BALLINASCREEN & DESERTMARTIN PARISHES 23_NOVEMBER_2025
- Ballinascreen Parish
- 4 days ago
- 7 min read
Updated: 7 hours ago
No. 4 ~ Feast of Christ the King
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
SUNDAY VIGIL MASSES
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 ~ 24 November:
10.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church
Tuesday ~ 25 November:
10.00 am ~ St Patrick’s Keenaught
Wednesday ~ 26 November:
10.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church
Thursday ~ 27 November:
10.00 am ~ St Mary’s Coolcalm
Friday ~ 28 November:
10.00 am ~ St Mary’s Coolcalm
7.30pm ~ Holy Rosary Church.
CONFESSIONS
Ballinascreen:
Holy Rosary Church: Saturdays at 5.30 pm; before Vigil Mass.
Desertmartin:
St Patrick’s, Keenaught: Saturdays from 6.30 pm until 7.10 pm.
FEASTS OF THE WEEK
Monday 24: St Andrew Dung-Lac, Priest and companions, martyrs
Tuesday 25: St Catherine of Alexandria, St Clement I, pope and martyr, St Colman,of Cloyne.
Thursday 27: St Fergal, Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal
Friday 28: St Catherine Laboure (Miraculous Medal), Our Lady of Kibeho (Rwanda)
Saturday 29: The Blessed Virgin Mary, Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian people.
NOVENA OF HOPE
Everyone welcome to The Novena of Hope which continues, with guest speaker, each Sunday at 6.00 pm, alternating between Holy Rosary Church and St Patrick’s Church Keenaught:
November 23: Holy Rosary Church ~ Sr Perpetua McNulty
November 30: St Patrick’s, Keenaught ~ Mr Michael Murphy
December 7: Holy Rosary Church ~ Carol Service with Novena prayers
December 14: St Patrick’s, Keenaught ~ Fr Paul Farren
Please Note: All Novena Services, in both churches, are recorded and posted on Ballinascreen Parish Facebook and Ballinascreen Parish website ~ www.parishofballinascreen.com
BALLINASCREEN FOLD MASS
Mass will be held at Ballinascreen Fold on Thursday 27th Nov at 12.45pm. All welcome to attend.
FIRST ANNIVERSARY MASS
Stephen Donnelly, Moneyneena: Friday 28 November at 7.30pm, in Holy Rosary Church.
MONTHS MIND MASS
Kevin Kelly, Bancran: Friday 28 November at 7.30pm, in Holy Rosary Church.
DEATHS
We extend our prayerful sympathy to the family and relatives of:
Brigid O’Neill, Magherafelt;
Josie Hamilton, Ballymaguigan;
Kate O’Kane, Maghera;
Sean McAlary, Maghera;
Rosemary Maunsell, Magherafelt;
Charles Murphy, Maghera.
ANNIVERSARIES
Ballinascreen:
1st Anniversary:
Patrick Tohill, Moydamlaght Rd.
Anniversaries: Mamie O'Hagan, Bradley Park;
John McDaid, Moneyneena Rd;
Robert Crossett, Glenelly Villas;
Peter McAllister, Sixtowns Rd;
Kathleen Donnelly, Mallon Villas;
Martina Thayaparan, Mallon Villas.
Desertmartin:
Mary O’Hagan;
Annie O’Neill;
James Murray;
Maggie Donnelly;
Tommy O’Kane;
James O’Connor.
BAPTISMS
We welcome into God’s family through the Sacrament of Baptism:
Eddie Joseph Glass;
Aoibheann Grace Hegarty;
Jaiden Michael Elalaoui;
Priya Margaret Conway;
Emer Kate Toner;
Shea Patrick Kelly
WEDDINGS
Congratulations and best wishes for the future to Grainne McGillian and Ryan Davidson who were recently married in St Columba’s Straw.
SPECIAL BOOKS OF REMEMBRANCE
A Book of Remembrance will be in each church, during November, for parishioners to enrol the names of their deceased loved ones.
PARISH COLLECTIONS
Ballinascreen
Parish Collection - £1645
Renovation Collection - £1115
Retired Priests Collection - £1545
Desertmartin
Parish Collection - £996.27
Thank you for your generous support which is greatly appreciated.
TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
Desertmartin Parish Christmas Draw: Draws every day for the 12days between Christmas Day and Monday 5 January 2026. The total prize fund is £5000. Tickets are £20 each. On sale at:
Ballinascreen & Desertmartin Parish Offices;
Heron’s gift shop;
Moneyneena P.O.
Ballinascreen Credit Union
Before & after Masses in Desertmartin Churches.
Gift a Christmas Ticket to family and friends this Christmas.
SLIEVE GALLION ACTIVE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION
Sunday 23rd November: From 11.00 am to 1.00 pm in Knocknagin Hall. Dr Kevin Donaghy (MB BCH BAO), specialist in memory issues of older people including Dementia. Mary Donaghy (BSC MPS) will be available to discuss health issues and carry out blood tests.
Also on same date CWSAN will conduct an introduction to Desertmartin Village Renewal Plan, all local groups are invited to attend. This will help with all future funding applications.
BALLINASCREEN CREDIT UNION
AGM on Monday 24 November 2025 in the Market Inn Draperstown.
NEW CORE GYMNASTICS CLUB
Formerly Ballinascreen Gymnastics Club.
Block 1 - Every Wednesday: Starting Wednesday 26 November. Venue: An Ráth Dubh, Moneyneena.
Class Times: 4-6yrs: 4 - 5pm, 7-9yrs: 5 - 6pm, 10yrs+: 6 - 7pm
Check our website for more details coregymnastics.club
WARM WELCOME WEDNESDAY
Workspace Community Hub: Wednesday 26 November from 11.00 am to 1.00 pm.
Relaxing Complementary Therapies Workshop. The power of mindfulness, the basics of aromatherapy and the practical uses of essential oils. Suitable for anyone curious about natural wellness techniques. Just drop-in. Doors open at 11am, workshop starts at 11.45 am. Free tea/coffee & refreshments
MASS AND HOLY HOUR FOR VOCATIONS
25 November at 7:30pm Mass in St Columb's Church, Chapel Rd, Waterside, Derry, will be offered for an increase in vocations to the Priesthood in the Diocese of Derry. A Holy Hour from 8 pm to 9 pm, concluding with Night Prayer and Benediction. All welcome.
FAITH LIVES
Lunchtime Series at Ulster University, Magee: Lunchtime conversations exploring how faith shapes real lives. Richard Moore, founder of Children in Crossfire, whose remarkable journey of forgiveness and resilience continues to inspire many. Wednesday 26 November from 1.00 pm to 1.45 pm. at MU203, Ulster University Magee Campus. Host: Catherine McGinty, The Derry News. You are warmly invited to attend.
SIXTOWNS CROSS COMMUNITY CENTRE
Social Dance Friday 28th November at 9.30 pm. Music by Sprig Of Heather, Everyone Welcome.
ADVENT RETREAT:
Guided prayer and Scripture reflection, opportunity for silent Adoration and celebration of the Eucharist. Inspiring talks and activities on living Advent with HOPE on 30 November 11.00 am to 4.00 pm in St Anthony’s Retreat Centre, Dundrean, Burnfoot, F93NF76. Registration: Tel: 0035374 9384866. Suggested Donation: €25
ST. VINCENT DEPAUL ANNUAL CHRISTMAS COLLECTION
During masses on Saturday 29 November and on Sunday 30 November. Donations can be placed into Blue envelope, available in all churches, and return to a church basket/SVP box. Thank you for your generosity.
CHRISTMAS HAMPER APPEAL
Sperrin Foodbank & SVP are providing Christmas hampers to people in need in Draperstown and surrounding areas. Donation points found in all the local schools, Lynch's, Centra and Devlin's Moneyneena, the Workspace Group and also at the Annual Carol Service in Holy Rosary on Sunday 7th December. If you, or someone you know, would like to receive a hamper this year, please contact Sperrin Foodbank 07543420639 or SVP 07710838050 in complete confidence by Friday 12 December . It doesn't matter if you are a single adult, single parent with children or a working family, they are willing and there to help you.
ST MARY’S PS DRAPERSTOWN OPEN DAY
Friday 5 December from 9.30am to 10.30am and 1.00 pm to 2.30 pm P1 Admissions. Everyone is welcome to visit. Contact us if this date does not suit. We are happy to show you around another time.
CATHOLIC MOTHERS IRELAND
A special Mass on Tuesday 9 December at 6:30 pm in St Malachy’s Church, Armagh, to mark the end of their 10-year Anniversary celebrations. Celebrated by Archbishop Eamon Martin. All are warmly invited to attend. For further information Email: catholicmothers@outlook.ie
CARING FOR PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA.
One day retreat on Wednesday10 December from 10.30 – 3.30 at Ards Friary. Cost is 50 Euro which includes tea/coffee and a light lunch. For bookings contact Ards
T:0749138909 E: info@ardsfriary.ie. For more information contact Caroline at carolinebrown268@gmail.com
TROICARE GIFTS AND DONATIONS
December 14, Troicare stall selling gifts and accepting donations.
After masses at:
Straw 9am,
Sixtowns 11am,
Moneyneena 12noon
KNOCKNAGIN HALL
Irish Language Classes: Mondays until 8 December at 7.30 pm.
Chair Exercises: Tuesdays at 10.00 am.
Irish Dancing lessons: Tuesdays 5.30 pm for new beginners and 6.00 pm. To register Contact Nicola on 07518207458
St Mary’s bowling club: Tuesday at 8.00 pm. New members welcome
Christmas Wreath Making Workshop: Friday 19 December from3.00 pm to 5.00 pm. Tutor: Alan Chambers. Places limited, contact: Olive: 07887 614094; Anne: 028 7964 2711
NETBALL IN BACKROW HALL
Wednesday nights from 8pm to 9pm for ladies aged 16 to 60. Suitable for beginners, no experience necessary. Admission £3. Come along for the craic. Contact Martina on 07795165999
SARSFIELD’S ACCORDION BAND
Annual Remembrance Mass for deceased members of AOH, and those who tragically lost their lives in the fire in Swatragh Hall on 8 December 1968, in the Parish Hall Sunday 30 November at 1.30 pm. All welcome.
MARY’S MEALS – DOUBLE THE LOVE
Our Double the Love Campaign has launched. All donations will be doubled by a group of generous supporters, up to £1.1million. Bringing hope to hungry children this year. Please continue to keep Mary’s Meals in your prayers so we can reach many more children. Further details and Christmas cards/gifts available at www.marysmeals.org.uk or freephone 0800 698 1212
Mary’s Meals sincerely thanks the very generous donor who donated €100 and £40, last weekend, in the Church collection.
PARISH BAPTISMS 2025
Ballinascreen Parish:
Baptisms on Sundays at 3.00 pm and all bookings to be made please via Ballinascreen Parish Office, by phone 02879628248 or by email ballinascreenparish@gmail.com
November 30 ~ Holy Rosary Church.
December 14 ~ St Columba’s, Straw.
December 21 ~ Holy Rosary Church.
December 28 ~ St Eugene’s Moneyneena.
Desertmartin Parish:
Baptisms on Sundays at 1.30 pm. To book a baptism, contact Fr McCaul on 028 79632196 or Desertmartin Parish Office on 028 79397047.
December: Sunday 7, Sunday 21.
NOTICES FOR THE BULLETIN
Notices should be received by 1.00 pm on Wednesday, preferably please by Email to ballinascreenparish@gmail.com or desertmartinparish@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, you MUST 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 that our seminarians and all the future priests of the diocese will be faithful servants of Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, King of the Universe.