The Opening of Cockhill Bridge
Irrespective
of whichever way you enter this parish by road, you will always pass over a
bridge. Bridges mark the boundaries of the parish of Desertegney and Lower
Fahan. But no bridge is more important than the bridge at the heart of this
parish: Cockhill Bridge.
On
Tuesday last, An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar TD opened the new Cockhill Bridge. We
welcome the great work done by so many elected representatives and various
agencies, not least the Donegal County Council. Father John Walsh and Reverend
Judi McGaffin both attended the ceremony, as usual bridging the Ecumenical
traditions represented locally. While a blessing of the bridge was deemed ‘not
needed’ by an official on the day, whenever those assembled had moved on to the
Inishowen Gateway Hotel for lunch, Father Walsh and Reverend McGaffin
nevertheless blessed the bridge quietly.
Given
the great work done by so many over many years to bring about and finish this
great project; given that some who would have wished to see it completed did
not live to see the day; given too that we have had so many deaths on our
roads; and given the enormity of the carnage left behind by the flood waters of
last year, it is perhaps fitting and of some comfort that people would read the
Words of Scripture and the Prayer of Blessing said quietly last Tuesday:
Father Walsh read from the Prophet Isaiah (23:1-3)
Brothers
and Sisters, listen to the words of the prophet Isaiah
But
now thus says the Lord, He who created you, O Jacob,
He
who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called
you by name, you are mine.
When
you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and
through the rivers; they shall not overwhelm you;
when
you walk through fire you shall not be burned
and
the flame shall not consume you.
For
I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Saviour. The word of
the Lord.
Reverend McGaffin prayed as follows:
God
of love and compassion we remember today all those who were affected by the
floods in August last year and ask that you continue to walk with them, giving
them courage, strength and hope. We thank God for all the people involved in
the designing and construction of this new bridge. We ask God now to bless all
who travel across this bridge. Guide them as they travel and keep them safe on
their journey.
May
the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, be with
all who use this new bridge and with all God’s children, this day and for ever
more. AMEN.
In
the end, a bridge is a great metaphor for what this parish, like every other,
is all about: an encounter with Christ, our central figure: the one who, in his
own body, bridges the gap between heaven and earth.
Father Bradley
October Stations
Bookings
are being taken for the Stations for this coming October. They will be
available every Monday and Tuesday evening during the month.
Confessions
will begin after 7.00pm and Mass (including the blessing of Holy Water and the
Home) will follow at 8.00pm.
Dates remaining available are October 2nd, 15th & 30th
Station areas available are as follows: Area 2, Area 4, Area
6, Area 7, Area 8, Area 9, Area 13, Area 14,
Area 16, Area 17.
If you would like to have a Station Mass in your home and to find out more
information, please contact the Parish Office on 074 93 61253
40-Hours Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
The
Annual 40-Hours Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will take place in Star of
the Sea Desertegney, beginning today: Sunday 16th September from 11am– 7pm and
recommencing on Monday 17th September at 11am with Benediction at 6.30pm. A
time-sheet is available in Star of the Sea Church by which we can commit
ourselves to at least a ½ hour slot during the Adoration. It is my hope that
many people will avail of this special opportunity for prayer. Father
Bradley
Last week’s collection was €4,898, Sincere Thanks
Masses
St. Mary’s Oratory
Mon 17th Mass
at 10am
Tues 18th Mass
at 10am
Wed 19th Maurice
O’Donnell
Thurs 20th Special
Intention
Fri 21st Jim
Doherty
Sat 22nd Harry
Cassidy
St. Mary’s Cockhill
Mon 17th Sarah
Doherty & Jim McLaughlin
Tues 18th John
Joe & Nancy Orohoe
Wed 19th Neil
McLaughlin
Fri 21st Annie
McDaid (1st A)
Sat 22nd Carmel
McLaughlin
Star of the Sea
Thurs 20th Mass
at 8pm
Sun 23rd Daniel
O’Donnell (MM)
Baptisms
We welcome into God’s family Alfie Gillespie, Domas Degimas & Daniel Joseph Kelly who were baptised recently
Legion of Mary Annual Pilgrimage to Knock, Sunday 30th Sept, Coach leaving
Supervalu. For details tel 074 9362358.
SVP Family Mass, For those who give, receive & help out in anyway will
take place on Thursday 27th September in Star
of the Sea, Desertegney. Everyone
welcome.
Readings for this week
Is 50:5-9. The
ever elusive Holy Spirit author of the scriptures drops his camouflage in this
the 3rd of “The Songs of the Suffering Servant.” As the 3rdperson of the
Trinity he stands outside of time and through the inspired author voices the
mind of the Beloved as he approaches his Passion and death.
Ps 114. “They
surrounded me the snares of death, with the anguish of the tomb; they caught
me, sorrow and distress.”
Derry Diocesan Pastoral Plan
Bishop McKeown has produced a Diocesan Pastoral Plan
2018-2021. The bishop will present his plan on Saturday 29 September at
Thornhill College, Derry, by way of statistical information and an explanation
of the vision behind the plan. This Pastoral Plan will affect every parish –
and every parish has its own contribution to make towards its implementation
and development. It is hoped that the diocese will host a Diocesan Assembly in
2021 to coincide with the fifteen hundredth anniversary of the birth of Saint
Colmcille. I am looking for volunteers who might like to attend the meeting on
29 September at Thornhill. The meeting will be 11.00am – 4.30pm (including
lunch). Please contact the parish office early this week. Thank you.
Father Bradley
First Holy Communion dates 2019
May 11th – St Egney’s NS at 11am in Star of the Sea, Desertegney
May 18th – Scoil Iosagain at 11am in St Mary’s Oratory
May 25th - St Oran’s NS, Scoil Naomh Iosaf, & Scoil Naomh Padraig at 11am in
St Mary’s Cockhill.
June 1st - Gaelscoil Bhun Chranncha at 11am in St Mary’s Oratory
Sick Visitation
Fr
Bradley will visit the sick in his care on Wednesday 19th September in
the afternoon in the Town areas, Trillick,
Lisnakelly
& Cockhill Road.
Friday 21st September in the afternoon in Hilltown, Ballymagan, The Rock,
Corvin,
Gortleck, Glebe & Pillar park.
St. Mary’s Hall Manager:
Danny Henderson Tel. 9361572
Buncrana Parish Draw
Week No 32, 9th September 2018
1st Prize €500 - Lorraine Coyle, Coshquin
Promoter: Bridget Hepper
2nd Prize €300 - Agnes McLaughlin, Cockhill Park
Promoter: Agnes McLaughlin
3rd Prize €150 - Marie Carey, Lisfannon
Promoter: Ciaran Jackson
Bingo
Bingo on Friday & Sunday night
at 9pm in St Mary’s Hall
Snowball: €3,700. Page 9 now Single
Book and Sheet €10.
Double Book and Sheets €15.
The Cinema
Disney’s Christopher Robin (Gen) 104
mins
Sat 15th at 8.15pm, plus Mon to Thurs at 8.15pm
Also Matinee Today Sun 16th at 3pm
Black 47 (15a) 99 mins
Fri 21st at 5pm, plus Mon—Thurs at 8.15pm
Luis and The Aliens (Gen) 86 mins
Matinee Sun 23rd - Sun 30th 3pm
The Nun (16s) 96 mins
Fri 28th at 5pm, Sat plus Mon-Thurs at 8.15pm
Community Corner
Swilly Gardening Club will meet at Anglers Centre on Mon 17th September at
8pm. Guest speaker is Claire Thompson, Herbalist and forager. New members
always welcome. Tel 0863573145 for info.
Buncrana Bowling Club, reopen for new season, St Mary’s Hall at 8pm on
Monday 17th Sept, all new members welcome a great game to pass a winters
night!.
Ceili & Old Time in Scoil Mhuire school on
Fri 21st Sept, dancing from 9pm - 12 midnight, music by Martin Dugan adm €5 incl supper.
Youth Club Registration Night register for our Junior (10-12 yrs) and Senior (12 –
18 yrs) clubs at The Exchange, Castle Ave, on Mon 17 Sept 6pm to 7pm. Clubs run
Mon nights (Juniors 6-7.15pm; Seniors 7.30-9.00pm) at the Exchange. We are affiliated
with national youth organisation Foróige. Annual membership: €30 Seniors, €25
Juniors. Weekly sub is €3.
Local Medugorje Pilgrimage departing on Sunday 30th Sept from Buncrana &
Letterkenny, via Belfast/Dubrovnik for 7 nights price £579 pps, only 5
places remain, further details contact Marie 9361625 or Paddy 0879277428.
The Plaza Dance Classes, Kids Jiving & Line dancing, every Mon
4.15 - 5.15pm. Morning Line dancing Tues 18th, 10.30-11.30am. Beginners
Line Dancing Wed, 7-8pm. Advanced Line Dancing Wed 8-9pm, Beginners
& Advanced Jiving Wed 9.15 - 10.15pm, €5 per session, tel 0877538317.
Dancing this Sat 15th to Norman Borland and next Sat 22nd to Gary Fitzpatrick,
Dancing 10pm—1am, adm is €7
Beginners 7 week Pilates course starting Mon 17 Sept at 8pm, in Tullyarvan
Mill, Please bring a mat. Cost €75, Beginners Plus course resumes Mon 17 at
7pm, Intermediate Plus resumes Tues 18 Sept, Intermediate resumes Wed 19 at
10am and 7pm. Any questions, tel Claire 086 3811632
Sliabh Sneacht Centre Drumfries
Walking Group Meeting Fri 21st Sept at earlier
time 9.30am at Inch Level Car Park (on Inch side) light refreshments
afterward. Upcoming Courses. Basic IT - 8 weeks. Make-Up courses
Starting 22nd Oct. Baking course, starting 2nd Oct. Donegal Mind Wellness.
Stress Control is a free, Thurs 20th Sept from 7-8.30pm. Craft Fair -
25th Nov. Dance Classes, Wed night from 9 to 10.15pm. The Music Box. Guitar
Lessons and Singing Class Tues. Advanced class from 4 to 7pm. Irish Dancing
Class Wed from 4.30-7pm. Tel 93 61 742.
Dunree Yoga Centre classes commencing Tues 18th Sept at 10.30am (all levels),
8pm (men’s), Thurs 20th Sept at 7pm (beginners), 8.30pm (with experience). Tel
9361817 Fort Dunree or 0868196636 AnnMarie.
Befriending Volunteers Needed for Buncrana and surrounding areas. This role involves
visiting older people in their homes. Full screening and training provided. For
more information contact The Good Morning Service Donegal (ALONE Ireland) on
0749321598 / emma.kennedy@alone.ie”
Men’s Coffee Night open to all men wanting to come and talk to other men
about any issues affecting their lives, being held in the Lily Rose, Main St,
on Thursday’s at 7.00pm..
Ceili Lessons in Cockhill Hall every Thursday 8.30-10pm, Everyone welcome.
Found a sum of money on Main St, contact 0862398140
New to Yoga? New 6-week COMPLETE Beginners YOGA COURSE beginning Thursday
20th of September with Joanne. Class time 7:45-8:45pm in the Tullyarvan Mill.
Tel 086-3631341/E; itsayogilife@gmail.com.
6-week course €40
Buncrana parkrun (5k Walk/Run) every Saturday Morning 9.30am sharp meeting at the Tip
O’Neill statue, Shore front, free entry. Also Buncrana parkwalk every
Saturday , all welcome. Register online at www.parkrun.ie. Coffee
afterwards in the Fishermans Wharf - 10% discount, see you there!
Breedge & John Dance classes, Jive, quickstep, waltz and lots more
for beginners & advance, Mon 17 Sept, Tullyarvan Mill 9-10:15pm & Wed
19 Sliabh Sneacht centre, 9–10:15pm.
Math’s Grinds for LC. H & O, & JC. H, book your place early!
Contact 00447955819451
Get the Grade
English tuition for Junior & Leaving Cert. Tel Mark 086 6655334/ 9322472.
English & History Grinds available for ordinary & higher junior &
leaving certificate levels, tel Leanne on 0834509513.
Maths tutor for honours or pass call 9362444/0872913186.
A special screening of "PAUL, APOSTLE OF CHRIST " will be shown in
The Drummond Hotel Ballykelly on Friday 21st September at 7:30pm. To book
07845686437.
Fahan Presbyterian Church - The John Deere story at Fahan Presbyterian on Sat
22nd Sept at 7.30pm. Free event open to the community. Cookery
Demonstration with guest Chef Ian Orr. Planned for Thurs 25th Oct at
7.30pm in Fahan Presbyterian Church Hall. “These Are My Mountains” Fri 16th
Nov at 7.30pm in Fahan Presbyterian Church Hall. Everyone welcome. Tel 0044
78 1367 3874.
Trócaire is currently recruiting volunteers to support
their fundraising, campaigning and education work in Ireland. If interested
please visit www.trocaire.org/getinvolved/volunteer
or call 02890808030 for more information.
The Joy of Love in Marriage A Marriage Enrichment
Weekend , The next Weekend (residential) will be from 5 to 7 Oct 2018 at
the Dromantine Conference Centre, Newry. For info call +44 770 281 2321
, 02871350612
Buncrana Pantomime Society
were delighted with the turnout to last night’s meeting to recruit a cast for
this years production, we are short a few men and women so we decided to hold a
Final meeting on Wed 19th Sept in Scoil Iosagain @ 8.30pm to see if we can
recruit a few more people, anyone 15 yrs or over or any transition year student
regardless of age may join. Everyone must be in attendance at this meeting. Hope
to see you there
Buncrana medical centre
flu vaccine clinic will start on 27 September until 26th of October Mon to Fri
from 2 to 3 pm.
Buncrana Go-Active AGM on Mon 17th Sept in Lake of Shadows hotel at 8pm,
you can become a member, renew your membership & sign up for activities on
the night. Annual membership fee Sept’ 18 - Sept’19 is €10, further info call
0871417121.
McLaughlin & McLaughlin Funeral Directors, 16 Lower Main St,
Buncrana, Contact 0863086087 or 074 93 63666.
Buncrana ICA monthly meeting, Tue 11thSept, new members welcome, tel 0872675171
The Lunch Box Deli - Home made dinners, sit in or take away, freshly made
trays of sandwiches for all occasions, Open 7am - 7pm, 7 days a week, sit in or
take away, call in your order (074) 9322700
Porter Funeral Directors Meenagorey
Funeral home now available on request in Buncrana and Carndonagh, contact
0872926917/ 0860794820.
Gillespie’s Funeral Services, Tullyarvan, Buncrana.
Contact 0863411814 or 0862863483
Murphy Funeral Directors, Tooban Burnfoot. Tel 074 9360313 or 0868093110 or
0868204245.
Rock Landscaping & Maintenance Lawn care, fencing, paving, tree
surgery, concreting, pillars, wall building, digger work, paint work, power
washing, also hanging baskets & window boxes supplied, Call Ferghal on
0863166244.
Shaun Porter Gardening Grass
cutting, strimming, hedge trimming, weeding & general tidy of your garden.
Certificates in Horticulture. Contact 0863286011 or Facebook Shaun Porter
Gardening.
Inishowen Injury Clinic - Cahir McLaughlin N.M.T. Treatment of Neck, Back, or
Shoulder Pain & Sports Injuries. Call 086 075 3296 or on FB.
Slimming World Every Tues at 9.30am, 11.30am, 5.30pm and 7.30pm in the Inishowen Gateway
Hotel, Men & Women Welcome. Tel 0860848705.
McCleans Cleaning Service carpet upholstery cleaning. window cleaning, all types
of cleaning undertaken, call 086 8480321/9322396.
AA if Alcohol is causing you problems in your life, we have meetings in
Buncrana, Sat 11.30am & Sun 8pm,St Teresa’s Room (behind The Oratory).
Melodies and Memories! Calling all older members of our community. If you’re
looking for somewhere to go for a cuppa, a chat and some craic, and if you
enjoy singing and making music, then come along and join us. Melodies and
Memories is a music group for all older members of society, extending a
particularly warm welcome to anyone living with Alzheimer’s. We meet on Monday
afternoons in St. Cecilia’s College, Bligh’s Lane, 3.30 – 5.30,
and our next session is on 17thSeptember. See you there. Contact details
– 00447561706815.
Artlink, The Potting Shed, Fort Dunree Friday 21st September 6pm - 8pm. Come
along to Artlink's free outdoor Culture Night event and learn about the ancient
art of Raku Ceramics. Everyone welcome, family friendly. Refreshments will be
served.
