BALLINASCREEN & DESERTMARTIN PARISHES 11_JANUARY_2026
- Jan 10
- 8 min read
Updated: Jan 17
No. 11 ~ THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD
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
SVP HELPLINE
Helpline telephone number: 07710838050
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 THIS WEEK
Monday ~ 12 January:
10.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church
7.30 pm ~ Holy Rosary Church - Mass in honour of St. Pio of Pietrelcina.
Tuesday ~ 13 January:
10.00 am ~ St Mary’s, Coolcalm.
Wednesday ~ 14 January:
10.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church
Thursday ~ 15 January:
10.00am ~ St Mary’s, Coolcalm
Friday ~ 16 January:
10.00 am ~ St Mary’s Coolcalm
7.30 pm ~ Holy Rosary Church.
CONFESSIONS
Ballinascreen:
Holy Rosary Church Saturday 5.30pm before Vigil Mass.
Desertmartin:
St Patrick’s, Keenaught Saturday 6.30 pm until 7.10 pm.
FEASTS OF THE WEEK
Tuesday 13 January: St Hilary, Bishop & Doctor of the Church.
Thursday 15 January: St Ita, virgin.
Friday 16 January: St Fursa, abbot & missionary.
Saturday 17 January: St Anthony, abbot.
DEATHS
We extend our prayerful sympathy to the family and relatives of:
Brendan McBride, Cordarragh;
Monica McKernan, Oak Park;
Hugh Patrick Kelly, Mallon Villas;
Oliver McGrory, Cordarragh;
Aidan Kelly, Derrynoid;
John Graham, Cookstown;
James Kelly, Portstewart.
MONTHS MIND
Months Mind Mass for Cathal McKenna will be held on Friday 16 January at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary.
Months Mind Mass for Seamus McGuigan will be held on Friday 16 January at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary.
ANNIVERSARIES
Ballinascreen:
Anniversaries:
Seamus McGuigan, The Orchard;
Paul McCloskey, Strawmore Rd;
Patrick Bradley, Derrynoid Rd;
Bernadette Duffy, Cloane Rd;
John Kelly, Slievegallion Park.
Desertmartin:
First Anniversary:
Harry Loane, Motalee.
Anniversaries:
Brigid Loane;
Mary Jane Donnelly;
Bridie McIvor;
Matthew Shields;
Josephine Donnelly;
Baby Rossa Foley;
Johnny Walls;
Joe Marshall;
James McVeigh;
Hugh Donnelly;
John McVeigh;
Tommy McGuckin(Jun);
Sarah McElwee;
Roseanne McGuckin;
Mary Shiels;
Harry O’Kane;
Veronica O’Kane;
Michael Mulholland;
Lelia Burns;
Ann McCrystal;
John O’Hagan;
James McKay;
Cassie Wilson.
BAPTISMS
We welcome into God’s family through the Sacrament of Baptism:
Cora Marie McAllister, Moyard Road;
Darragh Patrick McEldowney, Drumard Road.
WEDDINGS
Congratulations and best wishes for the future to:
Megan McKenna & Eoin Murray who were married recently in St Eugene’s Church, Moneyneena.
PARISH COLLECTIONS
Ballinascreen
Renovation Collection - £1130
Weekly Collection - £1295
Desertmartin
Weekly Collection - £329
Thank you for your generous support which is greatly appreciated.
PADRE PIO MASS
The monthly mass in honour of St Pio of Pietrelcina will be celebrated on Monday 12 January at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church. Morning mass will also be in Holy Rosary Church at 10.00 am and exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will continue after mass until 7.20 pm. Rosary and Prayers will begin at 7.00 pm. Please note the earlier time.
If you are free please consider spending time with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament during exposition and offer your time praying for your own intentions and the intentions of all the people of both parishes.
BALLINASCREEN READERS
Fr Madden would like to meet all readers of the Word of God in Ballinascreen after the Padre Pio Evening Mass on Monday 12 January, in Holy Rosary Church. It will be a short meeting.
CHILDREN IN CROSSFIRE
A representative from Children in Crossfire will speak at all Masses over the weekend of 10 and 11 January. They will update us on their new programme, which supports children in Ethiopia who currently have to spend their time between attending school and scavenging on a large rubbish dump to try to find things to sell to get by. Your support will go a long way in helping change this reality.
CORMAC Ó CEALLAIGH CCÉ
Music Classes start Tuesday 13 January from 7:15 pm until 8.00 pm, for 6wks in St Colms High School, Ballinascreen.
Fiddle: ( beginner, intermediate & advanced)
Tin Whistle: (beginner & intermediate)
Bodhran: (Adult from 7:45 pm to 8:30 pm, Junior from 7:15 pm to 7:45 pm)
Guitar, Concertina: (beginner)
Singing (3wk block) / Harp (beginner & intermediate)
Banjo/Mandolin, Uillean Pipes (new class).
New Adult Mixed Instrument Class. For all adults, who used to play as a child or those who never had that chance. Learn at your own pace & be able to practice the tunes learned at our monthly Junior/Slow Seisiún.
If you're unsure, come along to first class & give it a go! Online Registration open, use link:
Hire to Buy Instrument Scheme is available for the more expensive instruments (harp, concertina, uilleann pipes) for a monthly direct debit fee. Our first seisiún of 2026 will be in Ballinascreen Club on Friday 16th January. Fáilte roimh chách- Everyone welcome! More information available on Cormac Ó Ceallaigh CCÉ Facebook page.
NUALA'S BEGINNER 6 WEEK FITNESS CLASS
Join Nuala’s Classes for an exciting new Beginner Fitness Class designed to help you move, build confidence, and have fun! Classes are only £3.50 per session. Perfect for absolute beginners, low impact and easy to follow workouts. Starting Tuesday 13 January fro 6.45pm to 7.45pm in the hall, Workspace Recreation Centre on the Back row. To Book your space contact Carin at Workspace on 02879628113
DIANCHÚRSA AON LAE DO DHAOINE FÁSTA- ONE DAY ADULT IRISH LANGUAGE COURSE
Glór na Speiríní are facilitating an intensive one-day Irish language course for adults Saturday 17th January from 10am-3pm in Glór na Speiríní Centre, Straw, Ballinascreen. Cost to attend this event is only £30 (lunch included) Booking is ESSENTIAL and payment must be completed to secure your place before the 5th January. (Limited Spaces) For information on booking and payment please contact Conchúr via Email: conchurglor@gmail.com or Tel.: 07795536682.
RANGANNA GAEILGE DO DHAOINE FÁSTA- ADULT IRISH LANGUAGE CLASSES
The committee of Glór na Speiríní are delighted to announce recommencement of our adult Irish language classes on Thursday the 22nd January at 7.30-9.00pm in Straw, Ballinascreen. Cost for this block of 10 lessons is £40 and there are 5 levels to cater for everyone's needs. For information on booking and payment please contact Conchúr via Email: conchurglor@gmail.com or Tel.: 07795536682.
LAPÓGLANN - TODDLE - INN
Our parent/guardian & children's group will return again on Wednesday the 7th January. We are opened every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday morning from 9.00-10.30am. Cost per session is only £2 which includes free play, activities, snack and tae or coffee. We are located on the same site as Gaelscoil na Speiríní in Straw, Ballinascreen. For further information please Email: conchurglor@gmail.com or Tel.: 07795536682.
You do not have to pre-book to attend and tá fearadh na fáilte roimh chách - everyone is welcome!
PILATE CLASS
5 week in St. Martin's GAC club starting Wednesday 7 January at 7.00 pm. Open to all abilities. For any further information please contact Therese 07867901666
KNOCKNAGIN HALL COMMITTEE
Chair Exercise: Recommences Tuesday 13 January at 1.000 am.
Irish Dancing Lessons: Tuesday evenings - New beginners at 5:30pm & returning learners at 6:00pm. To register, contact Nicola - Tel.: 07518 207458
St. Mary’s Bowling Club: Meets on Tuesday evenings at 8:00pm. New members welcome.
Acrobats Gymnastics Club: Classes will recommence on Saturday 10 January from 9.00 am to 2.00 pm
Sarsfield’s Accordion Band: Tickets for 2026 monthly draw are now on sale, £1 a month, £12 for the year, fully paid up members will be entered into an additional free draw, £50 prize drawn every month.
KILCRONAGHAN CENTRE
Painting for Pleasure: Classes resume Wednesday 14 January from 10.00 am to12 noon.
Living Life to the Full: 6-week course commencing Monday 26 January from 10.00 am to 12 noon & is suitable for anyone feeling stressed/low mood/worried. This programme can make a big difference to your life; help you develop practical skills & how to cope with day-to-day challenges.
DIY Skills Programme: 4-week course commencing mid-February. Ladies, sign up & learn how to use tools safely: put up shelves/curtain poles: use the correct tools & fixings: create & take home your own toolbox. Register now to reserve your place. To book please message 07821963749 for more details
LOST WEDDING RING
Mens gold wedding band has been lost possibly around Holy Rosary or Straw church, if found please contact the parish office on 02879628376 to reunite with the owner.
MARYS MEALS
Sincere thanks to the very generous donors who donated £60 and £50, in the Church collection basket in support of Mary’s Meals.
JOB OPPORTUNITY
Derry Diocesan Trust: Administrative & Financial Officer. Permanent post, 8-10 hours per week. Working for Swatragh Parish, the job is based in Kilrea Parochial House. Working Days Wednesday & Friday.
For application pack, Tel.: 02871262302 or Email: recruitment@derrydiocese.org. Completed applications must be returned to Personnel, Bishop’s House, St Eugene’s Cathedral, Francis Street, Derry, BT48 9AP or via email to recruitment@derrydiocese.org no later than 12 noon Monday 26 January 2026. Derry Diocesan Trust is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
PARISH BAPTISMS 2026
Ballinascreen Parish:
All bookings to be made via Ballinascreen Parish Office on 02879628248 or ballinascreenparish@gmail.com
Baptisms are held at 3.00 pm on the following dates:
11 January, Moneyneena.
18 January, Holy Rosary.
25 January, Sixtowns.
1 February, Straw.
8 February, Moneyneena.
15 February, Holy Rosary.
22 February, Sixtowns.
8 March, Straw.
15 March, Moneyneena.
22 March, Holy Rosary.
29 March, 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:
4 & 18 January
1 & 15 February
1 & 15 March
12 & 19 April
3 & 17 May
7 & 21 June
5 & 18 July
2 & 9 August
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.
PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS
The Baptism of Jesus reminds us of our own baptism and that each one of us is called to be holy and to fulfil our vocation in life. We pray that the men called to serve the diocese as priests will know that, like Jesus, they are beloved sons of the Father, and that they will find fulfilment in spreading the Good News of God's love for everyone.
