BALLINASCREEN & DESERTMARTIN PARISHES 31_May_2026
- 4 hours ago
- 8 min read
No. 31 ~ THE MOST HOLY TRINITY
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 ~ 1 June
10.00 am ~ St Mary's, Coolcalm.
1.00 pm ~ Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament - Holy Rosary Church.
7.30 pm ~ Mass in honour of St. Pio of Pietrelcina - Holy Rosary Church.
Tuesday ~ 2 June
10.00 am ~ St. Mary’s, Coolcalm.
Wednesday ~ 3 June
10.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church.
Thursday ~ 4 June
10.00 am ~ St Mary's, Coolcalm.
Friday ~ 5 June
10.00 am ~ St. Mary’s, Coolcalm.
7.30 pm ~ Holy Rosary.
CONFESSIONS
Ballinascreen:
Holy Rosary Church: Saturday at 5.30 pm - before Vigil Mass.
Desertmartin:
St Patrick’s, Keenaught: Saturday from 6.30 pm to 7.10 pm.
FEASTS OF THE WEEK
Monday 1 June: St Justin, martyr.
Tuesday 2 June: Ss Marcellinus & Peter.
Wednesday 3 June: St Kevin, abbot.
Thursday 4 June: Ss Charles Lwanga & companions, martyrs.
Friday 5 June: St Boniface, bishop, martyr.
Saturday 6 June: St Norbert. St Jarlath, bishop.
MONTH'S MIND MASS
The Month's Mind Mass for Jim McGlade, Slievegallion Drive will be held on Friday 5 June at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
FIRST ANNIVERSARY MASS
The First Anniversary Mass for Marie O'Hagan will take place on Saturday 6 June at 7:30 pm in St. Patrick's Church, Keenaught.
The First Anniversary Mass for Mary McGovern will take place on Saturday 13 June at 7.30 pm in St. Patrick’s Church, Keenaught.
ANNIVERSARIES
Ballinascreen:
Kathleen Bradley, High St;
Molly McGlade, Mulnavoo Lane;
James & Brigid Cuskeran, Moyheelan;
Raymond Caulfield, Moykeeran.
Desertmartin:
First Anniversary:
Tony Wright.
Anniversaries:
Joe Connery;
Jim Higgins;
Francis Donnelly;
Paddy Trainor;
Jack McNicholl;
Leo Fullen;
John James Ryan;
Barney Kearney;
Elizabeth Kearney.
WEDDINGS
Congratulations and best wishes for the future to:
Aideen Higgins and Paul McKenna who were married recently in St Eugene’s Church, Moneyneena;
Eimear McGuigan and Ruairi Campbell who were also married recently in St Eugene’s Church, Moneyneena.
BAPTISMS
We welcome into God’s family through the Sacrament of Baptism:
Croia Marie McGovern, Crockmore View;
Róisín Campbell, Moneymore Road.
PARISH COLLECTIONS
Ballinascreen:
Weekly Collection - £1486
Renovation Collection - £1727.40
Diocesan Purposes - £102.44
Trocáire Total: £8951.38
Desertmartin:
Weekly Collection - £1662
Trocáire Total: £1737.45
Thank you for your generous support which is greatly appreciated.
PADRE PIO MASS
The monthly Mass in honour of St Pio of Pietrelcina will be celebrated on Monday 1 June at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church. Novena prayers and Rosary at 7.00 pm. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will begin at 1.00 pm until 7.25 pm.
FEAST OF CORPUS CHRISTI
The final Do This In Memory of Me Mass will take place next Saturday 6 June in Holy Rosary Church at 5.00 pm (Please Note change of time). The children who have made First Holy Communion this year in Ballinascreen and Desertmartin Parishes are asked to attend in their First Communion clothes and will take part in the Corpus Christi Procession around the square at the end of the mass. The procession will conclude back in the church with Benediction. Everyone welcome.
PIONEER ASSOCIATION
At both Vigil Masses in Ballinascreen & Desertmartin on Saturday 13th June, children who recently were confirmed are invited to take the confirmation pledge. If your child was confirmed in the last few years and would still like to take the Pledge they are very welcome to come to mass to take it. At both masses members of the Pioneer Association will be available to take the names of those in the parish who would like to become a member.
NUALA’S FITNESS CLASSES
Advanced Class: New block commences 1 June on Mondays and Thursdays from 6.45 pm to 7.45 pm.
Beginner Class: New block commences 2 June on Tuesdays from 6.30 pm to 7.30 pm in the hall, Workspace Recreation Centre on the Back row. To book your space telephone 02879628113.
WARM WELCOME WEDNESDAY
Workspace Community Hub, Wednesday 3 June from 11.00 am to 1.00 pm: NI Water will be joining us for an interactive session focusing on conserving water, promoting environmental responsibility and ensuring that our water remains clean and safe. No need to book, just drop-in. Refreshments will also be served.
SMARTPHONE FREE CHILDHOOD (SFC) EVENT
Tuesday 9 June at 7.30 pm in St Patrick's Primary School Glen. The impact of screen use on kids is a hot topic at present with research compelling us to make positive changes to protect our kids childhood. This will be an informative evening with speakers from SFC, Paediatrics, Occupational Therapy, and PSNI, who will share valuable insights, resources and experience. The session will provide a supportive and encouraging environment for parents, and anyone caring for children to come together and learn and discuss smartphones use. All welcome.
SIXTOWNS CROSS COMMUNITY GROUP
Pilates classes with AMG Pilates take place in Sixtowns Hall every Monday from 7.00 pm to 8.00 pm. Suitable for all abilities; men and women welcome. Equipment provided. £25 for a 4-week block or £7.50 per class. Contact Emma on 07769289385 for info and booking.
DESERTMARTIN CREDIT UNION - IMPORTANT CHANGES
Please note that Desertmartin Credit Union will update its operating hours starting Friday 3 July. The new opening hours will be:
Friday from 5:30 pm to 8.00 pm and
Saturday from 10.00 am to 12 noon.
Thank you for your continued membership and understanding.
BALLINASCREEN MEN'S SHED
Your Local Community Workshop Needs You! Whether you want to try your hand at carpentry, pot some plants, fix a broken chair, or simply get out of the house, our doors are open. No experience needed – learn as you go. No pressure – work at your own pace. Everyone welcome – men and women of all skill levels. Not ready to build? Just come in for a free cup of tea and a friendly chat. See what others are working on and get inspired. Open Tuesdays from10.00 am to 12:30 pm and Thursdays from10.00 am to 12:30 pm. For more information, contact Francis on 07808736891.
KNOCKNAGIN HALL COMMITTEE
Irish Language Class: Mondays at 7:30 pm.
Chair Exercises: Tuesday mornings at 10.00 am.
Irish Dancing Lessons: Tuesday from 5:30 pm to 7.00 pm. To Register contact Nicola, Tel.: 07518207458
Céilí Dancing Lessons: Last class on Tuesday 2 June at 7:30 pm.
Exercise / Fitness Class SGARA: 6-Week Exercise & Fitness Class commences on Wednesday 27 May. Suitable for all abilities and open to adults aged 18+. Whether you’re looking to improve fitness, build strength, or simply stay active, everyone is welcome.
Acrobats Gymnastics Club: Saturdays from 9.00 am to 2.00 pm.
Sarsfield’s Accordion Band. Annual Buffet and Dance on Saturday 27 June at 8.00 pm in the Parish Hall. Band practice continues fortnightly. on Thursday evenings. Next practice is Thursday 11 June at 7:30 pm.
KILCRONAGHAN CENTRE,
Free Event: Kilcronaghan Centre on Monday 8 June at 10.00 am. Come along to this informative talk giving free financial advice, benefit checks, budgeting, managing debt, money saving tips & much more. Refreshments & freebies during the morning. Reserve your space today. Funded by Step, PEACEPLUS & MUDC. Contact the Centre to book a place.
Art Exhibition & Creamed Tea Fundraiser: Saturday 20 June from 12 noon to 4.00 pm. All proceeds will be donated to Brainwaves NI, Northern Ireland’s only volunteer led brain tumour research and support charity.
Vintage Rally, Craft Fair & Family Fun Day: Saturday 26 September from 11.00 am to 3.00 pm For more information on any of the above, check Kilcronaghan Facebook or ring 02879627826
DROMANTINE FAMILY FUN DAY
Sunday 14 June from 1.00 pm to 5.30 pm. Grand Draw, Country Music, Vintage Tractors, Gun Dog Display, Bouncy Castles, Obstacle Courses, Amusements, Stalls, Food, Refreshments & much more! Adm £5 per car. All welcome. Society of African Missions, 96 Glen Road, Newry.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
St Eugene’s Church Cleaning: We are currently seeking volunteers to assist with the cleaning of St Eugene’s Church, Moneyneena. Your help ensures our church remains a beautiful and welcoming space for all parishioners. Whether you can help weekly or once a month, every bit of assistance is greatly appreciated. To get involved, please reach out to the Parish Office on 028 7962 8248 or Email: ballinascreenparish@gmail.com
BLESSING OF GRAVES 2026
Saturday 18 July
5.00 pm: St. Eugene’s, Moneyneena. Vigil Mass and Blessing of Graves.
7.00 pm: St. Patricks’, Keenaught. Vigil Mass and Blessing of Graves.
No Vigil mass in Holy Rosary
Sunday 19 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
12 noon: Old Keenaught, Blessing of the Graves.
2.00 pm: Straw. Blessing of Graves
No 12 noon mass in Moneyneena
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:
14 June, Moneyneena.
21 June, Holy Rosary.
5 July, Sixtowns.
12 July, Straw.
26 July, Moneyneena.
2 August, Holy Rosary.
9 August, Sixtowns.
16 August, Straw.
23 August, Moneyneena.
30 August, Holy Rosary.
6 September, 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:
7 & 21 June
5 & 18 July
2 & 9 August
DERRY DIOCESAN SOCIETY
If you wish to enrol someone in the society, please contact the parish office. The fee for a living or deceased member is £20.
DDS Masses will take place on Wednesday 27 May at 10.00 am in Holy Rosary Church, and on Sunday 31 May at 10.00 am in St Mary’s, Coolcalm.
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.
