DERRY
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08/11/2026
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directly after the Vigil Mass in November - Ballerin Errigal Hall (November).
Registration available in QR code available in community apps.
Confirmation Candidates Gathering Dates: The autumn gathering of the Confirmation classes (P7’s) from both local schools will take place on -
Tuesday 3rd November - (St. Mary’s Church/Errigal Hall)
Tuesday 24th November (Provisional Date) - (Glenullin Community Centre).
Each evening from 7pm - 8.30pm. Parental consent forms will be required for those who gather it will be obtained via each school.
Diocesan Appointments - In recent weeks Bishop Router announced new Diocesan appointments effective this weekend.
I therefore take this opportunity to thank Fr. Chris sincerely for his work both in the parish of Kilrea & Desertohill and Errigal over the past four years.
His endearing personality enabled him to get to know many people in a short period of time.
His good humour and generosity of time have brought many blessings to many people serving our parish communities.
As he begins a new phase of his life as Parish Priest in the West Tyrone Pastoral Area.
He and Kobe (thepet dog) will take up residence in Castlederg
this weekend. Fr. Chris brings many gifts to his ministry and, in giving generously of himself to serving the people entrusted to his care, I know that you have enjoyed his support and encouragement of you all.
We wish Fr. Chris every blessing and good wishes as he begins his new ministry in West Tyrone - near to his family home in Leckpatrick.
A Farewell Function will take place in the Marian Hall on
Friday 27th November at 7.30pm. (More information will follow).
Fr. Crowley A Warm Welcome to Fr James Devine.
We are delighted to extend a very warm welcome to Fr James Devine, who has been appointed to serve in Kilrea & Desertohill, Errigal and Granaghan.
Note from Fr. James - Thank you all for welcoming me to the parishes this weekend.
My name is Fr James Devine, and I grew up in the Waterside area of Derry.
I was ordained to the priesthood on the 8th December 2013, in St Columba's Church, Long Tower, Derry.
I have four siblings: three older brothers and one younger sister.
As a priest, I have served in the parishes of Limavady and Holy Family, Ballymagroarty, with a three-year stint in the USA with the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception between these two appointments.
My most recent appointment has been in the parish of Greencastle, Co. Tyrone, where I had three very happy and fruitful years.
I look forward to joining you all in the parishes of Granaghan, Kilrea and Desertoghill, and Errigal, and pray that I can be a faithful priest for you, along with Fr Crowley.
We wish Fr James every blessing as he begins his ministry among us.
Let us keep him in our prayers and give him our wholehearted support, not only through our words of welcome, but through our presence, our encouragement and our active participation in the life and mission of the parishes in this area in which he will serve.
Fr. Crowley Parish Safeguarding: Vetting process will take place on the first Saturday of every month after the Vigil Mass.
This will be to re-vet all existing volunteers as a new requirement from the Diocese.
If you are over 18 and volunteer as a Sacristan /Choir leader /Children’s Liturgy helper or Baptism Group helper for the parish please attend a meeting, on
Saturday 7th
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November in Ballerin Parochial House 6:45pm-7:45pm, at your convenience.
Please bring 3 forms of ID with you to the meeting for verification purposes.
These will be scanned for parish records.
NB: Most of the Youth ministry volunteers have been recently vetted and therefore do not need to attend.
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 de Paul box, where it will be retrieved and the monies and Mass intention will be offered locally or by another priest. Sacrament of Reconciliation: Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) available after the Vigil Mass on request. Errigal SVP: Could You Spare a Little Time to Help Others?
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.
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/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 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 028 9080 8030 . St. Mary’s - November Altar Society: Clare Mullan, Carol Mullan, and Roisin McGilligan.
St. Mary’s - November Collectors - (Vigil) Ann O’Neill & Bernie McGilligan. (Sunday) Seamus O’Kane & Charlie O’Kane.
St. Joseph’s - November Altar Society: Donna Bradley, Anne McCloskey, & Mary Kate McLaughlin.
St. Joseph’s - November Counters: Eileen & Sonia McLaughlin, Emma Niblock.
St. Joseph’s November Collectors: (Sunday) Criostal McNicholl, Danny McGoldrick, & Paul McGowan.
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.
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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 - 95 White - 68) St. Mary's - Parish: £505 Renovation: £165 St. Joseph's - Parish: £345 Renovation: £390 Ballerin GAA Lotto: There was no winner of the lotto jackpot.
The numbers are 11, 15, 19, 24. Jackpot is £4300. Lucky Dip Winner £50 - Breda O’Kane.
Glenullin GAA Lotto: There was no winner of the lotto jackpot.
The numbers are 5, 24, 26, and 29. Jackpot £10,000. £25 winners - Mark McLaughlin, Katie O’ Kane, Christina McKinney, and Majella McCloskey.
Readers & Eucharistic Ministers St. Mary’s Church - Church Readers - 7th/8th November Saturday Vigil - Ann O’Neill.
Sunday Morning - Aileen Mullan. 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 - 7th/8th November Saturday Vigil - Louise Mullan & Corey Bradley.
Sunday Morning - Martina Bradley & Gillian O’Neill. . Readers & Eucharistic Ministers St. Joseph’s Church - Church Readers - 7th/8th November Saturday Vigil - Sunday Morning - Anne McNicholl.
If anyone is interested in becoming a Reader in St. Joseph’s Church, please gave your name to Fr. Crowley or Mairead McNicholl (Lector Co-Ordinator), training will be provided.
Eucharistic Ministers - 7th/8th November Saturday Vigil - Sunday Morning - Clare Mullan & Meabh Close.
Feasts during the Week: Sunday - All Saints: ‘The ultimate object of veneration of the Saints is the glory of God and the sanctification of humanity by conforming one’s life fully to the divine will and by imitating the virtue of those who were pre-existent disciples of the Lord.
Tuesday - All Souls: ‘Indeed the church in its pilgrim members, from the very earliest days of the Christian faith, has honoured with great respect the memory of the dead; and ‘because it is a holy and a wholesome thought to pray for the dead that they may be loosed from thei r sins.’ (2 Mac:12-46), she offers her suffrages for them.
These consist, primarily, in
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the celebration of the Eucharist, and prayers for the dead, alms deeds, works of mercy, and the application of indulgences to the souls of the faithful departed’. (Directory of Popular Piety and the liturgy, 251) Tuesday - St. Malachy: Was born near Armagh in 1094. He became Vicar of Ceallach, the reforming Bishop of Armagh., and he continued his work to reform as Bishop of Connor.
He founded the monastery of Mellifont and established the Canons Regular into Ireland.
In 1148 Malachy set out from Ireland to meet the Pope but died on his way at Clairvaux, where he caught fever and died in the arms of Bernard and is buried in the abbey church.
Wednesday - St. Charles Borromeo (1538 - 84): Cardinal Archbishop of Milan at the age of twenty-one, worked for reform in his diocese, drafting the Catechism of the Council of Trent.
Patron saint of catechists and seminarians.
Thursday - St. Martin de Porres (1579 – 1639): Became a Dominican lay-brother, spending his nights in prayer and penance, his days in the monastery, caring for the sick and the poor.
He is renowned for his devotion to the Blessed Sacrament.
Friday - All the Saints of Ireland: ‘In the Communion of Saints, many and varied spiritualities have been developed throughout the history of the Churches … The different schools of Christian Spirituality share in the living tradition of prayer and are essential guides for the faithful.
In their rich diversity the are refractions of the one pure light of the Holy Spirit.’ (CCC,2684) Saturday - St. Willibrord: Was born in Northumbria in 658. He entered the Benedictine Order and was sent to study, including spending twelve years, 678 - 690, at the monastery of Rath Melsigi, near Milford, Co Carlow before going, with eleven companions, to evangelise Frisia.
He established a session of Ulrecht and in 695 was ordained Archbishop of Ulrecht by Pope Serguis I. He founded a monastery of Ech ternach in Luxemburg in 700, where he died in 739. Diocesan Vocations: For the future priests of our diocese, the men who will preach the Good News of the Beatitudes (today's Gospel) - the happiness that comes from persevering in faith, and trusting in the goodness and mercy of Almighty God through the ups and downs of life.
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!
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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 Catholic Bishops.ie The Way.ie: Is a new digital platform set up by the Irish Bishops Conference dedicated to sharing the ‘Good 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, Xand You Tube.
St. Joseph’s Church - A You Tube 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-carefreedom-to-live-fully-until-death-comes/
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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/ErrigalHall 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 Whats App 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.
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
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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 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 know 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 (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
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.
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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 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.
02871 - 362475/ 07596500793 .
dlp@derrydiocese.org - or PSNI (Police Service of Northern Ireland) 101 or Social Services
02871-314090. Parish Representatives - Tracey McGilligan and Clare Mullan.
Errigal Privacy Notice: The Diocese of Derry complies with 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.