BALLINASCREEN PARISH - 24 AUGUST 2025
- Ballinascreen Parish
- 4 hours ago
- 8 min read
No. 2086 ~ TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIMEÂ Â Â Â Â
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:Â 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.
Email: ballinascreenparish@gmail.comÂ
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 ~ 25 August:
10.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church
Tuesday ~ 26 August:
10.00 am ~ St Mary’s Coolcalm - Requiem Mass for Dominic and Anna Donnelly, formerly of Desertmartin and New York City. Their remains have returned from USA and shall be interred in St Mary's Coolcalm graveyard after this Requiem Mass.
Wednesday ~ 27 August:
10.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church,
Thursday ~ 28 August:
10.00 am ~ St Mary’s Coolcalm
Friday ~ 29 August:
10.00 am ~ St Mary’s Coolcalm,
7.30 pm  ~ Holy Rosary Church.
FEASTS OF THE WEEK
Wednesday 27: St Monica, mother of St Augustine. Patron saint of mothers.
Thursday 28: St Augustine, bishop and doctor of the Church.
Friday 29: The Passion of St John the Baptist.
FR SEAMUS O’NEILL
AN APPRECIATION BY FR PETER MADDEN
It was with the deepest sorrow that we learned this week that our great friend and parishioner, Fr Seamus O’Neill passed away in the Nursing Home at Dalgan Park, Navan at the age of 92. His funeral was held on Thursday in the place where Fr Seamus studied to be a Missionary of St Columban, was ordained a priest on 21 December 1956 and after a lifetime in the service of the Lord on the missions and latterly at home in Ireland, returned to spend the last couple of years of his life, alongside his Columban brothers.
We have been blessed over all these years that he maintained his close connection with the parish of Ballinascreen. Fr Seamus was generous with his time. Â All of us, priests and people could turn to him and take him into our confidence.
At daily Mass and especially at the weekend Sunday Masses, he broke the Word of God for us and we would leave Mass having been nourished and fed with God’s Word and the Eucharist. Fr Seamus belonged to the Missionary Society of St Columban and like his fellow Columbans was fearless in his love for the poor and the marginalised.
He was a committed follower of Jesus, a true fisherman indeed like the first disciples, and spent his life bringing the compassionate face of his saviour to everyone he met.
To his family, brother Colm, sisters Maire and Gemma, his sister-in-law Rosemary and brother in law Brian, his nieces and nephews and their families we offer our condolences and thank them so much for sharing            Fr Seamus with us. We felt he was part of us too.
May his gentle soul rest in peace. Â Amen.
DAY OF PRAYER FOR GAZA
Today, Sunday August 24, Archbishop Martin invites us all to pray at Mass and in our family Rosary for peace and justice and especially for the people of Gaza.
DEATHS
We extend our prayerful sympathy to the family and relatives of:
Fr Seamus O’Neill Tobermore Road and Dalgan Park Navan,
Rory McCallion Moykeeran Crescent,
Barney Heagney Dunamore,
Attracta McGuigan Dungiven.
ANNIVERSARIES
First Anniversaries:Â
Rosaleen Murray,      Â
Cathal McWilliams,    Â
Mary McCullagh.       Â
Anniversaries:
Joseph Duffy;
Brendan McPeake;
Baby Olivia and Baby Patrick Bradley.
FIRST ANNIVERSARIES MASS
Cathal McWilliams, Cloane, on Friday 29 August in Holy Rosary Church at 7.30 pm.
Annette McWilliams, Dunmurry, on Friday 29 August in Holy Rosary Church at 7.30 pm.
Mary McCullagh, Bancran, on Friday 29 August in Holy Rosary Church at 7.30 pm.
BAPTISMS
We welcome into God’s family through the Sacrament of  Baptism:
Croia Brid McSorley, Glenshane Park;
Meabh Brigid Convery, Dunlogan Road;
Lochlainn Patrick McKenna, Dromdallagan;
Sadie Bridget O'Hagan, Fivemilestraight.
SUMMER DRAW 2025
Many thanks to all have supported this year’s Summer Draw. The second draw will take place this weekend at the 6.00 pm Saturday Vigil Mass in Holy Rosary:
You may still purchase a ticket to be entered in the draw for the final week!
Prizes are as follows:
 Week 5:
1st Prize ~ £2,000
2nd Prize ~ £500
3rd Prize ~ £300
Tickets only £20 each are available to buy from Heron’s Gift Shop, Holy Rosary Church or Ballinascreen Parish Office. Alternatively you can purchase on line by scanning this QR Code:
or
Log onto:
Winners will be announced at the Saturday Vigil 6.00 pm Mass in Holy Rosary Church. All proceeds from this draw will go to our church renovation fund for the upkeep of all our churches in the parish.
Winners Week 3
£1,000 ~ Noel McCullagh, Online Sale.
£200 ~ Paul Canning, Pharmacy Supplies.
£100 ~ Eoin McGill, Lavey.
STÂ PIO ANNUAL KNOCK PILGRIMAGE
National Knock Pilgrimage in honour of St Pio on Sunday 21 September. A coach will leave Holy Rosary Church at 7.00 am, pickup at St Mary's Coolcam (7.10 am) returning at 10.00 pm approx. Fare (includes breakfast) £30, payable at time of booking.  All welcome. To book please phone 07836366949 or 07732125316 orÂ
028 79628920.
PARISH COLLECTIONS
Weekly Collection £1470,
Renovation Collection £1540.
Thank you for your generous support which is greatly appreciated
SUNDAY ENVELOPES
If you have not ever received a box of envelopes to contribute each week to the upkeep of the parish please email the Parish Office and we can arrange for you to receive a box. We appeal especially to the younger wage earners of the parish to begin supporting their parish. Contributions can also be made by standing order or direct debit.
NOVENA OF HOPE
Beginning Sunday 19 October a Nine Week Novena of Hope will take place in Ballinascreen and Desertmartin Parishes to celebrate the Holy Year which has HOPE as its theme. Guest speakers have been invited to talk about their faith and life in the church and the Novena will take place each Sunday at 6.00 pm alternating between Holy Rosary Church and St Patrick’s Church, Keenaught. More details to follow.
PARISH BAPTISMSÂ 2025
Baptisms: Sundays at 3.00 pm. All bookings to be made please via the Parish Office: Tel.: 028 79628248 or Email: ballinascreenparish@gmail.com
August 31 ~ Holy Rosary Church.
September 7 ~ St. Patrick’s, Sixtowns.
September 21 ~ St. Eugene’s, Moneyneena.Â
October 12 ~ Holy Rosary Church.
October 19 ~ St. Columba’s, Straw.
October 26 ~ St. Patrick’s, Sixtowns.
November 16 ~ St. Eugene’s, Moneyneena.Â
November 30 ~ Holy Rosary Church.
December 14 ~ St Columba’s, Straw..
FREE COMMUNITY FUN DAY
To celebrate Workspace’s 40th birthday and to thank the Ballinascreen community for its support over the years, Workspace is holding a free Community Fun Day on Saturday 30 August from 11.00 am to 3.00 pm. A fun packed day with something for all ages. Activities will include free amusements, face painting, inflatables, balloon modelling, speciality market in Community Hub, petting farm, entertainment, food vendors, magic / puppet shows, sensory area and crazy golf. Activities will be held in the Recreation Centre, 3G pitch and Workspace Community Hub. Please note the Back Row will be closed from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm on the day. All welcome!
LIFE IN THE SPIRIT SEMINARS
With Fr Eamonn Kelly on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 September in Pastoral Centre Claudy from 10.30 am to 3.00 pm. Mass on Sunday. Refreshments provided but please bring packed lunch. Fee: donation.Â
O’NEILL ACADEMY OF IRISH DANCE
New term starts Thursday 4 September in Rath Dubh Moneyneena at 4,45 pm.Â
New members welcome.Â
COFFEE MORNING
In aid of Charis and Cancer Focus NI, at the home of Seamie and Teenie Fullerton 43 Lisnamuck Road Maghera BT46 5LD, from 10.00 am to 2.00 pm on Saturday 30 August. All welcome.
SIXTOWNS DANCE
Monthly Dance on Friday 29 August at 9.30 pm. Music by Kieran McAree. Refreshments served. All welcome.
33RD DERRY BALLINASCREEN SCOUTS
Congratulations to Ballinascreen Scouts who earned a gold standard and were the highest placed Ulster team in the National Scout Campcraft and Scouting Skills competition held in Limerick. They also won The Spirit of Camp Award.
SLIEVE GALLION ACTIVE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION
Tea Dance, 3.00 pm to 5.00 pm, in Knocknagin Hall, Desertmartin on Sun 31 August. Music by Shaun Loughrey. Adm £10 Bring your own bottle.
SIXTOWNS HISTORY AND HERITAGE GROUP
At their Heritage Day on Sunday September 7 they wish to exhibit as much memorabilia as they can to celebrate how we used to live in days gone by. They would encourage people who have old tools or items from the past to loan them for the day. It is hoped that this exhibition will jog memories and inform younger folk of past traditions. For more details please contact 07753589157.
MASTERS IN CATHOLIC SCHOOL LEADERSHIP
The Derry Diocesan Catechetical Centre, in partnership with St Mary’s University, Twickenham, offers the above Masters degree. This post graduate degree is dedicated to the professional development and spiritual formation of Catholic school leaders. It is a great opportunity for those currently in leadership roles and those who aspire to, or have an interest in, leadership roles within the Catholic School system. If interested in registering for September 2025 or seek more details,  please contact Diocesan Catechetical Centre 028 71264 087 or email tferry@derrydiocese.org
LOUGH DERG 2025
One Day Retreats ~ August 25, 30; September 3, 7, 9, 13, 20, 21.Â
Lake Shore Pilgrimage ~ Sunday 31 August. Guided 8 km and 12 km walk options available. Adm €25.Â
Canonisation of Blessed Carlo Acutis ~ Sunday 7 September devotions and blessing with Relic. Adm €50
Quiet Day Retreat ~ Friday 12 Sept.
Advance booking essential for all these retreats and pilrimages.
To book phone 00353 719861518 or email info@loughderg.orgÂ
For all details see www.loughderg.org
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.
KNOCKNAGIN HALL
Chair exercises: Tuesdays at 10am. £4.
St Mary’s Bowling Club: New season starts Tuesday 2 September from 8.00 pm to 10.00 pm. New members welcome.
Line Dancing classes start Wednesday 3 Sept at 7.30 pm. £24 for 6-week block.
St Patrick’s Céili Club host a Céilà on Saturday 6 Septemner from 9.00 pm to Midnight. Music by Duntally Céilà Band, adm £8.
Crochet Classes start Tuesday 9 September at 7.30 pm.
Irish Dancing Classes: Tuesdays 5.30 pm and 6.00 pm. Text Nicola 07518207458
Bookings being accepted for Craft Fair on Sunday 9 November. £20 a table or £30 for 2. Contact 07887614094.
Sarsfield’s Accordion Band
Annual Buffet and Dance in Parish Hall, on Friday 19 September, music by Sprig of Heather, Tickets £15, on sale by band members, or pay at door.
PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS We pray that the men who sense that the Lord is calling them to serve the Church as priests of the diocese will respond positively to the Response to our Psalm this weekend: "Go out to the whole world; proclaim the Good News!" |
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