BALLINASCREEN & DESERTMARTIN PARISHES 18_OCTOBER_2026
No. 51 ~ TWENTY-NINTH 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
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 ~ 19 October
10.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church.
Tuesday ~ 20 October
10.00 am ~ St. Patrick's, Keenaught.
7.00 pm ~ St. Colm's High School.
Wednesday ~ 21 October
10.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church.
Thursday ~ 22 October
10.00 am ~ St Mary's, Coolcalm.
Friday ~ 23 October
10.00 am ~ St. Mary’s, Coolcalm.
7.30 pm ~ Holy Rosary Church.
CONFESSIONS
Ballinascreen: Holy Rosary 5.30 pm - before Vigil Mass.
Desertmartin: Keenaught, Saturday 6.30 pm until 7.10 pm.
FEASTS OF THE WEEK
Monday 19 October: St Paul of the Cross. Ss John de Brébeuf, Isacc Jogues & Companions, Martyrs.
Thursday 22 October: St John Paul II.
Friday 23 October: St John of Capistrano, priest.
Saturday 24 October: St Anthony Mary Claret, bishop.
CHANGE OF MASS LOCATION
Please note that the 10.00 am Mass on Tuesday 20 October will be celebrated in St Patrick's Keenaught.
ST COLM’S H.S.
The Year 8 New Beginnings Mass will take place in St Colm’s High School on Tuesday 20 October at 7.00 pm. All Welcome.
ANNUAL MASS FOR DECEASED PARISHIONERS
Tuesday 17 November at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
Wednesday 18 November at 7.30 pm in St Patrick's Keenaught.
The names of all who died or were buried in our parish since last year’s Parish Mass of Remembrance will be read out at this Mass. After all the names have been read out, an adult member of each of these bereaved families, will be invited to carry a lit candle to the altar. Each family should ensure that an adult has been selected to represent them. Candles will be provided at the back of the church during this Mass.
ROME & ASSISI PILGRIMAGE
Pilgrims accompanying Fr Madden to Rome and Assisi will leave the Holy Rosary Church on Saturday 24 October at 5.00 am. Please ensure your passport is up to date and you have a copy of your travel insurance. In this Franciscan Year celebrating the 800th anniversary of the death of St Francis of Assisi and in the month when we celebrated the feast of the first millennial Saint, Carlo Acutis, this is a very special time to visit Assisi. Mass will be offered there for the intentions of all parishioners of Ballinascreen and Desertmartin.
DEATHS
We extend our prayerful sympathy to the family and relatives of:
Jacinta McEldowney, Brackalislea Road.
MONTH'S MIND MASS
The Month's Mind Mass for Hubert O’Neill RIP, Portstewart, will be held on Friday 30 October at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
FIRST ANNIVERSARY MASS
The First Anniversary Mass for Kevin Kelly, Bancran Rd., will be held on Friday 23 October at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
The First Anniversary Mass for John Joe McKenna, Cloane Rd., will be held on Friday 23 October at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
ANNIVERSARIES
Ballinascreen:
First Anniversaries:
Michael Bradley, Disert Rd.;
Frank Campbell, Drumard
Anniversaries:
Gerry Kelly, Sixtowns Rd.;
Rita Harkin, Tobermore Rd.;
Bronagh Murray, Tirruadh Square;
Charles Kelly, Moneyneena Rd.;
Peter McGuigan, Drumderg Cottages;
Peggy Conway, High St.;
Norah O’Hagan, Tobermore Rd.;
Michael McGillian, Sixtowns Rd.;
Mary McAuley, The Square;
Margaret Devlin, Slievegallion Pk.
Desertmartin:
Margaret McBride;
Christopher Bradley;
Charlie Donnelly;
Patsy McElhennon;
John McElhennon;
Margaret McElhennon;
Neil McNally;
Aidan Quinn;
Philomena Murray;
Margaret Murray
PARISH COLLECTIONS
Ballinascreen:
Weekly Collection - £1691
Renovation Collection - £2261.50
Desertmartin:
Weekly Collection - £1108.08
Thank you for your generous support which is greatly appreciated.
DERRY DIOCESAN YOUNG ADULT COMMUNITY
Derry Youth Ministry invites everyone aged 18-35 to join their new community every Tuesday evening at 7:30 pm, starting 20 October, at Claudy Pastoral Centre. Each week features a varied programme including invited speakers, scripture, prayer, food, and fellowship, alongside organised social events. Everyone is welcome to come along! For more details, please contact yvonne.rooney@derrydiocese.org.
CATHOLIC MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND
St. Mary's, Knock, Co. Mayo. Friday 9 to Sunday 11 April 2027. This residential Weekend starts at 7.30 pm on Friday and finishes at 4.30 pm on Sunday, and is open to all married couples. Online booking only at www.marriageencounter.ie
D.D.S MASS
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 following masses will be offered for the deceased members of the Derry Diocesan Society:
Tuesday 27 October at 10.00 am in St Mary’s, Coolcalm;
Saturday 31 October at 6.00 pm in Holy Rosary.
KNOCKNAGIN HALL
Craft Fair: A few tables remaining for our Christmas Craft Fair! Sunday 8 November from 10:30 am to 3.00 pm. £20 per table or 2 for £30, £10 booking deposit. Email knocknaginhc@gmail.com or 078 8761 4094 to secure a table.
Irish Class; Monday evenings. Bunrang (Beginners) 6:45pm to 8.00 pm. Meánrang (Improvers) 8.00 pm to 9:30 pm. Come along for the craic. Drop-ins welcome.
Chair Exercises: Tuesdays from 10.00 am to 11.00 am. All welcome. Admission £4.
Irish Dancing Lessons: Tuesday evenings from 5:30 pm to 7.00 pm To register, contact Nicola: 07518 207458
Bowling Club: Tuesdays at 8.00 pm. Suitable for all ages. All welcome.
Céilí Dancing Classes: New 6-week block started on Wednesday 30 September at 7:30pm. Suitable for all ages.
Salsa Dancing for beginners: Thursdays from 7.00 pm to 8:30 pm. No previous experience or partner needed! £42 for the 6-week block.
Acrobats Gymnastics Club: Saturday mornings from 9.00 am to 2.00 pm. To register visit https://acro-bats.classforkids.io/term/10
Sarsfield’s Accordion Band: Band practice Thursdays at 7:30 pm. A Commemoration Parade, in remembrance of former band member, Christopher Bradley, will take place on Sunday 18 October at 3.00 pm, from Moorside Villas to Keenaught Chapel.
SGARA
Crochet classes start in Knocknagin hall on Tuesday 6 October at 7.30 pm to 9.00 pm all welcome limited places. Contact Chris 07546010560
Dance in Knocknagin Hall: Sunday 18 October from 3.00 pm to 5.30 pm. Music by Sean Corrigan.
LITTLE WOMBLES FAMILY DAY!
Sunday 18 October from 3.00 pm to 5.00 pm. We’re opening our doors and inviting everyone to come along for a lovely opportunity to: See what Little Wombles has to offer; Meet our friendly, welcoming staff team; Enjoy some fun activities and play; Get a feel for our setting and the wonderful environment we provide for our little ones. EVERYONE IS WELCOME! Our Family Day is open to our current families, families who are thinking of joining us, and the wider community. We would love to see some new faces and welcome more families into our Little Wombles community! Is your little one due to start preschool in September 2027? If your child was born between July 2023 and June 2024, this is the perfect opportunity to come along, have a look around, meet the team and find out more about what we can offer your little one as they begin their early years journey. Whether you’re already part of our Wombles family or simply curious to see what we’re all about, we can’t wait to welcome you
MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID TRAINING (MHFA)
Mental Health First Aid Training Course 27 & 28 October from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm in Homeplace, Bellaghy. To book a place Email: denise@cwsan.org or Tel.: 07540969623.
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GLENSHANE HOUSE, DUNGIVEN
Names now being taken for L2 Understanding Autism Spectrum Conditions, 4 weeks x 3 hours on a Monday night. Cost is £30 registration + £18 exam fee. To register Tel.: 028 777 42494.
FREE STRESS CONTROL CLASSES
The classes are FREE and the next round will commence on Monday 9 November at 9.00 am, with session two on the following Monday at 9.00 am (16 November 2026). Class begins at 9.00 am and will be available to watch online for around 1 week after the start time, ending an hour before the next session is due to be released. Access the online classes at https://ni.stresscontrol.org/.
LAPÓGLANN - TODDLE-INN
Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9.00 am to 10.30 am in Glór na Speiríní centre Straw, beside the Straw Church. £2 per session includes refreshments. Irish language session is every Thursday from 9.00 am to 10.30 am. Tá fáilte roimh chách All welcome! Contact conchurglor@gmail.com or 07795 536682
BINGO FOR BALI
Join us for an evening of fun bingo, laughter and great prizes as we raise funds for occupational therapy equipment for underprivileged children in Bali. Saturday 14 November in An Ráth Dubh, Moneyneany. Doors open at 7.00 pm, eyes down at 7:30 pm. Tickets £15, available at Centra, Draperstown; Heron’s Chemist; or Spar, Tobermore. Or contact Katie at 07834276636 or Amy on 07517079916. All support greatly appreciated!
LOST KEYS
A set of keys on a black shoelace was recently lost in the Draperstown area. If you find them, please contact the Parish Office.
FREE LUNCHEON CLUB FOR OVER 60S
Join us for a delicious lunch and good company, in a warm and friendly atmosphere, at Workspace Community Hub on Wednesday 21 October. The Warm Welcome Wednesday Luncheon Club is open to all parishioners and local residents from Ballinascreen and surrounding areas, aged 60 and over. Places are limited, please contact Workspace on 028 7962 8113 by 12 noon on Monday 19 October to book.
SIXTOWNS HISTORY AND HERITAGE
Traditional music sessions start again this Sunday evening October 18 from 6.00 pm to 9.00 pm in Shepherds Rest. If you play, sing or just want to listen, then come and join us for a good evening.
SIXTOWNS CROSS COMMUNITY GROUP
Everyone is welcome to join us at Sixtowns Cross Community Hall for two Halloween events this year.
Children’s Fancy Dress Halloween Disco (Pre & Primary School): Thursday 29 October from 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm. Entry £3, or £10 per family. Tuck shop, music and prizes. All children to be accompanied by an adult.
Adults’ Halloween Disco: Saturday 31 October from 8.30 pm to midnight. Entry £10, food included. Live DJ, raffle on the night. Prizes for best dressed.
Indoor Bowls: Mondays at 8.15pm. New Members Welcome.
Christmas Fair with Santa: Sunday 29th November 2026 at Sixtowns Hall. Tables are booking up fast. £20 per table or £30 for two. To book, contact 07769 289385
PIANO TUITION THROUGH IRISH & ENGLISH
Beginners, Intermediate & Advanced lessons available. Bilingual lessons optional. Learn for fun or grades. For further info contact Edward Gribbin BA(Hons) - Tel.: 07835161927.
NUALA'S BEGINNER 6 WEEK FITNESS CLASS
Join Nuala’s classes for an exciting new Beginner Fitness Class designed to help you move, build confidence, and have fun! Classes - £3.50 per session. Perfect for absolute beginners, low impact & easy to follow. Tuesday 20 October from 6.45 pm to 7.45 pm in the hall, Workspace Recreation Centre on the Back row. Book your space by telephoning Carin: 02879628113.
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:
1 November, St. Columba's, Straw.
8 November, St Eugene’s Moneyneena.
29 November, Holy Rosary Church.
6 December, St. Patrick's, Sixtowns.
13 December, St. Columba's, Straw.
20 December, St Eugene’s Moneyneena.
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:
November 8 & 22 2026
December 6 & 20 2026
January 10 & 24 2027
February 7 & 21 2027
March 7 & 14 2027
April 4 & 18 2027
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
St Paul could have written this passage from today's Second Reading to our seminarians and to the men discerning their vocation: "We know, brothers, that God loves you and that you have been chosen, because when we brought the Good News to you, it came to you not only as words, but as power and the Holy Spirit and as utter conviction."
