No. 1960 ~ FIFTH 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 27 March:
St Mary’s, Coolcalm - 11.00 am
Holy Rosary - 7.30 pm
Tuesday 28 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 29 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
Thursday 30 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
Friday 31 March - St Patrick's Day:
St Mary’s, Coolcalm - 11.00 am
Holy Rosary - 7.30 pm.
STATIONS OF THE CROSS
The Way of the Cross is an ancient Christian tradition. The custom of pilgrims visiting Jerusalem on Holy Thursday, to retrace the footsteps of Jesus Christ during his last hours, began as early as the 4th century. For many centuries Jerusalem was the only place where Christians practised the Way of the Cross. But by the 11th century it became too dangerous to visit Jerusalem due to the upheaval of the crusades so, in Europe, it became popular to do a substitute ‘pilgrimage’ in one’s local area. This eventually became known as the Stations of the Cross. The tradition of having fourteen Stations was first seen in Spain in the 17th century. These were sculpted or painted to represent certain moments along Jesus’ journey towards the cross. They were placed in or around the church building. Some of the Stations originated from the scriptural accounts, others grew out of popular legends, such as Veronica wiping the face of Jesus. The Stations of the Cross was encouraged by the Franciscans, and was officially recognised by the Church in 1731. By this time pilgrims had also begun returning to Jerusalem to make the Holy Week pilgrimage. This journey in Jerusalem is known today as the Via Dolorosa (Way of Sorrows).
Some forms of the Stations of the Cross include a 15th station to recall the Resurrection as an integral part of the Paschal Mystery. Christian liturgy never focuses on the death of Christ without recalling his Resurrection.
On Sunday March 26 in Holy Rosary Church a Scriptural Presentation of the Stations of the Cross will take place at 5.00 pm. All are welcome.
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament on Monday March 27, in Holy Rosary Church, from 12 noon until 7.30 pm.
SCRIPTURE EVENINGS FOR LENT
Scripture Evening on Friday 31 March at 8.15 pm in Community Hub.
MONTH’S MIND MASS
Maureen McWilliams, Bancran Road, on Friday 31 March at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
FIRST ANNIVERSARY MASS
Michael Connolly, Moyard, on Friday 31 March at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
DEATHS
We extend our prayerful sympathy to the family and relatives of:
Katie Sargent, Gortnaskea Road;
Margaret Doherty, Antrim.
ANNIVERSARIES
First Anniversary:
Paddy Bradley.
Anniversaries:
Annie Kelly;
Ann McKenna;
Baby Jack Molloy;
Joe Moran;
Siobhan Lappin;
Brian Quinn;
Eileen McDermott;
Mary Kerr;
Patrick Conway;
Maire Gormley;
Ellen Eames.
DIVINE MERCY NOVENA
Novena begins on Good Friday and continues for 9 days until the Feast of Divine Mercy on Sunday 16 April. Novena leaflets will be available in all the Churches of our parish.
A recording of the Divine Mercy Chaplet and Novena Prayers for each of the 9 days will be available online at www.parishofballinascreen.com and on the Parish Facebook Page.
Our Lord urged St Faustina to encourage others to pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, promising extraordinary graces to those who would recite it.
The Feast of Divine Mercy will be celebrated in Holy Rosary Church on Sunday 16 April at 3.00 pm.
SAFEGUARDING MEETING
On Tuesday March 28 in Knocknagin Hall, Desertmartin at 8.15 pm, Briege O'Neill, Derry Diocesan Safeguarding Officer will present an information evening and safeguarding refresher training for ALL in Desertmartin and Ballinascreen Parishes who are in leadership positions and / or carry out any voluntary work within the parish that brings them into personal contact with parishioners young or old.
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: £2273
Renovation Collection: £1130
Clerical Education and Ongoing Formation: £1941
Thank you for your generous support which is greatly appreciated.
WORLD YOUTH DAY 2023
Derry Diocesan Youth is taking a group on Pilgrimage to World Youth Day in Lisbon, from 25 July to 7 August. This pilgrimage is for over 18s. Limited places available. If you would be interested in travelling on this pilgrimage, or finding out more, please contact Lizzie Rea on lizzie.rea@derrydiocese.org.
POPE JOHN PAUL II AWARD YOUTH PILGRIMAGE
Pilgrimage to Knock Shrine on Tuesday 28 March, starting at 11.00 am and ending with Mass at 2.30 pm. Mass will be celebrated by the Award Patron, Bishop McKeown. Open to all 16-18 year olds. The pilgrimage, including transportation, is being organised through schools. Parental consent is required. The pilgrimage theme is ‘Pilgrimage for Peace’. Prayer intentions may be sent with any young person you know attending. For more details visit www.jp2award.com or contact the Catechetical Centre on 028 71264087.
MASTERS COURSE FOR SCHOOL LEADERS
The Derry Diocesan Catechetical Centre, working in Partnership with Saint Mary’s University Twickenham, offers the Masters in Catholic School Leadership. This post graduate degree is dedicated to the professional development and spiritual formation of Catholic school leaders. It is a great opportunity for those currently in leadership roles and those who aspire to, or have an interest in, leadership roles within a Catholic School.
An information session via ZOOM will be held on Monday 8 May at 3.30 pm. For more details or to register for this information session, please contact the Derry Diocesan Catechetical Centre on 71264087 or email tferry@derrydiocese.org
SPACE FOR LENT AT LUNCHTIME
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 are Ursula Doherty Lectio Divina Guide and Tony Brennan Pastoral Coordinator, Diocese of Derry. Sessions, from 1.00 pm to 1.50 pm, 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 a box home.This year, their focus is on Somalia where climate change, drought and conflict are severely affecting families and communities with almost 8.3 million people facing unbearable hunger. To learn more about Trócaire’s ongoing work please visit their website www.trocaire.org
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
PILGRIMAGE RETREAT TO THE HOLY LAND
Departing 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
SIXTOWNS DANCE
Monthly Dance in Sixtowns Cross Community Centre on Friday 31 March. Music by Kieran McAree. Everyone welcome.
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.
BABY MASSAGE AND REFLEXOLOGY
New class coming to Workspace Community Hub starting Friday 21 April. For more details please email rosiesbabymassage@hotmail.com
WARM WELCOME WEDNESDAYS
In Community Hub Wednesdays from 11.00 am to 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 Session from 11.30 am - 1.30 pm at Warm Welcome Wednesday on 5 April making Family Tree Plaques. No previous experience or skill required and all materials will be supplied.
Booking required as places are limited. Call Workspace on 79628113 to book.
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.
GLENELLY PLAYERS
Glenelly Players Present The Maiden Aunt by Jimmy Keary from 26 April to 30 April in Cranagh Hall. Tickets will be on sale in Glenelly House Plumbridge on Friday 24, Saturday 25, Friday 31 March and Saturday 1 April or phone 07710494613 for more details.
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
