No. 2009 ~ THIRD 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 4 March:
St Mary’s Coolcalm ~ 10.00 am
Holy Rosary Church ~ 7.30 pm
Tuesday 5 March:
Holy Rosary Church ~ 7.00 am
St Colm’s High School ~ 8.40 am
St Eugene’s Moneyneena ~ 10.00 am
St Mary’s Coolcalm ~ 7.30 pm
Wednesday 6 March:
Holy Rosary Church ~ 7.00 am
St Colm’s High School ~ 8.40 am
St Eugene’s Moneyneena~ 10.00 am
St Mary’s Coolcalm ~ 7.30 pm
Thursday 7 March:
Holy Rosary Church ~ 7.00 am
St Colm’s High School ~ 8.40 am
St Eugene’s Moneyneena ~ 10.00 am
St Mary’s Coolcalm ~ 7.30 pm
Friday 8 March:
St Mary’s Coolcalm ~ 10.00 am
Holy Rosary Church ~ 7.30 pm.
FEASTS OF THE WEEK
Thursday 7: Saints Perpetua and Felicity.
Friday 8: St John of God, religious.
Saturday 9: St Frances of Rome.
STATIONS OF THE CROSS
Stations of the Cross today, Sunday March 3 at 5.00 pm in Holy Rosary.
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION
Eucharistic Adoration in Holy Rosary Church on Monday 4 March from 12 noon until 7.25 pm.
PADRE PIO MASS
Monthly Mass in honour of St Pio of Pietrelcina will be celebrated on Monday 4 March at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary. Novena prayers and rosary at 7.10 pm.
DEATHS
We extend our prayerful sympathy to the family and relatives of:
John P McCloskey, Moneyneena;
Ruperta Regan Desertmartin.
MONTH’S MIND MASS
Veronica McKernan Oak Park on Friday 8 March at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church;
Sharon McGuigan, The Orchard, on Friday 8 March at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
ANNIVERSARIES
First Anniversary:
Maureen McWilliams, Bancran Road.
Anniversaries:
Maureen Kelly;
Helen Cuskeran;
Pat Joe Bradley;
Seamus McGuigan;
Nancy Kelly;
Annie McGuigan;
Danny Kelly;
Joseph Sargent;
Joe Conway.
PARISH COLLECTIONS
Weekly Collection: £2433
Renovation Collection: £1013
Additional £63.50 for Holy Lands
Additional £159 for Lourdes Hospitalite.
Thank you for your generous support which is greatly appreciated.
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.
ST. EUGENE’S CHURCH, MONEYNEENA
Work on the repointing of the exterior of St Eugene’s Church Moneyneena has begun. This work is essential to ensure that this church building is fit for purpose, for current and future generations, as we must maintain the rich legacy bequeathed to us. As detailed in last week’s Bulletin extra fundraising is now necessary and all parishioners are asked to please support the various fundraising initiatives that will take place over the next few months
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 to Fr Madden directly.
Also please send 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 and in particular at this time of restoration to Moneyneena Church.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Renovation Account Details:
Ballinascreen Parish Premium Business Reserve account number: 10585922
Sort code: 98-05-50
CONFIRMATION
Confirmation on Saturday 9 March in Holy Rosary Church at 12 noon for pupils attending St Columba’s PS, St Eoghan’s PS and St Mary’s PS. Children being confirmed and their sponsors should be in their allocated seats by 11.45 am.
DIOCESAN VOCATIONS
Please pray daily for an increase in vocations, and for those attending next weekend's Vocations Retreat in Larne, that the Lord will bless them in their ongoing discernment of His will for them.
VINTAGE VEHICLE SHOW
Vintage Vehicle Show in Moneyneena on Sunday 7 April at 1.00 pm. All vintage vehicles welcome. All proceeds in aid of necessary repair work on St Eugene’s Church. More details later.
TRÓCAIRE 2024
We encourage each family to please take a Trócaire box home. Your contributions will help Trócaire to continue their vital work in developing countries.
BALLINASCREEN HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Talk entitled ‘Geordie Hanna and Traditional Songs’ by Alish Hanna on Tuesday 5 March at 8.00 pm in the Community Hub. Everyone welcome.
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
DAY RETREAT FOR READERS AND EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS
On Saturday 9 March from 10.30am to 4.00pm, at Ards Friary, Creeslough Co Donegal. The day will include some input, silent time, social time and a full lunch. For more details phone 00353 749138909 or email info@ardsfriary.ie
PILGRIMAGE TO ROME & SAN GIOVANNI
From 4 to 10 November 2024. Led by James Molloy, Spiritual Director Fr. John McKeever. To book please phone Kieran & Laura Troyon 00353579355050. To book by debit card see www.myriam.ie. Passport details needed when booking. Coach pickup at Oakleaf Restaurant, Maghera. Cost 895 Euro p.p.s.
ONE DAY RETREAT
Fr. Terence O' Connell will conduct a Retreat in honour of St Charbel on Thursday 14 March in Carmelite Centre Termonbacca from10.00 am to 3.00 pm. Cost including light lunch £20. A First Class Relic and Blessed oil of St. Charbel will be available. To book phone 71262512.
PALM SUNDAY RETREAT
Join with the Columba Community for a Day of Healing Prayer at St Anthony's Retreat Centre, Dundrean, Burnfoot which will include Scripture meditations, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Teaching and Celebration of Eucharist as we enter Holy Week together. On Sunday 24 March, 11.00 am-4.00 pm. Mass will be celebrated at 3.00 pm. Light lunch included. Suggested donation £20. Email: columbacommunity@hotmail.com to book or call 028 71262407.
LIFE IN THE SPIRIT SEMINARS
Omagh Charismatic Prayer Group invite you to seminars on Thursdays during Lent in conjunction with the 7.30 pm Mass in Christ the King Church, Strathroy. Speaker on Thursday 7 March will be Fr Eugene Barrett OFM. Seminars online at: www.churchservices.tv/strathroy
SIXTOWNS CROSS COMMUNITY GROUP
Today, Sunday 3 March exhibition at the hall from 12 noon to 2.00 pm with stalls focusing on all aspects of health and wellness - financial, physical, mental and social. Facilitated with thanks to funding from the Workspace Group. This is a free event. Drop in for a cuppa and a chat.
'Gut Health' talk by Angela Murray followed by 'The Benefits of a Positive Mindset' by Anne Morrison on Wednesday 13 March, 7.00 pm - 9.00 pm, This free event is part of the Wellness Funding from Workspace. Refreshments served, everyone welcome.
Celebrate St Patrick's Day, Sunday 17 March, at Sixtowns Hall. Irish Stew served and traditional music will play from 12 noon to 2.00 pm. Entry by donation, all proceeds will go towards essential hall roof repairs.
WORKSPACE COMMUNITY HUB
Free Craft Sessions in Community Hub with Michaela Mills, from 11.00 am to 1.00 pm on these dates:
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 028 79628113 to book.
BALLINASCREEN MEN'S SHED
Men and women welcome, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10.00am to 12.30pm. Come in have a cuppa and a chat. For more details contact Francis on 07808736891.
PILATES ~ SIXTOWNS HALL
Every Monday in March with AMG Pilates. Suitable for age 16+, men and women welcome, exercises will be modified to suit all abilities. £25 for 4 weeks. To book contact Emma on 07769289385.
SPRING TEA DANCE
On Tuesday 5 March from 12 noon to 2.00 pm in Parish Centre, King St., Magherafelt. Music by Country Harmony. Free tea / coffee and light refreshments, along with raffle prizes. Spaces limited, registration is essential. Admission is free. If you wish to attend please contact Raisa Donnelly- at 03000132132 or Email: Raisa.donnelly@midulstercouncil.org.
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
March 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:
KNOCKNAGIN HALL
Social Dance: Friday 8 March from 9.00 pm to Midnight. Music by Liam McLaughlin.
Grand Country Concert: Tuesday 12 March at 8.00 pm, featuring Yodelling Kenny Archer, Caillin Joe and many more artists. Proceeds for Macmillan Cancer and other charities. Tickets £15 or pay at the door. Contact Fiona on 07746895968
Yoga: Mondays at 10.00 am, numbers limited, registration necessary. To register contact Olive 07887614094, Angela 07746895949 or Anne 79642711.
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.
Jive NI will take jiving classes for 5 weeks, beginning Wednesday at 8.00 pm
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:
