitude to the members of St. Martin’s GAA Club for the honorary membership and for hosting the celebration tea after the Mass and to Sperrin Bakery which donated food and the celebration cake shared by parishioners.

 

I would like to express my appreciation to everyone involved in working in and around the church to present St. Patrick’s in such a good light for the Anniversary Mass – parishioners who came in and cleaned the church so thoroughly in the days before, the groundskeeper for tidying the grounds around the church, and the members of the Parish Pastoral Council for co-ordinating and doing so much over the past weeks to organise the celebration itself and for putting up flags and bunting in the church grounds.  Finally, thanks to you, Desertmartin and Ballinascreen parishioners and friends from other communities, who attended the Mass in church or participated online from home, and anyone else who lent a hand in any way.

 

I feel very appreciative and humbled by the amazing and generous gifts of all kinds from the Parish and from parishioners of both Parishes and from fellow priests.  People’s generosity, thoughtfulness and kind messages are very special and have made the Celebration Mass and the whole evening very memorable for me.  Thank you very, very much.  Go raibh míle maith agat go mór.  And may God bless you.

 

 

BAPTISM

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

Francis Michael Hughes, 3 Lecumpher Road.

 

THANK YOU for your generous contributions to the Parish.

Last Week:  Sunday/Priest’s Collection envelopes:  £762.10.

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

 

SICK VISITATION

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

 

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

 

KNOCKNAGIN HALL ACTIVITIES

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 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.

 

SUMMER MUSIC TUITION

Piano.  For registration or information, contact Edward Gribbin BA (Hons), tel. 078 3516 1927.

 

BALLINASCREEN PARISH SUMMER DRAW 2024

Tickets on sale at the usual outlets and online.  The first draw will now take place next Saturday 27^th July, and will end on Saturday 24^th August.  The draw will take place at the 6 pm Vigil Mass in the Holy Rosary Church, Ballinascreen, and may be viewed on Holy Rosary webcam.

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:

 

 

GLÓR NA SPEIRÍNÍ PUBLIC MEETING

The Board of Glór na Speiríní invites all local community groups, schools, charity organisations, churches, all political parties, employers, and interested individuals to a public consultation in Glór (Straw old school) on Monday 22^nd July at 7 pm.  This will be a perfect opportunity to express your opinion(s) on the Irish Language and its continuing development and its place in our parishes.

 

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.

 

SIXTOWNS DANCE

Monthly Dance in Sixtowns Cross Community Centre on Friday 26^th July at 9.30 pm.  Everyone welcome.

 

MACMILLAN CANCER WALK

For walkers of all abilities and those folk who just fancy a cup of tea.  The Annual Walk will be held next Saturday 27^th 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 30^th July until Friday 9^th August.  Cost:  £10 for registration and £2 per day.  Contact Workspace on 028 796 28113 for more details or to request a registration form.

 

KILCRONAGHAN CENTRE

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.

 

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 15^th 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 this Friday 26^th July and concludes on Sunday 28^th July.  Bus will leave St. Eugene’s Cathedral, Derry, on Friday 26^th 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.

 

NATIONAL GRANDPARENTS PILGRIMAGE TO KNOCK SHRINE 2024

National Grandparents Pilgrimage to Knock Shrine 2024 next Sunday 28^th 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.

 

DIOCESAN VOCATIONS

Vocations Day for those considering diocesan priesthood in Buncrana on Sunday 8^th September from 12 noon – 6 pm.  Anyone interested, should please contact the Diocesan Vocations Director, Fr. Pat O’Hagan by email: pgoh2111@gmail.com.

 

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, 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.

 

PILGRIMAGE TO MEDJUGORJE

Group Pilgrimage to Medjugorje running from 4^th – 11^th 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

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.

 

PILGRIMAGES TO FATIMA EASTER 2025

Ex Dublin, Easter 2025:  13^th May 2025 Feast day of Our Lady of Fatima; 13^th June 2025 for Feast of Saint Anthony; 13^th 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).

 

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 29^th July and will be taken down at 8 am on Monday 5^th August.  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.