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

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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

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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

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Last week’s collection was €4,898, Sincere Thanks

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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)

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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.

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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.”

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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

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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

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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.

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St. Mary’s Hall Manager: Danny Henderson Tel. 9361572

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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

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Community Corner

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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.

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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.

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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.