BALLINASCREEN & DESERTMARTIN PARISHES 30_AUGUST_2026
No. 44 ~ TWENTY-SECOND 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 ~ 31 August
10.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church.
Tuesday ~ 1 September
10.00 am ~ St. Mary’s, Coolcalm. DDS Mass.
Wednesday ~ 2 September
10.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church.
Thursday ~ 3 September
10.00 am ~ St Mary's, Coolcalm
Friday ~ 4 September
10.00 am ~ St. Mary’s, Coolcalm.
7.30 pm ~ Holy Rosary.
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 31 August: St Aidan of Lindisfarne.
Tuesday 1 September: World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation.
Thursday 3 September: St Gregory the Great.
Friday 4 September: St Mac Nissi.
Saturday 5 September: St Teresa of Calcutta.
SEASON OF CREATION 2026
The Season of Creation takes place from 1 September to 4 October, bringing Christians throughout the world together in prayer, reflection and action for the care of our common home. This year’s theme, Living Water, invites us to give thanks for the gift of water and renew our care for God’s creation.
DERRY DIOCESAN SOCIETY
The following Masses will be offered for the members of the Derry Diocesan Society: Sunday 6 September at 10.00 am in St Mary’s, Coolcalm, & Wednesday 9 September at 10.00 am in The Holy Rosary.
DEATHS
We extend our prayerful sympathy to the family and relatives of:
Manus McShane, Bellaghy;
William McKenna.
MONTHS MIND MASS
The Months Mind Mass for Anne McKenna, Moykeeran Drive, will be held on Friday 4 September at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
FIRST ANNIVERSARY MASS
The First Anniversary for Eugene Kelly, Magherafelt, will take place on Friday 4 September at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
ANNIVERSARIES
Ballinascreen:
Rose Celine Cleary, Sixtowns Rd.;
Hugh Donnelly, Tobermore Rd.;
Frankie McCloskey, Mulnavoo Rd.;
Mary Crossett, Ranaghan Rd;
Daniel Mullan, Campbelltown Terrace;
Henry Devlin, Slievegallion Park;
Annette McWilliams, Dunmurray.
Desertmartin:
Mary Woulhan;
Thomas McPeake;
Mary McPeake;
Francis Murray;
Danny MacOscar;
Annie McGlinchey.
BAPTISMS
We welcome into God’s family through the Sacrament of Baptism:
Jude Donnelly, Sydney, NSW;
Maggie Mae Peyre, Farm Lodge Lane, Magherafelt;
Aodhan John McCullagh, Knocknagin Road, Desertmartin;
Theo Patrick Anthony McNally, Mulinderg, Moneyneena.
PARISH COLLECTIONS
Ballinascreen:
Weekly Collection - £1658
Renovation Collection - £2191.34
Desertmartin:
Weekly Collection - £1,313.90
Thank you for your generous support which is greatly appreciated.
DONATION
Fr Madden wishes to acknowledge £100 donation to Ballinascreen Parish Renovation Fund.
SUMMER BONANZA DRAW WINNERS ~ WEEK 3
£1000 ~ Owen & Jenny Kelly;
£200 ~ Benji, Ruaidrai & Eiréann;
£100 ~ Muireann O’Neill.
You may still purchase a ticket to be entered in the draw for the final week!
Week 5 (5 September): 1st Prize ~ £2000; 2nd Prize ~ £500; 3rd Prize~£300.
THE PADRE PIO PRAYER GROUP
Meeting in Holy Family Chapel, Ballymagroarty on Tuesday 1 September 2026. Starting with Rosary at 6.45 pm, before Mass. Holy Mass at 7.15 pm, then the priest will bless everyone with a first-class relic of St. Pio, while closing prayers are recited. Everyone Welcome.
ENCOUNTER SCHOOL OF MINISTRY COURSE
Unsure what it’s about or if it’s for you? We invite you to ‘Come & see’ what it's about before you make your decision. Class will take place on Thursdays from 6.30 pm (first half hour is prayer and worship) to 9.00 pm beginning on 3rd September at All Saints Church, Newtowncunningham, Co. Donegal (10 mins from Derry). Participants can attend up to 3 classes without committing to pay for the course. If a participant decides to enrol before the application deadline of October 1st, tuition fees will then be applied. If a participant decides not to continue, there is no obligation. More info or register here: https://encounterschool.org/donegal/ or Email: donegal@encounterschool.org for more information.
CORMAC Ó CEALLAIGH CCÉ MUSIC CLASSES.
Were you at the best Fleadh Cheoil ever in Belfast? Were you wishing that you or your children were able to play or sing like all those musicians at the Fleadh? Maybe you played as a child and are now inspired to pick up your instrument again? There is an answer to all these questions! Classes in fiddle, tin whistle, concertina, harp, banjo/mandolin, guitar, traditional singing and bodhran start at end of September.
There will also be an adult only mixed instrument class, for all lapsed players, who want to start playing again.
Two new classes will also be offered: drumming (for beginners) and Seisiún tunes repertoire (for the more advanced musicians).
Please register early to avoid disappointment as classes are kept small. Preference will be given to current members.
Registration closes on 5 September to allow time to organise tutors. Further details and the Klubfunder link to register for classes are on Cormac Ó Ceallaigh CCÉ Facebook page.
SIXTOWNS CROSS CUMMUNITY CENTRE.
Tea/Coffee Morning to Start off our 25th Anniversary Celebrations of the Centre on Sunday 6 September at 11.30 am. Everyone Welcome
CATHOLIC MOTHERS IRELAND – FAMILY DAY
Annual National Mass on Sunday 6 September at Termonbacca Retreat Centre, Derry. Mass at 2.00 pm, celebrated by Bishop McKeown, followed by refreshments, children's activities, and a talk for parents.
This promises to be a lovely day for the whole family. For more details and to book please email info@catholicmothers.ie. All welcome.
FREE ONLINE STRESS CONTROL CLASSES
Next block of classes commence at 9.00 am on Monday 7 September at https://ni.stresscontrol.org/. Any questions or queries, please email stress.control@northerntrust.hscni.net
KNOCKNAGIN HALL
Irish Class: Resumes on Monday 7th September. Partly supported by MUDC. Bunrang (Beginners) from 6:45 pm to 8.00 pm. Suitable for people who have no Irish & wish to learn, or for those who have learned Irish previously and wish to renew or build upon their learning. Meánrang (Improvers) from 8.00 pm to 9:30 pm. Suitable for people who already have a basic grasp of Irish, who have completed a beginner class, or recently studied it in school, but want to build confidence and fluency. To book a place by knocknaginhc@gmail.com or phone 028 79631744. Cost 8 wks £40 payable on the first night.
Chair Exercises: Continues on Tuesday from 10.00 am to 11.00 am. Everyone welcome. Admission £4.
Irish Dancing Lessons: Continues on Tuesdays from 5:30 pm to 7.00 pm. To register, contact Nicola: 07518 207458
Bowling Club: Recommences on Tuesday 1 September from 8.00 pm, Suitable for all ages, from 9 to 90. Everyone welcome.
Line Dancing Classes: Continues on Wednesday from 7:30 pm, Suitable for all ages, from beginners to experts. Adm £5. Everyone welcome.
Acrobats Gymnastics Club: Recommences on Saturday 5 September from 9.00 am to 2.00 pm
CHILD SAFEGUARDING INFORMATION TRAINING
Ballinascreen & Desertmartin Parishes on Wednesday 9 September 2026 in Desertmartin Parochial Hall from 7.00 pm to 8.00 pm. All priests and those volunteering within our parishes should attend.
DRAPERSTOWN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
An evening of Gospel Music and Praise on Friday 11 September at 7.30 pm. Suitable for all ages and tastes. Everyone welcome. All proceeds and donations to Mission Work.
BLESSING OF BIKERS AND MOTORCYCLES
Sunday 13 September in St Aengus’ Chapel, Burt, at 1.30 pm. All welcome to attend the brief service and blessing, after which all are welcome to join the run to Ned’s Point RNLI Station, to present the donation to the RNLI.
Please note, Mass will be celebrated on Sunday 13 September at 11.30 am in St Patrick’s Church, Dungiven, for deceased bikers, especially those who have died in the past year.
BALLINASCREEN GAC
Irish Language and Culture Night at 7.00 pm on Friday 18 September. More details to follow on Ballinascreen GAC social media pages. Ballinascreen GAC hope to enter teams in the Junior Scór Dhoire in October. Contact John on 07471374398 to register or for any queries.
ST PIO KNOCK PILGRIMAGE
National Knock Pilgrimage in honour of St Pio of Pietrelcina on Sunday September 20. Coach will leave from Holy Rosary Church at 7.00 am, pickup at St Mary's Coolcam (7.10 am) returning at 10.00 pm approx. Fare £35 (includes breakfast) payable on booking. All welcome.
To book please contact:07836366949 or 07732125316 or 07769720546.
DONEGAL GROUP 173 RISE AND SHINE TRUST
Celebrating 40 years of taking young people with special needs to Lourdes each Easter. A special Mass will be held on Saturday 26 September in the Church of the Irish Martyr's Letterkenny at 12 noon. Concelebrated by Bishop Niall Coll and Bishop Donal Mc Keowan Diocese of Derry. We invite all the guests, their families and all the helpers who travelled with us over the years to celebrate Our Lady of Lourdes.
MICHAEL ENGLISH 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:
SIXTOWNS CROSS COMMUNITY GROUP
A 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 Heron's Gift Shop, Ballinascreen Credit Union, Straw Service Station & Committee Members.
ST JOSEPH MEN'S CAMINO
Every Camino changes us in ways we don't expect, every man needs one.
25km pilgrimage through the Boyne Valley, beginning in Drogheda on Saturday 12 September. The day includes Mass, Adoration, Rosary, Confessions, fraternity, lunch and dinner. Open to men aged 18+. Cost: €65 /student €55. Registration and more details please visit www.dominicans.ie/events or email op.evangelisation@gmail.com
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:
5 September, Sixtowns. (Saturday )
13 September, Straw.
4 October, Holy Rosary.
17 October, Sixtowns. (Saturday)
1 November, Straw.
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 6 & 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
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
That the men called to priesthood will be filled with courage and hope as they hear Jesus calling them to follow Him by renouncing themselves, taking up their cross every day, and finding life in Him and in the service of His people.
