BALLINASCREEN & DESERTMARTIN PARISHES 13_SEPTEMBER_2026
No. 46 ~ TWENTY-FOURTH 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 ~ 14 September
10.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church.
Tuesday ~ 15 September
10.00 am ~ St. Mary’s, Coolcalm.
Wednesday ~ 16 September
10.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church.
Thursday ~ 17 September
10.00 am ~ St Mary's, Coolcalm
Friday ~ 18 September
10.00 am ~ St. Mary’s, Coolcalm.
7.30 pm ~ Holy Rosary Church.
Saturday ~ 19 September: Votive Mass of Our Lady, Mother of the Church
10.00 am ~ St Marys Coolcalm
12 noon ~ Holy Rosary
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 14 September: The Exaltation of The Holy Cross.
Tuesday 15 September: Our Lady of Sorrows.
Wednesday 16 September: Ss Cornelius, Pope & Cuprian.
Thursday 17 September: St Januarius & memorial of The Blessed Virgin Mary.
TRIDUUM OF MASSES FOR BISHOP MICHAEL ROUTER:
As the diocese and parishes prepare to celebrate the joyous occasion of the Installation of Bishop Michael Router as Bishop of Derry on Sunday 20 September, a Triduum of Masses will be celebrated in parishes throughout the diocese, on Friday 18, Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September. All are welcome to attend as we come together as God’s people to pray for Bishop Router and the people of the diocese, that we may walk together in faith and hope, guided by the Holy Spirit.
Friday 18 September ~ Votive Mass of the Holy Spirit
10.00 am ~ St Mary’s Coolcalm.
12 noon ~ St Columba’s Straw.
7.30 pm ~ Holy Rosary.
Saturday 19 September ~ Votive Mass of Our Lady, Mother of the Church
10.00 am ~ St Mary’s Coolcalm.
12 noon ~ Holy Rosary
Vigil and Sunday Masses, times listed above, complete the triduum.
CONFIRMATION 2027
Bishop Router will confirm children in Ballinascreen on Friday 9 April at 3.00 pm in Holy RosaryChurch and Desertmartin on Wednesday 19 May at 3.00 pm in St Patrick’s Church, Keenaught.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2027
Gaelscoil na Speiríní: 10 April at 11.00 am in St Columba’s Church, Straw.
Cullion P.S.: 17 April at 11.00 am in St Patricks Church, Keenaught.
Knocknagin P.S.: 24 April at 11.00 am in St Mary’s Church, Coolcalm.
St Mary’s P.S.: 24 April at 11.00 am in Holy Rosary Church.
St Columba’s P.S.: 8 May at 11.00 am in St Columba’s Church, Straw.
St Eoghan’s P.S.: 15 May at 11.00 am in St Eugene’s Church, Moneyneena.
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION:
Derry Diocese is renewing and developing its Diocesan Adoration Lay Committee in order to increase the practice of Eucharistic Adoration in parishes throughout the diocese. All welcome to attend an Information Meeting on Wednesday 30 September at 8.00 pm in The Drummond Hotel, 2 Main St., Ballykelly. Registration and light refreshments from 7.30 pm.
MONTH'S MIND MASS
The Month’s Mind Mass for Mary Kealey, Ballymaguigan, Mother of Nicola Brolly, Cahore, will be held on Sunday 13 September at 10:15 am in St. Trea’s Church, Newbridge.
FIRST ANNIVERSARY MASS
The First Anniversary Mass for Anna McCullagh, Moneyneena Rd., will be held on Friday 18 September at 7.30 pm in Holy Roasry Church.
The First Anniversary Mass for Gerry Donnelly, Moykeeran Drive, will be held on Friday 18 September at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
The First Anniversary Mass for Mary McGuckin, Carncose Rd, will be held on Saturday 26 September at 7.30 pm in St Patrick’s Church, Keenaught.
ANNIVERSARIES
Ballinascreen:
Mary Bradley, Corrick Rd;
Jim Noonan, Tonaght Hgts.;
Mary McEldowney, The Fold;
Patricia Kelly, Mulnavoo Rd.;
Bernard Rogers, Disert Rd.;
John Bradley, Mulnavoo Rd.;
Bernadette Mullin, Magherafelt Rd.;
John McGuigan, Drumard Rd.;
Bernie Convery, Derrynoid Rd.;
Fr John Downey, Moneyneena Rd.;
Maggie Higgins, Derrynoid Lane;
Felix McAllister, Cookstown;
Kevin Wilson, Oak Park.
Desertmartin:
Frankie Walls, Luney;
John T Higgins;
Eugene Donnelly;
Michael McGurk;
Brendan O’Neill;
Tommy Shiels;
Rois Gribbin;
Rosie O’Hagan;
Pearse Kelly;
Josephine Murphy;
Brian Murphy;
Michelle McDaid.
BAPTISMS We welcome into God’s family through the Sacrament of Baptism:
Josie Ann Kelly;
Aoibhean May McGuigan.
WEDDINGS Congratulations & best wishes for the future to Cathy McKenna and Oisin Maguire who recently married in Holy Rosary Church.
OPENING OF THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR MASSES
Wednesday 23 September: St Columbs Primary School, Cullion in St Patrick's Keenaught at 1.15 pm.
Thursday 24 September: Knocknagin Primary School in St Mary's Church, Coolcalm at 10.00 am.
Monday 28 September: Gaelscoil na Speiríní in St Columba's Church, Straw at 11.00 am
PARISH COLLECTIONS
Ballinascreen:
Weekly Collection - £3,989
Renovation Collection - £1,680.32
Desertmartin:
Weekly Collection - £1,070
Renovation Collection - £550
Totals shown include August Standing Orders from Ballinascreen Parishioners. Thank you for your generous support.
SUMMER BONANZA DRAW WINNERS ~ WEEK 5 - FINAL DRAW
£2000 ~ Darcie & Hollie McPeake.
£500 ~ Mary Quinn.
£300 ~ Brigid McEldowney.
WARM WELCOME WEDNESDAY
In Workspace Community Hub on Wednesday 16 September from 11.00 am to 1.00 pm. Join us for a ‘Celebrating Harvest’ workshop as part of the Nourish and Connect Mid Ulster programme, where you can enjoy sampling and cooking some seasonal produce. No need to book just drop in on the day. Free tea, coffee & refreshments also available.
KILCRONAGHAN CENTRE
Vintage Rally, Craft Fair & Family Fun Day, on Saturday 26 September from 11.00 am to 3.00 pm. For details see Kilcronaghan Facebook page or Tel.: 028 79627826.
LAPÓGLANN - TODDLE-INN
Glór na Speiríní are pleased to announce that our parent and toddlers’ group has recommenced. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9.00 am to 10.30 am in Glór na Speiríní centre Straw, directly beside the chapel. £2 per session with refreshments included. Please note that our Irish language session is every Thursday morning from 9.00 am to 10.30 am. Tá fáilte roimh chách - Everyone is welcome! For further info or to register your place at these events please Email conchurglor@gmail.com or Tel.: 07795 536682 Urraithe ag Comhairle Ceantair Lár Uladh
CORNSTONE YOUTH CLUB
Monday to Thursday, from 6.45 pm to 9.00 pm. Tailored programs for different ages groups. All welcome to attend during their designated age nights! Registration £2, & £1 for every night your child attends the youth club.
Mondays: Years8,9&10: Soccer, Junk Kouture, Art & ICT Club.
Tuesdays: Years9,10,11&12: Duke of Edinburgh, Junk Kouture, Costume creating & Beauty.
Wednesdays: Primary7 & Year8 (opt): Sport, Art, Dance & Games.
Thursdays: Primary 5 & 6: Sport, Games, Art & Fun.
NETBALL FOR BEGINNERS
Wednesday nights from 8.00 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.
KNOCKNAGIN HALL
Craft Fair: Christmas Craft Fair on Sunday 8 November from 10:30 to 3.00 pm. Vendors: £20 per table or 2 for £30 - £10 deposit to secure a table. Email: knocknaginhc@gmail.com or Tel.: 078 8761 4094.
Irish Classes: Resumes on Monday 7 September. Partly supported by MUDC.
Bunrang (Beginners) 6:45 pm to 8.00 pm. This class is suitable for people who have no Irish and wish to learn,
Meánrang (Improvers) 8.00 pm to 9:30 pm. This class is suitable for people who already have a basic grasp of Irish - such as those who have completed a beginner class, but want to build confidence and fluency. Anyone wishing to join either class please book a place by Email: knocknaginhc@gmail.com or phone 028 7963 1744 / 078 3516 1927. Cost: 8 wks £40.
Chair Exercises: Tuesday mornings from 10.00 am to 11.00 am. A fun and exciting way to get exercise, improve your fitness, health & wellbeing. Everyone 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 - from 9 to 90, everyone welcome.
Line Dancing Classes: Wednesday evenings from 7:30 pm, suitable for all ages, from beginners to experts. Adm £5. All welcome.
Acrobats Gymnastics Club: Saturday mornings from 9.00 am to 2.00 pm. Spaces are available across selected classes. To register visit https://acro-bats.classforkids.io/term/10
SARSFIELD’S ACCORDION BAND. Band practice on Thursday 10 September at 7:30 pm. Existing members are requested to attend. We warmly welcome new and past members. In remembrance of former band member, Christopher Bradley, a Commemoration Parade will take place to mark the anniversary of his passing, on Sunday 18 October at 3.00 pm, from Moorside Villas to Keenaught Chapel.
COLUMBAN YOUNG ADULTS
New group for those aged 18 - 30 in the diocese, seeking a community of like-minded young adults who have Christ at the centre of their lives. Holy Hour and meditation Thursday 17 September 7.00 pm at Lady of Lourdes Church, Steelstown, Derry, delivered by Fr Declan McGeehan.
BALLINASCREEN GAC - LANGUAGE AND CULTURE NIGHT
Irish language and culture night on Friday 18 September at 7.00 pm. Special guest Lynette Fay. There will be performances by our Junior Scór teams and a ciorcal cómhra on the night. Trad Session from 9.00 pm 'til late.
GLÓR NA SPEIRÍNÍ / OÍCHE CHULTÚIR
In Workspace Hub, Saturday 19 September at 6.30 pm. Join us for an evening of Irish / Scottish Ceilí, Traditional Music, Piper, Highland dancing and Séan Nós dancing. All Donations welcome, and will be donated to STEPS and Mid Ulster Womens Aid. Funded by Workspace.
RANGANNA GAEILGE DO DHAOINE FÁSTA
Glór na Speiríní are delighted to announce recommencement of our adult Irish language classes on Thursday 1 October from 7.30 pm to 9.00 pm 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.: 07795 536682. Urraithe ag Comhairle Ceantair Lár Uladh
MICHAEL ENGLISH CONCERT ~ SPONSORSHIP
Any business or company who would like to be one of the sponsors for the Michael English Fundraising Concert should please contact Fr Madden: Tel.: 028 79628376 or Email either Parish Office desertmartinparish@gmail.com or ballinascreenparish@gmail.com.
All sponsorship will be gratefully received and acknowledged.
MICHAEL ENGLISH & BAND LIVE CONCERT
Enjoy a rare and intimate evening with Michael English, one of Ireland’s most popular entertainers. This exclusive acoustic performance of uplifting music filled with hope, faith and community spirit takes place on Friday 2 October, at 8.00 pm in St. Patrick’s Church, Keenaught. All proceeds from this special fundraising concert will go to towards the Parish of Desertmartin, Church Renovation Fund. Tickets £30 each are now available to buy from Heron’s Gift Shop, Moneyneena Post Office, both Parish Offices, or online (Click Here) with Eventbrite or use this QR code:
LOCAL YOUTH USHERS REQUIRED
We are seeking local youth ushers to help with the upcoming Michael English Fundraising Gospel Concert on Friday 2 October in St Patrick's Church, Keenaught from 6.30 pm to 10.30 pm. If you are interested, please give your name to any of the priests, parish offices or sacristans. Thank you in advance for all your help and support.
SIXTOWNS CROSS COMMUNITY GROUP
A special 25th Anniversary celebration event will be held on Friday 9 October at 8.00 pm in Sixtowns Hall. A great night of music & entertainment has been arranged with special guests Country Harmony, Patsy O’Hagan, Justin McGurk, Hugo Duncan and Brendan Quinn. Tickets are £20 and available from Heron's Gift Shop, Ballinascreen Credit Union, Straw Service Station & Committee Members.
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:
4 October, Holy Rosary.
17 October, Sixtowns. (Saturday)
1 November, Straw.
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:
September 27 2026
October 4 & 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
PIANO TUITION
Beginners, Intermediate & Advanced lessons available. Learn for fun or grades. Further info contact Edward Gribbin BA(Hons); 07835161927
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.
