BALLINASCREEN & DESERTMARTIN PARISHES 15_FEBRUARY_2026
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No. 16 ~ SIXTH 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 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
SVP HELPLINE
Helpline telephone number: 07710838050
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 THIS WEEK
Monday 16 February: 10.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church.
Tuesday 17 February: 10.00am ~ St Mary’s Coolcalm.
Ash Wednesday 18 February:
7.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church.
7.00 am ~ St Marys, Coolcalm.
10.00 am ~ St Eugene's, Moneyneena.
10.00 am ~ St Patricks, Sixtowns.
7.30 pm ~ St Columba’s, Straw.
7.30 pm ~ St Patricks, Keenaught.
The priests of the parish will also distribute Ashes in all schools that are open on Ash Wednesday.
Thursday 19 February:
10.00 am ~ St Mary’s, Coolcalm
BALLINASCREEN & DESERTMARTIN PARISH MISSION DETAILS
Please pick up a copy of the schedule available at the back of all churches, for the Parish Mission that begins on Thursday evening, 19 February. As you will see, the Mass of the Sick in Keenaught on Saturday 21 February will replace the Vigil Mass at 7.30 pm and fulfil the Sunday obligation. All who would like to receive the Sacrament of the Sick are invited to attend, especially those whose mobility is limited. When seated in the church, the priests will come directly to all who wish to be annointed.
Thursday 19 February 2026: Theme: ‘Eucharist and Thanksgiving’.
7.30 pm Mass in Holy Rosary Church.
Friday 20 February 2026 Theme: ‘The Cross’
7.00 am ~ Mass in Holy Rosary Church.
7.00 am ~ Mass in St Mary’s Church, Coolcalm.
10.00 am ~ Mass in St Mary’s, Church, Coolcalm. Tea/coffee will be served after Mass in Knocknagin Parish Hall.
7.30 pm ~ Liturgy of the Word in Holy Rosary Church. Theme ‘The Cross’ (focussing on grief & bereavement). Please note: This 7.30 pm Service is NOT a Mass.
NO Parish Anniversary Mass in either parish on Friday 20 February.
Saturday 21 February 2026: Theme ‘Waiting’
10.00 am ~ Liturgy of the Hours in Holy Rosary Church. Theme ‘Waiting.’ There will be Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament during this Service.
4.00 pm ~ Mass & Anointing of the Sick in St Patrick’s Church, Keenaught.
6.00 pm ~ Vigil Mass, Holy Rosary Church
Please Note: there will be NO 7.30 pm Vigil Mass in St Patrick’s Keenaught on Saturday 21 February.
Sunday 22 February 2026
9.00 am ~ Sunday Mass in St Columba’s Church, Straw.
10.00 am ~ Sunday Mass in St Mary’s Church, Coolcalm.
11.00 am ~ Sunday Mass in St Patrick’s Church, Sixtowns.
12 noon ~ Sunday Mass in St Eugene’s Church, Moneyneena.
CONFESSIONS
During the Parish Mission confessions will be heard after each Service on Friday and on Saturday morning.
FEASTS OF THE WEEK
Tuesday 17 February: St Fintan, abbot.
Wednesday 18 February: Ash Wednesday, Day of Fast and Abstinence.
Saturday 21 February: St Peter Damian, bishop and doctor of the Church.
DEATHS
We extend our prayerful sympathy to the family and relatives of Peter Moran, Drumsamney Rd.
MONTHS MIND MASS
The Months Mind Mass for Teresa McGuigan, Moykeeran, will be celebrated on Friday 27 February at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
The Month's Mind Mass for Sean Donnelly, Cordarragh, will be celebrated on Friday 27 Febraury at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
FIRST ANNIVERSARY MASS
The First Anniversary Mass for Ciaran Gallagher, Tirruadh Square will be celebrated on Friday 27 February at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
The First Anniversary Mass for Kathleen McWilliams, Drumderg Rd, will be celebrated on Friday 27 February at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
ANNIVERSARIES
Ballinascreen
First Anniversaries:
Bernadette Glasgow, Mallon Villas;
Kathleen McWilliams, Drumderg Rd.;
Baby Emily McCloskey & Baby Lucia McCloskey.
Anniversaries:
Bernie Hamill, Sixtowns Rd.;
Colette Kelly, Drumard Lane;
Pat Logue, Weddellbridge Rd.;
Vera McGuigan, Drumard Rd.
Desertmartin
First Anniversaries:
John Grimes
Anniversaries:
John Wright;
Bridget Kelly;
Nellie Walls;
Lena Armour;
Charlie Donnelly;
Brian Regan;
Essie Breen;
Annie Donnelly;
Brian Donnelly;
Tony O’Kane;
Anthony McGuigan.
PARISH COLLECTIONS
Ballinascreen:
Renovation Collection - £ 1933.30
Weekly Collection - £ 1485.00
Desertmartin:
Renovation Collection - £160
Weekly Collection - £1256
Thank you for your generous support which is greatly appreciated.
NEW PARISH WEEKLY ENVELOPES
Parish records are being updated for organising the distribution of the new boxes of weekly envelopes. If you do not have envelopes and wish to receive a box or if you have changed your address, please advise the Parish Office as soon as possible. We are also very grateful to those parishioners who currently assist with the distribution of the envelopes, and if you would also like to assist with the distribution of parish envelopes, please contact the Parish office.
LOURDES PILGRIMAGE COFFEE / TEA MORNING
"Cup of Love for Lourdes" coffee morning after the 10.00 am Mass in St Mary's Coolcalm on Sunday 15 February from 10.30 am to 12.30 pm. Helping raise funds to cover some costs of the youth travelling from the parish to Lourdes. All welcome.
TEMPERANCE SUNDAY
Parishioners who wish to take a short-term pledge for Lent are invited to visit www.pioneers.ie or to speak to a Pioneer in the parish.
NEW BABY MASSAGE & REFLEXOLOGY CLASSES
Beginning Monday 16 February from 12.30 pm to 1.30 pm - 4week block. Please contact Rosie on 07749121208
MUM AND BABY YOGA
Glór na Speiríní are delighted to announce that we are commencing a 4 week programme of Mum and Baby yoga. Sessions will commence on Tuesday 17/02/2026 from 11.00 am to 12 noon in our hall. Numbers are limited and Booking Is Essential. For further info or to book your place please Email: conchurglor@gmail.com or fón Conor on 07795536682
MONTHLY LUNCHEON CLUB
Wednesday 18 Feb in Workspace Community Hub. Open from 11.00 am with lunch served at 12.15 pm. Booking is essential. Contact Workspace on 028 7962 8113 by 12 noon on Monday 16 February to confirm your place.
FREE TEA DANCE
Wednesday 18 February from 2.00 pm to 400 pm at The Heritage Centre, Maghera. All welcome
SGARA
Meeting in Knocknagin Hall on Sunday 22/2/26 at 11.00 am about the council's Village Plan. This is an opportunity to propose things you would like to see in the local area. All local groups should send a representative as it is part of the council's criteria for any future grants & also any individuals who have any ideas for council developments.
ST COLM’S HIGH SCHOOL
Lenten Masses will begin on Tuesday 24 February at 8.40 am. There will be Mass on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday during the season of Lent. All parishioners welcome.
DTIM MASS
The next Do This in Memory of Me Mass will be on Saturday 28 February at 6.00 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
NETBALL
Wednesday nights from 8.00 pm to 9.00 pm in the Backrow. For all abilities, no experience necessary as it is mainly for fun. Contact Martina 07795165999. Adm £3
KNOCKNAGIN HALL COMMITTEE
Irish Language Class: Monday’s at 7:30 pm.
Chair Exercises: Tuesday mornings at 10.00 am.
Irish Dancing Lessons: Tuesday from 5:30 pm to 7.00 pm. Tel.: Nicola 07518207458
St. Mary’s Bowling Club: Tuesday evenings at 8:00 pm.
Acrobats Gymnastics Club: Saturday’s from 9.00 am to 2.00 pm.
CATHOLIC COUPLES - DATE NIGHT
Join us for an unforgettable evening with Mark & Anne O’Leary. Inspiring talks, laughter, faith and a gorgeous 4 course meal! Saturday 18 April at 7.00 pm in Armagh City Hotel. Fun prizes; a great atmosphere; a perfect night out together! For more information or to book contact: info@catholicmothers.ie
TIME FOR DEMENTIA
The University of Ulster & the Alzheimer’s Society are actively looking for families to take part. Time for Dementia is an innovative award-winning training programme, designed to educate undergraduate healthcare students to improve their knowledge, attitude, and empathy towards people with dementia and their carers. Student nurses will be paired up with a family affected by dementia and will arrange to visit them at home. Three times a year. This is a unique learning opportunity for the students but also a great chance for a family affected by dementia to share their experiences of living with the condition and help nurses of tomorrow learn about Dementia to improve the future of healthcare for people with dementia. If you would like to find out more information, please contact Anouska Noble on 07860331648 or anouska.noble@alzheimers.org.uk.
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:
22 February, Sixtowns.
8 March, Straw.
15 March, Moneyneena.
22 March, Holy Rosary.
29 March, Sixtowns.
12 April, Moneyneena.
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:
1 & 15 March
12 & 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, please 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.
