BALLINASCREEN & DESERTMARTIN PARISHES 22_FEBRUARY_2026
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No. 17 ~ FIRST 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
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 23 February:
10.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church.
7.30 pm ~ St Mary’s, Coolcalm.
Tuesday 24 February:
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 25 February:
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.
Thursday 26 February:
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 27 February:
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
Monday 23 February: St Polycarp, bishop & martyr.
Friday 27 February: St Gregory of Narek, abbot & doctor of the Church.
DEATHS
We extend our prayerful sympathy to the family and relatives of:
Kevin Henry, Cahore Terrace;
Patrick McErlean, Bellaghy.
MONTH'S MIND MASS
The Month's Mind Mass for Teresa McGuigan, Moykeeran, will be celebrated on Friday 27 February at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
The Month's Mind Mass for Sean Donnelly, Cordarragh, will be celebrated on Friday 27 February at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
The Month's Mind Mass for Doreen Bradley, Glenelly villas, will be celebrated on Friday 27 February at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
FIRST ANNIVERSARY MASS
The First Anniversary Mass for Ciaran Gallagher, Tirruadh Square, will be celebrated on Friday 27 February at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
The First Anniversary Mass for Kathleen McWilliams, Drumderg Rd, will be celebrated on Friday 27 February at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
The First Anniversary Mass for Bernadette Glasgow, Mallon Villas, will be celebrated on Friday 27 February at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
The First Anniversary Mass for Kieran Murray, Moneymore, will be celebrated on Saturday 28 February at 7.30 pm in St Patrick’s, Keenaught.
ANNIVERSARIES
Ballinascreen First Anniversaries:
Ciaran Gallagher;
Kathleen McWilliams;
Bernadette Glasgow.
Ballinascreen Anniversaries:
Sarah Glasgow, Gortnari;
Paul Carlin, Drumderg Rd.;
Siobhan Bradley, Cavanreagh Rd.;
Mary McKenna, Sixtowns;
Bridget Elmslie, Belfast.
Desertmartin First Anniversaries:
Kieran Murray
CONFIRMATION 2026
Ballinascreen Primary Schools:
Saturday 28 February at 12 noon in Holy Rosary Church.
Candidates, sponsors and families should be seated no later than 11.45am
Refreshments will be held afterwards in St Colm’s Ballinascreen GAC.
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.
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.
Gaelscoil na Speiríní:
Saturday 7 March at 11am in Holy Rosary Church. Candidates, sponsors and families should be seated no later than 10.45am.
BAPTISMS
Ballinascreen: We welcome into God’s family through the Sacrament of Baptism:
Páidi Michéal George McGlone, Doon Road;
Senan Gerard Toner, Crockmore View;
Arthur John Hugh Kelly, Gortnaskey Road;
Desertmartin: We welcome into God’s family through the Sacrament of Baptism:
Casey Nathaniel O’Neill;
Roise Mary McGuckin;
Eddie John McGurk.
PARISH COLLECTIONS
Ballinascreen:
Renovation Collection - £1315
Weekly Collection - £1944
Lourdes Hospitality - £1360
Desertmartin:
Weekly Collection - £750
Lourdes Hospitality - £516
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.
MONEYNEENA NEWS
The Annual Big Breakfast takes place at An Ráth Dubh today, Sunday 22 February from 9.00 am to 1.30 pm. Everyone welcome
SIXTOWNS HISTORY AND HERITAGE
Traditional Music Session on today, Sunday 22 February at 6.00 pm in Shepherds Rest. All musicians, singers and listeners welcome.
SGARA
Meeting in Knocknagin Hall on Sunday 22/2/26 at 11.00 am about the council's Village Plan. This is an opportunity to propose things you would like to see in the local area. All local groups should send a representative as it is part of the council's criteria for any future grants & also any individuals who have any ideas for council developments
DESERTMARTIN CREDIT UNION
We encourage all our members to attend our Annual General Meeting on Monday 23 February in The Hub/St Martin’s GAC Hall at 7:30 pm.
ST COLM’S HIGH SCHOOL
Lenten Masses will begin on Tuesday 24 February at 8.40 am. Mass will be on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday during the season of Lent. All parishioners welcome.
SMARTPHONE FREE CHILDHOOD EVENT (SFC)
'Growing Beyond the Screen' An informative evening focused on kids screen use will take place in the Hub on Tuesday 24 February at 7.00 pm and in the Mummy Pysios Moneymore Friday 27 February at 7.00 pm. Speakers from Smartphone Free Childhood, Paediatrics, PSNI and an Occupational Therapist will share valuable insights, resources and experience. The sessions will provide an opportunity for parents to learn, reflect, and engage in discussion around navigating smartphone use in childhood in a supportive and informative environment. To book a place contact Yvonne 07584422903
CLEANING OF KEENAUGHT CHURCH
Wednesday 25 February at 7.00 pm. All parishioners are invited to come along and help with the clean. Please bring along a brush & dustpan, or even a hoover would be most helpful. Please help to have your church cleaned and looking well especially for Confirmation.
SIXTOWNS CROSS COMMUNITY CENTRE
Monthly Social Dance will be held on Friday 27 February at 9.30 pm. Music by Larry & Co. Refreshments provided. All welcome.
DTIM MASS
The next Do This in Memory of Me Mass will be on Saturday 28 February at 6.00 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
NUALA’S CLASSES BEGINNER FITNESS CLASS
New 6-week block. Perfect for absolute beginners. Classes £3.50 per session. Starts Tuesday 24 February from 6.45 pm to 7.45 pm in the hall, Workspace Recreation Centre on the Back row. Tel Carin on 02879628113 to book.
KILCRONAGHAN CENTRE:
Charity Shop Hack 4 week course with Lets Craft NI.: Monday 9, 16, 23 and 30 March from 11.00 am - 1.00 pm. Participants need to bring a small piece of furniture to repurpose, eg.small table, plant stand, chair, mirror etc. (Does not include upholstery.)
Mothers 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 Mothers Day.
George Gourley Watercolours Painting Course: Complete a full painting of a cottage/house in 4 weeks. Monday 13, 20, 27 April and 11 May 2026. Suitable for all abilities, 10.00 am to 12 noon. Participants will need to bring watercolour brushes & pallet, all other materials will be provided. Payment is required to secure a place either by pre-paying to the office or via PayPal. Message 07821963749 to book.
KNOCKNAGIN HALL COMMITTEE
Irish Language Class: Monday’s at 7:30 pm.
Chair Exercises: Tuesday mornings at 10.00 am.
Irish Dancing Lessons: Tuesdays from 5:30 pm to 7.00 pm. Tel Nicola: 07518207458
St. Mary’s Bowling Club: Tuesday evenings at 8:00 pm.
Acrobats Gymnastics Club: Saturday’s from 9.00 am to 2.00 pm.
DROMANTINE SUMMER CAMP
Registration for Dromantine Summer Camp for young people aged 11-17 and Leadership applications for young people aged 17+ opens on Saturday 28 February on our website: www.dromantinesummercamp.co.uk.
MARY’S MEALS
Mary's Meals sincerely thanks the two anonymous donors for their very generous donations received by Desertmartin parish office. The amounts of £325 and £100 are both gratefully accepted for helping feed the hungry children in school.
ST PATRICK'S WAY PILGRIM WALK
In Downpatrick with guides Martina Purdy and Elaine Kelly on Saturday March 14 in honour of Ireland's Patron Saint & the 25 Anniversary of The Saint Patrick Centre. Includes the fabulous 180° IMAX film of St Patrick, with internal bus transfers, pilgrimage lunch, an authentic Camino passport and a 6 mile pilgrimage walk finishing at St Patrick’s grave. A special 25% discount price is on offer of £40 (normally £55). To book ring 0284461900 or www.saintpatrickcentre.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 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
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.
