BALLINASCREEN & DESERTMARTIN PARISHES 6_SEPTEMBER_2026
No. 45 ~ TWENTY-THIRD 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
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 ~ 7 September
10.00 am ~ St. Mary’s, Coolcalm.
7.30 pm ~ Holy Rosary Church. Mass in honour of St Pio of Pietrelcina.
Tuesday ~ 8 September
10.00 am ~ St. Mary’s, Coolcalm.
Wednesday ~ 9 September
10.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church. DDS Mass.
Thursday ~ 10 September
10.00 am ~ St Mary's, Coolcalm
Friday ~ 4 September
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
Tuesday 8 September: Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Wednesday 9 September: St Ciaran, abbot.
Thursday 10 September: St Peter Claver, priest.
Saturday 12 September: The Holy Name of Mary & St Ailbe, bishop.
DERRY DIOCESAN SOCIETY
The following Mass on Wednesday 9 September, at 10.00 am in The Holy Rosary, will be offered for the members of the 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.
OPENING OF THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR MASSES
St Columb's Primary School, Cullion: Wednesday 23 September in St Patrick's, Keenaught at 1.15 pm.
Knocknagin Primary School: Thursday 24 September in St Mary's, Coolcalm at 10.00 am.
MASS IN HONOUR OF ST PIO
Monthly Mass in honour of St Pio of Pietrelcina will be celebrated on Monday 7 September at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church. Novena prayers and Rosary at 7.00 pm.
VOICE OF PADRE PIO
Annual subscriptions for the St Pio magazine are now due. If you wish to receive this informative magazine posted directly to you from San Giovanni Rotunda please enclose £14 in a sealed envelope with your full name and address and pay at the St Pio mass on Monday 7 September.
CHANGE OF MASS TIME
Please note the evening Mass in Holy Rosary Church on Friday 2 October will be at the earlier time of 6.00 pm.
DEATHS
We extend our prayerful sympathy to the family and relatives of Garry McCullagh, Glengomna Rd.
FIRST ANNIVERSARY MASS
The First Anniversary Mass for Anna McCullagh, Moneyneena Rd, will be held on Friday 18 September at 7.30 pm in Holy Roasry Church.
The First Anniversary Mass for Gerry Donnelly, Moykeeran Drive, will be held on Friday 18 September at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
The First Anniversary Mass for Mary McGuckin, Carncose Rd, will be held on Saturday 26 September at 7.30 pm in St Patrick’s, Keenaught.
ANNIVERSARIES
Ballinascreen:
First Anniversary:
Eugene Kelly, Magherafelt
Anniversaries:
Rose O’Kane, Magherafelt Rd.;
Annie Murray, Sixtowns Rd.;
Charles Murray, Campbelltown Terr.;
Susan Clerkin, The Fold;
Mary Lagan, Glenelly Villas;
Rose O’Neill, Disert Rd.;
Rose Kelly, Moneyneena Rd.;
Desmond Bradley, Glenelly Villas;
Nuala McCrossan, Bancran Rd.;
Brendan Kelly, Mulnavoo Rd.;
Stephen Conway, High St.
Desertmartin:
Hubert Murray;
Kevin Donnelly;
Gerard McCann;
Maureen McNally;
James Fullen;
Baby Mary Henry;
Eddie Walls.
BAPTISMS
We welcome into God’s family through the Sacrament of Baptism:
Líle Jacqueline Brown, Dunmurry Rd.;
Peadar Ger Kelly, River Rd.
WEDDINGS
Congratulations and best wishes for the future to:
Claire O'Hagan and Gerard Higgins who were married recently in St Mary's Coolcalm;
Martin Donnelly and Jodie Monger who were married recently in St Columba’s Straw.
LAPÓGLANN - TODDLE-INN
Glór na Speiríní are pleased to announce that our parent and toddlers’ group has recommenced. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9.00 am to 10.30 am in Glór na Speiríní centre Straw, directly beside the chapel. £2 per session with refreshments included. Please note that our Irish language session is every Thursday morning from 9.00 am to 10.30 am. Tá fáilte roimh chách - Everyone is welcome! For further info or to register your place at these events please Email conchurglor@gmail.com or Tel.: 07795 536682 Urraithe ag Comhairle Ceantair Lár Uladh
WARM WELCOME WEDNESDAYS
In Workspace Community Hub, recommence on Wednesday 9 September, from 11.00 am to 1.00 pm. No need to book, just drop-in for tea / coffee and some chat. Free of charge and open to everyone.
O'NEILL ACADEMY OF IRISH DANCE
Class will resume Thursday 10 September in Ráth Dubh Centre, Moneyneena at 4.45 pm. All new members welcome.
GLÓR NA SPEIRÍNÍ / OÍCHE CHULTÚIR
In Workspace Hub, Saturday 19 September at 6.30 pm. Join us for an evening of Irish / Scottish Ceilí, Traditional Music, Piper, Highland dancing and Séan Nós dancing. All Donations welcome, and will be donated to STEPS and Mid Ulster Womens Aid. Funded by Workspace.
SGARA
Three nights break in Bundoran. 28, 29 and 30 September. B&B plus evening meal. Music each night €237euros plus transport. Contact any member for details.
RANGANNA GAEILGE DO DHAOINE FÁSTA
Glór na Speiríní are delighted to announce recommencement of our adult Irish language classes on Thursday 1 October from 7.30 pm to 9.00 pm in Straw, Ballinascreen. Cost for this block of 10 lessons is £40 and there are 5 levels to cater for everyone's needs. For information on booking and payment please contact Conchúr via Email: conchurglor@gmail.com or Tel.: 07795 536682. Urraithe ag Comhairle Ceantair Lár Uladh
KILCRONAGHAN CENTRE
Vintage Rally, Craft Fair & Family Fun Day, on Saturday 26 September from 11.00 am to 3.00 pm. For details see Kilcronaghan Facebook page or Tel.: 028 79627826.
PARISH COLLECTIONS
Ballinascreen:
Weekly Collection - £1,433
Renovation Collection - £1,730.80
Desertmartin:
Weekly Collection - £1,222
Thank you for your generous support which is greatly appreciated.
SUMMER BONANZA DRAW WINNERS ~ WEEK 4
£1000 ~ Colm McNamee, Kildress;
£200 ~ Joanne Connolly;
£100 ~ Danny Scullion, Ballinascreen.
KNOCKNAGIN HALL
Social Tea Dance: Friday 11 September at 9.00 pm. Music by Wee Tom. Admission £7 - includes refreshments.
Craft Fair: Now taking bookings 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 required. Email knocknaginhc@gmail.com or phone 078 8761 4094 to secure a table.
Irish Classes: Resumes on Monday 7 September. Partly supported by MUDC.
Bunrang (Beginners) 6:45 pm to 8.00 pm. This class is suitable for people who have no Irish and wish to learn,
Meánrang (Improvers) 8.00 pm to 9:30 pm. This class is suitable for people who already have a basic grasp of Irish - such as those who have completed a beginner class, but want to build confidence and fluency. Anyone wishing to join either class please book a place by Email: knocknaginhc@gmail.com or phone 028 7963 1744 / 078 3516 1927. Cost: 8 wks £40 - payable on the first night.
Chair Exercises: Tuesday mornings from 10.00 am to 11.00 am. A fun and exciting way to get exercise, improve your fitness, health & wellbeing. Everyone welcome. Admission £4.
Irish Dancing Lessons: Tuesday evenings from 5:30 pm to 7.00 pm. To register, contact Nicola: 07518 207458
Bowling Club: Recommences on Tuesday 1 September from 8.00 pm. Suitable for all ages - from 9 to 90, everyone welcome.
Line Dancing Classes: Wednesday evenings from 7:30 pm, suitable for all ages, from beginners to experts. Adm £5. All welcome.
Acrobats Gymnastics Club: Saturday mornings from 9.00 am to 2.00 pm. Spaces are available across selected classes. To register visit https://acro-bats.classforkids.io/term/10
CHILD SAFEGUARDING INFORMATION TRAINING
An information evening will take place in Desertmartin Parochial/Knocknagin Hall on Wednesday 9 September at 7.00 pm and will finish at 8.00 pm. This is an essential meeting for all priests in Ballinascreen / Desertmartin Parishes; all sacristans, secretaries. SPRED group leaders, Eucharistic Ministers who bring Holy Communion to non-family members, members of SVP, Prayers Groups and all other volunteers who interact with the young and the vulnerable on behalf of the parish.
SIXTOWNS CROSS COMMUNITY GROUP
Tea/Coffee Morning to Start off our 25th Anniversary Celebrations of the Centre on Sunday 6 September at 11.30 am. Everyone Welcome.
A 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 Heron's Gift Shop, Ballinascreen Credit Union, Straw Service Station & Committee Members.
DRAPERSTOWN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
An evening of Gospel Music and Praise on Friday 11 September at 7.30 pm. Suitable for all ages and tastes. Everyone welcome. All proceeds and donations to Mission Work.
BLESSING OF BIKERS AND MOTORCYCLES
Sunday 13 September in St Aengus’ Chapel, Burt, at 1.30 pm. All welcome to attend the brief service and blessing, after which all are welcome to join the run to Ned’s Point RNLI Station, to present the donation to the RNLI.
Please note, Mass will be celebrated on Sunday 13 September at 11.30 am in St Patrick’s Church, Dungiven, for deceased bikers, especially those who have died in the past year.
BALLINASCREEN GAC
Irish Language and Culture Night at 7.00 pm on Friday 18 September. More details to follow on Ballinascreen GAC social media pages. Ballinascreen GAC hope to enter teams in the Junior Scór Dhoire in October. Contact John on 07471374398 to register or for any queries.
ST PIO KNOCK PILGRIMAGE
National Knock Pilgrimage in honour of St Pio of Pietrelcina on Sunday September 20. Coach will leave from Holy Rosary Church at 7.00 am, pickup at St Mary's Coolcam (7.10 am) returning at 10.00 pm approx. Fare £35 (includes breakfast) payable on booking. All welcome.
To book please contact:07836366949 or 07732125316 or 07769720546.
DONEGAL GROUP 173 RISE AND SHINE TRUST
Celebrating 40 years of taking young people with special needs to Lourdes each Easter. A special Mass will be held on Saturday 26 September in the Church of the Irish Martyr's Letterkenny at 12 noon. Concelebrated by Bishop Niall Coll and Bishop Donal Mc Keowan Diocese of Derry. We invite all the guests, their families and all the helpers who travelled with us over the years to celebrate Our Lady of Lourdes.
MICHAEL ENGLISH CONCERT ~ SPONSORSHIP
Any business or company who would like to be one of the sponsors for the Michael English Fundraising Concert should please contact Fr Madden: Tel.: 028 79628376 or Email either Parish Office desertmartinparish@gmail.com or ballinascreenparish@gmail.com.
All sponsorship will be gratefully received and acknowledged.
MICHAEL ENGLISH & BAND LIVE CONCERT
Enjoy a rare and intimate evening with Michael English, one of Ireland’s most popular entertainers. This exclusive acoustic performance of uplifting music filled with hope, faith and community spirit takes place on Friday 2 October, at 8.00 pm in St. Patrick’s Church, Keenaught. All proceeds from this special fundraising concert will go to towards the Parish of Desertmartin, Church Renovation Fund. Tickets £30 each are now available to buy from Heron’s Gift Shop, Moneyneena Post Office, both Parish Offices, or online (Click Here) with Eventbrite or use this QR code:
HEART FOR ART / QUIZ NIGHT SUCCESS
A massive thank you to everyone who supported our recent Quiz Night! Together, we raised an incredible total of £9,895 for two very special causes close to our hearts. The funds have been donated to the dedicated teams at Antrim Area Hospital - £9,395 to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) - in memory of Daddy, thanking the incredible team who did absolutely everything they could for him 10 years ago. £500 to Respiratory Ward A1 - in deep gratitude to the staff who looked after Mummy and helped her so much this past April. Your overwhelming generosity means the world to our family and ensures these healthcare heroes can continue their vital work. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you!
Ciara McNamee & Family
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:
13 September, Straw.
4 October, Holy Rosary.
17 October, Sixtowns. (Saturday)
1 November, Straw.
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:
September 6 & 27 2026
October 4 & 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 called to priesthood, to the ministry of teaching and preaching in the name of Jesus, and encouraging their brothers and sisters to turn away from sin and live as followers of Christ in today's world.
