BALLINASCREEN & DESERTMARTIN PARISHES 25_OCTOBER_2026
No. 52 ~ THIRTIETH 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
Holy Rosary: 6.00 pm - DDS Mass
St Patrick’s, Keenaught: 5.00 pm - NB Earlier Time
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 FOR THIS WEEK
Monday ~ 26 October
10.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church.
Tuesday ~ 27 October
10.00 am ~ St Mary's, Coolcalm - DDS Mass.
Wednesday ~ 28 October
10.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church.
Thursday ~ 29 October
10.00 am ~ St Mary's, Coolcalm.
1.00 pm ~ Ballinascreen Fold Mass
Friday ~ 30 October
10.00 am ~ St. Mary’s, Coolcalm.
7.30 pm ~ Holy Rosary Church.
CONFESSIONS
Ballinascreen: Holy Rosary 5.30 pm - before Vigil Mass.
Desertmartin: Keenaught, Saturday 6.30 pm until 7.10 pm.
FEASTS OF THE WEEK
Tuesday 27 October: St Otteran, monk.
Wednesday 28 October: Ss Simon and Jude.
Thursday 29 October: St Colman, bishop.
Saturday 31 October: Bl. Dominic Collins, martyr.
BALLINASCREEN FOLD
The FOLD Mass takes place on Thursday 29 October at 1.00 pm. All welcome.
D.D.S MASS
If you wish to enrol someone in the society, please contact the parish office. The fee for a living or deceased member is £20.
The following masses will be offered for the deceased members of the Derry Diocesan Society:
Tuesday 27 October at 10.00 am in St Mary’s, Coolcalm;
Saturday 31 October at 6.00 pm in Holy Rosary.
HALLOWEEN WEEKEND MASSES AND ALL SOULS DAY
In order to accommodate families and the celebration of Halloween next Saturday October 31, Mass in Keenaught will be celebrated at 5.00 pm and not 7.30 pm. Mass in Holy Rosary will be at the usual time of 6.00 pm.
Please note the change of Mass times for Monday 2 November - All Souls Day:
7.00 am ~ Holy Rosary.
10.00 am ~ Coolcalm & Moneyneena.
11.00 am ~ Sixtowns.
7.30 pm ~ Straw.
7.30 pm ~ Keenaught.
ROME & ASSISI PILGRIMAGE
During their pilgrimage to Assisi and Rome pilgrims from Ballinascreen and Desermtartin, accompanied by Fr Madden will pray for all parishioners and Mass will be offered by Fr Madden on Sunday (Today) at the Tomb of St Carlo Acutis for the intentions of all.
DEATHS
We extend our prayerful sympathy to the family and relatives of:
Terry Hegarty, Ranaghan Road.
MONTH'S MIND MASS
The Month's Mind Mass for Cecilia Bradley, Gortnari will be held on Friday 30 October at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
FIRST ANNIVERSARY MASS
The First Anniversary Mass for John Joe Shaw, Grange Lane, will be held on Friday 6 November at 10.00 am in St Mary’s Church, Coolcalm.
ANNIVERSARIES
Ballinascreen:
First Anniversaries:
Kevin Kelly, Bancran;
John Joe McKenna, Cloane.
Anniversaries:
Maureen McCullagh, Belfast;
Brigid McEldowney, Fivemilestraight;
Reece Kelly, Mallon Villas;
Daniel Doherty, Cloane Rd.;
Alice kelly, Magherafelt Rd.
Desertmartin:
Selina McElwee;
Ignatius Crawley;
Alphonsus Crawley,
Geraldine Hughes;
Francis Loane;
Alphonsus Shaw;
Henry McBride;
Baby Mary McBride;
James Connery.
BAPTISMS
We welcome into God’s family through the Sacrament of Baptism:
Callie Sophia Flanaghan, Glenshane Park.
PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES WITH BISHOP MICHAEL ROUTER
The Derry Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes led by Bishop Michael Router will take place in July 2027. There are TWO possible travel arrangements available to all pilgrims. A group will depart from City of Derry Airport on Thursday 8 July 2027 and return to City of Derry Airport on Tuesday 13 July 2027. A second group will depart from Belfast Airport on Wednesday 7 July and return to Belfast Airport on Wednesday 14 July. Any pilgrim interested in going should leave their name, contact details and flight preference with either Fr Michael McCaul, Fr Peter Madden or in the Parish Offices as soon as possible. Please note that the pilgrimage last year was sold out in 10 days.
ANNUAL SOLEMN NOVENA
In honour of Our Lady of Perpetual Help: Nine Sundays before Christmas in Long Tower Church, Derry at 6.00 pm, beginning this Sunday 25 October. ‘Make me a Channel of your Peace – celebrating the 800th Jubilee Year of St Francis’. Each night will comprise of the Rosary, Novena prayer and petitions with a short talk given by various guest speakers and Eucharistic Healing Ceremony with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. We encourage everybody, including those in particular need of healing to join us.
ST COLUMBA’S HARVEST THANKSGIVING
Rev. Canon Gary Millar and St Columba's Church of Ireland congregation extend a warm welcome to our Harvest Thanksgiving at 7.00 pm on Sunday 26 October. Our guest choir is Tamlaght O'Crilly Community Choir and the evening will conclude with an apple tart supper.
VIATORES CHRISTI PARISH VISIT
Members of Viatores Christi will speak at Masses in this parish during the Saturday Vigil and the Sunday Masses on the Weekend of 7/8 November. Viatores Christi (VC), is an association of Catholic lay missionary/development workers, founded in 1960 .VC brings about positive change by improving access to healthcare, education and livelihood opportunities in the marginalised communities in which we work. We want to raise awareness about the missionary work of the Church and the role of lay missionaries, both at home and overseas. Thank the people of the Derry Diocese for your support for our work over the years. We would like to offer an opportunity and preparation to anyone who feels called to volunteer. And we appeal for ongoing help both financially and above all through prayer. There will be an exit collection in aid of the work of VC.
PARISH COLLECTIONS
Ballinascreen:
Weekly Collection - £1341
Renovation Collection - £811
Mission Collection - £1390
Desertmartin:
Weekly Collection - £1329.10
Thank you for your generous support which is greatly appreciated.
FATIMA PILGRIMAGE
Fully escorted group to Fatima accompanied by Spiritual Director, 28 June – 5 July 2027. Direct Daytime Flights Belfast to Porto return. Staying in 4* Hotel. Full Board. Services of JWT Pilgrimage Guide. Daily Mass & Spiritual Activities. Cost £975pps. Early Booking Offer: £100 OFF if Paid In Full by 30 November 2026. Further details contact Christina Lagan 07803192621
CHOIR DIRECTOR: ST EUGENE’S CATHEDRAL, DERRY
10 hours per week: St Eugene’s Cathedral is recruiting for an experienced choir director to lead and manage all aspects of the cathedral choir. They will ensure that the music enhances worship services and aligns with the church’s liturgical themes. For a job description and application pack - Tel.: (028) 7126 2302 or Email: recruitment@derrydiocese.org. Submit completed applications to Personnel, Bishop’s House, St Eugene’s Cathedral, Francis Street, Derry, BT48 9AP, or Email to: recruitment@derrydiocese.org. Applications to be received by noon on Thursday 12 November 2026.
DERRY DIOCESE VOCATIONS
There will be a meeting for anyone considering a vocation to the diocesan priesthood, in Derry, on Sunday 8 November, beginning at 4.00 pm. For further details, please contact the Diocesan Vocations Director, Fr Pat O'Hagan - Email: pgoh2111@gmail.com or Tel.: (028) 79386259.
CASTOR LIFE / O’KANE’S PHARMACY
O’Kane’s Pharmacy event in collaboration with Castor Life, exploring the potential benefits of incorporating castor oil into everyday health and wellness routines. The event will be led by Castor Life founders, Jacqui and Claudio, who have a wealth of knowledge and experience in the use of castor oil. They'll be discussing its traditional uses and potential benefits, including skincare, joint and muscle comfort, scalp health and digestive wellness. Thursday 29 October in The Hub, Draperstown from 7.00 pm to 9.00 pm Tickets: £5 (redeemable on the night & available to buy in our Tobermore Road Pharmacy).
COMMUNITY WREATH MAKING WORKSHOP
Nominate 2 - 5 people to take part, this could be committee members, or a group of parents / supporters producing a wreath for their children's local school, sports club etc. or a group of friends that attend activities / workshops delivered by the organisation. Monday 26 October, 2 & 9 November from 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm in Workspace Community Hub, 50 High Street, Draperstown. To register your group to take part please contact Rosemary, Email: info@cfballinascreen.org or Tel.:07748 645007
WARM WELCOME WEDNESDAY
Workspace Community Hub - Wednesday 28 October from 11.00 am to 1.00 pm. We will be joined by PRONI, the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland at 11.45am. PRONI’s role is to identify, preserve and enhance access to records of historical, social and cultural significance. We will learn about PRONI’s history, the material it holds, started with online research and how to make a visit. Also discussed, how their collections can be used to trace family tree or local history research. Just drop in on the day. Free tea, coffee & refreshments.
KNOCKNAGIN HALL
Craft Fair: Sunday 8 November from 10:30 am to 3.00 pm. Santa will visit from 11.00 am to 2.00 pm! A wonderful selection of handmade treasures from talented crafters from all over Mid-Ulster! Over 25 stalls packed with handmade goodies! festive decorations and so much more — there’s something for everyone! Support local crafters, find unique Christmas presents and enjoy a lovely festive day out! Bring the children along to meet Santa and get into the Christmas spirit! Spread the word and bring your family and friends — we look forward to seeing you there!
SARSFIELD’S ACCORDION BAND.
Band practice on Thursday evenings 7:30pm. New and past members are welcome to come along.
SIXTOWNS CROSS COMMUNITY GROUP
Join us at Sixtowns Cross Community Hall for Halloween this year.
Children’s Fancy Dress Halloween Disco (Pre & Primary School): Thursday 29 October from 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm. Entry £3, or £10 per family. Tuck shop, music and prizes. All children to be accompanied by an adult.
Adults’ Halloween Disco: Saturday 31 October from 8.30 pm to midnight. Entry £10, food included. Live DJ, raffle on the night. Prizes for best dressed.
Indoor Bowls: Mondays at 8.15 pm. New Members Welcome.
Christmas Fair with Santa: Sunday 29 November 2026 at Sixtowns Hall. Tables are booking up fast. £20 per table or £30 for two. To book Tel.: 07769 289385
GAELSCOIL & NAÍSCOIL NA SPEIRÍNÍ - OPEN AFTERNOON
Sunday 15 November from 1.00 pm to 3.00 pm. Parents and children who are ready for Primary 1 and Nursery in September 2027 are very welcome to visit the school and meet with staff and pupils. Fun Activities for all. Santa Claus will be there to meet all the children too.
BINGO FOR BALI
Join us for an evening of fun bingo, laughter and great prizes as we raise funds for occupational therapy equipment for underprivileged children in Bali. Saturday 14 November in An Ráth Dubh, Moneyneany. Doors open at 7.00 pm, eyes down at 7:30 pm. Tickets £15, available at Centra, Draperstown; Heron’s Chemist; or Spar, Tobermore. Or contact Katie at 07834276636 or Amy on 07517079916. All support greatly appreciated!
ANNIVERSARY CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations to Angela & Gerard McGuigan, Knocknagin Road, who recently celebrated sixty-seven years of enduring love and commitment.
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:
1 November, St. Columba's, Straw.
8 November, St Eugene’s Moneyneena.
29 November, Holy Rosary Church.
6 December, St. Patrick's, Sixtowns.
13 December, St. Columba's, Straw.
20 December, St Eugene’s Moneyneena.
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:
November 8 & 22 2026
December 6 & 20 2026
January 10 & 24 2027
February 7 & 21 2027
March 7 & 14 2027
April 4 & 18 2027
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
St Paul reminds the Thessalonians that it was "...with the joy of the Holy Spirit that [they] took to the Gospel..." We pray for the future priests of our diocese that they will feel the joy that comes from the Spirit of God as they read, live, and preach the Good News of God's love.
