BALLINASCREEN & DESERTMARTIN PARISHES 20_SEPTEMBER_2026
No. 47 ~ TWENTY-FIFTH 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 ~ 21 September
10.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church.
Tuesday ~ 22 September
10.00 am ~ St. Mary’s, Coolcalm.
Wednesday ~ 23 September - Opening of the new achool year Mass for St. Mary's P.S., Draperstown.
10.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church.
1.15 pm ~ St. Patrick's, Keenaught - Opening of the new achool year Mass for St. Columb's P.S., Cullion.
Thursday ~ 24 September
10.00 am ~ St Mary's, Coolcalm - Opening of the new achool year Mass for Knocknagin P.S.
Friday ~ 18 September
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 21 September: St Matthew, Apostle & Evangelist.
Wednesday 23 September: St Pius of Pietrelcina (Padre Pio).
Friday 25 September: St Finbarr, bishop.
Saturday 26 September: Ss Cosmas & Damian, martyrs.
OPENING OF THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR MASSES
Wednesday 23 September: St Mary’s Primary school, in Holy Rosary Church at 10.00 am.
Wednesday 23 September: St Columbs Primary School, Cullion in St Patrick's Keenaught at 1.15 pm.
Thursday 24 September: Knocknagin Primary School in St Mary's Church, Coolcalm at 10.00 am.
Monday 28 September: Gaelscoil na Speiríní in St Columba's Church, Straw at 11.00 am
CONFIRMATION 2027
Bishop Router will confirm children in Ballinascreen on Friday 9 April at 3.00 pm in Holy RosaryChurch and Desertmartin on Wednesday 19 May at 3.00 pm in St Patrick’s Church, Keenaught.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2027
Gaelscoil na Speiríní: 10 April at 11.00 am in St Columba’s Church, Straw.
Cullion P.S.: 17 April at 11.00 am in St Patricks Church, Keenaught.
Knocknagin P.S.: 24 April at 11.00 am in St Mary’s Church, Coolcalm.
St Mary’s P.S.: 24 April at 11.00 am in Holy Rosary Church.
St Columba’s P.S.: 8 May at 11.00 am in St Columba’s Church, Straw.
St Eoghan’s P.S.: 15 May at 11.00 am in St Eugene’s Church, Moneyneena.
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION:
Derry Diocese is renewing and developing its Diocesan Adoration Lay Committee in order to increase the practice of Eucharistic Adoration in parishes throughout the diocese. All welcome to attend an Information Meeting on Wednesday 30 September at 8.00 pm in The Drummond Hotel, 2 Main St., Ballykelly. Registration and light refreshments from 7.30 pm.
ANNUAL MASS FOR THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED
The annual Mass for the faithful departed will be held in Holy Rosary Church on 17 November.
ANNUAL CAROL SERVICE
The annual Carol Service will be held in Holy Rosary Church on 13 December at 6.00 pm.
DEATHS
We extend our prayerful sympathy to the family and relatives of:
Charlie Kelly, Moneyneena Road;
Breege McEldowney, Belfast.
MONTH'S MIND MASS
The Month's Mind Mass for Garry McCullagh, Glengomna Rd., will take place on Friday 25 September at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
The Month's Mind Mass for William McKenna, Desertmartin, will be held on Friday 25 September at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
FIRST ANNIVERSARY MASS
The First Anniversary Mass for Mary McGuckin, Carncose Rd, will be held on Saturday 26 September at 7.30 pm in St Patrick’s, Keenaught.
ANNIVERSARIES
Ballinascreen:
First Anniversaries:
Anna McCullagh, Moneyneena Rd.;
Gerry Donnelly, Moneyneena.
Anniversaries:
Thomas Heaney, Tonaght Hgts.;
Gavin Bradley, Magherafelt Rd.;
Maggie McCloskey, Fivemilestraight;
Rose McKenna, Tonagh Rd.;
Patrick Kelly, Bancran Rd.;
Patsy Stewart, The Fold;
Kevin Wilson, Oak Park;
Patrick O’Neill, Bancran Rd.;
Bernadette Murray, Campbelltown;
Agnes McBride, Moydamlaght Rd.
Desertmartin:
Rita Fullen;
Michael Toner;
Joseph Toner;
Eddie Higgins;
Margaret McKay;
Harry Ryan;
Patrick Bradley;
John Kelly (Dan);
Angela Trainor;
Sadie Kearney;
John McNicholl;
Mary McNicholl.
BAPTISMS
We welcome into God’s family through the Sacrament of Baptism:
Eabha Mae McGuigan.
WEDDINGS
Congratulations & best wishes for the future to Cathy McKenna and Oisin Maguire who recently married in Holy Rosary Church.
DO THIS IN MEMORY OF ME ENROLMENT MASS
The "Do This In Memory" programme is a parish-based initiative designed to prepare children for their First Holy Communion. It involves a monthly programme leading up to their First Holy Communion in 2027, culminating in the parish celebration of the Feast of Corpus Christi. The programme is centered around the Sunday Eucharist and the home, aiming to involve parents, families, schools and the wider parish community in the preparation process. The phrase “Do this in memory of me” comes from St Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 11:24–25, where Jesus instructs His followers during the Last Supper to remember Him through the breaking of bread and sharing of the cup. The first DTIM mass is the 'Enrolment Mass', for ALL the children of the parish preparing for First Holy Communion next year and will take place on Saturday 10 October in Holy Rosary Church at the 6.00 pm Vigil Mass.
PARISH COLLECTIONS
Ballinascreen:
Weekly Collection - £1783
Renovation Collection - £2138
Desertmartin:
Weekly Collection - £1,310
Thank you for your generous support.
FREE LUNCHEON CLUB FOR OVER 60s
Join us for lunch and good company, at Workspace Community Hub on Wednesday 23 September. The Warm Welcome Wednesday Luncheon Club is open to all parishioners and local residents from Ballinascreen and surrounding areas, aged 60 and over. Limited places, Contact Workspace on 02879628113 by 12 noon on Monday 21 Sept to book your place.
DESERTMARTIN CREDIT UNION
Anyone interested in requesting heating oil through our Heating Oil Club, please place your order by calling in or contacting our office during the office hours before 11.00 am on Saturday 3 October.
ULSTER RETREAT DAY
Catholic Mothers Ireland invite you to their Ulster Retreat Day on Saturday 3 October from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm at Benburb Priory. A day of prayer, reflection, and spiritual renewal with guest speakers Fr Barry Matthews, Fr Gerry Campbell, Helen Stewart and Jim Deeds. Lunch and refreshments provided. Cost: £45. Booking: www.catholicmothers.ie/retreats All welcome - bring a friend.
LAPÓGLANN - TODDLE-INN
Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9.00 am to 10.30 am in Glór na Speiríní centre Straw, beside the chapel. £2 per session includes refreshments. Irish language session is every Thursday morning from 9.00 am to 10.30 am. Tá fáilte roimh chách – All welcome!Contact conchurglor@gmail.com or 07795 536682
CORNSTONE YOUTH CLUB
Monday to Thursday, from 6.45 pm to 9.00 pm. Tailored programs for different ages groups. All welcome to attend during their designated age nights! Registration £2, & £1 for every night your child attends the youth club.
Mondays: Years8,9&10: Soccer, Junk Kouture, Art & ICT Club.
Tuesdays: Years9,10,11&12: Duke of Edinburgh, Junk Kouture, Costume creating & Beauty.
Wednesdays: Primary7 & Year8 (opt): Sport, Art, Dance & Games.
Thursdays: Primary 5 & 6: Sport, Games, Art & Fun.
NETBALL FOR BEGINNERS
Wednesday nights from 8.00 pm to 9.00 pm in the Backrow Hall. Over 16 ladies welcome. Come along for fun. No need to register Just turn up on the night. Adm £3. Contact Martina on 07795165999 for more info.
KNOCKNAGIN HALL
Salsa Dancing For Beginners: Our 6-week Salsa Dancing class is perfect for beginners, no previous experience or partner needed! Have fun and learn some great new moves Starts: Thursday 1 October from 7.00 pm to 8:30 pm, Cost: £42 for the 6-week block. To book: Tel.: 07435876140 or Email: maeldeedee@gmail.com
Craft Fair: Tables are selling fast 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) 6:45 pm to 8.00 pm. Meánrang (Improvers) 8.00 pm to 9:30 pm. Anyone wishing to join either class can book a place by Email: knocknaginhc@gmail.com or Tel.: 028 7963 1744 / 078 3516 1927. Cost 8 wks £40. Partly supported by MUDC.
Chair Exercise: Tuesday from 10.00 am to 11.00 am, All welcome Adm £4.
Irish Dancing: Tuesday 5:30 pm to 7.00 pm. Contact Nicola: 07518 207458
Bowling Club: Tuesday 8.00 pm, Suitable for all ages, everyone welcome.
Line Dancing: Wednesday at 7:30 pm, Suitable for all, Adm £5. All welcome.
Acrobats Gymnastics Club: Saturday from 9.00 am to 2.00 pm. Spaces are available. To register visit https://acro-bats.classforkids.io/term/10
Sarsfield’s Accordion Band. Practice on Thursdays at 7:30 pm. We warmly welcome new and past members to come along and join us. In remembrance of former band member, Christopher Bradley, a Commemoration Parade will take place to mark the anniversary of his passing, on Sunday 18 October at 3.00 pm, from Moorside Villas to Keenaught Chapel.
RANGANNA GAEILGE DO DHAOINE FÁSTA
Glór na Speiríní are delighted to announce recommencement of our adult Irish language classes on Thursday 1 October from 7.30 pm to 9.00 pm in Straw, Ballinascreen. Cost for this block of 10 lessons is £40 and there are 5 levels to cater for everyone's needs. For information on booking and payment please contact Conchúr via Email: conchurglor@gmail.com or Tel.: 07795 536682. Urraithe ag Comhairle Ceantair Lár Uladh
MICHAEL ENGLISH CONCERT ~ SPONSORSHIP
Any business or company who would like to be one of the sponsors for the Michael English Fundraising Concert should please contact Fr Madden: Tel.: 028 79628376 or Email either Parish Office desertmartinparish@gmail.com or ballinascreenparish@gmail.com.
All sponsorship will be gratefully received and acknowledged.
MICHAEL ENGLISH & BAND LIVE CONCERT
Enjoy a rare and intimate evening with Michael English, one of Ireland’s most popular entertainers. This exclusive acoustic performance of uplifting music filled with hope, faith and community spirit takes place on Friday 2 October, at 8.00 pm in St. Patrick’s Church, Keenaught. All proceeds from this special fundraising concert will go to towards the Parish of Desertmartin, Church Renovation Fund. Tickets £30 each are now available to buy from Heron’s Gift Shop, Moneyneena Post Office, both Parish Offices, or online (Click Here) with Eventbrite or use this QR code:
SIXTOWNS CROSS COMMUNITY GROUP
Indoor Bowls: Begins Monday 21 September at 8.15 pm. New Members Welcome. Monthly Social Dance will be held on Friday 25 September at 9.30 pm. Music by The Lakelanders. Everyone Welcome.
Special 25th Anniversary: Celebration event will be held on Friday 9 October at 8.00 pm in Sixtowns Hall. A great night of music & entertainment has been arranged with special guests Country Harmony, Patsy O’Hagan, Justin McGurk, Hugo Duncan and Brendan Quinn. Tickets are £20 and available from The Shepherd's Rest, Herons Chemist, Ballinascreen Credit Union, Straw Service Station & Committee Members.
LOCAL YOUTH USHERS REQUIRED
We are seeking local youth ushers to help with the upcoming Michael English Fundraising Gospel Concert on Friday 2 October in St Patrick's Church, Keenaught from 6.30 pm to 10.30 pm. If you are interested, please give your name to any of the priests, parish offices or sacristans. Thank you in advance for all your help and support.
COULD YOU HELP SHARE THE TRUE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS?
Each year, volunteers in parishes across the north of Ireland set up a small stall after Masses to sell Trócaire’s Gifts of Change - meaningful gifts that make a real difference to families living in poverty around the world. We provide everything you need including training and support. All we ask is a little time and a big heart. Last Christmas If you would like to find out more about how you can help, please email Mark at mark.mcmahon@trocaire.org or call 028 9080 8030.
PIANO TUITION
Beginners, Intermediate & Advanced lessons available. Learn for fun or grades. For further info contact Edward Gribbin BA(Hons): Tel.: 07835161927
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:
4 October, Holy Rosary.
17 October, Sixtowns. (Saturday)
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:
September 27 2026
October 4 & 18 2026
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.
VOCATIONS
For the future priests of our diocese that, in everything they say and do, they will reflect the ways, thoughts, and generous mercy of God in their ministry.
