No. 1958 ~ THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT
PARISH CONTACT DETAILS
Fr. Peter Madden PP VF
31 Sixtowns Road
Telephone: 79628376
Fr Dermot McGirr CC
50 Tobermore Road, Desertmartin
Telephone: 79632196
Fr John Downey Priest In Residence Moneyneena
PARISH OFFICE
OPENING HOURS: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 9.00 am to 3.00 pm.
9 High Street
Phone: (028)79628248
NOTICES FOR THE BULLETIN
Notices for the Bulletin should be received by 1.00 pm on Wednesday, preferably by email.
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.
FEASTS OF THE WEEK
Tuesday 7: St Perpetua and St Felicity. Both were martyred in Carthage in 203.
Wednesday 8: St John of God, religious.
Thursday 9: St Frances of Rome, religious.
Saturday 11: St Aengus, bishop and abbot.
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 13 March:
St Mary’s, Coolcalm - 11.00 am
Holy Rosary - 7.30 pm
Tuesday 14 March:
Holy Rosary - 7.00 am
St Colm’s High School - 8.40 am
St Eugene’s, Moneyneena -11.00 am
St Mary’s Coolcalm - 7.30 pm
Wednesday 15 March:
Holy Rosary - 7.00 am
St Eugene’s, Moneyneena -11.00 am
St Mary’s Coolcalm - 7.30 pm
Thursday 16 March:
Holy Rosary - 7.00 am
St Eugene’s, Moneyneena -11.00 am
St Mary’s Coolcalm - 7.30 pm
Vigil Masses for St Patrick’s Day:
Holy Rosary - 6.00 pm in Irish
St Patrick’s Keenaught - 7.30 pm
Friday 17 March - St Patrick's Day:
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
Holy Rosary - 7.30 pm.
STATIONS OF THE CROSS
Stations of the Cross in Holy Rosary Church today Sunday March 12 at 5.00 pm.
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament on Monday 13 March in Holy Rosary Church from 12 noon until 7.30 pm.
SCRIPTURE EVENINGS FOR LENT
NO Scripture Evening next Friday 17 March. It will resume on Friday 24 at 8.15pm in Community Hub.
MONTH’S MIND MASS
Philomena Donnelly, Moykeeran, on Friday March 17 at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
FIRST ANNIVERSARY MASS
Patsy McGuigan, Dunmurry Road, on Friday March 17 at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
DEATHS
We extend our prayerful sympathy to the family and relatives of:
Maureen McWilliams, Bancran Road,
Bridget McLoughlin, Forglen.
ANNIVERSARIES
Josie Cushenan;
Maura Kelly,
Peter Bradley;
John Bradley;
Anna McGuigan;
Peter McGuigan;
James Murray;
Patricia McKee;
Eamon McGovern;
Cassie Toner;
Noel McKenna.
CONFIRMATIONS 2023
We congratulate and ask God’s blessing on all the children from our parish who received the Sacrament of Confirmation last weekend. May the Holy Spirit continue to be their guiding light.
BAPTISM
We welcome into God’s family through the Sacrament of Baptism:
Jamie Conway, Cavanreagh Road.
NEW PARISH WEEKLY ENVELOPES
Parish records for organising the distribution of the new boxes of weekly envelopes are being updated.
If you do not have envelopes and wish to receive a box or if you have changed your address during the past year please advise the Parish Office as soon as possible. Thank you.
PARISH COLLECTIONS
Weekly Collection: £1905
Renovation Collection: £793
Thank you for your generous support which is greatly appreciated.
SPACE FOR LENT AT LUNCHTIME
Would you like to spend a little time each Wednesday of Lent preparing for the Sunday Gospel before you hear it at Sunday Mass? 'Space for Lent at Lunchtime' will provide you with an opportunity to gather online via Zoom with others to pray, share and reflect on the Sunday Gospels during Lent.
Facilitators will be Ursula Doherty, Lectio Divina Guide, and Tony Brennan, Pastoral Coordinator, Diocese of Derry. Sessions are from 1.00 pm to 1.50 pm and they will continue until Wednesday 29 March. Registration and more details at www.derrydiocese.org/news/space-for-lent-at-lunchtime
TRÓCAIRE 2023
Trócaire boxes are now available in all Church porches. We encourage each family to please take one home.
This year, their focus is on Somalia in East Africa and highlights how climate change, drought and conflict are severely affecting families and communities there. Ambiyo, her husband Mahat, and their eight children who were forced to flee their home after a fourth year of drought in Somalia feature on this year’s box. An unprecedented humanitarian crisis is unfolding, and almost 8.3 million people are facing unbearable hunger there. Trócaire has been working with their partners in Somalia for 30 years and so is in a unique position to offer support to those affected.
To learn more about Trócaire’s ongoing work in Somalia and in other areas please visit their website www.trocaire.org
THORNHILL MINISTRIES
‘Let’s start at the very beginning’ ~ On Thursday 23 March form 7.30 pm to 8.30 pm. This will be an introductory workshop for those who sing in Church covering basic techniques re breathing, posture, vocalisation etc.
Pilgrimage Retreat to the Holy Land. ~15 October 2023. Direct flights from Dublin for 9 nights staying in Bethlehem and Nazareth. To register or for more details please contact
thornhillministries@derrydiocese.org / phone 07736832458 or visit thornhillministries.co.uk
BALLINASCREEN TRADITIONAL MUSIC GROUP
Monthly session on Friday 17 March in An Scioból. Juniors from 7.30 pm to 8.30 pm followed by Open House session. Everybody welcome.
Singing class in An Scioból on Saturday 18 March from 10.00 am to 11.00 am.
SLIEVE GALLION ACTIVE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION
Monthly meeting in St Mary’s Hall Desertmartin on Monday 13 March at 8.00 pm. New members welcome.
Contact Chris for any enquiries on 07546010560.
BABY MASSAGE AND REFLEXOLOGY
New class coming to Workspace Community Hub starting Friday 21 April. For more details please email rosiesbabymassage@hotmail.com
RING FOUND
Ring found in St Patrick's Street. Please contact the Parish Office.
SPERRIN FOODBANK
If you require a food parcel, Sperrin Foodbank will be open on Fridays from 11.00 am to 1.00 pm for drop-ins. No appointment required. If you require assistance outside this time, please call 07543 420639 to arrange collection. No questions asked or criteria to meet. Other contact details are Facebook page Sperrinfoodbank or email
KNOCK SHRINE
Faith Renewal Programme
Lenten Reflections – Weekly Talks with guest speakers at St John’s Welcome Centre or join in online.
Time: from 8.15 pm to 9.15 pm.
March 14 – Jane Mellett. Almsgiving: Responding to the Cry of the Earth and the Poor through Care for Creation.
March 21 – John Connell. Living more simply in a complex world
Concert to Celebrate St Patrick
Special concert on Thursday 16 March, celebrating Irish music, heritage and culture with many well-known Irish favourites performed on the night. The concert will take place in Knock Basilica at 8.30 pm. Admission free and all are welcome.
SMA DROMANTINE RETREAT CENTRE NEWRY
Lenten Reflection Day on Saturday 25 March from 9.30 am to 5.00 pm. This day provides time and space to reflect and pray on themes of Lent and to prepare our hearts and minds to celebrate Holy Week and Easter.
Led by Fr. Des Corrigan SMA
Cost (including lunch) £35. To book or for more details phone 028 30821964 or email
DRAPERSTOWN LIBRARY
The library provides free IT sessions for anyone needing help with their phone, I-Pad or other device. Next session will be on Friday 24 March. This is on an individual hourly basis, but booking a slot is essential. To book phone79628249 or email: draperstown.library@librariesni.org.uk
LOURDES DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE 2023
Pilgrimage from 3 to 7 July 2023. The Pilgrimage Office at 164 Bishop Street, Derry, BT48 6UJ will be open to the public on Saturdays only from 11.00am until 1.00 pm commencing on Saturday 11 February. Intending pilgrims can also leave a message on 028 7126 0293 with their full postal address and the number of booking forms required, or email these details to derrypilgrim@outlook.com or write to the above address to request booking forms.
WARM WELCOME WEDNESDAYS
In Community Hub on Wednesdays from 11.00 am until 1.00 pm. To provide a warm space, free tea / coffee and some chat. Free of charge open to all. No need to book, just drop-in.
Free Craft Sessions from 11.30 am - 1.30 pm at Warm Welcome Wednesdays on the following dates:
15 March: St Patrick's Day Box Frame Workshop
22 March: Bird Boxes Workshop
5 April: Family Tree Plaques Workshop. No previous experience or skill required and all materials will be supplied. Booking required as places are limited. Call Workspace on 79628113 to secure your place.
PARISH ANNIVERSARY AND MONTH’S MIND MASSES
If parishioners wish to have their loved one prayed for at any Anniversary Friday Mass, you MUST please email their name to Ballinascreen Parish Office by 12 noon on Thursday of the relevant week. Email address is: ballinascreenparish@gmail.com
PLEASE NOTE: First Anniversary and Month's Mind notices should be received before the Wednesday of the previous week in order for them to be placed in the Bulletin the weekend before the Anniversary Mass.
KNOCKNAGIN HALL
SPRED Group: Monday 20 March.
Chair exercises: Tuesdays at 10.00 am followed by a short walk. Adm £4.
Knit & Natter: Tuesdays at 7.30 pm.
Line dancing: Wednesdays at 7. 30 pm.
Sarsfield’s Band & Div.30: Sincere sympathy is offered to the Speirs family on the death of Jean Speirs
March Draw: Winner - Cormac McCormack, Swatragh.
Band Practice Thursday 7.30 pm. All members are asked to please make a special effort to attend in preparation for St. Patrick’s Day. Band will parade Desertmartin and Magherafelt after morning Mass before joining main parade in Toome starting from Erin’s Own GAA Park at 2.30 pm.
PARKRUN AND PARKWALK
Parkrun and Parkwalk at Derrynoid Forest every Saturday at 9.30 am.
Come along and walk, jog or run on Saturday mornings at Parkrun Derrynoyd Forest, Derrynoyd Road.
Suited to walkers and runners of all abilities, to boost fitness for free. Children and dogs on leads welcome. Parkrun is a free community event and is a timed 5km walk or run. Walkers, runners and new volunteers all welcome. To join register online: https://www.parkrun.org.uk/register/
For more details see: www.parkrun.org.uk/derrynoidforest/
Follow on Facebook: Derrynoid Forest Parkrun
NATIONAL SYNTHESIS OF THE SYNODAL PROCESS
The Irish Bishops' Conference has published the National Synthesis of the Synodal Process conducted across the Church in Ireland from Autumn 2021. The National Synthesis is the fruit of a wide-ranging process of listening and consultation and is based on the syntheses produced by the 26 dioceses in Ireland, as well as those submitted by religious congregations and other interested groups. The National Synthesis will be forwarded to Rome as part of the worldwide synodal process of listening and discernment launched by Pope Francis in October 2021 and which will culminate in the General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops in Rome in 2023.
To view this document click HERE
SYNODALITY
Synodality is about seeking together to discover God’s way forward in a new time and place.
This is not just a time of change but a change of time.
It is about learning to journey in hope from the great figures of the Advent liturgy: Isaiah, John the Baptist, Mary and Joseph.
We are a pilgrim people, following the voice of God who calls us one step at a time.
We are moving beyond a Church where everything depends on ‘Father’.
Pope Francis has asked us to rediscover the Advent spirit of leaving our secure base and trusting that the Lord will guide our feet into the way of peace.
We aim to have a time of local listening to one another in January/February, building towards a diocesan submission to an Irish national response.
All national responses will be considered by the Vatican and a Working Document sent back for local reflection and comment in late 2022 – building towards the Synod of Bishops’ meeting in October 2023, and beyond.
This is the beginning of a new way of being Church. It is not just a passing initiative. It is facing the future together, open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Advent is not just a season of the year. It is a permanent part of our identity as Church.
PRAYER FOR THE SYNOD
We stand before You, Holy Spirit, as we gather together in Your name.
With You alone to guide us, make Yourself at home in our hearts; Teach us the way we must go and how we are to pursue it.
We are weak and sinful; do not let us promote disorder. Do not let ignorance lead us down the wrong path nor partiality influence our actions.
Let us find in You our unity so that we may journey together to eternal life and not stray from the way of truth and what is right.
All this we ask of You, who are at work in every place and time, in the communion of the Father and the Son, forever and ever. Amen.
THE SYNOD PRAYER ~ IRISH TRANSLATION (Paidir an tSionaid)
Seasaimid i Do láthairse, a Spioraid Naoimh,
agus muid ag teacht le chéile i D’ainm
Agus Tusa amháin mar threoraí againn
socraigh Tú féin síos inár gcroíthe;
Múin dúinn an tslí a chaithfimid dul
agus conas is féidir linn leanúint di.
Táimid lag agus claonta chun peaca;
ná lig dúinn ainriail a chur chun cinn.
Ná lig don aineolas sinn a chur amú,
ná don chlaonpháirtíocht ár ngníomhartha a mhúnlú.
Lig dúinn teacht Ort inár n-aontacht
chun go dtriallfaimid le chéile chun na beatha síoraí
gan dul ar strae ó bhealach na fírinne ná ón cheart.
Iarraimid é seo uile Ort,
Tusa a bhíonn ag obair de shíor agus i ngach uile áit,
i gcomaoin an Athar agus an Mhic,
trí shaol na saol.
Amen.
To learn more about the Synodal Pathway for the Catholic Church in Ireland please visit:
To learn more about the worldwide Synod please visit: https://www.synod.va/en.html
Please say each day in your prayers the following prayer for the success of the Synodal Process which is both old and new.
PRAYERS FOR OUR PROTECTION
The Irish Catholic Bishops have asked for prayers for those affected by the Coronavirus. Placing all our trust in the Lord, and asking Our Lady to intercede for us, the bishops invite everyone to pray these prayers:
EXTRACT FROM SAINT PATRICK’S BREASTPLATE
Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me,
Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ when I arise, Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me, Christ in every eye that sees me, Christ in every ear that hears me.
MEMORARE
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to you,
O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To you I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your mercy, hear and answer. Amen
