PARISH BULLETIN – 25th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME – 24th September 2023
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 COMING 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.
SVP Helpline: 077 1083 8050
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DEATHS AND ANNIVERSARIES
Please remember in your prayers:
Fr. John Downey, Ballinascreenand Derry; Msgr. Brendan Devlin, Maynooth Seminary and Rouskey; Angela Trainor, 26 Drumsamney Road; Maggie Higgins, 2 Derrynoyd Lane and Felix McAlister, Cookstown whose funerals were held during the week.
Mary Stewart, Sr. Mary Perpetua McCann, Dessie Bradley, Jim Breen and Pat Toner who died recently.
Bernie McDaid, John Kelly (Dan), Margaret McWilliams, Mary Ann McKay and Cecilia Shaw whose anniversaries occur at this time.
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Fr. JOHN B. DOWNEY, AN APPRECIATION BY FR. PETER MADDEN
No one can remember the last time a priest, resident in Moneyneena, died and was waked and buried from St. Eugene’s Church. Over the years, most curates in Moneyneena got to stay 7 or 8 years and then were appointed to another parish. But when Fr. John Downey arrived in August 2004, there was from the outset a feeling that he was here to stay. From the very beginning Fr. John put down roots in Moneyneena and began the 19 years of priestly ministry and service to the people of God in the Parish of Ballinascreen. I could fill multiple newsletters detailing all the ways John became so loved by the people of the parish and Moneyneena especially. His dedication to the sick and the housebound, his commitment to St. Eoghan’s and Altayeskey Primary Schools, his constant presence and ability to meet and greet everyone warmly, whether it be at his home or in Moneyneena Post Office or Eurospar in the town. He had a word for everyone. But that has all been said and the tributes the parishioners paid over the days of his wake and funeral with their attendance in such great numbers spoke more eloquently than words. My abiding memory of Fr. John will be his witness to Christ in the Eucharist and his attendance at daily Mass over the last months of his life when he was clearly unwell. As his life drew to close, his progression to the altar each day slowed down. He would walk ahead of me, and I was so conscious of how long it would take him to reach his place at the foot of the altar. Every day, it seemed to take that bit more energy. But he never wavered in his attendance, no matter how tired he might be. Of all the lessons in the Christian life that John gave us over the 39 years of his priestly ministry, this last one is for me the most important. If you want to remember Fr. John B. Downey, remember him at Mass on a Saturday evening or a Sunday. May we all follow his lead and not find excuses to be somewhere else. May we come to love Christ in the Eucharist as much as he did. Above all, that is what he would want for all of us. To know Christ and that we are loved totally loved by God. May he rest in peace. Our Lady of Fatima, pray for him. St. John Bosco, pray for him.
BAPTISM
We welcome into God’s family through the Sacrament of Baptism:
Rowan Patrick McGovern, 5 Craigmore Road, Moneymore.
THANK YOU for your generous contributions to the Parish.
Last Week: Sunday/Priest’s Collection envelopes: £1,026.00.
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 Carncose, Quilly, Luney, Drumsamney, Tobermore and Forgetown Roads and Brackagh Lane.
KNOCKNAGIN HALL ACTIVITIES
Hall Committee AGM on Tuesday 10th October at 7.30 pm, all welcome. It is important that the services and activities offered meet the communities’ needs, many volunteering opportunities for all ages, so come have your say or find something to get involved in.
SPRED Group Meeting on Monday 25th September at 7 pm.
Chair Exercises with Thomasina on Tuesdays at 10 am followed by a short walk. Come along to help improve your fitness, health and wellbeing. Admission £4. All welcome.
Knit and Natter on Tuesdays at 7.30 pm. Bring your own project or you can help with knitting for local charities.
Line Dancing on Wednesdays at 7.30 pm. Admission £4.
Bowling Club on Tuesdays, 8 pm to 10 pm. New and past members welcome.
Annual Christmas Craft Fair on Sunday 12th November. Tables £20 each or two for £30.
Read Yourself Well. Books by wellness experts and doctors are available to borrow for free at the Parish Hall during any of the above activities.
If interested in any of the above, please contact Olive on 078 8761 4094, Kathleen on 077 6427 7809 or Anne on 028 7964 2711 to register.
Sarsfield’s Band Practice on Thursdays at 7.30 pm. New and past members welcome.
A 2024 calendar is being prepared. It would be appreciated if any suitable band photos could be given to any band member for copying. All photos will be returned.
AOH Pilgrimage to Knock on Saturday 7th October. Fare £50 includes breakfast and evening meal in the Holyrood Hotel. To book a seat, phone Danny on 077 1935 2334 ASAP.
DESERTMARTIN CREDIT UNION
Oil will be ordered this week commencing Monday 25th September and will be delivered as soon as possible.
KILCRONAGHAN CENTRE
Yoga with Angela commences Thursday 28th September, 10.30 am – 12 noon x5 weeks.
Chair Based Exercises commences Friday 29th September, 10 am – 11 am x10 weeks. Ideal for those who are less mobile.
George Gourley Watercolours Painting commences Monday 9th October, 10 am – 12 noon x4 weeks.
Text/WhatsApp 078 2196 3749 for more details and to book a place in any class. Everyone welcome.
TIRGAN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
Saturday 7th October – the Traditional Music Nights recommence. Doors open at 8.30 pm. Admission £5 which includes refreshments.
Saturday 21st October – Garth Brooks Tribute Act. Tickets £10 each and will be available shortly from any committee member. Doors open 9 pm.
GLENSHANE HOUSE
OCN L2 Award in Introduction to Mindfulness and Reducing Anxiety in Children starting soon. Few spaces available. Tel 028 7774 2494.
LAPÓGLANN – TODDLE-INN
Glór na Speiríní is delighted to announce that its Parent and Toddlers’ Group is now running again. The programme runs for 3 mornings weekly, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 am – 10.30 am at a cost of only £2 per session, which includes refreshments. This is a brilliant way of meeting new parents and integrating into the community. For more details, please contact Conchúr on 077 9553 6682 or email conchurglor@gmail.com. Tá fáilte roimh chách – All welcome.
IRISH DANCING CLASSES
O’Neill Academy of Irish Dance resumes every Thursday at 4.45 pm in the Rath Dubh Centre, Moneyneena. All new members welcome.
BABY MASSAGE
New Baby Massage and Reflexology Classes starting in September in Draperstown. For details, contact Rosie on 077 4912 1208.
NETBALL
Theresa Lanigan Netball Training on Wednesdays from 8 pm to 9 pm in Backrow Hall, Draperstown. No netball experience necessary. Come along for the craic and the exercise. All welcome from ages 18 to 80!
BALLINASCREEN GAC 90TH CELEBRATIONS
The Club’s 90th Anniversary Magazine will be published in November. Stories, memories, photographs are still very welcome from any Club member past or present. Please email stories or photos on or before Friday 6th October to screengac90@gmail.com.
WARM WELCOME WEDNESDAYS
Monthly Luncheon Club, offering FREE hot lunch for over 60s, will commence on Wednesday 27th September in Workspace Community Hub, Draperstown, 11 am – 2 pm. Only 30 places are available, so booking is essential. To confirm your place, please contact Workspace on 028 7962 8113 by Thursday 21st September.
WORKSPACE RECREATION CENTRE
Nuala’s Keep Fit Classes on Mondays and Thursdays at 6.45 pm. Classes only cost £21 for 6 weeks (one night per week). For more details, please call Workspace on 028 7962 8113.
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.
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. There is still time to sign up for the Academic Year 2023/2024. If you require any further information, please contact the Derry Diocesan Catechetical Centre on 028 7126 4087 or email tferry@derrydiocese.org.
ADULT FAITH DEVELOPMENT AT DRUMALIS AUTUMN 2023
Pathways – Adult Faith Development Programme – Have you ever thought of taking time out, to reflect, to better understand your faith in all its richness, to explore how it might be integrated with your busy, daily life and to nurture in a focused way your relationship with God? If the answer is ‘yes’, then Pathways may be for you. The course runs one Saturday per month (10 am – 4 pm) from October to June, either in-house at Drumalis or online via Zoom.
Certificate in Christian Thought (Two-year, part-time course) – The Certificate in Christian Thought aims to offer a space where adults can explore, reflect upon, discuss and study faith and how it relates to life in today’s world, both at a personal and community level. It is possible to do the course for validation by St. Mary’s University College or for personal development only. The course is offered either in-house at Drumalis, Larne or online via Zoom over seven Saturdays from September to May.
For further information or to register on either of these courses, please contact Drumalis during office hours (Monday – Friday, 9 am – 5 pm) on 028 2827 6455/2827 2196 or email maura@drumalis.co.uk. Further information also available on Drumalis website: http://www.drumalis.co.uk.
YOUTH 2000 ULSTER RETREAT
The next Youth 2000 Ulster Retreat will be taking place in the beautiful and tranquil surroundings of Lough Derg, Co. Donegal between 29th September and 1st October. This retreat is for anyone aged 16-35. Great craic! Excellent Speakers, Inspiring Talks and Workshops, Fantastic music, Group activities, Youth Masses, Adoration, Reconciliation, prayer, Drama, Games and plenty of time to chill out, meet new people and find out what it means to be young and Catholic today. The retreat is donation only, however if you are staying over there is a cost £35/€40 which goes to Lough Derg. Register now on www.youth2000.ie
NOVENA IN HONOUR OF ST. THÉRÈSE OF THE CHILD JESUS
SMA Novena 2023, in honour of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus, Patroness of the Missions will be held in St. Joseph’s Church, Blackrock Road, Cork from Saturday 23rd September to Sunday 1st October. Daily Mass and Novena Prayers at 10 am and 7.30 pm. The Novena can be viewed via the Blackrock Road Church Webcam. A Button to access the Webcam directly will be placed on the top of the SMA Website homepage on the day the Novena begins. Go to www.sma.ie.
ROSARY ON THE COAST
The next Rosaries on the Coast will be on Sunday 1st October at 3 pm on Lisfannon Strand, Buncrana, and Sunday 15th October at 3pm on Benone Strand, Limavady. All Rosary Coasters welcome and remember, invite as many of your friends and families along to pray for peace, our unborn brothers and sisters, our Catholic faith, our marriages and our families too, as all these are under unprecedented attacks in today’s world. The Rosary is a true weapon of mass conversion.
‘HOST FOR HOSPICE’
October is Foyle Hospice Coffee Morning Month. Can you ‘Host for Hospice’ and organise a Coffee Morning in your community, whether it is in your workplace, Community Centre or at home. Host anywhere, any way; all you need is a kettle and some company. We will even provide a ‘Free Coffee Morning Pack’. For more information or to sign up to become a host, please call Ailbhe, Community Fundraising Officer, Foyle Hospice, on 028 7135 9888 or email: ailbhe@foylehospice.com
MARRIAGE AND RELATIONSHIP COUNSELLING WITH ACCORD NI
Help Accord help you support your marriage and relationship. If you feel your relationship is in crisis or you need a little guidance and help, either face to face or online, contact your local Accord centre. Accord NI counsellors are professionally trained in the specialism of couples and relationships counselling. Every year Accord helps thousands of couples rebuild and sustain healthy relationships. For support, tel. 028 9023 3002 or visit accordni.com.
SONGS OF FAITH, HOPE AND LOVE AT KNOCK
An Evening of Songs of Faith, Hope and Love in Knock Basilica on Friday 1st December at 8 pm, featuring Dana, John McNicholl, Margo, Philomena Begley and Marc Roberts with Úna Nolan and Schola Cantorum Basilicae choir. A fundraising concert for Victim Assistance Charity. Tickets from Ticketmaster.ie. Tickets also available from head office. For details, contact Mary McNicholas, Victim Assistance Head Office, Aiden St., Kiltimagh, Co. Mayo 00353 94 9000 251/ 00353 86 3938 871. Email: support@victimassistance.ie
ST. PIO PILGRIMAGE TO SAN GIOVANNI ROTONDO
6 Days, including Pietrelcina, Shrine of St. Michael the Archangel, St. Matthew’s Monastery, Sanctuary of Our Lady of Incoronata, etc. Depart 3rd October from Dublin – £770. Limited places. For more details, please contact Anita on 077 6974 4836.
HOLY LAND PILGRIMAGES
15th October – Pilgrimage Retreat to the Holy Land (9 nights). Direct flights ex Dublin to Tel Aviv. Part I: Galilee/Nazareth. Part II: Bethlehem/Jerusalem. Cost £1,795 stg includes taxes, transfers, tips, half-board. To register/for details, please contact Erin/Sr. Perpetua at thornhillministries@derrydiocese.org / 077 3683 2458 or visit thornhillministries.co.uk website.
QUB HOLY LAND PILGRIMAGE
The Catholic Chaplaincy at Queen’s University Belfast will lead a Pilgrimage to the Holy Land for alumni and friends. Departing 9th February 2024 for 8 nights with half-board accommodation in 4 star hotels in Jerusalem and Nazareth, this promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime trip. The Pilgrimage’s Spiritual Director will be Queen’s Chaplain, Fr. Dominic McGrattan, with music and song provided by the Chaplaincy’s Director of Sacred Music, celebrated soprano, Marcella Walsh. In addition to a rich itinerary which includes visits to the principal sacred sites, we will also visit the Holy Family Maternity Hospital in Bethlehem and the Latin Patriarchate in Jerusalem. If you would like to know more information including price, itinerary and how to book, please email Chaplaincy Director, Shannon Campbell, at catholicchaplaincy@qub.ac.uk
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).