No. 2062 ~ FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT
PARISH CONTACT DETAILS
Fr. Peter Madden PP VF
31 Sixtowns Road
Telephone: 79628376
Fr Michael McCaul CC
50 Tobermore Road, Desertmartin
Telephone: 79632196
Email: desertmartinparish@gmail.com
PARISH OFFICE
OPENING HOURS: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 9.00 am to 3.00 pm.
9 High Street
Phone: (028)79628248
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.
NOTICES FOR THE BULLETIN
Notices for the Bulletin should be received by 1.00 pm on Wednesday, preferably by email.
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
MASSES FOR THIS WEEK
Monday 10 March:
10.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church
Tuesday 11 March:
7.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church
8.40 am ~ St Colm’s High School
10.00 am ~ St Eugene’s Moneyneena
7.30 pm ~ St Mary’s Coolcalm
Wednesday 12 March:
7.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church
8.40 am ~ St Colm’s High School
10.00 am ~ St Eugene’s Moneyneena
7.30 pm ~ St Mary’s Coolcalm
Thursday 13 March:
7.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church
8.40 am ~ St Colm’s High School
10.00 am ~ St Eugene’s Moneyneena
7.30 pm ~ St Mary’s Coolcalm
Friday 14 March:
10.00 am ~ St Mary’s Coolcalm
7.30 pm ~ Holy Rosary Church.
FEAST OF THE WEEK
Tuesday 11: Commemoration of Saint Aengus, Bishop and Abbot.
STATIONS OF THE CROSS
Stations of the Cross on Sunday March 9 in St Mary’s Coolcalm at 5.00 pm.
BLESSED CARLO ACUTIS
St Colm’s High School is hosting the visitation of the relics of Blessed Carlo Acutis to Ballinascreen on Monday 10 March at the 10.00 am Mass in Holy Rosary Church. The relics will be available for Veneration after Mass until 12 noon. Everyone welcome.
CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations to Sr Elaine Bradley, Fortwilliam, Tobermore who made her first profession in the Franciscan Alcantarine family in Assisi last Saturday afternoon. We send our very best wishes and every blessing to Sr Elaine.
CONFIRMATION 2025
We congratulate and ask God’s blessing on all the children from our parish who received the Sacrament of Confirmation, last Saturday or Sunday. May the Holy Spirit continue to be their guiding light.
DEATHS
We extend our prayerful sympathy to the family and relatives of:
Moira Murray, Magherafelt;
Michael Toner Manchester, formerly Derrynoyd;
Baby Emily and Baby Lucia McCloskey.
ANNIVERSARIES
Nancy Kelly;
Peter Bradley;
John Bradley;
Anna McGuigan;
James Murray;
Josie Cushenan;
Patricia McKee;
Eamon McGovern;
Jennifer Walsh;
Margaret Heron;
Anna Mulligan;
Cassie Toner;
Margaret Quinn.
PARISH COLLECTIONS
Priest's Monthly Collection £1740
Renovation Collection £1472.
Thank you for your generous support which is greatly appreciated.
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. Thank you.
TRÓCAIRE 2025
Lenten Trócaire boxes are now available in all Church porches. We encourage each family to please take one home. Your contributions will help Trócaire to continue their vital work in developing countries. www.trocaire.org
SHORT TERM PLEDGE
Pope Francis has invited us this Lent to, ‘journey in hope together’.
A short-term pledge is available via www.pioneerassociation.org for parishioners who wish to become a ‘pilgrim of hope’ for people who are living under the shadow of addiction.
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Vigil Masses for St Patrick’s Day will be celebrated on Sunday 16 March at 6.00 pm in Holy Rosary Church and 7.30 pm in St Patrick’s Keenaught. Details of Mass times on 17 March to follow.
BLESSING OF GRAVES 2025
Blessing of Graves in Ballinascreen and Desertmartin will take place over the weekend of Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 June. More details later.
EASTER CASH CALL
In aid of St Eugene’s Church Renovation Funds on Easter Sunday 20 April.
1st Call £2,000,
2nd Call £1,000,
3rd Call £500.
£10 to enter or 3 entries for £20. To enter contact Patricia Flanagan 07761246061, Kitty Bradley 07706041022 or call to Parish Office, Heron’s Gift Shop or Devlin’s Shop Moneyneena.
THEOLOGY COURSE FOR LENT
Theology course presented by Fr Brian Brady on the Tuesdays of Lent, 7.00 pm in St Eugene’s Cathedral Hall. The first evening will take place on Tuesday 11 March. All are welcome.
ALL KINDS OF EVERYTHING CHARITY CONCERT
Ballinascreen Parish Choir and Guests will present An Evening of Uplifting Music from Stage and Screen on Sunday 23 March in Holy Rosary Church at 7.00 pm. Funds in aid of Church Restoration Funds. Admission £10 and Under 12s donation at the door.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2025
Ballinascreen Parish:
St Mary’s P.S., Draperstown on Saturday 10 May in Holy Rosary.
St Columba's P.S., Straw on Saturday 17 May in St Columba's Church.
Gaelscoil na Speiríní on Saturday 7 June in Holy Rosary Church.
St Eoghan's P.S., Moneyneena on Saturday 7 June in St Eugene's.
Desertmartin Parish:
Cullion P.S., on Saturday 10 May in St Patrick's Church Keenaught.
Knocknagin P.S., on Saturday 17 May in St Mary's Church, Coolcalm.
SIXTOWNS CROSS COMMUNITY GROUP
Free events at Sixtowns Hall for over 50’s facilitated by Mid Ulster District Council.
To book please contact 07769289385.
Tuesday 11 March from 11.00 am to 12.30 pm, Fraud Prevention & Budgeting talk followed by light lunch.
Tuesday 18 March from 11.00 am to 12.30 pm, cookery demonstration including sampling of all dishes and tea/coffee.
St Patrick’s Celebrations at Sixtowns Hall on Sunday 16 March from 12 noon until 2.00 pm featuring traditional music. Irish stew will be served. Take away option also available. Everyone welcome
PILATES
4 week block of Pilates starts Monday 10 March in Sixtowns Hall from 7.00 pm to 8pm. To book please contact 07769289385.
S.T.E.P.S. OPEN DAY
Everyone welcome to visit their new premises at 15 High Street on Friday 14 March from 10.00 am until 4.00 pm.
FAMILY FUN DAY
Glór na Speiríní are inviting you to their family day in St Colm's GAA Clubhouse on Sunday 9 March from 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm. Children's fancy dress competition based on the theme of Celtic myths & legends. Storytelling, face painting, family treasure hunt, arts and crafts, games and much more will feature.
Winners of the children's art work will be announced, all art work displayed! Donations at door in aid their youth club.
O’KANE'S CLINICAL PHARMACY
Free in-pharmacy Alzheimer’s and Macular Degeneration Risk Factor Screening on Monday 10 March at their High St Clinical Pharmacy. A non-invasive test will be carried out to find your carotenoid score, followed by advice regarding your score. Please phone 028 79628680 or 028 79628209 for bookings and enquiries.
DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES 2025
Monday 30 June - Friday 4 July
Fare £849 (+£144 Single Supplement)
Pilgrimage Office is open on Thursdays and Saturdays 11.00 am to 1.00 pm. in The Pastoral Centre 164 Bishop Street Derry BT48 6UJ. (028 71260293.) Application forms available from the office at these times or by emailing derrypilgrim@outlook.com
Payments are acceptable by online payment or cheque (cash payments are not acceptable). Bank details are as follows:
Bank: AIB, Meadowbank, Derry
Sort Code: 93-80-25.
Account Number:16225-072
Account Name: Derry Diocesan Lourdes Account.
ST PAUL'S BOOKSHOP AND GIFTS
All welcome to the Grand Opening of St Paul’s Bookshop & Gifts at 20 Shipquay Street, Derry, on Friday 14 March from 10.00 am until 5.00 pm. Discover a beautiful selection of books, inspirational gifts, and unique treasures to nourish your faith and spirit. The shop is at the site of the former Veritas shop on Shipquay St.
PILGRIMAGE TO FATIMA
Flying from Belfast International Airport to Fatima, 7 nights full board in Avenida Hotel from 28 May until 4 June £849 p.p.s. For further details please contact Joe Catney 07776425631.
DROMANTINE LENTEN EVENTS
Saturday 15 March:
Lenten Retreat Day led by Fr Paddy O’Rourke SMA. Cost (incl. lunch) £38
Sunday 16 - Saturday 22 March
Silent Directed Retreat. Cost £610.
Sunday 16 - Saturday 22 March
Silent Preached Retreat led by Mr Philip McParland . Cost £610.
Saturday 29 March
Lenten Retreat Day led by Rev Ruth Patterson. Cost (incl lunch) £38.
Wednesday 16 - Sunday 20 April
Holy Week Retreat led by the SMA Community. Cost £385. Please contact Leanne or Louisa:
Tel.: 02830821964 or Email: admin@dromantineconference.com for more details or view their website www.dromantineconference.com
PARISH BAPTISMS 2025
Baptisms: Sundays at 3.00 pm. Bookings to be made please via the Parish Office: Tel.: 028 79628248 or Email: ballinascreenparish@gmail.com
March 23 ~ St Patrick’s Sixtowns
March 30 ~ St Eugene’s Moneyneena
April 6 ~ St Columba’s Straw
April 13 ~ Holy Rosary Church.
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
KNOCKNAGIN HALL
Monthly Tea Dance on Friday 14 March. Music by Colin Harney. Dancing from 9.00 pm to midnight. Admission £7 including light supper. Come along and enjoy a night of fabulous entertainment.
Céilí Dancing classes starting on Wednesday 26 March at 8.00 pm for 6 weeks, suitable for all ages and abilities.
Irish language class: Mondays at 7.30 pm.
Chair Exercises: Tuesdays at 10.00 am.
Irish Dancing lessons: Tuesdays at 6.00 pm. Extra class for new beginners at 5.30 pm. To register contact Nicola on 07518207458.
Jiving Classes: Wednesdays at 8.00 pm - only 2 weeks left.
Sarsfield’s Accordion Band
Traditional Irish Concert on Friday 15 March at 8.00 pm to celebrate St Patrick’s Day.
Monday 17 March St. Patricks Day Parade at 2.30 pm in Magherafelt. Marching Bands from all over Ireland along with a range of groups from the local community will be taking part.
Band practice: Thursdays at 7.30 pm. All members are asked to attend. New and past members welcome.
March Monthly Draw winner: Johnny McCloskey, Maghera.
PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS As we pray for the men attending the Vocations Retreat in Larne this weekend we ask the Lord to bless all those who are discerning their vocation at this time. May God give them the grace to follow whatever path in life He wants them to take and, like Jesus in today's gospel, in times of temptation or trial, to draw courage and inspiration from the words of Scripture. |
