BALLINASCREEN & DESERTMARTIN PARISHES 5_April_2026
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Updated: 11 hours ago
No. 23 ~ EASTER - DAY OF THE LORD'S RESURRECTION
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
EASTER 2026
SATURDAY 11 APRIL VIGIL MASSES
4.30 pm ~ St Eugene's, Moneyneena.
6.00 pm ~ Holy Rosary Church.
7.30 pm ~ St Patrick's, Keenaught.
SUNDAY 12 APRIL MASSES
9.00 am ~ St Columba's, Straw.
10.00 am ~ St Mary's, Coolcalm.
11.00 am ~ St Patrick's, Sixtowns.
* No 12 noon mass in Moneyneena
MASSES FOR THIS WEEK
Monday 6 April: Easter Monday
10.00am ~ Holy Rosary Church
Tuesday 7 April
10.00 am ~ St Mary's, Coolcalm
Wednesday 8 April
10.0 0am ~ Holy Rosary Church
Thursday 9 April
10.00 am – St Marys, Coolcalm
Friday 10 April
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 6 April: Easter Monday
Tuesday 7 April: Easter Tuesday
Wednesday 8 April: Easter Wednesday
Thursday 9 April: Easter Thursday
Friday 10 April: Easter Friday
MONTHS MIND MASS
The Months Mind Mass for Donald McKenna, Glenelly Villas will be celebrated on Friday 10 April at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
FIRST ANNIVERSARY MASS
The First Anniversary Mass for Rose Logue, Weddell Bridge Road will be celebrated on Friday 10 April at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
The First Anniversary Mass for Mickey Joe McGuigan will be celebrated on Saturday 11 April at 7.30 pm in St Patrick's, Keenaught.
ANNIVERSARIES
Ballinascreen:
Annie McSorley, Moyard Rd.;
Brian McCloskey, Fivemilestraight;
Anthony McCormack, Fivemilestraight;
Theresa McKenna, Doon Rd.;
Lawrence Rooney, Moyheeland Dres.;
Raymond Cuskeran, Glenelly Villas;
Bernadette O'Neill, Disert Rd.
Desertmartin:
Mary Connery;
Paudeen Hegarty;
Mary Quigley;
James Kidd;
John McGovern
BAPTISMS
We welcome into God's family through the Sacrament of Baptism:
Dáithí Sean Campbell, Drumsarney Rd;
Cadán Hugh Moran, Cookstown;
Micheál Patrick Groogan, Gortnari.
PARISH COLLECTIONS
Ballinascreen:
Renovation Collection - £2333
Weekly Collection - £2932
Desertmartin:
Weekly Collection - £1095
Renovation Collection - £211
Thank you for your generous support which is greatly appreciated.
Totals shown include March Standing Orders from Parishioners.
If you would like to avail of this option please contact the Parish Office.
DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY
There will be Divine Mercy Devotions on 12 April in St. Mary's, Coolcalm at 3.00 pm. All welcome.
ACTION FOR CHILDREN CHARITY BMX RIDEOUT
Monday 6 April at 1.00 pm outside Delicious Café, Draperstown (Easter Monday). Bike enthusiasts young & old, for a ride around The Plantin, cycle around the football grounds at St Colm's High School, around the town. All proceeds to Action for Children. Bring your children along, with their bikes. Contact Eamon Cuskeran for details 07900432073
JD MULTI-SPORTS EASTER CAMP
From Tuesday 7 to Friday 10 April at Backrow Recreational Centre. Fun activities including Gymnastics, GAA, Football, Dance & Athletics. Perfect for kids aged P1 – P4: 10.00 am – 12 noon, P5 – P7: 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm Limited spaces. Follow JD Multi-Sports on facebook for more info & how to book.
TABLE QUIZ
Friday 10 April at 8.30 pm, in Hogan Stand, Moneyneena. £5 per person. All proceeds in aid of St Colm's High School Camino Fund.
ST. COLM'S CAMINO
Sunday 12 April. All welcome. Walk with us and be part of something truly special! 16k or 22k, you choose! Or walk any distance that suits you. Camino route is flat, easy, & suitable for everyone. Let’s walk it together! For the purposes of stamping of Camino Passports, starting takes place from 8.00 am to 10.00 am at St. Colm’s H.S., finishing back at the school at Susan’s Trail. Tickets available from: St. Colm’s High School, Ballinascreen Credit Union, Heron’s Giftshop. Online via Klubfunder. Book your place ASAP!
PILGRIMAGE TO ROME AND ASSISI OCTOBER 2026
Fr. Madden is leading a parish pilgrimage to Rome & Assisi later this year from Saturday 24 October to Thursday 29 October. The price is €975 pp sharing (not €959 as mistakenly entered last week). 2026 is a Jubilee in Assisi on account of the 8th centenary of the death of St Francis. The programme will include a papal audience in Rome. We will also be in Assisi on October 27 and Pope Leo is due to be there the same day, so hopefully we may well be able to see him or attend an event with him in Assisi too. Includes the beautiful city of Spoleto, the jewel of Umbria with its magnificent duomo. Mass at the tomb of Carlo Acutis will also be possible, depending on the number of pilgrims in Assisi at that time. To book your place contact Myriam Tours. A non- refundable deposit of €300 per person is required at the time of booking. Single room supplement: €225 (Single rooms consist of one single bed and must be paid at time of booking.)
Final balance: Due by 31 July.
Phone: 00353579355050
WhatsApp:00353851792364
Email: info@myriam.ie
ST. COLUMBA'S CHURCH LONGTOWER DERRY
Annual Sr. Clare Retreat, Monday 13 to Sunday 19 April: "I prefer Paradise". Remembering Sr Clare's 10th Anniversary. For further information visit: www.longtowerchurch.org
ONE DAY RETREAT
"In The Stillness: Faith In A Busy World" - Lough Derg, Saturday 25 April. Boat departs 9.30 am In a world that often feels busy & distracted, this retreat offers young adults the opportunity to pause, reflect & reconnect with faith in the peaceful setting of Lough Derg. The day will conclude with the celebration of the Eucharist at 5.00pm, which is open to the public. Open to young adults aged 18–35 & free to attend, thanks to the support of the Knights of St Columbanus. Registration is essential: For further information please contact +447759496677 or info@knightsofstcolumbanusomagH.co.uk
DERRY DIOCESAN YOUTH PILGRIMAGE TO FATIMA
Young people aged 16+, join us on pilgrimage to Fatima for 5 nights, 3 - 8 August. A unique experience for young people, to engage with their peers from around the world in a faith context. Cost is £820, a budget plan available. Names & deposit of £100 to secure place. Contact
DERRY DIOCESAN LOURDES PILGRIMAGE 2026
All places on the pilgrimage are now filled. Should places become available through cancellations these will offered to those on the waiting list. All pilgrims are asked to complete final payment ASAP. Pilgrimage office will be closed during Easter Week 6 to 11 April inclusive.
BALLINASCREEN CREDIT UNION
March Quarterly Cash Draw Winners:
1st Prize – £10,000 - Miss Kara Ward, Dromdallagan.
2nd Prize – £7,000 - Mr John Sheerin, Dunnyvoe Road, Strabane.
3rd Prize – £5,000 - Mrs Anne Lagan, Sixtowns Road.
4th Prize – £3,000 - Mrs Clare McGuigan, Drumard Road.
Next Quarterly Cash Draw: Thursday 25 June 2026.
DESERTMARTIN PIONEER TOTAL ABSTINENCE ASSOCIATION
To become a Pioneer or for Existing Members who wish to update their pin, contact Madonna Devlin on 07788501610 or Veronica Wilson on 07877414039 to place your order. Pins/Certs can be purchased for Juvenile Pioneer €7(age10-18), Full Pioneer €7(age18), Silver €40(25years), Gilded Gold €42(50years), Diamond €20(60years), Fr Cullen Medal €45(60+ years). Please place your order by 3 April 2026.
KNOCKNAGIN HALL COMMITTEE
Social Tea Dance: Friday 10 April at 9.00 pm. Music by Colin Harney. Adm £7 - includes refreshments.
Irish Language Class: New 12-week block commencing Monday 13 April at 7:30 pm.
Chair Exercises: No Class Easter Tuesday, resumes Tuesday 14 April at 10.00 am.
Irish Dancing Lessons: Continues on Tuesday evenings from 5:30 pm to 7.00 pm To register, contact Nicola: 07518 207458
Circuit Training: Wednesday evenings at 7:30 pm.
Acrobats Gymnastics Club: Continues on Saturdays from 9.00 am to 2.00 pm.
Sarsfield's Accordion Band: No band practice until Thursday 16 April.
BALLINASCREEN GAC GAELTACHT SCHOLARSHIP COLLECTION
Thanks to parishioners for the support given to the recent collection which totalled £1084.03 If you would like to apply for a scholarship for your child please contact secretary.ballinascreen.derry@gaa.ie. Please note scholarships are available to secondary school children attending the Gaeltacht this summer, and they will be awarded in September.
ENCOUNTER WEEKEND DONEGAL
Radisson Blu Hotel, Letterkenny. Friday 5 June from 6.00 pm to10.30 pm. Saturday 6 June from 9.00 am to 10.30 pm. Experience the presence of God through the celebration of the Sacraments, Spirit-led worship, inspiring talks, healing service, and fellowship. Be refreshed & empowered by the Holy Spirit, learn from the Saints how to live the lifestyle God intended you to live. Keynote Speakers: Patrick Reis: co-founder and Executive Director of Encounter Ministries USA & Fr. Patrick Gonyeau who serves with the U.S. Province of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood in Ohio. For more info, email donegal@encounterschool.org.
ROAD SAFETY FOR WALKERS
Please, if you can, wear something bright/reflective & have a torch if you are going to be walking on the roads when it's dark. You should also walk on the side of the road where the traffic is coming towards you.
HOLY COMMUNION
Knocknagin P.S.: St. Mary's, Coolcalm - 25 April at 11.00 am.
St Eoghan’s P.S.: St. Eugene's, Moneyneena - 2 May at 11.00 am.
St Mary’s P.S.: Holy Rosary Church - 9 May at 11.00 am.
Gaelscoil Na Speiríní: Rosary Church - 16 May at 11.00 am.
St Columba’s P.S. Straw: St. Columba’s, Straw - 16 May at 11.00 am.
St Columb’s P.S. Cullion: St. Patrick';s, Keenaught - 23 May at 11.00 am.
BLESSING OF GRAVES
Saturday ~ 18 July
5.00 pm ~ St Eugene’s, Moneyneena - Vigil Mass followed by Blessing of Graves.
7.00 pm ~St Patrick's, Keenaught - Vigil Mass followed by Blessing of Graves.
No Vigil mass in Holy Rosary
Sunday ~ 19th 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.
2.00 pm ~ Straw. Blessing of Graves.
No 12 noon mass in Moneyneena
BALLINASCREEN PARISH BAPTISMS
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:
12 April, Moneyneena.
19 April, Holy Rosary.
3 May, Straw.
10 May, Moneyneena.
17 May, Holy Rosary.
24 May, 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:
12 & 19 April
3 & 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
We pray for an increase in vocations to the diocesan priesthood, that the men called to be priests will preach and live by the gospel, the Good News of Jesus, our Lord and Saviour, risen from the dead, our hope of resurrection and everlasting life.
