BALLINASCREEN & DESERTMARTIN PARISHES 30_NOVEMBER_2025
- Ballinascreen Parish
- 6 hours ago
- 8 min read
No. 5 ~ FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
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
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 ~ 1 December:
10.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church
Tuesday ~ 2 December
10.00 am ~ St. Mary’s Coolcam
Wednesday ~ 3 December:
10.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church
Thursday ~4 December:
10.00 am ~ St Mary’s Coolcalm
Friday ~ 5 December:
10.00 am ~ St Mary’s Coolcalm
7.30 pm ~ Holy Rosary Church.
CONFESSIONS
Ballinascreen:
Holy Rosary Church: Saturdays at 5.30 pm; before Vigil Mass.
Desertmartin:
St Patrick’s, Keenaught: Saturdays from 6.30 pm until 7.10 pm.
FEASTS OF THE WEEK
Monday 1: St Charles de Foucauld.
Wednesday 3: St Francis Xavier, Patron of the missions, priest.
Thursday 4: St John Damascene, priest and doctor of the Church.
Saturday 6: St Nicholas of Myra, Bishop.
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,
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
FIRST ANNIVERSARY MASS
Vera Cuskeran, Disert Rd, will take place on Friday 5 December at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
MONTH'S MIND MASS
Brian Tohill, Manchester and formerly Magherafelt, will take place on Friday 5 December at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
ANNIVERSARIES
Ballinascreen:
First Anniversary:
Stephen Donnelly, Moneyneena
Anniversaries:
Kevin McAule, Sixtowns Rd;
Baby Jude Trainor, Moneyneena;
Cassie McKenn, Doon Rd;
Rose Conville, Sixtowns Rd;
Seamus McBride, Campbelltown;
Peter McEldowney, Magherafelt Rd;
Brian McGuigan, Cahore Terrace;
Brian McCloskey, Moneyneena Lane;
John Molloy, Mallon Villas;
Carmel McKenna, Maghera;
Frank Donnelly, Glengomna Rd;
Mary Trainor, Tobermore Rd;
Sean O’Neill, Tobermore Rd;
Krzysztof Wojenodzki, St Patricks’ St.
Desertmartin:
Rosemary McMullan;
Seamus Scullion;
Anne O’Hagan;
Eileen Mitchell;
Nellie McGovern;
Roseanne Molloy;
Colm Hegarty;
Eithne Hegarty;
Mary McCullagh;
Dominic Wilson;
John Joe O’Hagan;
Rose Walls;
May McGuigan.
PARISH COLLECTIONS
Ballinascreen
Parish Collection - £1575.60
Renovation Collection - £1931.49
Retired Priests Collection - £135 (£1680)
Desertmartin
Parish Collection - £467
Retired Priests Collection - £ 837
Thank you for your generous support which is greatly appreciated.
ADVENT PASTORAL LETTER FROM BISHOP MCKEOWN
This weekend Bishop Donal McKeown shares his Advent Pastoral Letter, Moving Forward Together in Changing Times, inviting all of us to a renewed focus on prayer, listening to the Holy Spirit, and working together in mission. He reflects on the challenges faced by families and communities today and reminds us that Advent assures us of God’s closeness and hope. The bishop highlights the importance of parish collaboration, supporting one another in sacramental life, outreach, andfaith formation, while recognising the vital role of our priests, parish leaders, coordinators, and volunteers whose dedication sustains parish life. Bishop McKeown goes on to state his intention that ongoing discussions about forming pastoral areas – bringing parishes together in shared mission – will be completed before Easter 2026. He also points to the existing encouraging signs of renewed prayer and growing youth involvement across the diocese. We are encouraged to walk forward in faith: Christ is with us and continues to lead His Church. You are encouraged to read the full letter at derrydiocese.org/pastoral-letter
Printed copies will be availble in all churches next week.
TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS DRAW
Desertmartin Parish Christmas Draw for the 12days between Christmas Day and Monday 5 January 2026. The total prize fund is £5000. Tickets are £20each. On sale at Ballinascreen & Desertmartin Parish Offices, Heron’s gift shop. Moneyneena P.O. and Ballinascreen Credit Union, before & after masses in Desertmartin Churches.
Gift a Christmas Ticket to family and friends this Christmas.
PADRE PIO MASS
The monthly mass in honour of St Pio of Pietrelcina will be celebrated on Monday 1 December at 7.30pm in Holy Rosary Church. Novena prayers and Rosary at 7.10 pm.
Please Note The collection at this mass will be forwarded to the Capuchin Day Centre for the homeless in Dublin. Thank you for your generosity in the past.
BALLINASCREEN HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Monthly talk "Toome's Historical Connections" by Michael McConway, Tuesday 2 December at 8.00 pm in the Community Hub. All welcome.
ST EOGHAN'S PRIMARY SCHOOL OPEN NIGHT
Open Night Tuesday 2 December 2025 at 7.00 pm. Everyone Welcome.
ST MARY’S PS DRAPERSTOWN OPEN DAY
Friday 5 December from 9.30 am to 10.30 am and from 1.00 pm to 2.30 pm for P1 Admissions. Everyone is welcome to visit. Contact us if this date does not suit.
CHRISTMAS HAMPER APPEAL
Sperrin Foodbank and St Vincent de Paul are providing Christmas hampers to people in need in Draperstown and surrounding areas. Donation points found in all the local schools, Lynch's, Centra and Devlin's Moneyneena, the Workspace Group and also at the Annual Carol Service in Holy Rosary on Sunday 7 December.
If you, or someone you know, would like to receive a hamper this year, please contact Sperrin Foodbank 07543420639 or SVP 07710838050 in complete confidence by Friday 12 December. It doesn't matter if you are a single adult, single parent with children or a working family, they are willing and there to help you.
ST COLUMBA’S PARISH CHURCH
Enjoy a service of Carols and lessons that capture the Christmas story with Tamlaght O’Crilly Community Choir on Sunday 30 November at 6.30 pm. Everyone welcome.
SIX CAROLS AT SIXTOWNS
Sunday 30 November at 3.00 pm, at Sixtowns Meeting House, Cavanreagh. Service conducted by Rev Trevor Boyd. All Welcome to celebrate the season with hearty singing of well-known carols and traditional good fellowship. Please wear warm clothing.
SIXTOWNS CROSS COMMUNITY GROUP
Join us for two festive events at Sixtowns Hall, with thanks to Mid Ulster District Council for their support. Everyone is welcome.
Christmas Fayre: Sunday 7 December from 12.00 pm to 3.00 pm. Raffle with great prizes on the day and carol singing from Sixtowns Choir. Free entry.
Children’s Disco: Sunday 14 December from 4.00 pm to 6.00 pm. Open to pre and post-primary aged children. Santa will be there with a gift for every child! £5 entry per child. Adult supervision required.
KILCRONAGHAN CENTRE
Warm Winter Words: Friday 5 December at 7.00 pm. An entertaining & uplifting evening, conversation, short readings & songs by James Simpson (author), Maura Johnston (poet) & Anthony Mc Bride (singer).
All welcome. Light supper & voluntary donations accepted.
KNOCKNAGIN PRIMARY SCHOOL CAROL SERVICE
Thursday 11 of December in St Mary's, Coolcalm at 1.15 pm. All welcome.
ST COLM'S HIGH SCHOOL CAROL SERVICE
Tuesday 16 of December in Holy Rosary Church at 2.00 pm. All welcome.
THE SPREAD ANNUAL MASS
The SPREAD Annual Mass will be held on Thursday 18 December in St Mary's, Coolcalm at 10.00 am. All welcome.
CARING FOR PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA.
One day retreat. Wednesday 10 December from 10.30 am to 3.30 pm at Ards Friary. Cost is €50, which includes tea/coffee and a light lunch. For bookings contact Ards:
T: 0749138909 E: info@ardsfriary.ie. For more information contact Caroline at carolinebrown268@gmail.com
TRÓCIARE GIFTS AND DONATIONS
There will be a Troicare stall selling gifts and accepting donations after the 9.00 am Mass in Straw, the 11.00 am Mass in Sixtowns and the 12 noon Mass in Moneyneena on 14 December.
KNOCKNAGIN HALL
St. Patrick’s Céilí Club: Saturday 6 December from 9.00 pm to midnight, featuring Raymond Loney. Adm £8, incl refreshments
Chair Exercises: Tuesdays at 10.00 am.
Irish Dancing lessons: Tuesdays at 5.30 pm for new beginners and 6.00 pm. To register Contact Nicola on 07518207458
St Mary’s bowling club: Tuesday at 8.00 pm. New members welcome.
SARSFIELD’S ACCORDION BAND
The Annual Remembrance Mass for County Derry Deceased Members of AOH will take place in the Parish Hall today Sunday 30 November at 1:30pm. Everyone is very welcome to attend. A meeting will be held immediately after the Mass for all band members; Senior, Junior, and their parents. It is important that everyone attends.
MARY’S MEALS – DOUBLE THE LOVE
Our Double the Love Campaign has launched. All donations will be doubled by a group of generous supporters, up to £1.1million. Bringing hope to hungry children this year. Please continue to keep Mary’s Meals in your prayers so we can reach many more children. Further details and Christmas cards/gifts available at www.marysmeals.org.uk or freephone 0800 698 1212
DUNGIVEN PARISH PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES 2026
Departing from Belfast International on Monday 10 August for 6 nights*. We will be in Lourdes for the Feast of The Assumption. (*may be reduced to 5 nights - this will be confirmed at a later date). Cost per person based on twin/double sharing, including full board, is £975. Single supplement is £39 per night. Insurance is optional and costs an extra £45. There are a limited number of seats remaining. Email: dungivenparish@derrydiocese.org or tel: 028 7774 0702
HOLY HOUR FOR VOCATIONS
The December Holy Hour for Vocations has been brought forward to Tuesday 2 December at 8:00 pm at St Columb's Church, Chapel Road, Waterside. All are welcome to come and pray for this special intention.
DERRY DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES 2026
Monday 29 June to Friday 3 July (4 nights) ex City of Derry Airport. Cost £895 inclusive of local taxes but exclusive of single supplements and insurance. The Pilgrimage office will open for bookings on Saturday 17 January 2026 at 11am. However, Gift Vouchers to any value are now available (Monday to Thursday) from the Diocesan Pastoral Centre, 164 Bishop Street, Derry BT48 6UJ
PARISH BAPTISMS 2025
Ballinascreen Parish:
All bookings to be made via Ballinascreen Parish Office: Tel.: 02879628248 or Email: ballinascreenparish@gmail.com
Baptisms will be held on the following dates:
December 14 ~ St Columba’s, Straw at 3.00 pm.
December 21 ~ St Patrick’s, Sixtowns at 12 noon.
December 21 ~ Holy Rosary Church at 3.00 pm.
December 28 ~ St Eugene’s Moneyneena at 3.00 pm.
Desertmartin Parish:
To book a baptism, contact Fr McCaul on 028 79632196 or Desertmartin Parish Office on 028 79397047. Baptisms are held at 1.30 pm on the following dates:
December: Sunday 7 & Sunday 21.
NOTICES FOR THE BULLETIN
Notices should be received by 1.00 pm on Wednesday, preferably please by Email to ballinascreenparish@gmail.com or desertmartinparish@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, 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
As we celebrate the First Sunday of Advent we pray for our seminarians and the men discerning a vocation to the diocesan priesthood, that they will prepare their hearts and minds to welcome the Lord Jesus into their lives.