BALLINASCREEN & DESERTMARTIN PARISHES 11_OCTOBER_2026
No. 50 ~ TWENTY-EIGHTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
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: 8.45 am - 3.30 pm. Wednesday: 8.45 am - 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 ~ 12 October
10.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church.
Tuesday ~ 13 October
10.00 am ~ St. Mary’s, Coolcalm.
2.00 pm ~ Holy Rosary Church ~ St. Colm's High School Harvest Mass.
Wednesday ~ 14 October
10.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church.
Thursday ~ 15 October
10.00 am ~ St Mary's, Coolcalm.
Friday ~ 16 October
10.00 am ~ St. Mary’s, Coolcalm.
7.30 pm ~ Holy Rosary Church.
CONFESSIONS
Ballinascreen: Holy Rosary 5.30 pm - before Vigil Mass.
Desertmartin: Keenaught, Saturday 6.30 pm until 7.10 pm.
FEASTS OF THE WEEK
Monday 12 October: St Carlo Acutis.
Wednesday 14 October: St Callistus I, pope & Martyr.
Thursday 15 October: St Teresa of Avila.
Friday 16 October: St Gall, St Gerard Majella, St Margaret Mary Alacoque, St Hedwig.
Saturday 17 October: St Ignatius of Antioch, bishop & martyr.
CHANGE OF MASS LOCATION
Please note that Mass on the morning of Tuesday 20 October will be celebrated in St Patrick's Keenaught at 10.00 am.
ST COLM’S H.S.
St. Colm’s High School Harvest Mass will take place in Holy Rosary Church on Tuesday 13 October at 2.00 pm. Everyone welcome.
St Colm’s H.S. Opening Year Mass will take place in St. Colm’s High School Church on Tuesday 20 October at 7.00 pm. Everyone welcome.
DEATHS
We extend our prayerful sympathy to the family and relatives of:
Cecilia Bradley, Gortnari, Moneyneena;
Rose Convery, Derrynoid Rd.;
Marie Bradley, Glenelly Villas;
Felix O’Neill, Magherafelt;
Ann Marie Mongan, Crewe, England.
MONTH'S MIND MASS
The Month's Mind Mass for Charlie Kelly, Moneyneena Road, will take place on Friday 16 October at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
FIRST ANNIVERSARY MASS
The First Anniversary Mass for Michael Bradley, Disert Road, will be held on Friday 16 October at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
The First Anniversary Mass for Kevin Kelly, Bancran Rd., will be held on Friday 23 October at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
The First Anniversary Mass for John Joe McKenna, Cloane Rd., will be held on Friday 23 October at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary.
ANNIVERSARIES
Ballinascreen:
Dympna Kelly, Magherafelt;
Agnes Gray, Corrick Rd.;
Bridget McCloskey, Fivemilestraight;
John Donnelly, Bancran Rd.;
Sean McCullagh, Portglenone Rd.;
Anthony Rooney, Glenburn Park;
Richard Edwards, Slievegallion Drive;
John Spillane, Sixtowns Rd.;
Gerard Kelly, Sixtowns Rd.
BAPTISMS
We welcome into God’s family through the Sacrament of Baptism:
Órlaith Kearns, Sixtowns Road;
Clodagh Cassie McKenna, Disert Road;
Kajus Makaras Survilaite, Glenelly Villas;
Éanna Patrick McGillian, Bancran Road;
Katie Cobhlaith McGinn, Cranny Oaks, Omagh;
Darcai Rose O’Hagan, Carndaisy Lane, Moneymore.
THE NATIONAL GATHERING OF THE CHURCH IN IRELAND
Bishops, priests, religious and lay people from across Ireland will gather for the National Synodal Assembly on Saturday 17 October, to pray, listen and discern what God may be asking of the Catholic Church in Ireland at this time. Bishop Michael Router and seven delegates will represent the Diocese of Derry. Please remember Bishop Michael, our diocesan delegates and everyone taking part in your prayers. Find out more on: https://derrydiocese.org/national-synodal-assembly
MICHAEL ENGLISH GOSPEL CONCERT THANKS
Thank you all for joining us at our Michael English Gospel Concert. Your presence, your voices, and your joyful spirit filled the room with God’s love. We are grateful for every committee member, volunteer, sponsor and guest who helped make the evening a true celebration of faith and fellowship. May the message of hope we shared continue to bless you in the days ahead.
PARISH COLLECTIONS
Ballinascreen:
Weekly Collection - £3377
Renovation Collection - £2108
Desertmartin:
Weekly Collection - £959.69
Renovation Collection - £514.50
Thank you for your generous support which is greatly appreciated.
Totals shown include September Standing Orders from Parishioners. If you would like to avail of this option please contact the Parish Office.
DERRY DIOCESAN YOUNG ADULT COMMUNITY
Derry Youth Ministry invites everyone aged 18-35 to join their new community every Tuesday evening at 7:30 pm, starting 20 October, at Claudy Pastoral Centre. Each week features a varied programme including invited speakers, scripture, prayer, food, and fellowship, alongside organised social events. Everyone is welcome to come along! For more details, please contact yvonne.rooney@derrydiocese.org.
CATHOLIC MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND
St. Mary's, Knock, Co. Mayo. Friday 9 to Sunday 11 April 2027. This residential Weekend starts at 7.30 pm on Friday and finishes at 4.30 pm on Sunday, and is open to all married couples. Online booking only at www.marriageencounter.ie
D.D.S MASS
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 following masses will be offered for the deceased members of the Derry Diocesan Society:
Tuesday 27 October at 10.00 am in St Mary’s, Coolcalm;
Saturday 31 October at 6.00 pm in Holy Rosary.
KNOCKNAGIN HALL
Craft Fair: A few tables remaining for our Christmas Craft Fair! Sunday 8 November from 10:30 am to 3.00 pm. £20 per table or 2 for £30, £10 booking deposit. Email knocknaginhc@gmail.com or 078 8761 4094 to secure a table.
Salsa Dancing for beginners: Thursdays from 7.00 pm to 8:30 pm. No previous experience or partner needed! £42 for the 6-week block.
Irish Class; Mondays. Bunrang (Beginners) 6:45pm to 8.00 pm. Meánrang (Improvers) 8.00 pm to 9:30 pm.
Chair Exercises: Tuesdays from 10.00 am to 11.00 am. All welcome. Admission £4.
Irish Dancing Lessons: Tuesday evenings from 5:30 pm to 7.00 pm To register, contact Nicola: 07518 207458
Bowling Club: Tuesdays from 8.00 pm. Suitable for all ages. All welcome.
Céilí Dancing Classes: New 6-week block started on Wednesday 30 September at 7:30pm. Suitable for all ages.
Acrobats Gymnastics Club: Saturday mornings from 9.00 am to 2.00 pm. To register visit https://acro-bats.classforkids.io/term/10
Sarsfield’s Accordion Band: October Monthly Draw winner: £50, Jim Higgins, Luney.
Band practice Thursdays at 7:30 pm. A Commemoration Parade, in remembrance of former band member, Christopher Bradley, will take place on Sunday 18 October at 3.00 pm, from Moorside Villas to Keenaught Chapel.
SGARA
Crochet classes start in Knocknagin hall on Tuesday 6th October at 7.30 pm to 9.00 pm all welcome limited places. Contact Chris 07546010560
Dance in Knocknagin Hall: Sunday 18 October from 3.00 pm to 5.30 pm. Music by Sean Corrigan.
WHAT IS UNIVERSITY ACTUALLY FOR?
Queen’s Catholic Chaplaincy is delighted to welcome Dr Paul Shrimpton, writer, historian and scholar of St John Henry Newman, for a public lecture exploring Newman’s vision of human flourishing at university - and what it might still have to say to universities and society today. Monday 12 October, 7.00pm Queen’s Catholic Chaplaincy, 30-38 Elmwood Avenue, Belfast. Students, staff, alumni and friends are warmly welcome. Admission free.
LAPÓGLANN - TODDLE-INN
Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9.00 am to 10.30 am in Glór na Speiríní centre Straw, beside the Straw Church. £2 per session includes refreshments. Irish language session is every Thursday from 9.00 am to 10.30 am. Tá fáilte roimh chách All welcome! Contact conchurglor@gmail.com or 07795 536682
CORNSTONE YOUTH CLUB
Monday to Thursday, from 6.45 pm to 9.00 pm. Programs for all age groups. All welcome to attend at their designated nights! Registration £2, & £1 per night.
Mondays: Years 8, 9 & 10: Soccer, Junk Kouture, Art & ICT Club.
Tuesdays: Years 9, 10, 11 & 12: Duke of Edinburgh, Junk Kouture, Costume creating & Beauty.
Wednesdays: Primary 7 & Year 8 (opt): Sport, Art, Dance & Games.
Thursdays: Primary 5 & 6: Sport, Games, Art & Fun.
MONTHLY LUNCHEON CLUB
Free Transport now available to Over 60s Monthly Luncheon Club in Workspace Community Hub. Monthly Luncheon Club takes place on Wednesday 21 October in Workspace Community Hub from 11.00 am to 1.00 pm. Workspace is teaming up with Out and About Community Transport to provide free transport to anyone in the Ballinascreen area who would like to attend but doesn’t have access to transport. If you would like more information on booking a free spot, please contact Workspace on 028 7962 8113 before Wednesday 14 October and join us for a delicious lunch and good company, in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
FÉILE BHAILE NA SCRÍNE - BALLINASCREEN FESTIVAL
Sunday 11 October: Family Fun Day in An Ráth Dubh from 1.00 pm to 3.00 pm. Donations at the door in aid of youth club.
For more information please contact Conchúr on 79627703 or email conchurglor@gmail.com
SIXTOWNS CROSS COMMUNITY GROUP
Indoor Bowls: Mondays at 8.15 pm. New Members Welcome.
Christmas Fair with Santa: Sunday 29th November 2026 at Sixtowns Hall. Tables are booking up fast. £20 per table or £30 for two. To book, contact 07769 289385
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 - £3.50 per session. Perfect for absolute beginners, low impact & easy to follow. Starts Tuesday 13 October from 6.45 pm to 7.45 pm in the hall, Workspace Recreation Centre on the Back row. Book your space by telephoning Carin: 02879628113.
NETBALL FOR BEGINNERS
Wednesday nights from 7.00 pm to 9.00 pm in the Backrow Hall. Over 16 ladies welcome. Come along for fun. No need to register Just turn up on the night. Adm £3. Contact Martina on 07795165999 for more info.
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 October, Sixtowns. (Saturday)
1 November, St. Columba's, Straw.
8 November, St Eugene’s Moneyneena.
29 November, Holy Rosary Church.
6 December, St. Patrick's, Sixtowns.
13 December, St. Columba's, Straw.
20 December, St Eugene’s Moneyneena.
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:
October 18 2026
November 8 & 22 2026
December 6 & 20 2026
January 10 & 24 2027
February 7 & 21 2027
March 7 & 14 2027
April 4 & 18 2027
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
We pray that the men called to be priests of our diocese will know the truth of St Paul's words in our second reading, "There is nothing I cannot master with the help of the One who gives me strength."
