BALLINASCREEN & DESERTMARTIN PARISHES 27_SEPTEMBER_2026
No. 48 ~ TWENTY-SIXTH 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
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 ~ 28 September
10.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church.
11.00 am St Columba's Church, Straw - Opening of the new achool year Mass for Gaelscoil na Speiríní.
Tuesday ~ 29 September
10.00 am ~ St. Mary’s, Coolcalm.
Wednesday ~ 30 September
10.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church.
Thursday ~ 1 October
10.00 am ~ St Mary's, Coolcalm.
1.00 pm ~ Mass in The Fold
Friday ~ 2 October
10.00 am ~ St. Mary’s, Coolcalm.
6.00 pm ~ Holy Rosary Church. (Note: Earlier Time)
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 28 September: St Wenceslaus, Ss Lawrence Ruiz & Companions.
Tuesday 29 September: Ss Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Archangels.
Wednesday 23 September: St Jerome.
Thursday 1 October: St Thérése of the Child Jesus
Friday 2 October: The Guardian Angels.
Saturday 3 October: Blessed Columba Marmion.
CHANGE OF MASS TIME
Please note that the evening Mass in Holy Rosary on Friday 2 October will be at the earlier time of 6.00 pm.
PADRE PIO MASS
Monthly Mass in honour of St Pio of Pietrelcina will be celebrated on Monday 5 October in Holy Rosary Church at 7.30 pm.
DEATH
We extend our prayerful sympathy to the family and relatives of:
Brendan Magill, Randalstown.
FIRST ANNIVERSARY MASS
The First Anniversary Mass for Michael Bradley, Disert Road, will be held on Friday 16 October at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
ANNIVERSARIES
Ballinascreen:
Eileen Kelly, Portstewart;
Rosaleen Leyden, Tonagh Rd.;
Pat McGlone, Glenelly Villas;
Brian McGuigan, Drumard Lane;
Harry McPeake, Bradley Park;
Bernadette Murray, Campbelltown;
Donna Kelly, Campbelltown;
Daniel Kelly, Glenelly Villas;
Baby Eden Devlin;
Connie Niblock, Magherafelt.
Desertmartin:
Margaret McWilliams;
Alice McBride;
Mary Ann McKay;
John McGuigan.
ST FAUSTINA WEEKEND
Takes place in St Mary’s Church, Convoy Co Donegal on 3 & 4 October. Prayer and reflection on Divine Mercy Devotions. Led by Fr Eamonn Kelly. You are invited to come to all or part of the weekend.
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION:
Derry Diocese is renewing & developing its Diocesan Adoration Lay Committee to increase the practice of Eucharistic Adoration in parishes. Information Meeting on Wednesday 30 September at 8.00 pm, in The Drummond Hotel, Ballykelly. Registration & refreshments at 7.30pm. All welcome.
DO THIS IN MEMORY OF ME ENROLMENT MASS
The first DTIM mass is the 'Enrolment Mass', for ALL the children of the parish preparing for First Holy Communion next year and will take place on Saturday 10 October in Holy Rosary Church at 6.00 pm Vigil Mass.
PARISH COLLECTIONS
Ballinascreen:
Weekly Collection - £1553
Renovation Collection - £881.35
Retired Priests Collection - £1476.20
Desertmartin:
Weekly Collection - £1086
Thank you for your generous support.
WARM WELCOME WEDNESDAY
In Workspace Community Hub on Wednesday 30 September from 11.00 am to 1.00 pm. Join us for Herbal Tea Tasting, part of the Nourish and Connect Mid Ulster programme. Facilitated by Jane from Spiral Soul Apothecary, using herbs for relaxation, digestion, immunity and seasonal wellbeing through tasting and discussion. Just drop in on the day. Free refreshments
CHARITY COFFEE MORNING
In Memory of James Pio McKee. On Sunday 27 September from 9.30 am to 1.30 pm, in Ballinscreen Club. Supporting STEPS and SANDS. All Welcome
ULSTER RETREAT DAY
Catholic Mothers Ireland invite you to their Ulster Retreat Day on Saturday 3 October from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm at Benburb Priory. A day of prayer, reflection, and spiritual renewal with guest speakers Fr Barry Matthews, Fr Gerry Campbell, Helen Stewart and Jim Deeds. Lunch and refreshments provided. Cost: £45. Booking: www.catholicmothers.ie/retreats All welcome - bring a friend.
SVP SOCIAL DANCING
Join in An Afternoon of Social Dancing at St Columb's Hall, Derry on Wednesday 30 September from 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm. Admission £2.50 - pay at the door. Includes Afternoon Tea. In aid of St Vincent de Paul.
MICHAEL ENGLISH GOSPEL 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:
LOCAL YOUTH USHERS REQUIRED
We are seeking local youth ushers to help with the upcoming Michael English Fundraising Gospel Concert on Friday 2 October in St Patrick's Church, Keenaught from 6.30 pm to 10.30 pm. If you are interested, please give your name to any of the priests, parish offices or sacristans. Thank you in advance for all your help and support.
CLEANERS REQUIRED
For the cleaning of St Patrick’s Church, Keenaught before the ‘Michael English’ Concert. If you could possibly help please come along on Tuesday night 29 September at 7.00 pm and bring a brush or mop and bucket. We would like the Church ‘looking its best’ on the night.
WELLNESS EVENING
Friday 2 October from 7.00 pm to 9.00 pm, in Workspace Community Hub. Join us for an evening of taster treatment from local therapists, with light refreshments. All proceeds in aid of STEPS.
DESERTMARTIN CREDIT UNION
Anyone interested in requesting heating oil through our Heating Oil Club, please place your order by calling in or contacting our office during the office hours before 11.00 am on Saturday 3 October.
KNOCKNAGIN HALL
Salsa Dancing For Beginners: Our 6-week Salsa Dancing class is perfect for beginners, no previous experience or partner needed! Have fun and learn some great new moves Starts: Thursday 1 October from 7.00 pm to 8:30 pm, Cost: £42 for the 6-week block. To book: Tel.: 07435876140 or Email: maeldeedee@gmail.com
Craft Fair: A few tables remaining for our Christmas Craft Fair! Sunday 8 November from 10:30 am to 3.00 pm. £20 per table or 2 for £30. £10 booking deposit. Email knocknaginhc@gmail.com or 078 8761 4094 to secure a table.
Irish Class: Monday evenings. Bunrang (Beginners) 6:45 pm to 8.00 pm. Meánrang (Improvers) 8.00 pm to 9:30 pm. Anyone wishing to join either class can book a place by Email: knocknaginhc@gmail.com or Tel.: 028 7963 1744 / 078 3516 1927. Cost 8 wks £40. Partly supported by MUDC.
Chair Exercise: Tuesday from 10.00 am to 11.00 am, All welcome Adm £4.
Irish Dancing: Tuesday 5:30 pm to 7.00 pm. To register contact Nicola: 07518 207458
Bowling Club: Tuesday 8.00 pm, Suitable for all ages, everyone welcome.
Céilí Dancing Classes: New 6-week block starting on Wednesday 30 September at 7:30 pm. Suitable for all ages. Please note Line Dancing has stopped and will return again shortly.
Acrobats Gymnastics Club: Saturday from 9.00 am to 2.00 pm. Spaces are available. To register visit https://acro-bats.classforkids.io/term/10
Sarsfield’s Accordion Band. Practice on Thursdays at 7:30 pm. We warmly welcome new and past members to come along and join us.
RANGANNA GAEILGE DO DHAOINE FÁSTA
Glór na Speiríní are delighted to announce recommencement of our adult Irish language classes Thursday 1 October from 7.30 to 9.00 pm in Straw, Ballinascreen. Cost for 10 lessons is £40. 5 levels to cater for everyone's needs. Contact Conchúr conchurglor@gmail.com / 07795536682 Urraithe ag Comhairle Ceantair Lár Uladh
SIXTOWNS CROSS COMMUNITY GROUP
Indoor Bowls: Begins Monday 21 September at 8.15 pm. New Members Welcome. Monthly Social Dance will be held on Friday 25 September at 9.30 pm. Music by The Lakelanders. Everyone Welcome.
Special 25th Anniversary: Celebration event will be held on Friday 9 October at 8.00 pm in Sixtowns Hall. A great night of music & entertainment has been arranged with special guests Country Harmony, Patsy O’Hagan, Justin McGurk, Hugo Duncan and Brendan Quinn. Tickets are £20 and available from The Shepherd's Rest, Herons Chemist, Ballinascreen Credit Union, Straw Service Station & Committee Members.
OUR LADY, UNTIER OF KNOTS NOVENA
Novena begins after the 7.30 pm Mass on Thursday 1 October in Saint Eugene’s Cathedral. Continuing for the following eight Thursdays, concluding on 26 November. Do you have “knots” in your life. This Novena reminds us that sin never entangled Our Lady, and that Christ gave us His Mother as Our Lady, Untier of Knots. Through this devotion, we entrust our personal “knots” to her loving care - learning to let go and allowing her to gently untie what binds us. All are welcome to join.
NUALA'S BEGINNER 6 WEEK FITNESS CLASS
Join Nuala’s classes for an exciting new Beginner Fitness Class designed to help you move, build confidence, and have fun! Classes - £3.50 per session. Perfect for absolute beginners, low impact & easy to follow. Starts Tuesday 13 October from 6.45 pm to 7.45 pm in the hall, Workspace Recreation Centre on the Back row. Book your space by telephoning Carin: 02879628113.
DIAMOND WEDDING ANNIVERSARY CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations to Harry and Marie O'Connor, Crocknamohill Road and to Pat and Bernie Devlin, Brackagh Lane, who celebrate six decades of enduring love and commitment.
LAPÓGLANN - TODDLE-INN
Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9.00 am to 10.30 am in Glór na Speiríní centre Straw, beside the chapel. £2 per session includes refreshments. Irish language session is every Thursday morning from 9.00 am to 10.30 am. Tá fáilte roimh chách – All welcome!Contact conchurglor@gmail.com or 07795 536682
CORNSTONE YOUTH CLUB
Monday to Thursday, from 6.45 pm to 9.00 pm. Tailored programs for different ages groups. All welcome to attend during their designated age nights! Registration £2, & £1 for every night your child attends the youth club.
Mondays: Years 8, 9 & 10: Soccer, Junk Kouture, Art & ICT Club.
Tuesdays: Years 9, 10, 11 & 12: Duke of Edinburgh, Junk Kouture, Costume creating & Beauty.
Wednesdays: Primary 7 & Year 8 (opt): Sport, Art, Dance & Games.
Thursdays: Primary 5 & 6: Sport, Games, Art & Fun.
NETBALL FOR BEGINNERS
Wednesday nights from 8.00 pm to 9.00 pm in the Backrow Hall. Over 16 ladies welcome. Come along for fun. No need to register Just turn up on the night. Adm £3. Contact Martina on 07795165999 for more info.
PIANO TUITION
Beginners, Intermediate & Advanced lessons available. Learn for fun or grades. For further info contact Edward Gribbin BA(Hons): Tel.: 07835161927
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:
4 October, Holy Rosary.
17 October, Sixtowns. (Saturday)
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:
September 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
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.
VOCATIONS
Are you 18 years or older, wondering about serving the Church as a priest of the diocese of Derry? An afternoon Talk with time for Prayer, Discussion, Questions & Answers in Derry on Sunday 11 October. Further details contact Fr Pat O'Hagan at pgoh2111@gmail.com
