No. 1939 ~ THIRTY-FIRST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
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
36 Moneyneena Rd
Telephone: 79628375
Email: j.downey75@btinternet.com
PARISH OFFICE
9 High Street Phone: (028)79628248
Open Monday and Tuesday from 9.00 am until 3.00 pm
NOTICES FOR THE BULLETIN
Notices for the Bulletin should be received by 1.00 pm on Wednesday, preferably by email.
SVP HELPLINE
Helpline telephone number: 07710838050
BALLINASCREEN COMMUNITY SUPPORT GROUP
Please click the link https://www.parishofballinascreen.com/ballinascreen-community-support-gro for full details of Ballinascreen Community Support Group.
DAILY MASS TIMES
Monday: St Mary’s Church, Coolcalm: 11.00 am
Holy Rosary Church: 7.30 pm (Vigil)
Tuesday: 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
Wednesday: 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
St Patrick's, Keenaught: 7.30 pm
Thursday: St Mary’s Church, Coolcalm 11.00 am
Friday - Parish Anniversary Masses: St Mary’s Coolcalm 11.00 am & Holy Rosary Church 7.30 pm
SUNDAY MASS TIMES
Vigil Masses:
Holy Rosary: 6.00 pm
St Patrick’s Keenaught: 7.30 pm
Sunday:
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
CONFESSIONS
Saturday in Holy Rosary Church before the 6.00 pm Vigil Mass.
FEASTS OF THE WEEK
Tuesday 1: Feast of All Saints. This is a holyday of obligation. Masses for the Feast of All Saints are listed below.
Wednesday 2: All Souls. The commemoration of all the faithful departed. Masses for the Feast of All Souls are listed below.
Thursday 3: St Malachy, bishop.
Friday 4: St Charles Borromeo, bishop
Saturday 5: St Martin de Porres, religious.
MASSES FOR THE FEAST OF ALL SAINTS
Please Note: Morning Mass on Monday 31 October is in St Mary’s, Coolcalm at 11.00 am. Vigil Mass for holyday on Monday 31 October in Holy Rosary at 7.30 pm
Tuesday 1 November: 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.
MASSES FOR THE FEAST OF ALL SOULS
Wednesday 2 November: 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
St Patrick’s Keenaught ~ 7.30 pm.
DO THIS IN MEMORY PROGRAMME
Vigil Mass in Holy Rosary next Saturday 5 November will form part of our parish DTIM programme. This programme supports the children from our parish as they prepare to receive their First Holy Communion in 2023.
DEATHS
We extend our prayerful sympathy to the family and relatives of:
Peter McGuigan, Drumderg Cottages;
Peggy Conway, High Street;
Patricia Sharkey, Australia;
Marie Gormley, Church Road Claudy;
Fr Joe O’Conor, Plumbridge.
ANNIVERSARIES
First Anniversaries:
Annie McBride
Patsy Cassidy.
Anniversaries:
Gertrude Coyle;
Michael Gordon;
Mary McKenna;
Bridgid McEldowney;
Peter Rogers;
Patrick Kelly;
Baby Groogan.
BAPTISM
We welcome into God’s family through the Sacrament of Baptism:
Erin Aoife Rafferty, Shanmullagh Park.
PARISH COLLECTIONS
Weekly Collection: £1025
Mission Sunday Collection £1080.
Thank you for your generous support which is greatly appreciated.
DECEASED CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE’S MASS
Annual Mass for deceased children and young people will take place in St Eugene’s Cathedral, Derry, on Sunday 6 November at 7.00 pm.
There will be an opportunity to write down the name of your deceased loved one before Mass. All are welcome to attend. You can also join this Mass live on the St Eugene’s Cathedral webcam.
If you are unable to attend this Mass in person but would like to have a child or young person remembered at it, please email the name by Friday 4 November to lizzie.rea@derrydiocese.org
CATHOLIC MOTHERS’ GROUP
Catholic Mothers Group will host a Retreat in Termonbacca on Saturday 26 November. This all-day Retreat will begin at 10.00 am, with registration. This day will offer a day away from the busyness of motherhood and take time for prayer, restoration and encouragement.
Contact Sinead for further information and to register on 07523104760 or 0860528282
OMAGH CHARISMATIC PRAYER GROUP
Day of Prayer, Praise and Healing, in St Joseph's Hall Omagh on Sunday 6 November has had to be postponed as the speaker Fr Brendan Walsh, has to undergo surgery. The organisers apologise for any inconvenience this postponement may cause. Your prayers are asked for Fr Brendan.
BALLINASCREEN HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Clive Scoular a very distinguished speaker will give a talk entitled ‘Education in Ireland’ on Tuesday November 1 at 8.00 pm in the Community Hub (beside the library). Everyone welcome. Admission £3 for non-members. Membership may be taken out or renewed on the night.
DIOCESAN VOCATIONS
Anyone interested in serving the diocese of Derry as a priest should contact their local priest(s) and/or the diocesan Vocations Director, Fr Pat O’Hagan, PP, Bellaghy, at pgoh2111@gmail.com
ST EOGHAN’S PRIMARY SCHOOL
Christmas Craft Fair in St. Eoghan’s P.S. on Sunday 4 December. Book now to secure your place. £10.00 per table. Please contact Brigid Donnelly on 07595658380 for more details.
GLENSHANE HOUSE
OCN Level 2 Managing Challenging Behaviour in Children starts on Wednesday 9 November at 7.00 pm. Spaces still available. Suitable for classroom assistants, teachers, students (16 yrs+) or parents Phone 777 42494.
CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR ~ ST PATRICK’S COLLEGE, MAGHERA
Christmas craft fair on Thursday 1 December from 6.30 pm to 9.30 pm in Assembly Hall, St. Patrick's College Maghera. The college is asking local businesses and members of the public to get in touch if interested in having a table at this event. Tables are £20. For more information please contact kmcgurk109@stpatricks.maghera.ni.sch.uk
LOURDES PILGRIMAGE
Irish Pilgrimage Trust- Pilgrimage to Lourdes, Easter 2023 are now accepting applications from young people of all religious denominations with:
A medical condition, physical disability or illness (aged 9-18).
A learning disability (aged 11-21).
Very seriously ill children under the age of 9, accompanied by a parent or close relative.
Young adults between the age of 19 and 30 with a disability or illness. The young person travels without their family but accompanied by experienced adult carers in the group. This week is a great experience for the young person as they have the opportunity to make new friends, increase their social skills and confidence and often provides respite for parents/carers. The Irish Pilgrimage Trust covers the cost of those young people selected to travel. If there is a young person that you feel would be eligible and would benefit from a trip to Lourdes please contact Mary Dunnion on 0877962047 or Aileen Henry on 0872063183 for more details and an application form. Closing date for applications is 31 October.
Have you ever wanted to volunteer and help others? If you are interested in volunteering with The Irish Pilgrimage Trust to travel to Lourdes as a carer for a week next Easter please contact Mary on 00353877962047 for more details. All volunteers pay their own fare which is €750 for adults or €495 for students.
View www.irishpilgrimagetrust.ie for more details.
SIXTOWNS HALL
Bowls in Sixtowns Hall: Mondays from 8.00 pm. New members welcome. Pay on night.
Coffee Morning and Christmas Market at Sixtowns Hall on Sunday 27 November. Phone 07769289385 for more details.
HOLY LAND PILGRIMAGE
Bishop Donal McKeown will lead a pilgrimage to the Holy Land from February 13 until February 21 2023, visiting Bethlehem, Nazareth, Jerusalem, the Sea of Galilee and other important sites. This is an opportunity to walk in the footsteps of Jesus. Cost is €1,895 / £1665 p.p.s. including taxes and tips. For more details please email info@marian.ie or phone 028 956 80005 or 003531 8788159.
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.
KNOCKNAGIN HALL
Christmas Craft Fair: Sunday 13 November, 10.30 am to 4.00 pm, featuring 30 stall holders with a wide range of handmade items by local crafters and bakers. Perfect gifts for Christmas suitable for all the family and there will be a few bargains too!
SPRED Group: Monday 7 November from 7.00 pm to 8.30 pm for socializing, fun and games.
Chair Exercises with Thomasina: Tuesdays at 10.00 am. Admission £4.00. Everyone welcome. These exercises will improve balance and fitness level.
Knit & Natter class: Tuesday at 7.30 pm. Bring along your own work along and have a natter!
Indoor Bowls: Tuesdays at 8.00 pm. Come along and try the game.
Line Dancing with Thomasina: Wednesdays 7.30 pm to 8.30 pm. Come along and enjoy the fun a great way to keep fit. Admission £4.
Here and Now ~ Older People & Well-Being: Charmaine from Arts Care has started an eight-week music and dance programme on Fridays at 7.00 pm. Come along and enjoy the craic. This is a funded programme so is free.
To register for any of the above please contact Olive 07887614094, Kathleen 07764277809 or Anne 79642711.
POPE FRANCIS @PONTIFEX
We must not fear moments of sadness and desolation, but be confident and sure that the Lord never abandons us, and with Him close by, we can overcome every temptation.
WORLD YOUTH DAY PILGRIMAGE - LISBON 2023
The Diocese of Derry is inviting any young person who is over 18 or will be 18 by July 2023 to join their Pilgrimage to Lisbon for World Youth Day. World Youth Day (WYD) is the gathering of young people from all over the world with the Pope. It is also a pilgrimage, a celebration of youth, an expression of the universal Church and an intense moment of evangelization for the youth world. This pilgrimage will take place in August 2023. For now, they are taking expression of interest until they have more information on dates, times and prices. Spaces are limited so signing up now is essential. You can register your interest on the derrydiocese.org website or on the @derryyouth Facebook page Any questions regarding this pilgrimage, may be emailed please to Lizzie Rea, Youth Coordinator at: lizzie.rea@derrydiocese.org
IOSAS CENTRE MUFF
Iosas Centre Café Muff: Sunday Carvery from 12.30 until 3.00 pm. Delicious starters, mains and desserts, using their own organic vegetables. Booking recommended and take away is available. Phone 00353 749384866
(1 course €12.50 ~ 2 courses €15.50 ~ 3 courses €19.50)
Finish your afternoon with a walk in the beautiful Celtic Prayer Garden.
MARY’S MEALS
Mary’s Meals reach more than 2.2 million children in 20 countries with a nutritious school meal each day. They invite us during May to offer prayers of thanksgiving for the 20 years of little acts of love that have made their work possible and in petition for God’s continued blessing on their good work. More details and prayer resources on: www.marysmeals.org.uk/prayinmay
PARKRUN AND PARKWALK
Parkrun and Parkwalk at Derrynoid Forest every Saturday at 9.30 am.
Come along and walk, jog or run on Saturday mornings at Parkrun Derrynoyd Forest, Derrynoyd Road.
Suited to walkers and runners of all abilities, to boost fitness for free. Children and dogs on leads welcome. Parkrun is a free community event and is a timed 5km walk or run. Walkers, runners and new volunteers all welcome. To join register online: https://www.parkrun.org.uk/register/
For more details see: www.parkrun.org.uk/derrynoidforest/
Follow on Facebook: Derrynoid Forest Parkrun
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
