No. 2018 ~ SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
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
DAILY MASSES
Monday 6 May :
10.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church
Tuesday 7 May :
10.00 am ~ St Mary’s Coolcalm
Wednesday 8 May:
10.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church
Thursday 9 May:
10.00 am ~ St Mary’s Coolcalm
Friday 10 May:
10.00 am ~ St Mary’s Coolcalm
7.30 pm ~ Holy Rosary Church.
CONFESSIONS
In Holy Rosary Church every Saturday at 5.30 pm before the Vigil Mass.
FEASTS OF THE WEEK
Wednesday 8: Blessed John Sullivan, priest.
Friday 10: St John of Avila, priest and doctor of the Church.
PRIESTS’ CONFERENCE
Bishop Donal McKeown and the priests of the diocese of Derry are meeting in conference this week in Dromantine, Newry, from Monday to Wednesday.
Fr Madden and Fr McGirr are very grateful to Fr Sean McGuigan for his help at this time. This is the second diocesan meeting of the priests of the diocese in ongoing Synodality Formation.
DEATHS
We extend our prayerful sympathy to the family and relatives of:
John McWilliams, Ballinascreen Fold;
Colette Murphy, Dunmurry;
John Heaney, Maghera.
ANNIVERSARIES
First Anniversaries:
Aidan Clarkin
John Connolly
Anniversaries:
James McNamee,
Elizabeth Henry;
Pat Armour;
Peggy McGlade;
Seamus Kelly;
Michael Conway;
Joe Rogers;
Eileen O'Kane.
FIRST ANNIVERSARY MASS
John Connolly, Moyard on Friday 10 May in Holy Rosary Church 7.30 pm.
THE LITTLE WAY NOVENA
In St Eugene’s Cathedral from 11 May to 19 May: The theme is ‘I choose your will only”. The Novena will begin at the 7.30 pm Mass with the Sacrament of the Sick on Saturday 11 May. Devotions and talk on Sunday, 12 May at 6.00 pm. Monday to Friday (13 to 17 May) Novena Masses at 6.30 am and 10 am each morning and an evening service with a guest speaker at 7.30 pm. Saturday 18 May 10.00 am Mass for those who have died. The Novena will close on Sunday 19 May at 3.00 pm. All welcome to St Eugene’s Cathedral for this time of prayer and petition.
PARISH COLLECTIONS
Priests’ Collection: £2418
Renovation Collection: £1380.
Thank you for your generous support which is greatly appreciated.
ST EUGENE’S CHURCH
Fr Madden is grateful for the donations already received towards the renovation work on St Eugene’s Church. Further donations gratefully accepted. Donations may be given directly to Fr Madden or left in the Parish Office or made on-line via the Donate Button on our Parish website. If using this button please select the ‘Restoration Fund’. You may also contribute directly to Ballinascreen Church Renovation Fund account, using these bank account details:
Ballinascreen Parish Premium Business Reserve account number: 10585922. Sort code: 98-05-50
Thank you once again for your ongoing support and for your support of the various fund-raising events.
BLESSING OF GRAVES 2024
Blessing of Graves in the parishes of Ballinascreen and Desertmartin will take place on the following dates:
Saturday June 8:
6.30 pm ~ Mass in St Patrick’s Keenaught followed by Blessing of graves. Please note earlier Mass time.
Sunday June 9:
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.
The annual gate collection will be taken up, at the end of each ceremony to help with the upkeep of the graveyards.
PARISH BAPTISMS 2024
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
May 19 ~ St Columba’s Straw
June 2 ~ St Patrick’s Sixtowns.
June 30 ~ St Eugene’s Moneyneena
July 7 ~ Holy Rosary Church
July 14 ~ St Columba’s Straw
July 28 ~ St Patrick’s Sixtowns
August 4 ~ St Eugene’s Moneyneena
August 18 ~ Holy Rosary Church
August 25 ~ St Columba’s Straw
September 1 ~ St Patrick’s Sixtowns
September 22 ~ St Eugene’s Moneyneena
September 29 ~ Holy Rosary
October 13 ~ St Columba’s Straw
October 20 ~ St Patrick’s Sixtowns
November 3 ~ St Eugene’s Moneyneena
November 10 ~ Holy Rosary Church
November 24 ~ St Columba’s Straw
December 1 ~ St Patrick’s Sixtowns
December 15 ~ St Eugene’s Moneyneena
December 22 ~ Holy Rosary Church
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2024
First Holy Communion will continue to be celebrated on these dates:
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.
FREE BUS EXCURSIONS FOR OVER 60S.
Workspace are organising the following free excursions to 30 members of the local community, thanks to funding received from The Older People's Fund (Previously Turkington Fund) / Community Foundation:
Wednesday 8 May – Mayor’s Tea Dance at the Guildhall, Derry. Includes transport, tour of the Guildhall and refreshments on arrival. Departs Draperstown at 11.30 am, returns 5.00 pm. To book your place, please contact Workspace on 028 7962 8113 by 10.00 am on Tuesday 7 May.
Wednesday 5 June – Hillsborough Castle & Gardens. Includes entrance fee to Castle & Gardens, tour and refreshments. Contact Workspace on 028 7962 8113 for more details.
Friday 14 June – Garden Show Ireland at Antrim Castle Gardens. Includes transport, entrance fee and refreshments. Contact Workspace on 028 7962 8113 for more details.
SIXTOWNS CROSS COMMUNITY GROUP
Yoga classes with Sperrin Wellbeing and Yoga in Sixtowns Hall from Wednesday 8 May for a 4 week block from 8.00 pm to 9.00 pm.
Pilates classes with AMG Pilates will run from Monday 13 May for a 4 week block from 7.00 pm to 8.00 pm. To book contact Emma on 07769289385.
BALLINASCREEN HISTORICAL SOCIETY
The Society are pleased to announce that the special guest for their next meeting is Colin Urwin. Colin is a professional folksinger, songwriter and storyteller from the Glens of Antrim.
The meeting will be on Tuesday 7 May at 8.00 pm in the Shepherd's Rest. Admission £5. Everyone welcome.
GLENSHANE HOUSE
L2 Autism course on Tuesday, 7 May from 6.00 pm to 9.00 pm (4 weeks).
First Aid & Defib training starts on Wednesday 15 May from 7.00 pm to 9.00 pm (4 weeks). To register phone 028 77742494.
FREE HOUSE INSULATION
Homeseal have secured funding for free insulation for households with income less then £40,000 per annum. All works completed under the scheme are completely free this includes loft / cavity wall insulation. For more information please contact Homeseal 028 79627474.
SILENT RETREAT
Theme: ‘If you but knew the gift of God..’ Preached by: Fr. Kilian Byrne, Foyer of Charity in Carmelite Retreat Centre, Termonbacca, Derry from June 3 to June 9. Cost is £350 full board. To book please contact:
Helen 028 86 1678027 or email hellywilliams@gmail.com
See website www.foyerofcharity.ie
A privileged time to come away from noise and distractions, and listen to the Spirit of God who is Love, experience silence, prayer, teachings and liturgy of the Church.
LOUGH DERG
One Day Retreats in May. These guided days of prayer and reflection will take place on Monday 6, Sunday 12, Tuesday14, Saturday 18, Saturday 25 and Monday 27. More details at www.loughderg.ie. Cost €45 per person, booking essential.
Three Day Pilgrimages begin Friday May 31 and continue until August 15.
MARY’S MEALS - PRAY IN MAY
Mary’s Meals, provides school meals to over 2.4 million children every day. During May, which is dedicated to Our Lady, they invite you to join them in praying for the hungry children who rely on their life-changing school meals, and for all the children and families who live in poverty, particularly praying for families facing extreme hunger in Ethiopia. Further details on their Ethiopia appeal and prayer resources for adults and children at
ALL IRELAND ROSARY RALLY
Rally on Saturday June 1 in Knock, starting at 9.30am. For details visit www.AllIrelandRosaryRally.com
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
Dance on Friday 10 May at 9.00 pm. Music by Colin Harney.
SPRED Meeting: Monday 13 May at 7.30 pm.
Convery School of Irish Dancing: Classes for boys and girls aged 3 and over on Tuesdays at 6.00 pm, to register please contact Nicola on 07518204758.
Line Dancing: Wednesdays 7.30 pm.
Yoga Classes: Mondays at 10.00 am.
Chair Exercises: Tuesdays at 10 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.
Sarsfield’s Accordion Band hold band practice on Thursdays 7.30 pm new and old members welcome.
Come along to any of the above activities and enjoy a fun way to improve your health and wellbeing. Contact Olive 07887614094, Kathleen 07764277809 or Anne 02879 642711 to register.
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:
