BALLINASCREEN & DESERTMARTIN PARISHES 1_FEBRUARY_2026
- Ballinascreen Parish
- 2 days ago
- 7 min read
Updated: 49 minutes ago
No. 14 ~ FEAST OF ST. BRIGID
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 ~ 2 February: Candles blessed at all Masses today.
10.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church.
10.00 am ~ St Mary’s, Coolcalm.
7.30 pm ~ Holy Rosary Church.
Tuesday ~ 3 February: Blessing of throats after all Masses today.
10.00 am ~ St Mary’s, Coolcalm.
11.00 am ~ St Eugene’s, Moneyneena.
7.30 pm ~ Holy Rosary Church.
Wednesday ~ 4 February:
10.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church.
Thursday ~ 5 February:
10.00 am ~ St Mary’s, Coolcalm.
Friday ~ 6 February:
10.00 am ~ St Mary’s, Coolcalm.
7.30 pm ~ Holy Rosary Church.
CONFESSIONS
Ballinascreen:
Holy Rosary Church Saturday 5.30pm before Vigil Mass.
Desertmartin:
St Patrick’s, Keenaught Saturday 6.30 pm until 7.10 pm.
FEASTS OF THE WEEK
Monday 2 February: Feast of the Presentation of the Lord (Candlemas Day).
Tuesday 3 February: St Blaise, bishop & martyr, St Ansgar, bishop.
Thursday 5 February: St Agatha, virgin and martyr.
Friday 6 February: Ss Paul Miki & Companions, martyrs.
Saturday 7 February: St Mel, Bishop.
BLESSING OF ST. BRIGID'S CROSSES
St Brigid's Crosses will be blessed at all Masses this weekend.
DEATHS
We extend our prayerful sympathy to the family and relatives of:
Doreen Bradley, Glenelly villas;
Vera McKenna, Coolsara;
Bridie McNeely, Donegal.
MONTH'S MIND MASS
The Month's Mind Mass for Oliver McGrory, Cordarragh will take place on Friday 6 February at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church
The Month's Mind Mass for James Kelly, Portstewart will take place on Friday 6 February at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
FIRST ANNIVERSARY MASS
The First Anniversary Mass for Susan McEldowney, Magherafelt Rd will be celebrated on Friday 6 February at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary.
The First Anniversary Mass for Mary Kelly, Strawmore Lane will be celebrated on Friday 6 February at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary.
The First Anniversary Mass for John Grimes will be celebrated on Saturday the 7 February at 7.30 pm in St Patrick's Keenaught.
ANNIVERSARIES
Ballinascreen:
First Anniversaries:
Mary Kell, Strawmore Lane;
Susan McEldowney, Magherafelt Road;
Michael Brock, London.
Anniversaries:
Josephine Kell, Bancran Road;
Helen Lagan, St. Patrick’s Sreet;
Bridie Lagan, Coolnasillagh Lane;
Margaret Mary Dohert, Cloane Road;
Joe Crilly, Sixtowns Road;
Mary McMullan, Ballinascreen Fold;
Veronica McKernan, Oak Park.
Desertmartin:
Anniversaries:
Barney Donnelly;
Margaret Ryan;
Mary Kelly;
Jean Kearney;
Hugh McNicholl;
Thomas McNicholl;
Mary McNicholl;
Patrick Kelly.
BAPTISMS
We welcome into God’s family through the Sacrament of Baptism:
Teidí Patrick McSorley, Tonagh Heights.
PARISH COLLECTIONS
Ballinascreen:
Renovation Collection - £2400.96
Weekly Collection - £1949.34
Desertmartin:
Renovation Collection - £125
Weekly Collection - £1054
Thank you for your generous support which is greatly appreciated.
PADRE PIO MASS
The monthly Mass in honour of St. Pio of Pietrelcina will be celebrated on Monday 2 February at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church. Rosary and Prayers will begin at 7.00 pm.
SERVICE OF LIGHT
A service of light will take place during the Vigil Mass on Saturday 7 February at 6.00 pm in Holy Rosary Church for all Confirmation Candidates attending primary schools in Ballinascreen Parish.
PARISH MISSION 2026
Fr Paschal will lead our parishes in a Four Day Parish Mission beginning the day after Ash Wednesday. The mission will begin on Thursday evening, 19 February, and conclude after last Mass on Sunday 22 February.
BALLINASCREEN HISTORICAL SOCIETY
A talk entitled "Tobermore Paved with Success" by David Henderson will be held Tuesday 3 February at 8.00 pm in the Community Hub. Everyone welcome.
WARM WELCOME WEDNESDAYS
Warm Welcome Wednesdays in Workspace Community Hub from 11.00 am to 1.00 pm. On Wednesday 4 & Wednesday 11 February, Claire from Crafty Mammy Fabrics will be joining us to create some early spring crafts. All materials provided. Claire will be bringing along her fabric and wool pop-up shop should you need more supplies. Sessions are free and suitable for beginners. Tea, coffee and refreshments also available. Everyone welcome.
DIVINE MERCY DAY RETREAT
Led by Fr O'Driscoll in the Carmelite Retreat Centre, Termonbacca, Derry, on Saturday 7 February from 10 am to 4:30 pm. Light lunch will be provided, and a donation will be welcome on the day. If you wish to attend please call 028 7126 2512
NETBALL
Netball for ladies age 16+ on Wednesday evenings from 8.00 pm to 9.00 pm in the Backrow Hall. Come along for a bit of exercise, meet new people and have a laugh. Suitable for all abilities and no experience necessary as it is mainly for fun. Contact Martina on 07795165999 or just show up on the night. Adm £3 to cover hire of the hall.
KNOCKNAGIN HALL COMMITTEE
Lourdes Pilgrimage: Coffee Morning on Sunday 15 February from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm in the Parish Hall, in aid of the 2026 Lourdes Pilgrimage. All support is greatly appreciated.
Irish Language Class: Monday’s 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: Meets on Tuesday evenings at 8:00 pm. New members welcome.
Acrobats Gymnastics Club: Saturday’s from 9.00 am to 2.00 pm.
Social Tea Dance: Friday 13 February. Music by Pat McKenna Duo. Admission £7 - includes refreshments.
Sarsfield’s Accordion Band. Band Practice continues on the First & Third Thursdays of the month at 7:30 pm, all members are asked to attend in preparation for St. Patrick's Day, which will take place in Dungiven. New and past members are welcome.
LITTLE WOMBLES ANNUAL FUNDRAISER PUB QUIZ
Friday 6 February at 8.00 pm in The Market Inn. This is a fantastic opportunity for the community to come together for a night of craic and raise funds towards Little Wombles. £5 per adult - pay at the door.
LOURDES PILGRIMAGE COFFEE/TEA MORNING
There will be a "Cup of Love for Lourdes" coffee/morning after the 10.00 am Mass in St Mary's Coolcalm on Sunday 15 February from 10.30 am to 12.30 pm. The purpose of the morning is to help to raise some funds to help cover the costs of the youth travelling from the parish to Lourdes on the Derry Diocesan Pilgrimage from Monday 29 June until Friday the 3 July. All welcome.
VOCATIONS SOCIETY OF ST JOSEPH
The society acknowledges with sincere thanks a generous donation, received recently, for the support and education of student priests at home and abroad. All benefactors share in the Masses and prayers of the society. Please continue to pray for vocations.
DAY OF PRAYER AND REFLECTION:
You are warmly invited to a Day of Prayer and Reflection in St Anthony’s Retreat Centre, Dundrean, Burnfoot, Co Donegal on Sunday 1 February, Feast of St Brigid, starting at 11.00 am. Inspired by the spirituality of St Brigid – woman of faith, prayer and compassion - the day will include guided prayer, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, reflections on St Brigid and a St Brigid’s Cross-making workshop. A light lunch will be provided and the day will finish with the Celebration of the Eucharist. To book, telephone St Anthony’s on 0035374 936 8074. Suggested donation €25
SPIRITUAL EXERCISES
5 Day Silent Ignatian Retreat for Men. Led by Benedictine monks from St. Joseph Abbey, in France. Starts Thursday 30th April (3pm). Benburb Priory, Co. Tyrone (1.5 hrs from Dublin). €450 (all meals & single room included). Daily Mass - Ordinary Form (Latin & ad orientem). Discover the strength that only comes when you stop running and let God speak.
JOY OF PRIESTHOOD
Retreat for men (18+) interested in the diocesan priesthood, taking place in Drumalis Retreat Centre, Larne from 6 March to 8 March. Registration must be made using the following link:
For further information please contact the Diocesan Vocations Director, Fr Pat O'Hagan at pgoh2111@gmail.com
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:
8 February, Moneyneena.
15 February, Holy Rosary.
22 February, Sixtowns.
8 March, Straw.
15 March, Moneyneena.
22 March, Holy Rosary.
29 March, 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:
15 February
1 & 15 March
12 & 19 April
3 & 17 May
7 & 21 June
5 & 18 July
2 & 9 August
NOTICES FOR THE BULLETIN
Notices should be received by 1.00 pm on Wednesday, preferably emailed to ballinascreenparish@gmail.com
PARISH ANNIVERSARY & 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.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.
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.
PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS
We pray for the men who will be sent out as priests of our diocese "... to preach the Good News..." to God's people in a way that they can understand and that will bring them to a deeper commitment to Jesus as The Word of God.
