BALLINASCREEN & DESERTMARTIN PARISHES 12_April_2026
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No. 24 ~ SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER * DEVINE MERCY SUNDAY
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 ~ 13 April:
10.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church.
Tuesday ~ 14 April
10.00 am ~ St. Mary’s Coolcalm.
Wednesday ~ 15 April
10.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church.
Thursday ~ 16 April
10.00 am ~ St Mary's, Coolcalm.
Friday ~ 17 April
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
Monday 13 April: St Martin I, pope and martyr.
Thursday 16 April: St Bernadette of Lourdes.
DEATHS
We extend our prayerful sympathy to the family and relatives of:
Martin Donnelly, Oak Park;
Noel McGuigan, Keenaught Road;
Geraldine Kerr, Dromconready;
Lawrence Meharg.
FIRST ANNIVERSARY MASS
The First Anniversary Mass for Francis McNally, Sixtowns, will be celebrated on Friday 17 April at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
ANNIVERSARIES
Ballinascreen:
Mary Kelly, Cahore Rd.;
Sean O’Hagan, Gortnari;
Susan Kelly, Dunlogan Rd.;
Joseph Conway, Glengomna Rd.;
Jane Duffy, Moneyneena Rd.;
Baby Bonnie McSorley, Rannakeeran;
Daniel McDonald, Magherafelt Rd.;
Rory O’Kane, St Patrick’s St.;
Teresa McGuigan, Drumard Rd.;
Teresa McKenna, Strawmore.
Desertmartin:
Michael Toner;
Teresa Kelly;
Michael Higgins;
Ignatius Murray;
Joe O’Hagan;
Irene Mulholland;
Francis Walls;
Mary Donnely;
Nellie Donnelly;
John Shaw;
Harry Walls;
Jim Walls;
Frank Loane.
BAPTISMS
We welcome into God’s family through the Sacrament of Baptism:
Eimear Anna McElhennon, Glenelly Heights.
PARISH COLLECTIONS
Ballinascreen:
Renovation Collection - £3912
Weekly Collection - £5150
Thank you for your generous support which is greatly appreciated.
DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY
There will be Divine Mercy Devotions on 12 April in St. Mary's, Coolcalm at 3.00 pm. All welcome.
ST. COLM'S CAMINO
Sunday 12 April. All welcome, walk with us & be part of something truly special! 16k or 22k, you choose! Or walk any distance that suits you. Camino route is flat, easy, & suitable for everyone. Let’s walk it together! Start at St. Colm's, Finish at Susan’s Trail. Tickets Now Available: St. Colm’s High School, Ballinascreen Credit Union, Heron’s Giftshop. Online via Klubfunder
NUALA’S FITNESS CLASSES
Advanced Class: 6-week block starts Monday 13 April from 6.45 pm to 7.45 pm.
Beginner Class: New 6-week block to help you move, build confidence, and have fun! £3.50 per session. Starts Tuesday 14 April at the new time of 6.30 pm – 7.30 pm in the hall, Workspace Recreation Centre on the Back row. To book your space telephone 02879628113.
BALLINASCREEN HISTORICAL SOCIETY
A talk entitled "Local World War Two stories" by Michael Burns will be held on Tuesday April 14 at 8.00 pm in the Community Hub.
WARM WELCOME WEDNESDAY
Workspace Community Hub from 11.00 am to 1.00 pm: Local optician Carmel McGuigan will be joining us on Wednesday 15 April to talk about the importance of eye health and provide tips on how to look after our eyes. Carmel will also tell us about her charitable work in Uganda. Doors open at 11am, talk commences 11.45am. Free refreshments.
TABLE QUIZ
Sunday 19 April at 5.00 pm in The Shepherd’s Rest. All proceeds go towards St. Colm’s High School Camino, supporting our young people on an incredible journey.
SGARA
Trip to Enniscrone on 26 April. 3 nights Bed & Breakfast + Evening meal. €199 plus bus fee. To join us on this great trip you must be a member of Slieve Gallion Active Retirement. To join please contact Chris 07546010560 or any active member
APOSTOLATE OF EUCHARISTIC ADORATION
Annual Pilgrimage to Knock on Saturday 18 April from 6.00 pm to 9.00 pm and all day on Sunday 19 April. Sunday Programme includes:
11.30 am – 12.30 pm: Guided Meditation in Parish Church
1.15 pm – 2.00 pm: Keynote address by Rev Nicholas Grace PP Clonmel.
2.30 pm: Anointing of the Sick.
3.00 pm: Mass in Basilica followed by Benediction and Procession with Rosary. Chief Celebrant and Homilist at Mass: Bishop Cullinan.
Also on Sunday from 11am to 2.30 pm St Carlo Acutis Retreat for Teens (aged 13-19). Attendees must be pre–registered for the teen retreat.
Ring Bartle at 086 302 0948 or email: carmeluich@gmail.com.
Or visit www.eucharisticadoration.ie for full details of the programmes
PILGRIMAGE TO ROME AND ASSISI OCTOBER 2026
Fr Madden is leading a parish pilgrimage to Rome & Assisi later this year from Saturday 24 October to Thursday 29 October. The price is €975(not €959 as mistakenly entered last week) pp sharing. 2026 is a Jubilee in Assisi on account of the 8th centenary of the death of St Francis. The programme will include a papal audience in Rome. We will also be in Assisi on October 27 and Pope Leo is due to be there the same day, so hopefully we may well be able to see him or attend an event with him in Assisi too. Includes the beautiful city of Spoleto, the jewel of Umbria with its magnificent duomo. Mass at the tomb of Carlo Acutis will also be possible, depending on the number of pilgrims in Assisi at that time. There are 2 more weeks remaining for exclusive booking. Then the remaining seats will be available to the public. There will be a coach to and from Draperstown to Dublin Airport at an additional cost. To book your place contact Myriam Tours. A non-refundable deposit of €300 per person is required at the time of booking. Single room supplement: €225 (Single rooms consist of one single bed and must be paid at time of booking.)
Final balance: Due by 31st July. Phone: 00353579355050 / WhatsApp:00353851792364 / Email: info@myriam.ie
PILGRIMAGE TO FATIMA
Flying Direct From Belfast 7 Nights F/B Avenida Hotel 14th/21st August. Spiritual Director Fr Andrew McMahon PP Convenient flight times. £845pps.Full Religious Programme. For further details contact Joe 07776425631 or J. Walsh Tours 0035312410800.
ST COLUMBA’S CHURCH, LONG TOWER, DERRY
Annual Sr Clare Retreat, Monday 13 - Sunday 19 April: “I prefer Paradise” - Remembering Sr Clare’s 10th Anniversary. For further information visit: www.longtowerchurch.org
CATHOLIC COUPLES — DATE NIGHT
Join us for an unforgettable evening with Mark & Anne O’Leary. Inspiring talks, laughter, faith, & a gorgeous 4‑course meal! Sat 18 April, 7.00 pm, Armagh City Hotel. Fun prizes. Great atmosphere. A perfect night out together! For more information or to book contact: info@catholicmothers.ie
ONE DAY RETREAT
“In The Stillness: Faith In A Busy World” Lough Derg, Saturday 25 April. Boat departs 9.30 am. In a world that often feels busy & distracted, this retreat offers young adults the opportunity to pause, reflect & reconnect with faith in the peaceful setting of Lough Derg. The day will conclude with the celebration of the Eucharist at 5.00 pm, which is open to the public. Open to young adults aged 18–35 & free to attend, thanks to the support of the Knights of St Columbanus. Registration is essential: For further information please contact +447759496677 or info@knightsofstcolumbanusomagh.co.uk
OUR LADY OF LOURDES PILGRIMAGE SOCIETY
7 Night Annual Pilgrimage to Lourdes from 8 to 15 July 2026 from Belfast International Airport and staying at Hotel Agena £949 based on 2 people sharing. Contact Kathleen McCann 028 79632205 or 07719701925
BALLINASCREEN CREDIT UNION
March Quarterly Cash Draw Winners:
First Prize - £10,000 - Miss Kara Ward, Dromdallagan.
Second Prize - £7,000 - Mr John Sheerin, Dunnyboe Road, Strabane.
Third Prize - £5,000 - Mrs Anne Lagan, Sixtowns Road.
Fourth Prize - £3,000 - Mrs Clare McGuigan, Drumard Road.
Next Quarterly Cash Draw Thursday 25 June 2026.
KNOCKNAGIN HALL COMMITTEE
Irish Language Class; New 12-week block begins on Monday 13 April at 7:30 pm.
Chair Exercises: Continue on Tuesday 14 April at 10.00 am.
Irish Dancing Lessons: Continue on Tuesday evenings from 5:30 pm to 7.00 pm. To register, contact Nicola: 07518 207458
Circuit Training: Wednesday evenings at 7:30 pm.
Acrobats Gymnastics Club: Continues on Saturday’s from 9.00 am to 2.00 pm
Sarsfield’s Accordion Band: No band practice until Thursday 16 April.
HOLY COMMUNION
Knocknagin P.S. ~ 25 April at 11.00 am in St Mary's, Coolcalm.
St. Eoghan’s P.S. ~ 2 May at 11.00 am in St. Eugene's Moneyneena.
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.
BLESSING OF GRAVES 2026
Saturday 18 July
5.00 pm: St. Eugene’s, Moneyneena. Vigil Mass and Blessing of Graves.
7.00 pm: St. Patricks’, Keenaught. Vigil Mass and Blessing of Graves.
No Vigil mass in Holy Rosary
Sunday 19 July
10.00 am: St. Mary’s, Coolcalm. Mass followed by Blessing of Graves.
11.00 am: St. Patrick’s, Sixtowns. Mass followed by Blessing of Graves
12 noon: Old Keenaught, Blessing of the Graves.
2.00 pm: Straw. Blessing of Graves
No 12 noon mass in Moneyneena
BALLINASCREEN PARISH BAPTISMS
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:
19 April, Holy Rosary.
3 May, Straw.
10 May, Moneyneena.
17 May, Holy Rosary.
24 May, 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:
19 April
3 & 17 May
7 & 21 June
5 & 18 July
2 & 9 August
DERRY DIOCESAN SOCIETY
If you wish to enrol someone in the society, contact the parish office. The fee for a living or deceased member is £20.
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
On this Divine Mercy Sunday we pray for our seminarians and the future priests of the diocese as we hear Jesus sending the disciples out in the power of His Holy Spirit to preach a message of forgiveness of sins and the Good News of the Resurrection of Jesus from the dead.