BALLINASCREEN & DESERTMARTIN PARISHES 26_April_2026
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No. 26 ~ FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
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
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
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 FOR THIS WEEK
Monday ~ 27 April:
10.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church.
Tuesday ~ 28 April
10.00 am ~ St. Mary’s, Coolcalm.
Wednesday ~ 29 April
10.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church.
Thursday ~ 30 April
10.00 am ~ St Mary's, Coolcalm.
Friday ~ 1 May
10.00 am ~ St. Mary’s, Coolcalm.
7.30 pm ~ Holy Rosary.
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 27 April: St Asicus, bishop.
Tuesday 28 April: St Peter Chanel, priest and martyr. St Louis Marie Grignion de Montfort, priest.
Wednesday 29 April: St Catherine of Siena, Patron of Europe.
Thursday 30 April: St Pius V, pope.
Friday 1 May: St Joseph the Worker.
Saturday 2 May: St Athanasius, bishop & doctor of the Church.
DEATHS
We extend our prayerful sympathy to the family and relatives of:
Madge Walls, Luney Road.
Derek Lynn, Cordarragh.
MONTH'S MIND MASS
The Month's Mind Mass for Martin Donnelly, Oak Park will be celebrated on Friday 1 May at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
FIRST ANNIVERSARY MASS
The First Anniversary Mass of Nancy Hegarty, Sixtowns will be celebrated on Friday 1 May at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
The First Anniversary Mass of Vera Kelly, Bancran Roadwill be celebrated on Friday 1 May at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
ANNIVERSARIES
Ballinascreen:
First Anniversary:
Nancy Hegarty, Sixtowns.
Anniversaries:
Jawad Elattar, Cahore Hgts;
Charles Kearney, Glenelly Villas;
Ellen Doyle, Gortnari;
Baby Dara Jude Kennedy, Ranaghan Rd.;
Hugh Mills, Scutchers Lane;
Kathleen Burns, Derrynoid Rd.;
Mary Rogers, Disert Rd.;
Mary Lynn, Cordarragh.
Colette Murphy, Dunmurray Rd.;
Manus McElhone, Belfast;
John McWilliams, Ballinscreen Fold.
Desertmartin:
First Anniversary:
Pat O’Neill
Anniversaries:
Mary McGuckin, Tirgan Rd.;
Mary MacOscar;
Grainne McGovern;
Mary Murray;
Francis Murray;
Mary McGuigan;
Anne O’Neill;
Peter McGovern.
PARISH COLLECTIONS
Ballinascreen:
Renovation Collection - £ 2715.21
Weekly Collection - £ 2095.00
Trócaire Collection - £826.38 (Total to date: £8811.38)
Desertmartin:
Renovation Collection - £27
Weekly Collection - £770
Thank you for your generous support which is greatly appreciated.
DESERTMARTIN WEEKLY COLLECTIONS
Over the past few years Desertmartin Weekly collections have fallen, yet the costs of maintaining the parish continue to rise. This is a situation that needs addressing, especially if plans to upgrade St Patrick’s Church Keenaught and secure it for the next 50 years are to progress. Fr Madden will address these plans in person over the coming weeks. The time has come to restore the Offertory Collection to its proper place. We need BOTH men and women to commit to one month in the year to take up the collections at mass. We need two collectors for St Mary's Church, Coolcalm and three for St Patrick's Keenaught. If you have been a collector in the past please consider resuming this important role. Please give your name to Fr Madden or Fr McCaul or any of the sacristans as soon as possible. The Offertory Collection will resume its proper place on the first weekend of May.
TRÓCAIRE 2026
Many Thanks to all the parishioners who have returned their donations for this year’s Lenten Trócaire Appeal. If you still wish to make a donation please return your donation as soon as possible. Thank you.
HOLY COMMUNION
Knocknagin P.S. ~ 25 April at 11.00 am in St Mary's, Coolcalm.
St. Eoghan’s P.S. ~ 2 May at 11.00 am in St. Eugene's Moneyneena.
St. Mary’s P.S. ~ 9 May at 11.00 am in Holy Rosary Church.
Gaelscoil Na Speiríní ~ 16 May at 11.00 am in Holy Rosary Church.
St Columba’s P.S. ~ 16 May at 11.00 am in St Columba’s, Straw.
St Columb’s P.S., Cullion ~ 23 May at 11.00 am in St. Patrick's, Keenaught.
FRIENDS OF KNOCKNAGIN WALKING GROUP
6-week guided walking program, begins Thursday 23 April at 10.00 am from Knocknagin Hall, Desertmartin. 30-40 min walk, suitable for all abilities. Friendly & supportive group. Refreshments afterwards in Knocknagin Hall. Contact Deirdre for further info 07594124854
SIXTOWNS CROSS COMMUNITY GROUP
Ulster Bank will be running a FREE 'cost of living' financial workshop at Sixtowns Hall on Tuesday 28 April from 10.00 am to 11.00 am. Tea/Coffee provided. Please register your interest in attending by contacting Emma on 07769289385.
SILVER JUBILEE MASS
Twenty-five years ago, on 29 April 2001, Bishop Donal McKeown was ordained Auxiliary Bishop of Down and Connor, a role in which he served until April 2014, when he was installed as Bishop of Derry, following his appointment as our new bishop by the late Pope Francis. A Silver Jubilee Mass will be celebrated in St Eugene’s Cathedral, Derry today (Sunday) at 3.00 pm which can be viewed on the cathedral webcam. We extend our congratulations to Bishop Donal and assure him of our prayers as he continues to serve the People of God in the Derry Diocese.
NOURISH & CONNECT MID ULSTER
Learn how to cook healthy meals on a budget, improve your wellbeing & grow your own food. Join this free 8-week programme. Wednesday 29 April at 2.00 pm in An Ráth Dubh, Moneyneena. To register contact Rosemary Tel: 07748 645007 or Email: rosemary@networkpersonnel.org.uk
WARM WELCOME WEDNESDAY
Workspace Community Hub: Wednesday 29 April & 6 May from 11.00 am to 1.00 pm. A member of the Digital Inclusion Team from Supporting Communities will be attending to provide free digital skills training. The first session 29 April looks at online safety, how to spot a scam & tips to stay safe on the internet. The second session 6 May, ‘Getting to know your device’ looks at settings, accessibility features, using apps & more. Sessions commence at 11.45 am & attendees welcome to bring their own smart phone or tablet. Refreshments served. No need to book, any queries, call Workspace 028 7962 8113.
THE COLUMBAN YOUNG ADULTS
A new group for those aged 18 - 30 in the diocese, seeking a community of like-minded young adults who have Christ at the centre of their lives. The first event will be a talk on Thursday 30 April, at 7:30 pm in our Lady of Lourdes Church, Steelstown, Derry, delivered by the Servant Sisters of Home of the Mother. It will be on the question, ' Why be a Young Catholic in 2026', in which they will also reflect on the life of Sr. Clare Crockett. The talk will be followed by Solemn Benediction and light refreshments.
BIG BREAKFAST AND HILL WALK
Tirgan Hall, Sunday3 May. Hill walk registration at 8.45am. Breakfast served from 9.00 am. £10 per person. Please support by walking, eating or both! 2026 nominated charities are Slieve Gallion Community Pre-school and the Fort Centre Maghera.
JIVING GYM
Tirgan Hall, Begins Wednesday 6 May for 4 weeks, To book please see our facebook page.
SGARA
Dance in St Mary's Hall Knocknagin, Desertmartin 24 May. Music by John Rafferty from 3.00 pm to 5.30 pm. Back by popular demand. Sure to be a great show! ADM £10. Bring your own bottle.
KNOCKNAGIN HALL COMMITTEE
Irish Language Class: Monday’s at 7:30 pm.
Chair Exercises: Tuesdays at 10.00 am.
Irish Dancing Lessons: Tuesday evenings from 5:30 pm to 7.00 pm. To register, contact Nicola: 07518 207458
Céilí Dancing Lessons: Begins Tuesday 28 April at 7:30 pm. All levels welcome
Friends Of Knocknagin Walking Group: 6-week walking group starts on Thursday 23 April. Easy 30–40 minute walk, meeting at Knocknagin Hall at 10.00 am every Thursday. All abilities welcome.
Acrobats Gymnastics Club: Saturdays from 9.00 am to 2.00 pm.
Sarsfield’s Accordion Band: Band Practice continues fortnightly on Thursday evenings. Next practice is on Thursday 30 April at 7:30 pm. All members are requested to attend. New and past members are welcome.
DERRY DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO KNOCK SHRINE
Saturday 6 June 2026. In conjunction with the All-Ireland Rosary Rally, we will celebrate at our National Eucharistic and Marian Shrine. Buses will leave St Eugene's Cathedral, Derry at 8.00 am. Cost £50, includes dinner in Knock House Hotel following the conclusion of the Mass in the Basilica. For further information, please contact Karen in the parish office at St Eugene's on 028 7126 2894 or by email at cathedral@derrydiocese.org.
GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS
Is gambling affecting your life? We would like to help. Pick up the phone and ring 028 7135 1329.
BLESSING OF GRAVES 2026
Saturday 18 July
5.00 pm: St. Eugene’s, Moneyneena. Vigil Mass and Blessing of Graves.
7.00 pm: St. Patricks’, Keenaught. Vigil Mass and Blessing of Graves.
No Vigil mass in Holy Rosary
Sunday 19 July
10.00 am: St. Mary’s, Coolcalm. Mass followed by Blessing of Graves.
11.00 am: St. Patrick’s, Sixtowns. Mass followed by Blessing of Graves
12 noon: Old Keenaught, Blessing of the Graves.
2.00 pm: Straw. Blessing of Graves
No 12 noon mass in Moneyneena
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:
3 May, Straw.
10 May, Moneyneena.
17 May, Holy Rosary.
24 May, Sixtowns.
31 May, Straw.
14 June, Moneyneena.
21 June, Holy Rosary.
5 July, Sixtowns.
12 July, Straw.
26 July, Moneyneena.
2 August, Holy Rosary.
9 August, Sixtowns.
16 August, Straw.
23 August, Moneyneena.
30 August, Holy Rosary.
6 September, 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:
3 & 17 May
7 & 21 June
5 & 18 July
2 & 9 August
DERRY DIOCESAN SOCIETY
If you wish to enrol someone in the society, 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 that the hearts of our seminarians and the men discerning a vocation to the diocesan priesthood will burn with the fire of the Gospel and with a desire to preach and spread the Good News of the Resurrection of Jesus from the dead.
