BALLINASCREEN & DESERTMARTIN PARISHES 22_March_2026
- 2 days ago
- 7 min read
No. 21 ~ FIFTH 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 March
10.0 0am~ Holy Rosary Church.
7.30 pm ~ St Mary’s, Coocalm.
Tuesday 24 March
7.00 am~ Holy Rosary Church.
8.40 am ~ St Colm’s High School.
10.00 am ~ St Eugene’s, Moneyneena.
7.30 pm ~ St Mary’s, Coolcalm.
Wednesday 25 March:
7.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church.
8.40 am ~ St Colm’s High School.
10.00 am ~ St Eugene’s, Moneyneena.
7.30 pm ~ St Mary’s, Coolcalm.
Thursday 26 March:
7.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church.
8.40 am ~ St Colm’s High School.
10.00 am ~ St Eugene’s, Moneyneena.
7.30 pm ~ St Mary’s, Coolcalm.
Friday 27 March:
10.00 am ~ St Mary’s, Coolcalm.
7.30 pm ~ Holy Rosary Church.
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 23 March: St Turbius of Mongrovejo, bishop.
Tuesday 24 March: St Macartan, bishop.
Wednesday 25 March: The Annunciation of the Lord.
HOLY WEEK AND EASTER MASS TIMES
Sunday 29 March ~ Palm Sunday
9.00 am ~ St Columba’s, Straw.
10.00 am ~ St Mary’s, Coolcalm.
11.00 am ~ St Patrick’s, Sixtowns.
12 noon ~ St Eugene’s, Moneyneena.
Monday 30th March
10.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church.
7.30 pm ~ Penitential Service - Holy Rosary Church.
Tuesday 31 March
7.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church.
10.00 am ~ St Eugene’s, Moneyneena.
7.30 pm ~ Penitential Service - St Patrick’s, Keenaught.
Wednesday 1 April
7.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church.
10.00 am ~ St Eugene’s, Moneyneena.
7.30 pm ~ St Mary’s, Coolcalm.
Thursday 2 April
No Morning Mass in the diocese except Chrism Mass in St Eugene’s Cathedral Derry at 10.00 am. All welcome.
5.00 pm ~ St Eugene’s, Moneyneena.
6.00 pm ~ Evening Mass of the Lords Supper - Holy Rosary Church.
7.30pm ~ Evening Mass of the Lords Supper - St Mary’s, Coolcalm.
Confessions after all ceremonies on Thursday
Friday 3 April ~ Good Friday
10.00 am ~ Morning Prayer followed by confessions - Holy Rosary Church.
10.00 am ~ Morning Prayer followed by confessions - St Mary’s, Coolcalm.
Celebration of the Lord's Passion
3.00 pm ~ Holy Rosary Church.
3.00 pm ~ St Patrick’s, Keenaught.
7.30 pm ~ Way of the Cross - St Columba’s, Straw.
Confessions after all ceremonies on Friday.
Saturday 4 April ~ Holy Saturday
10.00 am ~ Morning Prayer followed by confessions - Holy Rosary Church.
10.00 am ~ Morning Prayer followed by confessions - St Mary’s, Coolcalm.
Easter Vigil (Saturday 4 April)
7.30 pm ~ Holy Rosary Church.
7.30 pm ~ St Patrick’s, Keenaught.
Sunday 5 April ~ Easter Sunday
9.00 am ~ St Columba’s, Straw.
10.00 am ~ St Mary’s, Coolcalm.
11.00 am ~ St Patrick’s, Sixtowns.
12 noon ~ St Eugene’s, Moneyneena.
There is NO DAWN MASS this year. Please come to the Easter Vigils instead and complete the parish mission by renewing your baptismal promises. A candle for everyone will be provided.
MONTH,S MIND MASS
The Month's Mind Mass for Bridie Boyle, Strawmore Road, will be celebrated on Friday 27 March at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
FIRST ANNIVERSARY MASS
The First Anniversary Mass for Charlie Kelly will be celebrated on Saturday 21 March at 7.30 pm in St Patrick’s Church, Keenaught.
ANNIVERSARIES
Ballinascreen:
Brian Quinn, Gortnaskea;
Mary Kerr, Carnamoney Lane;
Marie Gormley, Moykeeran Drive;
Francis Donnelly, Sixtowns Rd.;
Frank Deery, Gortnari;
Catherine Kelly, Portstewart;
Marie Trolan, Dysart;
Agnes Conway, Cavanreagh Rd.;
John Kennedy, Dunlogan Rd.;
Brendan Kerr, Cordarragh.
Dermot Kelly, Cahore Rd.;
Stephen Stokes, Scutchers Lane;
John & Margaret Trainor, Owenreagh.
Desertmartin:
Fr Emmet Fullen;
Willie John Fullen;
Patsy McGuigan;
Jim Donnelly;
Mary Murray;
Cecilia Shiels;
Madeline O’Connell;
Jim Joe O’Kane;
Margaret O’Kane;
Bridget Devlin;
Aloysius O’Kane;
Agnes Breen;
Hugh Bradley.
BAPTISMS
We welcome into God’s family through the Sacrament of Baptism:
Sean Arthur Convery, Tirruadh Court;
Nathan Patrick Toner, Mulinderg;
Dara Martin Trainor, Ranakeeran.
PARISH COLLECTIONS
Ballinascreen:
Renovation Collection - £2067
Weekly Collection - £1563.92
Clerical Education - £1468.60
Desertmartin:
Weekly Collection - £976
Thank you for your generous support which is greatly appreciated.
PARISH ENVELOPES
The Parish Envelopes are now ready for delivery. We ask that the volunteers who assist with the distribution of the envelopes, to collect the envelopes form the parish office. Your assistance is greatly appreciated.
HOLY HOUR FOR VOCATIONS
Holy Hour for Vocations in St Mary's, Coolcalm on Monday 23 March from 7.00 pm to 8.15 pm - includes the evening mass. All welcome.
BALLINASCREEN FOLD MASS
Mass in The Fold will be on Thursday 26 March at 1.00 pm. All welcome.
DTIM MASS CHANGE OF DATE
Do This in Memory of Me Mass on Saturday 28 March at 6.00 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
WARM WELCOME WEDNESDAY
Wednesday 25 March from 11.30 am to 1.00 pm in Workspace Community Hub. The Women’s Resource and Development Agency (WRDA) will deliver a Bowel Cancer Screening Awareness Workshop. Raising awareness, the signs & symptoms, reducing your risk, importance of early detection & how to use the home screening kit at home. Open to both men & women. Just drop in. Free Tea/Coffee & scones also served. Any queries contact Workspace on 028 7962 8113
ST MARY’S P.S. DRAPERSTOWN
P4 class will be performing The Passion Play on Wednesday 25 March at 6.00 pm in Holy Rosary Church. Everyone is welcome.
SIXTOWNS CROSS COMMUNITY CENTRE
Monthly Social Dance on Friday 27 March at 9.30 pm. Music by Kieran McAree. All welcome.
KILCRONAGHAN CENTRE:
Charity Shop Hack 4 week course with Lets Craft N.I.: Monday 16, 23 & 30 March from 11.00 am to 1.00 pm. Participants to bring a small piece of furniture. (Does not include upholstery.)
George Gourley Watercolours Painting Course: Complete a full painting of a cottage/house Monday 13, 20, 27 April & 11 May. From 10.00 am to12 noon - suitable for all abilities. Message 07821963749 to book.
KNOCKNAGIN HALL COMMITTEE
Irish Language Classes: Mondays at 7:30 pm.
Chair Exercises: Tuesday mornings at 10.00 am.
Irish Dancing Lessons: Tuesdays from 5:30 pm to 7.00 pm. Contact Nicola: 07518207458
Knit & Natter: Resumes 26 March at 7.30 pm.
St. Mary’s Bowling Club: Tuesdays at 8.00 pm. New members welcome.
Circuit training: Wednesdays at 7.30 pm.
Acrobats Gymnastics Club: Saturday’s from 9.00 am to 2.00 pm.
ST. COLM'S CAMINO
Sunday 12 April. All welcome. Walk with us & be part of something truly special! 16k or 22k, you choose! Or walk any distance that suits you. Camino route is flat, easy, & suitable for everyone. Let’s walk it together! Start at St. Colm's, Finish at Susan’s Trail. Tickets Now Available: St. Colm’s High School, Ballinascreen Credit Union, Heron’s Giftshop. Online via Klubfunder.
PALM SUNDAY RETREAT
The Columba Community invites you to its Palm Sunday Retreat on Sunday 29 March at 11.00 am in St Anthony's Retreat Centre, Dundrean, Co Donegal. Includes teaching, guided meditation, adoration & Eucharist. Please book by telephoning: 00353749384866.
EASTER ADORATION SERVICE - ST PATRICK’S, MAGHERA
St. Patrick’s College Choir invites you to an evening of music & reflection on the Passion of Christ. On Tuesday 31 March at 7.30 pm in St Mary’s Chapel, Maghera. All are warmly welcome to attend.
DESERTMARTIN MOTHERS & OTHERS GAELIC FOOTBALL
Training begins Thursday 19 March from 8.00 pm to 9.00 pm. All ladies aged 25+ are welcome. No experience required, fun, fitness & friendship! The first few sessions will take place indoors. Contact Julie on 07734865433.
ONE DAY RETREAT
“In The Stillness: Faith In A Busy World” - Lough Derg, Saturday 25 April. Boat departs 9.30 am. In a world that often feels busy & distracted, this retreat offers young adults the opportunity to pause, reflect & reconnect with faith in the peaceful setting of Lough Derg. The day will conclude with the celebration of the Eucharist at 5.00 pm, which is open to the public. Open to young adults aged 18–35 and free to attend, thanks to the support of the Knights of St Columbanus. Registration is essential: For further information please contact +447759496677 or info@knightsofstcolumbanusomagh.co.uk
PURPLE DAY (OR EPILEPSY AWARENESS DAY)
Will take place on Thursday 26 March. In Ireland today, over 45,000 people live with epilepsy. For further information, please visit www.epilepsy.ie.
DERRY DIOCESAN YOUTH PILGRIMAGE TO FATIMA
Young people aged 16+, join us on pilgrimage to Fatima for 5 nights from 3 to 8 August. A unique experience for young people, to engage with their peers from around the world in a faith context. Cost is £820, a budget plan available. Names & deposit of £100 to secure place. Contact 00442871264087, bethany.doherty@derrydiocese.org
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:
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:
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 1.00 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
We pray for our seminarians and men who are considering service to the Church as diocesan priests, that their interests will be in the things of the Holy Spirit who will have made His home in them (cf. St Paul to the Romans).
