BALLINASCREEN & DESERTMARTIN PARISHES 14_JUNE_2026
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No. 33 ~ ELEVENTH 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 - SATURDAY 20 JUNE
Holy Rosary: 6.00 pm
St Patrick’s, Keenaught: 7.30 pm
SUNDAY MASSES - SUNDAY 21 JUNE
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 ~ 15 June
10.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church.
Tuesday ~ 16 June
10.00 am ~ St. Mary’s, Coolcalm.
10.00 am~ St Columba’s, Straw - Gaelscoil na Speirini end of year Mass.
Wednesday ~ 17 June
10.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church.
Thursday ~ 18 June
10.00 am ~ St Mary's, Coolcalm - Knocknagin PS, end of year Mass
Friday ~ 19 June
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
Friday 19 June: St Romuald, Abbot. Blessed Dermot O’Hurley & companions, Martyrs.
Saturday 20 June: The Irish Martyrs.
DEATHS
We extend our prayerful sympathy to the family and relatives of:
Barney Murray, Bradley Park.
MONTH'S MIND MASS
The Month's Mind Mass for Colette Stewart, will take place on Saturday 20 June at 7.30 pm in St Patrick's Church, Keenaught.
FIRST ANNIVERSARY MASS
The First Anniversary Mass for Maura Gormley, will take place on Friday 19 June at 10.00 am in St Mary’s Church, Coolcalm.
The First Anniversary Mass for Sean Bradley, Glenelly Heights, will take place on Friday 19 June at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
The First Anniversary Mass for Brian Murphy, will take place on Friday 26 June at 7.30 pm in the Holy Rosary Church.
ANNIVERSARIES
Ballinascreen:
David Hegarty, Moneyneena Rd.;
Bernard McGuigan, Moykeeran Drive;
Hugh Heron, Bancran Rd.;
Michael Kelly, Drumard Rd.;
Brendan O’Kane, Glenshane Gardens;
Sean Keville, Leeds;
Baby Katherine Kennedy-Burns, Broagh Rd.
Desertmartin:
George Murray;
Kevin Donnelly;
Dympna Conney;
Patrick Kelly;
Agnes McBride;
Minnie Higgins;
Noel Crawley.
PARISH COLLECTIONS
Ballinascreen:
Weekly/Priest Collection - £3319.10
Renovation Collection - £1392.31
Desertmartin:
Weekly/Priest Collection - £1315
Renovation Collection - £670
Totals shown include May Standing Orders from Parishioners. If would like to avail of this option please contact the Parish Office.
Thank you for your generous support which is greatly appreciated.
PIONEER ASSOCIATION
Recently confirmed children, and those confirmed in the last few years, are invited to take their Confirmation Pledge at either of the Vigil Masses in Ballinascreen and Desertmartin on Saturday 13 June. Representatives from the Pioneer Association will also be present at both masses to register any parishioners who wish to join. For any Existing Members who wish to update their pin, contact Ballinascreen or Desertmartin Parish Offices.
END OF YEAR MASS
Gaelscoil na Speiríní: Mass in St Columba's, Straw on Tuesday 16 June at 10.00 am.
Knocknagin PS: Mass in St Mary's, Coolcalm on Thursday 18 June at 10.00 am.
St Colm's HS: Mass in the High School on Thursday 18 June at 2.00 pm.
St Columbs, Cullion: Mass in St Patrick's Keenaught on Wednesday 24 June at 1.15 pm.
SPRED MASS
SPRED Mass in St Mary's, Coolcalm on Thursday 25 June at 10.00 am.
CHILDREN’S IRISH DANCING CLASSES
Starting on Tuesday 16 June in the Back Row from 4.30 pm to 5.30 pm, all new beginners welcome.
WARM WELCOME WEDNESDAY
Monthly Luncheon Club will be held on Wednesday 17 June in Workspace Community Hub. Doors open at 11.00 am, lunch served at 12.15 pm. Places are limited so booking is essential. To confirm your place, please contact Workspace on 028 7962 8113 by 12 noon on Monday 15 June.
LOURDES PRE-PILGRIMAGE MASS
Mass with Bishop McKeown in Our Lady of Lourdes Steelstown on Monday 22 June at 7.00 pm.
DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES 2026
Tickets and pilgrim packs will be distributed after a special Mass in Our Lady of Lourdes, Steelstown Road, on Monday 22 June at 7.00 pm. Anyone unable to attend should ask someone to collect the pack on their behalf.
ST COLM’S SUMMER SCHEME
St Colm’s Summer Scheme begins on 8 July and continues on 9 and 10 July. Registration is available from 7.00 pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in the Youth Club or online through Klubfunder. Price £30, registration ends 30 June.
SIXTOWNS CROSS COMMUNITY GROUP
Pilates classes with AMG Pilates take place in Sixtowns Hall every Monday from 7.00 pm to 8.00 pm. Suitable for all abilities, men & women welcome. Equipment provided. £25 for a 4-week block or £7.50 per class. Contact Emma on 07769289385 for info & booking.
DESERTMARTIN CREDIT UNION - IMPORTANT CHANGES
Please note that Desertmartin Credit Union will update its operating hours starting Friday 3 July. The new opening hours will be:
Friday from 5:30 pm to 8.00 pm and Saturday from 10.00 am to 12 noon.
Thank you for your continued membership and understanding.
BALLINASCREEN MENS SHED
Your Local Community Workshop Needs You! Whether you want to try your hand at carpentry, pot some plants, fix a broken chair, or simply get out of the house, our doors are open. No experience needed – learn as you go. No pressure – work at your own pace. Everyone welcome – men and women of all skill levels. Not ready to build? Just come in for a free cup of tea and a friendly chat. See what others are working on and get inspired. Open Tuesdays: from 10.00 am to 12:30 pm and Thursdays from 10.00 am to 12:30 pm. For more information, contact Francis on 07808736891.
KNOCKNAGIN HALL COMMITTEE
Irish Language Classes: Mondays at 7:30 pm.
Chair Exercises: Tuesdays at 10.00 am.
Irish Dancing Lessons: Tuesdays from 5:30 pm to 7.00 pm. To register, contact Nicola: 07518 207458
Exercise / Fitness Class SGARA: 6-week exercise and fitness class commences on Wednesday 27 May at 7:30 pm. Suitable for all abilities and open to adults aged 18+. Improve fitness, build strength, or simply stay active, All welcome.
Acrobats Gymnastics Club: Saturdays from 9.00 am to 2.00 pm.
Sarsfield’s Accordion Band: Annual Buffet & Dance will take place on Saturday 27 June at 8.00 pm in the Parish Hall. All welcome. Band practice is on Thursday 11 June at 7.30 pm. Practice continues every Thursday as members prepare for the Feast of the Assumption Celebration in Keady, Co. Armagh, on Sunday 16 August.
KILCRONAGHAN CENTRE,
Art Exhibition & Creamed Tea Fundraiser: Saturday 20 June from 12 noon to 4.00 pm. All proceeds will be donated to Brainwaves NI, Northern Ireland’s only volunteer led brain tumour research and support charity.
Vintage Rally, Craft Fair & Family Fun Day: 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.
DISABILITY INFORMATION DAY – MID ULSTER
Join Mid Ulster Disability forum on Wednesday 17 June at Cookstown Community Centre, Fairhill Road for a Disability Information Day, showcasing a wide range of organisations from across Mid Ulster, including charities, support services and statutory agencies. Drop in anytime between 11.00 am and 2.00 pm to visit stalls and connect with local supports. Guest speakers from 11.30 am to 12.30 pm, covering physical & learning disabilities, NHS provision, and staying active with your disability. Light refreshments available from around 1.00 pm. Everyone is welcome – come along, learn more, and connect with the supports available in your community!
NATIONAL PLIGRIMAGE FOR LIFE
The National Pilgrimage for Life, organised by the Council for Life of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference, will be celebrated on Saturday 20 June in Knock Shrine. Mass will be celebrated at 3.00 pm in the Basilica, during which the Anointing of the Sick will take place. Main celebrant and homilist will be Bishop Niall Coll. We invite you to join us in Knock to celebrate the gift of life and to pray for the protection of all human life.
DIOCESE OF DERRY LOUGH DERG PILGRIMAGE
The Three-Day Pilgrimage will take place from Friday 24 to Sunday 26 July. An opportunity to step away from the pace of daily life and make space for God. For those availing of the bus transport (from St Eugene's Cathedral via Strabane and Lifford) the cost is £95, includes bus. Booking form and full details are available at derrydiocese.org/lough-derg.
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
NATIONAL SYNODAL PATHWAY UPDATE
Preparations are continuing for the National Synodal Assembly, which will take place in October. Working groups from across the country are reflecting on the key priorities identified through the synodal process and helping to shape the next stage of the Church’s journey in Ireland. To learn more and view the latest video update from Fr Declan Hurley, Chairperson of the National Synodal Pathway, and Patricia Carroll, member of the National Synodal Pathway and Pastoral Coordinator for the Archdiocese of Dublin, please follow the link provided. https://theway.ie/the-irish-synodal-pathway-progress-and-purpose/
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED OVERSEAS
Make a Difference! You can help us promote equality, justice, peace and opportunity for all! Viatores Christi (VC) Lay Missionaries are visiting parishes in the Derry Diocese this year. VC was founded in Dublin in 1960 and since then has sent over 2000 lay missionary volunteers overseas to share their skills, knowledge and enthusiasm. Our roles are varied, based on the need identified by our partners, for example education, agriculture, social work, healthcare, ICT, pastoral and project support.
Next Volunteer Info Day: Emmaus Room, St Patrick’s, Pennyburn, Derry BT487Q on Saturday 13 June from 2.00 pm to 4.30 pm. For further info Email sally@viatoreschristi.com or Phone Sally Roddy + 353 87 2745422
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
St Eugene’s Church Cleaning: We are currently seeking volunteers to assist with the cleaning of St Eugene’s Church, Moneyneena. Your help ensures our church remains a beautiful and welcoming space for all parishioners. Whether you can help weekly or once a month, every bit of assistance is greatly appreciated. To get involved, please reach out to the Parish Office on 028 7962 8248 or Email: ballinascreenparish@gmail.com
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
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:
21 June, Holy Rosary.
5 July, Sixtowns.
12 July, Straw.
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:
21 June
5 & 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
In today's gospel Jesus encourages us to pray for vocations because there is a great need for workers in the abundant harvest of the Church and the world. We pray that those being called to do this work will respond generously.
