Buncrana Parish Bulletin

Page 1

Last week’s collection totalled €5,460
Sincere thanks.
Email: buncranaparish@gmail.com
Website: www.buncranaparish.com
Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
13 September 2026 Fr Bradley 9363455
Fr Walsh 9361393
Fr Baker 9360151
Parish Office 9361253
Parish Catechist 086 785 3726
Community Corner
DONEGAL GROUP 173 Rise and Shine Trust
(formerly The Irish Handicapped Children's
Pilgrimage Trust and The Irish Pilgrimage
Trust) are celebrating 40 years of taking
young people with special needs to Lourdes
each Easter. We are celebrating with a spe-
cial Mass on Sat 26th Sept in the Church of
the Irish Martyrs, Letterkenny at 12 noon.
The Mass will be concelebrated by Bishop
Niall Coll and Bishop Donal McKeown,
Diocese of Derry. We invite all the guests
and their families and all the helpers who
travelled with us over the years to our Mass
to celebrate Our Lady of Lourdes.
TRÓCAIRE Could You Help Share the True
Spirit of Christmas? Each year, volunteers
in parishes across the north of Ireland set up
a small stall after Masses to sell Trócaire’s
Gifts of Change . We provide everything
you need including training and support. All
we ask is a little time and a big heart. Last
Christmas, 50 parishes took part — and
we’d love to grow that number even more
this year! If you would like to find out more
about how you can help, please email Mark
at mark.mcmahon@trocaire.org or
call 048 9080 8030 .
BUNCRANA BOWLING CLUB will re-open on
Mon 14 Sept at 7:45pm in St Mary’s Hall.
All new members welcome
WORKABILITY Spraoi agus Spórt’s WorkA-
bility Programme offers training for people
aged 16+ in Inishowen with disabilities or
additional support needs. Design with Slí
runs Thursdays, 11am –1pm, focusing on
Canva and design. Office Ready runs Mon-
days, 11am –2pm, developing workplace and
digital skills. Contact 085 860 1834 or
sli@spraoiagussport.ie
QUEEN ’S UNIVERSITY CATHOLIC CHAP-
LAINCY reopens for the new academic year
on Mon 14 Sept , with weekday Masses and
our semester programme resuming. The first
Sunday Mass will be celebrated on 20 Sept
at the new, earlier time of 7pm. Please note
the new time! New or returning stu-
dent? Find out about what’s on, ways to
connect and get involved, and student accom-
modation at Ryan Hall qubcatholic.org and
on our socials. Staff and alumni are always
welcome too. Visit our newly renewed
Chaplaincy at 28 Elmwood Avenue for Mass,
Confessions or candle-lighting — and call
into Mosaic for some of the best coffee, hot
lunches and home-baked treats in South Bel-
fast!
SAMARITANS Call Free 116 123, Text 087
2609090. SLIABH SNEACHT CENTRE Names are being taken for an
Oil Painting Art Class starting on Thurs 24 Sept from 7-
9pm. This is an 8 week course and costs €80, which in-
cludes a small starter kit. Booking essential 0749361742.
A new block of Pulmonary Exercises (Seated Exercise
Class) starts on Mon 14 Sept at 10am. This class is suit-
able for anyone with breathing issues looking to improve
fitness and mobility. Please call the centre on 0749361742
to book. The Inishowen Walking Festival is taking place
from 12 to 20 Sept. This event showcases a number of
scenic walks throughout the peninsula. The Sliabh Sneacht
Centre is hosting the Drover’s Trail walk on Fri 18 as part
of this festival. This free guided 6km walk will leave the
centre at 10am - it’s mostly uphill on a blue stony path.
THE CHILD BEHAVIOUR CONSULTANCY Roisín
Doherty - Behaviour Analyst consults with parents of chil-
dren 3-12 years of age (with or without a diagnosis) to
help their child accept ‘no’, listen, regulate their big emo-
tions etc. Contact 0894511432 to get a consultation set up.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS Amazing Grace Group, Bun-
crana have 5 meetings per week as follows: Sun 8pm, Tues
8pm, Thurs 11.30am, Fri 8pm & Sat 11.30am. If you think
you may have a problem with alcohol, come along. Meet-
ing in St Teresa’s Room.
AL-ANON GROUP (for anyone whose life is or has been
affected by someone else’s drinking) meet in St Teresa’s
Room on Thurs at 6:45pm.
GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS weekly meeting in St Teresa’s
Room each Sun 5pm-6.30pm for anyone struggling with a
gambling addiction.
GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS HELPLINE Is gambling
affecting your life? We would like to help. Pick up the
phone and ring 048 7135 1329.
THE PLAZA Dance Classes Tues from 10:30am. From
Wed: Junior Line Dancing & Jiving Class 5pm-6pm.
Beginners Line Dancing 6:15pm-7:15pm. Advanced
Line Dancing 7:30pm-8:30pm. Mon: A Beginners Line
Dancing and Jiving Class at the Laurentic 7:30pm-9pm.
Hall available for hire & for children’s birthday parties.
Contact Ursula on 0877538317
INISHOWEN MEDICAL Hearing loss? Earache? Blocked
ears? It could just be wax. Inishowen Medical can help
with that. We can offer both our patients and non-patients
microsuction. Microsuction is a newer and more patient
friendly way of clearing wax from ears. It is considered
comfortable for the patient and can be used in every ear,
even if there is a history of perforations. The fee is €60 for
all patients including medical card & GP Visit card hold-
ers. Get your hearing back today by calling Inishowen
Medical to make an appointment on 074 93 61800 or 074
76173.
CHARITY SWIM – WORLD GO D AY To mark World GO
Day (raising awareness of gynaecological cancers) and in
memory of Bridie McDermott, her swim friends have or-
ganised a charity swim at Linsfort Beach on Sun 20 Sept at
3pm. All welcome - bring a friend! Funds raised go to
Cancer Care West.
NOWDOC Phone Number: 0818400911 Priest on Call 074 9361253
ST MARY’S ORATORY
Masses streamed on churchservices.tv/buncrana
Monday 14 Sept - Mass at 10am
Special Intention
Tuesday 15 Sept - Mass at 10am
Vera McGrory (50th A)
Wednesday 16 Sept - Mass at 10am
Thanksgiving Mass
Thursday 17 Sept - Mass at 10am
John Doherty (Wire)
Saturday 19 Sept - Mass at 4:30pm
Irene Herbert (burial of ashes)
Sunday 20 Sept - Mass at 8:30am
Sunday 20 Sept - Mass at 12:30pm
William and Sadie O’Donnell Anniversary Mass es & Time s
ST. MARY’S, COCKHILL
Masses streamed on churchservices.tv/cockhill
Friday 18 Sept - Mass at 7pm
Danny Bradley (MM), plus
George Doherty (Watt) (1st A)
Sunday 20 Sept - Mass at 11am
Margaret McCallion (1st A), plus
Teresa McGilloway
STAR OF THE SEA, DESERTEGNEY
Masses streamed on
Sunday 20 Sept - Mass at 9:45am
Special Intention
SAFEGUARDING NOTICE : If you have any concerns with regards to Safeguarding Child ren or adults in need of protection within the Church please con tact Marie O’Kane, the Diocesan Designated Liaison
Person (DLP) at 0044 7596500793, or at dlp@derrydiocese.org or Garda Síochána, Buncrana 074 9320540, Letterkenny HQ 074 9167100 or TUSLA Family & Child Agency 00353 749102233 ROI Vetting
Office: 074 93 63108 PARISH DRAW
PRIVACY NOTICE : The Diocese of Derry complies with GDPR regulations. A Priva cy Notice is available on the Parish Website or by contacting The Parish Office. Live stream and recordings of Mass
and Services in St Mary’s Oratory and St Mary’s Cockhill are availa ble online. Parishioners should note that the first two ro ws of seats are visible online in St Mary’s Oratory and the first seve n rows of
seats are visible in St Mary’s Cockhill. SLIMMING WORLD Buncrana : The Exchange
every Tues 8am, 9.30am & 11am with Ann Marie
0860848705, 6pm with Marie 0877389059.
Carndonagh: The Colgan Hall every Thurs at
6pm with Marie 0877389059.
Newtowncunningham: The Orange Hall
every Wed at 6.30pm with Ann Marie
0860848705.
INISHOWEN INJURY CLINIC Treatment of back,
neck and shoulder pain / sports injuries /
rehabilitation. Contact Cahir McLaughlin NMT,
Maginn Ave 0860753296
PARK RUN New Couch to Parkrun Programme
starting on September 12th . Come and join the
six weeks programme on Saturday morning at
9am on the shore front by the play park.
GENTLE EXERCISE CLASS for people living with
Parkinson's every Wed at 2pm in The Exchange.
COCKHILL CEILI CLUB Classes resume on
Thursday 10th September 8pm-9.30pm
Beginners Welcome.
GAELSCOIL BHUN CRANNCHA Give us a call on
074 9361988 or email gsbc1999@gmail.com
to discuss how an Irish medium education can
benefit your child. If you don’t speak Irish, don’t
worry. That won’t hold your child back.
COMMUNITY EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMME VA-
CANCIES for a grounds worker for the graveyard
at St Mary’s Cockhill. Contact
buncrana@swillycep.ie for more info or
application.
BUNCRANA PARENT AND TODDLERS ’ GROUP
will reopen on Wed 9 and Thurs 10 September
from 10am to 11:45am in St Mary’s Hall.
DOG FREE ZONE A reminder that dogs are not
permitted in Cockhill or Desertegney grave-
yards. Thank you.
GENTLE HATHA YOGA CLASS beginning on 7
Sept at 7pm in Angler’s Centre. Contact Anne
Nelson 086 2586864 for further information.
DUNREE YOGA CENTRE Classes re-commencing
Tuesday 8 Sept at 10:30am, and 8pm (Men), and
Thursday 10 Sept at 8pm. Contact Anne-Marie
McGlinchey on 0868196636
SWILLY GARDENING CLUB Our next Meeting is
on Mon 21 Sept at 8pm in the Buncrana Youth
club (Boy's Club) F93 HW6K. Guest Speaker is
Paul Mc Laughlin, Ballaghderg Gardening Cen-
tre. Plants and bulbs for sale on the night as well
as a raffle on the night with a chance to win a
garden related prize. New Members wel-
come. Any queries contact Anne by text on 087
9560134
BRIDGE FOR BEGINNERS Learn to play bridge
from scratch. Classes begin on Wed 23 Sept from
7:30pm-9:30pm in Buncrana Youth Club. For
details contact John 0870562188 or Mary
086060858. BUNCRANA CINEMA See all show times www.thecinemabuncrana.com BINGO
Friday 4 September: Week 12
1st Prize: €500
Noel Duffy, Crana View
Promoter: Bridget Hepper
2nd Prize: €300
Sheila Doherty, Lisowen Ave
Promoter: Marie Henderson
3rd Prize: €150
Edith Doherty Roe, Main St
Promoter: Marie Henderson
PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS
In today's gospel Jesus teaches a powerful lesson
on forgiveness. We pray for the men called to
priesthood that, as they celebrate the Sacrament
of Reconciliation with their people, they will
help them to know and experience the Lord who
".is compassion and love, slow to anger, and
rich in mercy." (Responsorial Psalm). ADORATION CHAPEL
Please consider spending an hour in the
Adoration Chapel
Sunday 2pm - 10pm
Monday - Wednesday 6am - 10pm
Friday 6am - 10pm
GUIDED HOLY HOUR
The Holy Hour in honour of the Holy Face
of Jesus continues this Sunday at 6pm in St
Mary’s Oratory. All Welcome. The Death of Robin Hood
16 | 120mins
Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th 8.15pm
Monday 14th , 8.15pm & Tuesday
15th, 4pm
Wednesday 16th , 2pm & Thursday
17th , 12.30pm
ROSARY
The Rosary is said in the Oratory at 9.30am
before Mass Monday to Thursday. St Mary’s Hall
Fridays at 8pm
Single book
€11
Double €17
Snowball:
€5200
DO THIS IN MEMORY PROGRAMME
We are delighted to be commencing our 2nd Class First
Penance and First Holy Communion Programme, Do
This In Memory, at the 4:30pm, 9:45am, 11am and
12:30pm Masses next weekend (19 & 20 September).
This is an important time for the 2nd Class children,
their families, and for the parish community as a whole.
It is an opportunity for all of us to be renewed and nour-
ished in our own faith journey and experience.
At these Masses next weekend, the children and their
parents will formally enrol in the programme and com-
mit to participating in it. They will not lead the Liturgy
of the Word or bring up gifts at this Enrolment Mass. It
also means that no funeral Masses can be celebrated on
Sunday morning.
We wish all our children preparing to receive these sac-
raments next year every blessing in the months ahead,
and ask that you keep them in your prayers.
There will be an information meeting for all parents/
guardians of 2nd Class on Tuesday 15 September at
7pm in St Mary’s Oratory. OUR LADY OF FATIMA appealed for the Holy
Rosary to be said every day, especially for
peace in the world. On Sun 13 Sept we
remember the 109th anniversary of the ap-
paritions in Fatima.
You are invited to join us on that evening
for the recitation of the Rosary at the Ora-
tory Grotto at 7:15pm immediately after the
Guided Holy Hour.
BAPTISMS
We welcome into God’s Family the following
children who were recently baptised:
Hallie Anna Bradley
Elspeth Gabrielle Irwin
Lara Kate Devlin McDonagh
May God guide and protect our children always.
SICK VISITATIONS
Fr Bradley will visit the remainder of the
sick and housebound in his care in both
areas on Mon 14 September SEASON OF CREATION 2026 R EFLECTION
This year’s theme, Living Water , invites us
to give thanks for the gift of water and re-
new our care for God’s creation.
‘We have forgotten that we ourselves are
dust of the earth (Gen. 2: 7): our very bod-
ies are made up of her elements; we breathe
her air and we receive life and refreshment
from her waters.’ (Pope Francis: LS 2) TRIDUUM OF MASSES FOR
BISHOP MICHAEL ROUTER
As the diocese and parishes prepare to celebrate the
joyous occasion of the Installation of Bishop Michael
Router as Bishop of Derry on Sunday 20 September, a
Triduum of Masses will be celebrated in parishes
throughout the diocese, on Friday 18, Saturday 19 and
Sunday 20 September. In our parish, these Masses will
be celebrated in
St Mary’s, Cockhill at 7pm on Fri 18 September,
St Mary’s Oratory at 4:30pm on Sat 19 September,
and at any parish Mass on Sun 20 September.
All are welcome to attend as we come together as God’s
people to pray for Bishop Router and the people of the
diocese, that we may walk together in faith and hope,
guided by the Holy Spirit.
DEATH
Your prayers are asked for
Michael Gill
who died recently and for his family and friends
saddened by their loss. Mystery Matinees
PG | 90mins
Saturday 12th -
5pm
Sunday 13th - 1pm
& 3pm Oasis: Don’t
Look Back In
Anger
15A | 125mins
Wednesday 16th
& Thursday 17th
8.15pm
THE COLUMBAN YOUNG ADULTS
are a new group for those aged 18 - 30 in the
diocese, who are seeking a community of like-
minded young adults who have Christ at the
centre of their lives. Our Sept event will be a
Holy Hour and meditation on Thurs 17 Sept,
7pm at our Lady of Lourdes Church, Steelstown,
Derry, delivered by Fr Declan McGeehan. The
meditation will be followed by Solemn Benedic-
tion and light refreshments. We are seeking new
members- please come along and bring a friend! ECUMENICAL SERVICE
Sat 19 Sept @ 2.15 pm. Buncrana
Community Garden F93 NX6W.
Join us to celebrate the Season of Creation
in Buncrana Community Garden with Bun-
crana Churches together. Everyone is wel-
come. Safe Haven Christian Community
Choir and Friends will perform for us.
Clothing weather appropriate.
Light refreshments provided.
COCKHILL TEMPORARY CLOSURE
St Mary’s Cockhill will be closed from
Mon 14 Sept until 7pm Mass on Fri 18 Sept
to facilitate painting work.
We apologise for any inconvenience. READINGS FOR 24TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
1st Reading: Eccles (Sir) 27:30 - 28:7. The Book of
Ecclesiastes was composed about 190 BC by Ben Sirach,
a faithful Jew. He had devoted his life to the pursuit of
wisdom. “Resentment and anger, these are foul things,
and both are found with the sinner.” It is a non -
negotiable element of the covenant with the Most High.
To be forgiven ourselves we must in turn forgive others.
2nd Reading: Rom 14:7-9. In our education, entertain-
ment, media, elected government, laws, commerce, wor-
ship – our day-to-day concerns involve others. Let there-
fore the peace and joy brought to us by the Holy Spirit
always serve to help our brothers. A Christian neither
lives nor dies for himself. "Alive or dead we belong to
the Lord." “I give you a new commandment: love one
another just as I have loved you.”
Gospel: Mt 18:21-35. One ‘talent of silver’ would be
valued at about €500,000, an intentionally fantastic fig-
ure. It represents the debt of gratitude we owe the Lord
for re-opening to us the gates of paradise. In comparison
the debt of 100 denarii was a paltry sum. So, if we fail to
forgive human sized debts neither will our debt to God –
to whom we owe everything - be forgiven. LEGION OF MARY
Pilgrimage to Knock on Sun 27 Sept leav-
ing from Buncrana. For more details con-
tact Mary on 0862145405 or Vera on
0863084935. Buncrana https://www.buncranaparish.com