BALLINASCREEN & DESERTMARTIN PARISHES 15_March_2026
- Mar 15
- 8 min read
No. 20 ~ FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT
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 March:
10.00 am ~ St Mary’s, Coolcalm.
6.00 pm ~ Holy Rosary Church.
7.30 pm ~ St. Patricks, Keenaught.
Tuesday 17 March, St Patrick’s Day
9.00 am ~ St Columba’s, Straw.
10.00 am ~ St Mary’s, Coolcalm.
11.00 am ~ St Patricks, Sixtowns.
12 noon ~ St Eugene’s, Moneyneena - This mass will be celebrated in Irish.
Wednesday 18 March:
7.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church.
10.00 am ~ St Eugene’s, Moneyneena.
7.30 pm ~ St Mary’s, Coolcalm.
Thursday 19 March:
7.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church.
10.00 am ~ St Eugene’s, Moneyneena.
7.30 pm ~ St Mary’s, Coolcalm.
Friday 20 March:
10.00am ~ St Mary’s Coolcalm
7.30pm ~ Holy Rosary Church
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
Tuesday 17 March: St. Patrick, Bishop, principal patron of Ireland. Holyday of Obligation.
Wednesday 18 March: St. Cyril of Jerusalem.
Thursday 19 March: St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
DEATHS
We extend our prayerful sympathy to the family and relatives of:
Donald McKenna, Glenelly Villas;
Priscilla O'Connor, daughter of Teresa McKernan, Drumderg;
Merdeith Allan, Isle of Man, formerly Derrynoid.
MONTH'S MIND MASS
The Month's Mind Mass for Kevin Henry, Cahore Terrace, will be offered on Friday 20 March at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
FIRST ANNIVERSARY MASS
The First Anniversary Mass for Charlie Kelly will be celebrated on Saturday 21 March at 7.30 pm in St. Patrick’s Church, Keenaught.
ANNIVERSARIES
Ballinascreen:
First Anniversary:
Tony Crilly, Glenelly Villas.
Anniversaries:
Peter McGuigan, Moykeeran Cres.;
Anna McGuigan, Cahore Rd.;
James Murray, Dunlogan/Aldershot;
Eamon McGovern, Bancran Rd.;
Noel McKenna, Moneyneena Rd.;
Patsy McGuigan, Dunmurray Rd.;
Oliver Gormley, Drumard Rd.;
Katie Sargent, Gortnaskey Rd.;
Margaret Doherty, Antrim.
Desertmartin:
Anniversaries:
Kathleen OConnor;
Annie Mary McCann;
Jackson Moore;
John Joe Okane;
Edward Donnelly;
Margaret Higgins;
Brendan Hegarty;
Annie Murray;
Sinead McErlean;
Robbie McErlean;
Owen Breen;
Mary Trainor;
Teresa Trainor;
Mary Trainor;
Mary Walls.
BAPTISMS
We welcome into God’s family through the Sacrament of Baptism:
Jacob Robin Donnelly, Slievegallion Drive;
Eoghan Leo Corbett, Tonagh Road.
CONFIRMATION 2026
Congratulations to the children from Gaelscoil Na Speirini who received the Sacrament of Confirmation. We ask God’s blessing on all the Children, May the Holy Spirit continue to be their guiding light.
PARISH COLLECTIONS
Ballinascreen:
Renovation Collection - £2115
Weekly Collection - £1870
Lourdes Hospitality - £35 (Total now £1576)
Desertmartin:
Weekly Collection - £803.96
Thank you for your generous support which is greatly appreciated. Totals shown include February Standing Orders from Parishioners. If would like to avail of this option please contact the Parish Office.
PARISH ENVELOPES / HELP REQUIRED
The Parish Envelopes are now ready for delivery. We are seeking volunteers to assist with distribution in Mulnavoo, Corrdarragh, Tirruadh & Woodlands. If you can help, please contact the Parish Office. Your assistance is greatly appreciated.
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY
Wishing all mothers every blessing on this special day.
ST COLM’S HIGH SCHOOL
There will be no Lenten Mass on Tuesday 17 and Wednesday 18 March. Normal Lenten Mass schedule will resume on Thursday 19 March.
HOLY HOUR FOR VOCATIONS
Holy Hour for vocations to the Priesthood & Religious Life in St Columb's Church, Chapel Road, Derry, Monday 16 March at 8.00 pm. All welcome.
BLESSED SHAMROCK BOXES
Blessed Shamrocks will be available at the entrance to the church and can be picked up on a ‘donation’ basis, at the St Patrick’s Day Masses. This is a fundraising appeal by the Cuan Mhuire Addiction Treatment Centres. Sr Consillio founded Cuan Mhuire from humble beginnings in 1966, to help those suffering from addiction to alcohol, gambling, drugs etc. The money raised will go directly to Cuan Mhuire. Thank you.
SIXTOWNS CROSS COMMUNITY CENTRE
Annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations Tuesday 17 March from 11.30 am to 1.30 pm. Irish Stew and Desserts. Traditional music. All Welcome.
IRISH LANGUAGE COLLECTION
Church gate collection will be taken up after Masses on Saturday 14, Sunday 15 and Tuesday 17 March to raise funds for bursaries for young people from Ballinascreen to attend the Gaeltacht in the summer. Any support is appreciated.
CORMAC Ó CEALLAIGH CCÉ
Musicians from Cormac Ó Ceallaigh CCÉ will be playing music at the St Patrick's day Vigil Mass on Monday 16 March at 6.00 pm, in Holy Rosary Church.
Last block of music classes, before summer break, started on Tuesday 3 March and runs for 6 weeks. Full details on our Facebook page.
St Patrick's Day seisiún: The Market Inn on Monday 16 March. Junior seisiún from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Slow seisiún from 8:30 pm to 9:15 pm. Supper at 9:15 pm. Adult seisiún from 9:30 pm. All welcome. Bígí linn & Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona daoibh!!
ANNUAL ST. PATRICK'S OPEN DAY
Draperstown Presbyterian Church on 17 March from 11.00 am to 3.00 pm. Rev Trevor Boyd will give a talk on "Who was St Patrick and What Would Patrick say in 2026?" Free Irish Stew & Tea, with music, & display material.
MONTHLY LUNCHEON CLUB
Wednesday 18 March in Workspace Community Hub. From 11.00 am, lunch at 12.15 pm. Booking essential. Contact Workspace on 028 7962 8113 by 12 noon on Monday 16 March, to book.
FREE BOCCIA TASTER SESSIONS
Workspace Recreation Centre on Thursday 19 March from 10.00 am to 11.00 am. Boccia (pronounced Bot-cha) a fun inclusive activity, similar to indoor bowls, played from a seated position, suitable for all ages & especially those with limited ability. Pop in to learn more. Refreshments available. Further info Tel 02879628113
KILCRONAGHAN CENTRE
Charity Shop Hack 4 week course with Lets Craft NI.: Monday 16, 23 and 30 March from 11.00 am to 1.00 pm. Participants to bring a small piece of furniture. (Does not include upholstery.)
George Gourley Watercolours Painting Course: Complete a full painting of a cottage/house. Monday 13, 20, 27 April and 11 May. Suitable for all abilities. From 10.00 am to 12 noon. Message 07821963749 to book.
KNOCKNAGIN HALL COMMITTEE
Irish Language Class: Mondays at 7:30 pm.
Chair Exercises: Tuesday mornings at 10.00 am.
Irish Dancing Lessons: Tuesdays from 5:30 pm to 7.00 pm. Contact Nicola: 07518207458
Knit & Natter: No class on 17 March Resumes 26 March at 7.30 pm.
St. Mary’s Bowling Club: Tuesdays at 8.00 pm. New members welcome.
Circuit training: Wednesdays at 7.30 pm.
Acrobats Gymnastics Club: Saturday’s from 9.00 am to 2.00 pm.
Sarsfield’s Accordion Band: Band practice on Thursdays at 7:30 pm. All members to attend in preparation for St. Patrick's Day Parade, in Dungiven at 2:30 pm.
TABLE QUIZ
Emma McCloskey is holding table quiz on Friday 20 March at 8.00 pm in The Old Point, Kilrea. Refreshments & raffle on the night. Proceeds to Friends of Africa. Your support would be greatly appreciated.
HOLY HOUR FOR VOCATIONS
There will be a Holy Hour for Vocations in St Mary's Coolcalm on Monday 23 March from 7.00 pm to 8.15 pm. Includes the evening mass. All welcome.
BALLINASCREEN FOLD MASS
Mass in The Fold will be on Thursday 26 March at 1.00 pm. All welcome.
DTIM MASS CHANGE OF DATE
Do This in Memory of Me Mass on Saturday 28 March at 6.00 pm in Holy Rosary.
EASTER ADORATION SERVICE - ST PATRICK’S, MAGHERA
St. Patrick’s College Choir invites you to an evening of music & reflection on the Passion of Christ. On Tuesday 31 March at 7.30 pm in St. Mary’s Church, Maghera. All are warmly welcome to attend.
DESERTMARTIN PIONEER TOTAL ABSTINENCE ASSOCIATION
To become a Pioneer or Existing Members who wish to update their pin, contact Madonna Devlin 07788501610 or Veronica Wilson 07877414039 to place your order. Pins/Certificates can be purchased for Juvenile Pioneer €7 (age 10-18), Full Pioneer €7 (at age 18), Silver €40 (25years), Gilded Gold €42 (50years), Diamond €20 (60years), Fr Cullen Medal €45 (60+years). Order by Sunday 22nd March.
TALENT, TEETH AND THEFT IN THE NURSING HOME
Comedy play presented by Fallaghgloon Dramatic Society. £10 per ticket. Friday 20 March. Call NEIL on 07999649227, or checkout Facebook.
ST. COLM'S CAMINO
Sunday 12 April. All welcome. Walk with us and 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.
DESERTMARTIN MOTHERS & OTHERS GAELIC FOOTBALL
Training begins Thursday 19 March from 8.00 pm to 9.00 pm. All ladies aged 25+ are very welcome. No experience required, it’s all about fun, fitness & friendship! The first few sessions will take place indoors. Just turn up & give it a go! Contact Julie on 07734865433.
WORKSPACE AFTER SCHOOL CLUB
Childcare Assistant required (part-time). For further details telephone Workspace - 028 796 28113 or email ann@theworkspacegroup.org
CHILDMINDER - DRAPERSTOWN & DESERTMARTIN
Fulltime & parttime spaces available. Tax-free childcare & NICSS accepted, save up to 35% on childcare costs. Contact 07734865433
'AN LASAIR CHRÍOST' CONFERENCE (FLAME OF CHRIST)
Young Adults' Conference on Sunday 22 March at St Columb's College, Buncrana Road, Derry. Mass at 11.30 am in St Patrick's Church, Pennyburn. Fr Conor McGrath will be the keynote speaker at the conference, with Bishop McKeown celebrating the Mass. All welcome.
DERRY DIOCESAN YOUTH PILGRIMAGE TO FATIMA
We are inviting young people aged 16+ to join us on pilgrimage to Fatima for 5 nights from 3 to 8 August. This will be a unique experience for young people and an opportunity to engage with their peers from around the world in a faith context. Cost is £820 and there will be a budget plan to help with this. Names and deposit of £100 are required as soon as possible to secure a place. For more information or to book in please contact bethany.doherty@derrydiocese.org 00 44 2871264087
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 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:
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.
