THE NET | JULY / AUGUST 2020 1

ISSUE 56. JULY / AUGUST 2020 PRICE - £1.50 The NET /€2.00 Sharing fruits of faith in Diocese

See inside...

Bishop Francis Lagan RIP “We look forward with trust. That is what Peter, Paul and Patrick would ask us to do”. (Bishop Donal) Celebrating St Columba – Long Tower

St Pio House – Galliagh Bishop Donal celebrating first public Mass in the Diocese in St Patrick’s Church, Pennyburn.

Holy Family Honoured – JPII Reflections – Malin Confirmation – First Communicants – in focus in People

Oliver Barrett, Leckpatrick Kate McGranaghan – Moran Family – Hollie Frystal – Melmount Fr Columba Jordan CFR

Also featuring: Fan the Flame, End of School Year Diocesan Mass, Search Rosary, DYC recruiting and other Youth News, College and Parish lockdown features, St Francis Men’s Prayer Group, Award for Bishop Donal, Children’s Catechism Club, Irish Page, Features & Quiz. 2 THE NET | JULY / AUGUST 2020 Contents Family and a sense of belonging

CopiesParish of ‘The Net’ will deliveries be available in parishes again after restrictions, as a result of Covid-19, are lifted. are important human experiences Family and a sense of belonging are important human experiences – Bishop Donal...... p2 Bishop Francis Lagan RIP...... p2 Bishop Donal reflects on the Pope’s prayer intentions for July and August... Derry Youth Ministry scholarship...... p2 Our Families. We pray that today’s families Maris, Star of the Sea. A smile, Diocesan ‘End of School’ Year Mass...... p3 a welcome, the chance to pray Bellaghy Confirmation a beautiful sacramental may be accompanied with love, respect and or to attend Mass can be a and child-centred occasion – Mgr Dolan...... p3 guidance (July). St Finlough’s Sistrakeel celebrate sacraments...... p3 significant source of comfort. The Maritime World. We pray for all those Family and a sense of Fan the Flame 2020...... p4-5 who work and live from the sea, among belonging are important human experiences – not just Search brings ‘Light of Christ’ into many homes them sailors, fishermen and their families for sailors. In his July theme during lockdown by Martin McLaughlin...... p5 (August). for prayer, asks us not just to ‘pray for families’ Go forth and spread the Good News THERE was an advertisement prayer topic, I contacted – but to pray that they will by Hollie Frystal...... p6 many years ago for a - a ship’s captain and asked Diocesan youth programme kept me busy be ‘accompanied with love, based removals company. The what challenges sailors face. and hopeful by Hollie Frystal...... p6 respect and guidance’. Families slogan went something like There is bad weather, the come in different forms.Bishop Donal at the 2019 Greencastle Maritime Service. A perfect role model for the young – this – Four-fifths of the world threat of piracy in parts of They often find themselves in We can inspire families to Carlo Acutis soon to be beatified is covered by water. The rest the globe and a strange life can accompany all families, situations that are not of their grow and mature because by Hollie, Peter and Oisin...... p7 is covered by Morgans! The that leaves many sailors far whatever their starting point Youth pilgrimage plans cancelled... own making. There may be we have been given a divine Pope’s Prayer intention in away from their families for might be. Jesus knows that ...but hopes held out for 2021 by Lizzie Rea...... p7 the ideal picture of mum, dad vision of human dignity and August is for those who work long periods of time. They everyone benefits when and children. But, for sailors our interdependence. Our in ships and boats on the four- often miss important family relationships are healthy and Pope John Paul II Award reflections...... p8-9 and others, life is not that bodies are sacred because fifths of the world’s surface that events like births, marriages nourishing. Many people easy. All families deserve to be they are Temples of the Holy Why conversations about ‘Black Lives Matter’ is not land. or funerals. Many – especially have been hurt, when they accompanied with respect. Spirit. Our relationships are belong in the classroom by Deirdre McElholm...... p9 These millions of men and in developing regions – live have lost faith in others or in Grace can be at work in all between sacred people who women transport goods of all tough lives on board, often themselves. They may need Parish youth leader opportunities life circumstances. As we can are destined for eternal life. It sizes around the world – and exploited and even abused by a lot of encouragement to by Yvonne Rooney...... p10 see from how Jesus treated his believe that their life and their is God’s dream and not human New recruits welcome to join DYC...... p10 they trawl the seas to satisfy their employers under threat contemporaries, God takes circumstances could change reprimand that we need to let Happy end to challenging school year our almost insatiable hunger of sanction, long working us where we are. He will want everyone hear. in Newtownstewart...... p10 for seafood. Without those hours and no time off. Many for the better. Coming to belief to move us from where we In these weeks, we will be who work on the waves our suffer marriage breakdown in a God who has belief in us Desertmartin family share lockdown experience...... p11 are. But God does not start coming out of the lockdown. modern world could not exist. due to separation. A lot of men may take time Holy Family honoured in Newtownstewart Oratory...... p11 by telling us we should start We hope and pray that we will That is especially true for us and women pay a high price so Yes, children benefit from somewhere else. He met from growing up in stable not relapse into a second wave. College feature...... p12-15 who live on an island. that we can have the goods and Matthew and Zacchaeus the As we do so, Pope Francis asks Some of my own relations foods that we expect to pick up environments. An excessive tax collectors, the Samaritan us not to be too preoccupied Funds needed to complete St Pio House...... p16 from the Glens of Antrim so casually. emphasis on the rights of the woman and the woman caught with ourselves - and to Fr Columba off on sabbatical...... p16 went to sea – and my mother The has had adult can lead to neglecting in adultery. From every place remember in prayer families lost two cousins who were a long-standing commitment the priority of children’s needs. An Bráthair Searlas and every situation, there is a who may have suffered a lot sailors. There is a very moving and outreach to sailors as they But adults need strong and Irish Section by Fr Oliver Crilly...... p17 graced path that leads to God. because of the virus. And monument in Greencastle, Co arrive in foreign harbours. dependable environments in The heart of God knows where to remember those hidden Celebrating St Columba...... p18-19 Donegal, dedicated to the large The ‘Apostleship of the Sea’ which they too can flourish. we have been – but the Father workers who spend their number of local people who and the Legion of Mary have That is why St Paul addressed Bishop Donal humbled by community service award.p19 also sees what we can become. lives on boats. The fishermen were lost at sea – in war, in the done great work in Irish ports all those connections when Thus, the Pope’s prayer is from Galilee would not want merchant navy and in fishing. through seamen’s hostels, often he wrote to the Church in We look back with gratitude...and look forward with trust that our parish communities Ephesus (Cf Ephesians 5:21- us to forget their modern – Bishop Donal...... p20 When reflecting on thisdedicated to Our Lady, Stella develop big hearts which 6:4). counterparts. The love of Christ urges us on – Bishop Donal...... p20 Parish Feature...... p21-26 Bishop Francis Lagan RIP Even difficult periods are times of grace Derry Youth Ministry – Bishop Donal...... p26 priesthood when he quietly slipped away to his eternal rest St Francis’ Men’s Prayer & Friendship Group...... p2 on the Feast of St Columba. Scholarship Special creation brings joy in time of sadness...... p27 With restrictions on wakes However, all young people on their next stage in life. and funerals due to Covid-19, in senior cycle at school They will gain experience of My faith journey people found alternative ways by Oliver Barrett...... p28 are welcome to apply to be working in a parish and local of paying their last respects to involved in this Diocesan community and it should give The Significance of Eucharistic Miracles Bishop Francis. initiative. them the tools to become by Fr Stephen Quinn OCD...... p29 While some stood socially This is an opportunity for leaders in their own parish distanced outside the A Word of God for your family life the youth department to and communities. Church of the Immaculate accompany senior students If you are in senior cycle at by Fr Johnny Doherty CSsR...... p30 Conception, in Strabane, Get ready to celebrate Season of Creation before they make the school and would like to apply by Patricia McCormack...... p30 during his Requiem Mass transition from school to please contact lizzie.rea@ Prayer for Priests...... p30 celebrated by Bishop Donal, either university or working derrydiocese.org, or message Pope’s Monthly Intentions...... p30 others lined different parts THE youth department of life. any of the Derry Youth of the route of his funeral the Derry Diocese is excited Through their experience of Ministry social media pages. Children’s Catechism Club – C3 cortege from the Co Tyrone by Veronica Harley...... p31 to announce a new upcoming the scholarship, it is hoped that town, where he had resided Quiz Time with Lawrence...... p31 project called the Derry Youth they will become more formed THE news that - for almost all of his Episcopal Ministry Scholarship. in their faith, gain leadership born, Bishop Francis Lagan The ministry of ministry, to his final resting The Scholarship is a new and team building skills, had died in the early hours place in the cemetery of opportunity for students develop important life skills, of June 9, saddened the many The NET his home parish in Glen, in senior school to come have an active involvement in people whose lives had been was dedicated to Our Maghera. on board with the youth social justice projects within Sharing the fruits of the faith in the Derry Diocese touched by his gentle ministry Lady, through the Bishop Francis is survived department for the year. their communities, and gain a over the years. by his sisters, Tillie McVeigh The vision of the scholarship qualification in youth ministry intercession of The 85-year-old, who had Contacting us: and Mary Cassidy and his is to encourage young people (Level 2). St Maximilian Kolbe, in a If you have a story that you would like to share or an event you served as brother, Brian. would like covered by The Net, just drop an email to to continue their active work The Scholarship will help to ceremony celebrated by of the Derry Diocese from A fuller tribute to Bishop [email protected] in faith and community after empower the young people Bishop Donal McKeown 1988-2010, was approaching Francis will be included in the or ring/text 07809292852 the Pope John Paul Award. as they prepare to embark on August 14, 2019. the 60th anniversary of his next edition of ‘The Net’. THE NET | JULY / AUGUST 2020 3 Celebrating End of School Year Diocesan Mass, Fr Paul Farren reassured young people and urged them to... Never let a day pass without talking to Jesus in prayer SCHOOL communities across about the Gospel reading, which confidence in you that you will get the Diocese were invited to gather told of the experience of the through this difficult time.” online for the celebration of the disciples in a boat that was being Praying in thanksgiving for the End of School Year Mass in St tossed about in a storm, while young people, their parents and Eugene’s Cathedral by Fr Paul Jesus slept. teachers, Fr Paul added: “We pray Farren, director of the Diocesan “They were afraid they were that you will have a wonderful Catechetical Centre. going to die during such a storm, summer and that you will feel free With a special mention for but Jesus was sleeping”, remarked and not burdened by work in the pupils leaving either primary/ Fr Paul, asking: “What do you summer months, and that you will national or post primary schools, need for a good sound sleep? You always believe that Jesus believes Fr Paul said: “You are finishing in need not to be worried. We want in you and that He feels safe being a very different way than normal. to feel secure when we go to sleep. part of your life. Diocesan End Year School Mass You have not been in school for a Well, Jesus felt secure. “Never let a day pass without few months and have been home “In some sense, the world is our talking to Jesus in prayer, so you schooling. It is a very strange and boat to take us where we need to will know that there is somebody difficult time, with different ways be; with Jesus. Sometimes it is very there who will save us, who trusts of doing things.” difficult, like now when we have us and believes in us. It is extremely Noting that the schools had this coronavirus that has stopped important that you remember that written special prayers for the world. But Jesus is with us. He Jesus is asleep in your boat and the occasion, which had been has no worries about being with will awake to help you in whatever presented in a book that lay in us. difficulty you may face.” front of the altar, along with the “No matter what age you are, End of school Masses were also colourful quilt displaying all the or what school you are finishing, celebrated in various parishes, school crests, Fr Paul went on to Jesus trusts in you and knows you some watched only online before pray for God’s blessing upon all have gifts and talents to stay close restrictions were eased, with the young people, and to thank to Him always. He believes in you special efforts made by staff to God for their gifts and talents, and no matter what result you get in mark the occasion for their pupils for the gift of education. any test. What matters is that Jesus who were leaving. Fr Paul Farren, Anne-Marie Hickey, soloist, and Michael Mullan, who took part in the Liturgy for the Diocesan End of In his homily, he spoke to them believes in you and has complete Year Mass in St Eugene’s St Finlough’s Sistrakeel pupils celebrate First Communion and Confirmation

Mgr Bryan McCanny, PP Limavady, and Fr Paddy Baker with the St Finlough’s PS children who received the Sacrament of Confirmation in Christ The King Church. The children of St Finlough’s PS, Sistrakeel, who celebrated their First Holy Communion in Christ The King Church, Limavady, with Fr Paddy Baker. THE re-opening of churches in Christ the King Church, Mrs McCafferty also paid tribute for public celebration of the Limavady, and principal, Mrs to Mgr McCanny and Fr Baker, sacraments was marked by the Suzann McCafferty found that the who celebrated both Masses, “for Bellaghy Confirmation a beautiful school community of St Finlough’s, smaller congregation “allowed the all their help, support, guidance Sistrakeel, in the Limavady Parish, focus to be on the sacraments and and prayer to make the day so with the celebration of First Holy the children”. special for the children and their sacramental and child-centred occasion Communion and Confirmation, “It was an intimate and personal parents”. 26 pupils of St Mary’s Primary Andy said: “The children seemed on Friday, July 3. celebration,” she remarked, Thanking Mrs Morrison, School, Bellaghy, 16 pupils of less distracted by having less While Fr Paddy Baker, CC, adding: “I was so proud of Miss Herron and Mr Duffy New Row PS, , and people around them, and I think ministered to the children each and every child today. for preparing their classes, the 15 pupils of St John Bosco PS, parents felt the children were receiving their First Holy The children were a credit to musically-talented principal Ballynease, over two ceremonies more at ease too. It became both Communion, the parish priest, the school, their families and said that it had been a pleasure in St Mary’s Church. a sacramental and child-centred Mgr Bryan McCanny celebrated themselves. Their behaviour was providing the music for the Commenting on this year’s occasion”. the Sacrament of Confirmation. exemplary, with all displaying celebrations. Confirmation ceremonies, Mgr Both ceremonies were held great reverence and respect”.

THE re-opening of churches for public ceremonies, as the Covid-19 restrictions were further eased, has ended the long wait for children who were preparing for their First Holy Communion and Confirmation. Within the first week, Bellaghy parish priest, Mgr Andy Dolan VG was delighted to confirm 4 THE NET | JULY / AUGUST 2020 God is alive and active even when our plans don’t work out – Bishop Donal

“IN your lives, you are writing a at home on the theme of the and said little or nothing. All they to be a hero with my life’, ‘I believe story that will be told and talked Beatitudes and your names are all have to offer is entertainment so as that happiness comes for me - and about for decades to come. Be here in a book at the foot of the they can get your money! for others - by having the values proud of the story you are living, altar”. “Real heroes have shone out of the Beatitudes, not from greed not angry at it,” Bishop Donal Saying that they could “look during this pandemic: Health and grabbing all I can’, and ‘I want told the Year7/Sixth Class pupils back on today and lament what Service workers; post officeto stick by those values even when from primary schools around the you didn’t have”, Bishop Donal workers; shop assistants; and people abuse you and persecute Diocese, who were watching him told them, encouragingly: “People delivery drivers. Real stars are you and speak all kinds of calumny celebrate the 2020 ‘Fan the Flame’ of faith look for what gifts you people of courage, generosity, and against you’.” Mass via the St Eugene’s Cathedral do have. You will be the only self-sacrifice. “Confirmation,” he added, “is the webcam. generation to look back and be able “Entertainment is pleasant, but is day when you are asked to choose Recalling the very different ‘Fan to say you knew what it was like to of little value when you are faced - What do I want to live for? What the Flame’ scene at Celtic Park be leaving school in the pandemic. with illness or loss or people letting am I prepared to die for? each year, with banners, t-shirts, “There will be books written, you down.” “Wisdom, understanding, caps and lots of music, to celebrate songs sung and films made about Bishop Donal noted that the knowledge, courage, wonder and the young people having received this generation. In your lives you Gospel message for the Mass, in awe in God’s presence, etc, are the the Sacrament of Confirmation, are writing a story that will be told the story of The Beatitudes, said the gifts you are offered this year. You the bishop remarked: “Today, you and talked about for decades to same thing: “Blessed are the gentle, have to choose whether you want are at home, many of you have not come. Be proud of the story that peacemakers, the poor in spirit, them and whether you want to fan been confirmed, all of you cannot you are living, not angry at it. God the merciful. Happy are those who them into a flame.” have your various end of year/ is alive and active, even when our hunger and thirst for justice, and Bishop Donal went on to promise school celebrations, and you are plans don’t work out.” those who mourn.” those children who have not yet not quite sure how next year will He went on to talk to them Pointing out that Confirmation been confirmed that everything s t a r t ”. about how young people grow up was not just something to mark the will be done to make it possible for “But”, he added, commending the believing that there are celebrities end of primary/national school, he them to receive the powerful gifts youngsters for their positivity: “lots they should follow and imitate, said: “It is a gift from God for those of the Holy Spirit as soon as that is of you have done your decoration saying: “Most of them have done who say, ‘I want to make the choice possible. Bishop Donal at the 2018 Fan the Flame ceremony.

A very different but no less special Fan the Flame 2020 by Thérèse Ferry - The Beatitudes - and shared placed on the steps of the altar Communion, thanking God for marked a very special time in the with schools. The children were of St Eugene’s Cathedral, and the gift of the young people and lives of young people throughout encouraged to design T-shirts, Reflection Journals from Katie in all who had helped them during the Diocese. The response to complete Reflection Journals and Strabane, Eoghan in Carndonagh, their time at primary school. the Mass was wonderful, with Memory Bottles and, in the week Sarah in Desertmartin, Grace in Willie, one of our seminarians so many families joining online leading up to the Mass, memories Faughanvale, and Shara in Derry and myself, were left to and praying together for these of previous ‘Fan the Flame’ Masses (completed in Irish) as well as accompany Anne Marie’s singing wonderful young people, so many were shared on social media and a Memory Bottle completed by of a ‘Fan the Flame’ ‘favourite’, of whom wore their T-shirts as websites. Brooke in , were placed ‘He’s Got the Whole World in His they watched from their homes. Faughanvale Primary School, on a table at the foot of the altar. Hands’. We did the actions - the (The resources and videos under the direction of Naoimh The music warm-up has always less said the better! mentioned can be viewed at www. Moore, prepared an amazing been an important part of the A very different Fan the Flame catecheticalcentre.org) virtual video of ‘He’s Got the Mass in Celtic Park and Anne Mass this year, but one that Therese at a previous Fan the Flame ceremony in Celtic Park. Whole World in His Hands’. The Marie Hickey, accompanied by youth of the diocese always play Aidan Watkins, carried on that PREPARATIONS for the leaving primary school would a vital role in the ‘Fan the Flame tradition, by encouraging the annual Diocesan ‘Fan the Flame’ not be in Celtic Park this year and Mass’, so our Youth Department young people to sing along to the Mass start for the Catechetical so many of the children, due to worked with four young people, hymns from home. Centre each year in August. attend, would not have received one from each of the diocesan As Anne Marie sang the ‘Fan As we prepare to send out our the sacrament of Confirmation. deaneries, and they created a the Flame Anthem’, Bishop September information leaflet At a Catechetical Centre team special video message for all the McKeown carried forward a book to schools and parishes, a date is meeting, we discussed how Year 7s and 6th Class pupils. containing the names of all the confirmed with both Celtic Park we could still have a ‘Fan the Music for the video was provided diocesan primary schools, their and Bishop McKeown! This year, Flame’ Mass via the webcam by primary school pupils, Grace, parishes and, very importantly, June 4 had been booked, schools and Facebook Live page at St Isabella and Aoife. They sang the the names of all the Year 7/6th informed, and Year 7 and 6th Eugene’s Cathedral, and engage Psalm, ‘Set your Heart on the Class pupils. He also read a Class pupils were already looking the schools, young people, their Higher Gifts’, which is the Psalm beautiful Holy Spirit prayer, forward to the occasion. However, families and the wider diocesan used at the Mass each year. written by Aileen, a Y7 pupil at Covid-19 and lockdown arrived, community. On the day of the Mass, the St Mary’s PS, Ballinascreen, and I Fr Paul Farren, director of the Diocesan Catechetical Centre, and Mary and it soon became very clear that Resources were developed Diocesan Schools’ quilt was led a reflection, after the Spiritual the 14th annual Mass for those based on the Gospel of the day O’Boyle at Fan the Flame 2018. THE NET | JULY / AUGUST 2020 5 One family who joined in the ‘Fan the Flame’ celebration were the McGranaghans from Strabane. Here Yvonne, a teacher at St Catherine’s Primary School and mammy to Kate in Year 7, shares their experience... Feeling hopeful after ‘Fan the Flame’ ceremony by Yvonne McGranaghan

AS a Religious Coordinator at memorable events in the final during this time. The resources table as Kate designed her ‘Fan might bring. It was an experience St Catherine’s Primary School, term of her much loved Primary that they have shared enabled us, the Flame’ t-shirt; a very different that left us feeling hopeful, and Prayer by in Strabane, I have always been School. and the parents of children in our experience for her, I imagine, allowed her daddy and I to reflect involved in the preparation for For us, it was also important that school, to continue to support than sitting with her friends in on how far she has come and that Aileen for Fan the ‘Fan the Flame’ Mass. I have we supported our children’s faith their child’s faith formation. We her classroom sharing ideas and the girl we have in our lives is worked alongside the Year Seven at home, that our faith continued have been painting, meditating, compliments. However, it gave someone who is resilient, hopeful the Flame Mass Team, disseminating information to be an important part of our praying, making May altars and us an opportunity to remember and who knows that Jesus is about resources, dates, times and lives and that our family kept even baking cakes for the month her Confirmation Day; how we always by her side. Bless me with knowledge to arrangements for the big day in close to God. Luckily, webcam is of May. celebrated as a family and to talk On the morning of the ‘Fan the know what is right and what the Celtic Park GAA Stadium. out there. We have enjoyed the The staff at the Centre about what it means to fan the Flame Mass’ there was no bus is wrong, It has always been a day that many webcam Masses around our also ensured that our Year 7 flame of the Holy Spirit in our trip, no huge, excited crowds of Strength to stand up and be our Year Sevens have anticipated diocese and other dioceses in the children did not miss out on lives. children waving banners. Instead, strong, with joy and excitement. Every country. We also come together the preparation for the ‘Fan the Kate also filled in a reflective I had a daughter who proudly Courage to follow God’s ways, member of staff who has attended at the end of each day as a family Flame’ Mass this year. As a parent, journal in which she thought wore her t-shirt down the stairs Reverence to worship and pray, the ‘Fan the Flame’ Mass over the to say a prayer and encourage our I was delighted to find out that about her memories of school, that morning with a smile on years has loved being part of the children to think about something the Mass, albeit in a different way, her hopes for the future and her her face and hope in her heart. Holy Spirit to enlighten and experience, and recognised how they want to thank God for. would be celebrated by Bishop relationship with Jesus. I loved We lit a candle and as a family guide me, special a day it is for everyone The Catechetical Centre, in McKeown on Thursday, June 4 in listening to her talk her way came together in God’s gentle Guidance to feel God’s presence involved. The joy and happiness Derry, has been inspirational in St Eugene’s Cathedral via webcam. through what she was thinking presence to listen to the words of beside me, on our pupils’ faces in past supporting the faith of our family As part of the preparation for about writing and reflecting on Bishop Keown, as he related the And wonder and peacefulness photographs says it all. and many families in our school the Mass, we sat at our kitchen her school life and what the future Beatitudes to life today. When I am in the presence of I am also the mum of two When Kate reflected on his God. children; Kate, who is 11 and words after the Mass, she wrote: Amen Aodhan who is 9. When I thought “You can be God’s love by being of ‘Fan the Flame’ this year, as a kind, helpful, generous and parent, it was with a huge smile on courageous...choose the right my face as a I knew how much Kate hero, someone who is helping us would love the whole experience through this difficult time. I can of this wonderful, spiritual open- be a hero in my life by doing what air occasion. So, when Covid-19 is right and helping others”. closed our schools, I could not On the back of her t-shirt when help but feel disappointed that she was designing it, she wrote the this truly uplifting experience was words...“Be the Change”. one Kate would miss out on. These words continue to Throughout this pandemic we, resonate with me, as I watch her as a family, have talked about the grow. I hope, as we continue to changes that have occurred and guide her and encourage her faith, tried to find the silver lining in that Kate will Fan the Flame of the our everyday lives to overcome Holy Spirit and be the change in those disappointments, especially small ways that bring kindness for Kate, who would miss many Kate enjoying watching Fan the Flame Mass and wearing her home-designed Fan the Flame t-shirt. and God’s love into the world. Celebrating 35 years as a youth faith group in Derry during lockdown... Search brings ‘Light of Christ’ into many homes in Diocese and beyond by Martin McLaughlin ST Patrick’s Day was announced But God was not to be defeated so offering programmes weekly to of good values and morals. We have been well supported with or without the virus, this will ‘Cancelled’; the virus had taken easily. children and young people, aged However, the virus sadly put by quite a few of our clergy in continue. its toll. Little did we realise that Prior to this, social media was 6-18 years, throughout the year. most of these activities on hold spreading the beauty of the Holy We have made the best of Zoom our way of life all over the world deemed to be highly risky to the We make no apology for our and, like others, we had to close Rosary. to connect with a big percentage of was about to experience an moral welfare of our children identity as a Catholic Christian our premises. But, we did not Thanks to the electronic our Friday Night Club members unprecedented change. Cities and even our adults. Nothing is youth group, where we endeavour surrender to it. Right from day experts in our group, we have each week, and use this tool as and countries were closing down, impossible to God, however, and throughout all our programs one of the lockdown, we have also put together a beautiful handing- a way of keeping their focus on all the things that we thought suddenly social media became a to proclaim the message of the been hijacking the social media; on of ‘The Light of Christ’ in a staying upbeat. With God on our we couldn’t do without, were no positive channel in feeding the Gospels. We provide free tutoring using Facebook to pray a decade small symbolic candle gesture to side, who can be against us? This, longer available to us. hunger of our Catholic people. to both secondary and primary of the Rosary live, a scripture many of our homes throughout too, will pass and, hopefully, very A new dawn on March 18 Masses were being screened children, and our Friday Night reading and a short reflection, the above mentioned areas; all soon we will be up and running brought a deeper realisation that live on Webcams, Rosaries were Club attracts a regular weekly ending with a relevant uplifting of this through social media. In to full capacity again. But in the this was a serious issue. Businesses, being broadcast nearly every hour attendance of over 65 teenagers. song or hymn. This has allowed ‘The Light of Christ’ exercise, meantime, thank God for social shops and schools were closing, in different church locations, the All of these activities are geared us to keep in contact with our over 8,000 viewers enjoyed the media. He did promise us that sporting fixtures were cancelled Blessed Sacrament was being towards raising self esteem young people. What started off as privilege of praying with us on He can turn everything bad into and, the unthinkable, chapels and exposed endlessly on many amongst our young people, a group exercise in promoting our Facebook. It is our hope that, good. churches were closing. Lockdown iPhone, Laptop, iPad and Tablet with a very specific emphasis on Mother Mary, has now expanded Our centre will reopen had arrived and people were screens, and multitudes of people promoting our faith in Christ. to different families throughout soon. If you have children or forced to isolate in their own were tuning in to the various At this time of year, for the past the country looking to participate grandchildren whom you want homes for unknown timescales. opportunities to demonstrate 20 years, we would normally be in this beautiful reflective 15-20 nurtured in our faith, check out In every other situation of their need to pray in order to preparing to facilitate a faith- minutes each night. our Derry Search Youth Group turmoil, the solution was always squash this deadly coronavirus. based summer scheme for To date, we have managed over page for upcoming events. to turn to God; rush to the Derry Search Youth Group primary school children. We 90 consecutive nights of this Church, light a candle, say a has been on the go for 35 years are also due to have one of our prayer led from homes in Derry, Rosary, attend Mass, and pray to this year, facilitating various biannual residential retreats in , Strabane, , God to intervene. Not in this case, needs among our young people. July, accommodating up to 70 , and Belfast, and for the virus had succeeded in Operating from our own rented adolescent young people, which is the good news is that we are closing down the houses of God. accommodation, we have been geared towards greater awareness getting 600-2,000 views per night. 6 THE NET | JULY / AUGUST 2020 In a move to develop youth content,‘The Net’ welcomes three young people from we had missed a lot in relation response on the call for volunteers like I speak for many when I say different parts of the Diocese as regular contributors to the youth section. Hollie to the rest of Lent and the Easter and that it is a busy operation to that it is a gift from God that will feasts and celebrations. However, ensure the highest level of safety is ensure and support a brighter Frystal is from Melmount, in the Co Tyrone Deanery, while Peter Grant lives in Muff, thank God we have technology! put into action. future for our Church. in the Inishowen Deanery, and Oisin Mulhern, is a parishioner, in the Co For, at least, we were able to Volunteers are on the go I want to thank all the volunteers Derry Deanery. It is hoped to include a contributor from the Derry City Deanery in witness the Paschal Mystery regularly; deep cleaning the for offering their help on the this team of young reporters too, and that, together, they can add to all the positive within the stories of Holy Week. churches throughout the day return to public Masses and youth news contributed by the energetic Diocesan Youth Team. As Jesus taught us, ‘When two or between Mass times, services, services. Also, to all the people three are gathered in my name, and private prayer. So far in most and teams that have worked hard I am there.’ (Matthew 18:20). parishes, safety restrictions have with their online programs to Through His teaching, I felt like been installed and the doors have ensure everyone still had access no matter where we were, we were been opened for public Mass. So to watching Masses and services, together through prayer. many were waiting for that day as well as faith-based programs Phase Three is now. The call since lockdown in March, and that have made young people’s for volunteers! On Monday, June everyone I have talked to have spare time valuable. As well, I 29, the first public gatherings for said that they were delighted to would like to express appreciation Mass since March took place. The hear such great news! for the daily parish online prayer youth, including participants of As a result of the lockdown and programs that gave people hope the Pope John Paul II Award, are transition back into parish life, and a sense of comfort, in such being called to serve their parishes I, and so many, believe that we fearful and possibly lonely times. in these very important times, by have achieved so much online as cleaning, stewarding, setting up well. It is said that many people a welcome team, helping with have engaged with the online Church decor, offering to read at programs, especially the youth. Hollie Frystal, Co Tyrone Deanery Peter Grant, Inishowen Deanery. Oisin Mulhern, Co Derry Deanery.j Mass, be a Eucharistic Minister or We cannot let this new ministry help their parish with their online go! It is new, rich, and fitting in webcams and websites, etc. Jesus today’s world. It is appealing and is calling us to serve Him and His relatable to young people. It may The return to public Mass... Church every day, but now more also reach out to youth who might than ever our help is needed on not be in the best environment the return to parish life. in terms of faith, and they need Go forth and spread the Good I was delighted to talk to some courage and support to motivate people who have been involved in them on. the process of getting the Chapels I believe that our ‘traditional’ News by Hollie Frystal prepared for public worship. They ministry and our ‘new’ ministry told me that they had a great must go together, because I feel I am 17 and a parishioner of Patrick’s Day vigil and my ’s present at Holy Mass. St Mary’s, Melmount Parish, ‘Month’s Mind’. There was a wave Phase Two was at the beginning Strabane. Following the news of sadness in so many ways. It was of May, when places of worship on Thursday, June 25, we were my granny’s Month’s Mind but could reopen for individual delighted that our churches can also it was the stripping away of prayer. I know that this had a reopen for Mass and religious the traditional right and obligation huge impact on parishioners, services. Like so many people, I to go to Sunday Mass, and other and not long before that the never thought three months ago sacramental ceremonies, from cemeteries were reopened after that we would be now saying March 17 onwards. That is how I a short period of closure, which that we are preparing for the slow knew things, obviously in relation also brought some peace and return to church gatherings. to Covid-19, was serious. consolation. Parishes around the I remember on March 16, Phase One was the complete Diocese had installed Covid-19 2020, it was my last Mass before lockdown of Church buildings safety restrictions, where every lockdown. I had caught onto the and Mass/funeral services were other seat was closed off and forthcoming lockdown gradually, broadcasted live from parish hand sanitizers and wipes were due to empty Holy Water fonts webcams. It was so strange. I at the front doors and exits. It was and only being allowed to receive believe that I speak for everyone such an unusual setting, but it has Holy Communion in your hands when I say that I missed receiving gradually become the norm. not the tongue. It was the St the Blessed Sacrament and being During these devastating times, Diocesan youth programme kept me busy and hopeful during lockdown by Hollie Frystal as the mystery guest. ‘Takeover occasions and I have learnt that My participation in ‘The Story faith with the support of these program to anyone because Thursday’ involved finding ways ‘light’ is also found in service. of Our Lady of Lourdes’ drama activities. it gives people a platform to to ‘Be the light’ in our society Additionally, I have also was also a great chance to put The Derry youth programme ask questions and to try and and how to discover the ‘lumen participated in LIVE Facebook myself in St Bernadette’s shoes. included so much other activities understand things that they had Christi’ in today’s world. dramas, such as ‘Prayers around For instance, trying to understand too. The Alpha course program trouble with before. One out of three tasks which the Cross’ on Good Friday and how she felt in contrast with the was launched and I am currently I want to thank the Derry I prepared involved drawing/ ‘The Story of Lourdes’ for the confused crowd. In relation to taking part in this every Sunday Youth Team for these fantastic painting or taking a photo of month of Mary. My involvement today, we are also experiencing evening. This is a course for online programmes because they something that signifies ‘new life’ in the Good Friday drama struck pain and fear, as well as confusion; Christians which aims to help have not only helped me grow and hope. This practice of faith me through the role which I the fear of getting ill and the us explore the big questions in my faith, but they have also was aimed at finding the positive was given to perform. I was confusion of not knowing much of life. I am really enjoying kept me busy and hopeful since amongst the pandemic; that we performing the role of the soldier about the virus. However, what my participation so far in the lockdown began. My engagement are all precious in God’s eyes and who had nailed the sign (INRI) I have learnt from St Bernadette program. It is very interesting, with the activities and events that we must acknowledge Jesus’ of mockery onto the cross above is her persistent prayer and trust especially hearing other people’s supported my commitment to work at hand. Jesus for all to see. in Our Lady, which has further opinions and answers to tricky my faith when, for a time, I could This helped me realize that, in In the Passion drama, there was encouraged me to pray and trust questions. Alpha has kept me not physically attend Mass and DURING lockdown, I have comparison to the present global a wave of sadness and guilt which God that everything will turn out occupied during lockdown by go on pilgrimages, etc. I highly been engaging with the Derry devastation, my family and I are I felt helped me to grow in my to be okay. raising my curiosity, watching encourage anyone who has not Diocesan Youth online Instagram doing okay, and therefore, I have understanding of Jesus’ walk to Overall, the LIVE dramas have Alpha videos, hearing other yet participated to give the online channel through various tasks discovered the ‘light’ amongst Calvary. It has also encouraged continued to keep me busy and people’s experiences, having fun programmes a go. I can promise and events. In the first week, we the ‘dark’. I also have been able me to be a better witness to the committed to the faith since in the debates, and meeting new you that you will enjoy engaging had the theme - ‘Be the light’, to identify the ‘light of Christ’ life, death, and resurrection of lockdown began, and I have people. with the various activities and the were I led ‘Takeover Thursday’ in today’s world on so many Jesus. had more time to reflect on my I would recommend the Alpha online Alpha course. THE NET | JULY / AUGUST 2020 7 A perfect role model for the young - Carlo Acutis soon to be beatified by Peter, Hollie and Oisin CARLO Acutis was an Italian began their missions of spreading Brazilian boy, with his family and Catholic teenager who was born the Word of God to people across the local parish priest, prayed a on May 3, 1991 in London. His the world, in different countries. novena for the intercession of family were Italian and after his His website grew very popular Carlo Acutis. Within three days, birth they returned to Milan, among young teens like him the boy claimed - for the first where Carlo would spend his across the globe, as he managed time in a long time - that he was childhood and teenage years. He to make it a multi-language site, “hungry”. He ate solid foods and and his family were very religious where everyone could access proved to be completely healed. people, who attended Mass his website and understand the This miracle attributed to Carlo frequently and Rosary services teachings of Jesus and God. has encouraged his road to too; devoting their lives to God. In his own words, Carlo said: sainthood because of the divine Throughout his life, Carlo “The more Eucharist we receive, intervention performed in his showed a great devotion to both the more we will become like name. Furthermore, Carlo’s body God and the Eucharist. He often Jesus, so that on this earth we will was found incorrupt on January prayed Rosaries to Mary and, have a foretaste of Heaven.” 23, 2019; a common sign of an after his First Communion, He was greatly recognised by extraordinary person who lived became a frequent visitor to the ministry across the globe and the a dedicated life to Christ, like St church, always attempting to go Vatican City, with Pope Benedict Bernadette Soubirous whom he to confession and praying in front XVI offering him support during had great devotion to. of the tabernacle. his diagnosis of leukaemia. On On October 10 this year, Carlo At school, some of his friends October 12, 2006, Carlo died will be beatified by Pope Francis, and classmates would often be shortly after being diagnosed with receiving the title, ‘Blessed’, bullied for being disabled and promyelocytic leukaemia. It was which is the last stage before Carlo defended their rights and said that the 15-year-old boy died canonisation. Carlo Acutis stood up to the bullies. He became with a content face and a peaceful Relatable popular in his school for showing smile, indicating the sensation of For young people today, Carlo Carlo is simply a perfect role we can too. less fortunate than ourselves. his kindness and understanding a fulfilled life dedicated to Christ. is most definitely relatable model for young people today. Like most of us these days, Carlos had an unwavering to others. He played sports but Carlo told his parents: “I offer and interesting. He is modern He demonstrates the fact that Carlos was also into technology, devotion to God. He faced his had a passion and talent for what I have to suffer to the Lord, and very normal as a teenager. young people can do great things. he created; short animations on illness with great strength and all computers. for the Pope and for the Church, He played video games, the He shows us that it is possible to computer, a database to document this at only 15 years of age. He has Unfortunately, Carlo was to skip purgatory and go straight saxophone, and sports. However, have a relationship with Christ miracles of the Eucharist and he shown that having faith enables diagnosed with leukaemia at a to Heaven.” his use of technology was most and that we can spread the word loved playing the Play Station. us to face difficulties head on. He young age. But that didn’t stop These are striking words unique and clever because he used of God in today’s world by using The difference is, he limited video was an average young boy, who him from following up his love of from such a young boy. Carlo the internet as a way of spreading our God-given gifts and talents. games to one hour per week liked to have fun, had friends travelling, and his favourite place acknowledged Christ’s promise the Gospel. He teaches us to be ‘original’ not as he realised this can become and enjoyed himself, but also to visit was Assisi. However, when for salvation through service, Through his website ‘The a ‘photocopy’. all-consuming, impacting us kept God close to his heart. We, his leukaemia got worse, it did devotion, and suffering. Eucharistic Miracles’, he has He lived his life according to in negative ways. He, instead, too, can do this; we can still lead prevent him from travelling. The calls for Carlo Acutis to archived all the recognised God’s Word, however, he also preferred to use his expertise in a normal life and enjoy the grace When he was 11, he wanted become a saint resulted in him miracles that have ever occurred faced struggles like any 15-year- this field to spread the Gospel. of God within in it. All we need is to spread his faith to others like being named a ‘Servant of God’ in in relation to the Eucharist. As old. He struggled with over Many of us can identify with the faith and a relationship with God. the apostles did, whenever they 2013, which is the first stage on the young people, we can learn from indulging in food, talking in class, overuse of technology nowadays We, too, can be great in our own witnessed Jesus perform miracles road to sainthood. Additionally, Carlo by having the Blessed being the classroom joker and, and could aspire to be more like small ways! to show that the Kingdom of God with further investigation Sacrament in the centre of our like many, he also had a temper. Carlos; limit our time online and was real. So, Carlo wondered from the Congregation for the lives. Nonetheless, Carlos was aware of use it wisely to help others. how he could do such a thing Causes of Saints, he was declared Rebekah from Strabane, who these flaws and focused hard to As a young teenager, he helped (Hollie Frystal, Peter Grant in the modern world of today ‘Venerable’ by Pope Francis on the is 16, said: “It is clear to see that, improve, sometimes failing but the homeless, defended those and Oisin Mulhern are teenagers and then he thought of a mind- July 5, 2018. from a young age, Carlo knew always trying again. This, in itself, who were bullied and had a from the Diocesan Deaneries of blowing idea that would attract Medical experts confirmed a what he wanted to do and that is inspirational; the fact that he special place in his heart for those Tyrone, Inishowen and Co Derry, people, especially teenagers, to the miracle attributed to Carlo on was to have a relationship with was just like the rest of us but was of different ethnicities within respectively, who will be regular Catholic Church and give them a November 14, 2019. The miracle Jesus. He was born to stand out.” extremely motivated to continue his home country. His faith in contributors to the youth section in better understanding of it. He involved a very ill, 11-year-old Erin, who is 12 and also from improving. It shows us that God helped him to realise that as ‘The Net’ each month. It is hoped created a website of ‘Eucharistic Brazilian boy, who had gravely Strabane, said of Carlo: “He wasn’t making mistakes is part of who young people we are not here to that a young contributor from the Miracles’ that showed the miracles suffered a rare congenital disease afraid to die because he knew he we are, the challenge is working follow the crowd, we are here to Derry City Deanery will join the Jesus had performed, and the of the pancreas which prevented was going to meet all the people to improve and better ourselves use our gifts, to stand up and be team for the next edition). stories of Saints and how they him from eating solid foods. The he loved in Heaven.” like Carlos did. If he could do it, counted, and help those who are Youth pilgrimage plans cancelled...but hopes held out for 2021 by Lizzie Rea THE youth department of the something that we, in the youth this form of engagement after would not be possible without our Derry Diocesan Catechetical department, are sorry we will not lockdown ends. parish volunteers and the young Centre had lots of great plans be able to give the young people Part of the online programme people who continue to engage at the start of this year that have this year. now includes a Youth Alpha and amaze us in how they are been totally turned upside down But enough on what we can’t programme. Alpha is a film series coping during this pandemic. due to Covid-19. Some of the do, what we have been doing, and that explores questions of faith We are hopeful that, as the things we had planned were to continue to do, during lockdown and important life questions. We churches reopen, the students go on pilgrimage to Medjugorje, is to try and build connections have 50 young people signed up doing their Pope John Paul II Croagh Patrick and Lough Derg. and engage in conversation for the programme and will run it Award will be able to return to A group of 25 young people with the young people of Derry weekly until the end of July. the church and help in any way had signed up to go to the youth Diocese. We are delighted that young they can. We are positive that the festival at the beginning of August Throughout lockdown wepeople from all around the young people in the diocese will in Medjugorje. We are extremely have had an ongoing online diocese can come together online rise to the challenge. disappointed that we will not programme, which has included and talk about difficult questions We aim to continue to plan be able to go. The excitement, reflections and challenges. We and how they are feeling during ahead amidst all the uncertainty, community and relationships have loved doing the online lockdown. and hope to offer a pilgrimage we can make on pilgrimage is programme and hope to continue The work that we are doing next year, if this is possible. Lizzie Rea, Diocesan Youth co-ordinator. 8 THE NET | JULY / AUGUST 2020 Instead of letting the virus defeat my participation in JPII Award, I Online youth upped my game! in the life of St Patrick’s Church. Mass. I have now read at Mass and other ways of obtaining my hours programme keeping Thanks to this Award, these lifted the collection, and I feel it for the Award. These included skills have seen a considerable has been a valuable experience. It tuning into Mass every Saturday, improvement overall, especially also enables people to see that the completing Novenas and even JPII my public speaking skills. Before young can engage actively in the taking part in a virtual Lough beginning the Award, I rarely, church and are welcomed fully. Derg pilgrimage, which required if ever, was comfortable talking We have attended regular me to stay up all night. I also participant connected in front of large crowds but meetings with Marion, who participate in the Divine Mercy going on ‘FaceTime walks’ with this programme allowed me to leads the award. She has been and Rosary on a daily basis. my friends every day. Walking tackle this aversion head on, by extremely supportive of everyone Instead of letting this virus defeat my Springer Spaniel, Barney has doing tasks such as reading at participating; encouraging and my participation in the Award, I definitely helped my fitness too! Mass, which brought me centre guiding us all, and she has also have in fact upped my game. Ever As quite an organised person, Oisin Mulhern, Dungiven. stage to read to everyone. My helped us develop our confidence. since the lockdown began, I have I’ve been keeping up-to-date on confidence has been boosted However, after St Patrick’s Day been taking part in these activities online learning. Participating in HELLO. My name is Oisin substantially. I have socialised 2020, went into lockdown and I am not willing to stop Mulhern. I am 17 years old and for the weekly Derry Youth tasks has in wider circles by meeting new and attending Mass in person was anytime soon. I am aiming for the contributed to my parish hours the past few months I have been a people and have also been able ruled out due to the restrictions. highest Award possible; namely part of the Pope John Paul Award. for the John Paul II Award. to rekindle old friendships, Marion could no longer hold her the Gold Award. I realise that this Having taken part in the ‘Sleep The reason I decided to take part by meeting up again with face-to-face meetings. Despite will take a considerable amount in this Award in the first place was Out’ at St Eugene’s Cathedral friends I had in primary school. this stumbling block, it was not of effort to obtain, due to the in February 2020, I have kept that I wanted to improve a range This Award has benefited me in the end of my journey. I quickly restrictions on social movement. of different skills, such as public in touch with new friends and many ways. I have always been realized that there were still many Nonetheless, this motivates me connected through the online speaking and my confidence an avid Church goer since I was a ways in which I could be a part further to achieve my goal and I when interacting with others. programme. toddler; however my participation of the parish and community. hope, as February 2021 dawns, The Scavenger Hunts and However, most important of all, mainly came from attending This is when I decided to find I will be lifting the Gold Award. I wanted to become more active Quizzes have been great fun! I particularly appreciated the Helen Doherty, Swatragh. experience of reading during JPII experience has helped me see value of parish life and how I can help at the Story of Lourdes online altar. Kelly led, and I really enjoyed life. This is such a great idea and MY name is Helen Doherty and livestream. For several weeks, I helped to this every Tuesday night until it I really enjoy taking part. I would I’m from Swatragh, South Derry. The weekly Youth Alpha clean the chapel by sweeping concluded. I’m so grateful that we recommend it to everyone my During these long months of Programme, via Zoom, has been floors and taking down the have opportunities like this in our age. It’s not formal or stuffy, but lockdown I have kept my spirits engaging and allows me to discuss beautiful Christmas decorations. parish. encourages you to think about up and stayed positive. and reflect on key aspects of our The great part was that I got to do In addition to the structured how your faith can help you I have been participating in faith with my peers. this activity with friends as well, so parish hours mentioned above, navigate the challenges of being a the ‘Walk a Million’ Challenge The organisation and delivery it didn’t even seem like a chore. In I have been reading Bible stories young adult. to raise money for ALPS Mental of this programme has been February, we had a course on how from the Children’s Bible to my The Pope John Paul II Award Health Awareness and Talk to brilliant. I would like to thank to make St Brigid’s crosses, which little brother, and researching is not just about parish hours, Tom Suicide Prevention. To the Derry Youth team for all their was really fun and inspiring. I was inspirational quotes which have it is also an opportunity to maintain my daily step count I’ve hard work and dedication to able to make two crosses! I had real resonance with today’s issues. give a little back to your own been running the roads and also making lockdown entertaining. also signed up to do Children’s For example, this quote from Pope community through the allocated Darci O’Neill, Dungiven. Liturgy but, unfortunately, due to John Paul II: “As the family goes, social hours. I have helped out Covid-19, this has been placed on so goes the nation and so goes the by delivering meals to the local THE Pope John Paul II Award hold. whole world in which we live in”. Fold and vulnerable people in my is an amazing opportunity for Since lockdown has occurred, This says to me, in today’s context, community, who have had to self- young adults to get involved I have done many things despite to really value my family and the isolate during these times. Before with their parish and the local the limitations. I have been spirit of togetherness especially in lockdown, I also raised money community, writes Darci O’Neill. watching Mass through the parish these Covid-19 times. for charities and helped out in From the beginning, I have webcam every week, which is cool I have started the Alpha Youth my school, St Patrick’s College, participated in many activities in as we can still be part of Mass course on-line, through Zoom. Maghera. my parish, Dungiven, including from our homes and celebrate our It started on May 31 and will run The whole experience has made helping out at a special Mass on faith. Our Pope John Paul II group for eight weeks. It is a big group of me see the value of parish life November 13 to remember all the also had a special Mass offered young adults and leaders. During and how I, as a young adult, can parishioners who had died in the by Fr Joseph on April 26 for our the meetings, we watch the Alpha help my community. It really has past year. During the ceremony, exams, and we were very thankful Youth Series and discuss the brought a sense of achievement I helped out by lighting each of for this. questions asked in the videos. and makes me feel more the candles and giving them to I participated in the Life in the The themes so far have included connected to my parish and the representative families and loved Spirit seminars as well that Fr forgiveness, happiness and Jesus’ people in it. ones, who then took them to the Malin JPIIs in Knock with Fr Peter Devlin, PP. Three Patrons JPII parishioner embracing online youth programme Malin JPIIs gaining greater social hours by doing a six-week or getting your neighbour’s call where we watch a video on ‘Faith Friends’ programme with shopping - which I completed as exploring our faith and the group Primary 4 students from Bunscoil well as participating in Masses discusses different opinions. understanding of parish work Cholmcille. This programme on a regular basis, by reading the The Alpha Programme is WE are four Carndonagh chapel, helping prepare for and improved my Irish and allowed Story of Lourdes on a Facebook fantastic because it is a non- Community School students, supervising at Confirmation me to help younger children in live. My parish leader did regular judgemental environment where from Malin Parish, who are gatherings. their faith journey. I also did the Zoom calls with the students, everyone’s opinions are respected participating in the Pope John We also went on a retreat ‘Cued Spelling’ programme in where we would have a Mass and and taken into consideration. It Paul II Award. to Knock along with the school, in which I helped Year an opportunity to earn an hour by also allows an insight into other Throughout our timeConfirmation children. We 8 students with any difficulties doing a reflection or a Prayer of people’s views. The programme is completing the Award, we felt this trip would benefit us they were facing with spelling or the Faithful. a fun, friendly place also, where all have gained much knowledge, especially because Pope John Paul understanding particular words. When the Online Programme the students and leaders can talk developed many new skills and II visited Knock in his duration as When lockdown started, I was ended, the Diocesan Derry Youth about how their week has been, as gained a new understanding of Pope. Evie Doherty, Three Patrons. informed that the Diocesan Derry Team provided a ‘Youth Alpha well as discuss anything exciting all the activities and work done We found this a great experience MY name is Evie Doherty and I Youth Leadership Team planned Programme’, which allowed Pope that has happened to them that within our parish, and gained and look forward to completing am a Year 13 student in Thornhill to do an online programme John Paul II students to earn week. a new level of respect for those the award. College, as well as a Pope John in which I could complete the more hours or, even if you weren’t I have found lockdown a great within our parish who make We would also like to thank Fr Paul II student. I am from the rest of my award. Through this participating in the Award, it was opportunity, as there is so much everything possible. Devlin and the Confirmation Parish of the Three Patrons. programme, the Pope John Paul an opportunity to virtually meet time to be productive and I have Some of the tasks we undertook team for all their great help and Before lockdown started, I was II students were given a choice people with similar interests and been able to focus on things that whilst participating in the Award encouragement throughout our well underway with my award, of tasks to do on a weekly basis, explore what our faith means to I would not have necessarily had included helping in the sacristy time participating in the Award. having completed most of the such as baking a cake for a relative us. Every Sunday, we have a Zoom the time to do pre-lockdown. before Masses, cleaning our THE NET | JULY / AUGUST 2020 9 Claudy JPII parishioner hopes Award JPII Award during lockdown a welcome distraction from the news and school work age appropriate. We did Tiktok programme, we join other people will help her contribute to parish life challenges such as Hit the Beat in the Diocese and discuss the to allow them to continue their fantastic, heavily oversubscribed and We Will Rock You. They were questions in the programme’s faith journey, following on from summer camp that was first fun as you could get your friends YouTube videos. You have the their confirmation the previous established in the Claudy Parish, who were and weren’t doing the choice to join the Zoom call half year. The course was run over six in Summer 2018, to provide John Paul II to help you with an hour earlier so that you can weeks and the children discussed over 100 young people, between the challenges. On Wellbeing participate in a quiz. This is a various religious stories and how the ages of 11-16 years, with a Wednesdays we created posters fun way to get to know everyone they applied to their everyday life, week filled with faith, fun and with inspirational words on them, better. At 7 pm, everyone joins alongside relevant arts and crafts friendships. I volunteered last year took walks and did good deeds for the Zoom call and we watch a activities. at HOPE 2019 and was excited for the day. YouTube video. After this, we are As part of a school enrichment the opportunity to do the same When it got closer to Easter, broken up into different groups programme, I coached netball in again this year, as the camp was we were asked to make crosses and discuss the questions in the a primary school in Derry after a fabulous week of activities for and palm leaves out of nature. video. The groups are different school each Wednesday through both those enrolled in the camp I painted rocks with a cross each week, which also helps with the autumn term. I gained great and the volunteers of all ages, and and palm trees on them. I also getting to know others doing watched a Zoom call on the Derry the Alpha programme. Having Claudy JPII participant, Orla satisfaction from this experience I built many new friendships in Shaciara McCallion. McGonigle. as I built up a great camaraderie this wonderful week. Youth Facebook page where discussed the video, we are with the girls from P5, 6, 7 whilst Covid-19 also caused the MY name is Shaciara McCallion. people talked about the story of brought back into one big group MY name is Orla McGonigle teaching them new sporting skills. cancellation of the Derry I am part of the Iskaheen and Easter. This helped it feel more and say a prayer. Each week, the and I am 17 years old and belong Along with the other 10 local Diocesan Lourdes pilgrimage Upper Moville Parish and I am like Easter as we couldn’t attend video discusses different topics. I to the parish of St Patrick’s and St John Paul II volunteers in my in early July 2020, which I was doing the Pope John Paul II Church. think the Alpha programme helps Joseph’s Claudy and Craigbane. parish, I was about to commence planning to attend as a helper Award. During lockdown, doing The ‘Mary’s Meals’ charity took to reflect on the world around us In the autumn of 2019, I enrolled training for Eucharistic Minister along with several of my friends. the Award was quite different but over the Instagram page for a and our own personal lives. on the Pope John Paul II Award duties and was looking forward As Covid restrictions begin to I really enjoyed the experience. week, which made me more Doing the Pope John Paul II jointly through my parish to assisting regularly at weekly ease slowly but surely through Every Monday night, the Derry aware of the charity and what they Award during lockdown was nice coordinator, Laura McKeever Mass. I even had a rota assigned the coming months, the John Youth Instagram page held a live do. During the month of May, overall. It was good to be able and my school, Lumen Christi for which months I would serve Paul II volunteers in our parish stream. During this, the bishop those doing the Pope John Paul to continue the Award and to College. as Eucharistic Minister in 2020 look forward to being part came on and talked, the week’s II Award in my parish decided to get to know more people doing Along with 10 other young but, unfortunately, the training of the support team assisting theme was discussed and the say a decade of the Rosary, with a it. I enjoyed having something volunteers from my parish, scheduled for late March was with sanitising and safe social team for that week came on different intention each night. We religious to do during lockdown I was commissioned by our cancelled due to lockdown distancing for our weekly Masses, and chatted. There were Tiktok decided on a time and we all said and it was a nice distraction from parish priest, Fr David O Kane restrictions, as was the shopping now that our chapels have been Tuesdays, which I enjoyed as the decade at that time. the news and school work. in St Patrick’s Church, Claudy in trip to buy some ‘Sunday best’ re-opened. they were interactive and very During the Alpha youth mid-December 2019. Before the clothes to wear on the altar! We So, although our year of the world went on lockdown due to are all hopeful that this training Pope John Paul Award has not Covid-19, I was busy assisting in can be completed later in the quite progressed as we expected Moville JPII enjoying Alpha Youth on-line my local community, helping both year and we will be given the over the last few months, we can School. While participating in So far, I’m really enjoying the young people and the elderly, so I opportunity to assist Fr O Kane all look forward to becoming the John Paul II Award, I was course as it is nice to see and had been gradually building up with Eucharistic Ministry. more involved in volunteering in invited to take part in the Alpha make friends with other young volunteering hours for the John Along with my JPII colleagues, I our parish as the world returns on-line course. Alpha is a series people from different parishes Paul Award. was planning to take up a role as to a ‘new normal’ post Covid. I of interactive sessions that freely in the Diocese of Derry. Alpha The main activity I was involved a volunteer at our parish HOPE hope that the completion of the explore the basics of the Christian helps us learn and think about in was assisting at the GIFT course camp that was scheduled for late Award later this year will improve faith. our faith together in a fun, safe in our local pastoral centre. GIFT July 2020 but this, unfortunately, my confidence and leadership Each Sunday evening, we have environment. (Growing In Faith Together) was had to be cancelled as well due qualities, and help me contribute a Zoom meeting with the Alpha Thankfully, I have been kept a weekly meeting on a Thursday to Covid-19 restrictions on larger meaningfully to parish life in the leaders and the other participants. busy during lockdown. I go on evening for children in first year gatherings. The HOPE camp is a future. We begin our session by watching many walks along the shore front at secondary school and aimed a video. We view the video with my dog, Layla, help with separately and once the video is household chores and practice my finished we are then split up into musical instruments throughout Why conversations about ‘Black Lives ‘breakout room’ groups. This the day. Hanna Fiorentini, Moville. allows the leaders and participants It has been lovely to still be able to reflect and discuss the video to practice my faith by watching Matter’ belong in the classroom MY name is Hanna Fiorentini. content in depth. Masses online, partaking in the by Deirdre McElholm I live in the parish of Moville and Each week, we have explored Alpha course and finishing my I’m a Transition Year Student different topics, which makes each Pope John Paul II Award. NO one could have failed to Children love to hear stories learning every day. in Carndonagh Community session different and interesting. ignore or remain emotionless about how people have changed The recent events have been eye- regarding the recent worldwide the world for the better. Who opening for myself and how much Bulgaria and England. Indeed, One profound experience Figures: the story of Four Black events regarding racism and the could argue that the impact of more I need to educate myself. I, the pupils were shocked and that stands out for me when I Women and the Space Race’, Black Lives Matter movement, Martin Luther King Jr, Rosa Parks too, thought, like many others, “I appalled that racism does still was in school was reading the by Margot Shetterly’, and ‘I am after the tragic death of George or Maya Angelou were not heroic? am not racist, so it’s not my issue.” occur. Perhaps it is not something book ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’. A Malala’ by Malala Yousafzai will Floyd. In Religious Studies, pupils I am in a very valuable position pupils experience or witness daily, novel by Harper Lee published now punctuate my classroom. Consequently, there is an explore other World Religions where I educate hundreds of but it is important to acknowledge in 1960, depicting racism in This is a significant, invaluable onus on educators to discuss and study their history, beliefs, pupils every day so there is a it is not a far-off reality for many America surrounding a story of time to educate ourselves in the these events and issues in founders and places of worship. massive opportunity for me to or something that was defeated in a falsely accused black man, Tom hope of eradicating racism and the classroom. Our role as Pupils love the experience of ignite the conversation of ‘Black 1960s. Robinson and the most enduring making the dreams of Martin educators is to develop pupils as exploring a virtual mosque, Lives Matter’. James Baldwin’s My intention is to bring to life fictional image of racial heroism, Luther King Jr a reality! individuals in society. Introducing learning about the different famous quote has struck me in teaching and to empower pupils Atticus Finch. This struck me in constructive, open and respectful customs of Judaism and imagining that, “not everything that is faced with values of respect, tolerance, many ways and as I read through (Deirdre is the Acting Head of conversations about racism can a day in the life of others. Linking can be changed, but nothing can empathy and celebration of the novel, I kept waiting for the Religious Education at St Mary’s seem a daunting and anxious with this, in Learning for Life be changed until it is faced.” It is others. Within St Mary’s, our happy ending; only to be sadly College, Derry task. We have a natural tendency and Work, pupils study diversity, about empowering teachers and daily school prayer states, “May found wanting…Consequently, I to want to protect children, to not prejudice, discrimination and educators to have the confidence respect for each other be the have now taken the opportunity shatter their innocent and hopeful ethnicity. However, perhaps there to discuss racism. light that guides us.” Thus, I feel to order educational books to outlook on the world; additionally, is now an ever-pressing need to In October 2019, I recall it is important to teach pupils educate myself and the pupils there is the fear of causing offence actively teach pupils to become teaching my GCSE Religion explicitly what is respect and how in my classroom. I have become or upsetting children. anti-racist. Education is, arguably, class about human rights. When to respect others and embody the Amazon’s most loved customer… However, from a young age, the best tool for tackling racism discussing abuse of human Golden Rule taught by Jesus, “Do to the misfortune of my postman! pupils learn about superheroes - and this does not begin and end rights, I highlighted the example to others as you would have them Books such as ‘Becoming’ by the idea of their heroes defeating in the confines of the classroom of racism which had occurred do to you.” (Matthew 7:12) Michelle Obama, ‘Hidden evil and making the world right. or school environment; we are during a football match between 10 THE NET | JULY / AUGUST 2020 Parish youth leader opportunities by [email protected] On-line Alpha film Extending our Youth THE on-line Youth Alpha film series is now running every Ministry Thursday night for parish leaders SEVERAL diocesan support young people at this time, and volunteers 8-9 pm. representatives have embarked and how do we prepare to walk To date, there are 13 parishes on the training course, ‘Extending with them following Covid-19. involved. The format weekly our Youth Ministry’, facilitated by The training sessions will run is - meet for chat and catch up, the charity ‘Million Minutes’. for six weeks and at the core will watch the Alpha film which has ‘Million Minutes’ enables youth be unpacking ‘Christus Vivit’, and a different theme each week, and action and advocacy activities incorporating it into our planning then break into smaller groups to that give voice and support to for Youth Ministry going forward. reflect on the film and particular young people (aged up to 25) This training will explore ways questions. to transform their lives and to approach and engage young their world. The core of their people, accompanying them and work focuses on Catholic Social inviting them into effective youth Teaching. ministry. GIFT – Growing in Faith Together The training course evolved To find out more about ‘Million THE GIFT programme challenges and excitement of so creative online as they celebrate and each session involves games, from an online community of Minutes’ check out www. introduced for Year 9s or 1st Years starting a new school. their leavers’ classes, with many prayer, Scripture, saint of the conversations around how we millionminutes.org last autumn may be needed this As we are all too aware, the inviting them online to special week, arts and crafts, baking or year more than ever! P7’s/6th Class have unavoidably liturgies, events and making another creative task, and it ends GIFT is a post Confirmation been robbed of their final term, videos, etc. with a quiet time for reflection. programme that helps bring the a uniquely special time as they The GIFT Programme may Some weeks have invited guests to P7’s/6th Class back together in the prepare to leave primary/school, be a good opportunity, if speak or a demonstration such as first term of them leaving Primary/ when they would have normally government guidelines permit it, First Aid. National School. The idea is the been reflecting on all they have for these young people to come Whilst it is too early to tell if young people have a chance to achieved and preparing and together again at parish level. The we can run GIFT this autumn in come back together at parish level planning to look to the future and programme runs for 6-8 weeks, our parish settings, the Diocesan and they reflect on the Sacrament new beginnings. focusing on different gifts and youth department is confident of Confirmation, the gifts and Many of them have also not fruits of the Spirit each week. that, if needed, an on-line version fruits of the Holy Spirit and how yet received the Sacrament of The motto of the programme of this programme could be made they can help them navigate the Confirmation. Schools have been is Fun, Faith and Friendship, available also. As DYC member, Elaine Happy end to challenging school year in Newtownstewart Patton waves goodbye... by Parish Pastoral Forum

THE end of school term was The following Tuesday saw an Ashlene Canning had baked certainly different this year in organised drive-by at the school over a 100 cup-cakes; one for new recruits welcome Newtownstewart. The restrictions itself. The staff stood at the gate to every child. Their little eyes were due to the Covid virus made sure greet every family and to present growing larger by the second that the closing Mass had very few each P7 child with a football in at the sight of the long table of months (September to June) of in attendance. It was streamed on memory of the school. delights. After three months of their life in the form of a gap Facebook Live from St Eugene’s To put the finishing touches to lockdown, the pupils’ excitement year, and to live in community Church, Glenock, on Friday, June the day and the year, the Pastoral at seeing their friends almost in Derry and serve in the schools 26, and there was not a child in Forum and the School Parents’ drowned out the lively music! and parishes of our diocese. sight. Group invited all the children and All in all, it was a happy end to a The vision for the community However, to make it special for their families to the GAA car park challenging school year. seeks to help the members firstly the children, the Parish Pastoral for a socially-distanced party. grow in their relationship with Forum had invited every pupil God and will provide opportunity and staff member to prepare for formation and nourishment at an A4 page on a saint of their a personal level. choice. The posters were then Training will also be provided to displayed around the gallery equip young people to plan and front. As Fr Roland Colhoun deliver school and parish retreats, prayed the Rosary before Mass, and this forms a central part of the Martin Kerrigan, the cameraman, Elaine Patton, Stranorlar, who enjoyed a year with the Derry Youth Community. community outreach. screened every poster. He gave Although the scene for commitment. emphasis to the Primary Seven autumn is still very uncertain, Having joined us after two years posters, since it was those pupils’ we are inviting young people in another youth community, we last Primary School Mass. aged 18-25 to consider joining were blessed with her maturity of With immense patience on the this community. For further faith and willingness to serve in so evening before, Ashlene Canning information and contact many aspects of ministry in our and Shauneen Kilpatrick had details please check out www. diocese. taken still photographs of every derryyouthcommunity.com. Elaine’s witness has been an poster. They transposed these inspiration to so many and I know photos into a slideshow with her testimony has had a powerful music for the parish Facebook impact on the young people she page. At Mass, the school was IT is with great gratitude the shared with on school retreats. We represented by the principal, Peter Derry Youth Community say will miss her and wish her every Torney, who read the scripture, goodbye to Elaine Patton, from blessing and success in the next and by teaching assistant, Patricia Stranorlar in Donegal, who stage of her faith journey. Maguire, who led the music, with has served the community this The Derry Youth Community Michael McGurk on guitar. year with great dedication and invites young people to give 10 THE NET | JULY / AUGUST 2020 11 At start of lockdown we vowed to devote as much time as possible to God by Frances Moran, Desertmartin LOCKDOWN. The word 2020 and bike rides at the minute. The children take it in turns to set up will be remembered for. My mum beautiful weather definitely helps! the ‘altar’ around our computer, always taught me to ask God for I love to bake and never seem to with our Holy Water, Crucifix, the grace to accept any difficulties have the time to teach the children blessed candles and a few other and challenges and life will be so with the ‘busyness’ of normal religious objects. It gives them much easier. God has definitely day-to-day life. But now Therese a sense of involvement. As they given us this grace in abundance loves to bake every weekend are normally altar servers in our as, thankfully, we are coping well and is fast becoming proficient local parish chapel, we encourage in these strangest of times. in this new talent. The twins are them to ring a ‘bell’ during the I am a stay-at-home mum and not so domesticated. They love Consecration to remind them of my husband, Paul is self-employed everything outdoors. They live the importance of the sacrament and has been working from home for the time of day that daddy being celebrated. I try to take a for the past 12 years. We have finishes up in the office and they little time, where I can, every day three children; Therese, who is 11, can go out into the garden with to explore my faith. I love to read and 10-year-old twins, Olivia and him. But most of all, the trips to articles that help give me a deeper Michael. a local farm to help out with all understanding of my faith and Being at home has always worked things agricultural is like a piece of what it is to be a Catholic. well for Paul and I. We are used heaven for all three. I miss a few things. I miss to each other’s routines and I’m Therese just missed out on hugs. A hug can say more than grateful for the company every making her Confirmation before all the words in the dictionary day. Like Ant and Dec, I get to lockdown started. She’s also sometimes. But I still get to hug spend each and every day with my missed all the fun stuff that goes the four most important people best friend. So living in lockdown hand-in-hand with the last term in to me as much as I want, and I’m has not been a challenge for us in p7. She was gutted about missing happy to wait a little longer to hug this way. What has been different the Fan the Flame Mass, but we everyone else who wants or needs is having the kids at home 24- did have fun making the sensory one. I miss seeing my friends and 7! I miss ‘our time’ during the bottles and t-shirt, and keeping the family. I’m not into the ‘Zoom’ day, where we could take time journal. thing, only if needs must. Nothing to maybe go to Mass or visit God is, and always has been, the beats sitting together, laughing Portglenone Monastery, have centre of our home and family. To and chatting over coffee and cake. breakfast or lunch together, or just Paul and I, it is our most important But again, please God that will chat in peace. job as parents to ensure we pass come soon. I must admit I am enjoying this our faith on to them. If we have I also missed the odd wee trip time. It’s good to be just mummy done our job right on this, we to the hairdresser and beautician. (and teacher) at the moment. believe everything else will fall into But I have nowhere to go at the I don’t miss being a taxi driver, place. I take the lessons I learnt moment so it doesn’t matter if ATM, cheerleader, coach and all from my parents, especially my my hair or nails aren’t done. I the other hats we feel we have to mother, and I love passing them think what I missed the most wear in order to believe we are on to my children. I am confident during lockdown was going to doing the best for our children. I that someday they will do the Mass. Receiving the Eucharist have realised that they just want same. and going to Confession is both us, all along, and I am so happy Devote very important to me and to my to have the time to do this now; At the start of lockdown we made family. I have little to complain to really chat to them now. It’s a vow to devote as much time as about in life in general and in amazing to see how their values possible to God while we have no life in lockdown. God has always and moral compass are forming. outer distractions getting in the given me more than I deserve and We have many conversations at way. We start our day with our I am very thankful for that. My the dinner table each evening Morning Prayer and Mass and end mum brought me up to hand it about current topics, our faith each day with our night prayers all to God and He will sort it for and morals and so much more. and family Rosary. We have taken me. Whatever may come my way, It makes us so proud to see them the time in lockdown to teach I always believe it is God’s plan and growing in self-confidence and the children the Our Father, Hail He has never left my side in good faith. Mary and Glory Be in Irish. times and bad. We love going for walks, rambles Every morning at Mass time, the Holy Family honoured in Newtownstewart Oratory by Newtownstewart Pastoral Forum THE Covid-19 lockdown has pedestal have been donated to Lady). Over these three days had some tangible benefits in give honour to the Mother of we honour the Holy Family of Newtownstewart. The Parish God. The crown was blessed on Nazareth every week. of East used the time Saturday, June 20, Feast of the Actually, none of to install two new statues in the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Newtownstewart ‘new’ statues Oratory of Mary Mother of God, The previous day, Feast of the are new. The history of acquired on Main Street. Sacred Heart, Fr Colhoun blessed old statues is almost always Since its opening in the Jubilee a new statue of the Sacred Heart impossible to trace. In any case, Year 2000, there has been one of Jesus. This fulfils a church the statues were impressively statue in the Oratory; a statue of tradition of having a statue of Our restored by the artist, Terence the Mother of God, the Patroness. Lord on the left-hand side and a McNamee of Legfordrum. His But for the twentieth anniversary, statue of Our Lady on the right- artistry is now on display and Fr Roland Colhoun has added hand side of the interior. inspires people to pray. a gothic arch and a brass crown The following Wednesday, Fr Colhoun, who designed with 12 lights to the statue of Our June 24, Fr Colhoun blessed a the new shrines, hopes that the Lady. new statue of St Joseph and the installation of the statues and the The Book of RevelationChrist Child. Wednesday is the crowning of Our Lady will be a describes Our Lady “clothed with traditional day of the week to permanent testimony to the talent the sun, standing on the moon honour St Joseph because it is the and skill of the men of the parish with twelve stars on Her head half-way point between Sunday and the devotion of the whole for a crown” (Rev. 12:1). The new (the Lord’s Day) and Saturday community to the saints. illuminated crown and wooden (the day set aside to honour Our 12 THE NET | JULY / AUGUST 2020 St Conor’s College family thank God for walking beside each of us every day by Grainne McCallion, Head of RE messages, such as ‘Being Kind’ the Mother of God. On Pentecost to one another. Pupils were also Sunday, pupils remembered given tips to look after their how the Holy Spirit came down mental health and build resilience upon the disciples in tongues of and were encouraged to seek help fire and gave them the courage if they were struggling, with links and strength to preach the Word to our school counsellors and of God, despite the difficult Aware NI made available. circumstances. Today the Holy Examples of pupils’ God given Spirit continues to guide us talents, abilities and creativity, through difficult times. from outstanding assignments In addition, we have encouraged to innovative artwork, superb our pupils to engage in prayer, baking, skilled farming and following the call from Pope inspiring physical challenges was Francis, who, at the beginning also celebrated on Teams and our of lockdown, called each of us to social media sites. pray the Rosary every evening. St Conor’s College is not only Pupils have also been encouraged a place of academia but also to view weekly Sunday Mass via AS St Conor’s College (Clady- packs were also created for a faith school, with Christ at webcam from their own local ) pupils attended school those with limited access to an the centre. Our Catholic ethos parishes, as well as view special for lessons on Friday, March 13, online device. A reduced weekly underpins everything that Masses celebrated in St Eugene’s it was unbeknown to them, staff timetable was created to ensure we do, through our teaching, Cathedral, such as Fr Paul Farren’s and parents that it would be the students were not overwhelmed, through our worship and by our special intentions Mass for all last time they would set foot in the yet it gave them structure and example. Our online Religious school communities and past school building during the 2019- focus to complete weekly tasks Education lessons have allowed pupils who are now frontline 2020 academic year. It is fair to say set by their teachers. To engage our pupils to develop their faith workers, as well as the end of the that the last few months have been pupils, teaching staff have had through examining scriptures school year Mass. in God, they will achieve their to listen to Lizzie and Yvonne, a challenging and uncertain time to become more innovative in and Church teaching. Pupils were In May, our Year 12 and dreams. and to complete the weekly tasks for everyone, yet the St Conor’s their delivery of the curriculum. also afforded other opportunities Year 14 pupils celebrated their Despite the challenges of set. Pupils have also told me that College community has been Our ICT Department have also to strengthen their faith and meet leavers Mass behind closed lockdown, our PJPII Award they believe that their faith has committed to ensuring the holistic been fantastic in aiding the Christ, such as by creating paper doors, through a live webcam. participants have found new been strengthened as a result of well-being of our pupils. Living, development of staff and coming palm crosses in remembrance The Leavers’ Mass is always a ways to contribute towards their the lockdown and that they have Learning and Excelling Together up with creative ways to motivate of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, very memorable and poignant local communities and parishes. turned to God for guidance and as a virtual community has been pupils, such as creating Interactive and were encouraged to listen to ceremony, which pupils very Our pupils have actively lived have been saying the Rosary in a learning curve, however both Bitmoji Classrooms. Bishop Donal McKeown about much look forward to. Fr Harkin out Christ’s command to “love their homes with their family staff and pupils have risen to the As a Catholic, child-centred how we could “walk with Jesus made it a very special occasion their neighbour” by delivering every evening. challenge. school, the health and well-being during Holy Week”. Some pupils and was joined by our principal, food parcels to those in need Over the last few months, our To ensure the development of of our pupils is paramount. The created a Sacred Space, an Easter vice principal, Head of the Junior and volunteering to create PPE faith has been a great source pupils’ academic ability, staff very pastoral team of St Conor’s College Garden where they were able to School, Heads of Year, and the for those on the frontline. Some of comfort and will continue quickly became familiar with created an Extra Curricular pray. Some also engaged in Spy Head Boy and Head Girl. The pupils have also expressed their to guide us. We, at St Conor’s Microsoft Teams which we used channel on Teams for each Year Wednesday, whereby they created reflection read at the end was solidarity for ‘Friends of Africa’, College, thank God for walking as our remote online learning Group. Pupils were given fun a treasure hunt for younger entitled, ‘Trust in God’, and in by completing the 10k for 10 days beside each and every one of us platform to engage with pupils quizzes and competitions to take siblings in their home, using 30 these unprecedented times and challenge to fundraise and help every day. and colleagues, thus ensuring that part in and were encouraged to pieces of silver, which was then at the crossroads that our Year 12 people in Africa respond to the pupils covered essential content partake in physical activity for a donated to Trocaire. and Year 14 pupils stand before, Covid-19 pandemic. (St Conor’s is name for the newly and developed their thinking healthy body and mind. Heads Holy Spirit we wanted to remind them that In addition, pupils have been amalgamated St Mary’s College, skills and personal capabilities in of Year also used this channel In the month of May, pupils despite the “rugged roads” and tuning in to the Derry Diocesan Clady, and St Paul’s College, Kilrea) each curriculum area. Learning to convey important pastoral were encouraged to create a May “insurmountable hills” they face, altar in remembrance of Mary, if they have courage and faith Youth page on a Monday evening St Patrick’s Dungiven pupils encouraged to pray and trust by Breda McCormack, Head of RE PRAYER has featured strongly I had written...‘Dear God, look and I encouraged our Pope John prayer for the Diocesan End of pain, laughter without sorrow or sun We also had our own on-line in our care for our pupils here after us and keep us all safe in these Paul II Award pupils to take part School Year Mass, and I sent the without rain. But God did promise Mass celebrated by our parish at St Patrick’s Dungiven, when very difficult times. Sacred Heart in the online youth programme prayer entitled ‘God’s Promise’, strength for the day, comfort for the priest, Fr Seamus Kelly, which was they were unable to be in school of Jesus I place all my trust in you. organised by the Diocesan which was included in the book of tears and a light for the way, And attended by our principal, Michael because of Covid-19. Amen.’ youth team, including the Alpha prayers compiled for the Mass in St for all who believe in His Kingdom Gormley, and two students, Erin From the start of lockdown, I Every week, I tried to encourage Programme for 15-18 year olds. Eugene’s Cathedral... above, He answers their faith With McClune and Amy McFall sang gave each Year a simple prayer that them to keep saying this prayer, We were invited to send in a ‘God didn’t promise days without everlasting love. Amen.’ at it.

Year 14 Year 12 THE NET | JULY / AUGUST 2020 13 Reflecting on the importance of faith in facing the St Patrick’s & St Brigid’s family trials of lockdown, Ann Cullinan of Sacred Heart apart but very much together College, Omagh, writes... by Michael Donnelly We never lost hope that God would DURING this worrying and up to school and home to provide Brigid. unexpected time of distance, the spiritual nourishment. And, as we prepared to say RE department of St Patrick’s and Through partnership, we‘goodbye’ to our senior students in accompany us on this journey St Brigid’s College, in Claudy, have endeavoured to focus Year 8s on KS4, we, in partnership with our recognised the ever increasing the Mass and how it has changed parish priest and school chaplain, AT Sacred Heart College we composed and altars displayed. intercession, and Miss McAllister, importance of exposing our since the Last Supper, and we Fr David O’Kane, uploaded an endeavoured, like all other Additionally, our Year 8 students our principal, read the post pupils to the spiritual dimension encouraged our young faithful to online blessing so that our pupils schools, to support our students in composed prayers on the theme communion reflection. The of our faith. reflect on the role they can play in could see that although we are their overall development during of the pandemic, some of which ceremony was greatly enhanced We have done this interactively our church today. apart, we are very much together these unprecedented times. Never were read at our College Mass on by the music ministry of Aoife by ensuring the online work set is Our Year 9s were encouraged to in Christ. has faith, hope and love been the Feast of The Sacred Heart. Bogle, Orla Hamill, Mrs Rodgers based on faith formation and the research a world religion, with an so important to each and every During lockdown, Fr and Mrs O Hagan. teachings of the Church. emphasis on respect and inclusion one of us, even if it was shared McDermott kindly celebrated two Meanwhile, Pope John Paul II In each year group, we have whilst simultaneously linking remotely. This remoteness is alien Masses; one for the intentions of Award students were encouraged tailored our lessons to ensure back to Catholicism, while Year to many of us as social beings, but those leaving our college and, to complete their awards remotely. that there is an emphasis on 10s experienced faith formation in these times of crisis we never most recently, for the Feast of Unfortunately, we had prayer, pastoral and sacramental closer to home, delving into the lost hope...hope that God would the Sacred Heart. During this some students who suffered activities. early growth of Christianity in accompany us on this journey. Mass, he enlightened us with his bereavement during these As Church services are unable Ireland. We encourage our pupils Right from the beginning of words on faith, hope and love. He unprecedented times, and support to be the much needed constant to follow in the footsteps of our lockdown, prayers and links to reminded us that “there is a place was offered to them through in our young people’s lives, it is great saints, St Patrick and St Catholic spiritual websites were reserved for each of us deep in the guards of honour at funerals, shared on the college website very heart of God”. messages through TEAMS and and Facebook. Students in Key Our vice-principal, Mrs ‘phone calls from pastoral leaders. Stage 3 completed a project on McGinn led us in our First We certainly were “in this Mary during the month of May, Reading, while Year 8 student, together...” and some beautiful prayers were Caitrin Barrett read the prayers of

The flame of faith shines brightly in Scoil Mhuire, Buncranaby Edel O’Connor evident in the Inishowen area ‘Let your light shine’. Ms Ward, and spiritually. life the best it can be’, with the key and, during the month of May, along with students, Raissa In the words of Fr Bradley, “what message being ‘there will always students from across all year Grant, Aoife Lennon and Saoirse matters most is that we have belief be hope in your tomorrows’. groups shared images of their MacLochlainn, greatly enhanced in God and belief in Christ. That’s As the recessional song, ‘This May altars. We may have been the liturgy with their beautiful what makes us Christians. If you Little Light of Mine’, began, this physically isolated but we were music, including songs Christ be believe in Christ, anything is beautiful liturgy on a warm united in our faith and in our your Light and Amazing Grace. possible. If you don’t, most things summer’s evening came to a close. belief in the power of prayer. Fr Bradley delivered many will be difficult if not impossible. However, all in Scoil Mhuire, Our final liturgical event for words of wisdom and inspiration. God in Christ wishes us on to will continue to hold this academic year was our Firstly, reminding the students greater things. He tells us never the Class of 2020 in our prayers. ‘End of Year’ Mass for our Sixth that the concept of 2020 has been to be satisfied with mediocrity. The flame of faith and the light Year students on May 28. It was with us for a long time: “If we Never settle for less than our best. of Christ will remain strong in streamed live from Cockhill went to an optician and they told No matter how much the world our homes, school and parishes. Church, Buncrana. The celebrant, us we had 20-20 vision we would tries to hold you back, always We ask God’s blessing on the CATHERINE McAuley, the say we were overwhelmed with Fr Francis Bradley gave a be very happy with our perfect continue with the belief that what students, staff and families, and founder of the Sisters of Mercy, the response of these tasks is an warm welcome to all watching sight. Unfortunately, many things you want to achieve, so long as it may the Class of 2020 be beacons encouraged us “to be shining understatement. online, including students, staff can obscure our vision and this is good and comes from God, is of hope in our world. In the words lamps, giving light to all around “Branching out in Buncrana” and families. Students were pandemic could darken our light. possible. By believing in Christ of the Prophet Micah, “may us”. When the darkness of the took place on Palm Sunday. represented by Head Girl, Orla However, the God who inspires and by remembering how much you act justly, walk humbly and pandemic descended on us, Students and staff uploaded Barnett and Head Boy, Céin us, guides us, helps us and blesses He believes in you - you can love tenderly”, confident in the the students of Scoil Mhuire, photos of their branches. Some McColgan, while the staff was us, can give us a glimpse of the achieve so much”. knowledge that God is by your Buncrana kept the light of faith of the students participating in represented by Ms Lorna Barron, perfect vision”. Following the homily, Ms side. shining brightly. Over the last few the Pope John Paul II Award deputy principal. The Readings and Gospel Martina McBride, Year Head, difficult months, the themes of distributed additional branches Our school principal, Ms highlighted to students the led a ceremony of light, with the faith, hope and love were brought on the doorsteps of their elderly Rosaleen Grant, in her welcome message that they are never alone; students at home lighting their alive within our homes, school neighbours. School, home and address, expressed how very God walks by their side guiding candles representing wisdom, and parishes. parish were working together to proud Scoil Mhuire are of the Class their lives every step of the way. In love, memory, faith and hope. Students were assigned weekly bring alive the Gospel values. of 2020. Ms Grant highlighted his homily, Fr Bradley reinforced The Class of 2020 were a precious activities from their RE teachers Gerard Manley Hopkins how the pandemic has shown us the message of never being alone, part of our school community. through the platform of Google reminds us that “the world the importance of family, friends by reminding the students of a With joyful gratitude, we gave classroom. These includedis charged with the grandeur and faith. Although unable to quote from John Henry Newman, thanks for their gifts, talents and academic coursework, prayers of God”. Our students fully be gathered together physically, “God knows me and calls me by accomplishments and prayed and meditations. A particular embraced the task of “Finding united in prayer, the class of 2020 name”. Fr Bradley also noted that that they would find courage to emphasis was placed on spiritual God in the world around us”, marked this special milestone in at home, in school and in their face the new adventures. Finally, tasks that students could uploading images of nature, their lives. parish, the students have been Ms Grant read the Communion complete with their families. To people and the community spirit The theme of the Mass was nurtured physically, emotionally reflection entitled, ‘Make your 14 THE NET | JULY / AUGUST 2020 St Mary’s Limavady embraces slower pace for greater thought of others by Sean Mullan

WITHOUT a doubt, we will and our families coping with sat down in August 2019 to plan allowed for the department to step encouraged our pupils to look not a negative but something that look back on 2020 and think what the struggles of home schooling for the year ahead, never did we back, slow down and encourage out and up at the wonders of we will foster moving forward. A a year that was! Globally, the world alongside everyday life. I can imagine what would come. continued faith development. creation, which sometimes can go slower pace can encourage greater has faced challenges and our local only imagine the levels of stress Since then, it would be fair We gave students the unnoticed in the rush of daily life. thought of others and ensure that, context has been no different. As in some homes and, like them, to say many discussions have opportunity to explore the We asked pupils to submit as a community, we continue to a school community, our greatest we are desperate to see our pupils been had about how to ensure ‘Stations of the Cross’ through short videos of what they were care for one another as has been concern was our students and back to school full time, whenever the development of faith, while prayer and art. Students designed grateful for and what they missed the case over the last few months. their families. None of us wanted that may be. losing face-to-face contact their own crosses and the the most. The most common In Pope Francis’ letter, ‘Laudato the school year to end in the way The Covid-19 pandemic has with our school community. prizes offered encouraged their responses were being grateful for Si’, he asks us to show care for in which it did. Our year 14 pupils, encouraged us all to see things and A conversation had by many creativity! Our students and family time and missing family others, to recognise that we need who would have completed their do things in ways we would never parishes across the country! families created some of the most members. I wonder will we say each other and promote a culture final year in school, did not get have seen or done before. We In a normal school day, our prayerful May Altars during the same things in six months of care. He writes: “We must the opportunity to complete have had to adapt as individuals, entire school community the month of May and for our time! regain the connection that we their school year with the usual as families, as schools and as a comes together each morning namesake. We gave our students activities need one another, that we have Leavers’ Mass, nor did they get the country, and we have embraced for assembly, which includes Utilising some of the excellent allowing them time to reflect on a shared responsibility for each goodbye they deserved. However, these challenges, resulting in Morning Prayer. This, of course, is resources from the Derry their own personal journey during other, and that being good and at some point in the future, we communities coming together in no longer possible. In an attempt Diocesan Catechetical Centre on lockdown, and this allowed them decent are worth it” will celebrate their final days as a way never seen before. to continue this in a remote form, Pope Francis, our students became to think about their contribution If we can instil this in the pupils pupils of St Mary’s, Limavady. The Religious Educationthe department posted daily amateur and, in some cases, very to society. of St Mary’s Limavady, we will Our staff, students and families department, as with all prayers to encourage our students professional photographers. They If we have learned anything have achieved more than any have had a steep learning curve departments, in St Mary’s to continue this at home. captured images of what they as a department in the midst of examination result can achieve. with regards to remote learning; Limavady have had to adapt the The reality that there would be saw to be beautiful around them, this crisis, and if we can take any We will have educated their heart our staff and students getting way in which they do things. no internal school exams soon ranging from scenery to pets, positive away, it has been that as well as their mind!” to grips with new technologies, When we, as a department team, became a realisation and this from plants to farm animals. This slowing down and taking notice is

As well as continuing its commitment to charity during lockdown... St Patrick’s Maghera kept focus on emotional and spiritual well-being WHEN St Patrick’s College activities throughout Lent, Our John Paul II students deeds. went into lockdown on March including Holy Week timelines, continued to receive support and St Patrick’s College is renowned 18, we could not have predicted crosses, stained glass windows and encouragement throughout this for its commitment to charity and how the following weeks and Easter gardens. period, with opportunities to this continued during lockdown. months would transpire. Every During the month of May, all participate in virtual events shared We celebrated our annual ‘Pink effort was made in the days and members of the College family online. We celebrated World Day Friday’ on May 30 in memory weeks that followed to ensure that were invited to create a May of Prayer for Vocations on May of the deceased members of our our children continued to make altar/prayer space in their homes. 3 and shared the Derry Diocese’s school family. The College staff academic progress. Face to face Students produced beautiful Prayer for Vocations with our produced a video and enjoyed a teaching was quickly replaced depictions of prayers and hymns school community. virtual coffee morning, raising by online and blended learning. devoted to Mary, and researched The Religious Studies£1,265 for Marie Curie. However, our priority during and produced leaflets on Marian Department made creative use of Our College staff also these difficult and unprecedented shrines. Our celebration of our Facebook and Twitter social manufactured 18,000 face shields, times remained the emotional the Marian month ended with media accounts to highlight our which have been delivered to and spiritual well-being of our virtual celebrations; we prayed students work and to provide frontline workers. young people and our College the Rosary with Pope Francis at spiritual and uplifting guidance Although the 15 weeks of community. Lourdes on May 30 for an end to and support to our College lockdown have presented The Religious StudiesCovid-19 and joined community. Our annual Year 12 our school community with Department, led by Mrs Francine Eamon at Knock Shrine on Thanksgiving and Year 14 Leavers’ numerous challenges, there are Walls, has played a key role Pentecost Sunday for the Rosary, Masses were celebrated by Fr many positives to be taken from in keeping our College family Pilgrimage Mass and Benediction. Doherty in St Patrick’s Church, our collective experience. As a connected through our faith We also participated in a ‘Virtual Glen, and were shared via webcam Christian community, we have and shared values during the Pilgrimage’ of fast and prayer with and our social media. continued to care for and support lockdown period. Bishop McKeown on the first and Mental Health Awareness Week each other, bound by our Christian All Key Stage Three students last Friday of May. was also promoted on our social faith and values and comforted by were initially invited to write Our students have been media, providing an opportunity the word of God: “For I know the prayers for their families and rewarded for their creativity and for our school community to plans I have for you,” declares the friends, on the theme of Hope, engagement in Religious Studies reflect on the importance of Lord, “plans to prosper you and not Strength and Faith. The students through Pupil of the Week Awards kindness and our potential to help to harm you, plans to give you hope also completed a range of creative and Certificates of Achievement. others through our words and and a future”. (Jeremiah 29:11). THE NET | JULY / AUGUST 2020 15 Holy Cross pupils encouraged to pray Carndonagh Community and celebrate faith College continued caring HOLY Cross College, in in the difficult situation. how they had been asked to write Strabane, students and staff were Times of bereavement were and share prayers, and engage in during lockdown kept connected on-line during the particularly difficult and during small activities to celebrate events charge of how you respond to it. Covid-19 lockdown via Google lockdown the school paid tribute in the life of the Church, such as DESPITE the challenges of “The Leaving Cert Class of Classroom. to Bishop Francis Lagan, who making Pentecostal Windmills. lockdown, the staff at Carndonagh 2020 will emerge from this as Ms Bronagh Mullan said that had been instrumental in the The school also reminded them Community School did their stronger individuals. We, at CCS, while the emphasis had been on development of Holy Cross that all Masses and services from best to continue to cater for the are resilient and we can overcome getting academic work completed, College. St Mary’s Church, Melmount, The late Bishop Francis Lagan, who academic, moral, spiritual and was a great support to Holy Cross this. Remember nothing is the school tried to provide Encouraging pupils in their were on YouTube and could be social education of its students. College. impossible, even the word itself spiritual support where they could prayer life, Ms Mullan spoke about watched at any time. School chaplain and Head of Sixth Year, Serena Doherty was says ‘I’m possible’! Sometimes one of a team of 12 who kept in obstacles are part of our success. contact with pupils in their care, “When this is over, may we which was especially appreciated continue to be more appreciative at times of bereavement. of the simple things in life. Keep In her role as chaplain, Serena your eyes fixed on the horizon; sent out prayers to the pupils, there are better days to come!” including the Serenity Prayer – The school also put together a “God, grant me the serenity to graduation video with messages accept the things I cannot change, for the leavers’ group from the courage to change the things I teachers and the principal, Paul can, and wisdom to know the Fiorentini, as well as messages difference”. from the pupils themselves. Saying that the guidance In addition, welcome packs counsellor had on-line meetings were sent out the 215 incoming Omagh Loreto pupils’ lockdown experience a with any anxious pupils, Serena first years, which included a noted that the usual increase in positive message to them. anxiety and stress levels around Remembering the late Bishop source of great hope and joy by Brenda Bannon - Head of RE May time, because of exams, Francis Lagan’s connection with how to monitor learning against setting up May altars, and joining ways. Year 8 and 13 students hadn’t occurred. the school, beginning when he a possibility that a student in Church services by webcam participated in the Knights of In a lovely touch appreciated by came to teach French there in was caught up in coronavirus which we constantly promoted. Columbanus’ competition by parents, the school’s Wellbeing the 1960s as Fr Lagan, the school concerns. We also invited students from all writing speeches on God versus Team sent out personalised care paid tribute to his friendly and There was a great opportunity for year groups to write a Morning Virus. This encouraged a sense packs to every Sixth Year pupil considerate manner, and how teachers to master online teaching Prayer for our school social media. of being connected to the wider that contained sweet treats such he had kept in contact with the tools at speed. As teachers began They were genuine and beautiful, community. as chocolate and coffee, along school and the colleagues he had to work remotely, all subject reflecting their anxieties, their The sixth and final step was to with some words of reassurance worked with. areas worked hard not only to faith, their awareness of nature, listen to student experience. They that during this difficult time, deliver their specifications but to their gratitude for family and their wrote accounts early on about the staff were behind them “every mind the students in their care relationship with God. It was a how they were experiencing step of the way”. – by maintaining conversation lovely start to the working day to lockdown; toward the end of June, In a note to the Sixth Years, the with each one in feedback; by read each prayer and think of that we asked them to tell us what Care Team assured them: “We creating lively and engaging particular student in response. they have learned from lockdown believe in you. This road ahead tasks; by reminding them that we Many of the parents liked this about themselves, their family, may feel daunting, but it is one are still here for them. For those practice very much. their community, their faith. Their we must travel. There is no doubt interested, you can see evidence The third step was to ask replies were a source of great hope times are tough but so are you! of the richness of the work on our students to research and present and joy. Many of them delighted You may not be able to control school Twitter and Facebook. a saint’s life and what it teaches in how close their families had this situation, but you are in The primary purpose of any us today; to research and present become – walking, playing, eating Loreto College, Omagh Year 8 pupil, RE Department is to realise the a place of Marian pilgrimage with together; they shared great insight I am grateful for Brackyn, doing her work on 50 Acts intention of Jesus for young their families and grandparents. on the courage of volunteers and A Morning Prayer of Love. people; to point them to Him in Tasks like these gave time for frontline workers; and they spoke by Loreto College, Omagh everything that I all their searching. This means reflection into which the quietness of a realisation that daily prayer Year 12 pupil, Colleen. IT is a fascinating question to have... revealing to them that they are of lockdown had led students. mattered and that, while online ask Catholic schools how they By Emma, Yr8, Loreto-Omagh beloved children of God. We The fourth step was to share Mass was a good tool to have, that Lord, maintained faith development do this within the context of a online Assemblies with each they wanted to be back in Church. Thank you, for the blooming, during lockdown. It suggests that I have learned to keep my Catholic school so that all of year. We adapted the Reflective We never fully know how and bright, May flowers that faith can be measured. Before faith in God during the education is centred on this truth Journal, provided by the Diocese, where the Holy Spirit is at work. dance in the wind, Covid 19, family attendance uncertain time of Covid-19. and that all of a school’s practices for Year 10 students. We had our We need to be wary of claiming at Mass had declined in many The cloudless skies, the Although my family could not are aligned to this vision. Leavers’ Mass online on May 10; credit for any growth of faith in our homes; young people had endless go to the chapel, we still were In practical terms for faith our chaplain, Fr Hasson, shared students. All we can do is reveal to growing grass, opportunities and choices but development, the first step was a lovely message on the video them their beauty and their value able to watch Mass on the were often too distracted to reflect The returning birds, perching to maintain regular, personal and created for them. The whole as baptised Christians with a call webcam. I learned how lucky or deeply commit; social media on branches of swaying trees, meaningful dialogue with each school joined the online Mass and a mission; and to encourage we are to be able to watch occupied their time which can student. Keeping relationships on June 17 with Fr Farren. Many them to be bold witnesses. All reminding us that Mass at home in 2020 unlike be a superficial and fleeting form between staff and students real classes ended the year with a through everything, life goes many years ago. Lockdown of communication. Lockdown and alive is important. It was easy Zoom or Team meeting, so they on. has changed many things in happened and none of us could to check in with how they were could know an ending and prepare have predicted the many positive Give us the strength, courage my life and I am grateful for doing as work was returned, and for a beginning. outcomes for the natural world, and bravery we see from our everything that I have. the replies were often moving and The fifth step was to promote for family life, and for the faith. unlike anything that could happen outreach – helping neighbours NHS heroes, Lockdown has cast many in the classroom setting. and grandparents. It was shadows for the future, but it And encourage us to be more The second step was to heartening to hear their stories of has also produced much fruit if grateful for each other and encourage them to live in the grace working with grandad on the farm we allow it to continue to grow, the world around us. of the day that was given. We did or minding granny with dementia. rather than rush to restore the ‘old this by asking students to capture It reminds us that young people Please help those who need n o r m a l ’. pictures of the beauty of nature have big hearts and have much our prayers during this As school closed, the initial and share it. It was wonderful how to teach us. Some responded to challenging time, concern was for the safety of they opened the world they live in, the calls of parishes for readers all, and the worry that the virus to us. We invited them to develop and cleaners; others continued Help us trust in you. could reach any of our student or initiate family prayer – which to complete the Pope John Paul families. We had to work out many did by praying the Rosary, 11 Award in creative, if limited, Amen. 16 THE NET | JULY / AUGUST 2020 Funds needed to help Derry-based friars complete St Pio House ST Pio House – one of the fruits the sake of the community that is of the prayer and discernment specifically ours.” of the Franciscan Friars of the “At the start,” he explained, Renewal in Derry – will soon “we were going to just touch up be complete, with the new the existing building, but then community hub in the heart of we realised that part of it was Galliagh expected to be open by not in good shape. So, 40 per September. cent of it was knocked down A major project for the Friars, and rebuilt. This, along with the who were initially based in the Covid-19 restrictions, slowed the Long Tower when they first came construction process and with to the City 10 years ago, it has each delay the money needs have been made possible through their gone up. great relationship with the Three “We are a charity and live a life Patrons Parish and the generosity of poverty, so there are significant of their many friends. restrictions on us paying out St Pio House has evolved from money. At every stage where the the building within the grounds of cost has gone up, we have had to St Joseph’s Church that had served get approval and then get funding. as the Parish Centre for the area. “It has been an interesting Fr Isaac, the director of St Pio process and now we are in the last House, explained that when they push for the final £20,000 to finish were offered the chance to take off the interior of St Pio House. over the administration of the We are doing a draw, with people The Franciscans of the Renewal receiving a donation from representatives of the Greater Area Partnership and the Leafair Community Group. building about four years ago, going door-to-door selling tickets, they saw it as providential. and we have a ‘Go Fund Me’ have and that will lead to other each other.” that almost £6,000 had been they are from. It is going to be a “When we move into an area, page, which has been amazing resources and services being He added: “We are really excited raised, thanks to mentions too on very open and welcoming place. we normally have a place of our in bringing in money and we are offered as well. about the potential of St Pio other Facebook pages, including Whoever God guides to St Pio own from which we minister, but very grateful for that. We also have “A lot of people are isolated and House. It represents a new era for local traditional musicians who House will be looked after. we hadn’t had such a place in our some amazing volunteers who are do not have much human contact, us here in Galliagh and in Derry. promoted the fundraising for the “The friars really love God and 10 years in Derry,” said Fr Isaac, very generous with their time, and and probably not a lot of contact Our hope is that St Pio House will Friars’ project while they played pray to be guided by the Holy adding: “We have used other people have been responding very with God either. So, the St Pio be a place where both the young live via Facebook. Spirit. The work that they do is people’s buildings and plugged generously to the funding appeal.” House showpiece will be the cafe and old will be happy to come and The next big fundraiser will be so beautiful. Their aim is to bring into other services, such as Heal Fr Isaac went on to explain that area. It is going to be really nice connect with others”. the raffle on July 20, and Michelle God to the forefront of all our the Hurt and the chaplaincy at St Pio House would be just that, a and welcoming, with lovely food Michelle D’Arcy Burns, from explained that anyone who would lives. They want people to know St Brigid’s College, and it is a Franciscan Friar of the Renewal and tea, etc, to sit and enjoy, and , and her sister, Andre, are like to donate can do so through that no matter what, God loves blessing to be able to participate in house of hospitality, where people instead of charging for this we will two of the many people who have the link on her Facebook page or them. They don’t preach it; you such fruitful ministries. But, when can connect with others and with have a ‘good will’ basket for people stepped in to help raise the money that of the Derry Franciscans. see it through the love in their we were asked if we would like to services, and where secular and to contribute what they can. needed to finish the project. “This facility is really needed in eyes when they are talking to use the Parish Centre building, sacred meetings can be held. “We will have a couple of friars Within a week of setting up a ‘Go Derry,” said Michelle, “however, people. St Pio House will be such we said ‘Yes!’ Now, with St Pio “We want to wait and see what in attendance there and people Fund Me’ for St Pio House on her it is for anyone who feels drawn a special place.” House, we can do something for needs people who come will can connect with them as well as Facebook page, Michelle reported to come there, no matter where Fr Columba off on sabbatical AFTER nine years ministering ministry of Fr Columba over the “He is going off for a few months in Derry with the Franciscan past nine years. on sabbatical, which he needs after Friars of the Renewal, Fr Columba He also prayed for the new all his hard work. St Pio House Jordan is off on sabbatical for a few arrival, Fr Francesco, who has is very much his vision, which months. taken over the mantle of The he shared with us on the Feast of On the Feast of St Peter and St Servant from Fr Columba, in the Christ the King.” Paul, June 29, when priests were Franciscan’s Galliagh Friary. Welcoming Fr Francesco, Fr able to celebrate Mass publicly At the end of Mass, Three Michael assured him: “You are again, with the easing of Covid-19 Patrons’ parish priest, Fr Michael amongst good people here, and we Fr Columba Jordan with the new St Pio House in background. restrictions, people gathered in St McCaughey paid tribute to Fr welcome you to this city and this Joseph’s Church, Galliagh, for the Columba and thanked him for his p ar i s h .” celebration of Mass by the Friars leadership, saying: “I have been Speaking, socially distanced, and to wish Fr Columba well very privileged to work with Fr with well-wishers afterwards, during his time away. Columba, and have seen the great Fr Columba said that he looked The main celebrant, Fr Charles work that the friars have done forward to returning for the next Reche offered the Mass in joyful within their own community, and exciting chapter in their ministry thanks for being able to celebrate the church and schools here, with in Derry, with the opening of the the Eucharist with a congregation, his leadership and guidance. He new St Pio House. and in thanksgiving for the will be missed. THE NET | JULY / AUGUST 2020 17 Eangach Ár nDúchas Paidir Choimirce An Bráthair Séarlas Charles de Foucauld ag saighdiúirí na Fraince iad a lonnaithe in Éirinn le blianta fada A Athair liom, scaoileadh dá mba mhian leo, ach anois. Tháinig Siúiríní Íosa a chónaí Cuirim mé féin go hiomlán ní chaillfeadh siad a gcuid urnaithe. in Labré Park i mBaile Fhormaid faoi do choimirce. Chuaigh sin i bhfeidhm ar Shéarlas leis an lucht siúil in 1974. As sin Déan liom mar is toil leat. agus threoraigh sé ar ais i dtreo tháinig muintearas na sagart (Íosa- a chreidimh féin é. In aois a fiche Caritas), agus grúpaí Íosa-Caritas i Pé rud is áil leat, hocht thiontaigh sé le lán-chroí measc an phobail chomh maith. Tá tá mé buíoch díot. chun Dé. Siúiríní Íosa ina gcónaí i gContae Tá mé réidh go hiomlán, an Dúin faoi láthair. géillim go hiomlán. In aois a 31 chuaigh sé isteach i mainistir, ach fuair sé cead ansin Do thoil amháin imeacht ina dhíthreabhach. go ndéantar, Chuaigh sé go Nazarat, agus ionamsa agus in achan dúil chónaigh sé i mbothán i ngáirdín a chruthaigh tú. Shiúracha San Clár, ag iarraidh a Níl a dhath eile uaim, shaol a chaitheamh ag déanamh a Thiarna. aithrise ar Íosa. Mhair taithí Nazarat leis i gcónaí, agus i An Sagart Jim Murphy, duine de na Cuirim m’anam measc a lucht leanúna ciallaíonn Siúiríní, agus páiste, i Rwanda faoi chúram do lámh. Nazarat simplíocht bheatha agus Tairgim duit é doimhneacht spioradálta. Ach le hiomlán ghrá mo chroí, mhair cuimhní na hAilgéire agus Morocco leis fosta. Sa bhliain nó gráim thú, a Thiarna, 1901 chuaigh sé chun na hAilgéire agus dá bhrí sin agus chuir sé faoi amuigh i is gá dom mé féin a bhronnadh, ngaineamhlach an Sahara ag Beni mé féin a ligean i do lámha, Abbés, agus ansin ag Tamanrasset i measc na dTuareg, “a bhráithre gan ceist, d ’ I o s l a m”. agus le lán-mhuinín, Charles de Foucauld Shamhlaigh sé comhluadar a nó is tú m’Athair. Fógraíodh ar na mallaibh go bhfuil Liostáil sé in Arm na Fraince agus é An tSiúr Magdaleine, bunaitheoir Siúiríní Charles de Foucauld le canónú ina fhear óg. D’fhág sé a chreideamh mhairfeadh i measc na mbocht, ag Íosa, ag Tre Fontane sa Róimh mar naomh de chuid na hEaglaise. ar leataobh agus chaith sé saol obair lena lámha agus ag urnaí os Rugadh Charles de Foucauld sa dramhlasach. Caitheadh amach as comhair na Naomh-Shacraiminte. Fhrainc sa bhliain 1858 agus fuair an arm é, ach glacadh ar ais é nuair Scríobh sé cur síos iomlán ar sé bás (scaoileadh é ag Tuareg óg) a bhí cogadh Impiriúil á chur ag an fhís a bhí aige, agus tar éis a i ngaineamhlach an Sahara ar an an Fhrainc ar an Ailgéir. Nuair a bháis bhunaigh an sagart René chéad lá de mhí na Nollag, 1916. bhí sé ag troid san Ailgéir, thug sé Voillaume Bráithríní Íosa in 1931, Ar leac a uaighe tá na focail: “Is faoi deara gur stop na hArabaigh agus bhunaigh an tSiúr Magdaleine toil liom an Soiscéal a fhógairt le ón troid ag am paidreoireachta; Siúiríní Íosa in 1939. hiomlán mo bheo”. thiontaigh siad i dtreo Mecca agus An Sagart Eric Lozada, Íosa-Caritas, ar Tá ‘teaghlach’ Charles de Foucauld shléacht siad go talamh. Cead chamall An Cóineartú Tá sé deacair a bheith críostaí maith. Má éisteann tú le liricí an inniu. Tá a oiread sin ag cur phopcheoil is féidir an rud céanna Ach is cosúil nach ionann B’fhéidir nach bhfuil ansin ach ina choinne. Dearcadh agus a aithint agus in amanna is teanga sin agus an tuigbheáil atá ag barraíocht spéise a bheith á cur fealsúnacht shaolta ceann acu, eile ar fad í seachas an teanga a déagóirí an lae inniu. Cuid acu, ag an duine ann féin. Ní hamháin polaitíocht dhomhanda ceann úsáideann daoine fásta. Teanga is ar an bhás mar ócáid mhór a go dtiocfadh leis seo a bheith ag eile, agus brú láidir i dtreo an aonarach, uaigneach, shealadach. mheabhraíonn siad, ocáid an chliú cur leis an bhrú agus leis an easpa phléisiúir amháin ceann eile go Teanga nach bhfuil geallúint ná agus an cháil. Tá cuid éigin dó sin dóchais is cúis leis an fhéinmhárú fóill. Ní thiocfadh le duine ar bith dóchas ná pobal ina croí. sa ghalar pobail atá mar phréamh ach thiocfadh leis fosta a bheith a bheith críostaí gan cuidiú ó Dhia ag an fhéinmhárú, agus níl an locht ag cur bacanna sa bhealach ar sa Spiorad Naomh i lár an tsaoil Is iontach an tarraingt chun uile ar an mhuintir óga. Táimid i thuiscint ar an phósadh agus ag seo inniu. aonarachta atá sa chultúr sin, agus ndiaidh domhan a chruthú nach cur le líon na bpóstaí briste. Má is iontach an dóigh ar athraíodh bhfuil de chiall leis ach cúbláil agus chuireann tú beirt le chéile a bhfuil Tá sé deacair ag aos óg an lae tuiscint na bhfocal, go fiú an focal alpadh, agus caithfidh na daoine barraíocht spéise acu iontu féin, inniu go háirithe mar go bhfuil a bás. I saol s’againne tuigimid go óga dóigheanna a fhoghlaim le beidh sé deacair orthu dóigheanna oiread de chultúr na n-óg dírithe bhfuil ceangal ag an bhás leis maireachtáil leis, nó imeacht as. a fhoghlaim le bheith ag brath ar an olc. Fiú amháin na focail an saol atá á chaitheamh agat, Fiú sna scoileanna bímid ag brú ar a chéile, agus ní féidir lánúin a a úsáideann siad ina gcaint féin agus leis an saol a thiocfaidh ina orthu féin-mhuinín a bheith acu chruthú gan sin. sa Bhearla, tá siad tiontaithe dhiaidh. Beidh ceangal idir an saol oiread sin nach bhfuil a fhios acu bunoscionn acu. Mar shampla, úr sin agus cáilíochtaí na beatha a an dóigh le bheith ag brath ar a (Buíochas le Foilseacháin Ábhair is ionann wicked agus iontach chuir tú i gcrích. chéile. Spioradálta.) 18 THE NET | JULY / AUGUST 2020 Saying that there will be no renewal in the Irish Church without groups of young committed believers who are prepared to let community mould, prune and inspire them, Bishop Donal sees pandemic as an opportunity for... Clearing the ground for some of Columba’s wisdom to take root again in our lifetime CELEBRATING the Feast of St going. When you trust in the he continued, saying: “Denying Columba, who was born almost wisdom of God, you can believe the truth traps us in living a lie 1,500 years ago, Bishop Donal that divine grace will build on and in angrily defending that lie. noted that he was remembered the shaky foundations that we lay. Columba might tell us that you as “a strong-minded believer who Faith means acting in good faith can build the future only on the drove himself and others to lay and leaving the rest to God”. foundation of truth and regret solid foundations on which others “Because he had that trust”, about the past. A person of faith would build”. added Bishop Donal, “Columba can live with the mistakes of the In his homily during Mass on did not leave these shores because past because they believe in God June 9 in St Columba’s Church, he sought early retirement in the who has reconciled all things to Long Tower, the bishop considered sun. He wanted to go out – from himself in Jesus. Someone else has how these qualities of Derry’s Ireland, from himself, from what borne the cross of our mistakes. Patron Saint had been developed he knew. When you believe in We don’t have to be crushed by sin through the self-discipline of the God who loves you, you are and its consequences. Columba community life in a monastery; prepared to face fear and not be knew that only the truth will set us a simple lifestyle, built around crushed by it. Deep faith makes free. That is a wisdom that is valid community prayer, hard work and strong people”. in every generation”. learning. Recalling that Columba had Saying that Covid-19 had “Those early monks knew that, “left Ireland after a battle over a “put paid” to plans to begin a together, they could develop great book”, Bishop Donal said: “We all year of preparation to mark craftsmanship,” he said, adding: “A have skeletons in our cupboard the 1,500th anniversary of the self-centred culture is the author – mistakes, bad decisions, things birth of Columba, Bishop Donal of its own destruction”. we are embarrassed or ashamed remarked: “As people of faith, we Referring to the battle against of. But Columba was able to take see the pandemic, not merely as Covid-19 and what lessons could responsibility for his past. He something that thwarts our plans be learnt from Columba, Bishop was not trapped by it nor did he but as a reality that can be seen as Donal remarked: “We have seen pretend that whatever happened clearing the ground for some of that real heroes are those who give was all somebody else’s fault. Columba’s wisdom to take roots generously of themselves and work “In our own country, we can again in our lifetime. in teams. There will be no renewal be tethered by the need to blame “There will, undoubtedly, be in the Irish Church without groups others for our actions or inaction. many celebrations of this figure of young committed believers who And we can see people around the from the depths of history, and I are prepared to let community world who misuse religious values hope they will bring new waves of mould, prune and inspire them”. in order to avoid facing the truth. visitors to this city. But Columba He also pointed out that, down Jesus insists that following His way would ask his children not just through the centuries, healthy leads to the truth and that there to study lessons about him but to communities of faith were known alone we find life for here and for learn lessons from him. The grace to not be inward looking. hereafter”. of God inspired him. He would “Wise leaders,” he said, “in the “There is much in the past of want people to be inspired by him, past have been able to face the this island and of our church and not just be entertained by future without having to know that we need to face, however stories about him”. all the details of where they were uncomfortable that might be”,

Ivor Doherty, of the Long Tower, writes about how St Columba’s Day, June 9, 2020, was the strangest he had ever participated in... Being at the Calvary with such a small number was very surreal

EVER since 1897, June 9, experience being at the Calvary O’Neill, who, at every opportunity, St Columba’s Day, has been with such a small number and in any circumstance, would want celebrated in the grounds of Long even stranger to be inside the to sing that hymn, which he Tower Church. After the Rosary church on such a date with no one described as the National Anthem in Irish at the Calvary, Mass is present. May that be the last time of the Long Tower. Whitey left us celebrated in the Church, and then that happens. a number of years ago for a better there is the procession to the well Down the years, people who place. for the blessing of the water. have left the Long Tower Parish I missed meeting my old school Only once since 1897, in 1908, to live elsewhere always came chum, John McCormack, who for was it not celebrated in that way, back on June 9, not only for the many years was there also, and we since folks were too busy knocking commemorations but also to meet would meet up and talk about old down the old church and building up with old acquaintances and times, war stories, and remember the new one, which we all know rekindle past friendships. Others other boys from our class, as well and love so well. would invade the upper graveyard as our teacher, Mr Seamus Kelly. This year, a very small number to take leaves off the two oak trees The absence of St Columba’s gathered at the Calvary to recite and pin them to their chests. Temperance Association Brass the Rosary, just to keep faith with Another great memory for people and Reed Band, playing both in the past and all the souls who would be hearing the singing of the graveyard and at the Well, was gathered there over so many the age-old Long Tower hymn, ‘St another missing ingredient to this years. Bishop Donal McKeown Columba’, written in 1897 for the splendid long-standing occasion. celebrated Mass in an empty 1,300th anniversary of his death church and then blessed the water by Mr Eddie Conaghan, who was (Photographs by Ivor which had been drawn from St the organist. Columba’s Well earlier in the day. I have a memory of a well known Doherty) I found it a very surreal man in Derry, Hugh (Whitey) THE NET | JULY / AUGUST 2020 19 Receiving award for community service alongside Bishop Ken Good, Bishop Donal says they are looking forward to... Celebrating our shared past with centenary commemoration of St Columba’s birth involving 13 post-primary schools across the community and cross- border. “Now, we are looking forward to celebrating our shared past as we commemorate the Centenary of St Columba’s birth,” he said, adding: “What Bishop Ken and I may have done is merely the tip of an iceberg of good work and good relations!” Recalling welcoming Archbishop Welby to Derry in 2018, Bishop Donal expressed the hope that the Award will be an encouragement to both Church and wider civic society, adding: “I look forward to building on the existing links with Canterbury long into the future.” A total of 32 people, involved in evangelism, Religious Life, safeguarding, ecumenism, theology and interfaith relations, received recognition this year through the Lambeth Awards, which acknowledge “outstanding contributions to the Church and wider society”. As well as from the , other recipients came from New Zealand, Kenya, and America. Each awarded a Langton Award for Community Service, Bishop Donal’s was for “his exceptional Bishops Ken Good and Donal McKeown with Burt parishioner, Kathleen Grant, during their Gartan to Derry walk and sustained dedication to the cause of peace and social cohesion HONOURED to have received a centre”. and I sought to walk together as in an environment of traditional Lambeth Award for Community Bishop Donal also pointed to a symbol of the pilgrim Church, interdenominational tension”, Service from the Archbishop the great relationship and work of making space for Christ to make and Bishop Ken’s was for “giving of Canterbury, Bishop Donal the late Bishops and our hearts burn within us”. strategic leadership to the local has pointed out that while the James Mehaffey, , Indeed, they celebrated their church to engage fully with the award was in recognition of the which had led to them being shared Christian witness and community, throughout his contributions by him and the awarded the Freedom of the City common Columban heritage in a ordained ministry, most of which former Church of Ireland Bishop in 2015, just before the Council series of joint pilgrimages in 2017, was in the complex community of of Derry & Raphoe, Rt Rev Ken boundaries were redrawn.” which saw them walking together .” Good, “there has been a huge He went on to note that Bishop from St Columba’s birthplace in The Awards are usually presented amount of active inter-church Ken had “laboured long and Gartan to Derry, and travelling to at a ceremony at Lambeth Palace, work here for decades”. faithfully in this corner of the the Saint’s resting place in Iona. in London, the official residence He added: “I am not merely Lord’s vineyard. Anything I have This was followed by other joint of the , of great encouragement”. another, and that is a command talking about prayer together done in my few years here was walks across their dioceses to , but this year’s “The pursuit of peace is a noble we have sought to live up to and or inter-church dialogue. The built on the foundations that raise awareness of their shared ceremony has had to be cancelled endeavour”, he added, “but the to share as best we can, whatever Churches, specifically in theothers had laid before my arrival.” Columban vocation to “Preserve because of Covid-19. journey is frequently challenging the cost. In this, we have been City, have carved out a role for Feeling privileged to have with each other sincere charity Humbled to receive the Award, and can feel lonely. I’m thankful privileged to follow in the footsteps themselves in civic life.” received the Award along with and peace”. Bishop Ken said that he felt for having had Bishop Donal of inspirational predecessors. “The Churches Trust,” he went his former Church of Ireland Saying that he and Bishop Ken “doubly blessed to receive this as a trusted companion in what “I hope that the Archbishop’s on to note, “has worked on social counterpart, Bishop Donal had been heavily involved in honour alongside my friend in became for us a joint quest. generous gesture towards us will issues for decades, while The remarked: “As the disciples on the Irish Church Peace Project, Christ, Bishop Donal McKeown. “Donal and I do what we do inspire peacemakers elsewhere in Inner City Trust, again led by the the road to Emmaus discovered, Bishop Donal went on to recall This simultaneous recognition of because of a sense of calling. God’s Kingdom. To God be the Churches at senior level, played a the Truth can be encountered by the four main churches setting the work of two bishops is a source Jesus told his disciples to love one g l or y.” major role in regenerating the City those who walk together. +Ken up a 1916/2016 centenary project,

The gathering in St Augustine’s Church when Bishop Donal and Bishop Ken arrived in Derry, having walked from St Bishop Donal and Bishop Ken setting out again from Burt Chapel, on their way to Derry from Gartan, in Co Donegal. Columba’s birthplace in Gartan, Co Donegal, in 2017. 20 THE NET | JULY / AUGUST 2020 We look back with gratitude...and look forward with trust – Bishop Donal best that we can hope for. Referring to “largish groups “We have discovered over the in society and church who last three months that there are have a narrative about the ‘fear many beautiful things to enjoy agenda’ being promoted by the that cost nothing...Real freedom is establishment to fool and control based on deliberately choosing the people”, he pointed out that Jesus’ good, the true and beautiful even message was “never based on if that means depriving myself of stoking the flames of fear”. some immediate pleasure”. “He will point out uncomfortable Cherish truths,” said Bishop Donal, “but Hoping that lessons had been he always offers a way through learnt about life since lockdown and a way forward. People of faith began in March, he said: “This are asked to keep sowing seeds of is a time to cherish those lessons hope, not announcing a harvest of and not to allow the insights despair”. to be lost in a tsunami of going He added: “Our job in parishes back to the future...It will take is to do everything we can here many people time to overcome and now for the people who need the fear of mixing again. We to hear good news – and leave it to want our churches to be places God to worry about the future of where people can share the the Church.” infectious good news of the Congratulating parishes “on Gospel – but avoid being Corona- reaching out to and gathering infected through selfishness and parishioners as soon as at all carelessness. We have to begin possible”, he continued: “We will cautiously. make mistakes and have to learn “These next weeks will be a time lessons. And we must be sure that for discovering the Resurrection we do not endanger anyone. But T Patrick’s Church, Pennyburn, in The Three parishes; priests and the parish “when they go out to proclaim communities who have supported that it is possible to renew the face that St Paul talks about in writing Jesus would rather that we were Patrons’ Parish, in Derry City, was the setting them; those who, like Paul, have of the earth”. to the Romans...As with Jesus, it remembered for being too zealous for the celebration of the first public Mass in tried to hand on the faith and “That mission of Jesus’ disciples will be to a new way of being alive than for being too frightened. and being the Body of Christ. “The bible is full of stories about Sthe Diocese with the ease of the Covid-19 lockdown. good news; and youth workers is as difficult today as it was then,” and those in communication he remarked, before going on As happened 2,000 years ago, those who were pushed away ministries. state: “In any age, if the disciples Resurrection will not be easy to beyond their perceived limits. Parish priest, Fr Michael for Mass this morning.” “We are moving beyond one of Jesus do not seek to play an understand. But, as with Jesus, Fear imprisons but Jesus wants McCaughey welcomed Bishop Recalling that his last public difficult chapter. We don’t need uncomfortable challenging role, this new form of ‘resurrection’ to liberate us...We offer Jesus’ Donal for the celebration of the Mass before lockdown had taken to know where God is leading us; if the Church becomes tasteless is a call to come together so that message of hope and we have to 7.30 am Mass on June 29, the place in St Patrick’s Church as we know that the Lord will stand and without inspiration and we can be sent out. The prophetic ensure we find ways for that hope Feast of Sts Peter and Paul, and well, for the celebration of St by us and give us power. We look hope, if the Church becomes too voice always speaks of hope and a to be proclaimed and celebrated... thanked all the parish volunteers Patrick’s Day, Bishop Donal gave back with much gratitude over the aligned to the dominant ideology different future”. Graced growth will come through who had helped prepare the three thanks for the strength so many last months and we look forward of the powerful, then it loses its In a later homily, for the 15th those who sow and who believe churches in the parish for the had shown. with trust. That is what Peter, Paul prophetic voice”. Sunday in Ordinary Time, Bishop that flowers can bloom in the return of congregations. “We can look back and say and Patrick would ask us to do”. Referring to talk, both by Jesus Donal spoke on the Parable of the most unexpected of places. The Acknowledging anyone joining with St Paul, ‘The Lord stood by Celebrating Mass for the Feast and St Paul, about dying to Sower, remarking: “The Church sower in the parable saw beyond in via webcam, Fr Michael us and gave us power’,” he said, Day also in St Eugene’s Cathedral, ourselves and losing our lives for is challenged to ensure that we the rocks and the briars. That is a had a special welcome for the adding: “We have been blessed the Mother Church of the Jesus’ sake, Bishop Donal said: are proclaiming a hope-filled message for every age. If pubs can congregation sitting socially by those who, like Peter, held Diocese, Bishop Donal spoke of “That is not a welcome message. message, even in the midst of do their best to welcome people, distanced in the pews before him, church and community together: Jesus’ instruction to the disciples The dominant ideology tells us the present situation. And that so can churches”. saying: “It is lovely to see you here workers throughout the diocese, about what they should expect that self-indulgence offers us the message of hope is needed.”

The love of Christ urges us on (2 Cor 5:14) by Bishop Donal THIS period of enforced Parishes have worked to engage churches, all the sacraments Good is at least as important normalisation will take some this Framework, have been put in lockdown has been a time of with and support each other in of the Church and generous as my rights or comfort. We time. Things will never be quite place. challenges and grace. As the a myriad of ways. I would like to pastoral care. Many people of proclaim the sacredness of life. the same again. It is most important that people People of God, with St Paul, commend the many priests and faith have a deep hunger to be Part of being pro-life involves But, as St Paul discovered, we who are vulnerable or unwell, we can say that it is the love of people who reached out to their part of a congregation at Mass. protection from harm. have to be courageous in the and especially those with any Christ that drives us on. Sharing communities within the many Many have found it very painful In all that we do, we are still service of the Gospel, and to learn symptoms that might suggest good news and mercy within limitations placed on us all. that they were unable to gather guided by the principles of the from our mistakes. Circumstances Covid-19 infection, should stay at our communities is at the heart The return to public worship is in church, unable to celebrate Diocesan Pastoral Plan: Building and government regulations home and, if possible, participate, of being parish; focussed on God just one stage on a new journey. Mass, receive Holy Communion welcoming communities; will keep changing. But, if each as now, via webcam, social media, and each other. Pastoral charity is There will be many more stages. and the other sacraments. A lot Growing in faith together; and parish has been developing an television or radio. The same at the heart of the diocesan priest’s But we journey in faith, in the of parishioners wish to have their Making Jesus known and loved. honest consultative approach, the applies to those who have been in vocation. company of Christ. We do not children baptised or to make The Irish Bishops’ Conference wisdom and generosity of God’s recent contact with someone who The Covid-19 pandemic has know, and do not need to know, their First Holy Communion or Framework Document on people will be able to discern the has the virus, in accordance with created challenges which we have what the future will be like. Our Confirmation. The absence of full reopening churches, aims to give best way forward, one step at a public health advice. faced as a diocesan family and as calling as Christians is to do and funeral rituals has left scars for parish communities guidance in time. Thus, I welcome these pastoral parish communities. It has been be the best that we can at this very many people. planning, allow room for local Our guidelines are meant to reflections from parishioners. a time of stress and unexpected moment, and leave the rest to the Secondly, these rights entail circumstances and solutions, and support parishes in their own It is good that we can see where change, and that cannot be played Lord of the Harvest, the God of responsibilities which we owe to ensure that we have consistent preparations for a return to the God was in the confusion and down. surprises. others. At a time such as this, we best practice across the diocese. public celebration of Mass and learn lessons. It is by sharing such Lockdown has taken its toll on There are two priorities that have to ensure that we all act in This will not be an easy task. the sacraments. No church should insights that we can discern God’s people and priests. At the same guide parishes at this stage of ways which protect the vulnerable Many people are very wary of be opened for public prayer way forward for us. time, we have seen a great wave the journey. Firstly, the People of and minimise the risk of the leaving their homes or gathering or worship until satisfactory of initiatives across the diocese. God have a right to access their spread of the virus. The Common in public places. The process of arrangements, as indicated in THE NET | JULY / AUGUST 2020 21 AS we begin to gather again for the public celebration of our faith, in line with restrictions due to Covid-19, people in parishes around the Diocese have been sharing their experience of life in lockdown, and how their faith and the abundance of on-line prayer ministry has been a wonderful source of strength and comfort during this challenging time for humanity world-wide. The first of the reflections are featured here, with the rest to be continued in the next edition of ‘The Net’. Aghyaran... Ardmore parishioner reading at Mass Currynierin Community Association. We thank God for His Ardmore protection We witnessed true meaning of Church WHEN Fr John Gilmore, our Egg and a poem by Mrs Rosemary by both past and present Pope retired parish priest, celebrated Connolly, ‘When the world stood John Paul II Award participants, Mass in St Patrick’s Church, still’, compliments of St Davog’s a new dimension was added to Aghyaran, on March 17, little did and Fr Paul. our experience of both Mass and we realise that it would be June 30 As the pandemic restrictions Rosary. before we participated fully again. ease, we look back on the three The experience of the JPII That week, schools andmonths plus of lockdown which participants meant they were businesses closed, ceremonies brought out the best in our familiar with being involved and were postponed, Lenten Services community. Volunteers were taking part in Church ceremonies. discontinued and attendance at at the end of the ‘phone, shops With many people living in fear Mass suspended. On March 22, delivered goods when contacted and worried about what was our Mass problem was resolved and dinners were distributed to happening, it was the turn of our when our parish priest, Fr Paul those shielding. Families who young people to step up and help Fraser broadcast Sunday Mass on lost loved ones were consoled parishioners in Ardmore stay our newly installed webcam. We and helped too. Self-distancing connected spiritually with each were delighted, especially as our friends and neighbours lined the other via webcam and Facebook families from further afield were roadsides to say goodbye. Live; a new dimension in our use able to participate. It has been a The staff of our local St Caireall’s Fr with pre-lockdown of social media. And step up they blessing. PS worked tirelessly throughout, haircut. surely did, and very soon brought In Holy Week, we had our full providing work packs for the WHO would ever have their own personalities to the fore, quota of Masses, including one children, and Fr Paul marked imagined the reality we are reading and singing at Mass and on Spy Wednesday especially for those days which should have been living in now? Whether regular Rosary. JP2 Award Participants from Ardmore Parish. the children, when Fr Paul made special – First Holy Communion, Church goer or not, few would In the following weeks, we great use of our beautiful Easter Confirmation, Leaving. in the offering of the Mass, the Ardmore Cricket Club to both have thought churches would witnessed the true meaning of Garden to explain the Easter Now that near normal Mass has recitation of the Divine Mercy participate and encourage others close even for private prayer. So, Church – the acceptance and Story. On Good Friday, as well as resumed, we thank God for His Chaplet and the praying of the as well. what happens in a parish when inclusion of all. Fr Farren has Mass, we had the Stations of the protection of this little peninsular Rosary. The delegation of this task to pandemic hits? reached out to the various groups Cross followed by an inspirational part of Tyrone which is Aghyaran. Those isolated at home have others by Fr Farren has further Well, this is where we see the and people in the parish and Penitential Service. We even got relished the participation of increased the number of people importance of being in touch with encouraged them to be actively our Easter Water and Palm Cross (Sadie) family and friends, and identified involved. The fantastic mix of the people coming to the fore. The involved during this time of delivered, along with an Easter with the ceremonies even more as current volunteers and new, young parish priest in Ardmore, Fr Neil difficulty. a result. Add in the Facebook live children being involved with Farren has, over the years, built It is great to see how it has given a element and there is a real feeling their parents and families, and a strong Pastoral Team that has sense of human connectedness at of parish community gathering the discovery of such willingness been working diligently to involve a time when we have been forced for Mass and Rosary. People are among the parishioners to be all parishioners in shaping the apart by the conditions imposed finding a source of consolation involved, is something to be parish for the future. on us because of the pandemic. knowing that others are joining in proud of. This active participation Although the review of a The wide variety of individuals with them. at a time when faced with the recent parish survey was stopped and family groups involved We, as a Parish community, are unknown has left Ardmore Parish because of the pandemic, from some of the youngest to indebted to the forward thinking well placed to meet the various the consultation itself was a the more mature, spans the and encouragement shown by challenges that will face so many good beginning to building a whole parish community and Fr Farren to realise the true when this present crisis is over. stronger, more inclusive, parish encourages others to join online meaning of ‘parish’ and ‘church’, The opportunity to reach out community. and participate. especially during this time of and involve parishioners has Initially, the only word to Those who have taken part have challenge. As important as the certainly been embraced by describe the feeling of most was spoken of how “lovely it was to be chapel is, true Church is about Fr Farren and the members of ‘shock’. All of us, Parish Pastoral in the Chapel”. It has allowed for the people who make up that Ardmore Parish Pastoral Council, Council members included, spiritual growth but also personal, Church. We acknowledge the and presents the real possibility tuned in to watch the lone figure with some who have never willingness of Pope John Paul for an exciting and vibrant future of Fr Farren on the altar offering read or sung in chapel before Award participants and members for this parish. Mass and praying the Rosary suddenly finding themselves of Currynierin Community in an empty church. For a few taking a lead, giving a true sense Association, Ardmore GAA, (Pat) weeks we watched and prayed of achievement. St Mary’s Folk Group and the with mixed feelings of it being The interactions between priest great to have a priest, guilt that we and parishioner – men, women couldn’t do anything to help, and and young people - on the altar of an uneasiness that maybe things St Mary’s Church every morning could be different but not sure and evening for both Mass and how. Rosary, have brought the true It was in the course of a teaching of the Gospel to life. conversation airing some of those We are all invited to become feelings that a suggestion was active members of the Body of made to have a volunteer to assist Christ – the Church. On the Feast Fr Farren in Mass responses and of Corpus Christi, Fr Farren spoke the Rosary prayer. Thanks to the of the “sense of togetherness in willingness of PPC members, and the Body of Christ” created by the the amazing enthusiasm shown involvement of local parishioners Glendermott PS. 22 THE NET | JULY / AUGUST 2020 Ardstraw East (Newtownstewart)... Early blessing of parish kept us safe during pandemic Then there was the end of year be a part of life for the foreseeable Facebook became Fr Colhoun’s reached into our homes, made us Mass for the children and primary future and more permanent main means of communication to feel protected and closer to God seven leavers of St Patrick’s PS. fixtures were invested in. the masses of people, my digital with his prayer around the Parish Glenock Church was adorned Shauneen Kilpatrick, Anne skills were called upon. I, too, and his presence on Facebook with artwork of the children’s McDonell, Martin Kerrigan and I went from a parishioner with a through live Masses and little favourite saints, which took a lot all rallied around and contributed pastoral forum role to a resident impromptu videos. A lot of local of preparation. The penultimate where possible; Martin who reader at Sunday Mass. people have put their safety activity on the list was the blessing had been furloughed from work Besides the projects that have throughout the pandemic down of two new reader stands for becoming resident video camera taken place, the live Masses to Fr Colhoun’s early blessing of St Eugene’s Church and finally operator, preparer of Church and Rosaries, together with the the townlands of the Parish, and there was little Clodagh Marie candles and bell ringer. Shauneen, Blessing of our townlands and I totally agree with them”. McNamee ringing the bell. who was still busy working for the perimeters of our homes in the During this very testing time, IT was only when I looked back & crafts, singing for Easter, Mr In the background, a renovation NHS and caring for her family, Parish, Fr Colhoun became Fr Colhoun has suffered his own on our Parish Facebook page that McGlone’s 50th birthday video, of St Mary’s Oratory has taken dedicated every ounce of spare the sole deliverer of collection personal loss, the sudden death it occurred to me the mountain Divine Mercy Sunday, Blessing place during lockdown, with Fr time to assist Fr Colhoun and the envelopes for the Parish! of his dear friend and colleague, of activity which Fr Colhoun and of Glenock graveyard, May Colhoun seeing no opportunity Parish. Her creativity and forward We have been guided spiritually Mary Hampdon, RIP. the pastoral forum of Ardstraw devotions, May altar photos, Mass wasted! thinking brought many of our throughout this testing time As so many of his past East have provided during for First Holy Communicants Any resource that could be Parish lockdown activities to the in our lives by Fr Roland, who parishioners have commented lockdown 2020, with hundreds of followed by gift bags & video used was utilised, to the extent forefront, too many of which has helped bring the presence on the Parish Facebook page: people from different corners of slideshow, The Great Parish Bake- that music stands were adorned to begin to name individually. of God even more into our “Ardstraw East are a very fortunate the world engaged in our Parish off (Fr Colhoun being the Parish with home-made ambo falls, a She quickly became resident homes through his prayer and and blessed parish to have Fr activity. taster), floral arch for the month microphone stand and selfie stick reader for live Masses too. Anne encouragement. To quote Cathy Colhoun”, and the pastoral forum I managed to count at least of the Sacred Heart, Blessing of on wheels made for a brilliant McDonnell’s hidden talents in Flanagan, who is a parishioner of are in total agreement with these 25 individual activities. They new statues of the Sacred Heart of makeshift camera stand for live flower arranging and poetry were Ardstraw East: “Fr Colhoun has sentiments! included: Blessing the Parish Jesus and St Joseph and the Christ Masses. All were temporary a creative delight and her steadfast always encouraged leading the on wheels, Rosary with Cora Child, together with the beautiful measures until the reality set in advice was often called upon faith through our children, but (Ashlene) and Paddy, candle of hope, illuminated crown for the statue that social distancing was going to through our group messenger. As during lockdown I feel that he has Blessing of Palms at home, arts of Our Lady. Ardstraw West & Castlederg... Ringing of chapel bell and candle burning before Tabernacle a great comfort IN our parish, St Mary’s Dregish not attend at the time. and St Francis, Drumnabey, closed The ringing of the Chapel bell during lockdown. Fr Paul Fraser on Thursday evenings at 8 pm in continued with Mass in St Patrick’s support of NHS workers and key Castlederg, on Saturday evenings, workers, and the lighting of the Monday mornings and Friday blue candle which burned in front mornings. of the Tabernacle, were little things It was a great relief that we could that were very comforting. continue to attend Mass via the For Holy Week, Fr Paul set up newly installed webcam. What a a sacred space in his home and blessing and just in time! Fr Paul encouraged us to do the same. also set up a Facebook page and Beginning on Palm Sunday with through that could let everyone our palms and continuing with know what was happening. the Crucifix and small stones and The parishioners could alsorocks representing our sins on communicate with him and know Good Friday. For Easter, we added that he was ok too. photos of our families and those Fr John Forbes, PP. Some Masses were recorded, we could not be with. The Easter including funerals, and so could Masses were so beautiful and be watched by those who could comforting and brought joy and hope to our days. Lower Badoney (Gortin & Rouskey)... Moving into May, we made May Altars dedicated to The Blessed Virgin Mary, and these were We dug deep and the results were decorated with flowers of all kinds, gathered from our gardens and amazing wildflowers. The Children’s Mass took place IT seems a long, long time prescriptions, delivering PPE to We are very thankful to our and the children sent photos of since the beginning of Covid-19 surgeries and hospitals, taking priest, Fr John Forbes, who kept their May Altars to Fr Paul. lockdown. Had we been told at people to medical appointments, our community together by his For June, our sacred spaces the beginning of March that we ‘phone calls to people living alone, webcam services and possibly changed again, with it being the would be four months out of our the housebound and the self- reignited the faith in some. month of The Sacred Heart of comfort zone, then we might have isolating along, with humorous When things got tough at Jesus. emigrated or dug underground cards sent to people in care homes. times and the hill got steeper, by Now with great expectations, shelters for ourselves...but, I’m What effect did this have on stopping and thinking that we our chapels are open for the public being negative. the fit and healthy parishioners? are a vital cog in the community celebration of Masses, though We did dig deep and the positive Volunteering made them realise wheel got us going again. with restrictions in place for now. results were amazing, both that they had a lot to offer, boosted Wheels keep rolling and we, as I would like to thank Fr Paul for individually and community wise. their confidence and made them the cogs in this parish wheel, will, all his prayers and support during People surprised themselves by feel good about themselves. with God’s help, overcome and such a difficult time for us all. what they were capable of. Many Volunteering made them realise come out stronger. parishioners became involved that they shouldn’t wait to be (Marie in volunteering, which covered asked and that we had a lot to be (Alice) St Patrick’s Church, Castlederg. shopping, cooking, collecting grateful for. THE NET | JULY / AUGUST 2020 23 Badoney Upper ( & )... People longed to be present again at Eucharistic table Mass and praying the Rosary for protection. Our parish priest offered Mass each day for every family in the parish and was always there at the end of the ‘phone for those in need, especially the sick in our parish; offering his prayers and support. Our first Mass, after being without it for almost 13 weeks, was a joy filled occasion for the parish. Everyone felt the pain of Ballinascreen... A cross was erected at St Patrick’s Cranagh on Good Friday, when people being without the Eucharist and gathered in their cars for the ceremony, and will remain as a reminder of the longed to be present, once again, Covid-19 pandemic. at the Eucharistic table. Faith did not lockdown and The bond of community was LOCKDOWN in our Badoney The lockdown brought out very evident, and we had a strong Upper Parish was challenging the best in the people of our appreciation that we cannot exist parish life did not go into but overall it was a very positive parish, with many volunteers as an island. experience. The curtailment due giving support to those in need St Augustine once said, ‘God to the pandemic gave us a deeper and isolating or vulnerable, by is closer to us than we are to appreciation of what is most delivering food parcels to them ourselves’. Who knows what the quarantine important in life, such as family, and checking that they were doing next few months will bring - we friends, the gift of time, the gift alright. look forward in hope. social distance and to engage in the online Mass over Lent, Easter and beauty of nature. Our parishioners found solace the webcam funeral Mass, has and beyond. We learned that the things in prayer, joining online daily (Clement) been incredible. It is a new way At home, we have tried to create which do not cost anything, such of doing things but, with the a sacred place. We light a candle as spending time with family, grace of God, we are trying to for online services and set out a taking time to reflect and being retain the great tradition we have statue of Our Lady, a Bible and still, are more important than the of supporting the bereaved, and a Crucifix, so that it is not just fast pace of life which we are often burying and praying for the dead. watching tv. We waved palms, pulled into. I, with the entire Parish, found a purple cloth for Good Many people in the parish empathise with the couples whose Friday and filled bottles of water adopted a slower pace of living. marriages have been postponed, to be blessed at Easter. Many took up walking and and I feel for the families who God has surprised me. I have cycling, while children learned have had to wait on Baptism, felt connected at Mass, felt the new skills like baking, planting Communion and Confirmation; presence of God, the movement vegetables and doing their school in some cases whilst outfits get of the Holy Spirit and a sense of work remotely from home. Sacred Heart Church, Plumbridge tighter and shorter. peace. Spiritual Communion has REFLECTING on my Covid-19 I have really missed Mass and honestly been a real blessing and faith experience in Ballinascreen, the Eucharist. full of graces. Before lockdown, Ballymagroarty (Holy Family)... I consider that, like many, I have Our Parish has embraced I would not have believed had to adapt and compromise technology and the priests have that this would all have been has been thrust upon me. It has been amazing in leading from the possible in an online Mass. God Many reconnected with their faith not all been negative. God has front, promoting it and utilising moves in remarkable ways and surprised me! it with well-planned ceremonies. cannot be underestimated. He the parish website. All of this was The pain and restrictions have The webcam has been well used is not confined and I have been very comforting to people. most keenly been felt in death; across the generations. We are reminded of this! I liked that he kept parishioners it is not the same as was. Some now on Facebook engaging As we move out of lockdown, involved in the liturgy of the families have been denied being at daily with a wide audience. We the dedication of our priests and Mass, asking men, women and the bedside of a loved one – there had hundreds of pictures of parish volunteers is commendable. young people to read at the are no words to alleviate this pain. May Altars. Pastoral meetings Organising the opening of Masses during the week and at The rural community gathering are taking place on Zoom! Churches, the resumption of the weekend. My experience of for large wakes, loud renditions of Parishioners are accessing Mass public Mass and timetabling Holy Family is that people are the Rosary, endless cups of tea and and services across the Diocese postponed sacraments within very willing to get involved and packed funerals are no more in and further afield. This is all good. Covid guidance has been no easy there was a great response during Ballinascreen. This is sad for the Lockdown pushed us to think in task. lockdown. As well as readers, we bereaved and hard for the parish new ways. Summing up, faith did not also had music and singing for the generally. Having always been able to lockdown and the parish life did weekend Masses. The bereaved have not, however, attend, I never had to watch Mass not go into quarantine – it was a People were really looking been left to get on with it. The on the webcam. I always felt it different way of being Parish. forward to getting back to willingness of God’s people to was a bit of a compromise. It will ‘normal’ Mass. One of the things compromise, to line the roads, always be a substitute but I have (Caroline) that struck me during lockdown to have the Rosary outside with been blown away by the power of was the number of people who weren’t normally Mass goers but who tuned into the streamed celebration of Mass. There is a yearning there... a connection with their faith, so maybe they will come back to Mass in the chapel after their lockdown experience. It hasn’t been easy for any of us, but I have particular admiration for Fr O’Kane and thank God for OUR parish priest, Fr Paddy his best to reach out to people, giving him the strength and grace O’Kane has done tremendously doing audio reflections as well as to keep going at this time. well in his efforts to continue streaming the celebration of Mass, ministry during lockdown despite and putting prayer resources for (Sr Ann) dealing with illness. He did during this time of pandemic on 24 THE NET | JULY / AUGUST 2020 Banagher... A renewed sense of gratitude and belonging I had not quite felt nor witnessed Mother Nature, in all her glory, It is important to mention the the graves of our loved ones. That this type of uncertainty before did not disappoint us with the special packages from Fr Micheal, particular sanction was such a and the only answer for me was birds singing a lot louder than any that were delivered to households cruel blow to a lot of people and to plan a daily schedule. Having other year. I was blessed to hear during Holy Week to enable Fr Micheal’s empathy and actions just retired before lockdown, I the cuckoo daily on all my roads us to spiritually and physically comforted a lot of families. had always been used to a busy during May and June. be involved in the Holy Week Whilst we are still slowly coming schedule so it didn’t take me too The beautiful spring weather and Easter ceremonies. Indeed, out of lockdown and the future long to find another. My days did help to lift people’s spirits. In parishioners were so appreciative is uncertain, as Covid-19 hasn’t soon filled with prayer, walking, fact, I met one lady on my walk of this kind gesture that some of gone away, I believe we are all in cooking, gardening, reading who said that perhaps it was a them prepared a quirky video a better place. Hopefully, people and listening to news updates in sign from above, that God had (social distance measures in will have found peace in the new equal measures, alongside living sent us good weather to help place!) to say thank you. It’s things that they have discovered with four dehumidifiers going us through these difficult and available on Facebook. about themselves and about the steady to dry out a very serious challenging days. I’m not going to The icing on the cake, I believe, world around them, and have a WHEN ‘lockdown’ was embark on a new normal. leak in the house! I was able to dispute that as it had the desired for parishioners was the very renewed sense of gratitude and announced back in March, we Perhaps, some people may have distinguish which day of the week effect on people’s mental health kind gesture that Fr Michael sense of belonging in the parish were all in a kind of shock; trying given into just going with the it was according to which road I and wellbeing. performed on Easter Monday. of Banagher in our ‘new normal’, to make sense of what was going flow and lounged about, binged- was walking along first thing each We were blessed in Banagher He blessed all graves in the three along with remembering HOPE on around us and the sudden watched the new Disney+ morning. Everyone, in their own Parish with how Fr Micheal graveyards in the parish. This and our daily prayers. changes to our daily routines. It Channel or Netflix, drank tea/ way, had slowed down and began McGavigan supported us during was very thoughtful, especially was with a sense of disbelief that coffee/wine, baked bananato assess and make their own way lockdown. Being able to log onto at a time when we could not visit (Briege) the world had found itself in this bread, became acquainted with in this new world. daily Mass, even though it was position! ZOOM and FaceTime calls, and The beauty of the Banagher devastating not to be able to attend Looking back on those days embraced the time at home. For Parish, at the foothills of the Mass, was a daily consolation now, I suppose it was a form of a lot of others though, the new , was reaffirmed daily for a lot of people, and he even grief that was washing over us. normal brought with it anxiety throughout the lockdown period. mentioned some special and We had no choice but to say and worry about their nearest and Lots of families were out walking significant birthdays during Mass, goodbye to the normal and dearest regarding Covid-19. along the many roads and lanes. which I am sure was appreciated. Buncrana... Social media helped keep us connected as a parish in prayer THE parish of Desertegney every day on both Facebook and stopped in due course, although direction. Blessed candles and and Lower Fahan, or Buncrana the parish webcam, which was the churches remained open Mass petitions were still required as it is known, is a busy place. eventually installed in St Mary’s, for private prayer throughout and provided, and bonfires were lit With over 8,000 parishioners and Cockhill, in Holy Week. All the this time. In response to this, and blessed on June 23. three church buildings, Fr Francis Holy Week Services, including Fr Bradley began to broadcast a So, even though we were asked Bradley and Fr John R Walsh, are the lighting of the Paschal Fire on Holy Hour with Exposition each to stay socially apart from one “kept going”. When the first of the Holy Saturday night went ahead evening at 7 pm. Initially, this took another, ministry in Buncrana Bellaghy... lockdown measures came into and were able to be seen online, as place from his private oratory and Parish was still able to continue force with the closing of schools were the Divine Mercy devotions then moved to St Mary’s Cockhill and, thankfully, along the banks on Thursday, March 12, no one the following Sunday. once the webcam was installed. of Lough Swilly at least, lockdown Great to be back at Mass to really thought that we would only Parishioners were encouraged to There was a special Holy Hour for has not led to meltdown. now, in July, be starting to tiptoe set up a sacred space at home and the Confirmation students on the receive Holy Communion our way out of those necessary to join in the ceremonies of Holy day they were to have received the (Maire) restrictions. But, as we now know, Week, in ways such as decorating sacrament and, during the month Thursday evenings Fr Andy led that is the reality. their front doors with palms for of May, video messages were Night Prayer. We had a half-hour The shutdown came when we Palm Sunday, baking bread for created for the 2nd Classes and reflection period on Wednesday were only two weeks into Lent, Holy Thursday and later, create red posted on Facebook on the days evenings, which were led by which leads to the busiest period in displays for Pentecost as a show of that they would have made their a parishioner, and on Friday the Church calendar. Just the week unity even when apart. A benefit First Holy Communion. These evenings, Fr Andy led a half-hour before, we had begun our five- of using Facebook was that people videos had messages from their reflection. week Family Lenten programme, could leave comments requesting teachers, principals, priests and We had our Cemetery Sunday focusing on the Sacrament of prayers, or just say ‘Good catechist. Service on-line too and then Fr Reconciliation. Our 6th Class Morning’, and this also helped There was a small group who Andy and Fr Donnelly blessed students were putting their final to keep us connected as a parish met online using Zoom to finish the graves, with people able to go touches to their preparation for in prayer. The focus of the parish a video course on the lives of the along and visit the graves in their the Sacrament on Confirmation prayer during this whole time has saints during May, and it is hoped own time. on March 28, and our 2nd Class very much been for those who that Zoom will be still be used It hasn’t been easy for our priests pupils were getting ready to make were affected by Covid-19 and over the summer to facilitate other celebrating Mass in front of empty seats and people really missed not their First Confession during Lent. those working on the frontline, as short courses, discussion groups THE priests have been being able to be physically present Other celebrations of weddings well as praying for an end to the and prayer. marvellous in the work they have at Mass, although it was great to be and baptisms were also in the pandemic. Fr Bradley visited some of his been doing during lockdown. I able to watch it on-line. pipeline and in the diary. Funeral Masses were streamed sick on his bike, while keeping don’t know how we would have When the restrictions were Once it was clear that the and this was so important for the a safe social distance and, as coped without all the prayer they eased and we were able to open measures were in place for the family and friends of the deceased, Parish Catechist, I kept links provided on-line for us. our churches for private prayer, foreseeable future, we streamed who couldn’t be at the church with the Pope John Paul II Every morning, Monday to our chapel was open for a couple our first daily Mass on Wednesday, due to the limit on numbers, but Award students who were able to Friday, our parish priest, Mgr of hours in the day, and eventually March 18 on our Parish Facebook thankfully there was no limit as complete hours with the Diocesan Andy Dolan celebrated Mass at it was open for most of the day. page. None of our churches had to how many could watch online. Youth Programme online. A 9.30 am. Saturday was left free for This brought great comfort as we a webcam, and we all had to In May and June, Leavers’ Masses weekly family newsletter called family time and then we had 10.30 had missed not being able to go to quickly learn how to use social and ‘End of Year’ Masses were ‘Catechist Corner’ was launched am Mass on Sundays, at which the chapel for private prayer, and it media platforms to bring Mass to celebrated for our schools and on Pentecost Sunday. It is designed Fr Liam Donnelly concelebrated. is wonderful that we are now back the parishioners. Our Facebook watched online by the staff, pupils to help families with catechesis and Fr Donnelly also helped out with in our chapel for Mass so that we insights told us that a peak of and their families. contains teaching, Scripture and funeral Masses if Fr Andy wasn’t can receive Holy Communion 94 people tuned in to that first The busy Adoration Chapel some simple colouring activities. available. again. Many people really missed streamed Mass. The next day the also had to be closed. Instead, the The Parish Secretary, Lorna Porter, On Monday evenings, we had that. peak reached 142, and it grew Blessed Sacrament was exposed was contactable via phone or email two parishioners lead the Rosary steadily as the weeks went on. in St Mary’s Oratory during and was able to point those who on-line, and on Tuesday and There has been Mass streamed the day, but that also had to be needed help or support in the right (Marie) THE NET | JULY / AUGUST 2020 25 Clonmany Clonmany Together’ Committee valued by community WITH lockdown in our parish, away. Due to the restrictions on weekend Masses starting again, the strangest thing I found was numbers, it was important for which we are very pleased about. not being able to attend Mass. family members and the local With our attendance numbers I found it hard to put signs up community to view funeral limited, we have divided the in our three Churches, with the Masses and show solidarity with parish into four areas to allow words - “No Mass this Weekend” the bereaved. everyone a chance to attend Mass. on March 14/15. The ‘Clonmany TogetherWe will also continue to stream Little did I think that it would Committee’ has been tremendous Mass live into the homes in our be June 29 before the Churches in keeping our community parish and have our loud speakers would open again for daily Mass. informed and up-to-date with transmit Mass for those who wish Within a couple of weeks, a everything. It was also very active to listen outside or sit in their cars. group of local people formed in looking after the elderly and We are looking forward to the a committee and established a those living alone; bringing them attendance number increasing Facebook page which allowed groceries, the daily newspaper, which will make it easier for St Aengus’ Church, Burt. Fr Brady to stream Mass on their cooked meals, medication, everyone. Saturday evenings at 6.30 pm or whatever their needs were. Burt, Inch & Fahan... and also Funeral Masses of our Thankfully, I was kept very busy (Kathleen) parishioners who had passed during the week preparing for I could see God in so Camus – Strabane... many kind and good Temporary exclusion a time to see God in the people everyday LOCKDOWN and Covid-19 bingo and we received lots of THE lockdown came as a shock, this was Fr Boland’s great love of challenged all our lives. Personally, ‘phone calls offering more help. as we, like thousands of other nature, and his awareness of God’s without my faith, I would have The Burt GAA club was only too people, found ourselves confined presence in it all. In his homilies, become an emotional wreck! willing with help also, which was to the house. ‘Nobody in, and he generously shared this and The first few days I was in a so much valued. nobody out’ became the by-line, helped us all to become more tizzy and went in search of Mass We should keep all our clergy as the only people coming in were attuned to the Divine Presence by media. I soon found our in our prayers. They, as well as our staff, who showed their selfless around us. parish priest, Fr Francis Bradley the families who lost loved ones, commitment by continuing to Everyone has commented on in Cockhill Chapel, as well as Fr offered great endurance with work when no one knew how the blueness of the sky and the Frank Lynch in Killygordon (St the many restrictions owing to serious Covid-19 might become. amazing harmony of birdsong Patrick’s), St Eugene’s in Derry, and Covid-19. Not being able to go out to Mass during the worst of the pandemic. St Eunan’s, in Letterkenny. I also ask God to bless all the was very hard; indeed, it seemed One very positive aspect of I found great relaxation and entertainers who used their gifts incredible that the church could lockdown was having the time inner peace reciting the nightly from God to lift our hearts in be closed, an event that had never and freedom to sit in the garden Rosary with Bishop McGuckian, music, song and poetry happened in living memory. and absorb all the beauty around and the Examen prayer became Webcam has not been installed Like clergy everywhere, our us, and to sense the real presence such a source of strength for me. in our parish churches yet, at the parish priest, Fr Declan Boland of God reflected there. With the Examen, you ask God to time of going to press, as the signal quickly moved our regular Thanks be to God we are again send you in more depth the gifts is weak. We ask God to bless Fr faith supports online. For those free to return to church, to Mass of the Holy Spirit, and you dwell Fintan Diggin, Fr Kevin Mulhern, confined to home, it was a real and to the Blessed Sacrament; a on what good things happened in Fr. Carlo Centra, and our comfort to be able to go to the precious privilege we will never your life this day, then smile about parish priest, Fr Bradley, and all website and sit before the Blessed again take for granted. But I it and be thankful. Well, I felt the parishioners safe from Covid-19. Sacrament. As well as daily Mass, think our temporary exclusion benefits immediately. I’ll finish with a mention of Sr we had the Rosary each weekday, also proved an opportunity to I could see God working in Philomena , of the Illies, and Fr Boland gave a regular talk see God in the everyday, in the so many kind and good people who is a resident in Nazareth on contemplative prayer, followed best of modern technology, in the who called at our window asking House, Fahan. Sr Philomena by a period of silence, in which kindness of those who help and Breige and I was there anything recently celebrated her 99th those looking in were guided in support us, and in the beauty that we needed! Our local shop, birthday and is looking forward the practice. surrounds us in the sky, the trees Callaghan’s, brought the shopping with us all to a ‘new beginning’. Being able to tune in to the and wonderful birdsong. and other parishioners brought Now that’s faith for you! parish was a real support to those treats. who found the isolation difficult. (Philomena Horner, Sister of Church of the Immaculate Conception, Camus Parish, Strabane, currently One lady organized an al fresco (Kathleen) One outstanding element of Mercy) undergoing refurbishment works.

Coleraine... A time to slow down and think more about God I loved being at home during worked out. I couldn’t believe how thanksgiving. lockdown, although I went through immediate it was. We seemed to pray more during a particularly stressful situation. At the start, we didn’t have a lockdown. A lady told me that one But my faith helped me. webcam in our church, so it was day she watched three Masses. It On one particular day, I was so great that there was so much choice really seems to have been a time stressed that I was in tears and on-line. But, in the last few weeks, it for people to engage more in their rang our parish priest, Fr Jimmy was lovely to watch Mass live from faith. Indeed, I have heard many say McGrory to ask for prayers. He St John’s. that they think this is happening was so supportive and right away The beautiful weather during to make us slow down and think said that he would offer Mass for lockdown was also a blessing. It about God and the beautiful world me, and as soon as I put the ‘phone was lovely to see gardens blooming that He has made for us, and how down after speaking to him I felt so as I went for my daily walk. I we should take better care of it. much at peace. All the stress and liked to pray during my walks worry just left me and everything and these were usually prayers of (Kathleen) 26 THE NET | JULY / AUGUST 2020 Cappagh... Our priests and prayer helped us through a very difficult time I am the mother of five adult children were very upset when children, ranging in age from I told them the situation and the 20-30 years, and we all went into next morning when we were still lockdown together, as I wanted very anxious, I suggested that we them to be home. As a Marie pray as there was nothing else we Curie nurse, I could see very could do. quickly that this virus was going Peter and I had been doing Lent to lead to a very difficult situation. and going to Mass, so I tuned Within a week, my husband, into the Masses being celebrated Peter, got quite sick. He has asthma by our parish priest, Fr Kevin and an underlying heart problem, McElhennon and Fr Declan and had received a letter to shield. McGeehan, and we said the He started to show some signs of Rosary. We kept this up and we Covid-19, so I rang the doctor. We took great solace from the prayers decided to manage him at home, and ministry of our priests. but within 24 hours his condition The whole community also deteriorated rapidly and he was came behind us. I could feel the struggling to breathe, so he had power of the prayer both for to be admitted to hospital. It was myself and my family. Although Peter and Majella Brogan. faster for me to drive him to the we were still very distressed, there months. Lady of Fatima, and every day as well as getting our own space. and our seminarian, Stephen SWAH, in Fermanagh, as he was was also a sense of peace. It was Peter told us that he knew people since we have done this. Whoever I am amazed at how we got Ward; these three men kept us really having difficulty breathing. a special feeling. We eventually were praying for him because he is up first in the morning puts the through it and, for me, it was together for 12 weeks and they He was taken away quickly, so handed the situation over to God. had a sense of peace and a sense candle in the window and lights morning Mass and praying the still are there for us. It’s wonderful. there was no ‘goodbye’, and I People were praying hard for us of God with him. He felt that it. We do it in thanksgiving as it is Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet Our lives have changed in so spent the next four hours waiting and, whatever the outcome, I felt he was going to be alright. His very important to thank God, and that really helped us. It was a many ways. This has brought us outside A&E for news. strongly that we would not be on greatest fear had been when he we light it in thanksgiving for our great consolation to have this to much closer together and it has I was then advised to go home our own. was admitted, as he had thought priests and everyone who prayed get us through the day, and we brought our faith to another level. to prepare the family as the next After 4-5 days, we were able to then that he wouldn’t see us again. for and helped us in any way. It is continued with it. All we had to do was trust in God. few hours were going to be very FaceTime Peter. He couldn’t say We are so thankful that God took a reminder that God is keeping us One of my daughters has gone There were so many prayers being difficult. I don’t know how I much as he was very breathless, us through this. The night that safe. back to work and she says she said by so many people that God would have managed that journey but it was great to see him, even Peter was admitted to hospital, we During that whole time, there misses the closeness that we had could only but hear them. home had it not been for a good for a few minutes. He is still lit a blessed candle and put it in wasn’t one row amongst us. We during this time in our lives. I am friend chatting to me and praying recovering; the consultant said the window beside a statue of Our went out for long walks together so grateful to Fr Kevin, Fr Declan (Majella) with me over the ‘phone. The that recovery could take up to 6-9

inoculate them against so many go with a diocesan pilgrimage For people of faith even difficult periods are of the damaging modern cultural or with other groups. With our ‘viruses’ that damage their hearts little ‘virtual pilgrimage’ I wanted times of grace and spirits!” to both engage with those who would have been in Lourdes, WITH lockdown easing and people thankful to be back in presence through Instagram. Many parishes have been active Summer faith camps and and encourage some to look at their churches for the celebration of the Eucharist, Bishop on Facebook. Around the pilgrimages cancelled... considering a Lourdes pilgrimage Donal reflects on the effects of the “Eucharistic famine” and Diocese, the local parish webcam “Young people have missed sometime in the future. other restrictions due to Covid-19, and the many creative ways has served as a sort of local radio. out on being with their peers in The idea in all that we do in clergy and youth leaders discovered to continue their ministry. It was the one permanent feature school. School leavers have had Church is to mix an opportunity Feeling the disappointment shared by many at the cancellation that allowed information to be little chance to celebrate together. for prayer with a teaching on what of traditional celebrations and pilgrimages, he offers the hope made available to the homes that Big sacramental occasions have we believe. Thus, I took a theme not been possible. And now most for each day and tried to draw that of 2021 and the message of our faith that “there are lessons to had internet access. summer camps have had to be from our scripture readings for be learned and wisdom to be gained”. Secondly, we were very uplifted by the fact that so many people cancelled! A number of parishes Mass each day. The themes were: Back around The Table of The And clergy know that we are were tuning into church services. have put huge efforts into summer Being a pilgrim people; Reality of – and those who have offered Lord... not going to return to the way And priests received a lot of events, which are appreciated by sickness and suffering; Penance, guidance, support and formation “It was surprising how strange things were. It will be a challenge affirmation for their work and both the young people and their and Sacrament of Penance; to the members of DYC. I really it was to celebrate public Mass for parishes to maintain a sense of presence. So, it is important to see families. These annual gatherings Children and Baptism; Young hope that the Youth Community on June 29. As human beings, community when large gatherings how the grace of God has been at have been so important. They people and faith; and a Missionary will continue to attract new we can easily get used to any in church, and even outdoors, work in these strange times”. create memories, give a sense of Church – ‘The harvest is rich but new normal! I had spent three are some way off. Ministry to well-being and offer formation in the labourers are few’. As well as members. It is precisely what we need at present – young people months focussing on an unseen the sick in their homes will have The role of our young people... faith. Please God, we will be able using the Mass and the evening being trained to be missionaries congregation through the webcam to be rethought. There may well “One of the key points at the to celebrate them again in 2021. Rosary to look at these themes, I to their peers in this Diocese”. – and having no responses during be limitations to the numbers Youth Synod in 2018 was that Pilgrimages are a great was able to record a short message

Mass. And suddenly there were of people who can be involved the Church will be renewed by opportunity for people to each day for Facebook. I hope that Summer message... people who were answering back! in wakes, funerals, weddings, the faith and commitment of experience travelling together. this helped some people and that “Normally, July and August are And what was wonderful was the and events such as First Holy young people. They are the ones They take all of us out of our we can be back at Mary’s shrine in the months when young people emotion in so many hearts and Communion and Confirmation. who can speak to their peers. Yes, normal routine and open new Lourdes next July. I trust that we have the chance to take a break tears in people’s eyes. Those of us The future will be uncertain for there is much work to be done doors. The Lourdes Youth Team can learn how to continue with from studying and many will want who have had daily access to Mass, all of society, and that includes our in parishes at the present time to has been a profound experience these on-line opportunities for to rest after exams. But this year albeit in an empty Church, need parishes”. enable people to return to church for a lot of our teenagers. prayer and catechesis. We have has been uniquely different. The to appreciate just how difficult the – stewarding, cleaning etc. But It involves team building, learned a lot and have a lot to structured learning environment Eucharistic ‘famine’ was for many On-line parish and youth there is a huge job to be done prayer and service of the sick. learn. Like Mary, we walk on with has been missing since March – parishioners. ministry a life-line for many... in ministering to young people Medjugorje offers a different trust and hope.” and the plans for the incoming Priests reacted to the experience “I think that we have discovered who have suffered a lot; missing type of pilgrimage. I hope that academic year are still sketchy of lockdown in different ways. two things. Firstly, our Diocese, education, job opportunities; these two youth pilgrimages can Derry Youth Community and uncertain. Planned holidays Some were excited by the parishes, and many clergy, had chances to socialise. The Gospel take up again in 2021 – building greatly appreciated... may well not materialise. But challenge of finding new ways of untapped reserves of technical message of hope is much community, a spirit of prayer and “The Derry Youth Community for people of faith, even difficult contacting parishioners. Others skills and creativity when it comes needed. And it is young people a sense of service. And that can has played a valuable role over periods are times of grace, if only were grateful for the quieter pace to ways of reaching parishioners. who know best how to share build towards a Derry team going the last five years. It has offered a we have eyes and hearts to see of life. It was frightening for a The Catechetical Centre has their faith journeys with their to the next World Youth Day, due chance for young people to live as the blessings that are given to us number of priests. But I must been able to produce excellent contemporaries. I hope that we to take place in Lisbon (Portugal) a praying community and to go in unusual wrappings! Our faith give credit for the great work that materials for schools and young can see a new wave of creativity in the summer of 2023. on mission together within the tells us that there are lessons to be so many parishes did to remain people. The Youth Ministry team in infecting young people with Lourdes is important in the lives Diocese of Derry. I want to thank learned and wisdom to be gained”. ‘visible’ to their communities. has developed an active on-line the Good News of Jesus. That will of many people, whether they those who have been members THE NET | JULY / AUGUST 2020 27 Galliagh-based St Francis Men’s Prayer & Friendship Group seeks to... Improve fatherhood values by learning more about Our Heavenly Father by Martin into thinking less of ourselves, knowing that He cares for us. we are all thirsting for the return that fester stagnant in our minds, It is spiritually therapeutic. We as a physical body of men to by revealing to us that we are encourage each other on the need reunite as a mystical body in the Children of God. That’s how we of availing of our sacraments of Church, in The Presence of Jesus recognise Him as The Truth that Reconciliation and Eucharist. in The Blessed Sacrament. sets us free. He is The Saviour that We deal with the basic ordinary We are eternally grateful to gave His life on a cross that we everyday life affairs in our own our priests and, in particular, Fr could be saved, if only we believe lives and families, and we assist McGaughey, for permitting us this in Him and The Unconditional each other to maintain ourselves special privilege each week. This love of the Father. That’s how we in difficult situations by our is an open group for men from recognise Him as The Life. willingness to increase our love anywhere to join us and it is our All of this is empowered by for Christ and our need for each hope that many more men will the gift of having Him present at other’s friendship. come to experience the freedom our meeting. In His Eucharistic Thankfully, we have utilised that is to be found in sharing time Presence, we are learning things social media outlets through the with Christ and in friendship with that we never understood before lockdown sufficient enough to fellow pilgrims, all on a journey to and all the time we spend there, facilitate some of our needs. We discover our true selves. for the two or three hours weekly, are greeted every morning, on All of us, and I should only speak we are shadowed and cuddled awakening, with a Gospel reading for myself but I am confident in by the visual statue image of our for the day sent to all of us by one saying this, the St Francis Men’s Blessed Mother, who points to her of our group members, whilst Prayer and Friendship Group Son and tells us, “Do whatever He another one keeps us updated has enhanced our spiritual lives t e l l s y o u ”. and fully versed on the life of beyond expectations and has also Week after week, we can vouch whatever Saint we are celebrating enriched our human development for the fact that we leave our on particular days; a fount of in understanding that ‘We Never meeting with a lighter heart knowledge new to many of us. Walk Alone’. and clearer mind knowing that, This, together with our weekly The group is now back meeting through sharing with one another Zoom or Messenger meetings, in St Joseph’s Church, Galliagh, on in His Mystical Presence, we has been crucial in keeping us Mondays from 7.30-9 pm, and all have cast our burdens onto Him, connected over this period, but men are welcome. Special creation brings joy in Some members of the St Francis Men’s Prayer & Friendship Group, Galliagh. ST Francis’ Men’s Prayer & in Christ. by learning more about Our time of great sadness Friendship Group meets on It is also widely recognised Heavenly Father, learning more Monday nights in St Joseph’s in the field of psychology and about Jesus and how He came to When she passed away in Galliagh. It was formed with a highlighted powerfully by the reveal His Father as Our Father, early May this year, I thought of holistic approach to facilitate great spiritual teacher and writer, and learning more about the Holy doing the grotto in her memory. the various needs of human Fr Richard Rohr that, amongst Spirit, as The Lord and Giver of As soon as I mentioned it, my development realising that, young men, there is a vast Life that we profess in our Creed. husband Sean got straight to particularly in relation to the male vacuum of low self-worth as a Added to all this is our sincere work. Every day, after he finished species, most men are encaptured result of a lack of relationship with devotion to Mary. We take his own work, he got stuck into in their own secret, isolated space their fathers. This is particularly time every week to focus on a building it. where they fail to recognise the evident in the western world and particular mystery, identifying He asked St Joseph to help him, importance and the necessity of very obvious in our own City of it with the relevant Scripture as he had never done anything group sharing. It is well known Derry. relating to each Mystery, being like this before and wasn’t sure if in the field of mental health that In our group, we have moved taught the connections between it would turn out right. one of the key factors is isolation. into a deeper understanding of Rosary and Scripture that has Our good friend, Patsy There is always a higher risk in the importance of the roles of enabled us all to develop a deeper McCallion donated a beautiful any human being’s life in trying to fatherhood, with an emphasis on understanding of our Catholic statue of Our Lady of Lourdes, ‘go it alone’. the ultimate need to build a better faith, and recognise more freely which was amazing as my mother The benefits of coming together understanding and relationship that through our Baptism, we are visited Lourdes a few times and as a group of men, with varying with Our Heavenly Father, whom rightfully called to be Children of spoke recently of wanting to go years of experience of life, ranging most of us never take time to God. back. Lourdes was her favourite from 21 to 70, is that every meeting discover, even though we use the The Key place where she felt really close to is a learning curve for any one of words ‘Our Father’ in our daily We are so privileged to have Our Lady. us. It is true what they say, ‘we can prayers. Christ present with us in The We feel extremely blessed to never stop learning’. In this group, As time moves on, even through Blessed Sacrament, where He WHEN Holy Family parishioner, Jeanette have Our Lady’s grotto in our there is time and space, in the this forced period of legal isolation permits us through the grace of Gallagher suffered the loss of her 89-year-old own back garden, where we sit every night in the peace and quiet praying and sharing, to explore when we met via Zoom, we have the Holy Spirit to expand our mother, Josie during lockdown, she found great all the needs of personal growth, been able to expand our intimacy knowledge of His Presence with praying the Rosary, and it makes spiritual, physical, educational with both our Heavenly Parents, us. On any given night, anyone of comfort in the strong faith passed on to her from me feel my mum is very close. It and emotional. There is a bond of Our Father , ABBA Father, Our us can be teacher and on another her prayerful mother, and that of her husband, is a very special time for us. trust and unity, cemented by an Daddy and, indeed, Our Mother night we can be student; being I am delighted with how the Sean, who went all out to create something special grotto has turned out; it is way opening prayer to the Holy Spirit Mary. taught by the wisdom of others. in memory of his beloved mother-in-law. that protects the confidentiality of Isolation and Lockdown had We have come to realise in our above my expectations. Sean did the group members on anything enabled us to focus much deeper open sharing that Christ is the key Happy to share the story, Jeanette writes... an amazing job with the guidance of good St Joseph and we thank shared. There is a solidarity in expanding our knowledge of to any locked heart, the pathway “I had always dreamed of Mum had a very strong among the men that recognises what it means to be Christian, that clears any blocked mind... Our Blessed Mother and Jesus for having a grotto in my garden and faith, which she passed down all the blessings we have received”. the importance of coming what it means to be Catholic. We, that’s why He is recognised as The I had chatted to my mum about to her family, and we would together, as Christian fellowship, as a bunch of ordinary men, most Way. it who loved the idea of having pray together all the time. Her (Jeanette and Sean live within acknowledging the Communion of us fathers ourselves, are seeking He is the Redeemer who rescues somewhere of our own to sit and favourite prayers were the Rosary with each other; common union to improve our fatherhood values us from the lies that shame us the Ballymagroarty Parish in pray to Our Blessed Mother. and Divine Mercy Chaplet. Derry City.) 28 THE NET | JULY / AUGUST 2020 What is the reason for the hope that you have? (1 Peter 3:15) My faith journey by Oliver Barrett was born into the Catholic faith 44 years and there is one for men and one for women. The men’s is a five-day ago and, thanks to my parents, Patsy retreat and I decided to do it as time away from the fast pace of and Mary, I was brought up practising city life that I was living. myI faith and received the Sacraments of While it is a silent retreat, there are conferences every day Baptism, Reconciliation, Holy Communion and opportunities to receive the Sacraments. This was the and Confirmation, as did my four sisters and breakthrough I needed. It was a welcome chance to stop and think two brothers. about where my life was going, As a child, I remember learning dysfunctional backgrounds. We and it led me to the decision to what Confirmation was about did street evangelisation in the move back to the North West. for the Bishop coming, but I am Lower Falls on Friday nights, That was three years ago and I not sure that I fully understood where a lot of youth were just have taken part in this retreat what I was learning. I have always standing around as they didn’t every summer since, however, believed in God and found life have much to engage in. A youth it has been cancelled this year much easier to cope with because retreat was organised in the because of Covid-19. I had my faith. Parish Centre and we had guest Theology Growing up, as a family we went speakers come along. We ran I went back to college to do on trips to Knock and said the retreats in schools too. We tried to a conversion course in finance Rosary together, and the Angelus. encourage the young people to be and then I got employment in So, my home was my first real more involved in their faith. That Financial Services in Letterkenny, experience of the Catholic was in the late 90s. Co Donegal. I also do a lot of faith. As well as my parents, I was also greatly inspired in my reading now, after being inspired my maternal grandmother, faith by a guy called Jason whom by Pope John Paul II, when he Nellie McShane, who is recently I met in Youth 2000. He had said that he wanted people to be deceased, was a major influence originally been an Anglican and more informed about their faith. in my faith life. She had great faith had converted to Catholicism. He wanted us to go deeper and in Padre Pio and she passed that He was very active in Youth 2000 actually understand what our on to me as well; that resilience and went on for the priesthood. faith is all about. Keeping his that comes from knowing that no As a cradle Catholic, I found it so words in mind, and inspired by matter what happens in life, your interesting that he had made the the silent retreat, I began studying faith will get you through. decision as an adult to become a Theology. There was a time in my youth Catholic. The Dominicans were offering when, like I suppose other After I qualified as a teacher a correspondence course in Oliver Barrett, Leckpatrick Parish. young people, I wondered if I in my early 20s, I taught for Theology that allowed me to work had a religious vocation. I was about three years in Wiltshire, and study at the same time, so I people’s deeper appreciation of Diaconate set up in our Diocese. I is something I would like to involved in various youth groups in the south west of England. I signed up to do a Masters through the natural environment during experienced this in Dublin, where get involved in when I finish and, when I was still at school, I experienced a mental breakdown Brussels. At first, I was worried this pandemic. men, with the permission of their my studies; animating parishes went on a Vocations Weekend and had to take time off. I came about going back into study as I During lockdown, I took part in wives, became deacons and were through catechesis with the in Termonbacca for the Diocese, back home and then worked in had been out of it for so long, but an online seminar on homiletics active in parishes; preaching, Diocesan Mission Team, which where I met some men who were the family business for a few years. everyone is catered for. I am now as part of the Theology group, reading the Gospel, and presiding has brought great joy into my life. going into the priesthood. I didn’t go back into teaching but which made it into the university at weddings and baptisms. I think I also enjoy joy being part of the ended up in Dublin, where I newsletter as an example of this would take a lot of pressure Derry choir, Schola, as I find that worked for 10 years in Customer ecumenism as those of us taking off our priests at a time when group singing and reading helps Services. part were all from different numbers are dwindling. There my mental health, and my general Growing up, as a In my late 20s/early 30s, I People born into continents and various faith are many young married men in sense of well being. became lukewarm in my faith. their faith should traditions. We had a Presbyterian the Diocese who would be great Another wonderful occasion in family we went on pastor from Finland, a deacon deacons. my faith life was the Papal visit for I had thought that teaching was have the opportunity trips to Knock and my vocation and when that didn’t from Italy, a Religious Sister from I also think that there is a real the World Meeting of Famlies in said the Rosary work out, I drifted a bit. I still to learn about Nigeria, a lady from Spain who need for catechesis, particularly Dublin. I was a volunteer at the had a background in economics, during Advent in the lead up Festival of Families and the Papal together, and the continued to practise my faith, but their faith. That is sometimes it felt like I was there something I would and then me. to Christmas, and Easter. I Mass, and to be able to see the Angelus. So, my in body but not in spirit. It wasn’t I am also a member of the first encountered catechesis in Holy Father here in Ireland was home was my first that I was angry with God, more like to get involved Diocesan Mission Team, which parishes while attending Our fantastic. I had heard so much Lady Help of Christians, on the real experience of disillusioned. We are told from an in when I finish my meets monthly. We had a listening about the last Papal visit, when early age that we have a vocation studies; animating day in Ardmore and Omagh, Navan Road, Dublin, where a Pope John Paul II came, and had the Catholic faith. which gave people who had been young Polish priest had organised often wondered if it would happen and I thought mine was teaching, parishes through so when that didn’t work out the on the Missions an opportunity catechesis every Tuesday night. again in my lifetime. To have been way I thought it would, I was left catechesis with the to talk about their experience, I didn’t attend the sessions but it part of that is something I will wondering what it was that I was Diocesan Mission and now we are preparing made me realise how important it never forget. for the Extraordinary Month is to understand what we believe, Having the confidence to However, I thought my vocation to do. Team, which has was to be a teacher. I went to In Dublin, life is lived at a very of the Missions in October. and gave me the desire to do so. volunteer for the WMOF, to Queen’s University to study fast pace. I was going to work, brought great joy While Africa has no shortage of While researching for the go back to study, and become Business and German, and still coming back late and going to into my life. believers, Ireland is now seen as Diocesan Mission Team, I came involved with the Diocesan felt that I wanted to be a teacher bed, and then getting up in the a missionary country in need upon a catechetical programme Mission Team, came from that so I did a BEd at St Mary’s. While I morning to do the same thing just of evangelisation because of the called Sycamore, which originated silent retreat in Ards. Witnessing was there, I got involved in Youth to get money to pay bills and keep liberalism and relativism that in the UK. The programme has 10 others on the retreat living their 2000 with Fr Joe Gunn, who was a roof over my head. exists here. week courses that teach people faith gave me the confidence the chaplain. We went out to visit I was in my early 30s when I in my second and final year, and During lockdown our meetings about the essential parts of their to step out and become more the elderly, which I found very found out about an annual silent will soon be starting a research have been via Zoom, but before faith, and has been used in involved in and knowledgeable rewarding as we were putting retreat in Ards Monastery, in Co project on Theology and Ecology, that we met in the Bishop’s house. schools, parishes and prisons. It is about mine. our faith into action. We also Donegal, on the spiritual exercises which will take into consideration Anyone is welcome to join who is presented through film and group got involved with a Youth Group of St Ignatius of Loyola given by Catholic Social Teaching and interested in getting involved in work and I think it is especially (Anyone interested in the Derry at the Cathedral on the Falls the Benedictine Brothers from Pope Francis’ recent encyclical, catechism and missionary work beneficial for cradle Catholics. Diocesan Mission Team can find Road and ran retreats for young St Joseph’s Abbey in Flavigny, Laudato Si. This is something that here, at home. People born into their faith out more by contacting jim@wmi. people, many of whom were from France. It is a residential retreat, is much more topical now with Looking to the future, I would should have the opportunity ie) like to see the Permanent to learn about their faith. That THE NET | JULY / AUGUST 2020 29 The Significance of Eucharistic Miracles by Fr Stephen Quinn OCD

N the middle of the 11th century, a priest by the name of Berengar, became maybe the first theologian in history of the ChurchI to openly question the full import of the Lord’s own words at the Last Supper- “this is my body” and “this is my blood.”

Berengar called into question in his hands! whether those words necessitated Peter gathered up the corporal the Lord to be truly present in cloth and brought it before the the Eucharistic elements - the Pope, who was none other than bread and the wine. He asked the Urban IV himself. The same whole Church: Was it not a more Urban who would declare the reasonable proposition to hold Holy Day would pronounce that the Lord was symbolically the veracity of the miraculous present in the bread and the revelation that Peter brought him. wine? In that the bread stood for Miracles are not the same thing and represented the Lord’s body as doctrine, each one of them is broken upon the cross and the a personal revelation of God to a wine stood for and represented the person, and no Christian is bound blood shed upon the cross. to believe in them, but these Raphael Bolsena Eucharistic Miracle Berengar’s questioning set of a miracles are significant pointers or intense physical pain and agony. Medieval nonsense, he specifically world or the literal and living more profound miracle than that firestorm of debate that has been signposts; pointers and signposts You almost have to shake meant the belief that the Eucharist Word of God? which happened either at Bolsena argued backward and forward that point to the destination and yourself and ask, “Can this truly changed from bread and wine into The Lord at the dawn of or Legnica. A miracle equally as down to the present day. In its whereabouts of God’s truth and be?” A piece of bread has within the Body and Blood of the Lord. Creation spoke a Word, a Word great as the act of creation and the history, the Church has only will for the Church. Who could it the cells of a human muscle, It was nonsense because his that effectively said, “let it be” and act of Incarnation. A miracle of the defined her doctrines in response fail to see in Peter’s experience, the cells of a heart, and a heart brother had told him about the whole of the universe burst Word doing exactly what it says it to questions that time and people coming when it came, the finger undergoing the severest trial? experiences of serving Papal forth in a multitude of life, it was does - “this is my body”- “this is have raised of her. The liturgical of God pointing the Church in You can see the miracle pointing Masses at which too great a so. In a divine effort to redeem my blood.” and theological answer of the the direction of an all together beyond itself, bypassing any quantity of the precious blood that world back from the hell that The Word is not a word that will Church to Berengar came with the more profound meaning to the thought of mere symbol to those was consecrated, and the servers humanity have made of things, be received by the empty spirit of establishment by Pope Urban IV Eucharist than a symbol? Once words of the Lord being absolutely came home drunk consuming the The Word asked Mary to bear the World but rather by generous of the Holy Day of Christ’s Body again real flesh and blood was in literal - “my body” – “my blood.” excess. The man even commented Him in her womb and, with her faith that goes on believing that and Blood (Corpus Christi) in the hands of that priest, Peter! The circumstances of thethat he could smell wine on my approbation, God shrank himself the Word is always speaking and the year 1264. The very name of Interestingly, these Eucharistic Legnica miracle were very different own breath after consuming the down to the size of a few tiny cells always doing. A faith that is ready the day was a definitive answer to miracles are not reserved to the from those in Bolsena. The priest chalice. If that were Jesus’ flesh unfolding in the womb of the to listen to and receive that Word, Berengar. High Middle Ages. On Christmas in the Polish case was not in the and blood those things would Virgin. The Word said it and it was not on our own terms but on In the year before the Day 2013, at the Church of St midst of a spiritual crisis, nor was not happen! It was nothing but so. terms that the Word has set. establishment of the Holy Day, Hyacinth in the town of Legnica, he experiencing a trial of doubt. wine, so the man argued. I must Now at Mass, in exactly the An incident from the life of Sr a Bohemian (the present-day Poland, a consecrated host fell So, then with whom was the confess that I was not prepared same manner, the Word is spoken Clare Crockett is illustrative. In Czech Republic) priest by the from a paten onto the ground. The Good God primarily speaking? for the assault of words and by the priest to the Eucharistic a letter to her spiritual director, name of Peter of Prague came on Host was picked up by the priest I think we can take it for granted concepts that the man threw at elements - the bread and the wine she tells that she knew of an pilgrimage to Rome. Only known and placed in a container full of that He had a wider audience than me. I was distressed in a manner - “this is my body” and “this is my almost deserted church that not to himself, Peter was struggling water so that it would dissolve. the priest and parishioners of that that I scarce remember on other blood” and the Word becomes so. very many people would attend, in his spirit with the very same When the priest went back to the particular Polish parish. occasions. Here was a man who When that Word speaks, no matter and she recounts that she would questions that Berengar so many container, he found that the host In a strange way, I think that it had obviously sat in the pews what the occasion, no matter what go there to lay her head on the years before had raised, and he was marked with red stains. The was addressed to myself and my for years, he was from a faithful it says, The Word then does what tabernacle to be as close to the was slipping further and further bishop of the diocese turned the work within the Order. I have a family, and fancied that he knew it claims. Lord as the beloved disciple was in into the mire of symbolism. While host over to medical science, in the very vivid memory to which God a thing or two about the faith and So when The Word speaks “this the upper room of the Last Supper. on the road to Rome, the priest form of the department of forensic in this miracle spoke. When I was yet, in this most fundamental and is my body” and “this is my blood” Sr Clare could only share this stopped off at the City of Bolsena to medicine at the Szczecin Institute. working and living in another holy of beliefs, had simply no idea then you have even more than intimacy because the Word said it say Mass and he offered the Mass The scientists, in their studies of monastery of the Discalced of the truths of Christianity. what the scientists can pick up by and it was so. in the city’s Basilica. As he spoke the host, made three progressive Carmelites, I preached one Corpus I was so shocked I could hardly means of their microscopes (the The Eucharist is the Blessed the words of consecration over the observations. In the first place, the Christi on the teachings of St get out a word. I do not know what wounded heart cells); you have Trinity’s enduring commitment bread, the white host in his hand red material in the host contained Thomas Aquinas and Eucharistic he expected me to say but I could under the white host the body, to be so intensely close to the started to weep blood, with great “the fragmented parts of cross- presence. I preached the homily in do little more than mumble out blood, soul, and divinity of Jesus people. This is the true point that drops running down the priest’s stricted muscle.” In the second my own straightforward manner some barely adequate line about Christ. Everything that He is is the Eucharistic miracles have been hands onto the corporal cloth place, the muscle they discovered and with as much skill as I could “having to read the catechism.” there in the sacrament. At every pointing to all the time, “I AM and onto the altar. In an instant of was none other than that from a possibly put together (or so I Maybe at no single time in Mass, and in every sacrament that Here for you!” revelation, Peter’s consciousness human heart. And in the third, the thought). priesthood was I so distressed you receive, you participate in a of the whole significance of the heart muscle fibres demonstrated After the Mass, there was a and did I fail so utterly with my Lord’s word was transformed. signs of being in severe stress, like man waiting at the sacristy door words or in this case lack of them! There was literally flesh and blood the heart was of one undergoing to speak with me. In my pride, My failure to speak up was not the thought passed through my imitated by the Good God! He head that he must be here to spoke up in Legnica, He spoke congratulate me on a splendid to me, He spoke to that man, He effort and all my eloquence. They spoke to the whole Church. He say pride comes before a fall, spoke by means of bread that in and if I thought that, I was to be some way, unknown to medical quickly disabused. The man had science, modern philosophy, and come to challenge me as to the modern commonly held opinion, content of my sermon. The person had materially turned simple introduced himself and added the bread into the cells of a wounded detail that his brother was a priest. heart! God was posing the man, He wondered how could I still myself and the Church a challenge be filling people’s heads with all whose word is it that we believe? Bolsena Corporal in Procession. this Medieval nonsense? By this Is it the tired cynical word of the Legnica Eucharistic Miracle. 30 THE NET | JULY / AUGUST 2020

A Word of God for your Family Life Peace by Fr Johnny Doherty, CSsR “PEACE I leave you, my own and within families. because of Covid-19. Some of the opposite to the atmosphere or spiritual, there are prayers His desire that we would bring that peace I give you.” These are some 2. Next, there are so many hurts us may even be thinking of the that is created by anger. And, in for peace and a commitment knowledge to one another. Listen of the final words that Jesus spoke from the past in people’s lives that possibility of going on holidays, a setting of real enjoyment, it is to being peacemakers. This is to the great goodness of those we to His disciples and that He left to cause anger. These hurts do not either at home or abroad. A major possible to see the molehills rather significant in our understanding love and grow in an appreciation us, the Church of all time. They necessarily come from the people key to the success of these holidays, than imagine the mountains of of Communion and needs to be of the privilege we have in being express one of His most urgent we are living with, but our anger or simply time away, is the level our daily lives and so not get fully entered into. loved by them. desires for us and can be placed nonetheless is poured out on of peace that can be created and distracted by things that do not The four weeks of July help us to alongside His passionate prayer them. It is so important for each of built. This is also important and really matter. put flesh on this sense of bringing July 26th: ‘(The farmer) sells for us, “Father, may they be one”. us to recognise hurts that control true if we are staying at home for Fourthly, give each other a lot peace to one another as followers everything he owns and buys the It is a longing and a desire that us from the past; to acknowledge this month. of space and personal freedom of Christ. field’. This is a strong call to all of can take root in us at every level: them; and to surrender them to Creating peace is done, firstly, during these weeks. This is the us to look at our priorities and set between husbands and wives; the healing power of God’s love by being at peace with yourself. opposite of control and can lead July 5th: ‘Come to me all you them straight. Nothing should parents and children; friends; and our love for one another. Leave the past behind at this point to real closeness to one another. who labour and are overburdened, ever be more important to us than neighbours; communities; 3. Then again, there is the need in by asking for forgiveness from This month can be a time of and I will give you rest.’ What a God’s love for us and our love for nations. We can seem helpless in so many people’s lives to dominate anyone whom you may be at odds refreshment for all of us and then wonderful invitation that is at the one another. That commitment is creating that peace in the last two others, to control others, to be with, especially in your immediate we can contribute to the peace of beginning of the month. Because the foundation on which peace is of these – between communities in charge. This destroys peace family, and by granting forgiveness the world we live in. of turmoil within ourselves we built, not just for us, but for the and nations. We are certainly not because it creates a situation to anyone who may have offended may not be able to bring peace world in which we live. powerless in creating peace in all where there is a lot of fear and or hurt you. Worship and prayer to those we love. Jesus invites us the other areas of our lives. anxiety created. This happens in The experience of so many of us is to place ourselves in His hands Lord, make me, and us, a channel our homes and families as well as that we spend the first half of time For the past few months, people and then we can be free for one of your peace. May our homes What destroys peace? in our interactions with those who away trying to unwind and the have only been able to participate another. be places of your presence and make up our communities of faith. second half is spent in a growing in Mass online. This is not the sources of your peace. The same elements that destroy 4. And injustice destroys peace. anxiety about having to face it all same as being able to gather as a July 12th: ‘Other seed fell on rich peace can be found at every level Whether that injustice is at an again soon. What a terrible waste parish community to celebrate. soil and produced their crop.’ We of life. international or national level of wonderful opportunities for joy But, it has been a great gift at the need to surrender ourselves into 1. Firstly, there is selfishness that or at the level of marriage and and peace and love. same time. the hands of Christ so that we is so strong in all of us. Because family relationships. The result is Secondly, set out to deliberately One of the big differences in can be fruitful soil for His word of selfishness we not only place the same – people are abused by make this time really enjoyable for the online participation has to grow in us for others, especially our own needs ahead of those of injustice and peace is not possible. one another. That is the opposite been the fact that people cannot those who are closest to us in others but, very often, we have no to selfishness as we are putting receive Holy Communion marriage and/or family life. concern for the needs of others What builds peace? each other’s happiness as our sacramentally. They rely on the as long as we, ourselves, are priority. Personal happiness is Spiritual Communion. And July19th: ‘Listen, anyone who being satisfied. This can be seen We are now well into the lifting of then guaranteed. again, thank God for that. In the has ears to hear’. This week, listen clearly in many of the problems restrictions that have been part of Thirdly, create an atmosphere of Mass, as part of the preparation very especially to the great love experienced by married couples our lives for the past few months joy and enjoyment. That is often for Communion, sacramental that God has for each of us and to

Pope’s monthly Himself on the cross for the life of Get ready to celebrate the world. Amen. intention Remember in prayer: Season of Creation The Holy Father has asked for FrJohn Gilmore (July 1st) prayer during JULY & August Fr Joseph Gormley (2nd) by Patricia McCormack for: Fr Eamon Graham (3rd) Fr Dermott Harkin (4th) The following resources and THE Derry Diocesan Laudato Si’ unified responses at all levels: Our Families (July) Fr Karl Haan (5th) Group is encouraging all parishes local, regional, national, and contacts will be very helpful to We pray that today’s families Fr Eugene Hasson (6th) to prepare for the celebration of international. We need, above clergy, parish pastoral councils, may be accompanied with love, All Priests (7th) The Season of Creation, running all, ‘a people’s movement’ from liturgy groups and anyone respect and guidance. from September 1 until October below: an alliance of all people of planning liturgies and events Fr John Irwin (8th) Fr Charles Keaney (9th) 4. good will. during the Season of Creation, The Maritime World A special year of reflection on “We hope that the anniversary and for follow-on activities. Fr Stephen Kearney (10th) the fifth anniversary of Laudato year and the ensuing decade will The theme for the Season of (August) Fr Gerald Hasson (11th) We pray for all those who work Si’, from May 2020 until May indeed be a time of grace; a true Creation 2020 is Cultivating Fr Michael Keaveny (12th) and live from the sea, among 2021, has been announced by the Kairos experience and ‘Jubilee’ Hope. Fr Seamus Kelly (13th) them sailors, fishermen and Fr Micheal McGavigan (7th) Vatican. for the Earth, for humanity and Parishes are encouraged to Fr Edward Kilpatrick (14th) their families. Bishop Donal McKeown (8th) Five years ago, Pope Francis’ for all God’s creatures.” (Vatican identify and engage a small group All Priests (15th) of interested people in planning Fr Con McLaughlin (9th) prophetic encyclical called Dicastery) Fr Charles Logue (16th) the world’s attention to the The Season of Creation is and promoting responses to Fr George McLaughlin (10th) Prayer for Priests Fr Paul McCafferty (17th) increasingly precarious state of a significant time within the Laudato Si’. All priests (11th) Heavenly Father, I ask you to bless Msgr Bryan McCanny (18th) our common home. Today its Laudato Si’ Special Anniversary For homily guidelines and Fr Peter McLaughlin (12th) our bishops and priests and to Fr Michael McCaughey (19th) message is even more relevant, Year. Beginning on September 1, much more (available from mid- confirm them in their vocation of All priests (13th) Fr Andrew McCloskey (20th) and can provide the moral and with a World Day of Prayer for the July) see... www.catholicbishops. service. Msgr Ignatius McQuillan (14th) Fr Patrick Lagan (21st) spiritual compass for the journey Care of Creation, and ending on ie; www.ecocongregationireland. As they stand before us as Fr Peter Madden (15th) Fr Francis Lynch (22nd) to create a more caring, fraternal, the Feast of St Francis of Assisi on com; www.trocaire.org, 100 ways ministers of Your Sacraments, Fr Anthony Mailey (16th) peaceful and sustainable world. October 4, the Season of Creation for parishes to implement Laudato Fr Noel McDermott (23rd) may they be channels of the love Archbishop (17th) The effects of global warming is celebrated by Christians Si’, Cafod Laudato Si’ Animation: Fr Eamon McDevitt (24th) and compassion of the Good Fr Gerard Mongan (18th) and extreme weather around throughout the world. Message of Laudato Si’ in four Fr John McDevitt (25th) Shepherd, who came not be served All Priests (19th) the world, and unprecedented It is a special time to join minutes, www.LiveLaudatoSi.org, but to serve. Fr Christopher McDermott (26th) and seasonofcreation.org. Fr Sean O’Donnell (20th) levels of loss of biodiversity that together in prayer and action. We Give them the grace they need to Fr Kevin McElhennon (27th) sustain the very fabric of life, are are all called to participate. Fr Aidan Mullan (21st) respond generously to you, and Fr Declan McGeehan (28th) too evident and detrimental to be “Living our vocation to be Fr Kevin Mullan (22nd) the courage to proclaim your Fr Dermot McGirr (29th) ignored any more. protectors of God’s handiwork is Fr Michael Mullan (23rd) Word of justice, love and truth. All priests (30th) The Covid-19 pandemic has essential to a life of virtue; it is not Bless, in a special way, Fr Patrick Mullan (24th) Fr Brian McGoldrick (31st) highlighted that what we do to the an optional or a secondary aspect Your servant All Priests (25th) natural world has consequences of our Christian experience. All of Fr Seamus O’Connell (26th) Fr Neil McGoldrick (Aug 1st) for human health. Everything is us can cooperate as instruments Father.... Fr Joseph O’Conor (27th) connected. What we do to the of God for the care of creation, Fr Patrick McGoldrick (2nd) Send your Spirit upon him Fr Colm O’Doherty (28th) planet, we do to ourselves. A true each according to his or her own Fr James McGonagle (3rd) So that he may always walk Fr Kieran O’Doherty (29th) ecological conversion is needed. culture, experience, involvements Dr James McGrory (4th) in the path of faith, hope and love, Fr Brian O’Donnell (30th) “The urgency of the situation and talents.” (LS) in the footsteps of Christ, Fr Daniel McFaul (5th) Fr Francis P O’Hagan (31st) calls for immediate, holistic and Resources the eternal priest, who offered Fr Edward McGuinness (6th) THE NET | JULY / AUGUST 2020 31 soul. Mary’s body was always pure; Children’s Catechism Club - C3 She gave birth to the Son of God, therefore, God rewarded Her by by Veronica Harley taking Her pure, immaculate body Hello children. Welcome to the months of July and August. celebrate how Jesus showed himself into Heaven (CCC 966). Summertime has arrived. These are fantastic months, filled with to be truly divine to the three Mary now reigns as Queen of Apostles who accompanied Him to Heaven and earth. She is our fun and plenty of things to keep you amused. the top of Mount Tabor. Mother who listens to our prayers In the Gospels, we hear how Jesus and asks Jesus for special graces for was very angry at this interruption took with Him Peter, James and John (CCC 554-555). This same Gospel us. On the Last Day, in the General because the woman was a known and went up the mountain to pray. story is heard during the second Resurrection, we, too, hope to enter sinner. The woman began to kiss While the disciples were there with Sunday of Lent every year. It is part of Heaven with our newly glorified Jesus’ feet and wet His feet with her Jesus, Elijah and Moses appeared the Lenten readings to remind us that bodies. Our resurrected bodies will tears. She dried them with her hair to speak with Him. Then before the Apostles were given great hope not suffer any illness nor need food and covered them with expensive their eyes, Jesus was transfigured, at seeing Jesus in His glory before or drink, but instead will be splendid perfumed ointment. Because of her completely changed, His face and He was put to death and crucified. and eternally beautiful. great love, Jesus told the woman that clothes becoming dazzlingly white! Likewise, we can reflect during Lent If we use our bodies for doing good all her sins were forgiven. The feast of the Transfiguration on the glory and joy which we will while we are alive, we will share the Mary Magdalene is very important helps us to see, as the Apostles saw, celebrate in the Easter story which heavenly reward. On this great Feast, because she was a devoted and The Precious Blood of that Jesus is really and truly God will follow. we ask the Blessed Mother of God to committed follower of Jesus. guide, protect and care for us. Jesus – July She witnessed some of the most The month of July is dedicated to the important moments of His life. Saints of the month- Precious Blood of Jesus. We all have She accompanied Jesus on His last August blood in our bodies, which helps journey to Jerusalem and was present St. Dominic - August 8 us to live and stay healthy. So, we at the crucifixion, keeping vigil, on St. Clare - August 11 know how important and precious Good Friday. St. Bartholomew - August 24 that blood is. The Church and the On the Sunday morning, Mary of St. Augustine - August 28 sacraments, which we receive, have Magdala went to the tomb where all come about through the precious Jesus had been laid, intending to Assumption of the Blessed Blood of Christ, which was poured anoint His body. When she arrived, out on the Cross when Jesus suffered she found the rock that covered the Virgin Mary The beautiful Feast of the and died for us. tomb had been rolled back and the Assumption of Mary into Heaven body was gone. Waiting and weeping is celebrated on August 15. The Saints of the Month outside the tomb, Mary encountered Assumption of Mary means that She July 3 – Saint Thomas the Apostle the risen Lord, but mistook Him for was taken up into Heaven, body and July 11 – Saint Benedict a gardener. Only when He spoke her July 22 – Saint Mary Magdalene name did she recognise Him. Jesus July 23 – Saint Bridget of Sweden told Mary to go and tell the apostles 20. Which Australian tennis player won the Wimbledon Quiz Time with Lawrence Men’s Singles title in 2002? that He was ascending to the Father 21. Which horse racing track in the north of England was General Knowledge (John 20:17). Mary Magdalene then the first to host racing behind closed doors following 1. By what name is the art form, La Gioconda more announced to the Apostles that she the outbreak of coronavirus? widely known? had seen the Lord and told them 22. What is the final event of the Olympic decathlon? 2. What 3 colours make up the national flag of Hungary? what Jesus had said. For this reason, 23. Which county has won the most All-Ireland senior 3. How many US Presidents have been assassinated titles (either football or )? some describe Mary Magdalene as while in office? 24. Which of these players has scored more Premier the first evangelist; a messenger of 4. From what fish are eggs taken to produce Caviar? League goals - Frank Lampard, Thierry Henry or the good news. 5. In which US state was George Floyd killed in June, Robbie Fowler? We celebrate the Feast of Saint sparking mass riots and protests? Mary Magdalene on July 22. Her 6. Who was the father of the current Queen of England? Music feast day reminds us of how people 7. There are five Australian cities with a population of more 25. Which band used a video of themselves on board a round can transform their lives if they are than one million people. Can you name them all? the world racing yacht for their 1982 hit song ‘Rio’? truly repentant. Mary Magdalene has 8. Which is Europe’s longest river? 26. Who was lead singer with the band Fleetwood Mac before branching out into a successful solo career? always been an example of great love Film and Television 27. What were the Christian names of the Gibb brothers 9. Which film featured the fictional skyscraper, and forgiveness. She grasped God’s who formed the Bee Gees? ‘Nakatomi Plaza’? Saint Mary Magdalene love for humankind and spent her 28. Which band had nine UK Number 1 hits between 1974 10. Wendi McLendon-Covey is best known for her Mary Magdalene was one of the own life bearing witness to that love. and 1980? portrayal of which US sitcom matriarch? women who accompanied Jesus and 29. Which group had a Number 1 hit in 2005 with the 11. Which Canadian-born actor provided the voice of His apostles during their travels, song ‘The Importance of being Idle’? The Blessed Sacrament – Shrek in the 2001 movie of the same name? caring and supporting them. She was 30. Which singer/songwriter/guitarist recorded the 1994 12. Johnny and Jenny Connor are the current owners of August Album entitled ‘From the Cradle’? close to Jesus and played a major role which fictional business premises? The month of August is dedicated 31. Which band had a 1979 hit with the song ‘My in the events surrounding His death 13. Which ‘creature feature’ movie won the Oscar for to the Blessed Sacrament. The Sharona’? and resurrection. Over the centuries, Best Picture in 2018? Blessed Sacrament is the presence 32. What song was a Christmas Number 1 for both Harry there has been some debate about 14. Adapted from a novel by Sally Rooney, name the of Jesus in the Eucharist. Special Belafonte and Boney M? who Mary Magdalene really was. romantic TV drama set in Ireland that has topped times are set aside in our churches, Some have thought that she was this year’s ratings? Pot Luck called Adoration, where we can the sister of Martha of Bethany 15. Who played Mr Rigsby in the 1970’s sitcom ‘Rising Damp’? 33. In what year did and David Trimble win come and worship Jesus in the (Luke 10:38-42) and the sinner who 16. Who played the role of God in the 2003 movie ‘Bruce the Nobel Peace Prize? Blessed Sacrament, the Eucharist Almighty’? 34. During religious services, what is held in a Thurible? dried Christ’s feet with her hair. 35. Which is the smallest of New York City’s five (CCC 1178). The Blessed Sacrament Sport Despite any of these problems, the Boroughs? reminds us that even when Mass is 17. Who was manager of Liverpool FC the last time the existence of Mary Magdalene is 36. How many strings are there on a regular Bass guitar? not celebrated, Jesus in the Eucharist, club were champions of England in 1990? not questioned. She is known for 37. What does the ‘Q’ stand for in IQ Test? is still present in the Church. 18. There have been 10 maximum 147 breaks made her sincere conversion and total 38. In which Irish county would you find the Blarney during snooker’s World Championship tournament. dedication to Christ. Stone? The most recent was in 2012, but by which player? O Sacrament most Holy, 39. What is the name of Boris Johnson’s fiancee? The story of the repentant sinner is 19. Who played at Quarterback for both Indianapolis in O Sacrament Divine 40. The offices of what satirical French magazine were one of the most significant accounts 2007 and the Denver Broncos in 2015, when those All praise and all thanksgiving the target of the 2015 Paris terrorist attack? that is believed to be related to Mary two sides won the Super Bowl?

Be every moment Thine

Magdalene. While Jesus was dining Hebdo. Charlie 40, Symonds. Carrie 39, Cork. 38, Quotient. 37, Four. 36, Manhattan. 35, Incense. 34, 1998.

at the home of the Pharisee called The Transfiguration 33, Child. Boy Mary’s 32, Knack. The 31, Clapton. Eric 30, Oasis. 29, Abba. 28, Robin. and Maurice Barry, 27, Nicks. Stevie 26, Duran. Duran 25, (177). Lampard 24, (37).

The feast of the Transfiguration Kerry 23, race. metre 1500 22, Newcastle. 21, Hewitt. Lleyton 20, Manning. Peyton 19, Hendry. Stephen 18, Dalglish. Kenny 17, Freeman. Morgan 16, Rossiter. Leonard Simon, a woman crept in and knelt 15, People. Normal 14, Water. of Shape The 13, Return. Rovers The 12, Myers. Mike 11, Goldberg. Beverley 10, Hard. Die 9, Volga. The 8, Adelaide. and Perth Brisbane,

Quiz Answers: Quiz before him (Luke 7:36-50). Simon is August 6. On this special day, we Melbourne, Sydney, 7, VI. George 6, Minnesota. 5, Sturgeon. 4, Kennedy). JF and McKinley Garfield, (Lincoln, Four 3, Red/White/Green. 2, Lisa. Mona 1, 32 THE NET | JULY / AUGUST 2020

Aghyaran, Ardmore, Ardstraw West &Castlederg, Ballinascreen, Ballymagroarty, Banagher, Bellaghy, Buncrana, Carndonagh, Claudy, Clonmany, Coleraine,Creggan, Culdaff, Culmore,Desertmartin, Donnyloop, , Dunamanagh, Dungiven, Fahan, Faughanvale,, Gortin, Greencastle,

‘Thankful to be back around The Table of The Lord Moville, Newtownstewart, Omagh, Plumbridge, , Steelestown, Strabane, Swatragh, Templemore - Long Tower and St Eugene’s, Three Patrons, Waterside Waterside Patrons, Three Eugene’s, St and Tower - Long Templemore Swatragh, Strabane, Steelestown, Mills, Sion Plumbridge, Omagh, Newtownstewart, Moville,

Greenlough, Iskaheen, , Killygordon, Kilrea, Lavey, Leckpatrick, Lifford, Limavady, Maghera, , Malin, Melmount,