No. 2003 ~ THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - SUNDAY OF THE WORD OF GOD
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 January 22:
Holy Rosary Church ~ 10.00 am
Tuesday January 23:
Holy Rosary Church ~ 10.00 am
Wednesday January 24:
Holy Rosary Church ~ 10.00 am
Thursday January 25:
Holy Rosary Church ~ 10.00 am
Friday January 26:
St Mary’s Coolcalm ~ 10.00 am
Holy Rosary Church ~ 7.30 pm.
FEASTS OF THE WEEK
Wednesday 24: St Francis de Sales, bishop and doctor of the Church.
Thursday 25: Conversion of St Paul, apostle.
Friday 26: St Timothy and St Titus.
VISITATION OF SICK
Over the next fortnight, Fr Madden will make arrangements to visit the sick of the parish in their homes by making contact the day before.
DEATHS
We extend our prayerful sympathy to the family and relatives of:
Fr Seamus O’Connell, P. Em.;
Rosaleen Conway, Derry;
Patrick McCormick, Stockholm.
ANNIVERSARIES
Peter Joe McNeill;
Frank O'Hagan;
Mary Margaret McGillian;
Patrick McGlone;
Francis McSorley;
Rosalind Donnelly;
Jean McElhinney.
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 our recycling scheme. Call 07710838050.
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS’ WEEK
From Sunday 21 until Saturday 27 January. The theme this year is ‘Catholic Schools: Communities of Service’. During this week we are invited to reflect on the contribution Catholic Schools make to the common good of society.
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 11.00 am to 1.00 pm on Thursdays and Saturdays, starting Saturday 10 February. Phone 028 7126029 or Email: derrypilgrim@outlook.com
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 8-10 March. Anyone aged 18 or over wishing to attend should contact the Diocesan Vocations Director, Fr Pat O'Hagan at pgoh2111@gmail.com with their name, date of birth, and phone number.
PARISH COLLECTIONS
Weekly Collection: £2363
Renovation Collection: £1526.
Thank you for your generous support which is greatly appreciated.
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
If you email a request please leave a telephone number for contact.
February 4 ~ St Columba’s Straw
February 18 ~ St Patrick’s Sixtowns
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.
BALLINASCREE RENOVATION FUND
To kick start our fundraising for the emergency work beginning shortly at St Eugene’s Church, Moneyneena, a Parish Dance will be held on Friday 1 March in An Ráth Dubh. Music by Bleed’N Cowboys. More details later.
FINANCIAL OVERVIEW
A five year overview of parish finances is available in all Church porches. Please take a copy home with you.
AN RÁTH DUBH
Moneyneena Big Breakfast on Sunday 4 February in An Ráth Dubh. Breakfasts served 9.00 am - 1.30 pm. Admission by donations. Proceeds in aid of Community Hall and projects. Everyone welcome.
St Brigid Cross Making Night on Wednesday 31 January at 8.00 pm. Refreshments served, all welcome.
WARM WELCOME WEDNESDAYS
Warm Welcome Wednesday Luncheon Club – offering FREE lunch for over 60s and the chance to meet and chat to others, takes place on Wednesday 24 January in Workspace Community Hub, from 11.00 am to 1.30 pm, food served about 12.15 pm. Only 30 places available so booking is essential. To book a place contact Workspace on 79628113 by 12 noon on Monday 22 January.
FREE PRE-SCHOOL PLACES
EA Connect Portal opens on Tuesday 9 January at 12 noon. If your child was born between 2 July 2020 and 1 July 2021 they will be eligible for a funded preschool place from September 2024 - June 2025.
NAÍSCOIL NA SPEIRÍNÍ
Naíscoil na Speiríní's Pre-Pre Program has now started, for more details Email: naiscoilnaspeirini@gmail.com
KILCRONAGHAN CENTRE
Classes are open to everyone and places must be pre booked. For more details and to book a place, message / ring 07821963749.
Creative Writing resumes on Tuesday 23 January, from 10.30 am to 12 noon. This will be a 9 week block, finishing on Tuesday 19 March. The class fees are £4 per week or £32 if paying in full on week 1.
Yoga classes resume on Thursday 25 January at 10.30 am 'til 12 noon. This is a 5 week block, cost £35.
Pilates and Yoga style exercise class, adaptable for all abilities and ages. Ideal also for those who are less mobile. Commences Friday 26 January. From 10.00 am to11.00 am, for 8 weeks (off mid-term week). Advice on nutrition, sleep, stress and mindfulness will be given, £30 payable week one or £4 weekly.
SIXTOWNS SOCIAL DANCE
Monthly Social Dance in Sixtowns Cross Community Centre on Friday 26 January at 9.30 pm. Music by The Lakelanders. All welcome.
DRAPERSTOWN AFTER SCHOOL CLUB
The Club is currently recruiting a staff member to assist with the supervision of children and the provision of a safe and fun environment for all. 5 afternoons per week. For more details, please contact Workspace Tel: 028 79628113 or email ann@theworkspacegroup.org
GLENSHANE HOUSE DUNGIVEN
North West Regional College will hold an information event on fully funded or part funded courses on Tuesday 23 January from 11.00am to 1.00 pm in Glenshane House.
6 week Recreational Art course will start soon on Monday afternoons. All materials supplied. To book phone 77742494.
GCSE CHEMISTRY TUITION
GCSE DA Chemistry Unit 2 (Year 12) small group tuition beginning Tuesday 23 January from 4.45 pm to 5.45 pm in The Community Hub, Draperstown. Limited numbers. For more details text Claire 07921838699.
O’NEILL IRISH DANCE CLASSES
Every Thursday in An Ráth Dubh at 4.45 pm. All new members welcome.
PILGRIMAGE TO FATIMA
Fully escorted group pilgrimage accompanied by Spiritual Director for seven nights from 28 May to 3 June. Accommodation in 4* Hotel Styler, with breakfast, lunch and dinner each day. Cost £825 p.p.s. Single room supplement £280. Mass daily and spiritual activities. Services of JWT tour guide. Direct flights from Dublin. Coach from Oakleaf Restaurant, Maghera to Dublin Airport. Further details please contact Christina Lagan on 07803192621.
SCHOOL LIAISON COORDINATOR
The Parishes of Banagher and Claudy wish to recruit a School Liaison Coordinator. Under the guidance of the Parish Priest / Administrator the successful candidate will work in the two parishes that have 4 primary schools and 1 post primary school. This is a full-time role for one year. For application packs please contact; Bishop’s House, St Eugene’s Cathedral, Francis Street, Derry, BT48 9AP, phone 028 7126 2302 or Email recruitment@derrydiocese.org. Completed applications must be returned by 4.30 pm on 2 February.
MEDJUGORJE YOUTH PILGRIMAGE
Young people aged 16 + are invited to join a pilgrimage to Medjugorje for 9 nights from 30 July to 8 August. This will be a unique experience for young people to engage with peers from around the world, in a faith context. Up to 50,000 young people attend the Medjugorje Youth Festival each year. Cost is £800 and there will be a budget plan to help with this. Names and deposit of £100 are required as soon as possible to secure a place. For more details or to book please phone 028 71264087 or email lizzie.rea@derrydiocese.org
ST MARY'S MAGHERAFELT
P6 and P7 pupils and their parents / carers are invited to an Open Event on Thursday 25 January. Principal’s address at 1.00 pm, 3.00 pm and 5 pm. Booking essential via school website.
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:
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 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.
KNOCKNAGIN HALL
Yoga classes Mondays 10.00 am, £36 for 6 weeks
Chair Exercises, Tuesdays 10.00 am followed by a short walk, adm £4.00
Knit & Natter Tuesdays at 7.30 pm. Bring your own project or you can help with knitting for local charities.
Line Dancing Wednesdays 7.30 pm. Admission £4.00. Contact Olive 07887614094, Kathleen 07764277809 or Anne 02879 642711 to register.
Sarsfield’s Accordion Band: Making St Brigid’s Crosses on Sunday 28 January at 2.30 pm. Band Practice Thursdays at 7.30 pm. New and past members welcome.
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:
