BALLINASCREEN & DESERTMARTIN PARISHES 2_NOVEMBER_2025
- Ballinascreen Parish
- 1 day ago
- 8 min read
No. 1 ~ THE COMMEMORATION OF ALL THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED - ALL SOULS’ DAY
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
Click on this link for safeguarding information regarding support services, complaints and reporting, and downloadable resources from the Derry Diocese: https://www.derrydiocese.org/safeguarding
The Diocesan Designated Liaison Person (DLP) is Marie Gormley. To contact Marie Tel: 07596500793, or Email: marie.gormley@derrydiocese.org
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 ~ 3 November:
10.00 am ~ St Mary’s Coolcalm
7.30 pm ~ ~ Holy Rosary Church
Tuesday ~ 4 November:
10.00 am ~ St Mary’s Coolcalm
Wednesday ~ 5 November:
10.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church
Thursday ~ 6 November:
10.00 am ~ St Mary’s Coolcalm
Friday ~ 7 November:
10.00 am ~ St Mary’s Coolcalm
7.30 pm ~ Holy Rosary Church.
FEASTS OF THE WEEK
Monday 3: St Malachy, bishop.
Tuesday 4: St Charles Borromeo,
Wednesday 5: St Martin de Porres.
Thursday 6: All The Saints of Ireland.
NEW BULLETIN FORMAT
You will notice that we have a new bulletin format this weekend. It is the reintroduction of the bulletin that we were using prior to Covid 19. Over the past year we have discussed at parish team meetings, which are attended by members from both Ballinascreen and Desertmartin Parishes the benefits of a joint newsletter and we decided that parishioners from both parishes will benefit from knowing all that is happening in each parish. Having the Sunday readings on the back of the bulletin to read again when we go home, as well as the reflections that are based each week on the readings of the Mass will also help deepen our faith and remind us of what we heard at Mass.
FEAST OF ALL SOULS PARISH MASSES OF REMEMBRANCE
The 3.00 pm Mass and the 6.00 pm Mass on Sunday November 2 will be the Annual Mass of Remembrance for each parish. At the 3.00 pm Mass the names of all who died or were buried in Desertmartin Parish since All Souls’ Day 2024 will be read out. At the 6.00 pm Mass the names of all who died or were waked or buried in Ballinascreen Parish since All Souls’ Day 2024 will be read out. After all these names have been read out one adult member, of each of these bereaved families, will be invited to carry a lit candle to the altar. Each family should ensure that an adult member has been selected to represent them. All candles will be provided at the back of the church during these Masses. Parish Novena Service on Sunday November 2 will be part of our Parish Annual Masses of Remembrance.
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, (except for November 2).
November 2: 3.00 pm ~ St Patrick’s Keenaught 6.00 pm ~ Holy Rosary
November 9: Holy Rosary Church ~ Bishop Donal McKeown
November 16: St Patrick’s Keenaught, ~ Fr Hugh Lagan SMA
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
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION
In Holy Rosary Church on Monday 3 November from 12 noon until 7.25 pm.
PADRE PIO MASS
Monthly Mass in honour of St Pio of Pietrelcina Monday 3 November at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church. Novena prayers and Rosary from 7.10 pm.
Ballinascreen Padre Pio Committee was formed on 14 October 2005, so it has just celebrated its 20th anniversary. In appreciation of your support over the years, a Mass has been offered, for your intentions, in San Giovanni Rotundo. The committee has also donated over £13,000 to charitable causes of St Pio over the past 20 years. Thank you for your prayerful support and generosity.
FIRST ANNIVERSARY MASS
Margie McBride, Campbelltown on Friday 7 November at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
DEATHS
We extend our prayerful sympathy to the family and relatives of:
John Joe McKenna, Cloane;
Kevin Kelly, Bancran Road;
Frank O’Kane, Swatragh;
Jennifer Woods, Pomeroy;
Phelim Mallon, Randalstown.
ANNIVERSARIES
Ballinascreen:
Michael Gordon;
Dessie Diamond;
James McGlade;
Mary McKenna;
Patrick Kelly;
Peter Rodgers;
Elizabeth Quinn;
Annie McBride;
Patsy Cassidy;
Kathleen Toner;
Rose McWilliams;
Patrick McEldowney.
Desertmartin:
James P O’Hagan;
James Lyttle;
Jim McIvor;
Fran Fullen;
Annie Mary Fullen;
Jean Walls;
Matilda Bradley;
Penny Morgan;
Alphonsus Shaw;
Frances Wilson.
BAPTISMS
We welcome into God’s family through the Sacrament of Baptism:
Ballinascreen:
Peggy Geraldine Bradley, Sixtowns Road;
Louie McCullagh, Strawmore Road;
Paudie Eamon Conway, Mulinderg.
PARISH COLLECTIONS
Ballinascreen:
Weekly Collection - £1397.
Renovation Collection - £1505.
Mission Collection a further - £332.
Desertmartin:
Priests’ Collection - £744.
Restoration Fund £35.
Mission Collection £739.
Thank you for your generous support which is greatly appreciated.
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.
BALLINASCREEN HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Monthly talk entitled ‘Gribben - a Family Study’ by John Gribben on Tuesday November 4 at 8.00 pm in Community Hub. All welcome.
MONEY FOUND
In Straw Graveyard, please contact Ballinascreen Parish Office.
S.T.E.P.S.
Annual General Meeting in their new premises, 15 High Street Draperstown, on Monday 10 November from 7.00 pm, all welcome.
SLIEVE GALLION ACTIVE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION
Dance in Knocknagin Hall Sunday 16 November. Music from 3.00 pm to 5.00 pm. Admission £10 (includes tea). John Rafferty – back by public demand. Bring your own bottle.
BLOOD DONATION SESSIONS
Monday 17 November in Kilcronaghan Hall from 12.30 pm to 4.00 pm and from 5.00 pm to 7.30 pm. Visit www.nibts to book an appointment.
OUT & ABOUT COMMUNITY TRANSPORT
Are seeking volunteer car drivers in the Magherafelt District Council area. The demand for their services currently exceeds their available resources, and so they are actively seeking volunteer car drivers to help bridge this gap and continue the good work that they do. If interested in volunteering or for more details please phone 028 79300123.
SIXTOWNS CROSS COMMUNITY CENTRE
Coffee / Tea Morning from 11.30 am, today, Sunday, All welcome.
BALLINASCREEN GAC
Big Breakfast in the Club today, Sunday 2 November, from 9.00 am to 2.00 pm. Funds raised will go towards Quid Games Event on Friday 7 November. Everyone welcome.
Quid Games Event in Tullyglass Hotel, Ballymena on Friday 7 November. Doors open 7.00 pm with 46 contestants competing from 8.00 pm sharp. This will be a brilliant night for all attending. Tickets costing £20 each are available to buy in Heron’s Gift Shop or online at www.ballinascreengaa.com (choose ‘shop’). Please note that this event is only for over 18 year olds and no food will be served.
As part of the Quid Night a raffle draw will be held. Tickets £10 each or 3 for £20 may be bought in Heron’s Gift Shop or online at www.ballinascreengaa.com (choose ‘shop’). Prizes include a trip for 2 to London, All Ireland final tickets with accommodation, overnight stay in the Ebrington Hotel, Derry with breakfast and evening meal, £500 home heating oil, and a £300 voucher bundle. Ballinascreen GAC would like to thank all the contestants, sponsors and the local community for their help and financial support given for the Quid Games Event.
WARM WELCOM WEDNESDAY
In Workspace Community Hub from 11.00 am to 1.00 pm. Edel from Edel’s Flowers will be present on Wednesday 5 November for a flower arranging workshop. She will demonstrate how to create seasonal arrangements and share simple tricks of the trade, inspiring us to create our own floral centerpieces. No need to book, just drop-in. Tea, coffee and refreshments will be served.
FATIMA PILGRIMAGE JUNE 2026
Fully escorted pilgrimage, accompanied by Spiritual Director, from 26 June to 3 July. Direct daytime flights Belfast to Porto. Staying in 4* hotel, full board, services of JWT pilgrimage guide, daily Mass and spiritual activities. Cost £895 p.p.s. £100 off if paid in full by 3 November. For more details contact Christina Lagan 07803192621.
GLÓR NA SPEIRÍNÍ
Aonach Oiche - Christmas Market in Ballinascreen GAC Club on Saturday 22 November, hosted by Glór na Speiríní. All businesses welcome. To book a table please contact conchurglor@gmail.com .
Irish Classes every Thursday night. Classes to suit all abilities of Irish Contact conchurglor@gmail.com for details.
KNOCKNAGIN HALL
Health & Wellbeing Advice on Friday 7 November at 7. 30 pm. Health talk by pharmacist Maurice Diamond, therapist, blood pressure and blood sugars checks available. Light exercises with Charmaine.
Céilí dancing classes for all ages: Wednesdays at 7.30 pm. All welcome.
Light Exercise and Dance with Charmaine. Thursdays at 2.15 pm.
Above 3 activities are supported by National Lottery Community Fund.
Chair exercises: Tuesdays at 10.00 am. Admission £4.
Irish Dancing: Tuesdays at 5.30 pm for new beginners and 6.00 pm. To register contact Nicola on 07518207458.
Crochet Classes have now ceased but will recommence in 2026.
Craft Fair Sunday 9 November from 10.30 am. 30 crafters from Mid-Ulster with a wide selection of handcrafted items will be in attendance.
Sarsfield’s Accordion Band:
Annual Remembrance Mass in the Parish Hall on Sunday 30 November at 1.30 pm, for deceased members of AOH and those who tragically lost their lives in the fire in Swatragh Hall on 8 December 1968. All welcome.
PARISH BAPTISMS 2025
Ballinascreen Parish:
Baptisms on Sundays at 3.00 pm. All bookings to be made please via Ballinascreen Parish Office: Tel.: 02879628248 or Email: ballinascreenparish@gmail.com
November 16 ~ St. Eugene’s, Moneyneena.
November 30 ~ Holy Rosary Church.
December 14 ~ St Columba’s, Straw.
Desertmartin Parish:
Baptisms on Sundays at 1.30 pm. To book a baptism, contact Fr McCaul: Tel.: 028 79632196 or Desertmartin Parish Office: Tel.:028 79397047.
November: Sunday 9 and Sunday 23.
December: Sunday 7 and Sunday 21.
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
On this Holy Souls' Day we remember the deceased priests who served the people of this diocese in the past. We pray for the priests who serve our parishes today, and for the men who will have the pastoral care of our people in the years to come, our current seminarians and those discerning their vocation at this time. aith."
