No. 1932 ~ TWENTY-FOURTH 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: Holy Rosary Church 11.00 am
Tuesday: St Mary’s Church, Coolcalm 11.00 am
Wednesday: Holy Rosary Church 11.00 am
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
PARISHES OF BALLINASCREEN AND DESERTMARTIN
The NEW weekend Mass times beginning Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 September are detailed below:
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
FEASTS OF THE WEEK
Monday 12: The Holy Name of Mary.
Wednesday 14: The Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Day of Prayer for Peace in Ukraine.
Thursday 15: Our Lady of Sorrows.
Friday 16: St Cornelius, pope and St Cyprian, bishop. Both were martyrs.
PARISH SICK VISITATION
During the pandemic the greatest loss to parish life has been the cancellation of regular visitation by the priests to the sick and housebound. Many who were already familiar with isolation and loneliness on top of their medical situation were the most impacted in the community by Covid 19. Thankfully, we have received this week an email from Bishop McKeown informing us that regular visitation of the sick may be resumed. However, he realised that many parishes will have begun new ways of sick visitation during the pandemic that respected social distancing etc.
For the past year Fr Madden and Fr McGirr have been visiting the sick of the parish throughout the month, rather than over two days. This has allowed them to sit that bit longer to chat and pray with those they visit. They will continue to do this and those being visited will be contacted the day before to make sure the time and day is convenient. Covid is still a part of life and the visitation of the sick on this basis, ensures that the spread of the virus is minimised as the protection of the sick and vulnerable of the parish continues to be our priority. As always, should someone feel the need to receive a visit from a priest, Fr Madden and Fr McGirr will be very glad to oblige. Please keep the sick of the parish in your prayers.
DO THIS IN MEMORY PROGRAMME
Over the past two years it has not been possible to roll out the Do This In Memory (DTIM) Programme for children preparing for their First Holy Communion.
We are therefore delighted to announce that the programme will be an essential and integral part of this year’s First Communion Preparation. Below are the dates of the DTIM Programme which will take place in Holy Rosary Church during the 6.00 pm Vigil Mass (except for the final Mass on the Feast Of Corpus Christi on Sunday June 11 in St Eugene's Church). The DTIM Parish Team will be in contact with P4 families through their schools.
DTIM Dates for 20022 - 2023
Holy Rosary Saturday Vigils 6.00 pm
1 October ~ Mass of Enrolment
5 November, 10 December, 7 January, 25 February and 1 April
NB - 11 June ~ Feast of Corpus Christi; final Mass in St Eugene's Moneyneena at 12 noon.
DEATHS
We extend our prayerful sympathy to the family and relatives of:
Kevin Donnelly, Desertmartin;
Maureen Kelly, Belfast;
Patrick Bradley, Dungiven.
ANNIVERSARIES
May McShane-Johnston;
Stephen McGlade;
Susan Clerkin;
Jim Noonan;
Bernard Rogers;
Bernadette Mullin.
FIRST ANNIVERSARY MASS
Kevin Wilson, Oak Park, on Friday September 16 at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary.
BAPTISMS
We welcome into God’s family through the Sacrament of Baptism:
Madison Rylee Pearson, Moybeg Road;
Emma Rose Leadon, High Street.
PARISH COLLECTIONS
First Collection: £2050
Renovation Collection £1257.
Thank you for your generous support which is greatly appreciated.
UPCOMING PARISH EVENT
Date for your diary and an appeal to all bakers in the parish!! Halloween Coffee Morning and Cake Sale in aid of Ballinascreen Parish on Saturday October 29. More details to follow. In the meantime, if you would like to offer to help, in any way, please email your name and contact details to ballinascreenparish@gmail.com.
SAFEGUARDING SUNDAY
Safeguarding Sunday is a chance to shine a light on what our diocese is doing to ensure our parish communities and our places of worship are safe environments. Protecting children, and adults at risk, is at the heart of the Church’s message. The National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland has developed comprehensive safeguarding standards which are designed to support best practice in providing safe environments and child-protection procedures. The Diocese of Derry, along with all Church bodies, is committed to complying with these standards. This year’s Safeguarding Mass is on Sunday 18 September at 3.00pm in St Columb’s Church, Waterside, Derry. We thank and pray for those who have stepped up to co-ordinate safeguarding in our church so that we can ensure the protection of children and adults at risk. We believe that safeguarding is an outworking of our faith in a loving and just God - the God who calls us to speak up on behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves and to defend the rights of the vulnerable (Proverbs 31:8)
THE VOICE OF PADRE PIO
The annual subscriptions for this magazine are now due and will cover you receiving your magazine every 2nd month throughout the year, until August 2023. If you wish to get this interesting and informative St Pio magazine, posted directly to your home from San Giovanni, please enclose £14 in a sealed envelope with your name and full address and leave in Ballinascreen Parish Office by Monday 26 Sept. Thank you.
SMA NOVENA 2022
Novena in honour of St Thérèse Of the Child Jesus, Patroness of the Missions from Friday 23 September to Saturday 1 October. Daily Mass and Novena Prayers at 10.00 am and 7.30 pm in SMA Chapel Dromantine. All welcome to attend or to join in via their webcam available on www.sma.ie
LOUGH DERG ~ ONE-DAY RETREATS
One Day Retreats will be held on September: 13, 17, 18, 24 and 25. Booking is essential.
Admission €45 per person which includes all refreshments, lunch, return boat service, full retreat programme, free car and coach parking. Boats available from 9.15 am on the day, retreat begins at 10.30 am and finishes at 4.30 pm. For booking and for more details Tel: 00353 71 9861518 or view www.loughderg.org or email info@loughderg.org
Day of Prayer for Peace in Ukraine. The One Day Retreat on Sunday 25 September, will have the special focus of praying for an end to the conflict in Ukraine. Guest Speaker, refugee, Halyna Tesluk, Associate Professor of Old Testament at The Ukrainian Catholic University. More information at www.loughderg.org. Special discounted rate of €25 for Ukrainian refugees (must be booked by telephone: +353 (0)71 9861518).
TRÓCAIRE
Trócaire is seeking people to join their team of Christmas fundraisers to help respond to the urgent need of poor communities in the world, especially the millions of people affected by the hunger crisis in East Africa. You can take action and make a difference through a range of activities, such as promoting their Gifts of Love – training and support will be provided. For more details about how you can help now or at Advent or Christmas, please email Mark McMahon at infoni@trocaire.org or call 9090 8030.
DERRY YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP
Derry Youth are now taking expressions of interest for the Derry Youth Scholarship Programme. This year-long programme for 6th Formers will provide opportunities for them to meet with others from across the diocese, as they come together to explore their faith, gain training and learn new skills, and work with a charitable organisation. If interested or for more details please message @Derryyouth on social media or e mail niamh.mclaughlin@derrydiocese.org
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.
GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS
Is gambling affecting your life? Perhaps Gamblers Annonymous can help.
Phone 028 7135 1329.
EVENING OF GOSPEL MUSIC
In Draperstown Presbyterian Church on Friday 16 September at 8.00 pm, featuring True Country Gospel Band. Proceeds in aid of missionaries working in Kenya.
MATT TALBOT MASS
Monthly Matt Talbot freedom from addiction Mass in St Eugene’s Cathedral at 7.30 pm on Monday 5 September. Prayers will be offered for those battling addiction, their families and all those affected by addiction and for those enrolled in the Matt Talbot Prayer Society. All welcome. To enrol someone in the Matt Talbot Prayer Society please call 71262894 or email lvita@matttalbotprayersociety.com
MASTERS IN CATHOLIC SCHOOL LEADERSHIP
Derry Diocesan Catechetical Centre, working in Partnership with St Mary’s University, Twickenham, offers the Masters in Catholic School Leadership. This post-graduate degree is dedicated to the professional development and spiritual formation of Catholic school leaders. It is a great opportunity for those currently in leadership roles and those who aspire to, or have an interest in, leadership roles within the Catholic School system. Applications for the autumn intake will close on Friday 30 September 2022. For more information, please contact the Derry Diocesan Catechetical Centre on 71264087 or email tferry@derrydiocese.org.
PATHWAYS – ADULT FAITH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
Two-year, part-time course, now enrolling for 2022-2023 intake.
Have you ever thought about exploring your faith… or wished that you could broaden your understanding of your faith? Would you like to explore, discuss and reflect upon issues and questions of faith, the Church, and how to link faith to life? If the answer is “yes”, then Pathways may be for you.
The course runs one Saturday per month (10.00 am – 4.30 pm) from October to June, either in-house at Drumalis or online via Zoom. To register, please contact Drumalis on 28276455 / 28272196 (during office hours) or email maura@drumalis.co.uk View www.drumalis.co.uk for more details.
GROWTH IN PRAYER AND REFLECTIVE LIVING
Do you feel restless, do you sense there is a deeper meaning to life, that God is out there but you feel disconnected. The Growth in Prayer and Reflective Living may be for you. This 20 session course via Zoom between September and March is based on the insights of Ignatian Spirituality. For more details, see Drumalis Facebook page or website or contact Drumalis during office hours 28276455 / 28272196 or email drumalis@btconnect.com
S.G.A.R.A.
Monthly meeting in St Mary’s Hall Desertmartin on Monday 12 September at 8.00 pm. New members welcome. For more details phone Chris 07546010560
IRISH LANGUAGE CLASSES
Classes for adults recommence on Thursday 6 October from 7.30 pm- 9.00 pm in Glór na Speiríní Straw. Cost for 10 weeks is £30. Classes to suit all levels from beginners to advanced. To register or for more details please email conchurglor@gmail.com or fón 79627703 nó 07795 536682 Tá fáilte roimh chách- Everyone welcome!
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.
BUILD A SCARECROW!
Kilcronaghan Centre seek entries from families, schools, youth groups or individuals for their new Build A Scarecrow Competition. Be as original as you want. Scarecrows to be brought to the Vintage Rally & Family Fun Day on Saturday 24 September, free registration from 11.00 am to 1.00 pm.
Family Dog Show also at the Vintage Rally & Family Fun Day. £2 to register each dog. Various classes and prizes.
More details on Kilcronaghan Facebook page or message 07821963749.
KNOCKNAGIN HALL
Lough Derg One Day Retreat: A bus will leave Coolcalm Church on Saturday 24 September fare is £15, payable on booking, admission to the island is €45, this includes refreshments and lunch. To book please contact Lawrence on 07889 810947 or Olive on 07887614094.
Coffee Morning for SPRED Group on Sunday 11 September from 10.30 am until 1.00 pm.
Christmas Craft Fair Sunday 13 November, table £20, two tables £30. £10 deposit to paid when booking. For more details contact Monica on 07594061178 or Olive 07887614094.
Chair Exercises on Tuesday 6 September at 10.00 am. Admission £4.
Knit ‘n’ Knatter class resumes on Tuesday 13 September at 7.30 pm.
Line Dancing on Wednesday 28 September if numbers are sufficient.
Knocknagin Hall Committee A.G.M. Wednesday 21 September at 8.00 pm. All are welcome to this open meeting.
To register for any of the above classes, or alternatively if you have any ideas for group activities, please contact Olive 07887614094, Kathleen 07764277809 or Anne 02879 642711.
GLENSHANE HOUSE
List of courses starting in September / October is now available. Please phone 777 42494 or call into office.
PALLIATIVE CARE WEEK
Annual Palliative Care Week, from Sunday 11– Saturday 17 September. Theme this year is ‘Palliative Care: Living as well as possible’ offers an opportunity to raise awareness of the positive impact that palliative care has on the lives of people with life-limiting illnesses and their families; allowing them to live their lives as fully as they can. For details please visit: thepalliativehub.com
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
STRESS CONTROL CLASSES
Free online Stress Control classes with Jim White, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, as a key presenter will commence on Monday 12 September and run until Thursday 29 September. To register and for more details please view https://ni.stresscontrol.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
