BALLINASCREEN & DESERTMARTIN PARISHES 8_March_2026
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No. 19 ~ THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT
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
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 THIS WEEK
Monday 9 March:
10.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church.
7.30 pm ~ St Mary’s, Coolcalm.
Tuesday 10 March:
7.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church.
8.40 am ~ St Colm’s High School.
10.00 am ~ St Eugene’s, Moneyneena.
7.30 pm ~ St Mary’s, Coolcalm.
Wednesday 11 March:
7.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church.
8.40 am ~ St Colm’s High School.
10.00 am ~ St Eugene’s, Moneyneena.
7.30 pm ~ St Mary’s, Coolcalm.
Thursday 12 March:
7.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church.
10.00 am ~ St Eugene’s, Moneyneena.
7.30 pm ~ St Mary’s, Coolcalm.
Friday 13 March:
10.00 am ~ St Mary’s Coolcalm.
7.30 pm ~ Holy Rosary Church.
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 9 March: St Frances of Rome.
Tuesday 10 March: St John Ogilvie.
Wednesday 11 March: St Aengus, bishop and abbot.
DEATHS
We extend our prayerful sympathy to the family and relatives of:
Bridie Boyle, Strawmore Road;
Jamie Murray, Liverpool, formerly Glengomna;
Donal McKenna, 39 Glenelly Villas.
MONTH'S MIND MASS
The Month's Mind Mass for Peter Moran will be offered on Saturday 14 March at 7.30 pm in St Patrick’s, Keenaught.
FIRST ANNIVERSARY MASS
The First Anniversay Mass for Tony Crilly, Glenelly Villas, will be offered on Friday 13 march at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
ANNIVERSARIES
Ballinascreen:
Nancy Kelly, Magherafelt Rd.;
Peter Bradley, Cahore Rd.;
John Bradley, Sixtowns Rd.;
Josie Cushenan, Glenelly Villas;
Patricia McKee, Fivemilestraight;
Margaret Heron, Cahore Road;
Anna Mulligan, Drumderg Rd;
Cassie Toner, Sixtowns Rd.;
Margaret Quinn, Drumderg;
Rose Lagan, Sixtowns Rd.
Desertmartin:
Patrick Fullen;
Bridget McGonigle;
Mary Higgins;
Jim Keenan;
Paddy McCann;
Sarah McKay;
Phyllis Kelly;
Patrick McKay.
CONFIRMATION 2026
Congratulations to the children from Ballinascreen & Desertmartin Parishes who received the Sacrament of Confirmation. We ask God’s blessing on all the Children, May the Holy Spirit continue to be their guiding light.
FAITH FRIENDS PROGRAMME
St Colm's H.S. pupils are delighted to celebrate the completion of Faith Friends programme, with a special display in Holy Rosary. The initiative brought together Year13 PJP II pupils and P7 pupils from St Mary's P.S. Our senior pupils supported & guided the younger students in their preparations for the Sacrament of Confirmation. It has been a meaningful journey of faith, friendship and mentorship. We are incredibly proud of all involved.
PARISH COLLECTIONS
Ballinascreen:
Renovation Collection - £1849.38
Weekly Collection - £3032.38
Holy Places in Holy Lands - £30 (Total now £1060)
Desertmartin:
Renovation Collection - £572
Weekly Collection - £796
Thank you for your generous support which is greatly appreciated. Totals shown include February Standing Orders from Parishioners. If would like to avail of this option please contact the Parish Office.
NEW PARISH WEEKLY ENVELOPES
Parish records are being updated for organising the distribution of the new boxes of weekly envelopes. If you do not have envelopes and wish to receive a box or if you have changed your address, please advise the Parish Office as soon as possible. We are also very grateful to those parishioners who currently assist with the distribution of the envelopes, and if you would also like to assist with the distribution of parish envelopes, please contact the Parish office.
ST COLM’S HIGH SCHOOL
Lenten Masses will be held at 8.40 am on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday during the season of Lent. All parishioners welcome. Please note there will be No Mass on Thursday 12 March
DTIM MASS CHANGE OF DATE
Do This in Memory of Me Mass on Saturday 28 March at 6.00 pm in Holy Rosary.
IRON BREW / COFFEE MORNING
Affected by Haemochromatosis? Come along for tea, coffee & conversation. In The Terrace Hotel on 9 March from 11.00 am to 12 noon. All welcome.
WARM WELCOME WEDNESDAY
Warm Welcome Wednesday: Workspace Community Hub on Wednesday 11 March from 11.00 am to 1.00 pm. Complementary Therapies Workshop. Learn about the power of mindfulness, the basics of aromatherapy
and the practical uses of essential oils. Perfect for anyone curious about natural wellness techniques. Workshop commences 11.45 am. Free refreshments. Contact Workspace on 02879628113 by 1.00 pm on Monday 9 March to book.
KILCRONAGHAN CENTRE:
Charity Shop Hack - 4week course with Lets Craft N.I.: Monday 9, 16, 23 and 30 March from 11.00 am to 1.00 pm. Participants to bring a small piece of furniture. (Does not include upholstery.)
Mother’s Day Cupcake Decorating workshop: Saturday 14 March from 11.00 am to 1.30 pm. Everything supplied & bring home a box of 6 beautiful personalised cupcakes for Mother’s Day.
George Gourley Watercolours Painting Course: Complete a full painting of a cottage/house in 4 weeks. Monday 13, 20, 27 April & 11 May. Suitable for all abilities. From 10.00 am to 12 noon. Participants to bring watercolour brushes & palette, all other materials provided. Payment is required to secure a place. Message 07821963749 to book.
KNOCKNAGIN HALL COMMITTEE
Céilí Night: Saturday 7 March at 9.00 pm. Music by Duntally Céilí Band. Traditional music and fun for dancers of all levels. All welcome!
Social Tea Dance–SGARA: Sunday 8 March from 3.00 pm to 5.00 pm. Adm £10. Music by Shaun Cuddy. All Welcome
Social Tea Dance: Friday 13 March at 9.00 pm. Music by Sprig of Heather (Packie Coyle). Adm £7, includes refreshments.
Circuit training: Wednesday 11 March for 6 weeks. From 8 to 80 years old. Come along & train at your own pace. Improve your fitness & wellbeing.
Irish Language Class: Monday at 7:30 pm.
Chair Exercises: Tuesday mornings at 10.00 am.
Irish Dancing Lessons: Tuesdays from 5:30 pm to 7.00 pm. Contact Nicola: 07518207458
Knit & Natter: Has resumed on Tuesdays at 7.00 pm.
St. Mary’s Bowling Club: Tuesday at 8.00 pm. New members welcome.
Acrobats Gymnastics Club: Saturday’s from 9.00 am to 2.00 pm.
Sarsfield’s Accordion Band: March draw winner - No.116, Margaret McDaid, Longfield. Band Practice Thursday nights at 7:30 pm. All members to attend in preparation for St. Patrick's Day Parade which takes place in Dungiven at 2:30 pm. New & past members welcome.
GLÓR NA SPEIRÍNÍ
Family Fun Day in An Ráth Dubh on Saturday 14 March from 12 noon to 2.00 pm. Bouncy castles, face painting, arts & crafts, and much much more. £3 per child. Tá fáilte roimh chách - Everyone is welcome.
SIXTOWNS CROSS COMMUNITY CENTRE
Annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations on Tuesday 17 March from 11.30 am to 1.30 pm. Irish Stew and Desserts. Traditional music. All Welcome.
DESERTMARTIN MOTHERS & OTHERS GAELIC FOOTBALL
Training begins Thursday 19 March from 8.00 pm to 9.00 pm. All ladies aged 25+ are very welcome. No experience required, it’s all about fun, fitness & friendship! The first few sessions will take place indoors. Just turn up & give it a go! Contact Julie on 07734865433.
RELIEF TEMPORARY KITCHEN ASSISTANT REQUIRED
For St Columba’s PS Straw. Hours 2.5 per day (11.30 am to 2.30 pm) includes half hour unpaid dinner break. 12.5 hours per week. From 31 March for 6 weeks. Phone Number 02895986797
WORKSPACE AFTER SCHOOL CLUB
Childcare Assistant required (part-time). For further details telephone Workspace - 028 796 28113 or email ann@theworkspacegroup.org
CHILDMINDER - DRAPERSTOWN & DESERTMARTIN
Fulltime & parttime spaces available. Tax-free childcare & NICSS accepted. Save up to 35% on childcare costs. Contact 07734865433
TALENT, TEETH AND THEFT IN THE NURSING HOME
A newly written comedy play presented by Fallaghgloon Dramatic Society. £10 per ticket. Saturday 14 March and Friday 20 March. Call Neil on 07999649227, or checkout facebook.
'AN LASAIR CHRÍOST' CONFERENCE (FLAME OF CHRIST)
Young Adults' Conference on Sunday 22 March at St Columb's College, Buncrana Road, Derry. Mass at 11.30 am in St Patrick's Church, Pennyburn. Fr Conor McGrath will be the keynote speaker at the conference, with Bishop McKeown celebrating the Mass. It will be a great opportunity to meet other young people in a faith setting. All welcome and no tickets required
ST PATRICK'S WAY PILGRIM WALK
In Downpatrick with guides on Saturday March 14 in honour of Ireland's patron saint and the 25th Anniversary of The Saint Patrick Centre. Includes the fabulous 180° IMAX film of St Patrick, internal bus transfers, pilgrimage lunch, authentic Camino passport & 6mile pilgrimage walk finishing at St Patrick’s grave. A special 25% discount price is on offer of £40 (normally £55) To book ring 0284461900 or www.saintpatrickcentre.com
SHEPHERDING TALENT' ONLINE PROGRAMME
Aspire to Serve, Inspire to Lead: ‘Shepherding Talent’ is a pioneering programme from the St Marys’ University, Twickenham, in which teaching professionals with leadership potential are challenged to explore their vocation to lead. Aimed at all teaching professionals in Catholic schools, this programme is delivered in the context of Catholic School education. It will be delivered over five weeks, with each session taking two hours. The total cost is £250. Begins on Wednesday 29 April from 4.30 pm to 6.30 pm. For further information please Email: tferry@derrydiocese.org
ROAD SAFETY
The number of deaths on the roads since Christmas has brought grief and suffering to many bereaved families in Ireland. Please drive carefully. A special appeal to our young drivers who drive around at night with too many in the car for the number of seatbelts.
CHILDREN WAITING
Is an online Virtual Information Event which will be hosted by HSC NI Foster Care on 12 March. Aimed at finding homes for specific children. For more information. Tel.: 08000720137 or Email: adoptionandfostercare.hscni.net
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:
15 March, Moneyneena.
22 March, Holy Rosary.
29 March, Sixtowns.
12 April, Moneyneena.
19 April, Holy Rosary.
3 May, Straw.
10 May, Moneyneena.
17 May, Holy Rosary.
24 May, 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:
15 March
12 & 19 April
3 & 17 May
7 & 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.
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.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
At the Transfiguration Peter says to Jesus, "It is wonderful for us to be here." We pray for all those taking part in the Vocations Retreat in Drumalis, Larne, this coming weekend, 6-8 March, and for those who will participate in the Come & See events around the country over the next few months.
