BALLINASCREEN & DESERTMARTIN PARISHES 4_OCTOBER_2026
No. 49 ~ TWENTY-SEVENTH 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 - Do This In Memory Mass
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 ~ 5 October
10.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church.
7.30 pm ~ Holy Rosary Church - Mass in honour of St Pio of Pietrelcina.
Tuesday ~ 6 October
10.00 am ~ St. Mary’s, Coolcalm.
Wednesday ~ 7 October
10.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church.
Thursday ~ 8 October
10.00 am ~ St Mary's, Coolcalm.
Friday ~ 9 October
10.00 am ~ St. Mary’s, Coolcalm.
7.30 pm ~ Holy Rosary Church.
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 5 October: St Faustina Kowalska.
Tuesday 6 October: St Bruno.
Wednesday 7 October: Our Lady of the Rosary.
Friday 9 October: St John Henry Newman, Ss Denis & Companions.
PADRE PIO MASS
The monthly Mass in honour of St. Pio of Pietrelcina will be celebrated on Monday October 5 at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church. Novena prayers and rosary at 7.00 pm. This Mass marks the 21st anniversary of the Padre Pio prayer group in Ballinascreen. Adoration from 12noon until the 7.30 pm Mass.
DEATH
We extend our prayerful sympathy to the family and relatives of:
Hubert O’Neill, Portstewart, formerly Drumard.
FIRST ANNIVERSARY MASS
The First Anniversary Mass for Michael Bradley, Disert Road, will be held on Friday 16 October at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
The First Anniversary Mass for Kevin Kelly, Bancran Rd, will be held on Friday 23 October at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
The First Anniversary Mass for John Joe McKenna, Cloane Rd, will be held on Friday 23 October at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
ANNIVERSARIES
Ballinascreen:
Agnes Gray, Corrick Rd.;
Patrick McCullagh, Coolnasillagh Rd.;
Eileen Devlin, Sixtowns Rd.;
John McGorry, Oak Park;
Peggy Sargent, Gortnaskea Rd.;
Michael McGlone, Tonagh Hgts.;
Ellen Murray, Belfast;
Brendan McBride, Cavanreagh Rd.;
Susan Murray, Ranaghan Rd.;
Delphine McKenna, The Square;
Monica Gillespie, Glenelly Villas.
Desertmartin:
Brendan O’Neill;
Willie Fullen;
John Murray;
Maggie McGuigan;
Mary Donnelly;
Mary Josephine Breen.
BAPTISMS
We welcome into God’s family through the Sacrament of Baptism: Naoise Eamonn Mac Giolla Bhrighde, Dromdallagan
DO THIS IN MEMORY OF ME ENROLMENT MASS
The first DTIM mass is the 'Enrolment Mass', for ALL the children of the parish preparing for First Holy Communion next year and will take place on Saturday 10 October in Holy Rosary Church at 6.00 pm Vigil Mass.
PARISH COLLECTIONS
Ballinascreen:
Weekly Collection - £1901
Renovation Collection - £1668.10
Retired Priests Collection - £229
Desertmartin:
Weekly Collection - £1150
Thank you for your generous support which is greatly appreciated.
VOCATIONS
Are you 18 years or older, wondering about serving the Church as a priest of the diocese of Derry? An afternoon Talk with time for Prayer, Discussion, Questions & Answers in Derry on Sunday 11 October. For further details contact Fr Pat O'Hagan at pgoh2111@gmail.com
OUR LADY, UNTIER OF KNOTS NOVENA
Novena begins after the 7.30 pm Mass on Thursday 1 October in Saint Eugene’s Cathedral. Continuing for the following eight Thursdays, concluding on 26 November. Do you have “knots” in your life. This Novena reminds us that sin never entangled Our Lady, and that Christ gave us His Mother as Our Lady, Untier of Knots. Through this devotion, we entrust our personal “knots” to her loving care - learning to let go and allowing her to gently untie what binds us. All are welcome to join.
ST. COLM’S HIGH SCHOOL
St. Colm’s High School Harvest Mass will take place in the Holy Rosary Church on Tuesday 13 October at 2.00 pm. Everyone welcome.
MONTHLY LUNCHEON CLUB
Free Transport now available to Over 60s Monthly Luncheon Club in Workspace Community Hub. Monthly Luncheon Club takes place on Wednesday 21 October in Workspace Community Hub from 11.00 am to 1.00 pm. Workspace is teaming up with Out and About Community Transport to provide free transport to anyone in the Ballinascreen area who would like to attend but doesn’t have access to transport. If you would like more information on booking a free spot, please contact Workspace on 028 7962 8113 before Wednesday 14 October and join us for a delicious lunch and good company, in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
BALLINASCREEN HISTORICAL SOCIETY
A talk entitled "The Drapers' Company Tenantry" by Alistair Bodkin will be held on Tuesday 6 October at 8.00 pm in the Community Hub. Copies of his books will undoubtedly provide a rich resource for family history, emigration and even nicknames will be on sale. Everyone welcome.
FÉILE BHAILE NA SCRÍNE - BALLINASCREEN FESTIVAL
Glór na Speiríní are delighted to announce a range of bilingual activities for all ages as part of our week-long festival.
Wednesday 7 October: Gaeilge Go For It! from 7.00 pm to 8.00 pm. An insight from parents, pupils of Irish medium students and the perspective of adult learners. If you are wondering about learning Irish or choosing Irish medium education for your child. Not to be missed!
Friday 9 October: Pop-Up Gaeltacht, open music session, singing, conversation & craic in The Market Inn from 9.00 pm to late proceeds in aid of Palestine.
Saturday 10 October: Bilingual guided walk around Loch na gCon (Lough Fea) meeting at the carpark at 10.00 am
Sunday 11 October: Family Fun Day in An Ráth Dubh from 1.00 pm to 3.00 pm. Donations at the door in aid of youth club.
For more info on any of these events please contact Conchúr on 79627703 or email conchurglor@gmail.com
BALLINASCREEN CREDIT UNION
September Quarterly Cash Draw Winners:
First Prize - £10,000 Mr Seamus Bradley, Plumbridge.
Second Prize - £7,000 Mr Sean Óg Scullion, Carnamoney Lane.
Third Prize - £5,000 Miss Cathy McKenna, Cloane Road.
Fourth Prize - £3,000 Mr Sean McConnell, Gortin.
Next Quarterly Cash Draw Saturday 19 December 2026.
BIRTHDAY WISHES
Congratulations and Happy Birthday to James Henry of Brooklands Nursing Home, formally Fivemilestraight, who celebrated his 104th Birthday this week.
CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations to the Desertmartin Ladies Team who won the recent County Championship Final.
KNOCKNAGIN HALL
Social Tea Dance: Friday 9 October, at 9.00 pm. Music by Colin Harney. Admission £7 - including refreshments.
Salsa Dancing: 6-week Salsa Dancing class is perfect for beginners no previous experience or partner needed! Thursday 1October from 7.00 pm to 8:30 pm. Cost: £42 for the 6-week block.
Craft Fair: A few tables still available for our Christmas Craft Fair, Sunday 8 November from 10:30 am to 3.00 pm. £20 per table or 2 for £30, £10 booking deposit. email knocknaginhc@gmail.com or 078 8761 4094
Irish Class; Mondays. Bunrang (Beginners) 6:45pm to 8pm. Meánrang (Improvers) 8pm to 9:30pm.
Chair Exercise: Tuesdays from 10.00 am to 11.00 am. All welcome. Admission £4.
Irish Dancing Lessons: Tuesday evenings from 5:30 pm to 7.00 pm To register, contact Nicola: 07518 207458
Bowling Club: Tuesdays from 8.00 pm. Suitable for all.
Céilí Dancing Classes: New 6-week block started on Wednesday 30 September at 7:30pm. Suitable for all ages.
Acrobats Gymnastics Club: Saturdays from 9.00 am to 2.00 pm. To register visit https://acro-bats.classforkids.io/term/10
Sarsfield’s Accordion Band: Practice on Thursday at 7:30 pm. New and past members are all very welcome.
SGARA
Crochet classes start in Knocknagin hall on Tuesday 6th October at 7.30pm to 9pm all welcome limited places. Contact Chris 07546010560
Dance in Knocknagin Hall: Sunday 18 October from 3.00 pm to 5.30 pm. Music by Sean Corrigan.
SIXTOWNS CROSS COMMUNITY GROUP
Indoor Bowls: Mondays at 8.15 pm. New Members Welcome.
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 The Shepherd's Rest, Herons Chemist, Ballinascreen Credit Union, Straw Service Station & Committee Members.
Christmas Fair with Santa: Sunday 29th November 2026 at Sixtowns Hall. Tables are booking up fast. £20 per table or £30 for two. To book, contact 07769 289385
NUALA'S BEGINNER 6 WEEK FITNESS CLASS
Join Nuala’s classes for an exciting new Beginner Fitness Class designed to help you move, build confidence, and have fun! Classes - £3.50 per session. Perfect for absolute beginners, low impact & easy to follow. Starts Tuesday 13 October from 6.45 pm to 7.45 pm in the hall, Workspace Recreation Centre on the Back row. Book your space by telephoning Carin: 02879628113.
NETBALL FOR BEGINNERS
Wednesday nights from 8.00 pm to 9.00 pm in the Backrow Hall. Over 16 ladies welcome. Come along for fun. No need to register Just turn up on the night. Adm £3. Contact Martina on 07795165999 for more info.
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:
17 October, Sixtowns. (Saturday)
1 November, St. Columba's, Straw.
8 November, St Eugene’s Moneyneena.
29 November, Holy Rosary Church.
6 December, St. Patrick's, Sixtowns.
13 December, St. Columba's, Straw.
20 December, St Eugene’s Moneyneena.
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:
October 18 2026
November 8 & 22 2026
December 6 & 20 2026
January 10 & 24 2027
February 7 & 21 2027
March 7 & 14 2027
April 4 & 18 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
We pray for the men God is calling to serve as priests of our diocese that, as they work in the vineyard of the Lord, they will produce the good fruit of justice and integrity.
