No. 1992 ~ 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
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
MASS TIMES FOR THIS WEEK
Monday November 6:
St Mary’s Coolcalm ~ 10.00 am
Holy Rosary Church ~ 7.30 pm
Tuesday November 7:
St Mary’s Coolcalm ~ 10.00 am
Wednesday November 8:
Holy Rosary Church ~ 10.00 am
Thursday November 9:
St Mary’s Coolcalm ~ 10.00 am
Friday November 10:
St Mary’s Coolcalm ~ 10.00 am
Holy Rosary Church ~ 7.30 pm.
FEASTS OF THE WEEK
Monday 6: All the Saints of Ireland.
Thursday 9: The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica.
Friday 10: St Leo the Great.
Saturday 11: St Martin of Tours, bishop.
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION
Eucharistic Adoration on Monday 6 November in Holy Rosary Church from 12 noon to 7.25 pm.
PADRE PIO MASS
Monthly Mass in honour of St Pio of Pietrelcina will be celebrated on Monday 6 November at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church. Novena prayers and Rosary commence at 7.10 pm.
PARISH BOOKS OF REMEMBRANCE
A Book of Remembrance has been placed in each of the churches in the parish for parishioners to enrol the names of their deceased loved ones. These books will remain in place for the month of November.
ANNUAL MASS FOR DECEASED PARISHIONERS
Annual Parish Mass for Deceased Parishioners on Wednesday 15 November at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church. The names of all who died or were buried or waked in our parish since last year’s Parish Mass of Remembrance will be read out at this Mass. After all these names have been read out an adult member, of each of these bereaved families, will be invited to carry a lit candle to the altar. Each family should ensure that an adult member has been selected to represent them. All candles will be provided at the back of the church during this Mass.
MONTH’S MIND MASS
Johnny Spillane, Sixtowns Road on Friday November 10 at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
DEATH
We extend our prayerful sympathy to the family and relatives of:
Geraldine Hughes, Magherafelt.
ANNIVERSARIES
First Anniversaries:
Rose McWilliams
Kathleen Toner
Anniversaries
Michael Gordon,
James McGlade,
Elizabeth Quinn.
BAPTISMS
We welcome into God’s family through the Sacrament of Baptism:
Antoin John Burns,
Derrynoid Road,
Annarose Conway,
Glenshane Park.
WEDDING
Congratulations and best wishes for the future to Rignach Glasgow and Oisin Glass who were married recently in St Patrick’s Church Sixtowns.
PARISH COLLECTIONS
Weekly Collection: £1515
Renovation Collection: £1535
Mission Collection, a further £185.
Thank you for your generous support which is greatly appreciated.
BALLINASCREEN PARISH OFFICE
Office will be closed for the next 2 weeks. It will reopen on Monday November 20. All notices for anniversary Masses and the Parish Bulletins must be sent by email when the Parish Office is closed.
DATES FOR BAPTISMS 2024
Please take note of the following new arrangements for the celebration of the Sacrament of Baptism in the Parish of Ballinascreen effective from 1 January 2024. All baptisms will take place on Sundays at 3.00 pm and bookings are to be made via the Parish Office by phone 028 79628248 or by email ballinascreenparish@gmail.com
If you email a request please leave a telephone number for contact.
Baptisms will be celebrated on the following dates:
January 7 ~ Holy Rosary.
January 21 ~ St Eugene’s Moneyneena
February 4 ~ St Columba’s Straw
February 18 ~ St Patrick’s Sixtowns.
March 3 ~ Holy Rosary.
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.
May 5 ~ St Eugene’s Moneyneena.
May 19 ~ St Columba’s Straw.
June 2 ~ St Patrick’s Sixtowns.
ST. PATRICK’S CHURCH, KEENAUGHT (1973-2023)
The first weekend in December will be the 50th Anniversary of the Opening of St. Patrick’s Church, Keenaught. Does anyone in Ballinascreen, Desertmartin or across the community have any photographs of the construction of the church building or of the Official Opening of the church in December 1973 or have any taken during the first weeks or months of St. Patrick’s being open to parishioners? Fr. McGirr would like to put together a display of the images to put up in the church for people to view. If you would like to help, please contact Fr. McGirr on 028 79632196 and then bring any photographs to the Parochial House, 50 Tobermore Road and he will then scan them and give them back to you. All help with this little project would be appreciated. Thank you.
DIARY DATES
Saturday November 18, Do This In Memory (DTIM) Mass in Holy Rosary Church at 6.00 pm.
Sunday December 3 St Patrick's Church Keenaught Mass at 12 noon to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of the Opening of the Church.
Saturday December 16 Do This In Memory (DTIM) Mass in Holy Rosary Church 6.00 pm.
Sunday December 17 Annual Parish Christmas Carol Service in Holy Rosary Church at 6.00 pm.
Saturday December 30, Live Crib (800th Anniversary of the First Crib created by St Francis) More details to follow.
MASS FOR DECEASED CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE
Annual Mass will take place at 7.00 pm in St Eugene’s Cathedral on Sunday 12 November. There will be an opportunity to write the name of your deceased loved one before Mass. All welcome. If you are unable to attend the Mass but would like your loved one's name included in our prayers, please email lizzie.rea@derrydiocese.org.
OMAGH CHARISMATIC GROUP
Day of Prayer, Praise and Healing in Mellon Country Hotel Omagh on Sunday 19 November. Registration from 9.30 am. Celebration of the Eucharist in the afternoon. Speaker Fr Brendan Walsh SAC. Lunch, tea and coffee available. Booking by 10 November essential. Phone 07876411435 or 07596609041.
MISSING WHEELIE BIN
The large green wheelie bin from St Columba’s Church / Graveyard has gone missing since last Monday. Fr Madden would appreciate its immediate return please.
CONFIRMATION 2024
Confirmation will be celebrated in Ballinascreen on the following dates:
Saturday 2 March at 12 noon for children attending Gaelscoil na Speiríní,
Saturday 9 March at 12 noon for children attending St Columba’s P.S. St Eoghan’s P.S. and St Mary’s P.S.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2024
First Holy Communion will be celebrated in Ballinascreen on the following dates: Saturday April 27 at 11.00 am for children attending Gaelscoil na Speiríní and St Eoghan’s P.S.
Saturday May 11 at 11.00 am for children attending St Mary’s P.S.
Saturday May 18 at 11.00 am for children attending St Columba's P.S.
WORKSPACE NOTICES
The Workspace Community Fund is now accepting applications. Open to community and voluntary groups in the Ballinascreen, Kilcronaghan and Desertmartin areas, the Fund welcomes applications for grants between £500 - £2,000. Closing date for applications is 4.00 pm on Monday 13 November. For an application pack, please phone Workspace on 7962 8113.
Warm Welcome Wednesday: Bus Trip to Coleman’s Garden Centre, Templepatrick on Wednesday 8 November, departing Draperstown at 9.30 am, returning at 1.00 pm. A number of free spaces are still available. To book please contact Workspace on 79628113 by 4.00 pm on Monday 6 November.
BALLINASCREEN HISTORICAL SOCIETY
A well-illustrated Talk entitled “The Cattle Trade in Ireland” By Dr Michael Meharg on Tuesday 7 November at 8.00 pm in the Community Hub. Everyone welcome.
KILCRONAGHAN CENTRE
Weekly Chair Exercises and Well Being talk continues every Friday at 10.00 am with Elaine. All welcome, only £4 per week.
Interactive and fun workshop on ‘Take 5 Steps to Wellbeing’ on Monday 13 November, from 10.00 am –to 12 noon. Refreshments and goodie bag for all at this free event. Places must be booked. Text 07821963749 or call 028 796 27826
Dates of Christmas classes and workshops will be available soon. To be informed about classes and events at Kilcronaghan, please text/WhatsApp your name to 07821963749.
SIXTOWNS CROSS COMMUNITY GROUP
Christmas Craft Fair and Coffee Morning in Sixtowns Hall on Sunday 19 November from 12 noon to 3.00 pm. Live music by James Bradley. Santa will be present. Fundraising raffle on the day, raffle tickets are now available to purchase at Heron’s Gift Shop. Everyone welcome.
AFTER SCHOOL CLUB
Draperstown Afterschool Club is currently recruiting a staff member to assist with the supervision of children helping to provide a safe and fun environment for all. 5 afternoons per week. For more details, please contact Workspace 028 79628113 or email: ann@theworkspacegroup.org
SLIEVE GALLION ACTIVE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION
Tea Dance in St Mary's Hall Desertmartin on today, Sunday 5 November. Music from 3.00 pm to 5.00 pm by Country Star Shaun Loughrey Everyone welcome.
PREPARING FOR CHRISTMAS
Weekend Retreat at Ards Friary, from 8 to 10 December. Led by Philip McParland. This weekend will offer an opportunity to focus on your spiritual preparation and be both reflective and practical, suggesting ways to keep in touch with Jesus. To book phone: 00353 749138909 or email info@ardsfriary.ie
SPERRIN FOODBANK
Foodbank operates Monday – Friday from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. If you or someone you know requires assistance please call 07543 420639. No questions asked or criteria to meet. facebook page Sperrinfoodbank, 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 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 they may be printed in the Bulletin the weekend before the Anniversary Mass.
KNOCKNAGIN HALL
Annual Christmas Craft Fair on Sunday 12 November from10.30 am to 4.00 pm.
SPRED Group: Meeting on Monday 6 November at 7.00 pm.
Social Dance on Friday 10 November at 9.00 pm Music by Chris Dallat.
Chair Exercises Tuesdays at 10.00 am followed by a short walk. £4
Knit & Natter Tuesdays at 7.30 pm.
Line Dancing Wednesdays at 7.30 pm.
Band practice Thursdays at 7.30 pm. New and past members welcome.
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
