No. 1734 ~ FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
SUNDAY MASS TIMES
VIGIL MASSES
Holy Rosary: 6.00 pm
St Eugene’s Moneyneena 7.30 pm
SUNDAY
St Eugene’s Moneyneena: 9.00 am
St Patrick’s Sixtowns: 10.00 am
St Columba’s Straw: 11.00 am
Holy Rosary: 12 noon
DAILY MASS TIMES FOR THIS WEEK
Holy Rosary Church
Monday ~ 10.00 am and 7.30 pm Tuesday – Friday ~ 10.00 am
St Eugene’s Church Moneyneena
Wednesday ~ 7.30 pm
St Columba’s Church Straw
Friday ~ 7.30 pm
CONFESSIONS
Before the Vigil Masses
Fr. Peter Madden PP VF
40 Derrynoyd Road
Telephone: 79628376
Email:ballinascreenparish@gmail.com
Fr John Downey CC
36 Moneyneena Rd
Telephone: 79628375
Email: j.downey75@btinternet.com
Fr Dermot McGirr CC
50 Tobermore Road, Desertmartin
Telephone: 79632196
PARISH OFFICE
9 High Street Tel: 79628248
Opening Hours
Monday, Tuesday and Thursday
9.00 am – 3.00 pm
Friday 9.00 am – 1.00 pm
Wednesday ~ Closed
BULLETIN NOTICES
All notices for the Bulletin should be received by 1.00 pm on Wednesday. ballinascreenparish@gmail.com
SVP HELPLINE
Helpline telephone number: 07710838050
PARISH WEBCAM
All Masses in the Holy Rosary Church are transmitted live on the parish website:
www.parishofballinascreen.com
FEASTS OF THE WEEK
Monday 3: St Francis Xavier, priest.
Friday 7: St Ambrose,
Saturday 8: The Feast of the Immaculate Conception.
This feast is a holyday of obligation. Vigil Masses on Saturday evening covers our obligation to attend Sunday Mass or the holyday Mass but not both.
Confessions before Masses on both evenings.
HOLYDAY MASSES
Friday 7 December
Holy Rosary ~ 6.00 pm
St Eugene’s Moneyneena ~ 7.30 pm.
Please Note: Weekly Anniversary Mass on Friday 7 December will be celebrated this week in St Eugene’s Church Moneyneena.
Saturday 8 December
St Patrick’s Sixtowns ~ 10.00 am
St Columba’s Straw ~ 11.00 am.
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION
Eucharistic Adoration in Holy Rosary on Monday 3 December. Starts after the 10.00 am Mass, continues until 7.25 pm. .
PADRE PIO MASS
Monthly Mass in honour of St Pio of Pietrelcina will be celebrated on Monday 3 December at 7.30pm in Holy Rosary Church. Rosary and novena prayers 7.10 pm.
IRISH CATHOLIC NEWSPAPER
As part of The Irish Catholic Evangelisation Initiative, the newspaper will be available each week for the next 10 weeks for £1. We encourage those who have never bought the paper before to consider buying it this week.
PARISH CAROL SERVICE
Annual Parish Christmas Carol Service will be held on Sunday 16 December in St Columba’s Church Straw at 6.00 pm.
The Carol Service will include the presentation of gifts for distribution by the St Vincent de Paul local conference.
Parishioners are invited to please bring a non - perishable food item as their gift for presentation during the Carol Service. All welcome to Parish Carol Service.
SPECIAL SVP COLLECTION
Annual Christmas Collection will be taken up following Masses on 15 and 16 December. Your support for the vital work of the Conference in our parish will be greatly appreciated, especially at this time of year which can be difficult for some people and their families in our local community.
DEATH
We extend our prayerful sympathy to the family and relatives of:
Patsy Henry Philadelphia.
ANNIVERSARIES
Patricia McCusker, Eoghan Kelly,
Baby Patrick Trainor, Cassie McKenna,
Krzysztof Wojenodzki, Kevin McAuley.
MONTH’S MIND MASSES
Brigid McEldowney, Fivemilestraight Saturday 1 December in St Eugene’s Church Moneyneena at 7.30 pm.
Peter Rogers Drumderg Road, Wednesday 5 December in St Eugene’s Church Moneyneena at 7.30pm
FIRST ANNIVERSARY MASS
Sean Kelly (Brian) Straw in St Patrick’s Church Sixtowns Sunday 9 December at 10.00am.
POPE JOHN PAUL II AWARDS
At the Vigil Masses in St Patrick's Church Keenaught and Holy Rosary Church , Ballinascreen students from the parish who have signed up for the Pope John Paul II Awards this year will be commissioned. We wish them every success throughout the coming year and look forward to their active participation in the life of the church in the County Derry Deanery of Derry Diocese.
PARISH BAPTISMS
First Sunday of the month:
Holy Rosary after 12 noon Mass
Second Saturday of the month:
St Eugene’s Moneyneena at 3.00 pm
Fourth Sunday of the month:
St Columba’s Straw at 3.00 pm
St Patrick’s Sixtowns: By arrangement.
A baptism card is to be completed when booking a baptism. Please contact the Parish Office to book a baptism.
BAPTISMS
We welcome into God’s family through the Sacrament of Baptism:
Oliver Liam Kearney Cordarragh Heights,
Erin Grace McKenna Derrynoyd Lane,
Charlie James Conway Wallace, Glengomna Road,
Saorlaith Brunton, High Street.
LAST SUNDAY’S COLLECTIONS
Weekly Collection: £2425
Church Renovation Collection: £1465
Many thanks to all who contributed.
PARISH ANNIVERSARY MASS
Friday Mass at 7.30 pm in St Columba’s Straw is offered as an anniversary Mass for deceased parishioners. If you wish to have your loved one prayed for at this Mass you MUST give their name to the Parish Office before Thursday of the relevant week.
TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS DRAW
Desertmartin Parish is having a special Christmas Draw this year. There will be draws every day of the 12 days between Christmas Day and Saturday 5 January 2019. Every ticket will be entered into all 33 draws, which means everyone has 33 chances to win prizes. Total prize fund is £5,000. Tickets £20 each, are available to buy in Ballinascreen Parish Office. This would make a nice Christmas gift to send to your family and friends!
ST JOSEPH’S YOUNG PRIESTS’ SOCIETY
Society acknowledges with sincere thanks a generous donation for the support and education of student priests. All benefactors share in the Masses and prayers of the society. Further donations gratefully accepted. Please continue to pray for vocations to the priesthood
KNOCK SHRINE
All - Night Vigil, 7 – 8 December. Confessions from 10.00 pm; Vigil starts at 12 midnight. Mass at 4.00 am. Chief Celebrant His Excellency Archbishop Okolo, Papal Nuncio. For further details visit www.knockshrine.ie
LOURDES DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE
Derry Diocesan Pilgrimage 4 - 9 July 2019. Pilgrimage Office, 164 Bishop Street, Derry, is now taking enquiries and initial expressions of interest from anyone who might intend to participate in it. Christmas Vouchers (which may be given as a gift to someone wishing to participate in the pilgrimage) may be ordered. Pilgrimage Office opening hours: Thursday and Saturday 11.00 am–1.00 pm.
DESERTMARTIN PARISH BAZAAR
Parish Bazaar on Friday 7December at 7.30 pm special guest Santa will arrive at 8.00 pm.
COMMUNITY CAROL SERVICE
Service in St Mary’s Church, Maghera next Sunday 9 December at 3.00 pm. Donations in aid of Cancer Research. Light refreshments will be served afterwards in the Youth Club.
ST COLUMBA’S PARISH CHURCH
Annual Carol Event today, Sunday 2 December at 6.30 pm in St Columba’s Church of Ireland. Festive refreshments served. All welcome.
ST MARY’S G.S. MAGHERAFELT
The school, together with local primary schools, will host a Community Christmas Carol Service in Church of the Assumption, Magherafelt on Sunday 16 December at 3pm. Refreshments in Parish Hall after the service.
ST COLUMBA’S PRIMARY SCHOOL
Community Christmas Fair, on 6 December from 7.00 pm - 8.30 pm, at St Columba’s PS. Everyone welcome! Enjoy Santa’s Grotto, Christmas crafts, festive games and much more. Entrance £5 per family. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
BALLINASCREEN EARLY YEARS
If your child will be 3 years on or before – 1July 2019 then you are entitled to apply for a free place. To register your child please, call or telephone the Early Years on: 79627303 or outside school hours ~ 07857168695.
BALLINASCREEN HISTORICAL SOCIETY
A talk entitled ‘From the braes of Slieve Gallion to Buenos Aries’ (the remarkable family of the Rt. Hon. John Staples of Lissan) by Kyle Leyden on Tuesday December 4 at 8.00 pm in 50 High St. beside the library. Everyone welcome.
SIXTOWNS CROSS COMMUNIUTY GROUP
To thank all the volunteers who so willingly help at Sixtowns Hall there will be a ‘Thank You Event’ in The Shepherds’ Rest on Friday 14 December at 8.30 pm. Buffet supper served and Big D will play from 10.00 pm. To finalise numbers for catering please RSVP before 10 December to either Emma 07769289385 or Francis 796 28357. Thanks to funding from Limavady Community Development Initiative (LCDI) which has enabled this event.
GAELSCOIL NA SPEIRÍNÍ
Open Night Wednesday 5 December from 7.00 pm - 8.30 pm. Is your child ready to start Primary School? Come along with your child, meet the elves and enjoy some Christmas Crafts. Everyone welcome. Primary school places available for September 2019. For more details contact School Principal on 796 28445.
NAÍSCOIL NA SPEIRÍNÍ
Open Night Wednesday 5 December 7 .00pm- 8.30 pm. Part-time places for children aged 2 years and 10 months and full-time places available for September 2019. To register your child call at school or phone 79627797.
AN RATH DUBH
Primary School Children’s Christmas Disco on Sunday 16 December, 3.00pm – 5.00pm. Music by Big D with Santa in attendance.
KNOCKNAGIN PRIMARY SCHOOL
~ Open Day for children starting Primary 1 in September 2019 on Thursday 6 December 1.00 pm – 2.00 pm and 6.30 pm - 7.30 pm. Principal's address at 7.00 pm
~ Parent/Carer and Toddler Group on 5 and 12 December. 9.15 am - 10.45am.
DRAPERSTOWN LIBRARY
Sessions with Niall McVeigh may be booked for one-to-one help with using computer, laptop, Ipad, tablet or mobile. 30 minute sessions available on Friday 14 December from 2.30 pm. Booking essential. Please contact library staff in person to book a time. Please do not leave a message on the phone.
· Display of artwork by P6 and P1 pupils of St.Columba’s Primary School.
· Library now has many wonderful children’s Christmas books to borrow. Library is open~ Tuesday 2.00 pm -8.00 pm, Friday 10.00 am - 1.00pm and 1.30 pm - 5.00 pm, Saturday 10.00 am - 1.00 pm and 1.30 pm to 4.00 pm.
ADVENT YOUTH RETREAT
Hosted by Diocesan Youth Ministry Team, on Saturday 8 December, in Waterside Parish Centre, Chapel Road, Derry, 10.30am - 4.00pm. Open to young people aged 16-18. A range of fun and faith activities planned. To book or for more details call+ 442871 264 087 or email padraig.delargy@derrydiocese.org. Parental consent required. Consent forms available at www.derrydiocese.org
ALZHEIMERS FUNDRAISER THANKS
£4902.90 was presented to the Alzheimer’s Society following the tractor and vintage car run and entertainment in Sixtowns Hall in memory of John Bradley. Thanks to all who participated and contributed towards this event
MID-ULSTER TRUCKERS
Clothes and blankets are being collected for the homeless in local towns and cities. Clothes may be left at An Rath Dubh or phone Brigid Donnelly (McDaid) on 07595658380 to arrange a collection or see Facebook page ~ Help us help others.
ST MARY’S HALL DESERTMARTIN
· Christmas Cookery Demonstration: Tips and ideas for starters, main course and deserts by professional chef Mark on Saturday 8 December, starts 12 noon. Admisson £4.00.
· Bingo Wednesday 12 December at 8.00 pm. Money prizes and spot prizes.10 page book £7.
ST COLM’S GAC
· 400 Club Winners:£300 Brendan McCullagh, £50 Kevin McEldowney, £50 Leo Quinn.
· Club AGM tomorrow Monday 3 December.7.30 pm in Clubhouse.
· Club Shop open Friday 7.00 pm – 8.00 pm.
