No. 1969 ~ PENTECOST SUNDAY
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.
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 May 29: Holy Rosary Church ~ 10.00 am
Tuesday May 30: St Mary’s Coolcalm ~ 10.00 am
Wednesday May 31: Holy Rosary Church ~ 10.00 am
Thursday June 1: St Mary’s Coolcalm ~ 10.00 am
Friday June 2: St Mary’s Coolcalm ~ 10.00 am & Holy Rosary Church ~ 7.30 pm.
FEASTS OF THE WEEK
Monday 29: The Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church.
Wednesday 31: The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Thursday 1: St Justin, martyr.
Saturday 3: St Kevin, abbot.
DERRY DIOCESAN SOCIETY
The 10.00 am Mass on Wednesday May 31 in Holy Rosary Church will be offered for the deceased members of the Derry Diocesan Society.
DIOCESAN PRIESTS’ RETREAT
Fr Madden will pray for all parishioners while on retreat this week.
PADRE PIO MASS
Padre Pio Mass will be celebrated on Monday June 5 in Holy Rosary Church at 7.30 pm. This Mass will be offered for all who are sitting examinations at this time.
It is hoped that one of Padre Pio's mitts will be available for a special blessing.
CORPUS CHRISTI
The final Do This is in Memory Mass will be held on Saturday June 10, at 6.00 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
All children who received their First Holy Communion this year are invited to take part in the Corpus Christi Procession which will take place following communion.
These children, will be accompanied by their teachers and classroom assistants around the town square and then return to Holy Rosary Church for Benediction.
More details will be provided next week.
BLESSING OF GRAVES 2023
Blessing of Graves in the parishes of Ballinascreen and Desermartin will take place on the following dates:
Saturday June 10:
6.30 pm ~ Mass in St Patrick’s Keenaught followed by Blessing of Graves. Please note the earlier Mass time.
Sunday June 11:
11.00 am ~ Mass in St Patrick’s Church, Sixtowns followed by Blessing of graves.
12 noon ~ Mass in St Eugene’s Church, Moneyneena followed by Blessing of graves.
2.00 pm ~ Blessing of graves at St Columba’s Straw.
3.00 pm ~ Blessing of graves at St Mary’s, Coolcalm.
4.30 pm ~ Blessing of graves at Old Keenaught Church.
MONTH’S MIND MASS
Aidan Clerkin on Friday June 2 in Holy Rosary Church at 7.30 pm.
Joe Crilly, Drumard and Newtownards on Friday June 2 in Holy Rosary Church at 7.30 pm.
DEATHS
We extend our prayerful sympathy to the family and relatives of:
Aaron Thornton, Cookstown;
Kathleen Breen, Ballinderry.
ANNIVERSARIES
Baby Jimmy Bonnie McSorley;
Brian Donnelly;
Kathleen Bradley;
Baby Lucia Crossett.
SVP VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Volunteers needed to help with weekly collections after each Saturday Vigil and Sunday Masses. If you can help please contact 07710 838050.
PARISH COLLECTIONS
Weekly Collection: £2285
Diocesan Purposes Collection: £1025
Renovation Collection: £250.
Thank you for your generous support which is greatly appreciated.
GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS
Is gambling affecting your life? Perhaps Gamblers Anonymous can help.
Phone 028 7135 1329.
THE NET
Sharing the fruits of the faith in the Derry Diocese, the May edition of ‘The Net’ is now available in parishes as well as on Diocesan website. For coverage of faith related stories please email editorthenet15@gmail.com.
Coverage in the May edition includes:
Several Faith stories
Appropriate Reflections
Excitement mounting for World Youth Day 2023
St Eugene’s Cathedral 150th anniversary including new Blessed Carlo Acutis statue
Pope John Paul II Award pilgrimage
St Columb’s College Memorial Garden
Divine Mercy Devotion in Diocese
Sr Clare Crockett Retreat
Inter-Diocesan Vocations weekend
Children’s Catechism Club
Parish Post-its and Diocesan Diary
TRUCK FESTIVAL AND FUN WEEKEND
Mid Ulster Truck Festival and Family Fun Weekend this weekend on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 May at Lavey GAC Club.
Truck convoy on Sunday will be passing through Draperstown at approximately 4.30 pm.
Check out Midulster Truckers Facebook page for updates.
All money raised will be donated to FACTS.
COFFEE MORNING
Coffee Morning in aid of MacMillan Cancer Support on Saturday 3 June in An Ráth Dubh Moneyneena from
11.30 am until 2.30 pm.
ANNUAL PLANT SALE
Plant sale at Kilcronaghan Centre, 10 Rectory Road Tobermore on Friday 9 June. Gates open at 6.30 pm. Perennials, annuals and shrubs will be available.
GLÓR NA SPEIRÍNÍ
Are delighted to announce that they are offering a part-time job of 16 hours per week at an hourly rate of £12.50 per hour. Applicants must have a proficiency in spoken and written Irish. This job will also include working with young children as well as coordinating projects.
For further information please email conchurglor@gmail.com or phone 79627703Closing date is 31/05/2023.
NETBALL
The Theresa Lanigan netball returns to the Backrow Hall on Wednesday from 8.00 pm to 9.00 pm. All new members welcome. Over 18s only.
HOLY LAND PILGRIMAGE
Last remaining places for Pilgrimage to the Holy Land at Christmas 2023 flying from Dublin taking in Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Nazareth, Dead Sea, Sea of Galilee, Last Supper Room, Garden of Gethsemane, Mount of Olives with full day in Bethlehem on Christmas Day. Contact James Treacy 061921470
KNOCK SHRINE 2023
The pilgrimage season at Knock Shrine is now underway, and they look forward to welcoming organised pilgrimages from all across the country at the weekends, and daily ceremonies for visiting pilgrims each day. For full details please visit their website: www.knockshrine.ie
DROMANTINE FAMILY FUN DAY
On Sunday June 11, from 1.30 pm to 5.30 pm. Attractions include Grand Draw, Country & Western Music, vintage tractors, bouncy castles, obstacle courses, stalls, food and much more! Admission: £5 donation per car. Everyone welcome.
GRADUATION MASS - QUB CATHOLIC CHAPLAINCY
On Thursday 1 June at 5.15 pm the QUB Chaplaincy will host a Graduation Mass for the Class of 2023. Students, their families and friends, as well as staff and alumni are most welcome.
This Mass will be the last special celebration before the chaplaincy moves to temporary accommodation whilst their landmark building on Elmwood Avenue undergoes major redevelopment.
If the Chaplaincy holds special memories for you and you would like to experience it as-is for one last time, you would be very welcome. Refreshments served after Mass. If you plan to come, it would be helpful if you could inform them by email catholicchaplaincy@qub.ac.uk
WORKSPACE RECREATION CENTRE
Nuala’s Keep Fit Circuit Classes are still running, spaces still available cost £3.50 per class. Classes on Mondays at 7.15pm and Thursdays at 6.45 pm.
Beginner Exercise Classes on Tuesday evenings from 8.00 pm. Cost £3.50. A great class for those starting or not sure where to start.
ROSARY ON THE COAST
Rosaries on the Coasts will be on 4 June at 3.00 pm on Lisfannon Strand, Buncrana and also on 18 June at 3.00 pm on Benone Strand, Limavady. All Rosary Coasters welcome and remember – invite your families and friends along too!
ALL IRELAND ROSARY RALLY
On Saturday June 3 from 1.00 pm in Knock. Will include Mass, Rosary, Stations of the Cross and a talk by Bishop Oliver Doeme. Main Celebrant of Mass will be Archbishop Eamon Martin. A bus will leave from Antrim / Derry. Ring Patricia Casey 075 93041040 to book bus.
STRESS CONTROL
Free on line, six-session cognitive-behavioural therapy classes. Next block of classes starts on Monday 6 June. For all details please view https://ni.stresscontrol.org/
SPERRIN FOODBANK
Sperrin Foodbank will be open on Fridays from 11.00 am – 1.00 pm for drop-ins. No appointment needed. If you require assistance outside this time, please call 07543 420639 to arrange collection. No questions asked or criteria to meet. Facebook page Sperrinfoodbank or 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 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.
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
