BALLINASCREEN & DESERTMARTIN PARISHES 19_April_2026
- 11 hours ago
- 8 min read
No. 25 ~ THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER
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
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 ~ 20 April:
10.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church.
Tuesday ~ 21 April
10.00 am ~ St. Mary’s, Coolcalm.
Wednesday ~ 22 April
10.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church.
Thursday ~ 23 April
10.00 am ~ St Mary's, Coolcalm.
Friday ~ 24 April
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
Tuesday 21 April:
St Anselm, bishop & doctor of the church
Thursday 23 April:
St George, martyr.
St. Adalbert of Prague, bishop & martyr.
Friday 24 April:
St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen, priest & martyr.
Saturday 25 April:
St. Mark, Evangelist.
MONTH'S MIND MASS
The Month's Mind Mass for Sadie Grrogan, Glenelly Villas, will be celebrated on Friday 24 April at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
FIRST ANNIVERSARY MASS
The First Anniversary Mass for Pat O’Neill will be celebrated on Saturday 25 April at 7.30 pm in St. Patrick’s Church, Keenaught.
ANNIVERSARIES
Ballinascreen:
First Anniversary:
Francis McNally, Sixtowns Road.
Anniversaries:
Elizabeth McGurk, Cloane;
Rita McDonald, Magherafelt Rd.;
Annie McGovern, Campbelltown;
Andrew Church, Sixtowns Rd.;
Annie McNally, Cordarragh;
Lorna Wilson;
Jward Elattar, Cahore Hgts.;
Briege McFlynn, Stratford Upon Avon;
Mary Cushenan, Oak Park;
Rosie McCloskey, Moydamlaght Rd.;
Baby Bella Rose Moran, Pomeroy;
Gerard McAllister, The Willows.
Desertmartin:
Kathleen O’Hagan;
Colum McKenna;
Patsy Breen;
James Breen;
Henry Trainor;
Brendan McGuigan;
Frank Higgins.
BAPTISMS
We welcome into God’s family through the Sacrament of Baptism:
Oisín Michael Hassan, Dromdallagan;
Eile Muire de Ruiseil, The Oaks, Magherafelt.
PARISH COLLECTIONS
Ballinascreen:
Renovation Collection - £3012
Weekly Collection - £5150
Trócaire Collection - 7985
Desertmartin:
Renovation Collection - £110
Weekly Collection - £1233
Thank you for your generous support which is greatly appreciated.
DESERTMARTIN WEEKLY COLLECTIONS
Prior to the Covid Pandemic the Sunday collections were taken up at the offertory of the mass, affording parishioners the opportunity to offer their weekly contributions symbolically with the bread and wine that is offered at the same time on the altar. At present envelopes are placed in a box as parishioners enter the church. Over the past few years Desertmartin Weekly collections have fallen, yet the costs of maintaining the parish continue to rise. This is a situation that needs addressing, especially if plans to upgrade St Patrick’s Church Keenaught and secure it for the next 50 years are to progress. Fr Madden will address these plans in person over the coming weeks. The time has come to restore the Offertory Collection to its proper place. We need BOTH men and women to commit to one month in the year to take up the collections at mass. We need two collectors for St Marys Church Coolcalm and three for St Patricks Keenaught. If you have been a collector in the past please consider resuming this important role or maybe take the place of a family member no longer with us but for whom it was a commitment they maintained for many years. Please give your name to Fr Madden or Fr McCaul or any of the sacristans as soon as possible. The Offertory Collection will resume its proper place on the first weekend of May.
TABLE QUIZ
Sunday 19 April at 5.00 pm in The Shepherd’s Rest. All proceeds to St. Colm’s HS Camino, supporting our young people on an incredible journey.
TRAD SESSION
The Sixtowns History and Heritage Trad music Session will take place in the Shepherds Rest on Sunday 19 April at 6.00 pm. All musicians and singers are welcome as well as those who wish to join us and enjoy a great night
WARM WELCOME WEDNESDAY
Monthly Luncheon Club, Wednesday 22 April in Workspace Community Hub. Doors open at 11.00 am & lunch served at 12.15 pm. Booking is essential. To confirm your place, contact Workspace on 028 7962 8113 by 12 noon on Monday 20 April.
NOURISH & CONNECT MID ULSTER
Learn how to cook healthy meals on a budget, improve your wellbeing, & grow your own food. Join this 8-week programme. Wednesday 22 April at 10.00 am in An Ráth Dubh, Moneyneena. To register contact Rosemary Tel: 07748 645007 or email: rosemary@networkpersonnel.org.uk
FRIENDS OF KNOCKNAGIN WALKING GROUP
6-week guided walking program. Begins Thursday 23 April at 10.00 am from Knocknagin Hall, Desertmartin. 30-40 min walk, suitable for all abilities. Friendly & supportive group. Refreshments afterwards in Knocknagin Hall. Contact Deirdre for further info 07594124854
SGARA
Trip to Enniscrone 26 April. 3 nights Bed & Breakfast + Evening meal. €199 plus bus fee. Must be a member of Slieve Gallion Active Retirement. To join contact Chris 07546010560 or any active member.
PILGRIMAGE TO ROME AND ASSISI OCTOBER 2026
Fr Madden is leading a parish pilgrimage to Rome & Assisi later this year from Saturday 24 October to Thursday 29 October. The price is 975euro pp sharing. 2026 is a Jubilee in Assisi on account of the 8th centenary of the death of St Francis. Programme includes a papal audience in Rome. We will be in Assisi on October 27 & Pope Leo is due to be there the same day, we may well be able to see him or attend an event with him too. Includes the beautiful city of Spoleto. Mass at the tomb of Carlo Acutis depending on the number of pilgrims in Assisi. There are 2 more weeks remaining for exclusive booking. Then remaining seats will be available to the public. Coach available to/from Draperstown to Dublin Airport at an additional cost. To book your place contact Myriam Tours. A non- refundable deposit of €300 per person is required at the time of booking. Single room supplement: €225 (one single bed & must be paid at time of booking.) Final balance: Due by 31st July. Phone: 00353579355050 / WhatsApp:00353851792364 / Email: info@myriam.ie
KNOCKNAGIN HALL COMMITTEE
Irish Language Class: Mondays at 7:30 pm.
Chair Exercises: Tuesday mornings at 10.00 am.
Irish Dancing Lessons: Tuesday evenings from 5:30 pm to 7.00 pm. To register, contact Nicola: 07518 207458
St. Mary’s Bowling Club Indoor Bowls have stopped for the summer months & will restart again on Tuesday 1 September.
Acrobats Gymnastics Club: Saturdays from 9.00 am to 2.00 pm.
Sarsfield’s Accordion Band: April draw winner Camillus Quinn, Kinturk. Band practice resumed on 16 April at 7:30 pm & will continue fortnightly thereafter. All members are requested to attend. New & past members welcome.
CATHOLIC MOTHERS IRELAND
An Evening of Peace, Encouragement & Faith For Women and Mothers. Join Catherine DiNuzzio for a gentle, faith‑filled evening. Wednesday 22 April at 7.30 pm in St. Peter's Lurgan. Co. Armagh.
PROSTRATE OURSELVES BEFORE THE LORD
Host, Patrick McCrystal, Executive Director of Human Life International (Ireland). Saturday 25 April at 7.00 pm at the Drummond Hotel, Limavady. An evening of Encouragement, Proclamation, Repentance, Seeking God’s mercy for our Nation and Prayer for Healing. All Welcome!
ONE DAY RETREAT
“In The Stillness: Faith In A Busy World”: Lough Derg on Saturday 25 April. Boat departs 9.30 am This retreat offers young adults the opportunity to pause, reflect & reconnect with faith in the peaceful setting of Lough Derg. The day concludes with the celebration of the Eucharist at 5.00 pm. Open to young adults aged 18–35 & free to attend, thanks to the support of the Knights of St Columbanus. Registration is essential: For Further information contact +447759496677 or info@knightsofstcolumbanusomagh.co.uk
NUALA’S FITNESS CLASSES
Advanced Class: 6-week block starts Monday 13 April from 6.45 pm to 7.45 pm.
Beginner Class: New 6-week block to help you move, build confidence, and have fun! £3.50 per session. Starts Tuesday 14 April at the new time of 6.30 pm, for 1 hour in the hall, Workspace Recreation Centre on the Back row. To book your space telephone 02879628113.
HOLY COMMUNION
Knocknagin P.S. ~ 25 April at 11.00 am in St Mary's, Coolcalm.
St. Eoghan’s P.S. ~ 2 May at 11.00 am in St. Eugene's Moneyneena.
St. Mary’s P.S. ~ 9 May at 11.00 am in Holy Rosary Church.
Gaelscoil Na Speiríní ~ 16 May at 11.00 am in Holy Rosary Church.
St Columba’s P.S. ~ 16 May at 11.00 am in St Columba’s, Straw.
St Columb’s P.S., Cullion ~ 23 May at 11.00 am in St. Patrick's, Keenaught.
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:
19 April, Holy Rosary.
3 May, Straw.
10 May, Moneyneena.
17 May, Holy Rosary.
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:
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, 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.
PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS
We pray for an increase in vocations to the diocesan priesthood, that the men called to be priests will preach and live by the gospel, the Good News of Jesus, our Lord and Saviour, risen from the dead, our hope of resurrection and everlasting life.
