BALLINASCREEN & DESERTMARTIN PARISHES 23_AUGUST_2026
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No. 43 ~ TWENTY-FIRST 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 25 JULY
Holy Rosary: 6.00 pm
St Patrick’s, Keenaught: 7.30 pm
SUNDAY MASSES - SUNDAY 26 JULY
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 ~ 24 August
10.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church.
Tuesday ~ 25 August
10.00 am ~ St. Mary’s, Coolcalm. DDS Mass.
Wednesday ~ 26 August
10.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church.
Thursday ~ 27 August
10.00 am ~ St Mary's, Coolcalm
Friday ~ 28 August
10.00 am ~ St. Mary’s, Coolcalm.
7.30 pm ~ Holy Rosary.
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 24 August: St Bartholomew, apostle.
Thursday 20 August: St Monica.
Friday 28 August: St Augustine bishop & doctor of the Church.
Saturday 29 August: The Passion of St John the Baptist.
DEATHS
We extend our prayerful sympathy to the family and relatives of:
Sean Lagan, Magherafelt;
Mary Patricia Kealey, Ballymaguigan;
Patsy McPeake Greenlough.
MONTH'S MIND MASS
Month's Mind Mass for Bernadette Regan, St Patrick’s Street, on Friday 28 August at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
Month's Mind Mass for Joe Joe McGuigan, Moykeeran, on Friday 28 August at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
Month's Mind Mass for Joe Burke, Glenelly Villas, on Friday 28 August at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
Month's Mind Mass for Francie Donnelly, Ranaghan Road, on Friday 28 August at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
Month's Mind Mass for Madge Cullinan, Moykeeran on Friday 28 August at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
ANNIVERSARIES
Ballinascreen:
First Anniversary:
Georgina McGlone, Glenelly Villas.
Anniversaries:
Joseph Duffy, Cavanreagh Road;
John Convery Gortnari;
Brendan McPeake, Cahore Terrace;
Mary McCullagh, Bancran Road;
Cathal McWilliams, Fivemilestraight;
Rosaleen Murray Dunlogan Road;
Mary Henry, Cahore Terrace and Ballinascreen Fold.
Desertmartin:
First Anniversary:
Johnny Donnelly, Magherafelt & Brackalislea.
Anniversaries:
Brendan McElhennon;
Bernard Donnelly;
Paddy Henry;
Bridget Henry;
Matilda Donnelly;
John Donnelly;
Mickey Donnelly;
Kathleen Donnelly;
Rose Donnelly;
Emily Murray.
BAPTISMS
We welcome into God’s family through the Sacrament of Baptism:
Natalia Aoife McGuigan, Astudillo, Valencia;
Eadaoin McKeown, Cloane Lane;
Ceadach Francis Glass, Drumard Road.
WEDDING
Congratulations and best wishes for the future to:
Mary-Louise McBride and Conor McWilliams who were married recently in St. Patrick's Church, Sixtowns.
PARISH COLLECTIONS
Ballinascreen:
Weekly Collection - £1849
Renovation Collection - £2196
Desertmartin:
Weekly Collection - £1,175
Renovation Collection - £25
Thank you for your generous support which is greatly appreciated.
SUMMER BONANZA DRAW WINNERS ~ WEEK 1 & WEEK 2
Week 1
£1000 ~ Clinona and Charlie Conway,
£200 ~ Shane Toner, Cahore Road,
£100 ~ Niamh McCullagh, Coolnasillagh Road.
Week 2
£1000 ~ Katie, Rose, Michael and Jack Millar, Drumard Lane,
£200 ~ Jack and Noah Higgins, Moneyneena Road,
£100 ~ Natasha McEldowney, Mulnavoo Road.
You may still purchase a ticket to be entered in the draw for the two remaining weeks!
Week 4 (29 August): 1st Prize ~ £1000, 2nd Prize ~ £200, 3rd Prize ~ £100.
Week 5 (5 September): 1st Prize ~ £2000, 2nd Prize ~ £500, 3rd Prize ~ £300.
ST PIO KNOCK PILGRIMAGE
National Knock Pilgrimage in honour of St Pio of Pietrelcina on Sunday September 20. Coach will leave from Holy Rosary Church at 7.00 am, pickup at St Mary's Coolcam (7.10 am) returning at 10.00 pm approx. Fare £35 (includes breakfast) payable on booking. All welcome.
To book please contact:07836366949 or 07732125316 or 07769720546.
OUTDOOR SERVICE AT ST ANNE’S CHURCH SIXTOWNS
Today, Sunday 23 August at 4.00 pm, conducted by Rural Dean, Rev Gary Millar. The church has been closed since December 2023 and is still awaiting repairs. All are very welcome to this outdoor service.
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:
KNOCKNAGIN HALL
Chair Exercises: Tuesdays 10.00 am to 11.00 am. A fun and exciting way to get exercise and improve your wellbeing, all welcome. Adm £4.
Irish Dancing Lessons: Tuesday 5.30 pm to 7.00 pm to register, please contact Nicola 07518 207458.
Line Dancing Classes: Wednesdays from 7.30 pm, suitable for all ages from beginners to experts. A fun way to get exercise, improve your mental health and develop your dancing skills! Adm £5. All welcome.
OUT & ABOUT COMMUNITY TRANSPORT
This registered charity has been providing an accessible rural transport service in the old Magherafelt District Council Area since 1999.
This organisation continues to provide affordable and safe transport for the community. All their buses are fully accessible for a range of mobility needs. Transport is provided to a range of services including medical appointments, visiting family, essential shopping, social outings, community events and training and employment. If you or anyone you know would benefit from this very worthwhile service, please phone 028 79300123 or visit www.outandaboutct.org
SIXTOWNS DANCE
Monthly Social Dance in Sixtowns Cross Community Centre on Friday 28 August at 9.30 pm. Music by Kieran McAree. Everyone welcome.
CORMAC Ó CEALLAIGH CCÉ MUSIC CLASSES.
Were you at the best Fleadh Cheoil ever in Belfast? Were you wishing that you or your children were able to play or sing like all those musicians at the Fleadh? Maybe you played as a child and are now inspired to pick up your instrument again? There is an answer to all these questions! Classes in fiddle, tin whistle, concertina, harp, banjo/mandolin, guitar, traditional singing and bodhran start at end of September.
There will also be an adult only mixed instrument class, for all lapsed players, who want to start playing again.
Two new classes will also be offered: drumming (for beginners) and Seisiún tunes repertoire (for the more advanced musicians).
Please register early to avoid disappointment as classes are kept small. Preference will be given to current members.
Registration closes on 5 September to allow time to organise tutors. Further details and the Klubfunder link to register for classes are on Cormac Ó Ceallaigh CCÉ Facebook page.
BUNCRANA GARDEN FETE 2026
Today Sunday, 23 August from 3.00 pm to 6.00 pm at Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana F93 PN53. Fun for all the family. All welcome.
BALLINASCREEN GAC
Irish Language and Culture Night at 7.00 pm on Friday 18 September. More details to follow on Ballinascreen GAC social media pages. Ballinascreen GAC hope to enter teams in the Junior Scór Dhoire in October. Contact John on 07471374398 to register or for any queries.
KILCRONAGHAN CENTRE
Vintage Rally, Craft Fair and Family Fun Day, on Saturday 26 September from 11.00 am to 3.00 pm. For more details, please see Kilcronaghan Facebook page or ring 028 79627826.
CATHOLIC MOTHERS IRELAND – FAMILY DAY
Annual National Mass on Sunday 6 September at Termonbacca Retreat Centre, Derry. Mass at 2.00 pm, celebrated by Bishop McKeown, followed by refreshments, children's activities, and a talk for parents.
This promises to be a lovely day for the whole family. For more details and to book please email info@catholicmothers.ie. All welcome.
BLESSING OF BIKERS AND MOTORCYCLES
Sunday 13 September in St Aengus’ Chapel, Burt, at 1.30 pm. All welcome to attend the brief service and blessing, after which all are welcome to join the run to Ned’s Point RNLI Station, to present the donation to the RNLI.
Please note, Mass will be celebrated on Sunday 13 September at 11.30 am in St Patrick’s Church, Dungiven, for deceased bikers, especially those who have died in the past year.
LEGION OF MARY ~ CONFERENCE FOR YOUNG ADULTS
Conference on faith and culture for young adults (18-40) with talks, prayer, Mass, confession, workshops, food and social in Legion of Mary Headquarters De Montfort House, North Brunswick Street, Dublin 7, on Saturday 29 August, 9.30 am to 6.00 pm, social after. Tickets €20 can be booked online at Eventbrite under 'Embrace the Grace'. Any queries can be emailed to deusetpatria@gmail.com
ST JOSEPH MEN'S CAMINO
Every Camino changes us in ways we don't expect, every man needs one.
25km pilgrimage through the Boyne Valley, beginning in Drogheda on Saturday 12 September. The day includes Mass, Adoration, Rosary, Confessions, fraternity, lunch and dinner. Open to men aged 18+. Cost: €65 /student €55. Registration and more details please visit www.dominicans.ie/events or email op.evangelisation@gmail.com
FREE ONLINE STRESS CONTROL CLASSES
Next block of classes commence at 9.00 am on Monday 7 September at https://ni.stresscontrol.org/. Any questions or queries, please email stress.control@northerntrust.hscni.net
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:
23 August, Moneyneena.
30 August, Holy Rosary.
Saturday 5 September, Sixtowns.
13 September, Straw.
4 October, Holy Rosary.
Saturday 17 October, Sixtowns.
1 November, Straw.
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 6 & 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
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
In this Sunday's gospel Peter acknowledges Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God, and Jesus confers on Peter ‘..the keys of the Kingdom..’ an image reflected in the First Reading where the Lord says He will ‘..place the key of David..’ on the shoulder of those called to lead His people, those who will be called ‘father’.
