BALLINASCREEN & DESERTMARTIN PARISHES 10_May_2026
- 13 hours ago
- 8 min read
No. 28 ~ SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
PARISH CONTACT DETAILS
Fr. Peter Madden PP VF
31 Sixtowns Road
Telephone: 79628376
Fr Michael McCaul CC
50 Tobermore Road, Desertmartin
Telephone: 79632196
Email: desertmartinparish@gmail.com
PARISH OFFICES
Ballinascreen:
9 High Street
Phone: (028)79628248
Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 9.00 am to 3.00 pm
Desertmartin:
St Patrick’s Keenaught
Phone: (028)79397047
Email: desertmartinparish@gmail.com
Opening Hours: Wednesday and Thursday 10.30 am to 3.00 pm
SAFEGUARDING
Safeguarding Contact Information
If you have any concerns with regard to the safeguarding of children within the Church, please contact:
Marie O’Kane - Diocesan Designated Liaison Person (DLP) Tel.: +44 7596 500793 or Email: dlp@derrydiocese.org
Northern Ireland Emergency Services
PSNI (Police Service of Northern Ireland): 101
Social Services:
Gateway Services, Western HSC Trust: 028 7131 4090 (ask for the Duty Social Worker)
Gateway Services, Northern HSC Trust: 028 9442 4459
Regional Emergency Social Work Services: 0800 1979 995
LIFELINE
Tel: 0808 808 8000 / Textphone 18001 0808 808 8000.
SVP HELPLINE
Helpline telephone number: 07710838050
GAMBLING HELPLINE
Help is available, phone: 02871351329
SPERRIN FOODBANK
Tel: 07543420639
BALLINASCREEN COMMUNITY SUPPORT GROUP
Please click the link https://www.parishofballinascreen.com/ballinascreen-community-support-gro for full details of Ballinascreen Community Support Group.
NOTICES FOR THE BULLETIN
Notices for the Bulletin should be received by 1.00 pm on Wednesday, preferably by email.
Email: desertmartinparish@gmail.com
VIGIL MASSES FOR SUNDAY
Holy Rosary: 6.00 pm
St Patrick’s, Keenaught: 7.30 pm
SUNDAY MASSES
St Columba’s, Straw: 9.00 am
St Mary’s, Coolcalm: 10.00 am
St Patrick’s, Sixtowns: 11.00 am
St Eugene’s, Moneyneena: 12 noon
MASSES FOR THIS WEEK
Monday ~ 11 May:
10.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church.
Tuesday ~ 12 May
10.00 am ~ St. Mary’s, Coolcalm.
Wednesday ~ 13 May
10.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church.
Thursday ~ 14 May
10.00 am ~ St Mary's, Coolcalm.
Friday ~ 15 May
10.00 am ~ St. Mary’s, Coolcalm.
7.30 pm ~ Holy Rosary.
CONFESSIONS
Ballinascreen:
Holy Rosary Church: Saturday at 5.30 pm - before Vigil Mass.
Desertmartin:
St Patrick’s, Keenaught: Saturday from 6.30 pm to 7.10 pm.
FEASTS OF THE WEEK
Tuesday 12 May: St Pancras, martyr. Ss Nereus & Achilleus, martyrs.
Wednesday 13 May: Our Lady of Fatima.
Thursday 14 May: St Matthias, Apostle.
Friday 15 May: St Carthage, bishop.
Saturday 16 May: St Brendan, abbot.
DEATHS
We extend our prayerful sympathy to the family and relatives of:
Eamonn McGuigan, St Patrick's Street;
Jim McGlade, Slievegallion Drive.
MONTH'S MIND MASS
The Month's Mind Mass for Noel McGuigan will be celebrated on Saturday 16 May in St Patrick’s Church, Keenaught at 7.30 pm.
FIRST ANNIVERSARY MASS
The First Anniversary Mass for Nancy Hegarty, Magherafelt Rd., will take place on Friday 15 May at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
The First Anniversary Mass for Susan O'Hagan will take place on Saturday 16 May at 7.30 pm in St. Patrick's, Keenaught.
The First Anniversary Mass for Tony Wright will take place on Saturday 30 May at 7:30 pm in St. Patrick's, Keenaught.
The First Anniversary Mass for Maria O'Hagan will take place on Saturday 6 June at 7:30 pm in St. Patrick's, Keenaught.
ANNIVERSARIES
Ballinascreen:
First Anniversary:
Maurice Bradley, Moyard Rd.
Anniversaries:
Seamus Kelly, Sixtowns Rd;
Bridget McKenna, Carnamoney Lane;
Joe Rogers, Sixtowns Rd.;
Margaret Bottomley, London;
Pat Armour, Cahore Rd.;
Maureen McCallion, Cordarragh.
Desertmartin:
Malachy O’Brien, Knocknagin Rd.;
Jean McGuigan;
Joe McKenna;
Maggie McBride;
Frank McKenna;
Margaret McKenna;
Anne McKibbon;
Michael McKay;
Michael Burns;
Henry McElwee;
Marie Donnelly;
Charlie Donnelly;
Kevin Murphy;
Aloysious Shaw.
WEDDINGS
Congratulations to Marc and Donna Devlin who celebrated the Sacrament of Marriage in St Mary's, Coolcalm on Saturday 2 May. May they be blessed with a life full of joy, peace and love.
BAPTISMS
We welcome into God’s family through the Sacrament of Baptism:
Michael Joseph O'Hagan, Iniscarn Road;
Elianna Mae Hegarty; Whitewater Court;
Shéa Peter Johnson, Woodland Grove.
HOLY COMMUNION
Congratulations to all the Primary 4 children from St Eoghan’s Primary School who celebrated their First Holy Communion on Saturday 2 May. May Jesus enter their heart, strengthening their faith, love, and joy.
St. Mary’s P.S. ~ 9 May at 11.00 am in Holy Rosary Church.
Gaelscoil Na Speiríní ~ 16 May at 11.00 am in Holy Rosary Church.
St Columba’s P.S. ~ 16 May at 11.00 am in St Columba’s, Straw.
St Columb’s P.S., Cullion ~ 23 May at 11.00 am in St. Patrick's, Keenaught.
PARISH COLLECTIONS
Ballinascreen:
Renovation Collection - £2141
Weekly Collection - £3433
Desertmartin:
Renovation Collection - £535.50
Weekly Collection - £686.30
Thank you for your generous support which is greatly appreciated.
Ballinascreen totals include April Standing Orders from parishioners. If you would like to avail of this option please contact the Parish Office.
HOLY HOUR FOR VOCATIONS
There will be a Holy Hour for Vocations offered up on Wednesday 20 May in St. Mary's, Coolcalm from 7.00 to 8.00 pm. All welcome.
CAR SHOW AND FAMILY EVENT
Sunday 10 May from 12 noon to 2.30 pm at St Colm’s High School Grounds. Donations at gate. All funds to support the Year 12 students travelling with Fr Madden in June to take part on the Camino de Santiago.
DIABETES AWARENESS TALK
Tuesday 12 May at 7.00 pm in Workspace Community Hub. Dr Peter Livingstone, GP with Draperstown GP Surgery will give a presentation on Diabetes Awareness to launch a NEW pre-diabetes project for the local area. Led by the Workspace Group, the project will involve Draperstown GP Surgery, O’Kane’s Pharmacy, Screen Clinical, the Northern Health and Social Care Trust and Diabetes UK. Diabetes UK will also have an information stand at the event. The talk is open to all, whether you want to learn more about diabetes to support loved ones, manage your own risk or simply learn more, you are welcome to attend. No need to book, just drop-in. Refreshments will be served. For further information, contact Workspace on 028 7962 8113.
STEPS / LETS TALK
Another conversation with men. Listening skills, self worth and ego states. Thursday 14 May at 7.00 pm held in Workspace community hub. Suitable for any man over 18. Refreshments provided.
NIGHT OF CELEBRATION - Cormac Ó Ceallaigh CCÉ
Come along to celebrate all our amazing musical successes this year. Congratulations to all our members who were part of the Gael Linn Siansa competition, Solas, who reached the Ulster Final, our Ulster Scór Champions Áine & Eileanóir, who reached the All-Ireland Scór Final & all our young musicians who represented our branch at the Derry Fleadh & now go on to compete at the Ulster Fleadh. Come along to hear all these amazing musicians perform live in our last seisiún before the Summer!
Venue: The Market Inn on Friday 15 May. Junior seisiún: 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm. Slow seisiún: 8:30 pm - 9:15 pm. Supper: 9:15 pm. Adult seisiún: 9:30 pm onwards. All welcome. Bígí linn & Go Raibh Míle Maith Agaibh!!
ÉIGSE MUIRI’S
Glór na Speiríní invites you to an informative evening on Presbyterians & The Irish Language – The Missing Chapter by Rev Paul Thompson, and also A Brief History of Bibles in Ireland by Alasdair Bonar. On Friday 15 May at 7.15 pm in The Presbyterian Church, Ballinascreen. For more Info contact Seán on 07860512046 or smacgf@yahoo.com
KNOCKNAGIN HALL COMMITTEE
Irish Language Classes: Monday’s at 7:30 pm.
Chair Exercises: Tuesday mornings at 10.00 am.
Irish Dancing Lessons: Tuesday Evenings 5:30pm To 7pm To Register, Contact Nicola: 07518 207458
Céilí Dancing Lessons: Tuesdays at 7:30 pm. All Levels Welcome.
Friends Of Knocknagin: Walking Group from Knocknagin Hall at 10.00 am every Thursday. Easy 30 – 40 minute walk. All abilities very welcome.
Acrobats Gymnastics Club: Saturday’s from 9.00 am to 2.00 pm.
Sarsfield’s Accordion Band: Band practice fortnightly on Thursday evenings. Next practice Thursday 14 May at 7:30 pm. All Members are invited to attend. New and past members welcome.
KNOCK PILGRIMAGE TO PRAY FOR PEACE IN THE HOLY LAND
People from all over Ireland are invited to Knock Shrine on Saturday 16 May, for a special pilgrimage to pray for peace in the Holy Land. The pilgrimage, organised by the papal charity Aid to the Church in Need, will be led by Bishop William Shomali from Bethlehem. Bishop Shomali will offer a message of hope at 11.00 am and celebrate Mass at 3.00 pm. All are welcome. More information at www.acnireland.org
SGARA
Dance in St Mary's Hall Knocknagin, Desertmartin on 24 May. Music by John Rafferty from 3.00 pm to 5.30 pm. ADM £10. Bring your own bottle.
LADIES WEEKEND RETREAT
The Sisters from the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus based in Waterford will lead a ladies weekend retreat in the Carmelite Retreat Centre, Termonbacca, Derry, entitled ‘In the Upper Room with Mary’ from Friday 22 - Sunday 24 May, Pentecost weekend. The cost of the weekend including accommodation is £90. For booking and queries call Aoife on 02871262512 or Email: termonbaccaderry@ocd.ie
PUB QUIZ NIGHT
Friday 29 May, in the Market Inn, Draperstown. Quiz from 8.00 pm to 10.00 pm. Disco from 10.00 pm to 12 midnight. £5 per person. Raffle on the night. All proceeds will go towards Gaelscoil agus Naíscoil na Speiríní. Tá fáilte roimh chách - Everyone is welcome.
DERRY DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO KNOCK SHRINE
Saturday 6 June 2026. In conjunction with the All-Ireland Rosary Rally, we will celebrate at our National Eucharistic and Marian Shrine. Buses will leave St Eugene's Cathedral, Derry, at 8.00 am. Cost £50, includes dinner in Knock House Hotel following the conclusion of the Mass in the Basilica. For further information, please contact Karen in the parish office at St Eugene's on 028 7126 2894 or by email at cathedral@derrydiocese.org.
DIOCESE OF DERRY LOUGH DERG PILGRIMAGE
The Diocese of Derry Three-Day Pilgrimage to Lough Derg will take place from Friday 24 July to Sunday 26 July 2026. Lough Derg continues to welcome people seeking prayer, peace, reflection and renewal in the midst of busy lives. A bus will travel from St Eugene's Cathedral, via Strabane and Lifford. Cost: £95 / €110 including bus transport. You are welcome, of course, to use your own means of transport. Booking form and full details available at: derrydiocese/lough-derg
WALK IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF OUR PATRON SAINT
Saint Patrick's Way Pilgrim Walk in Downpatrick with guides Martina Purdy and Elaine Kelly on Saturday 6 June and 8 August, and Mairead Sweeney on Saturday 4 July. Begin at Saint Patrick's Centre with the fabulous 180° IMAX film of St Patrick. Price includes entrance fees, internal bus transfers, pilgrimage lunch at the famous Saul Barn, plus a stamped Camino passport and a 6-mile pilgrimage walk, finishing at Saint Patrick’s grave. Come and Be Amazed! (Duration 9.00 am to 3.00 pm approx, all for just £55.) To book ring 02844 619000 or go to website: www.saintpatrickcentre.com
CUAN MHUÍRE
Sr. Consilio & everyone at Cuan Mhuire sincerely thank the parishioners of Ballinascreen! The Blessed Shamrock Fundraiser raised a wonderful £620.77. We are so grateful for your kindness and generosity.
ST PATRICK'S KEENAUGHT RESTORATION FUND
Fr Madden wishes to acknowledge a £500 donation to the St Patrick's Keenaught Restoration Fund. Thank you for your help and support.
PARISH BAPTISMS 2026
Ballinascreen Parish:
All bookings to be made via Ballinascreen Parish Office on 02879628248 or Email: ballinascreenparish@gmail.com
Baptisms will be held at 3.00 pm on the following dates:
17 May, Holy Rosary.
24 May, Sixtowns.
31 May, Straw.
14 June, Moneyneena.
21 June, Holy Rosary.
5 July, Sixtowns.
12 July, Straw.
26 July, Moneyneena.
2 August, Holy Rosary.
9 August, Sixtowns.
16 August, Straw.
23 August, Moneyneena.
30 August, Holy Rosary.
6 September, Sixtowns.
Desertmartin Parish:
To book a baptism, contact Fr McCaul on 02879632196 or Desertmartin Parish Office on 02879397047. Baptisms can be held in either church and are held at 1.30 pm on the following dates:
17 May
7 & 21 June
5 & 18 July
2 & 9 August
DERRY DIOCESAN SOCIETY
If you wish to enrol someone in the society, please contact the parish office. The fee for a living or deceased member is £20.
The next DDS Mass will take place on Wednesday 27 May at 10.00 am in Holy Rosary Church.
NOTICES FOR THE BULLETIN
Notices should be received by 1.00 pm on Wednesday, preferably emailed to ballinascreenparish@gmail.com
PARISH ANNIVERSARY MASS & MONTH’S MIND MASSES
If you wish to have a deceased loved one prayed for at any Anniversary Friday Mass, please email their name to the Parish Office by 1.00 pm on Wednesday of the relevant week. Notices for First Anniversary and Month's Mind Masses should be received before 1.00 pm on Wednesday of the previous week so that, they may be printed in the Bulletin the weekend before the Anniversary Mass.
