BALLINASCREEN & DESERTMARTIN PARISHES 9_NOVEMBER_2025
- Ballinascreen Parish
- 13 minutes ago
- 8 min read
No. 2 ~ DEDICATION OF THE LATERAN BASILICA
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
SVP HELPLINE
Helpline telephone number: 07710838050
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
SUNDAY VIGIL MASSES
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 THIS WEEK
Monday ~ 10 November:
10.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church
Tuesday ~ 11 November:
10.00 am ~ St Patrick’s Keenaught - Mass for new school year for St Columb’s Cullion, all welcome. (No 10.00 am Mass in Coolcalm on Tuesday 11)
Wednesday ~ 12 November:
10.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church
Thursday ~ 13 November:
10.00 am ~ St Mary’s Coolcalm
Friday ~ 14 November:
10.00 am ~ St Mary’s Coolcalm
7.30 pm ~ Holy Rosary Church.
FEASTS OF THE WEEK
Monday 10: St Leo the Great, pope and doctor of the Church.
Tuesday 11: St Martin of Tours, bishop.
Wednesday 12: St Josaphat, bishop and martyr.
NOVENA OF HOPE
Everyone welcome to The Novena of Hope which continues, with guest speaker, each Sunday at 6.00 pm, alternating between Holy Rosary Church and St Patrick’s Church Keenaught,
November 9: Holy Rosary Church ~ Bishop Donal McKeown
November 16: St Patrick’s Keenaught ~ Fr Hugh Lagan SMA
November 23: Holy Rosary Church ~ Sr Perpetua McNulty
November 30: St Patrick’s Keenaught ~ Mr Michael Murphy
December 7: Holy Rosary Church ~ Carol Service with Novena prayers
December 14: St Patrick’s Keenaught ~ Fr Paul Farren
Please Note: All Novena Services, in both churches, are recorded and posted on Ballinascreen Parish Facebook and Ballinascreen Parish website ~ www.parishofballinascreen.com
DESERTMARTIN HOUSEBOUND VISITS
Fr Michael will visit the housebound next week as follows:
Monday 10 November: Longfield Road, Iniscarn Road, Gortahurk Road, Brackaghlislea Road, Crocknamohill Road, and Nutgrove Road.
Tuesday 11 November: Carncose Road, Quilly Road, Luney Road, Drumsamney Road, Forgetown Road, and Brackagh Lane.
Visits each day will begin around 11.00 am after morning Masses.
SCHOOL MASS
Mass for St Columb’s P.S. Cullion on Tuesday 11th November at 10.00 am in St Patrick’s Church Keenaught. All welcome. No 10.00 am Mass in St Mary’s Church Coolcalm on Tuesday 11th.
FIRST ANNIVERSARY MASS
Baby Josephine Bradley, Cordarragh Heights, on Friday 14th November at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
MONTHS MIND MASS
Frank Campbell, Drumard, on Friday 14 November at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
Michael Bradley, Labby, on Friday 14 November at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
Ray Hill, on Saturday 15 November at 7.30 pm in St Patrick’s Church, Keenaught.
DEATHS
We extend our prayerful sympathy to the family and relatives of:
Tina Carey, Moneyglass;
Maureen Hagan, Moortown;
Margaret Doherty (nee Convery), Portglenone;
Thomas Nolan, Magherafelt;
Seamus Hughes, Castledawson.
ANNIVERSARIES
Ballinascreen:
1st Anniversary:
Martina Meharg.
Anniversaries:
Briege McGuigan;
Annie Kelly;
Marie Mullan;
Victor Lynn;
Josephine Trainor.
Desertmartin:
Anniversaries:
Rose O’Hagan;
Selina O’Hagan;
Mary Ann Walls;
Rosie Donnelly;
Nellie Trainor.
SPECIAL BOOKS OF REMEMBRANCE
A Book of Remembrance will be in each church, during November, for parishioners to enrol the names of their deceased loved ones.
Thank you for your generous support which is greatly appreciated.
HOLY COMMUNION 2026
Ballinascreen
St Eoghan’s P.S. on Saturday 2 May at 11.00 am, in St Eugene’s Church, Moneyneena.
St Mary’s P.S. on Saturday 9 May at 11.00 am, in Holy Rosary Church.
Gaelscoil Na Speiríní, on Saturday 16 May at 11.00 am, in Holy Rosary Church.
St Columba’s P.S. on Saturday 16 May at 11.00 am, in St Columba’s Church Straw.
Desertmartin
Knocknagin P.S. on Saturday 25 April at 11.00 am in St Mary’s Church Coolcalm.
St Columb’s P.S., Cullion, on Saturday 23 May at 11.00 am in St Patrick’s Church, Keenaught.
CONFIRMATION 2026
Ballinascreen
Saturday 28 February at 12 noon in Holy Rosary Church.
Gaelscoil na Speiríní on Saturday 7 March at 11.00 am in Holy Rosary Church..
Desertmartin
Sunday 1 March at 12 noon, in St Patrick’s Church, Keenaught.
S.T.E.P.S
Annual General Meeting in their new premises, 15 High Street Draperstown, on Monday 10 November from 7.00 pm, all welcome.
WARM WELCOME WEDNESDAY
Workspace Community Hub from 11.00 am to 1.00 pm. O’Kane Boyle Solicitors will be present on Wednesday 12 November at 12 noon to discuss the probate and wills process in Northern Ireland. No need to book, just drop in. Tea, coffee and refreshments also served.
GAELSCOIL AND NAÍSCOIL NA SPEIRÍNÍ OPEN AFTERNOON
On Sunday 16 November from 1.00 pm to 3.00 pm in Straw. Parents and children who are ready for Primary 1 and Nursery in September 2026 are very welcome to visit the school and meet with staff and pupils. Santa Claus will be there to meet all the children.
GLÓR NA SPEIRÍNÍ
Announce their festival of events for November, suitable for all.
Wednesday 12: Gaeilge - Go For It, in Glór na Speiríní Straw from 7.00 pm to 8.00 pm. Refreshments provided. A panel of local people will discuss (through the medium of English) their experiences of learning and involvement in the Irish language.
Friday 14: Pop-Up Gaeltacht from 9.00 pm to late in St Colm's GAC. Cost £5 per person. All proceeds will go to aid the people of Palestine.
Saturday 15: Family Fun Day from 1.00 pm to 3.00 pm in the Backrow Hall - face-painting, arts and crafts, games etc. £2 per child (family rate available).
Saturday 22: Aonach na Nollaig - Christmas Market from 3.00 pm to 6.00 pm, in St Colm's GAC. Featuring local stall holders with various items for sale.
For more details please Email: conchurglor@gmail.com or Tel.: 07795 536682.
Tá fáilte roimh chách - Everyone welcome.
MISSION EVENT MONEYGLASS
“Be Strong In The Lord” - HLI Ireland 32 County Mission evening with relics of St Thérèse and The Holy Face. Wednesday 12 November, in Moneyglass Community Centre from 7.00 pm to 9.15 pm.
SLIEVE GALLION ACTIVE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION
Dance in Knocknagin Hall Sunday 16 November. Music from 3 pm to 5 pm. Admission £10 (includes tea). John Rafferty. Bring your own bottle.
BLOOD DONATION SESSIONS
On Monday 17 November in Kilcronaghan Hall from 12.30 pm to 4.00 pm and from 5.00 pm to 7.30 pm. Visit www.nibts to book an appointment.
PILATES CLASSES FOR THE OVER 50'S
Desertmartin GAC supported by Brackagh Quarry Windfarm Community Fund will offer 4 weeks of Pilates classes for the over 50's. All levels, males and females welcome. Classes start at 7.00pm on Monday 10 November at Longfield GAC Hall and Community Hub. £20 for 4 weeks. Primarily for over 50's but may accept younger depending on capacity. Pilates mat and cushion required. For more details or to book contact John on 07876 548648 or DesertmartinGAC@outlook.com
VENERABLE ARCHBISHOP FULTON SHEEN CONFERENCE
In Knock Shrine on Saturday 15 November to honour his life and teachings. Dr. Peter Howard will present talks on the power of the Daily Holy Hour before the Blessed Sacrament. Event starts at 10.30 am and concludes at 5.00 pm. More details www.FultonSheenInstitute.com
ADOPTIVE PARENTS NEEDED URGENTLY
Family Care Adoption Services is an independent Adoption Agency. There is an urgent need for new adoptive families. If you think you could offer a child a new life in a family of their own and would like an informal chat to discuss this and to find out more about adoption please Email: @familycareadoption.org or Tel.: 028 90691133.
Visit their website www.familycareadoption.com
FORT CENTRE RDA CHRISTMAS EVENT
Write your letter to Santa, Sleigh Ride with Santa’s Elves, meet Santa and Mrs Claus, and greet the ponies and horses. Indoor play area. All abilities welcome. Event on November 28, 29 and 30, December 5, 6 and 7. Tickets £10. Book online or call 028 79644280.
FATIMA PILGRIMAGE JUNE 2026
Fully escorted pilgrimage, accompanied by Spiritual Director, from 26 June to 3 July. Direct daytime flights Belfast to Porto. Staying in 4* hotel, full board, services of JWT pilgrimage guide, daily Mass and spiritual activities. Cost £895 p.p.s. For more details please contact Christina Lagan on 07803192621.
KNOCKNAGIN HALL
Craft Fair: Sunday 9 November from 10.30 am to 3.30 pm. Crafters from all over Mid-Ulster with a wide selection of handcrafted items in attendance.
Monthly Tea Dance: Friday 14 November. Music by Colin Harney. Dancing from 9.00 pm to midnight. Admission £7, including light supper.
Irish Language Classes: Mondays until 8 December at 7.30 pm.
Chair Exercises: Tuesdays at 10.00 am.
Irish Dancing lessons: Tuesdays at 5.30 pm for new beginners and 6.00 pm. To register Contact Nicola on 07518207458 .
Céilí Dancing classes: Wednesdays at 7.30 pm. Suitable for all ages. All welcome. Supported by the National Lottery Community Fund.
SARSFIELD’S ACCORDION BAND
Annual Remembrance Mass for deceased members of AOH, and those who tragically lost their lives in the fire in Swatragh Hall on 8 December 1968, in the Parish Hall Sunday 30 November at 1.30 pm. All welcome.
PARISH BAPTISMS 2025
Ballinascreen Parish:
Baptisms on Sundays at 3.00 pm. All bookings to be made please via Ballinascreen Parish Office: Tel.: 02879628248 or Email: ballinascreenparish@gmail.com
November 16 ~ St. Eugene’s, Moneyneena.
November 30 ~ Holy Rosary Church.
December 14 ~ St Columba’s, Straw.
December 21 ~ Holy Rosary Church.
December 28 ~ St Eugene’s, Moneyneena.
Desertmartin Parish:
Baptisms on Sundays at 1.30 pm. To book a baptism, contact Fr McCaul on 028 79632196 or Desertmartin Parish Office on 028 79397047.
November: Sunday 9; Sunday 23.
December: Sunday 7; Sunday 21.
NOTICES FOR THE BULLETIN
Notices should be received by 1.00 pm on Wednesday, preferably please by Email to ballinascreenparish@gmail.com or desertmartinparish@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, you MUST 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, and for the future priests of the diocese, that they will know and honour Jesus as the foundation of everything they do to build up His Kingdom of justice, love and peace in the world.
