BALLINASCREEN & DESERTMARTIN PARISHES 3_May_2026
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No. 27 ~ FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
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
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 ~ 4 May:
10.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church.
7.30 pm ~ Holy Rosary Church - Padre Pio Mass.
Tuesday ~ 5 May
10.00 am ~ St. Mary’s, Coolcalm.
Wednesday ~ 6 May
10.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church.
Thursday ~ 7 May
10.00 am ~ St Mary's, Coolcalm.
Friday ~ 8 May
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 4 May: St Conleth, bishop.
Tuesday 5 May: Blessed Edmund Rice.
Friday 8 May: Blessed John Sullivan, priest.
DEATHS
We extend our prayerful sympathy to the family and relatives of:
Eamon McGuigan, St Patricks Street;
Pat Deery, Edendork, formerly Ballinascreen.
FIRST ANNIVERSARY MASS
The First Anniversary Mass for Maurice Bradley, Moyard Road will be celebrated on Friday7 May at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
The First Anniversary Mass for Peter Joe McGurk, Donaghmore will be held on Thursday 7 May at 7.30 pm in Donaghmore.
ANNIVERSARIES
Ballinascreen:
First Anniversary:
Vera Kelly, Bancran.
Anniversaries:
Joe McEldowney, Dunmurray;
Pat Armour, Cahore Rd.;
Monica Kelly, Cavanreagh Rd.;
John Joe Trainor, Magherafelt Rd.;
Mary McWilliams, Ballinascreen Fold;
Conor Donnelly, Tobermore Rd.;
Peggy McGlade, Tonagh Rd.;
Michael Conway, Cavanreagh Rd.;
Eileen O’Kane, London;
John Connolly, Moyard Rd.;
Aidan Clerkin, Sixtowns Rd.;
Mary Rogers, Brackaghdisert;
John & Kathleen Trainor, Magherafelt Rd.
Desertmartin:
Michael Kelly;
Kathleen Kelly;
Susan Moran;
Jim McCabe;
Mickey McCann;
Peggy Wright;
Patrick Duffy.
PARISH COLLECTIONS
Ballinascreen:
Renovation Collection - £2108.73
Weekly Collection - £1760
Desertmartin:
Weekly Collection - £858.75
Thank you for your generous support which is greatly appreciated.
DESERTMARTIN WEEKLY COLLECTIONS
The time has come to restore the Offertory Collection to its proper place. We need BOTH men and women to commit to one month in the year to take up the collections at mass. We need two collectors for St Marys Church Coolcalm and three for St Patricks Keenaught. If you have been a collector in the past please consider resuming this important role. Please give your name to Fr Madden or Fr McCaul or any of the sacristans as soon as possible. The Offertory Collection will resume its proper place on the first weekend of May.
PADRE PIO MASS
The monthly mass in honour of St. Pio of Pietrelcina will be celebrated on Monday 4 May at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church. Novena prayers and Rosary at 7.00 pm
HOLY COMMUNION
Congratulations to all the Primary 4 children from Knocknagin Primary School who celebrated their First Holy Communion on Saturday, 25 April. May Jesus enter their heart, strengthening their faith, love, and joy.
St. Eoghan’s P.S. ~ 2 May at 11.00 am in St. Eugene's Moneyneena.
St. Mary’s P.S. ~ 9 May at 11.00 am in Holy Rosary Church.
Gaelscoil Na Speiríní ~ 16 May at 11.00 am in Holy Rosary Church.
St Columba’s P.S. ~ 16 May at 11.00 am in St Columba’s, Straw.
St Columb’s P.S., Cullion ~ 23 May at 11.00 am in St. Patrick's, Keenaught.
FRIENDS OF KNOCKNAGIN WALKING GROUP
6-week guided walking program, Begins Thursday 23 April at 10.00 am from Knocknagin Hall, Desertmartin. 30-40min walk, suitable for all abilities. Friendly & supportive group. Refreshments afterwards in Knocknagin Hall. Contact Deirdre for further info 07594124854
BIG BREAKFAST AND HILL WALK
Tirgan Hall, Sunday 3 May, Hill walk registration 8.45 am. Breakfast served from 9.00 am. £10per person. Please support by walking, eating or both! Nominated charities are Slieve Gallion Community Pre-school & the Fort Centre Maghera.
BALLINASCREEN HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Tom Sweeny balladeer, songwriter and storyteller will be the special guest on Tuesday May 5 at 8.00 pm in the Shepherd's Rest. Cover charge £8. Everyone welcome
WARM WELCOME WEDNESDAY
Workspace Community Hub, Wednesday 6 May from 11.00 am to 1.00 pm: Supporting Communities Digital Inclusion. Session on ‘Getting to know your device’. Bring your smart phone or tablet, they will discuss how to manage your settings, accessibility features, using apps and more. Session commences at 11.45 am. Refreshments served. Just drop in but if you have any queries, please call Workspace on 02879628113
JIVING GYM
Jiving Gym in Tirgan Hall begins Wednesday 6 May for 4 weeks. To book see facebook page.
KNOCKNAGIN HALL COMMITTEE
Social Tea Dance: Friday 8 May at 9.00 pm. Music by Wee Tom. Admission £7. Includes refreshments.
Irish Language Class: Mondays at 7:30 pm.
Chair Exercises: Tuesday mornings at 10.00 am.
Irish Dancing Lessons: Tuesday evenings from 5:30 pm to 7.00 pm. To register, Contact Nicola: 07518 207458
Céilí Dancing Lessons: Tuesdays at 7:30 pm. All levels welcome.
Friends Of Knocknagin Walking Group: Walking from Knocknagin Hall at 10.00 am every Thursday. Easy 30–40 minute walk. All abilities very welcome.
Acrobats Gymnastics Club: Saturdays from 9.00 am to 2.00 pm.
Sarsfields Accordion Band: Band practice fortnightly on Thursday evenings. Next practice Thursday 14 May at 7:30 pm. All members are invited to attend. New and past members welcome.
OMAGH CHARISMATIC PRAYER GROUP
Mgr Barney McAleer, retired SMA priest, will give a Talk on 'Our Lady, our Mother' on Thursday 7 May in the Pastoral centre, Brook Street, Omagh at 8.00 pm. All are welcome.
THE LITTLE WAY NOVENA IN ST EUGENE’S CATHEDRAL
9 - 17 May: The theme is ‘My peace consists in remaining little”. The Novena begins at the 7.30 pm Mass with the Sacrament of the Sick on Saturday 9 May. Devotions and talk on Sunday 10 May at 6.00 pm. Monday to Friday (11 to 15 May) Novena Masses at 6.30 am and 10.00 am each morning and an evening service with a guest speaker at 7.30 pm. Saturday 16 May 10.00 am Mass for those who have died. The Novena will close on Sunday 17 May with blessing of the roses at 3.00 pm. Everyone is welcome to St Eugene’s Cathedral for this time of prayer and petition.
KNOCK PILGRIMAGE TO PRAY FOR PEACE IN THE HOLY LAND
People from all over Ireland are invited to Knock Shrine on Saturday 16 May, for a special pilgrimage to pray for peace in the Holy Land. The pilgrimage – organised by the Papal Charity Aid to the Church in Need – will be led by Bishop William Shomali from Bethlehem. Bishop Shomali will offer a message of hope at 11.00 am and celebrate Mass at 3.00 pm. All are welcome. More information at www.acnireland.org
SGARA
Dance in St. Mary's Hall Knocknagin, Desertmartin on 24 May. Music by John Rafferty from 3.00 pm to 5.30 pm. Back by popular demand. Sure to be a great show! Admission £10. Bring your own bottle.
PUB QUIZ NIGHT
Friday 29 May in the Market Inn, Draperstown. Quiz from 8.00 pm to 10.00 pm. Disco from 10.00 pm to 12 midnight. £5 per person. Raffle on the night. All proceeds will go towards Gaelscoil agus Naíscoil na Speiríní. Tá fáilte roimh chách - Everyone is welcome.
DERRY DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO KNOCK SHRINE
Saturday 6 June 2026. In conjunction with the All-Ireland Rosary Rally, we will celebrate at our National Eucharistic and Marian Shrine. Buses will leave St Eugene's Cathedral, Derry, at 8.00 am, cost £50, includes dinner in Knock House Hotel following the conclusion of the Mass in the Basilica. For further information, please contact Karen in the parish office at St Eugene's on 028 7126 2894 or by email at cathedral@derrydiocese.org.
MEDJUGORJE PILGRIMAGES 2026 (45TH ANNIVERSARY)
7 nights from 24 June to 1 July. Depart: Dublin - Mostar. Return: Split - Dublin. €855 p.p. sharing. Single room supplement €170. For more information please contact Ursula O Faodhagain, Castlefin 0872960562
PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES
From 3 - 8 July, 2026. Flights from Derry, full board £899. Contact Maria 02881648357 / WhatsApp 07768 395038 for further details.
GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS
Is gambling affecting your life? We would like to help. Pick up the phone and ring 028 7135 1329.
TRÓCAIRE
Thank you for the wonderful support for this year’s Trócaire Lenten Appeal. Donations totaling £8811.38 have been received in Ballinascreen Parish.
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:
10 May, Moneyneena.
17 May, Holy Rosary.
24 May, Sixtowns.
31 May, Straw.
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:
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
Our first reading tells the story of the selection of the first seven deacons. We pray for those recently, or soon to be, ordained to the Diaconate. Here in the Diocese of Derry, we pray God's blessing on Deacon Stephen Baxter who will be ordained to the priesthood on 14 June, that the Lord will bless him in his future ministry.
