BALLINASCREEN & DESERTMARTIN PARISHES 16_NOVEMBER_2025
- Ballinascreen Parish
- 14 minutes ago
- 7 min read
No. 3 ~ 33rd 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
SUNDAY VIGIL MASSES
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 ~ 17 November:
10.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church
Tuesday ~ 18 November:
10.00 am ~ St Mary’s Coolcalm
Wednesday ~ 19 November:
10.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church
Thursday ~ 20 November:
10.00 am ~ St Mary’s Coolcalm
Friday ~ 21November:
10.00 am ~ St Mary’s Coolcalm
7.00 pm ~ Holy Rosary Church.
CONFESSIONS
Ballinascreen:
Holy Rosary Church: Saturdays at 5.30 pm; before Vigil Mass.
Desertmartin:
St Patrick’s, Keenaught: Saturdays from 6.30 pm until 7.10 pm.
FEASTS OF THE WEEK
Monday 17: Saint Elizabeth of Hungary
Tuesday 18:Dedication of the Basilicas of Saint Peter & Paul, Apostles
Friday 21: The presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Saturday 22: Saint Cecilia, virgin and martyr.
NOVENA OF HOPE
Everyone welcome to The Novena of Hope which continues, with guest speaker, each Sunday at 6.00 pm, alternating between Holy Rosary Church and St Patrick’s Church Keenaught,
November 16: St Patrick’s, Keenaught ~ Fr Hugh Lagan SMA
November 23: Holy Rosary Church ~ Sr Perpetua McNulty
November 30: St Patrick’s, Keenaught ~ Mr Michael Murphy
December 7: Holy Rosary Church ~ Carol Service with Novena prayers
December 14: St Patrick’s, Keenaught ~ Fr Paul Farren
Please Note: All Novena Services, in both churches, are recorded and posted on Ballinascreen Parish Facebook and Ballinascreen Parish website ~ www.parishofballinascreen.com
ANNIVERSARY MASS - Friday 21st November
Please Note: The Anniversary Mass on Friday 21 November will take place at the earlier time of 7.00 pm due to the Christmas lights switch-on.
FIRST ANNIVERSARY MASS
Patrick Tohill, Moydamlaght on Friday 21 November at 7.00 pm, in Holy Rosary church.
MONTH'S MIND MASS
John Joe McKenna, Cloane, on Friday 21 November at 7.00 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
DEATHS
We extend our prayerful sympathy to the family and relatives of:
John Shaw, Grange Road;
Mary O’Hagan, Newtoncunningham.
ANNIVERSARIES
Ballinascreen:
Seamus McKenna;
Brendan Brunton;
Teresa Lanigan;
James McGuigan;
Jim Costello.
Desertmartin:
Michael Trainor;
Peter McGuigan;
Mary Fullen;
Anne McGuigan;
Margaret McGovern;
Paddy Joe McGuigan;
Johnny McDaid;
Bernard McGuigan;
Nathan Doyle;
Elizabeth McGuigan;
Michael McGuigan;
Andrew Kearns;
Gladys Wilson;
Francis Shields.
SPECIAL BOOKS OF REMEMBRANCE
A Book of Remembrance will be in each church, during November, for parishioners to enrol the names of their deceased loved ones.
PARISH COLLECTIONS
Ballinascreen Desertmartin
Parish Collection £2772 £833.67
Renovation Collection £2805.89 £124
Missions Collection £65 (£2109.14) £28(total £862)
Thank you for your generous support which is greatly appreciated.
HOLY COMMUNION 2026
Ballinascreen
St Eoghan’s P.S.: Saturday 2 May at 11.00 am in St Eugene’s Church, Moneyneena.
St Mary’s P.S.: Saturday 9 May at 11.00 am in Holy Rosary Church.
Gaelscoil Na Speiríní: Saturday 16 May at 11.00 am in Holy Rosary Church.
St Columba’s P.S.: Saturday 16 May at 11.00 am in St Columba’s Church, Straw.
Desertmartin
Knocknagin P.S.: Saturday 25 April at 11.00 am in St Mary’s Church, Coolcalm.
St Columb’s P.S. Cullion: Saturday 23 May at 11.00 am in St Patrick’s, Church Keenaught.
CONFIRMATION 2026 Ballinascreen
Saturday 28 February at 12 noon in Holy Rosary Church.
Gaelscoil na Speiríní: Saturday 7 March at 11.00 am in Holy Rosary Church.
CONFIRMATION 2026 Desertmartin
Sunday 1 March at 12 noon in St Patrick’s Church, Keenaught.
GAELSCOIL AND NAÍSCOIL NA SPEIRÍNÍ OPEN AFTERNOON
Sunday 16 Nov from 1.00 pm to 3.00 pm in Straw. Parents and children who are ready for Primary 1 and Nursery in September 2026 are very welcome to visit the school. Meet with staff and pupils. Santa Claus will be there to meet all the children.
GLÓR NA SPEIRÍNÍ
Announce their festival of events for November, suitable for all.
Saturday 22: Aonach na Nollaig - Christmas Market from 3.00 pm to 6.00 pm in St Colm's GAC. Featuring local stall holders with various items for sale. For more details please email conchurglor@gmail.com or phone
07795 536682. Tá fáilte roimh chách - Everyone is welcome
SLIEVE GALLION ACTIVE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION
Sunday 16 November: Dance in Knocknagin Hall. John Rafferty Music from 3.00 pm to 5.00 pm. Admission £10 (includes tea). Bring your own bottle.
Sunday 23rd November: Dr Kevin Donaghy(MB BCH BAO), specialist in memory issues of older people including Dementia along with Mary Donaghy (BSC MPS) will be available to discuss health issues and carry out blood tests from 11.00 am to 1.00 pm in Knocknagin Hall. Also, on same date, CWSAN will conduct an introduction to Desertmartin Village Renewal Plan, all local groups are invited to attend. This will help with all future funding applications.
BLOOD DONATION SESSIONS
Monday 17 November in Kilcronaghan Hall from 12.30 pm to 4.00 pm and from 5.00 pm to 7.30 pm. Visit www.nibts to book an appointment.
WARM WELCOME WEDNESDAY
Monthly luncheon club: Wednesday 19 November in Workspace Community Hub. Open from 11.00 am and lunch served at 12.15 pm. Booking is essential. Contact Workspace on 028 7962 8113 by 12 noon on Monday 17 November, to confirm your place.
DESERTMARTIN CREDIT UNION
The Board of Directors would like to encourage all members to attend the "Information Night" on Thursday 20 November 2025 @ 7:00pm in Tirgan Hall.
DRAPERSTOWN CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH-ON
Friday 21 November from 6pm to 9pm. Santa Grotto at Recreation centre, Craft fair at Workspace Hub, Amusements on Fairhill, Street Food & Entertainment.
BIG CLEAN UP
Around the grounds of Sixtowns Chapel will be held on Saturday 22 of November @ 11am. If anyone can spare an hour and lend a hand it will be most appreciated.
TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
Desertmartin Parish Christmas Draw will have draws every day for the 12days between Christmas Day and Monday 5 January 2026. The total prize fund is £5000. Tickets are £20 each, and are onsale at both Ballinascreen and Desertmartin Parish Offices, Heron’s gift shop. Moneyneena P.O. and Ballinascreen and Desertmartin Credit Unions. Gift a Christmas Ticket to family and friends this Christmas.
BALLINASCREEN CREDIT UNION
AGM on Monday 24 November 2025 in the Market Inn Draperstown.
NEW CORE GYMNASTICS CLUB
Formerly Ballinascreen Gymnastics Club.
Block 1 - Every Wednesday starting Wednesday 26th November. Venue: An Ráth Dubh, Moneyneena
Class Times: 4-6yrs: 4 - 5.00 pm, 7-9yrs: 5 - 6.00 pm, 10yrs+: 6 - 7.00pm.
Check our website for more details coregymnastics.club
NETBALL IN BACKROW HALL
Wednesday nights from 8.00pm to 9.00pm for ladies aged 16 to 60. Suitable for beginners, no experience necessary. Admission £3. Come along for the craic. Contact Martina on 07795165999
ST. VINCENT de PAUL ANNUAL CHRISTMAS COLLECTION
During masses on Saturday 29 November and during all masses on Sunday 30 November. Donations can also be placed into a Blue envelope, available in all churches, to take home and return to a church basket/SVP box. The Society thanks you for your generosity.
FORT CENTRE RDA CHRISTMAS EVENT
Write your letter to Santa, Sleigh Ride with Santa’s Elves, meet Santa and Mrs Claus, and greet the ponies and horses. Indoor play area. All abilities welcome. Event on November 28, 29 and 30, December 5, 6 and 7. Tickets £10. Book online or call 028 79644280.
CARING FOR PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA.
One day retreat. Wednesday 10 Dececember from 10.30 am to 3.30 pm at Ards Friary. Cost is 50 Euro which includes tea/coffee and a light lunch. For bookings contact Ards
Tel:0749138909 Email: info@ardsfriary.ie.
For more information contact Caroline at carolinebrown268@gmail.com
TROICARE GIFTS AND DONATIONS
Troicare stall selling gifts and accepting donations: After 9.00 am Mass in Straw, 11.00 am Mass in Sixtowns and 12 noon Mass in Moneyneena on December 14.
KNOCKNAGIN HALL
Irish Language Classes: Mondays until 8 December at 7.30 pm.
Chair Exercises: Tuesdays at 10.00 am.
Irish Dancing lessons: Tuesdays at 5.30 pm for new beginners and 6.00 pm. To register Contact Nicola on 07518207458
St Mary’s Bowling Club: Tuesday at 8.00 pm. New members welcome.
Céilí Dancing Classes: Final Céilí class on Wednesday 19 Nov. at 7:30 pm, Suitable for all ages. All welcome. Supported by the National Lottery Community Fund
SARSFIELD’S ACCORDION BAND
Annual Remembrance Mass for deceased members of AOH, and those who tragically lost their lives in the fire in Swatragh Hall on 8 December 1968, in the Parish Hall Sunday 30 November at 1.30 pm. All welcome.
MARY’S MEALS - DOUBLE THE LOVE
Our Double the Love Campaign has launched. All donations will be doubled by a group of generous supporters, up to £1.1million. Bringing hope to hungry children this year. Please continue to keep Mary’s Meals in your prayers so we can reach many more children. Further details and Christmas cards/gifts available at www.marysmeals.org.uk or freephone 0800 698 1212
PARISH BAPTISMS 2025
Ballinascreen Parish:
Baptisms on Sundays at 3.00 pm. All bookings to be made please via Ballinascreen Parish Office: Tel: 02879628248 or Email: ballinascreenparish@gmail.com
November 30 ~ Holy Rosary Church.
December 14 ~ St Columba’s, Straw.
December 21 ~ Holy Rosary Church,
December 28 ~ St Eugene’s, Moneyneena.
Desertmartin Parish:
Baptisms on Sundays at 1.30 pm. To book a baptism please contact Fr McCaul on 028 79632196 or Desertmartin Parish Office on 028 79397047.
November: Sunday 23.
December: Sunday 7; Sunday 21.
NOTICES FOR THE BULLETIN
Notices should be received by 1.00 pm on Wednesday, preferably please by Email to ballinascreenparish@gmail.com or desertmartinparish@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, you MUST 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
As Jesus asks us all in today's gospel, we pray for our seminarians and the men discerning a vocation to the diocesan priesthood, that they will be strong and faithful witnesses to Christ, especially in the face of persecution, criticism, or opposition.