No. 2045 ~ THIRTY-SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
PARISH CONTACT DETAILS
Fr. Peter Madden PP VF
31 Sixtowns Road
Telephone: 79628376
Fr Michael McCaul CC
50 Tobermore Road, Desertmartin
Telephone: 79632196
Email: desertmartinparish@gmail.com
PARISH OFFICE
OPENING HOURS: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 9.00 am to 3.00 pm.
9 High Street
Phone: (028)79628248
SAFEGUARDING
The Diocesan Designated Liaison Person (DLP) is Marie Gormley. To contact Marie Tel: 07596500793, or Email: mariegormley@derrydiocese.org
SVP HELPLINE
Helpline telephone number: 07710838050
SPERRIN FOODBANK
Tel: 07543420639
BALLINASCREEN COMMUNITY SUPPORT GROUP
Please click the link https://www.parishofballinascreen.com/ballinascreen-community-support-gro for full details of Ballinascreen Community Support Group.
NOTICES FOR THE BULLETIN
Notices for the Bulletin should be received by 1.00 pm on Wednesday, preferably by email.
SUNDAY VIGIL MASSES
Holy Rosary: 6.00 pm
St Patrick’s, Keenaught: 7.30 pm
SUNDAY MASSES
St Columba’s, Straw: 9.00 am
St Mary’s, Coolcalm: 10.00 am
St Patrick’s, Sixtowns: 11.00 am
St Eugene’s, Moneyneena: 12 noon
DAILY MASSES FOR THIS WEEK
Monday 11 November:
10.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church
7.30 pm ~ Annual Mass for Deceased in Holy Rosary Church.
Tuesday 12 November:
10.00 am ~ St Mary’s Coolcalm
Wednesday 13 November:
10.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church
Thursday 14 November:
10.00 am ~ St Mary’s Coolcalm
Friday 15 November:
10.00 am ~ St Mary’s Coolcalm
7.30 pm ~ Holy Rosary Church.
CONFESSIONS
In Holy Rosary Church every Saturday at 5.30 pm before the Vigil Mass.
FEASTS OF THE WEEK
Monday 11: St Martin of Tours, bishop.
Tuesday 12: St Josaphat, bishop and martyr.
ANNUAL MASS FOR DECEASED PARISHIONERS
Annual Parish Mass for Deceased Parishioners on tomorrow, Monday 11 November, at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church. The names of all who died or were buried in our parish since last year’s Parish Mass of Remembrance will be read out at this Mass. After all these names have been read out an adult member, of each of these bereaved families, will be invited to carry a lit candle to the altar. Each family should ensure that an adult member has been selected to represent them. All candles will be provided at the back of the church during this Mass.
VISITATION OF SICK AND HOUSEBOUND
Fr Madden will visit the sick and housebound durng the coming week.
PIONEER PLEDGE FOR NOVEMBER
A short-term pledge for the month of the Holy Souls gives spiritual support and encouragement to people and their families who are living under a shadow of addiction. Contact the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association on 00353 1 805 4226 or online at www.pioneers.ie/pray
DECEASED CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE’S MASS
Annual Mass for deceased children and young people in St Eugene’s Cathedral, today, Sunday 10 November at 7.00 pm. All welcome to attend or view live on St Eugene’s webcam.
ANNIVERSARIES
First Anniversary:
Marie Mullan.
Anniversaries:
Patrick Joseph Kelly;
Breige McGuigan;
Annie Kelly.
BOOKS OF REMEMBRANCE
During November, a Book of Remembrance remains in each of the churches for parishioners to enrol the names of their deceased loved ones.
PARISH COLLECTIONS
Priests’ Collection: £1470
Renovation Collection: £1610
Thank you for your generous support which is greatly appreciated.
WEDDING
Congratulations and best wishes for the future to:
Lauren McAuley and Peter Kelly who were married recently in St Eugene’s Church Moneyneena.
CONFIRMATION 2025
Gaelscoil na Speiríní: Saturday 1 March in Holy Rosary Church at 12 noon.
Desertmartin Parish Primary Schools: Sunday 2 March in St Patrick’s Church Keenaught at 10.00 am.
Ballinascreen Parish Primary Schools: Sunday 2 March in Holy Rosary 2.00 pm.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2025
Ballinascreen Parish:
St Mary’s P.S., Draperstown: Saturday 10 May in Holy Rosary Church.
St Columba's P.S., Straw: Saturday 17 May in St Columba's Church.
Gaelscoil na Speiríní: Saturday 7 June in Holy Rosary Church.
St Eoghan's P. S., Moneyneena: Saturday 7 June in St Eugene's Church.
Desertmartin Parish:
Cullion P.S.: Saturday 10 May in St Patrick's Church, Keenaught.
Knocknagin P.S.: Saturday 17 May in St Mary's Church, Coolcalm.
THORNHILL MINISTRIES
‘Sourcing the Hope Retreat' led by Philip McParland - an oasis day to nourish the soul, on Saturday 16 November from 10.00 am to 1:30 pm in An Grianan Hotel, Burt. For more details and to register please Tel.: 07736832458 or Email: Erin thornhillministries@derrydiocese.org
GLOR NA SPEIRÍNÍ
Aonach na Nollag - Christmas Market
Glór na Speiríní’s annual indoor Christmas Market on Sunday 24 November from 5.00 pm to 8.00 pm in Straw. Come and lend your support to the growth of Irish language in Ballinascreen, all proceeds to Naíscoil and Gaelscoil na Speiríní.
Lapóglann - Toddle Inn
Any new parents / guardians are invited to their parent and toddler sessions every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 9.00 am - 10.30 am in the Glór na Speiríní building in Straw directly beside St Columba’s Church. £2 per session, light refreshments available, tá fáilte roimh chách - everyone welcome
For more details please contact Conchúr by email conchurglor@gmail.com or Tel.: 028 79627703 or 07795 536682.
NAISCOIL & GAELSCOIL NA SPEIRÍNÍ
Open Night in Gaelscoil and Naíscoil na Speiríní, Straw on Wednesday 20 November at 6.30 pm. Parents and children who are ready for Nursery or Primary 1 in September 2025 are welcome to visit the school and meet with staff and pupils. Santa will be present.
St MARY'S P.S. DRAPERSTOWN
Open Night in St Mary’s P.S. on Thursday 28 November from 6.00 pm to 7.30 pm. Come and see Santa and meet the school staff. Everyone is welcome.
COMMUNITY FUND GRANTS
Workspace Community Fund: Now accepting applications for 2025. Open to community and voluntary groups in the Ballinascreen, Kilcronaghan and Desertmartin areas. The Fund welcomes applications for grants between £500-£2,000. An information session will be held in Workspace Community Hub on Wednesday 13 November at 7.00 pm.
To book a place at the information session and / or to request an application pack, please contact Workspace Tel.: 02879628113 or Email: info@theworkspacegroup.org
Closing date for applications is 4.00 pm on Monday 25 November.
WARM WELCOME WEDNESDAYS
In Workspace Community Hub, from 11.00 am to 1.00 pm on Wednesday 13 November. Claire from Crafty Mammy Fabrics will be teaching how to create a finger knitted scarf. All materials will be provided. She will also be bringing along her fabric and wool pop-up shop if you need more supplies. Sessions are free and suitable for beginners. Everyone welcome.
FREE BUS TRIP TO GLENTIES
Ballinascreen Community forum as part of the BALGLEN project have a arranged a free bus to the attend the re-opening of the Edeninfagh Hall, Glenties on Friday 15 November. Bus leaves Draperstown at 3.30 pm will return at midnight approx.
For more details and to book a place please contact Rosemary Hunter on 07748 645007 or email info@cfballinascreen.org
THE NET
Monthly Diocesan newspaper is available online at derrydiocese.org and printed copies are in Holy Rosary porch. Coverage in November edition includes:
Visit of St Bernadette relics
Eucharistic Adoration in the Diocese
Opening of Bellaghy Adoration Chapel
Spark Youth Weekend
Youth 2000 Barn Dance fundraiser
Children’s Catechism Club
Sr Clare Crockett Beatification cause
Blessed Carlo Acutis.. inspiring youth
Delexit Nos – Pope Francis encyclical
Derry Diocese now has eight seminarians and 14 discerning vocation
Diocesan Safeguarding Mass
What is a Plenary indulgence?
Derry Diocesan Archives
NETBALL TRAINING
Every Wednesday in Backrow Hall from 8.00 pm to 9.00 pm. Over 18s only. No skills needed. Just come for a laugh and a bit of exercise. Contact Martina on 07795165999 or just turn up on the night.
TRÓCAIRE SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS
Are you a retired teacher or someone who has experience presenting to groups of school children? Do you have a passion for making this world a better place, especially for the most vulnerable? Trócaire seeks volunteers to support their 2025 Lenten Appeal in Derry Diocese. If you think you have the right skills and experience and will be available to help during school hours over Lent, then Trócaire would love to hear from you. Full training and ongoing support will be provided. For more details please call Naomi Purnell on 028 90808033 or email naomi.purnell@trocaire.org
FATIMA PILGRIMAGE 2025
Fully escorted Group Pilgrimage accompanied by Spiritual Director for 7 nights from 28 May to 3 June. Staying in 4* Hotel Styler, full board. Cost £925. £100 off if paid in full by 15 November 2024.Single room supplement £280. For more details please contact Christina Lagan 07803192621.
SIXTOWNS CROSS COMMUNITY GROUP
Everyone welcome at Sixtowns Hall for their Festive Craft Fair on Sunday 17 November from 12 noon to 3.00 pm. Enjoy a fun filled day with live music, refreshments, face painting, balloon modelling and Santa. Free Entry.
Free Chair Exercises in Sixtowns Hall Mondays from 11.30 am to 12.30 pm. Suitable for all ages and mobility levels. Tea and coffee served.
GLENSHANE HOUSE
A talk with question and answer time will be given on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder if there is enough interest in this subject. Time and date will be arranged once enough interest is registered. Phone 028 77742494 to register your interest.
STRESS CONTROL CLASSES
Free online classes commence Monday 11 November at 9.00 am. For full details please view: https://ni.stresscontrol.org/
BABY MASSAGE CLASSES
Classes start Friday 15 November. WhatsApp 07749121208 for details.
PARISH ANNIVERSARY AND MONTH’S MIND MASSES
If you wish to have a deceased loved one prayed for at any Anniversary Friday Mass, you MUST please email their name to Ballinascreen Parish Office by noon on Thursday of the relevant week. Notices for First Anniversary and Month's Mind Masses should be received before the Wednesday of the previous week so that, they may be printed in the Bulletin the weekend before the Anniversary Mass
PARISH BAPTISMS 2024
Baptisms: Sundays at 3.00 pm. Bookings to be made please via the Parish Office Tel.: 028 79628248 or by Email: ballinascreenparish@gmail.com
November 24 ~ St Columba’s Straw
December 1 ~ St Patrick’s Sixtowns
December 15 ~ St Eugene’s Moneyneena
December 22 ~ Holy Rosary Church.
KNOCKNAGIN HALL
Craft Fair today Sunday 10 November, 10.30 am to 4.00 pm. Crafters from all over Mid-Ulster with a wide selection of handcrafted items will be in attendance.
Irish Language Classes: A new 6-week block of classes began on Monday 4 November. Due to high demand places are limited to book a place please contact 07887614094 ASAP.
Line Dancing: Wednesdays at 7.30 pm.
Irish dancing lessons: Tuesdays at 6.00 pm. To register contact Nicola Tel.: 07518207458.
Acrobat Gymnastics: Saturdays 9.00am.
Knit & Natter: Tuesdays at 7.30 pm.
Chair Exercises: Tuesdays 10.00 am.
Arts Care Here & Now, is a series of sessions with mindfulness and being in the present, conversation and fun and imaginative exercises into putting your thoughts and ideas down in writing. Another 6 people are needed to sign up otherwise the programme will not be able to go ahead, if interested please contact Olive on 07887614094 ASAP.
Sarsfield’s Accordion Band: Band practice continues on Thursdays at 7.30pm. All members are asked to please attend in order to learn new tunes for the Christmas visit to the Nursing Homes on Saturday 14 December.
