BALLINASCREEN PARISH - 14 SEPTEMBER 2025
- Ballinascreen Parish
- 2 hours ago
- 7 min read
No. 2089 ~ THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS
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 OFFICE
OPENING HOURS: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 9.00 am to 3.00 pm.
9 High Street
Phone: (028)79628248
SAFEGUARDING
Click on this link for safeguarding information regarding support services, complaints and reporting, and downloadable resources from the Derry Diocese: https://www.derrydiocese.org/safeguarding
The Diocesan Designated Liaison Person (DLP) is Marie Gormley. To contact Marie Tel: 07596500793, or Email: marie.gormley@derrydiocese.org
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.
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 ~ 15 September:
10.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church
Tuesday ~ 16 September:
10.00 am ~ St Mary’s Coolcalm
Wednesday ~ 17 September:
10.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church,
Thursday ~ 18 September:
10.00 am ~ St Mary’s Coolcalm
Friday ~ 19 September:
10.00 am ~ St Mary’s Coolcalm,
7.30 pm ~ Holy Rosary Church.
FEASTS OF THE WEEK
Monday 15: Our Lady of Sorrows.
Tuesday 16: St Cornelius, pope and St Cyprian bishop, both martyrs.
MONTH’S MIND MASS
Fr Seamus O’Neill, Tobermore Road and Dalgan Park, on Friday 19 September at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
DEATHS
We extend our prayerful sympathy to the family and relatives of:
Eugene Kelly, Magherafelt;
Patsy Bradley, Coleraine;
Terence Browne, London;
Rosaleen Doherty, Dublin;
Mary Dorrity, Maghera.
ANNIVERSARIES
Stephen McGlade;
Annie Casey;
Mary Bradley, Jim Noonan,
Mary McEldowney;
Patricia Kelly;
Bernard Rogers;
Bernadette Mullin;
John Bradley;
Kevin Wilson;
John McGuigan;
Bernie Convery;
Felix McAllister;
Maggie Higgins;
Fr. John Downey.
BAPTISMS
We welcome into God’s family through the Sacrament of Baptism:
Connor Martin Heron, Bancran Road;
Noah Thomas Burns, Slievegallion Drive.
ST. PIO KNOCK PILGRIMAGE
National Knock Pilgrimage in honour of St Pio on Sunday 21 September. Coach will leave Holy Rosary Church at 7 am, pickup at St Mary's Coolcam (7.10 am) returning at 10.00 pm approx. Fare £30 (includes breakfast), pay at booking. All welcome. To book please phone 07836366949 or 07732125316 or 028 79628920.
PARISH COLLECTIONS
Priests’ Collection £2304
Renovation Collection £2015.
Thank you for your generous support which is greatly appreciated.
NOVENA OF HOPE
To celebrate the Holy Year which has HOPE as its theme a Novena of Hope will take place each Sunday at 6.00 pm alternating between Holy Rosary Church and St Patrick’s Church Keenaught. (Except for November 2). Guest speakers, listed below, have been invited to talk about their faith and life in the church.
October 19 in Holy Rosary Church
Marguerite Hamilton, Director Columba House Community.
October 26 in St Patrick’s Keenaught
Brenda Bannon, Former head of R.E. Loreto College Omagh.
November 2 All Souls’ Day Service
3.00 pm ~ St Patrick’s Keenaught
6.00 pm ~ Holy Rosary Church.
November 9 in Holy Rosary Church
Bishop Donal McKeown.
November 16 in St Patrick’s Keenaught
Fr Hugh Lagan SMA.
November 23 in Holy Rosary Church
Sr Perpetua McNulty, Sisters of Mercy and Thornhill Ministries.
November 30 in St Patrick’s Keenaught
Michael Murphy, Matt Talbot’s life and example.
December 7 in Holy Rosary Church
Annual Carol Service incorporating the Novena prayers.
December 14 in St Patrick’s Keenaught
Fr Paul Farren, Adm. St Eugene’s Derry.
PARISH BAPTISMS 2025
Baptisms: Sundays at 3.00 pm. All bookings to be made please via the Parish Office: Tel.: 028 79628248 or by Email: ballinascreenparish@gmail.com
September 21 ~ St. Eugene’s Moneyneena
October 12 ~ Holy Rosary Church
October 19 ~ St. Columba’s Straw
October 26 ~ St. Patrick’s Sixtowns
November 16 ~ St. Eugene’s Moneyneena
November 30 ~ Holy Rosary Church
December 14 ~ St Columba’s Straw
WALK THE CROSS
Eucharistic Procession starts at 4.00pm on today, Sunday 14 September from St Michael’s Church Finaghy, Belfast.
The Procession will end at St Peter’s Cathedral, Belfast with Mass, Anointing of the Sick and Benediction. Please visit www.walkthecross.ie for more details
TRÓCAIRE
Could you help share the true spirit of Christmas?
Each year, volunteers in parishes across the north of Ireland set up a small stall after Masses to sell Trócaire’s Gifts of Change - meaningful gifts that make a real difference to families living in poverty around the world. Trócaire provide everything you need including training and support. All they ask is a little time and a big heart. Last Christmas, 50 parishes took part — and they would love to grow that number even more this year! To find out more about how you can help, please call 028 9080 8030 or Email Mark at mark.mcmahon@trocaire.org
SEASON OF CREATION 2025 - RAISING HOPE FOR OUR COMMON HOME
On Saturday 20 September, in Knock House Hotel from10.00 am to 3:00 pm. €15 per person. This special day will focus on caring for our environment and promoting sustainability, with inspiring talks from Éanna Ní Lamhna, Jane Mellett, and Dr. Brendan O’Keeffe.
It promises to be an enriching event, encouraging practical and hopeful action in response to today’s environmental challenges.
WARM WELCOME WEDNESDAYS
In Workspace Community Hub on Wednesday 17 September. Pauline Taylor Dental Surgeon will be present at 12 noon to discuss the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene and having regular dental checkups. Booking not required, just drop-in. Everyone welcome.
Refreshments also available.
LOUGH DERG 2025
One Day Retreats on September 20, 21.
Advance booking essential. To book Tel.: 00353 719861518 or Email: info@loughderg.org
NETBALL
Training recommences after the summer break on Wednesdays from 8.00 pm to 9.00 pm in Backrow. Suitable for all ages and abilities. Please contact 07795165999 if you fancy an hours craic. New members welcome. No previous experience needed.
GLÓR NA SPEIRÍNÍ
Ranganna Gaeilge do dhaoine fásta - Irish classes for adults
Classes will recommence on Thursday 2 October from 7.30 pm to 9.00 pm in Glór na Speiríní building, Straw. Cost for this block of 10 weeks is £40. There are 5 classes to suit all levels from beginners to advanced. To register or for more details please Email: conchurglor@gmail.com or Fón: 79627703 nó 07795536682.
Tá fáilte roimh chách- All welcome!
Lapóglann - Toddle - Inn
Glór na Speiríní are delighted to announce the return of their parent/guardian and children's group, every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 9.00 am to 10.30 am. Cost per session is only £2 which includes activities, snack and tea or coffee.
Toddle Inn Group meet on the same site as Gaelscoil na Speiríní 82 Sixtowns Road Straw.
For more details or to book please Email: conchurglor@gmail.com or Tel: 79627703 or 07795 536682. Pre-booking is essential agus tá fáilte roimh chách- everyone welcome!
ORGAN DONATION WEEK
Organ Donation Week from 22 to 29 September is a time dedicated to remembering and giving thanks to people who have enabled the ‘Gift of Life’ to others by donating organs to those in need of life changing transplants. This week is an opportunity to have a conversation with your family, share your thoughts and decisions. You Could Be A Life Saver. Please visit www.organdonationni.info for more information.
BLOOD DONATION SESSION
PLEASE NOTE: The blood donation session planned for Monday 15 September, in Kilcronaghan Church Hall, has been cancelled.
SEAMUS HEANEY LECTURE
On 1 November, Professor Michael Parker and Dr Gary Wade will deliver a lecture at Homeplace, Bellaghy, on ‘Remembrances: Forms of Memory in Seamus Heaney’s Writing’.
As part of the evening, there will be a discussion of Gary’s recently published book Seamus Heaney and Catholicism (Cambridge University Press, 2025). Tickets, £10 may be purchased at https://seamusheaneyhome.com/upcoming-events
KEY FOUND
Key found in Moneyneena on wall opposite St. Eugene’s Church. Please contact the Parish Office.
GLENSHANE HOUSE DUNGIVEN
AWARE NI - 6 week programme 'Living Life to the Full' starts Wednesday 15 October from 10.00 am to 12 noon, dealing with emotional and mental well-being. Course is free. To book a place please phone 028 777 42494.
SIXTOWNS CROSS COMMUNITY CENTRE
New Season of indoor bowling begins on Monday 15 September at 8.00 pm. All are welcome - newcomers and beginners.
KILCRONAGHAN CENTRE
Yoga class with Angela O’Loughlin commences Thursday 25 September from 10.30 am to 12 noon, for 5 weeks. To book or for more details please message 07821963749
Annual Vintage Rally, Craft Fair and Family Fun Day, on Saturday 27 September from 11.00 am. All usual and new attractions. Includes car boot sale - no need to book!
PARISH ANNIVERSARY AND 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 Ballinascreen Parish Office by noon on Thursday of the relevant week. Notices for First Anniversary and Month's Mind Masses should be received before the Wednesday of the previous week so that, they may be printed in the Bulletin the weekend before the Anniversary Mass.
GAMBLING HELPLINE
Is gambling affecting your life?
If so help is available by phoning 028 71351329.
STRESS CONTROL ONLINE
‘Stress Control’ is a free online six-session cognitive-behavioural therapy class led by Dr Jim White, consultant clinical psychologist. For more details and to take part please visit: https://ni.stresscontrol.org/
KNOCKNAGIN HALL
Hall Committee Annual General Meeting on Monday 29 September at 7.30 pm. The hall has been at the heart of the community since the early 1950s, and we want to ensure it continues to thrive for future generations. Come along, have your say, and get involved - your ideas, strengths, and energy can make a real difference in maintaining this community hub. Your attendance and support would be greatly appreciated.
Irish language classes on Mondays are fully booked up. Classes are partly funded by Mid-Ulster District Council.
Chair exercises: Tuesdays at 10am - cost £4.
St Mary’s Bowling Club: Tuesdays from 8.00 pm to 10.00 pm. New members welcome.
Line Dancing classes on Wednesday at 7.30 pm, supported by National Lottery Community Fund.
Irish Dancing classes Tuesdays at 5.30 pm and 6.00 pm.
Crochet Classes: Tuesdays at 7.30 pm.
Bookings being accepted for Craft Fair on Sunday 9 November: £20 a table or £30 for 2. To book please contact 07887614094.
Sarsfield’s Accordion Band
Annual Buffet and Dance in Parish Hall, Friday 19 September. Music by Sprig of Heather. Tickets £15, on sale by band members, or pay at the door.
POPE LEO @PONTIFEX
We face moments when holding things inside can slowly consume us. Jesus teaches us not to be afraid to cry out, as long as our cry is sincere, humble, and directed to the Father.
A cry is never pointless, if it is born of love.
And it is never ignored, if it is entrusted to God.
