Errigal Parish Bulletin

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Twenty - Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A)
Errigal Parish News - 13th September 2026
Weekday Masses: St. Mary’s Church: - Monday, Tuesday, and Friday at 10am.
St. Joseph’s Church: - Wednesday at 10am.
St. Mary’s Church - (Vigil): First Anniversary Mass - For Joan Mullan, on Saturday 19th
September at 6pm.
Month’s Mind Mass: For Tommy Johnson on Sunday 20th September at 10am.
………………………………………………………
St. Joseph’s Church - (Vigil) - Anniversary Mass:

Anniversary Mass -

Saturday Vigil Mass 6pm - St. Mary ’s Church in September.
Eucharistic Adoration: - Adoration on Monday after morning Mass.
………………………………………………………….
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 20th September, a Triduum of Masses will be celebrated in parishes throughout the
diocese, on Friday 18th, Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th September. In our parish, these Masses
will be celebrated in:
St. Mary’s Church (Friday at 10am) St. Mary’s Church (Vigil) Saturday at 6pm.
Both Masses on Sunday morning.
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.
Season of Creation: The Season of Creation takes place from 1st September to 4th October,
bringing Christians throughout the world together in prayer, reflection and action for the care
of our common home.
Our symbol for 2026 - Immersion in Living Water - is a symbol of renewal and birth: water
flowing from the Temple as a sign of God’s caring and healing for us. We are called to step
into the water, until we are so deep that we must depend on God’s grace to sustain us. Those
who receive this water are i nvited to become sources of life for others, allowing God’s love to
flow through them into the world. And thus, the water of God will become in us “a spring of
water welling up to eternal life”, as Jesus promised (John 4:14).
Parish Pastoral Group: The next meeting of the Parish Pastoral Group (to prepare for the
Mission) will take place in the Parochial House on Tuesday 15th September at 7.30pm.
Errigal https://www.errigalparish.com

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Mass Cards (pre-signed): Signed Mass cards for all occasions are available in the side porch
of St. Mary’s Church as requested by parishioners. A suggested donation of £5 is requested
with the name of the recipient in a brown envelope included. Please put the brown envelope in
the St.Vincent dePaul box, where it will be retrieved and the monies and Mass intention will
be offered locally or by another priest.
Baptism Dates: The next Baptism dates are Saturday 10th October in St. Mary’s Church at
4.30pm and St. Joseph’s Church on Sunday 11th October at 12.30pm. The Baptismal
Programme for parents/guardians will take place in the Parochial House on Wednesday 30th
September at 7pm. Please register to attend the Baptismal Programme by Saturday 26th
September using the parish email address, this will indicate to the Baptismal Team the numbers
who will attend the Baptismal Programme.
Sacrament of Reconciliation: Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) available after the
Vigil Mass on request.
St. Mary’s - September Altar Society: Carol Ann Mclaughlin, Margeret Mullan, Dolores
Mullan and Kate Mullan.
St. Mary’s - September Collectors - (Vigil) Barney O’Kane.
(Sunday) Philip McKeown & Fergal Bradley.
St. Joseph’s - September Altar Society: Fidelma O'Kane with Sheena & Aine
Diane Burns.
St. Joseph’s - September Counters: Seamus Conway, Anthony & Katrina McCloskey.
St. Joseph’s September Collectors: (Sunday) Seamus Conway, Padhraic and Thomas
Leydon.
Eucharistic Adoration: Derry Diocese is renewing and developing its Diocesan Adoration
Lay Committee in order to increase the practice of Eucharistic Adoration in parishes
throughout the diocese. You are welcome to attend an Information Meeting on Wednesday
30th September at 8pm, in The Drummond Hotel, Ballykelly. Registration and light
refreshments from 7.30pm.
Parish Mission: Parishioners may have heard that the parish will hold a mission in September
of this year. It will be delivered by the Dominican Order. As you know it has been some time
since the last Mission in the parish. Whilst members of the Parish Pastoral Group continue to
organise it, it would be helpful to have a few interested individuals from each end of the parish
to help with the organisation. Time commitment should not be great - a few hours between
now and September and some input during the week itself. This is a great opportunity to get
involved in a significant event for the parish, and if you are interested, please contact Fr.
Crowley.
Parish Mission - Sunday 27th September - Friday 2nd October
Errigal SVP: Could You Spare a Little Time to Help Others? As we prepare to celebrate
the Feast of St Vincent de Paul (27th September), the Errigal St Vincent de Paul (SVP)
Conference need a couple of volunteers to join our local team. This is a wonderful opportunity
to put your faith into action, give something back to our community, and make a real difference
to the lives of local individuals and families who are struggling.
No previous experience is necessary. You will be warmly welcomed and fully supported by
our local SVP Volunteers, with guidance and training provided.

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If you would like to find out more, please contact us on 07563595868. We'd be delighted to
hear from you. For more details, please see https://www.svp.ie/northern-ireland/
Queen ’s University Catholic Chaplaincy: Reopens for the new academic year on Monday
14th September, with weekday Masses and our semester programme resuming. The first
Sunday Mass will be celebrated on 20th September at the new, earlier time of 7.00pm. Please
note the new time! New or returning student? Find out about what’s on, ways to connect and
get involved, and student accommodation at Ryan Hall at 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 Belfast!
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 - meaningful gifts that make a real difference to families living in poverty around the
world. 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 lov e 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 028 9080 8030.
The Columban Young Adults: Ae 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 September event will be a Holy Hour and meditation on Thursday 17th September,
7pm at our Lady of Lourdes Church, Steelstown, Derry, delivered by Fr Declan
McGeehan. The meditation will be followed by Solemn Benediction and light
refreshments. We are actively seeking new members- please come along and bring a friend!
Baby Massage & Reflexology Classes: 6-week course starting 9th September in Ballerin.
For more information or to book: diane@groundedsoles.org - 07761 054666
Errigal: Through Our Eyes - Summer Youth Photography Project : Starting Monday 6th
July, all young people under 18 are invited to join Errigal: Through Our Eyes, a summer
photography project. The theme is “See what matters. See where God is.” This will celebrate
the beauty, faith, kindness, and everyday life of our parish.
Pick up an entry form, then send up to three photos taken within the parish boundaries and a
short reflection to the parish email (with parent/guardian consent for under-16s). There are
1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes in both Primary and Secondary categories, with certificates for
everyone. Update Deadline - Please note that the closing date for entries has been
postponed until the end of September. We warmly encourage all our young people to
take part and share their photographs and reflections. More details will follow soon.
Marian Hall- Bingo: Takes place on Thursday 17th September at 8.30pm. Every two weeks in
the Marian Hall, Kilrea. Double Books - £20. Single Books - £10. Half Books - £5. Last House
- £250.
Michael English Church Concert: An evening of Faith, Hope and Inspiration. The concert
takes place on Friday 2nd October at 7.15pm, in St Patrick's Church, Keenaught,
Desertmartin. Tickets are £30, and available to buy at Herons Gift Shop, Draperstown,
Moneyneena Post Office, Ballinascreen and Desertmartin Parish offices, or online with

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Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/michael-english-band-fundraising-concert-tickets-
1996641829460
Gift Aid/Census Cards: Can we please request the return of Gift Aid and Census cards
recently circulated so that parish records can be updated during the summer months.
Rosary and Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament: Will continue the first Monday of each
month. St. Joseph’s Church - 7.30pm.
Monday Adoration Adorers: We request if you are available on Monday from after the
morning Mass to participate in the rota for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament which takes
place until 2.30pm. If interested, please leave your name/contact number in the sacristy and
we will follow up.
Parish Collections - Thank you. 183 boxes of envelopes in circulation.
Returns (Pink/Yellow - 127 White - 89)
St. Mary's - Parish: £745 Renovation: £300
St. Joseph's - Parish: £325 Renovation: £360
Ballerin GAA Lotto: There was no winner of the lotto jackpot the numbers are 5, 13, 17, 22.
Jackpot is £3100. Lucky Dip Winner £50 - Anne Boyle.
Glenullin GAA Lotto: There was no winner of the lotto jackpot the numbers are 8, 13, 18,
31. Jackpot £10.000. £20 winners - Rita Doyle, Lisa McLaughlin, Martin McGuigan, Liam
McNicholl, Niall Toal, Bridget Cassidy, Enda Mullan, ( Declan’s ) Gregory Biggs.
Readers & Eucharistic Ministers
St. Mary’s Church - Church Readers - 18th/19th September
Saturday Vigil - Arranged.
Sunday Morning - Arranged.
If anyone is interested in becoming a Reader in St. Mary’s Church, please gave your name to
Fr. Crowley training will be provided.
Eucharistic Ministers - 18th/19th September
Saturday Vigil - Siobhan McIntyre & Orla Doherty.
Sunday Morning - Amanda Ferris & Josephine McKeown.
.
Readers & Eucharistic Ministers
St. Joseph’s Church - Church Readers - 18th/19th September
Saturday Vigil -
Sunday Morning - Adrain Cullerton.
If anyone is interested in becoming a Reader in St. Joseph’s Church, please gave your name
to Fr. Crowley or Mairead Mc Nicholl (Lector Co-Ordinator), training will be provided.
Eucharistic Ministers - 18th/19th September
Saturday Vigil -
Sunday Morning - Philippa Hasson & Kieran Quigg.
Feasts during the Week: Monday - The Exaltation of the Holy Cross: The discovery of
the of the Holy Cross is dated to the 14th September 335 the churches on Calvary were
dedicated and the cross that St. Helena discovered was venerated there the next day. The
annual commemoration of that event has been celebrated since, in praise of the redemption
won for us by Christ. Tuesday - Our Lady of Sorrows: Mary, standing by the cross,

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‘suffered intensely with her only begotten Son and united herself as his Mother to his
sacrifice, consenting with love to the offering of the victim who was born of her’, whom she
also offered to the eternal Father. (Marialis Cultos) Wednesday - St. Cornelius: Became
pope in 251and died in exile at Civitavecchia in 253. Patron of cattle and domestic
animals. St Cyprian (210 - 58): Bishop of Carthage, teacher and preacher, martyred.
Thursday - St. Robert Bellarmine (1542 - 1621): Jesuit, Cardinal Bishop of Capua,
involved in theological controversies of the time. Patron of catechists. Saturday - St.
Januarius: Bishop of Benevento, was martyred at Naples in 305 with six companions.
Diocesan 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).
For further information, please contact the Diocesan Vocations Director, Fr Pat O'Hagan,
at pgoh2111@gmail.com
Anniversaries: It is advisable where possible to book well in advance in the case of
anniversaries. These are arranged with a sacristan as the anniversary book is kept in the
sacristy. Also, please indicate in the Anniversary book that the Mass is booked for the stated
intention - we would appreciate an acknowledgment of the booking by email if possible. In
the case of a booked Anniversary Mass please inquire of the sacristan before the Mass
begins that the Mass is offered for the intention you request. Names to be added to the
weekend anniversary list need to be added to the anniversary book by informing the sacristan
- this can be done in advance of the date requested.
Parish Readers/Eucharistic Ministers: If you are unable to attend the schedule allocated to
you, it would be much appreciated if you can get a replacement to step in for you. (It may be
possible to exchange a rotation with another group member - there is also the opportunity to
seek cover via the Whatsapp messaging facility if available to your group). I also ask Readers
please to conclude the readings with - 'The Word of the Lord' as directed in the Missalette,
and not 'This is the Word of the Lord' as stated in the Lectionary. We have previously
discussed this at our reader meetings.
Look out Leaflets .Are now available for children at the back of both churches in the parish
focusing on the liturgy of the word each week. Enjoy!
Teach us to Pray Booklet - It can be downloaded at:
https://www.derrydiocese.org/news/teach-us-to-pray .
Why Sunday Matters! The Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference have published a pastoral
message titled ‘ Why Sunday Matters’ - an invitation to reflect on Sunday Mass. To access this
resource and watch a four-part video series titles Sunday Mass - ‘Digging Deeper’, visit at
TheWay.ie: Is a new digital platform set up by the Irish Bishops Conference dedicated to
sharing the ‘Goo d News’ and the witness of the Catholic Church in Ireland. It is intended to
help people discover the faith, live the faith and pass on the faith. It is for both seekers and
followers. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.

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St. Joseph’s Church - A YouTube camera link is now available for services from St.
Joseph's Church, Glenullin. The link can be accessed -
https://youtube.com @parishoferrigalderry .
The Net: As always, it features a wide variety of news, interesting and inspiring interviews,
articles, and photos from parishes across the diocese. You can read the Diocesan newspaper
on-line at: www.derrydiocese.org/news/categories/the-net . or a paper copy is available at the
back of the church. Donations welcome.
Prayer for Peace in the Middle East: God of mercy and compassion of grace and
reconciliation, pour your presence upon all your children in the Middle East: Jews, Muslims,
Christians, Palestinians, and Israelis. Let hatred be turned into love, fear to trust, despair to
hope, oppression to freedom, occupation to liberation. That violent encounters may be replaced
by loving embraces, and peace and justice maybe experienced by all. Amen.
St. Joseph’s Church: We present a dual gauge to initiative funds in our parish for the on-
going costs associated with the renovation of St. Joseph’s Church. The gauge on the left
indicates the funds we require to complete the refurbishment. The gauge on the right reflects
the loans we have received from other parishes. (Gauge also available on website and
Facebook page). Thanks - Donations to date - Current figure £235,400.00.
Providing compassionate care at the end of life - To address the sensitive issue of
compassionate care at the end of life, and in response to the need to inform the faithful of
Catholic teaching on this important life issue that affects so many families, the Bishops of
Ireland have published the pastoral letter: Freedom to Live Fully, Until Death Comes. You
are invited to read this letter and view the accompanying video Through the Valley, which
offers personal testimonies by carers and people with terminal illness. The key message of
both letter and video asserts that every person possesses inherent, infinite dignity that remains
intact regardless of their circumstances. In this context, bishops strongly oppose the
Oireachtas Committee’s proposal to Government to legislate for assisted suicide and call on
support for healthcare workers who uphold the sanctity of life. To read Freedom to Live
Fully, Until Death Comes and to watch Through the Valley, visit the following link:
https://www.catholicbishops.ie/2024/06/24/bishops-statement-on-end-of-life-care freedom-
to-live-fully-until-death-comes/
The Catholic Communications Office of the Irish Bishops Conference: Produces a five-
story weekly ezine Sharing Good News that reports on stories associated with the Bishops'
Conference, activities in parishes and dioceses, and that celebrates Church life ge nerally. If you
do not currently subscribe to receiving it and you wish to subscribe to receive Sharing Good
News, please register your email address on https://catholicnews.ie/newsletter/
Errigal Hall Volunteers: For this hospitality to continue in the community, we need new
volunteers to come forward and help in this voluntary service to the parish. If you are
interested, please contact Melinda Robinson. If enough volunteers come forward a rota can
be put in place via a WhatsApp group, so that the same people are not required at each
function.
Errigal Hall: Parishioners who borrow items from the hall need to sign for their removal from
the hall and when they are returned. The signing book is in the kitchen of the hall.

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St. Joseph’s Church: Choir Practice will take place each Tuesday at 7pm in the church. New
members from Primary 4 up are very welcome. Any queries contact Roisin McIlvar
07841407154.
St. Mary’s Church Choir: If you are interested in joining the choir, you are welcome to attend
the practice in the church on a Wednesday evening at 7pm. Or contact any choir member.
Derry Diocesan Society (DDS): In each of the parishes of the diocese Mass is offered
alternating in each parish (list at the back of each church) for deceased and living members
who are registered in the society. The deceased members registered are remembered in the
anniversary list for three consecutive weekends each quarter (three months). Registration is
£20 and can be given to a sacristan or Fr. Crowley - please ensure name and address of the
person to be enrolled is included and whether it is for a living or deceased member.
Maternity Blessing: Expectant mothers are welcome to receive a blessing in any of the
sacristies following Mass - and a prayer card for their pregnancy.
Stamps: For the missions can be left at the back of each church.
Synodal Pathway: Find attached the final versions of the National Synthesis for the Church
in Ireland, which is the fruit of the recent process of listening and consultation; it is based on
the syntheses produced by the 26 dioceses in Ireland, as well as those submitted by religious
congregations and other interested groups. Also attach appendix document from survivors of
abuse and the Irish Bishops’ Conference Cover Letter, which have all been forwarded to the
General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops. Press Release also attached. We are requ ested to
bring the Report to the attention of your parishioners and to share it on your social media
outlets. It will be a useful tool as parishes move forward on the synodal journey in the
autumn. The Report is now available on the website of the Synodal Pathway of the Church
in Ireland website: www.synod.ie

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Parish Envelopes: Following previous discussion with the Parish Finance Committee we
encourage consideration for those who use envelopes infrequently to consider the use of a
standing order, (through this medium you have full control), of the donation at your disposal.
Further information is available from the parish website.
If you advance the standing order, (it can be processed on-line with your bank), or alternatively
bring the completed mandate to your bank. We request that when you are issuing your
instruction to the bank, that you do so with your personal name, in doing so we can therefore
identify from whom the standing order has been authorised. It is with your authorisation that
the standing order is either processed weekly or monthly. Also, you can withdraw the mandate
at your own discretion. We would appreciate an acknowledgement of this transaction (via the
parish email) when it is activated, so that we can have a copy for the parish records. In the
information forwarded we will require your address and telephone number.
Several parishioners recently have set up a standing order, however we do not kn ow who
these parishioners are because they have not provided an address. We ask please that you
follow the instructions above and email the parish to inform us who has authorised the
standing order.
We request now that the boxes are delivered, if you have not previously returned or
updated a parish Census card, please complete the card in the back of the box and
return in the collection envelope. Also, the Gift Aid card needs to be signed and
returned if you are a taxpayer.
Those who avail of Standing Orders are also asked to complete a Census card and Gift
Aid card. These can be collected in each sacristy and returned at your convenience.
Details of Parish Accounts for Standing Orders:
(Errigal Ballerin: Sort Code - 950346 - Account No. 40067059 is the No 1 a/c) Errigal
Development: Sort Code - 950346 - (Account No. 90042358 is the Renovation a/c).
(Errigal Glenullin : Sort Code - 950346 Account No. 90062596 is the No 1 a/c) ( Errigal
Parish : Sort Code 950689 - Account No. 90083712 is the Renovation a/c).
Parish Finance: If you wish to contribute to the parish by standing order - forms can be
forwarded upon request by sending an email to - errigalparish@gmail.com or they are
available on the parish website. At the end of each month, we shall include in the
collection figures the amounts relating to the increase in standing orders, these figures
are stated in brackets.
Parish Census: In the recent distribution of collection envelopes, we request that at your
earliest convenience you might return the census card with your family details for
parish registration. Also, the Gift Aid card needs to be updated and signed so that the
parish can claim Gift Aid if you are a taxpayer, this does not affect your personal details

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or taxation. If your tax circumstances change, please inform us, if you are no longer a
taxpayer.
Census cards are available in each sacristy, once completed they can be returned in a
sealed envelope via the collection box at the back of each church. If you have previously
registered, you do not have to do so again, unless your household occupation has
changed.
Church Cleaners: Cleaners are required to join the existing monthly groups who clean each
church. The more that participate the less occasions that individuals will be required to cover.
If interested, please leave your name/contact phone number in each sacristy or alternatively
give details to a sacristan.
Mass Cards/Mass Bouquets: Are available for sale at the back of each church please put the
money in the candle box.
ACCORD - Counselling: If you need to speak, to an experienced couples and relationships
counsellor during this time of unprecedented stress and pressure on family life, please contact
95680151. This is a free helpline service available from 9am - 8pm. Monday to Friday. All
calls charged at local rate.
ACCORD DERRY: Virtual Interactive Marriage Preparation Programme (limited to 15
couples per course). Booking now online at www.accordni.com
Radio Maria Ireland: https://www.radiomaria.ie/radio-maria-ireland/ is an Irish-run Catholic
Talk-Radio Station with commercial-free broadcasting of Prayer, Catechesis, Music, Talks,
Interviews and Testimonies.
Church Safeguarding: If you have any concerns with regard to Safeguarding children or
adults in need of protection within the Church please contact: Mrs Marie O’Kane (Designated
Liaison Person), Diocesan Pastoral Centre, 164 Bishop Street, Derry. Tel: 02871 -
362475/07596500793. Email: dlp@derrydiocese.org - or PSNI (Police Service of Northern
Ireland) 101 or Social Services Tel: 02871-314090.
Parish Representatives - Tracey McGilligan and Clare Mullan.
Errigal Privacy Notice: The Diocese of Derry complies with GDPR regulations. A privacy
notice is available on the Parish Website or alternatively it is available from the Parish Office.
Live stream of Mass and Services in St. Mary’s Church and a Utube streaming in St. Joseph’s
Church are available online. Parishioners should note that the first three rows of seats are
visible in St. Mary’s Church.