No. 2012 ~ PALM SUNDAY OF THE LORD’S PASSION
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 a
St Eugene’s, Moneyneena: 12 noon
WELCOME
The priests of the Parish extend a warm invitation to parishioners to join with them in the most important week of prayer in the Church’s Year.
DAILY MASS AND SERVICES FOR HOLY WEEK 2024
Monday in Holy Week:
10.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church ~ Mass
10.00 am ~ St Mary’s Coolcalm ~ Mass
7.30 pm ~ Holy Rosary Church Penitential Service. Several priests will be present to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation
Tuesday in Holy Week:
7.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church ~ Mass
10 am ~ St Eugene’s Moneyneena ~Mass
7.30 pm ~ St Patrick’s Keenaught Penitential Service. Several priests will be present to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation
Wednesday in Holy Week:
7.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church ~ Mass
10.00 am ~ St Eugene’s Moneyneena ~Mass
7.30 pm ~ St Mary’s Coolcalm ~ Mass
Please Note: There will be no Mass in St Colm’s High School this week.
EASTER TRIDUUM
Holy Thursday:
Mass of Chrism in St Eugene’s Cathedral Derry at 10.00 am. All welcome. During this Mass the Oils used in the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation and the Sacrament of the Sick will be consecrated and blessed. Priests also will renew the vows taken when they were ordained. Mass of Chrism may be viewed via the Cathedral webcam.
Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper:
6.00 pm ~ St Eugene's Moneyneena,
7.30 pm ~ Holy Rosary Draperstown
7.30 pm ~ St Mary's Coolcalm.
Prayers before the Altar of Repose until 9.30 pm
Good Friday: Solemn Liturgy of the Passion and Death of Jesus
This is a day of Fast and Abstinence.
3.00 pm ~ Holy Rosary Church,
3.00 pm ~ St Mary’s Coolcalm,
7.30 pm ~ St Patrick’s Keenaught.
Stations of the Cross
7.30 pm ~ St Columba's Straw.
Holy Saturday - Easter Vigils
7.30 pm ~ Holy Rosary Church,
7.30 pm ~ St Patrick’s Sixtowns,
7.30 pm ~ St Patrick’s Keenaught.
Easter Sunday
6.00 am ~ Dawn Mass at Eagle’s Valley
9.00 am ~ St Columba’s Straw
10.00 am ~ St Mary’s Coolcalm
11.00 am ~ St Patrick’s Sixtowns
12 noon ~ St Eugene’s Moneyneena
CONFESSIONS
Confessions after all the Ceremonies on Holy Thursday and Good Friday. Confessions also on Holy Saturday in Holy Rosary at 11.00 am and St Mary’s Coolcalm at 11.00 am.
Monday 25 March: Holy Rosary Church Penitential Service at 7.30 pm. Several priests will be present to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Tuesday 26 March: St Patrick’s Keenaught Penitential Service at 7.30 pm. Several priests will be present to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation
EASTER DAWN MASS
‘On the first day of the week, at the first sign of dawn, they went to the tomb...They found that the stone had been rolled away .. two men in brilliant clothes suddenly appeared at their side... the two said to them, 'Why look among the dead for someone who is alive? He is not here; he has risen.’ (Luke 24: 1-6)
We too will go this Easter Morning to greet the Risen Christ at this Dawn Mass, which will be celebrated in the open air, in Eagle’s Valley, outside Moneyneena on the Feeny Road. Please follow the signs and the stewards who will guide you to designated parking areas. Celebration of Mass will commence at 6.00 am. All welcome.
VISITATION OF SICK
Fr Madden will continue to visit the sick of the parish during this week. Contact will be made before hand to arrange a time.
DEATH
We extend our prayerful sympathy to the family and relatives of Sinead McErlean, Knockloughrim.
ANNIVERSARIES
First Anniversary:
Agnes Conway
Anniversaries:
Mary Hegarty;
Ann McKenna;
Baby Jack Molloy;
Brian Quinn;
Siobhan Lappin;
Eileen McDermott;
Mary Kerr;
Patrick Conway;
Maire Gormley;
Ellen Eames;
Catherine Kelly.
PARISH COLLECTIONS
Weekly Collection: £2579
Clerical Education: £1099
Renovation Collection: £286
Thank you for your generous support which is greatly appreciated.
TRÓCAIRE 2024
Please return your donation for Trócaire’s Lenten Appeal to any of Services on Holy Thursday, Good Friday or Holy Saturday. Thank you.
NEW PARISH ENVELOPES
Sincere thanks to all those who have assisted with the distribution of the new boxes of envelopes. The new envelopes will be used from the weekend 6/7 April.
If you did not receive envelopes and wish to receive a box please contact the Parish Office as soon as possible. Thank you.
VINTAGE VEHICLE SHOW
Vintage Vehicle Show at An Ráth Dubh Moneyneena on Sunday 7 April from 1.00 pm. All vintage vehicles welcome. Will include a children’s vehicle parade, bouncy castles and stalls. Optional convoy at 3.30 pm. Vintage motorbikes also welcome. All proceeds in aid of essential repair work being carried out on St Eugene’s Church.
ST EUGENE’S CHURCH
The essential repointing of the exterior of St Eugene’s Church is well underway.
As mentioned a few weeks ago, the cost of the work is over £250,000 and at present we have in the parish renovation Fund £135,000. The shortfall has to be made up and the various fund raising events being organised are greatly appreciated.
If you would like to contribute to Ballinascreen Church Renovation Fund account, you may do so by using the bank account details below.
You may also use the Donate button on our Parish website. If using this button please select the ‘Restoration Fund’ option. Ballinascreen Credit Union will also receive and deposit any contribution you may wish to make. Donations may also be given directly to Fr Madden. Also please send the video link and the account details or information about the Donate button on our website to members of your family who live elsewhere in the world inviting them to please support Ballinascreen Parish, in particular at this time as the necessary restoration work is being carried out on St Eugene’s Church.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Renovation Account Details:
Ballinascreen Parish Premium Business Reserve account number: 10585922
Sort code: 98-05-50
NATIONAL EUCHARISTIC ADORATION
Pilgrimage to Knock on Sunday 14 April. To enquire or book a seat, call 07738873492 Details of buses on www.eucharisticadoration.ie
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.
SIXTOWNS DANCE
Monthly Dance in Sixtowns Cross Community Centre on Saturday 30 March at 9.30 pm. Music by Kieran McAree. Everyone welcome.
33rd DERRY BALLINASCREEN SCOUTS
Easter Bake Sale from 10.00 am to 1.00 pm on Saturday 30 March in Credit Union.
Easter Trail in Derrynoid Forest on Saturday 30 March from 11.00 am to 3.00 pm. Bookings at Eventbrite, select Easter trail – Derrynoid. 1 slot per group booking. Cost £6.50 per child. For details phone 07749538199 or email ballinascreen.scouts@gmail.com
30th Anniversary Gala for in Shepherds Rest on 1 June at 7.30 pm, dinner will be served at 8.00 pm. Over 18s only, smart dress code. Tickets £40. Search Ballinascreen Scouts Gala on Eventbrite or contact ballinascreen.scouts@gmail.com
HEALING OUR WOUNDS
Weekend Workshop at Ards Friary from 12 to 14 April. This workshop offers a way to transform our wounds. It will include input, time for personal reflection, opportunities for sharing and some social time. Cost €220, includes retreat, accommodation and all meals. Limited to 12 people. To book phone Ards 00353 749138909 or Email :info@ardsfriary.ie
BABY MASSAGE CLASSES
Classes starting on Friday 12 April in Community Hub. Contact Rosie on 07749121208.
LOURDES 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, open from 11.00 am to 1.00 pm, Thursdays and Saturdays. Phone 028 71260293 or email derrypilgrim@outlook.com
KILCRONAGHAN CENTRE
Complete a painting in only 4 weeks! George Gourley Water Colours Painting, suitable for all abilities. Dates; Monday 8, 15, 22 and 29 April, from 10.00 am – 12 noon. Cost £40, paid in advance when booking. All materials supplied – just bring your brushes! Message / call 07821963749 to book.
WORKSPACE COMMUNITY HUB
Draperstown Health Matters Project on Wednesday 27 March in Workspace Community Hub will focus on mental health and loneliness. It will include a workshop by STEPS, commencing at 12 noon. The event is free and open to all. No need to book, just drop-in.
FOUND
Pair of glasses found on Fairhill. Left in to Carmel McGuigan's Opticians.
PARISH BAPTISMS 2024
All baptisms 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
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:
KNOCKNAGIN HALL
Gala Country Charity Concert on 12 March raised over £4000 for Macmillan Cancer Care, specifically Laurel House, Action Deaf Youth and Knocknagin P.S. Thanks to all who supported this event.
Yoga Classes: Mondays at 10.00 am, numbers limited, registration necessary. Contact Angela 07746895949, Olive 07887614094, or Anne 02879642711.
Chair Exercises: Tuesdays at 10.0 am followed by a short walk. Admission £4.00
Knit & Natter: Tuesday at 7.30 pm. Bring your own project or you can help with knitting for local charities.
Books by wellness experts, doctors and bestselling authors are available in hall. No details were recorded for a number of books out on loan. If borrowing one it is necessary to record your name and contact number. Please return any overdue books or contact a committee member if required for a longer period.
Sarsfield’s Accordion Band thank the parents and all who supported or helped prepare band members on St Patrick’s Day. Band practice recommences on Thursday 11 April.
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:
