No.1914 ~ FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER ~ DAY OF PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS
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 May 9:
Holy Rosary Church 11.00 am
Tuesday May 10:
St Mary’s Church, Coolcalm 11.00 am
Wednesday May 11:
Holy Rosary Church 11.00 am
Thursday May 12:
St Mary’s Church, Coolcalm 11.00 am
Friday May 13 - Parish Anniversary Masses:
St Mary’s Coolcalm 11.00 am & Holy Rosary Church 7.30 pm
SUNDAY MASS TIMES
Vigil Masses
St Eugene’s Moneyneena: 5.00 pm
Holy Rosary: 6.15 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
Holy Rosary: 12 noon
FEASTS OF THE WEEK
Friday 13: Our Lady of Fatima.
Saturday 14: St Matthias, apostle.
RETURNING TO MASS
In March 2020 the Irish Bishops removed the obligation to attend Sunday Mass so that no one need feel any sense of personal responsibility due to their non-attendance. For the first time in their lives, many people could not attend Mass and it caused great distress. Now that the pandemic has eased and the rules are relaxed, the bishops are inviting the People of God to return. In their Spring Statement following their spring meeting at Maynooth,
the bishops said:
'When we gather for the Eucharist on the Lord’s Day, we do so to express our joy in the Risen Lord and to unite with our brothers and sisters in the Church in thanksgiving and praise to God. This is a communal celebration which shapes us as a community of faith, life and charity...’
The bishops go on to say...
‘This will once again be deemed an essential expression of faith for all in our Church in Ireland. As always, those whose health is vulnerable or who are unwell will not be under any obligation to attend Mass, and should keep themselves safe and pray at home until they are better.'
In these challenging times and in a world beset with war, we need the closeness and the nearness of God in our lives. We look forward to welcoming you home to your place of worship, to hear God’s word and to be nourished and fed by the Body of Christ in the Eucharist.
A piece of advice someone once gave to those who were unsure about God and faith, though they had been raised Catholic is worth passing on:
‘Don't analyse it.
Just come back.
The heart will follow.’
VOCATIONS SUNDAY
Today Sunday 8 May, is Vocations Sunday and is a very special day in the life of our diocese, as Michael McCaul will be ordained to diaconate in Christ the King Church Omagh, at 3.00 pm.
Are you being called to love the Lord and His people as a diocesan priest? If considering such a vocation, contact your local priest or Diocesan Vocations Director, Fr Pat O’ Hagan, PP Moville at pgoh2111@gmail.com or email the info@vocations.ie
DEATHS
We extend our prayerful sympathy to the family and relatives of:
Canon Robert Fullerton, Belfast;
Brendan Devlin, Tullyallen;
Phillip Gallagher, Belfast;
Phyllis Gavigan, Magherafelt.
MONTH’S MIND MASS
Dan McDonald, Magherafelt Road, on Friday May 13 Holy Rosary Church at 7.30 pm.
FIRST ANNIVERSARY MASSES
Bridget McKenna, Carnamoney Lane, on Friday May 13 Holy Rosary Church at 7.30 pm.
Eileen O’Kane, London and Moneyneena, on on Friday May 13 Holy Rosary Church at 7.30 pm.
ANNIVERSARIES
Joe Rogers - First Anniversary;
Bridget McKenna - First Anniversary;
Eileen O'Kane - First Anniversary;
Francis McGurk;
Elizabeth Henry;
Pat Armour;
Peggy McGlade;
Seamus Kelly;
John Joe Doherty.
BAPTISMS
We welcome into God’s family through the Sacrament of Baptism:
Frankie, Patrick Mooney Doyle, Mountain View, Churchtown;
Aoife Mary McCourt, The Orchard;
Saoirse Eirinn McCourt, The Orchard;
Maria Elena Gormley, Cordarragh.
TRÓCAIRE
Sincere thanks to those who have contributed to this year’s Lenten Trócaire Appeal.
A further £1227 has been received.
FIRST COMMUNION 2022
First Holy Communion Masses will continue in Ballinascreen Parish as follows:
St Eoghan’s P.S. on Saturday 14 May at 11.00 am in St Eugene’s Church, Moneyneena.
St Columba’s P.S. on Saturday 21 May at 11.00 am in St. Columba's Church, Straw.
Gaelscoil na Speirini on Saturday 4 June at 11.00 am in Holy Rosary Church.
HEALTH NOTICE
While all church seats are now available we ask please when attending any church service that:
You wear a face mask
You sanitize your hands as you enter and leave the Church
Overcrowding in any seat be avoided.
Thank you for your continued cooperation on these matters.
PARISH COLLECTIONS
Sincere thanks to all who have returned parish envelopes, established standing orders, made online payments or used the ‘Donate’ button on Parish Website. Envelopes may be returned at any parish Mass, to Parish Office or any Parochial House. Thank you for your generous support which is greatly appreciated.
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 the previous week in order for them to be placed in the Bulletin the weekend before the Anniversary Mass.
DERRY DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES 2022
Pilgrimage from 3 - 8 July 2022 (ex Belfast) Cost is £689 per person sharing. Places are still available: contact the Pilgrimage Office, 164 Bishop Street, Derry, Tel: 71260293 or email derrypilgrim@outlook.com
All intending pilgrims are asked to return application forms and full payment by Saturday 28 May.
LOUGH DERG PILGRIMAGE 2022
Lough Derg welcomes pilgrims with a full Pilgrimage programme:
Three Day Pilgrimage: from1 June until 15 August. Booking advised. Concessions available for students, seniors and groups.
One Day Retreats and guided Pilgrim Path experience dates in May and late August and September. Booking essential. All booking information at www.loughderg.org or email info@loughderg.org or phone 00353 719861518
LIFE IN THE HOLY SPIRIT SEMINARS
Seminars on Thursday evenings until Thursday 2 June at 7.30 pm in Sacred Heart Church, Omagh. Mass with Homily. Celebrant on Thursday 12 May will be Fr Damian Bresnahan, SMA Dromantine, he will preach on Receiving God’s Gifts. All welcome to attend the seminar or you may follow it on: www.churchsetvices.tv/drumraghparish
LOUGH DERG DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE 2022
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lough Derg Friday 24 to Sunday 26 June. Bishop McKeown will lead the pilgrimage and invites you to join him. Booking essential. Please contact Diocesan Catechetical Centre if aged over 16 Tel:71264087 or email email lizzie.rea@derrydiocese.org Cost £80, this includes return transport from St Eugene's Cathedral, Derry.
MISSING
A labelled black wheelie bin is missing from Straw Graveyard. It would be appreciated if it could be returned as soon as possible please.
CONCERT FOR UKRAINE
The Magnificent Seven Crew in partnership with the Derry Branch of Concern Worldwide and many other singers and entertainers will feature in a concert on Monday 6 June in the Millennium Forum Derry in aid of Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal. All artists are appearing for free. Tickets £16.50 available online or at the Millennium Forum Box Office.
UINNIÚ CINN BHLIANA
Glór na Speiríní AGM on Wednesday 11 May in Glór Centre Straw at 7.30 pm. If interested in the development of the Irish language you would be welcome to attend. Tá fáilte roimh chách. All welcome
GLENSHANE HOUSE
Please phone 77742494 if interested in attending any of these courses at Glenshane House Dungiven:
First Aid and Defib Training;
OCN L2 Managing Challenging Behaviour in Children;
BTEC L3 Paediatric First Aid.
KILCRONAGHAN CENTRE
Painting for Pleasure classes every Wednesday from 10.00 am until 12 noon and from 7.00 pm –until 9.00 pm. Suitable for all abilities and beginners, everyone welcome. Text or ring 07821963749 for details and to book your place.
STRESS CONTROL
These free six-online cognitive-behavioural therapy classes led by Dr Jim White commence on Monday 9 May. For details please log onto: https://ni.stresscontrol.org/
KNOCKNAGIN HALL ~ ACTIVITIES FOR MAY
‘Knit and Natter’ classes to knit or crochet hats for Neonatal Unit Antrim Area Hospital. Begins Tuesday 10 May from 7.00 pm until 8.30 pm. All welcome. Wool can be provided.
SPRED Group meeting on Monday 9 May at 7.30 pm.
Chair Exercises - Tuesdays 10 am.
Line Dancing - Wednesdays 7.30 pm.
Band practice - Thursday 12 May at 8.00 pm. New members welcome.
Friday 27 May - Charity Dance for Air Ambulance N.I.
MATT TALBOT PRAYER SOCIETY
This society prays daily for those with addictions. You can enrol somebody to be prayed for each day as well as at the Mass on the First Monday of each month at 7.30 pm in St Eugene's Cathedral Derry. For more details visit www.matttalbotprayersociety.com where you can also enrol somebody via an online submission.
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
ROSARY AT THE GROTTOS
The Rosary will be prayed for peace in the world each day during May at hundreds of grottos around Ireland.
For more details including the list of grottos please visit www.coastalrosaryireland.ie
ACCORD CATHOLIC MARRIAGE CARE SERVICE
This service is currently recruiting volunteers to train as marriage preparation programme facilitators. Registration of interest from those who have a positive attitude towards marriage in the Catholic Church and the enthusiasm to be part of a team supporting couples who are preparing for the Sacrament of Marriage are being sought. Successful applicants will receive professional training and be part of a team delivering marriage preparation programmes locally. Contact Deirdre 07980898399 or email info@accordni.com
Closing date for receipt of registration of interest forms for this year is Friday May 27. Forms and further details about becoming a facilitator are on www.accordni.com
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
TIRGAN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
Sunday 29 May: Tirgan Hall Big Breakfast and Hill Walk.
Sunday 5 June: Kids mini tractor / bike run. 11.00 am. £5 per child.
Saturday 25 June: Adrain Knight, Comedy Hypnotist.
DROMANTINE CENTRE ~ NEW WORKSHOPS
Bookings now open for these workshops:
NO VISIBLE SCAR ~ Comfort for those bereaved during the pandemic. Friday 20 May 5.00 pm – Sunday 22 May 2.00 pm.
ALONE TOGETHER ~ Finding our way back to connection. Saturday 18 June 9.30 am - 4.30 pm.
THE LONG GOODBYE ~ Practical advice for caregivers of people living with dementia. Friday 19 August 5.00 pm - Sunday 21 August 2.00 pm.
WHEN IT IS DARKEST ~ Understanding suicide. Saturday 24 September 9.30 am - 4.30 pm.
CHURCH ABUSE: A UNIQUE BETRAYAL ~ A call to listen, a call to action, a call to change. Friday 4 November 5.00 pm - Sunday 6 November 2.00 pm.
Workshop Facilitator is Fr Hugh Lagan SMA, priest and chartered clinical psychologist who has led retreats, workshops and trainings internationally on psychological and spiritual well-being, positive change, trauma, mental health and resilience.
Please contact Jacinta or Louisa to reserve your place: Phone 3082 1964 or Email: admin@dromantineconference.com
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
