BALLINASCREEN & DESERTMARTIN PARISHES 17_May_2026
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No. 29 ~ THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD
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 ~ 18 May:
10.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church.
Tuesday ~ 19 May
10.00 am ~ St. Mary’s, Coolcalm.
Wednesday ~ 20 May
10.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church.
Thursday ~ 21 May
10.00 am ~ St Mary's, Coolcalm.
Friday ~ 22 May
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
Monday 18 May: St John I, pope & martyr.
Wednesday 20 May: St Bernadine of Siena.
Thursday 21 May: Ss Christopher Magallánes, priest, companions, martyrs.
Friday 22 May: St Rita of Cascia.
MONTH'S MIND MASS
The Month's Mind Mass for Derek Lynn, Cordarragh will take place on Friday 22 May at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
FIRST ANNIVERSARY MASS
The First Anniversary Mass for Tony Wright will take place on Saturday 30 May at 7:30 pm in St Patrick's, Keenaught.
The First Anniversary Mass for Maria O'Hagan will take place on Saturday 6 June at 7:30 pm in St Patrick's, Keenaught.
ANNIVERSARIES
Ballinascreen:
First Anniversary:
Nancy Hegarty, Magherafelt Road.
Anniversaries:
Vonie McCullagh, Glenelly Villas;
Maureen McCallion, Cordarragh;
John Reid, Bancran Rd.;
Pearl Burns, Magherafelt Rd.;
Patrick McGuigan, Drumard Rd.;
Baby Henry Gray.
Desertmartin:
Susan O’Hagan;
Malachy O’Brien;
Teresa Madden;
John McGuigan;
Susan Toner;
Thomas O’Kane;
Baby Anna Rose Martin.
WEDDING
Congratulations and best wishes for the future to:
Enda and Sarah McElroy who were married recently in St Mary’s Church, Coolcalm.
BAPTISM
We welcome into God’s family through the Sacrament of Baptism:
Jessica Lily McWilliams, Moneyneena Rd
HOLY COMMUNION
St Columb’s P.S. Cullion ~ 23rd May at 11.00 am in St. Patrick's, Keenaught.
Congratulations to all the Primary 4 children from St Mary’s P.S., Gaelscoil na Speiríní and St Columba’s P.S., Straw who celebrated their First Holy Communion this weekend.
After next weekend, all of the children attending primary schools in Ballinascreen and Desertmartin will have made their First Holy Communion and congratulations go to the children who have arrived at this important milestone in their journey of faith. All our First Communion Ceremonies were wonderful occasions and a huge thanks goes to the teachers and classroom assistants who prepared the children so well. The link between home, school and parish is never more pronounced than on these sacramental occasions. Our parish life would be greatly diminished if we had no schools and those links didn't exist.
The children have now begun the next part of their journey of faith. That will entail their presence at mass each weekend to receive Jesus in the Eucharist and quietly in their hearts and minds come to depend on Him for the rest of their lives. That is why we go to mass. To meet Jesus in his Word and to receive His Body and Blood in the Eucharist. I encourage all families and parents especially to make this an essential part of their weekend. When YOU are not here, no one else can take YOUR place. That is how important we all are in the heart and mind of God. We are all irreplaceable in the eyes of God. Jesus, His Son died on the cross to save us all, not just some of us. The Do This IN Memory of Me Programme, which has been a great gift to our First Communion preparation, will conclude at the Vigil Mass in Holy Rosary on June 6, the Feast of Corpus Christi. This mass will begin this year at 5.00 pm (please note the change of time) and there will be a Eucharistic Procession around the town square and back into the church for Benediction. More details in the coming weeks.
PARISH COLLECTIONS
Ballinascreen:
Weekly / Priest Collection - £2010
Renovation Collection - £2115.80
Desertmartin:
Weekly Collection - £979
Renovation Collection - £194
Thank you for your generous support which is greatly appreciated.
HOLY HOUR FOR VOCATIONS
There will be a Holy Hour for Vocations offered up on Wednesday 20 May in St Mary's, Coolcalm from 7.00 pm to 8.00 pm. All welcome.
WARM WELCOME WEDNESDAY
Monthly Luncheon Club on Wednesday 20 May in Workspace Community Hub. Doors open at 11.00 am. Lunch served at 12.15 pm. Booking is essential. To Book, Tel: 02879628113 by 12 noon on Monday 18 May.
CLEANING KEENAUGHT CHURCH
Cleaning of Keenaught Church will take place on Tuesday 19 May at 7.00 pm. Much help is required to clean this church. We also ask that the parents of the children making their first communion to please help with this cleaning. Bring a mop, bucket and brush with you.
DAY OF FRIENDSHIP AND PRAYER
Lough Derg host Day of Friendship and Prayer on Wednesday 20 May. This annual event promotes Christian unity. Archbishop Eamon Martin and Archbishop John McDowell will join Fr La Flynn, Prior of Lough Derg, for a day of spirituality, friendship and reflection. Begins at 10.00 am, finishing at 3.00 pm on Station Island. Adm €25 - includes boat, refreshments and lunch. Booking is essential. Tel: (00353)719861518 or Email: info@loughderg.org
BALLINASCREEN FOLD MASS
Mass will take place in The Fold on Thursday 28 May at 1.00 pm. All welcome.
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
GRAN QUILTERS 2026 EXHIBITION
Will take place on Friday and Saturday 29 and 30 May from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm in The Resource Centre, Main Street Swatragh. Entrance Fee including Tea and Scone £5. Raffle on the day.
KNOCKNAGIN HALL COMMITTEE
Irish Language Class: Continues Mondays at 7:30 pm.
Chair Exercise: Continues Tuesdays at 10.00 am.
Irish Dancing Lessons: Continues on Tuesdays from 5:30 pm to 7.00 pm. To register, contact Nicola: 07518 207458
Céilí Dancing Lessons: Tuesdays at 7:30 pm. All levels welcome.
Acrobats Gymnastics Club: Continues on Saturdays from 9.00 am to 2.00 pm.
Friends Of Knocknagin Walking Group: Meeting at Knocknagin Hall at 10.00 am every Thursday. Nice easy 30/40 mins walk. All welcome.
Sarsfield’s Accordion Band: May draw winner: Ava Uí loideáin, Curr Roar. Annual Buffet & Dance on Saturday 27 June at 8.00 pm in the parish hall. Band practice continues fortnightly on Thursday evenings. Next practice on Thursday 28 May at 7:30 pm.
KILCRONAGHAN CENTRE (10 Rectory Rd. BT45 5QP)
Annual Plant Sale: Friday 29 May at 6.30 pm. All the popular annuals, perennials, shrubs, tomato plants & herbs available, reasonably priced.
Art Exhibition & Creamed Tea Fundraiser: Saturday 20 June from 12 noon to 4.00 pm. All proceeds 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
SGARA
Dance in St Mary's Hall Knocknagin, Desertmartin on 24 May. Music by John Rafferty. Dancing from 3.00 pm to 5.30 pm. ADM £10. Bring your own bottle.
PUB QUIZ NIGHT
Market Inn, Draperstown, Friday 29 May: Quiz from 8.00 pm to 10.00 pm. Disco from 10.00 pm to midnight. £5per person. Raffle on the night. All proceeds will go to Gaelscoil agus Naíscoil na Speiríní. Tá fáilte roimh chách - Everyone is welcome.
CATHOLIC SCHOOL LEADERSHIP
Development Opportunities. The Derry Diocesan Catechetical Centre, working in Partnership with Saint Mary’s University, Twickenham, offers a number of avenues for the professional development & spiritual formation of Catholic school leaders. The Full Masters in Catholic School Leadership is a post graduate degree dedicated to the professional development and spiritual formation of Catholic school leaders. A Post Graduate Certificate and Diploma are also offered. These avenues are a great opportunity for those currently in leadership roles and those who aspire to, or have an interest in, leadership roles within the Catholic School system. If you are interested in registering for any of the options in September 2026, attending an online information session on Monday 8 June at 4.00 pm, or require any further information, please contact the Derry Diocesan Catechetical Centre on 004428 71264087 or Email: tferry@derrydiocese.org
CHARITY BMX RUN
A total of £653 was raised at the charity BMX run, and will be donated to Action for Children. A massive thank you to our incredible participants (aged 4 to 60!), the hardworking marshals, and all the friends and family who cheered us on. Due to the amazing turnout and all your requests, we’re doing it all again this Summer! Keep your eyes peeled on Facebook and the parish bulletin for the official date and details.
IMPORTANT: MAINTAINING OUR CEMETERY
We hold the resting places of our loved ones in high regard. Sadly, there has been an increase in dog fouling on gravesides, which is causing distress to families. We welcome visitors, but we ask that you please ensure your dog is on a lead at all times. If your dog fouls on a path or grave you MUST pick it up. Respect this area as a place of quiet reflection.
Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our cemetery clean and respectful.
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:
24 May, Sixtowns.
31 May, Straw.
14 June, Moneyneena.
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:
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.
The next DDS Mass will take place on Wednesday 27 May at 10.00 am in Holy Rosary Church.
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.
