No. 2007 ~ FIRST 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
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.
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 MASS TIMES
Monday February 19:
St Mary’s Coolcalm ~ 10.00 am
Holy Rosary Church ~ 7.30 pm
Tuesday February 20:
Holy Rosary Church ~ 7.00 am
St Eugene’s Moneyneena ~ 10.00 am
St Mary’s Coolcalm ~ 7.30 pm
Wednesday February 21:
Holy Rosary Church ~ 7.00 am
St Eugene’s Moneyneena~ 10.00 am
St Mary’s Coolcalm ~ 7.30 pm
Thursday February 22:
Holy Rosary Church ~ 7.00 am
St Eugene’s Moneyneena ~ 10.00 am
St Mary’s Coolcalm ~ 7.30 pm
Friday February 23:
St Mary’s Coolcalm ~ 10.00 am
Holy Rosary Church ~ 7.30 pm.
FEASTS OF THE WEEK
Wednesday 21: St Peter Damian, bishop and doctor of the Church.
Thursday 22: The Chair of St Peter.
Friday 23: St Polycarp, bishop and martyr.
DEATHS
We extend our prayerful sympathy to the family and relatives of:
Sharon McGuigan, The Orchard;
Peter Brown, Glengomna Road;
Mary Darragh, Lavey.
ANNIVERSARIES
Marian Haskins;
Bernie Hamill;
Colette Kelly;
Bridget Elmslie,
Sadie Glasgow;
Pat Logue;
Vera McGuigan;
Baby Majella McGuigan.
FIRST ANNIVERSARY MASS
Siobhan Bradley, Cavanreagh on Friday 23 February at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
PARISH COLLECTIONS
Weekly Collection: £1555
Renovation Collection: £1745.
Thank you for your generous support which is greatly appreciated.
CONFIRMATION 2024
Saturday 2 March at 12 noon for children attending Gaelscoil na Speiríní.
Saturday 9 March at 12 noon for children attending St Columba’s P.S., St Eoghan’s P.S. and St Mary’s P.S.
SERVICE OF LIGHT
Service of Light for all children making their confirmation this year will take place during the 12 noon Mass on next, Sunday 25 February in St Eugene’s Church Moneyneena. Parents are asked to please bring a baptism candle.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2024
First Holy Communion will be celebrated on the following dates:
Saturday 27 April at 11.00 am for children attending Gaelscoil na Speiríní and St Eoghan’s P.S.
Saturday 11 May at 11.00 am for children attending St Mary’s P.S.
Saturday 18 May at 11.00 am for children attending St Columba's P.S.
DO THIS IN MEMORY MASS
Do This In Memory Mass Saturday 24 February 6.00 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
TRÓCAIRE 2024
Trócaire boxes are available in all Church porches. We encourage each family to please take one home. Your contributions will help Trócaire to continue their vital work in developing countries. www.trocaire.org
LOURDES DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE 2024
From Monday 1 to Friday 5 July, ex City of Derry Airport. Led by Bishop Donal McKeown. Full board £799, single room supplement £150. Pilgrimage Office at 164 Bishop Street, Derry, will open to the public from 11.00 am to 1.00 pm on Thursdays and Saturdays. Phone 028 71260293 or email derrypilgrim@outlook.com
HOSPITALITÉ COLLECTION
The Lourdes Hospitalité collection, which helps those who wish to go to Lourdes and require care and assistance, will be taken THIS weekend (17/18 February) at all Masses in our Parish.
ST VINCENT de PAUL
Ballinascreen SVP has preloved Communion dresses, suits and shoes available to any families who need assistance. Please call to schedule a time to view and try on. If you have preloved Communion attire at home, please consider donating to their recycling scheme. Call 07710838050.
PARISH DANCE
Parish Dance on Friday 1 March in An Ráth Dubh. Music by Bleed’N Cowboys. Dancing from 10.00 am – 1.00 pm. Admission £10. Proceeds in aid of necessary repair work on St Eugene’s Church. Light refreshments served.
DIARY DATES
Vintage Vehicle Show in Moneyneena on Sunday 7 April. Proceeds in aid of necessary repair work on St Eugene’s Church. More details later.
Dawn Mass in Moneyneena on Easter Sunday. More details later.
DIOCESAN VOCATIONS
The Vocations Directors of the northern dioceses invite anyone interested in serving the Church as a diocesan priest, to attend a retreat at the Drumalis Retreat Centre, Larne from 8 to 10 March. Anyone aged 18 or over wishing to attend should please email the Diocesan Vocations Director, Fr Pat O'Hagan at pgoh2111@gmail.com
LIFE IN THE SPIRIT SEMINARS
Omagh Charismatic Prayer Group invite you to seminars on Thursdays in conjunction with 7.30 pm Mass in Christ the King Church, Strathroy Speaker on Thursday 22 February will be Rev Dr Columba M Toman, OP. Seminars may also be followed online at: www.churchservices.tv/strathroy
BALLINASCREEN MEN'S SHED
Seek new members, both men and women. Open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10.00 am to 12.30 pm. Come in have a cup of tea and chat. For more information contact Francis on 07808736891.
SIXTOWNS DANCE
Monthly dance in the Sixtowns Cross Community Centre on Friday 23 February at 9.30 pm. Music by Sprig Of Heather. Everyone welcome.
SIXTOWNS CROSS COMMUNITY GROUP
Sixtowns Hall is hosting a FREE series of classes as part of a ‘Wellness Week’ initiative from Monday 26 February to Sunday 3 March, with thanks to funding support from the Workspace Group.
Monday 26: Pilates with AMG, now fully booked.
Tuesday 27: Waltz & Line Dancing classes with Christopher Bradley from 8.30 pm to 10.00 pm, no booking required.
Wednesday 28: Healthy Eating Airfryer cookery class with Seana Mc Cafferty, now fully booked.
Thursday 29: First Aid Class with Hibernian Medical Service Ltd from 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm, no booking required.
Friday 1: Mindfulness Class with Caroline Kelly from 7.00 pm to 8.00 pm, no booking required.
Saturday 2: Crochet & Chat from 11.00 am to 12 noon, no booking needed.
Sunday 3: Breezy Kids Workshops, in the small hall, 1-4 year olds with a parent/carer from 12 noon to 1.00 pm and for 5-11 year olds from 1.00 pm to 2.00 pm. Contact Karen on 07546 115167 to find out more and register your interest.
Sunday 3: Exhibition in main hall from 12 noon to 2.00 pm with a variety of stalls focusing on health and wellness. Drop in for a cuppa and a chat. All welcome.
WARM WELCOME WEDNESDAYS
Luncheon Club: FREE lunch offered for over 60s, on Wednesday 21 February in Workspace Community Hub from 11.00 am to 1.30 pm. Food served about 12.15 pm. Only 30 places available, booking is essential. To book phone Workspace on 79628113 by 12 noon on Monday 19 Feb.
Free craft sessions: In Workspace Community Hub from 11.00 am to 1.00 pm with Michaela Mills as follows:
Wednesday 6 March: Create a moss-land style terrarium using recycled glass jars.
Wednesday 13 March: Ireland Pebble Art for St Patrick’s Day.
No previous experience or skill required and all materials will be supplied. Booking required as places are limited.
Call Workspace 0287962 8113 to book.
NUALA'S KEEP FIT CLASSES
New 6 week block of classes starts on Monday 19 February. Classes Monday and Thursday nights from 6.45pm. Full block of classes £21 (£3.50 per class).
Call Workspace, 028 79628113, for more details or to book your place.
FIVE DAY TOUR IN CO. MAYO
Escorted tour to Mayo including Knock, £799 p.p.s. price includes return bus, 5 nights from 10 March in 4* Castlecourt Hotel, Westport with dinner, bed & breakfast and lunch on three days. All entertainment, excursions and transport included. Single supplement on enquiry. For more details please contact Patricia on 07740175557 or 0871890236 or email knockpilgrimages@gmail.com
PARISH BAPTISMS 2024
All baptisms will take place on Sundays at 3.00 pm and bookings are to be made via the Parish Office, by phone 028 79628248 or Email: ballinascreenparish@gmail.com
March 3 ~ Holy Rosary Church
Mar 10 ~ St Eugene’s Moneyneena
March 24 ~ St Columba’s Straw
April 7 ~ St Columba’s Straw
April 14 ~ St Patrick’s Sixtowns
April 21 ~ Holy Rosary Church
May 5 ~ St Eugene’s Moneyneena
May 19 ~ St Columba’s Straw
June 2 ~ St Patrick’s Sixtowns.
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.
SPERRIN FOODBANK
Foodbank operates Monday to Friday from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. If you or someone you know requires assistance please call 07543420639. No questions asked or criteria to meet. Facebook page is Sperrinfoodbank, Email:
KILCRONAGHAN CENTRE
Free Event. Tuesday 20 February from 12 noon to 2.00 pm, MUDC will give talks on Home Accident prevention, Energy Efficiency advice and other schemes and services offered by Mid Ulster Council. Refreshments served. Book your place now, everyone welcome.
Pilates & Yoga style exercise class, adaptable for all abilities and ages. Ideal also for those who are less mobile. On Fridays 10.00 am -11.00 am, £4. Includes advice on nutrition, sleep, stress and mindfulness.
Watercolours Painting Class with George Gourley. Monday 8 April for 4 weeks, 10.00 am – 12 noon.
Ring/text 07821963749 to book a place or for more details on any of the above.
DIOCESAN LENTEN PRAYER
Loving Father, To prepare for His mission of proclaiming Your kingdom to the world Your Son Jesus was guided by Your Holy Spirit to the quiet of the desert. In these Lenten days, I pray that I will be guided by that same Spirit, to a place of renewal in my heart and mind, so that I will seek opportunities for daily personal prayer, personal sacrifices and acts of kindness. With Your help, may I too be truly prepared to share in the story of the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Your Son, our Lord. Amen.
(Adaptation from A Lenten Prayer by William A Ward)
Fast from judging others; feast on Christ in them.
Fast from wanting more; feast on being thankful.
Fast from anger; feast on patience.
Fast from worry; feast on trust.
Fast from complaining; feast on enjoyment.
Fast from negatives; feast on positives.
Fast from stress; feast on prayer.
Fast from anger; feast on forgiveness.
Fast from self-concern; feast on compassion for others.
Fast from fear; feast on truth.
Fast from discouragement; feast on hope.
Fast from gossip; feast on silence.
Fast from fighting; feast on peace.
SYNTHESIS REPORT FROM FIRST SESSION OF THE XVI ORDINARY GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE SYNOD OF BISHOPS TO THE PEOPLE OF GOD - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2023
The Participants in the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops have approved a Letter to the People of God. The text offers reflections and proposals on topics such as the role of women and the laity, the ministry of bishops, priesthood and the diaconate, the importance of the poor and migrants, digital mission, ecumenism, and abuse.
It is not a final document, but an “instrument at the service of ongoing discernment“.
The Synthesis Report is structured in three parts:
The first outlines “the face of the synodal Church”, presenting the practice and understanding of synodality and its theological underpinning.
The second part, entitled “All disciples, all missionaries”, deals with all those involved in the life and mission of the Church and their relationships with one another.
The third part bears the title “Weaving bonds, building community”.
Episcopal Conferences are now called to focus on the questions and proposals that are considered most urgent, all this sustained by a climate of mutual listening and sincere dialogue.
To read the report, please click link below:
