BALLINASCREEN & DESERTMARTIN PARISHES 7_JUNE_2026
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- 9 min read
No. 32 ~ THE MOST HOLY BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST
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 ~ 8 June
10.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church.
Tuesday ~ 9 June
10.00 am ~ St. Mary’s, Coolcalm.
Wednesday ~ 10 June
10.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church.
Thursday ~ 11 June
10.00 am ~ St Mary's, Coolcalm.
Friday ~ 12 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 8 June: St Colman, Bishop.
Tuesday 9 June: St Columba (Colum Cille).
Wednesday 10 June: St Ephrem.
Thursday 11 June: St Barnabas, apostle.
Friday 12 June: The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Saturday 13 June: The Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
DEATHS
We extend our prayerful sympathy to the family and relatives of:
Laura Diffley, Gortnari.
MONTH'S MIND MASS
The Month's Mind Mass for Colette Stewart will take place on Saturday 20 June at 7.30 pm in St Patrick's Church, Keenaught.
FIRST ANNIVERSARY MASS
The First Anniversary Mass for Mary McGovern will take place on Saturday 13 June at 7.30 pm in St Patrick’s Church, Keenaught.
The First Anniversary Mass for Sean Bradley, Glenelly Heights, will take place on Friday 19 June at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
ANNIVERSARIES
Ballinascreen:
Charles McKenna, Drumderg;
Rosemary Church, Sixtowns Rd.;
Irene Magee, Moykeeran Crescent;
Fergal Kennedy, Dunlogan Rd.;
Gerard Convery, Drumderg Rd.
Marie Donnelly, Shanmullagh Park;
Paul Kearney, Newtownards;
Fianna Harkin, Tirruadh Rd.;
Tommy Hegarty, Bancran.
Joe Crilly, Drumard;
Dominic Crilly, Drumard;
Paddy Crilly, Drumard;
Michael Crilly, Drumard;
Margaret Crilly, Drumard.
Desertmartin:
First Anniversary:
Marie O’Hagan.
Anniversaries:
Anthony McSwiggan;
Hugh Devlin;
Kathleen O’Kane;
Geraldine Bradley;
Michael Joseph Toner;
Frank Henry.
BAPTISMS
We welcome into God’s family through the Sacrament of Baptism:
Dáithí Bernard Cassidy, Glenelly Villas;
Gracie Mae McGuigan, Gortahurk Road.
PARISH COLLECTIONS
Ballinascreen:
Weekly Collection - £1619
Renovation Collection - £2090
Desertmartin:
Weekly Collection - £1254.90
Thank you for your generous support which is greatly appreciated.
PIONEER ASSOCIATION
Recently confirmed children, and those confirmed in the last few years, are invited to take their Confirmation Pledge at either Vigil Masses in Ballinascreen and Desertmartin on Saturday 13 June. Representatives from the Pioneer Association will also be present at both masses to register any parishioners who wish to join.
END OF YEAR MASS
Gaelscoil na Speiríní: Mass in St Columba's, Straw on Tuesday 16 June at 10.00 am.
Knocknagin PS: Mass in St Mary's, Coolcalm on Thursday 18 June at 10.00 am.
St Colm's HS: Mass in the High School on Thursday 18 June at 2.00 pm.
St Columbs, Cullion: Mass in St Patrick's Keenaught on Wednesday 24 June at 1.15 pm.
LOURDES PRE-PILGRIMAGE MASS
Mass with Bishop McKeown in Our Lady of Lourdes, Steelstown on Monday 22 June at 7.00 pm.
SPRED MASS
SPRED Mass in St Mary's, Coolcalm on Thursday 25 June at 10.00 am.
NUALA’S FITNESS CLASSES
Advanced Class: Mondays and Thursdays from 1 June from 6.45 pm to 7.45 pm.
Beginner Class: Tuesday 2 June from 6.30 pm to 7.30 pm in the hall, Workspace Recreation Centre on the Back row. To book your space telephone 02879628113.
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
DESERTMARTIN COMMUNITY PLAN & FORUM MEETING
If you would like to be part of the Community Forum to help make Desertmartin and surrounding areas a better place to live, work and play, please come along to the committee meeting on Tuesday night 9 June at 7.30 pm in the Church of Ireland Parish Hall.
HUMAN LIFE INTERNATIONAL TALK
St Trea's Church, 140 Aughrim Road, Castledawson, Newbridge, Co Derry, Tuesday 9 June at 7.30 pm: 'The Holy Face of Jesus', a devotion for our times. Learn about the saints, popes, miracles and promises (including specific protection on YOUR town) associated with this devotion. Holy Face relic and blessed oil available. For further information, Tel: 00353852525612
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 & 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 MENS 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: from 10.00 am to 12:30 pm and Thursdays from 10.00 am to 12:30 pm. For more information, contact Francis on 07808736891.
KNOCKNAGIN HALL COMMITTEE
Irish Language Classes: Mondays at 7:30 pm.
Chair Exercises: Tuesdays at 10.00 am.
Irish Dancing Lessons: Tuesdays from 5:30 pm to 7.00 pm. To register contact Nicola: 07518 207458
Exercise / Fitness Class SGARA: 6-week exercise and fitness class commenced on Wednesday 27 May at 7:30 pm. Suitable for all abilities and open to adults aged 18+. Improve fitness, build strength, or simply stay active, All 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. All welcome. An enjoyable evening of music, food & dancing. Band practice is on Thursday 11 June at 7.30 pm. Practice continues every Thursday as members prepare for the Feast of the Assumption Celebration in Keady, Co. Armagh, on Sunday 16 August. Congratulations to Noel Donnelly, Lissan winner of the June draw.
KILCRONAGHAN CENTRE,
Free Event: Kilcronaghan Centre 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 and much more. Refreshments and freebies during the morning. Reserve your space today. Funded by Step, PEACEPLUS & MUDC, Contact the Centre to book a place.
Art Exhibition & Creamed Tea Fundraise: 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
ST. COLUMBA'S DAY 2026
This year’s St Columba Celebrations at Long Tower have a special significance as we’re celebrating the 80th Anniversary of the Consecration of the Long Tower in 1946.
Events include:
Monday 8 June: All-Night Vigil of Adoration from 8.00 pm to 6.30 am - FEAST OF ST COLUMBA.
Tuesday 9 June: 7.00 am: Mass at Hawthorn Tree; 10.00 am: Mass for Schools and Families; 6.30 pm: Vespers at the base of the Medieval-era monastic Bell Tower, Lumen Christi College; 7.00 pm: Rosary in Irish for World Peace at Calvary; 7.30 pm: Mass of St Columba to mark the 80th Anniversary of the Consecration of Long Tower church celebrated by Fr John Joe Duffy, PP Creeslough, followed by procession to St Columba’s Well and Parish Party in Lower School Hall.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED OVERSEAS
Make a Difference! You can help us promote equality, justice, peace and opportunity for all! Viatores Christi (VC) Lay Missionaries are visiting parishes in the Derry Diocese this year. VC was founded in Dublin in 1960 and since then has sent over 2000 lay missionary volunteers overseas to share their skills, knowledge and enthusiasm. Our roles are varied, based on the need identified by our partners, for example education, agriculture, social work, healthcare, ICT, pastoral and project support.
Next Volunteer Info Day: Emmaus Room, St Patrick’s, Pennyburn, Derry BT487Q on Saturday 13 June from 2.00 pm to 4.30 pm. For further info Email sally@viatoreschristi.com or Phone Sally Roddy + 353 87 2745422
DIOCESE OF DERRY LOUGH DERG PILGRIMAGE
The Three-Day Pilgrimage will take place from Friday 24 to Sunday 26 July. An opportunity to step away from the pace of daily life and make space for God. For those availing of the bus transport (from St Eugene's Cathedral via Strabane and Lifford) the cost is £95, includes bus. Booking form and full details are available at derrydiocese.org/lough-derg.
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:
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.
PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS
We pray for the men who will serve the Church as priests of our diocese, that their faith in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist will be strengthened as they share the Body and Blood of Christ with their brothers and sisters.
