No.1915 ~ FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
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
36 Moneyneena Rd
Telephone: 79628375
Email: j.downey75@btinternet.com
PARISH OFFICE
9 High Street Phone: (028)79628248
Open Monday and Tuesday from 9.00 am until 3.00 pm
NOTICES FOR THE BULLETIN
Notices for the Bulletin should be received by 1.00 pm on Wednesday, preferably by email.
SVP HELPLINE
Helpline telephone number: 07710838050
BALLINASCREEN COMMUNITY SUPPORT GROUP
Please click the link https://www.parishofballinascreen.com/ballinascreen-community-support-gro for full details of Ballinascreen Community Support Group.
DAILY MASS TIMES
Monday: Holy Rosary Church 11.00 am
Tuesday: St Mary’s Church, Coolcalm 11.00 am
Wednesday: Holy Rosary Church 11.00 am
Thursday: St Mary’s Church, Coolcalm 11.00 am
Friday - Parish Anniversary Masses: St Mary’s Coolcalm 11.00 am & Holy Rosary Church 7.30 pm
SUNDAY MASS TIMES
Vigil Masses
St Eugene’s Moneyneena: 5.00 pm
Holy Rosary: 6.15 pm
St Patrick’s Keenaught: 7.30 pm
Sunday
St Columba’s Straw: 9.00 am
St Mary’s Coolcalm: 10.00 am
St Patrick’s Sixtowns: 11.00 am
Holy Rosary: 12 noon
FEASTS OF THE WEEK
Wednesday 18: St John I pope and martyr.
Friday 20: St Bernardine of Siena, priest.
FIRST COMMUNION 2022
First Holy Communion Masses will continue in Ballinascreen Parish as follows:
St Columba’s P.S. on Saturday 21 May at 11.00 am in St. Columba's Church, Straw.
Gaelscoil na Speirini on Saturday 4 June at 11.00 am in Holy Rosary Church.
VOCATIONS
Are you being called to love the Lord and His people as a diocesan priest?
If considering such a vocation, contact your local priest or Derry Diocesan Vocations Director, Fr Pat O’ Hagan, PP Moville at pgoh2111@gmail.com or email info@vocations.ie
DEATH
We extend our prayerful sympathy to the family and relatives of:
Rita Maguire, Ballygawley.
ANNIVERSARIES
Francis Toner;
Mark Cassidy;
Maureen McCallion;
Margaret Bottomley;
TRÓCAIRE
Sincere thanks to those who have contributed to this year’s Lenten Trócaire Appeal.
A further £160 has been received.
YOUTH 2000
Youth 2000 Prayer Group meet at Lavey Parochial House (opposite Lavey Church) every Friday evening at 7.30 pm.
This Prayer Group Meeting is for those aged 16 - 35.
Please contact Cora on 07704386248 or Declan on 07544790147 for more details.
HEALTH NOTICE
While all church seats are now available we ask please when attending any church service that:
You wear a face mask
You sanitize your hands as you enter and leave the Church
Overcrowding in any seat be avoided.
Thank you for your continued cooperation on these matters.
PARISH COLLECTIONS
Sincere thanks to all who have returned parish envelopes, established standing orders, made online payments or used the ‘Donate’ button on Parish Website. Envelopes may be returned at any parish Mass, to Parish Office or any Parochial House. Thank you for your generous support which is greatly appreciated.
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 the previous week in order for them to be placed in the Bulletin the weekend before the Anniversary Mass.
DERRY DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES 2022
Pilgrimage from 3 - 8 July 2022 (ex Belfast) Cost is £689 per person sharing. Places are still available: contact the Pilgrimage Office, 164 Bishop Street, Derry, Tel: 71260293 or email derrypilgrim@outlook.com
All intending pilgrims are asked to return application forms and full payment by Saturday 28 May.
LOUGH DERG PILGRIMAGE 2022
Lough Derg welcomes pilgrims with a full Pilgrimage programme:
Three Day Pilgrimage: from1 June until 15 August. Booking advised. Concessions available for students, seniors and groups.
One Day Retreats and guided Pilgrim Path experience dates in May and late August and September. Booking essential. All booking information at www.loughderg.org or email info@loughderg.org or phone 00353 719861518
LIFE IN THE HOLY SPIRIT SEMINARS
Seminars on Thursday evenings until Thursday 2 June at 7.30 pm in Sacred Heart Church, Omagh. Mass with Homily. Celebrant on Thursday 19 May will be Fr Columba M Toman OP, St Mary’s Priory Tallaght. He will preach on Baptism in the Holy Spirit. All welcome to attend the seminar or you may follow it on: www.churchsetvices.tv/drumraghparish
LOUGH DERG DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE 2022
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lough Derg Friday 24 to Sunday 26 June. Bishop McKeown will lead the pilgrimage and invites you to join him. Booking essential. Please contact Diocesan Catechetical Centre if aged over 16 Tel:71264087 or email email lizzie.rea@derrydiocese.org Cost £80, this includes return transport from St Eugene's Cathedral, Derry.
MISSING
A labelled black wheelie bin is missing from Straw Graveyard. It would be appreciated if it could be returned as soon as possible please.
INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS
Glór na Speiríní are holding a basic 5 week computer course for adults starting on Monday 23 May from 7.30 pm until 8.30 pm in Glór na Speiríní Centre Straw. Cost for the course is only £20. Booking is essential, as numbers are limited. To book your place or for further information please email conchurglor@gmail.com or phone 79627703. Tá fáilte roimh chách- Everyone welcome!
BALLINASCREEN EARLY YEARS
Pre-Pre school places are available from September at Ballinascreen Early years in their Sunshine Room.
If your child will be 3 years old between 2 July 2022 and 1 July 2023, please ring 07840595382 or message their Facebook page to discuss the options they have available for your child.
ST COLUMB’S COLLEGE FORMAL GALA DINNER
St Columb’s College invite you to attend a Formal Gala Dinner in the City Hotel Derry on Friday 10 June. The night will be an opportunity to celebrate our faith, our island and the talents of their pupils past and present. Special guest Mickey Harte will deliver a speech on his own witness and faith journey. Tickets cost £40 per head, drinks reception and 3 course meal is included. Booking of tables can be arranged. For any enquiries or to reserve a table please email: columba1500@stcolumbscollege.org
BOOK ON THE HOLY LAND
An Irish Pilgrimage Guide to the Holy Land is a new book by Michael Kelly, Editor of The Irish Catholic newspaper which explores the places associated with the life of Christ. Michael, who has led many pilgrimages to the Holy Land, says he hopes the book can also act as an ‘armchair retreat’ for people who cannot travel to the Holy Land bringing the Gospel to life for them. It costs £14.99 and is available from all good bookshops and from www.columbabooks.com
KILCRONAGHAN CENTRE
Annual Plant Sale on Friday 27 May Gates open at 6.30 pm. Great selection of perennials, annuals and shrubs will be available to buy.
Jiving Classes with Conor and Mairead McEldowney start on Monday 23 May for 5 weeks from 8.00 pm until 9.00 pm. Cost £25 to be paid on the first night. Book with Conor on 07871210585.
Painting classes continue every Wednesday from 10.00 am until 12noon and from 7.00 pm until 9.00 pm. Suitable for all abilities and beginners, everyone welcome. Text/ring 07821963749 for more details /to book your place.
KNOCKNAGIN HALL ~ ACTIVITIES FOR MAY
‘Knit and Natter’ classes to knit or crochet hats for Neonatal Unit Antrim Area Hospital on Tuesdays from 7.00 pm until 8.30 pm all welcome, wool can be provided. Contact Kathleen: 07764277809: Anne: 79642711: Olive: 07887614094.
SPRED Group meeting on Monday 16 May at 7.30 pm.
Chair Exercises Tuesdays at 10.00 am.
Knit/crochet natter Tuesdays at 7.00 pm.
Line Dancing every Wednesday at 7.30 pm.
Band practice Thursdays from 8.00 pm until 9.00 pm. New members welcome.
Friday 27 May Charity Dance for Air Ambulance N.I. Music by Liam McLaughlin. Dancing from 8.30pm until midnight. Admission £5 - includes light supper.
Sarsfield’s Band and Division 30 offer their sympathy to the McPeake family on the death of Brigid Rose McPeake, Greenlough.
Congratulations to Hugh McGuckin Tirgan, winner of £50 in the May monthly draw. Tickets cost £1 per month or £12 for the year. Tickets may be purchased from any Band or Division member.
CONCERT FOR UKRAINE
The Magnificent Seven Crew in partnership with the Derry Branch of Concern Worldwide and many other singers and entertainers will feature in a concert on Monday 6 June in the Millennium Forum Derry in aid of Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal. All artists are appearing for free. Tickets £16.50 available online or at the Millennium Forum Box Office.
MATT TALBOT PRAYER SOCIETY
This society prays daily for those with addictions. You can enrol somebody to be prayed for each day as well as at the Mass on the First Monday of each month at 7.30 pm in St Eugene's Cathedral Derry. For more details visit www.matttalbotprayersociety.com where you can also enrol somebody via an online submission.
MARY’S MEALS
Mary’s Meals reach more than 2.2 million children in 20 countries with a nutritious school meal each day. They invite us during May to offer prayers of thanksgiving for the 20 years of little acts of love that have made their work possible and in petition for God’s continued blessing on their good work. More details and prayer resources on: www.marysmeals.org.uk/prayinmay
ROSARY AT THE GROTTOS
The Rosary will be prayed for peace in the world each day during May at hundreds of grottos around Ireland.
For more details including the list of grottos please visit www.coastalrosaryireland.ie
ACCORD CATHOLIC MARRIAGE CARE SERVICE
This service is currently recruiting volunteers to train as marriage preparation programme facilitators. Registration of interest from those who have a positive attitude towards marriage in the Catholic Church and the enthusiasm to be part of a team supporting couples who are preparing for the Sacrament of Marriage are being sought. Successful applicants will receive professional training and be part of a team delivering marriage preparation programmes locally. Contact Deirdre 07980898399 or email info@accordni.com
Closing date for receipt of registration of interest forms for this year is Friday May 27. Forms and further details about becoming a facilitator are on www.accordni.com
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
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DROMANTINE CENTRE ~ NEW WORKSHOPS
Bookings now open for these workshops:
NO VISIBLE SCAR ~ Comfort for those bereaved during the pandemic. Friday 20 May 5.00 pm – Sunday 22 May 2.00 pm.
ALONE TOGETHER ~ Finding our way back to connection. Saturday 18 June 9.30 am - 4.30 pm.
THE LONG GOODBYE ~ Practical advice for caregivers of people living with dementia. Friday 19 August 5.00 pm - Sunday 21 August 2.00 pm.
WHEN IT IS DARKEST ~ Understanding suicide. Saturday 24 September 9.30 am - 4.30 pm.
CHURCH ABUSE: A UNIQUE BETRAYAL ~ A call to listen, a call to action, a call to change. Friday 4 November 5.00 pm - Sunday 6 November 2.00 pm.
Workshop Facilitator is Fr Hugh Lagan SMA, priest and chartered clinical psychologist who has led retreats, workshops and trainings internationally on psychological and spiritual well-being, positive change, trauma, mental health and resilience.
Please contact Jacinta or Louisa to reserve your place: Phone 3082 1964 or Email: admin@dromantineconference.com
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
