BALLINASCREEN & DESERTMARTIN PARISHES 1_March_2026
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No. 18 ~ SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT
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
St Eugene’s, Moneyneena: 5.00 pm
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
NO 12 noon Mass due to Confirmation.
MASSES THIS WEEK
Monday 2 March:
10.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church.
7.30 pm ~ Holy Rosary Church - Padre Pio Mass.
* NO mass in St Mary's Coolcalm.
Tuesday 3 March:
7.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church.
8.35 am ~ St Colm’s High School.
10.00 am ~ St Eugene’s, Moneyneena.
7.30 pm ~ St Mary’s, Coolcalm.
Wednesday 4 March:
7.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church.
8.35 am ~ St Colm’s High School.
10.0 0am ~ St Eugene’s, Moneyneena.
7.30 pm ~ St Mary’s, Coolcalm.
Thursday 5 March:
7.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church.
8.35 am ~ St Colm’s High School.
10.00 am ~ St Eugene’s, Moneyneena.
7.30 pm ~ St Mary’s, Coolcalm.
Friday 6 March:
10.00 am ~ St Mary’s, Coolcalm.
7.30 pm ~ Holy Rosary Church.
CONFESSIONS
5.30 pm Saturday in Holy Rosary before vigil mass
FEASTS OF THE WEEK
Wednesday 3 March: St Casimir.
Thursday 4 March: St Kieran, bishop.
Saturday 7 March: Ss Perpetua and Felicity, martyrs.
DEATHS
We extend our prayerful sympathy to the family and relatives of:
Kevin Cassidy, Belfast, formerly Draperstown;
Ann McLernon, Randalstown.
MONTH'S MIND MASS
The Month's Mind Mass for Josie Lindsay, Disert Road, will be offered on Friday 6 March at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
The Month's Mind Mass for Packie Farrell, Cahore Terrace, will be offered on Friday 6 March at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
The Month's Mind Mass for Peter Moran, will be offered on Saturday 14 March at 7.30 pm in St Patrick’s, Keenaught.
FIRST ANNIVERSARY MASS
The First Anniversary Mass for Moira Murray will be celebrated on Friday 6 March at 10.00 am in St Mary’s Church, Coolcalm.
ANNIVERSARIES
Ballinascreen:
Anniversaries:
Seamus McGuigan, Drumard Rd.;
Annie McGuigan, Dunmurray Rd.;
Danny Kelly, Gortnari;
Joseph Sargent, Cavanreagh Rd.;
Joe Conway, Ballinascreen Fold;
Maureen McWilliams, Bancrand Rd.;
Bernie Kelly, Glenelly Hts;
Mary McKernan, Sixtowns;
John Patrick McCloskey, Moneyneena Rd.
Desertmartin:
First Anniversary:
Kieran Murray
Anniversaries:
John McCullagh;
Dominic McCullagh;
Ruperta Regan;
John McBride;
John Higgins;
Margaret McGurk;
Seamus McGurk;
Mary Moran;
Joan Dell;
Andrew Shaw;
Christopher Shaw;
Dolores Toner.
CONFIRMATION 2026
Desertmartin Primary Schools
Sunday 1 March at 12 noon in St. Patrick’s Keenaught. Candidates, sponsors and family should be seated no later than 11.45am. *Please note there will be no mass at 12 noon on Sunday, a vigil mass will take place in Moneyneena at 5.00 pm on Saturday.
Gaelscoil na Speiríní
Saturday 7 March at 11.00 am in Holy Rosary Church. Candidates, sponsors and family should be seated no later than 10.45 am.
BAPTISMS
Ballinascreen:
We welcome into God’s family through the Sacrament of Baptism Oliver Michael Mc Bride and Fintan Archibald Murphy.
MARCH 2026 DESERTMARTIN HOUSEBOUND VISITS.
Fr. Michael will visit the housebound on Monday 2, Tuesday 3 & Wednesday 4 March. Visitations will begin after morning masses.
PARISH COLLECTIONS
Ballinascreen:
Renovation Collection - £2294.86
Weekly Collection - £1670
Lourdes Hospitality - £181
Holy Places in Holy Lands - £1030.09
Desertmartin:
Weekly Collection - £1372
Holy Places in Holy Lands - £470
Thank you for your generous support which is greatly appreciated.
NEW PARISH WEEKLY ENVELOPES
Parish records are being updated for organising the distribution of the new boxes of weekly envelopes. If you do not have envelopes and wish to receive a box or if you have changed your address, please advise the Parish Office as soon as possible. We are also very grateful to those parishioners who currently assist with the distribution of the envelopes, and if you would also like to assist with the distribution of parish envelopes, please contact the Parish office.
BALLINASCREEN & DESERTMARTIN LENTEN MISSION
Many thanks to all who attended and participated in last weekend’s Parish Mission. A special word of appreciation to the sacristans, collectors, readers and various music ministries across both parishes. It was a blessed time for us all and some of the liturgies are available to view on Holy Rosary Webcam.
ST COLM’S HIGH SCHOOL
Lenten Masses will be held at 8.40 am on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday during the season of Lent. All parishioners welcome.
PADRE PIO MASS
The monthly Mass in honour of St Pio of Pietrelcina will be celebrated on Monday 2 March 2 at 7.30 pm in the Holy Rosary. Novena prayers & Rosary at 7.00 pm. Morning Mass will be in the Holy Rosary at 10.00 am. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will continue after this mass until 7.20 pm.
DTIM MASS CHANGE OF DATE
The next Do This in Memory of Me Mass will be held on Saturday 28 March at 6.00 pm in Holy Rosary Church instead of Saturday 28 February.
DESERTMARTIN CREDIT UNION
It is essential that all members attend this ‘Special General meeting’, on Tuesday 3 March at 7.30 pm, in The Hub, St Martins’ GAC Hall.
BALLINASCREEN HISTORICAL SOCIETY
The monthly meeting is a "Quiz Night" in the Market Inn on Tuesday 3 March at 8.00 pm. Please note the change of venue. All welcome.
WARM WELCOME WEDNESDAY
Warm Welcome Wednesday: Wednesday 4 March from 11.30 am to 1.00 pm in Workspace Community Hub. Women’s Resource and Development Agency (WRDA) will deliver a Breast Screening Awareness Workshop. Covering the importance of checks, looking, feeling for changes & symptoms. Just drop in. Free Tea/Coffee & scones. Further info on 02879628113
IRON BREW / COFFEE MORNING
Are you affected by Haemochromatosis? Come along for tea, coffee and conversation. Social gathering & coffee morning in The Terrace Hotel, Magherafelt on Monday 9 March from 11.00 am to 12 noon. All welcome.
KILCRONAGHAN CENTRE:
Charity Shop Hack 4 week course with Lets Craft N.I.: Monday 9, 16, 23 & 30 March from 11.00 am to 1.00 pm. Participants to bring a small piece of furniture, eg, small table, plant stand, chair, mirror etc. (Does not include upholstery.)
Mother’s Day Cupcake Decorating workshop: Saturday 14 March from 11.00 am to 1.30 pm. Everything supplied & bring home a box of 6 beautiful personalised cupcakes for Mother’s Day.
George Gourley Watercolours Painting Course: Complete a full painting of a cottage/house in 4 weeks. Monday 13, 20, 27 April & 11 May. Suitable for all abilities. From 10.00 am to 12 noon. Participants to bring watercolour brushes & palette, all other materials provided. Payment is required to secure a place. Message 07821963749 to book.
KNOCKNAGIN HALL COMMITTEE
Join us for a weekend filled with music, culture & community!
Seachtain na Gaeilge Celebration: Friday 6 March at 7.00 pm. An evening of fun celebrating the Irish language and culture with live music, light refreshments, great atmosphere, and plenty of craic! Bígí Linn!, Join us! partly funded by MUDC.
Céilí Night: Saturday 7 March at 9.00 pm. Music by Duntally Céilí Band. Traditional music and fun for dancers of all levels. All welcome!
Social Tea Dance – SGARA: Sunday 8 March from 3.00 pm to 5.00 pm. Adm £10. Music by Shaun Cuddy. All Welcome.
Irish Language Class: New 5 week block commencing Monday 2 March at 7:30 pm.
Chair Exercises: Tuesday mornings at 10.00 am.
Irish Dancing Lessons: Tuesday 5:30pm-7pm, Nicola 07518207458
St. Mary’s Bowling Club: Tuesdays at 8.00 pm. New members welcome.
Acrobats Gymnastics Club: Saturdays from 9.00 am to 2.00 pm.
Crochet Class: Resumes Tuesday 3 March at 7.30 pm.
TEMPORARY KITCHEN ASSISTANT REQUIRED
St Columba’s PS, Straw, from 31 March for 6 weeks. 2.5 hours per day (12.5hours per week). Telephone for more information 02879627830
NUALA’S CLASSES BEGINNER FITNESS CLASS
6-week block for absolute beginners. Classes £3.50 each. Tuesdays from 6.4 5pm to 7.45 pm in the hall, Workspace Recreation Centre. Contact Carin 02879628113
DROMANTINE SUMMER CAMP
Registration for Dromantine Summer Camp opened on Saturday 28 February. Register online at: www.dromantinesummercamp.co.uk.
SIXTOWNS CROSS COMMUNITY CENTRE
Annual St Patrick’s Day morning Celebrations on Tuesday 17 March from 11.30 am to 1.30 pm. Irish Stew and Desserts. Traditional music throughout the morning. Everyone Welcome.
TALENT, TEETH AND THEFT IN THE NURSING HOME
A newly written comedy play presented by Fallaghgloon Dramatic Society. Saturday 14 March & Friday 20 March. Tickets £10. Call NEIL on 07999649227, or checkout facebook.
CHILDREN WAITING
Children Waiting is an online Virtual Information Event which will be hosted by HSC NI Foster Care on 12 March. Aimed at finding homes for specific children. If you can help or want to hear more information.
Tel 08000720137 or email adoptionandfostercare.hscni.net
EUCHARISTIC HEALING RETREAT IN KNOCK SHRINE
Led by gifted Croatian Priest, Fr. Rozo Palic on Saturday 7 March & Sunday 8 March at St. John's Welcome Centre. Saturday 10.00 am to 6:30 pm & Sunday 10.00 am to 4:30 pm. Supported by his Croatian Music Ministry team. No booking required. All welcome. Bring a packed lunch. Further enquires contact, Patricia 0899466193 or Fiona fionatjennings@yahoo.com
A CUP OF LOVE FOR LOURDES
Thank you for all your help and support with the recent 'Cup of Love for Lourdes' fundraiser. Special thanks to Bernie, Aine & Kerry Devlin who organised the event. We raised an amazing £3,083. These funds will be used to help cover the costs of the youth travelling from the parish on the Derry Diocesian Pilgrimage to Lourdes in the summer. May Almighty God bless all your generous hearts.
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 March, Straw.
15 March, Moneyneena.
22 March, Holy Rosary.
29 March, Sixtowns.
12 April, Moneyneena.
19 April, Holy Rosary.
3 May, Straw.
10 May, Moneyneena.
17 May, Holy Rosary.
24 May, 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:
1 & 15 March
12 & 19 April
3 & 17 May
7 & 21 June
5 & 18 July
2 & 9 August
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:
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.
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.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.
