BALLINASCREEN & DESERTMARTIN PARISHES 21_JUNE_2026
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No. 34 ~ TWELFTH 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 - SATURDAY 20 JUNE
Holy Rosary: 6.00 pm
St Patrick’s, Keenaught: 7.30 pm
SUNDAY MASSES - SUNDAY 21 JUNE
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 ~ 22 June
10.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church. St. Mary’s P.S. End of Year Mass.
1.15 pm ~ St. Columba’s, Straw. St. Columba’s P.S. End of Year Mass.
Tuesday ~ 23 June
10.00 am ~ St. Mary’s, Coolcalm.
1.00 pm~ Ballinascreen Fold Mass
Wednesday ~ 24 June
10.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church.
1.15 pm~St. Patrick’s, Keenaught. St. Columb’s Cullion End of Year Mass.
Thursday ~ 25 June
10.00 am ~ St Mary's, Coolcalm - SPRED Mass
Friday ~ 26 June
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
Monday 22 June St Paulinus of Nola, Ss John Fisher, Thomas More.
Wednesday 24 June: St. John the Baptist.
Saturday 27 June: St. Cyril of Alexandria.
DEATHS
We extend our prayerful sympathy to the family and relatives of:
Kevin Og Walls, Magherafelt.
MONTH'S MIND MASS
The Month's Mind Mass for Barney Murray, Bradley Park will take place on Friday 3 July at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
FIRST ANNIVERSARY MASS
The First Anniversary Mass for Brian Murphy will take place on Friday 26 June at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
ANNIVERSARIES
Ballinascreen:
First Anniversaries:
Sean Kelly, Cavanreagh;
Sean Bradley, Glenelly Hts.;
Kathleen Walls, Magherafelt.
Anniversaries:
Desmond Manning, Moykeeran;
Sophia Conway, Bradley Park;
Paddy O’Kane, Whitewater Court;
Charles O’Hagan, High Street;
Lawrence Bradley, Cavanreagh Rd.;
Dan McGurk, Cloane.
Desertmartin:
First Anniversary:
Maura Gormley
Anniversaries:
Danny Murray;
Harry McCann;
+Fr Patrick O’Connor;
Minnie Higgins;
Noel Crawley;
Tommy McGonigle;
Mary Toner;
Kathleen Trainor;
Mary Shaw;
Charlie Donnelly.
BAPTISMS
We welcome into God’s family through the Sacrament of Baptism:
Carmen Vaitlekus, Derrynoid Road;
Odhrán James McShane, Mulinderg;
Cody Francis Kelly, Cahore Trc.;
Cláragh Marie Devlin, Moneyneena Rd.
PARISH COLLECTIONS
Ballinascreen:
Weekly/Priest Collection - £1980.70
Renovation Collection - £2067.80
Desertmartin:
Weekly/Priest Collection - £1315
Renovation Collection - £670
Thank you for your generous support which is greatly appreciated.
END OF YEAR MASS
St. Columbs, Cullion: Mass in St Patrick's Keenaught on Wednesday 24 June at 1.15 pm.
St. Mary's P.S. in Holy Rosary Church on Monday 22 June at 10.00 am.
St. Columba's P.S. in St Columba's Church on Monday 22 June at 1.15 pm.
St. Eoghan's P.S. in the School on Monday 22 June at 7.00 pm.
BALLINASCREEN FOLD MASS
Mass in the FOLD will be held on Tuesday 23 June at 1.00 pm. All welcome.
SPRED MASS
SPRED Mass will be held in St. Mary's Coolcalm on Thursday 25 June at 10.00 am.
CAMINO DE COMPOSTELA
We wish the staff and senior pupils of St. Colm's High School a safe and wonderful adventure as they journey the Portuguese way of the Camino this week. They will arrive in Portugal on Tuesday and begin walking the following morning. They will arrive in Santiago de Compostela, Spain on Sunday evening. The Camino de Santiago (Way of St. James) is a massive network of ancient pilgrimage routes stretching across Europe, all converging at the shrine of the apostle Saint James the Great in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain. Today, it is a global phenomenon that draws hundreds of thousands of hikers and spiritual seekers annually.
LOURDES PRE-PILGRIMAGE MASS
Mass with Bishop McKeown in Our Lady of Lourdes Steelstown on Monday 22 June at 7.00 pm. Diocesan tickets and pilgrim packs will be distributed after this special Mass. Anyone unable to attend should ask someone to collect the pack on their behalf.
SIXTOWNS CROSS COMMUNITY CENTRE
Monthly Social Dance will be held on Friday 26 June at 9.30 pm. Music by Sprig Of Heather. Everyone Welcome
DESERTMARTIN GAC
Is proud to host John West GAA Féile Peile na nÓg this year, welcoming seven visiting teams alongside our own. Clubs and families will travel from across Ireland, England and the USA, providing a wonderful opportunity to showcase our club, parish and community at its very best. The Féile games will take place on Saturday 27 June, commencing at 10.00 am. We encourage all members of the community to come along, support the young players and help create a warm Desertmartin welcome for all our visitors. We look forward to a fantastic day of football!
SUMMER WELLBEING EVENT
Tuesday 30 June from 10.00 am to 12.30 pm, in The Hub Workspace. Join Ballinascreen Credit Union, STEPS and O’Kane’s Chemist for a free community event focused on your overall wellbeing this summer. Food and refreshments provided on the day. For enquiries contact: 02879628762 / enquiries@ballinascreencu.com
ST COLM’S SUMMER SCHEME
St Colm’s Summer Scheme begins on 8 July and continues on 9 and 10 July. Registration is available from 7.00 pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in the Youth Club or online through Klubfunder. Price £30, registration ends 30 June.
SOCIAL SATURDAYS FOR ALL INCLUSIVE NEEDS
Glór na Speiríní are delighted to announce our 6 week programme for boys & girls and young adults in the Backrow Hall / 3G pitch (weather permitting). Commencing Saturday 4 July from 10.00 am to 11.00 am with various activities catering for the groups needs. Please note that all parents / guardians must remain during the sessions.
KNOCKNAGIN HALL COMMITTEE
Irish Language Classes: Mondays at 7:30 pm.
Chair Exercises: Tuesdays at 10.00 am.
Irish Dancing Lessons: Tuesdays from 5:30 pm to 7.00 pm. To register, contact Nicola: 07518 207458
Exercise / Fitness Class SGARA: 6-week exercise and fitness class commenced Wednesday 27 May at continues on Wednesdays at 7:30 pm. Suitable for all abilities and open to adults aged 18+. Improve fitness, build strength, or simply stay active, All welcome.
Acrobats Gymnastics Club: Saturdays from 9.00 am to 2.00 pm.
Sarsfield’s Accordion Band: Annual Buffet & Dance will take place on Saturday 27 June at 8.00 pm in the Parish Hall. All welcome. Practice continues every Thursday as members prepare for the Feast of the Assumption Celebration in Keady on Sunday 16 August.
KILCRONAGHAN CENTRE,
Vintage Rally, Craft Fair & Family Fun Day on Saturday 26 September from 11.00 am to 3.00 pm. For more information on any of the above, check Kilcronaghan Facebook or ring 02879627826
DESERTMARTIN CREDIT UNION - IMPORTANT CHANGES
Please note that Desertmartin Credit Union will update its operating hours starting Friday 3 July. The new opening hours will be:
Friday from 5:30 pm to 8.00 pm and Saturday from 10.00 am to 12 noon.
Thank you for your continued membership and understanding.
BRACKAGH QUARRY WIND FARM COMMUNITY FUND 2026 / 2027
Administered by The Workspace Group, is now open for applications. The Fund offers grants up to £2,000 to community and voluntary groups within a five-mile radius of the Brackagh Quarry Wind Farm site for projects that benefit those most in need in the community. For more info or to request an application pack, please Email: info@theworkspacegroup.org or call 028 7962 8113. The closing date for applications is 4.00 pm on Friday 26 June.
PIONEER ASSOCIATION
Anyone wishing to receive a silver, gold or diamond pioneer pin should email either parish office giving their name and contact details. As these pins are ordered, please submit your request before the end of June. The pioneer association determines the price of the pins, nothing will be added.
CONCERN DERRY GROUP
The annual Scalp Challenge in aid of Concern’s worldwide development work will take place on Sunday 28 June at Henry McLaughlin’s farm (from Derry turn right at Burnfoot). First walkers should set off at 12 noon and the last at 2.00 pm. Check the weather forecast and wear suitable clothing. All support greatly appreciated.
HLI IRELAND (Human Life International Ireland)
32 County Mission Night with relics of St Thérèse & The Holy Face. Tuesday 30 June, The Lodge Hotel, Coleraine from 7.00 pm to 9.00 pm.
DIOCESE OF DERRY LOUGH DERG PILGRIMAGE
The Three-Day Pilgrimage will take place from Friday 24 to Sunday 26 July. An opportunity to step away from the pace of daily life and make space for God. For those availing of the bus transport (from St Eugene's Cathedral via Strabane and Lifford) the cost is £95, includes bus. Booking form and full details are available at derrydiocese.org/lough-derg.
MARRIAGE ENRICHMENT WEEKEND
Hosted by Marriage Encounter Ireland will take place at the Focolare Centre, Curryhills, Prosperous, Co. Kildare, from Friday 2 to Sunday 4 October. This Weekend is not a retreat in the traditional sense but is a positive, joy-filled experience, guided by presenting couples and a priest, in an atmosphere of warmth, prayer, and deep Christian faith. Couples are invited to register online at www.marriageencounter.ie
FR MIKE SCHMITZ PARABLES TOUR
Derry Youth Ministry are inviting young people aged 16+ to join them for the Fr Mike Schmitz Parables Tour taking place on 20 July 2026 in the National Stadium Dublin. Fr Mike is an American priest and digital evangelist, who will present the message of the Gospel in a novel, energetic and engaging style that speaks into young people's lives today. There will be a special Mass for youth attending. Cost is £45 for ticket and transport. Bus departs Derry at 12 noon, with pick-ups in Strabane and Omagh. To secure your place or for more information contact bethany.doherty@derrydiocese.org or call 02871264087
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
St Eugene’s Church Cleaning: We are currently seeking volunteers to assist with the cleaning of St Eugene’s Church, Moneyneena. Your help ensures our church remains a beautiful and welcoming space for all parishioners. Whether you can help weekly or once a month, every bit of assistance is greatly appreciated. To get involved, please reach out to the Parish Office on 028 7962 8248 or Email: ballinascreenparish@gmail.com
FOUND ITEM: PURSE WITH CASH
A purse containing a sum of money was recently found in the Holy Rosary. If you believe this purse belongs to you, please contact the parish office.
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:
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:
5 & 18 July
2 & 9 August
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.
DDS Masses will take place on Wednesday 27 May at 10.00 am in Holy Rosary Church, and on Sunday 31 May at 10.00 am in St Mary’s, Coolcalm.
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
As we pray for seminarians and those considering priesthood, we hear Jesus telling those who 'declare themselves' for Him and 'commit their cause to Him' not to 'be afraid' but, instead, to know that "God is at [their] side, a mighty hero." (Jeremiah, First Reading).
