BALLINASCREEN & DESERTMARTIN PARISHES 29_March_2026
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No. 22 ~ PALM SUNDAY OF THE LORD’S PASSION
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
HOLY WEEK & EASTER MASSES
PALM SUNDAY ~ 29 March
9.00 am ~ St Columba’s, Straw.
10.00 am ~ St Mary’s, Coolcalm.
11.00 am ~ St Patrick’s, Sixtowns.
12 noon ~ St Eugene’s, Moneyneena.
Stations of the Cross - 5.00 pm ~ Holy Rosary Church.
Monday in Holy Week ~ 30 March
10.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church.
Penitential Service (Visiting Priests) - 7.30 pm ~ Holy Rosary Church.
Tuesday in Holy Week ~ 31 March
No masses in St Colm’s H.S. this week.
7.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church.
10.00 am ~ St Eugene’s, Moneyneena.
Penitential Service (Visiting Priests) - 7.30 pm ~ St Patrick’s, Keenaught.
Wednesday in Holy Week ~ 1 April
7.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church.
10.00 am ~ St Eugene’s, Moneyneena.
7.30 pm ~ St Mary’s, Coolcalm.
EASTER TRIDUUM
HOLY THURSDAY ~ 2 APRIL
10.00 am ~ Mass of Chrism. St Eugene’s Cathedral, Derry. Bishop McKeown will celebrate the Mass of Chrism with the priests of the diocese. The Holy Oils for Baptism, Confirmation, Anointing of the Sick and Ordination are blessed. Also, the priests renew their Ordination promises. It is the only Mass celebrated in the diocese on Holy Thursday morning. Everyone is welcome to attend or to join it via the St Eugene’s parish webcam.
Evening Mass of the Lord's Supper - 5.00 pm ~ St Eugene’s, Moneyneena.
Evening Mass of the Lord's Supper - 6.00 pm ~ Holy Rosary Church.
Evening Mass of the Lord's Supper - 7.30 pm ~ St Mary’s, Coolcalm.
Confessions after all ceremonies.
GOOD FRIDAY ~ 3 APRIL
This a day of Fast and Abstinence
Morning Prayer followed by confessions - 10.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church.
Morning Prayer followed by confessions - 10.00 am ~ St Mary’s, Coolcalm.
Celebration of the Lord's Passion - 3.00 pm ~ Holy Rosary Church.
Celebration of the Lord's Passion - 3.00 pm ~ St Patrick’s, Keenaught.
Way of the Cross - 7.30 pm ~ St Columba’s, Straw.
Confessions after all ceremonies.
HOLY SATURDAY ~ 4 APRIL
Morning Prayer followed by confessions - 10.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church.
Morning Prayer followed by confessions - 10.00 am ~ St Mary’s, Coolcalm.
Easter Vigil - 7.30 pm ~ Holy Rosary Church.
Easter Vigil - 7.30 pm ~ St Patrick’s, Keenaught.
EASTER SUNDAY ~ 5 APRIL
9.00 am ~ St Columba’s, Straw.
10.00 am ~ St Mary’s, Coolcalm.
11.00 am ~ St Patrick’s, Sixtowns.
12 noon ~ St Eugene’s, Moneyneena.
There is NO DAWN MASS this year. Please come to the Easter Vigils instead and complete the parish mission by renewing your baptismal promises. A candle will be provided for everyone.
CONFESSIONS
After all ceremonies on Thursday & Friday
DEATHS
We extend our prayerful sympathy to the family and relatives of:
Sadie Groogan, Glenelly Villas;
Brian Simpson, England, formerly Draperstown.
MONTH'S MIND MASS
The Month's Mind Mass for Donald McKenna, Glenelly Villas, will be celebrated on Friday 10 April at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
FIRST ANNIVERSARY MASS
The First Anniversary Mass for Rose Logue, Weddell Bridge Road, will be celebrated on Friday 10 April at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
The First Anniversary Mass for Mickey Joe McGuigan, will be celebrated on Saturday 11 April at 7.30 pm in St Patrick’s, Keenaught.
ANNIVERSARIES
First Anniversary:
Rose Logue,
Ballinascreen Anniversaries:
Mamie O’Kane;
Eileen McDermott;
Patrick Conway;
Ellen Eames;
Paddy Bradley;
Michael Connelly;
Sean Gormley.
Desertmartin Anniversaries:
Tommy Scullion;
Agnes Breen;
Patrick Breen;
May O’Neill;
Mary Josephine McGovern;
Tommy McPeake;
Martina McLernon;
Patrick Madden;
Mary McGuigan;
Mary O’Hagan;
Mary McGuigan;
Pat Ryan;
Brian McGuigan;
John Shaw;
Minnie Shaw;
Francis Shaw.
BAPTISMS
We welcome into God’s family through the Sacrament of Baptism:
Liam Michael McNally, Dromdallagan.
PARISH COLLECTIONS
Ballinascreen:
Renovation Collection - £2185.50
Weekly Collection - £1927.50
Clerical Education - £2126.40 (Total)
Desertmartin:
Weekly Collection - £654.96
Clerical Education - £653
Thank you for your generous support which is greatly appreciated.
PARISH ENVELOPES
Sincere thanks to all those parishioners who are presently assisting with the distribution of new boxes of envelopes. The new envelopes will be used from the weekend 4 & 5 April. If you wish to receive a box contact the Parish Office as soon as possible. If you have signed up for Gift Aid in the past, you only need to do this once. Your participation in this scheme automatically continues each year. Thank you.
WARM WELCOME WEDNESDAYS
Workspace Community Hub, 1 April from 11.00 am to 1.00 pm. Rosemary from Ballinascreen Community Forum will join us for an Easter crafts sessions. All provided although attendees may wish to bring their own tall vase or jug. Sessions are free. Suitable for beginners. Tea, coffee and refreshments also available.
SCOUTS EASTER BAKE SALE
The Scouts are holding their annual Bake Sale & Fun Easter Activities in the Workspace Community Hub on Saturday 4 April from 10.00 am to 1.00 pm.
EASTER ADORATION SERVICE
St. Patrick’s College, Maghera, Choir invites you to an evening of music & reflection on the Passion of Christ on Tuesday 31 March at 7.30 pm in St. Mary’s Church, Maghera. All welcome.
JD MULTI-SPORTS EASTER CAMP
From Tuesday 7 to Friday 10 April at Backrow Recreational Centre. Fun activities including Gymnastics, GAA, Football, Dance & Athletics. Perfect for kids aged P1 – P4: 10.00 am – 12 noon, P5 – P7: 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm Limited spaces. Follow JD Multi-Sports on facebook for more info & how to book.
KNOCKNAGIN HALL COMMITTEE
Irish Language Classes: Mondays at 7:30 pm.
Chair Exercises: Tuesdays at 10.00 am.
Irish Dancing: Tuesdays from 5:30 pm to 7.00 pm. Contact Nicola: 07518207458
Knit & Natter: 26 March at 7.30 pm.
St. Mary’s Bowling Club: Tuesdays at 8.00 pm. New members welcome.
Circuit training: Wednesdays at 7.30 pm.
Acrobats Gymnastics: Saturdays from 9.00 am to 2.00 pm.
ST. COLM'S CAMINO
Sunday 12 April. All welcome. Walk with us and be part of something truly special! 16k or 22k, you choose! Or walk any distance that suits you. Camino route is flat, easy, & suitable for everyone. Let’s walk it together! For the purposes of stamping of Camino Passports, starting takes place from 8.00 am to 10.00 am at St. Colm’s H.S., finishing back at the school at Susan’s Trail. Tickets available: St. Colm’s High School, Ballinascreen Credit Union, Heron’s Giftshop. Online via Klubfunder. This fundraiser is to support the pupils who are walking the Camino de Santiago de Compostela during the last week of June.
PILGRIMAGE TO ROME AND ASSISI OCTOBER 2026
Fr. Madden is leading a parish pilgrimage to Rome & Assisi later this year from Saturday 24 October to Thursday 29 October. The price is €959 pp sharing. 2026 is a Jubilee in Assisi on account of the 8th centenary of the death of St Francis. The programme will include a papal audience in Rome. We will also be in Assisi on October 27 and Pope Leo is due to be there the same day, so hopefully we may well be able to see him or attend an event with him in Assisi too. Includes the beautiful city of Spoleto, the jewel of Umbria with its magnificent duomo. Mass at the tomb of Carlo Acutis will also be possible, depending on the number of pilgrims in Assisi at that time. To book your place contact Myriam Tours. A non- refundable deposit of €300 per person is required at the time of booking. Single room supplement: €225 (Single rooms consist of one single bed and must be paid at time of booking.)
Phone: 00353579355050
WhatsApp:00353851792364
Email: info@myriam.ie
Final balance: Due by 31 July.
DESERTMARTIN PIONEER TOTAL ABSTINENCE ASSOCIATION
To become a Pioneer or for Existing Members who wish to update their pin, contact Madonna Devlin on 07788501610 or Veronica Wilson on 07877414039 to place your order. Pins/Certs can be purchased for Juvenile Pioneer €7(age10-18), Full Pioneer €7(age18), Silver €40(25years), Gilded Gold €42(50years), Diamond €20(60years), Fr Cullen Medal €45(60+ years). Please place your order by 3 April 2026.
NUALA’S FITNESS CLASSES
Advanced Class: Next 6-week block starts Monday 13 April from 6.45 pm to 7.45 pm.
Beginner Class: New 6-week block to help you move, build confidence, and have fun! £3.50 per session. Starts Tuesday 14 April at the new time of 6.30 pm, ending at 7.30 pm, in the hall, Workspace Recreation Centre on the Back row. To book your space telephone 02879628113.
ONE DAY RETREAT
“In The Stillness: Faith In A Busy World” Lough Derg, Saturday 25 April, Boat departs 9.30 am. This retreat offers young adults the opportunity to pause, reflect & reconnect with faith. The day concludes with celebration of the Eucharist at 5.00 pm, open to the public. Open to young adults aged 18–35 & free to attend, thanks to the support of the Knights of St Columbanus. Registration is essential: contact +447759496677 or info@knightsofstcolumbanusomagh.co.uk
DERRY DIOCESAN YOUTH PILGRIMAGE TO FATIMA
Young people aged 16+, join us on pilgrimage to Fatima for 5 nights, 3 - 8 August. A unique experience for young people, to engage with their peers from around the world in a faith context. Cost is £820, a budget plan available. Names & deposit of £100 to secure place. Contact: 00442871264087 or Email: bethany.doherty@derrydiocese.org
HOLY COMMUNION
Knocknagin P.S.: St. Mary's, Coolcalm - 25 April at 11.00 am.
St Eoghan’s P.S.: St. Eugene's, Moneyneena - 2 May at 11.00 am.
St Mary’s P.S.: Holy Rosary Church - 9 May at 11.00 am.
Gaelscoil Na Speiríní: Rosary Church - 16 May at 11.00 am.
St Columba’s P.S. Straw: St. Columba’s, Straw - 16 May at 11.00 am.
St Columb’s P.S. Cullion: St. Patrick';s, Keenaught - 23 May at 11.00 am.
BLESSING OF GRAVES
Saturday ~ 18 July
5.00 pm ~ St Eugene’s, Moneyneena - Vigil Mass followed by Blessing of Graves.
7.00 pm ~St Patrick's, Keenaught - Vigil Mass followed by Blessing of Graves.
No Vigil mass in Holy Rosary
Sunday ~ 19th 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.
2.00 pm ~ Straw. Blessing of Graves.
No 12 noon mass in Moneyneena
BALLINASCREEN PARISH BAPTISMS
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:
29 March, Sixtowns.
12 April, Moneyneena.
19 April, Holy Rosary.
3 May, Straw.
10 May, Moneyneena.
17 May, Holy Rosary.
24 May, 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:
12 & 19 April
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 for our seminarians and men who are considering service to the Church as diocesan priests, that their interests will be in the things of the Holy Spirit who will have made His home in them (cf. St Paul to the Romans).
