BALLINASCREEN & DESERTMARTIN PARISHES 12_JULY_2026
- Jul 11
- 8 min read
No. 37 ~ FIFTEENTH 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 - SATURDAY 18 JULY
St Eugene’s, Moneyneena - Mass & Blessing of Graves: 5.00 pm
St Patrick’s, Keenaught - Mass & Blessing of Graves: 7.00 pm
SUNDAY MASSES
St Columba’s, Straw: 9.00 am
St Mary’s, Coolcalm: 10.00 am
St Patrick’s, Sixtowns: 11.00 am
Old Keenaught - Blessing of Graves: 12 Noon
Straw - Blessing of Graves: 2.00 pm
MASSES FOR THIS WEEK
Monday ~ 13 July
10.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church.
Tuesday ~ 14 July
10.00 am ~ St. Mary’s, Coolcalm.
Wednesday ~ 15 July
10.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church.
Thursday ~ 16 July
10.00 am ~ St Mary's, Coolcalm
Friday ~ 17 July
10.00 am ~ St. Mary’s, Coolcalm.
7.30 pm ~ Holy Rosary.
FEASTS OF THE WEEK
Monday 13 July: St Henry.
Tuesday 14 July: St Camillus de Lellis, priest.
Wednesday 15 July: St Bonaventure.
Thursday 16 July: Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
DEATHS
We extend our prayerful sympathy to the family and relatives of:
Rose Kelly, Gortahurk Road;
Anna Murray, Magherafelt Road.
FIRST ANNIVERSARY MASS
The First Anniversary Mass for Mona McBride, Campbelltown, will take place on Friday 17 July at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
The First Anniversary Mass for Bernadette Murray, will take place on Saturday 18 July at 7.00 pm in St Patrick’s, Keenaught.
The First Anniversary Mass for Pat McPeake, Glenelly Villas, will be held on Friday 24 July at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
ANNIVERSARIES
Ballinascreen:
Teresa McGuigan, Cahore Terrace;
Kathleen McCloskey, Mulnavoo Road;
Andrew McBride, Belfast;
John Diamond, Moneyneena Road;
Kathleen McAllister, Glenelly Villas;
Eamon Toner, Glenelly Villas;
Paddy McCallion, Cordarragh;
PJ O’Kane, Cahore Heights;
Francis Murphy, Gortahurk;
Patrick McKenna, Tullybrick.
Desertmartin:
Kathleen O’Neill;
Bernard ‘Barney’ McGovern;
Gerry McGuigan;
Tony Duffy;
Joseph McGuigan;
Gerard Fullen;
Francis Murphy;
Martha Ferguson;
John Hughes;
Veronica O’Neill;
Mary Faulkner;
Dan Kerr.
BAPTISMS
We welcome into God’s family through the Sacrament of Baptism:
Ellie Maria Mackle, Gortahurk Rd.;
John Edward McKee, Brackaghlislea Rd.
PARISH COLLECTIONS
Ballinascreen:
Weekly Collection - £3740.04
Renovation Collection - £2354.90
Pope’s Collection - £72 (Total now £1378.06)
Desertmartin:
Weekly Collection - £1092
Renovation Collection - £768
Pope’s Collection - £75 (Total now £483.50)
Thank you for your generous support which is greatly appreciated.
BLESSING OF GRAVES 2026
As the weekend of the blessing of the graves approaches, we ask families to look out for those deceased who no longer have any living relatives or family in the parish and to tidy up their graves too. It is always a good opportunity in the run up to Cemetery Sunday to reaffirm the dignity of a grave and its sacred space for the faithful departed to rest in peace.
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
SUMMER DRAW 2026
This year’s Annual Summer Draw will take place over the five Saturdays in August. Winners will be announced every Saturday at the 6.00 pm Vigil Mass in Holy Rosary Church. All proceeds from the draw will go to our church renovation fund for the upkeep of all our churches in the parish.
Prizes Are:
Weeks 1-4: First Prize ~ £1000, Second Prize ~ £200, Third Prize ~ £100.
Week 5: First Prize ~ £2000, Second Prize ~ £500, Third Prize ~ £300.
Tickets only £20 each and are available from Heron’s Gift Shop, Moneyneena Post Office, Parish Offices, Ballinascreen & Desertmartin Credit Unions, Fr Madden & Fr McCaul Parochial Houses.
SOCIAL SATURDAYS FOR ALL INCLUSIVE NEEDS
Glór na Speiríní are delighted to announce our 6 week programme for boys & girls and young adults in the Backrow Hall / 3G pitch (weather permitting). Commencing Saturday 4 July from 10.00 am to 11.00 am with various activities catering for the groups needs. Please note that all parents / guardians must remain during the sessions.
FLOWER / WREATH MAKING
Flower/wreath making in Tirgan Hall on Thursday 16 July at 7.00 pm. £10 entry. Greenery oasis and trays supplied - bring your own fresh flowers perfect for blessing of graves. Light refreshments will be provided message Pauline to confirm place 07541552666
HUDY’S WAY WALK
The McCullagh family are holding their annual Hudy’s Way Walk in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support on Saturday 25 July, in memory of their dad, Paddy McCullagh. Meeting at An Ráth Dubh. Registration from 8:30 am, long walk starts at 9.00 am, followed by the short walk at 11.00 am. Refreshments provided afterwards. All welcome!
KNOCKNAGIN HALL COMMITTEE
Tiny Kickz, a fun and engaging sports programme for children from walking age to 5 years, hopes to launch weekly sessions in Desertmartin Hall from August on Sunday mornings from 9:30 am to 11:30am. To register your interest, please comment "YES – (child's age)" on the Desertmartin Parochial Hall Facebook page. If enough interest is shown, this exciting programme will be coming soon to our area!
Sarsfield's Accordion Band: Practices continue every Thursday at 7:30 pm as members prepare for the Feast of the Assumption Celebration in Keady, Co. Armagh, on Sunday 16 August.
July draw winner - No. 194: Teeny O’Hagan. Durnascallion.
All Other Classes have stopped for a summer break, and recommence again in September.
ANNUAL PIONEER PILGRIMAGE MASS
The Annual Pioneer Pilgrimage Mass will be celebrated at Knock Shrine in the Basilica at 3.00 pm next Sunday, 19 July 2026. Pioneers extend a welcome to families and relatives of people who are undergoing treatment for addiction at this time. Pioneer emblems and certificates will be available in St John’s Rest and Care Centre from 1.00 pm. People who are in recovery / aftercare and who live by the 12 Step Programme are particularly welcome to Knock during this Golden Jubilee Year of the Basilica of Our Lady Queen of Ireland. Further information from Fr Robert: prayer@pioneers.ie
DIOCESE OF DERRY LOUGH DERG PILGRIMAGE 2026
If you've often heard about Lough Derg but have never been, why not make this the year? The Diocese of Derry Three-Day Pilgrimage takes place from Friday 24 to Sunday 26 July 2026. Step away from the pace of daily life and discover three days of prayer, peace, reflection and renewal. Cost: £95 / €110, including bus transport. Booking form and full details are available at derrydiocese.org/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 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 approx 3.00 pm, all for just £55) To book ring 02844 619000 or go to website www.saintpatrickcentre.com
HAVE A HEART FOR ART
Saturday 1 August, The Market Inn, Draperstown (Doors Open 7.00 pm). Join us for a fundraising night in loving memory of Art McNamee, marking 10 years remembered. The evening will include live music, a disco, a charity raffle with fantastic prizes, and a £100 cash prize draw also. All proceeds will go to the ICU Department at Antrim Area Hospital. Raffle tickets are available now for £5 each or 5 for £20 and can be purchased from Ciara McNamee, Herons Chemist, or Ballinascreen Credit Union. Thank you very much for your support.
YOUTH 2000 SUMMER FESTIVAL
13 - 16 August: Calling all young people aged 16 - 35! Join us at the Youth 2000 Summer Festival in Newbridge College, Co. Kildare. This is a donation-only event, with free buses available across the country and all meals included. Expect inspiring talks and workshops, Mass, music, prayer, and plenty of opportunities to chill out and meet other young Catholics. Whether you are new to the faith or looking to be refreshed, all are welcome. To register or find out more, visit youth2000.ie or follow @Youth2000Ireland.
KILCRONAGHAN CENTRE,
Vintage Rally, Craft Fair & Family Fun Day on Saturday 26 September from 11.00 am to 3.00 pm. For more information on any of the above, check Kilcronaghan Facebook or ring 02879627826
MARRIAGE ENRICHMENT WEEKEND
Hosted by Marriage Encounter Ireland will take place at the Focolare Centre, Curryhills, Prosperous, Co. Kildare, from Friday 2 to Sunday 4 October. This Weekend is not a retreat in the traditional sense but is a positive, joy-filled experience, guided by presenting couples and a priest, in an atmosphere of warmth, prayer, and deep Christian faith. Couples are invited to register online at www.marriageencounter.ie
ABIDE IN HIS LOVE WOMEN’S CONFERENCE
The Great Northern Hotel, Bundoran, 20 - 22 November 2026. Join women from across Ireland for a faith-filled weekend with inspiring speakers including Sarah Swafford, Danielle Noonan, Fr Mark Wharton, Fr Barry Braum, Fr Oisín Martin, the Dominican Sisters of Nashville, Bishop Fintan Gavin, and more. A conference not to be missed! Register now: https://abideinhislove.eventbrite.com/
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:
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:
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.
DDS Masses will take place on Wednesday 27 May at 10.00 am in Holy Rosary Church, and on Sunday 31 May at 10.00 am in St Mary’s, Coolcalm.
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 for the men called to serve the Church as priests of our diocese, that their hearts will be the fertile soil Jesus needs to receive the seed which is His Word, and that they will spread His Word, His Good News, by their preaching and by the example of their lives.
