08/11/2026
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BALLINASCREEN & DESERTMARTIN PARISHES 1 NOVEMBER 2026 No. 53 ~ FEAST OF ALL SAINTS
DETAILS Fr. Peter Madden PPVF 31 Sixtowns Road
79628376
ballinascreenparish@gmail.com Fr Michael McCaul CC 50 Tobermore Road, Desertmartin
79632196
S Ballinascreen: 9 High Street Phone: (028)79628248
ballinascreenparish@gmail.com 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
desertmartinparish@gmail.com Opening Hours: Wednesday and
Thursday 10.30 am to 3.00 pm. 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 +44 7596 500793 or
dlp@derrydiocese.org Northern Ireland Emergency Services LIFELINE
0808 808 8000 / Textphone 18001 0808 808 8000. www.lifelinehelpline.info SVP HELPLINE telephone number: 07710838050
GAMBLING HELPLINE Help is available, phone: 02871351329
SPERRIN FOODBANK
BALLINASCREEN COMMUNITY SUPPORT GROUP Please click the link https://www.parishofballinascreen.com/ballinascreen-community-support-gro for full details of Ballinascreen Community Support Group.
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 995Ballinascreen (Desertmartin) https://www.parishofballinascreen.com
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NOTICES FOR THE BULLETIN should be received by 1.00 pm on Wednesday, preferably by email.
desertmartinparish@gmail.com VIGIL MASSES FOR SUNDAY Holy Rosary: 6.00 pm St Patrick’s, Keenaught: 4.30 pm - NB New Time
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 ~ 2 November - All Souls' Day 7.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church. 10.00 am ~ St Mary’s Coolcalm. 10.00 am ~ St Eugene’s, Moneyneena. 11.00 am ~ St Patrick’s, Sixtowns. 7.30 pm ~ St Columba’s, Straw. 7.30 pm ~ St Patrick’s, Keenaught.
Tuesday ~ 3 November 10.00 am ~ St Mary's, Coolcalm Wednesday ~ 4 November 10.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church.
Thursday ~ 5 November 10.00 am ~ St Mary's, Coolcalm.
Friday ~ 6 November 10.00 am ~ St. Mary’s, Coolcalm. 7.30 pm ~ Holy Rosary Church.
CONFESSIONS Ballinascreen: Holy Rosary 5.30 pm - before Vigil Mass.
FEASTS OF THE WEEK
Monday 2 November: All Soul’s Day.
Tuesday 3 November: St Malachy.
Wednesday 4 November: St Charles Borromeo.
Thursday 5 November: St Martin de Porres.
Friday 6 November: All the Saints of Ireland.
Saturday 7 November: St Willibrord.
FOR
MONDAY 2 NOVEMBER - ALL SOULS' DAY 7.00 am ~ Holy Rosary Church. 10.00 am ~ St Mary’s Coolcalm. 10.00 am ~ St Eugene’s, Moneyneena. 11.00 am ~ St Patrick’s, Sixtowns. 7.30 pm ~ St Columba’s, Straw.
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7.30 pm ~ St Patrick’s, Keenaught. 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. Prayers for the happy repose of the souls of the recently deceased members and all deceased members of the Derry Diocesan Society will take place at the Masses on the weekends of 7/8 November and 14/15 November.
VIATORES CHRISTI PARISH VISIT Members of Viatores Christi will speak at Masses in this parish during the Saturday Vigil and the Sunday Masses on the Weekend of 7/8 November.
Viatores Christi is an association of Catholic lay missionary/development workers, founded in 1960 . VC brings about positive change by improving access to healthcare, education and livelihood opportunities in the marginalised communities in which we work.
We want to raise awareness about the missionary work of the Church and the role of lay missionaries, both at home and overseas.
Thank the people of the Derry Diocese for your support for our work over the years.
We would like to offer an opportunity and preparation to anyone who feels called to volunteer.
And we appeal for ongoing help both financially and above all through prayer.
There will be an exit collection in aid of the work of VC. MASS IN HONOUR OF PADRE PIO The monthly mass in honour of St. Pio of Pietrelcina will be celebrated on
Monday 9 November at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
Novena prayers and rosary at 7.00 pm. Adoration from 12 noon until 7.30 pm. ANNUAL MASS FOR DECEASED PARISHIONERS The names of all who died or were buried in our parish since last year’s Parish Mass of Remembrance will be read out at this Mass.
After all the names have been read out, a member of each of these bereaved families, will be invited to carry a lit candle to the altar.
Each family should ensure that an adult has been selected to represent them.
Candles will be provided at the back of the church during this Mass.
MASS The Month's Mind Mass for Rose Convery, Derrynoid Rd., will take place on
Friday 6 November at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church. The Month's Mind Mass for Marie Bradley, Glenelly Villas, will take place on
Friday 6 November at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church. The Month's Mind Mass for Annmarie Mongan RIP, Crewe, England, will take place on
Friday 6 November at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church. FIRST ANNIVERSARY MASS The First Anniversary Mass for John Joe Shaw, Grange Lane, will be held on
Friday 6 November at 10.00 am in St Mary’s Church, Coolcalm.
Ballinascreen: Dessie Diamond, Glenshane Pk.; James McGlade, Bradley Drive; Mary McKenna, The Fold; Patrick Kelly, Corrick Rd.; Peter Rogers, Drumderg Rd.; Elizabeth Quinn, Gortnaskea Rd.; Annie McBride, Cavanreagh Rd.; Kathleen Toner, Drumard Rd.
Rose McWilliams, Drumderg Rd.; Patrick McEldowney, Cloane Rd.
Desertmartin: Peter McKenna; James O’Hagan; Fran Fullen; Annie Mary Fullen; Denis McBride; Brendan O’Neill; Terence McKay; Matilda Bradley; Penny Morgan; Frances Wilson.
Tuesday 17 November at 7.30 pm in Holy Rosary Church.
Wednesday 18 November at 7.30 pm in St Patrick's Keenaught.
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PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES WITH BISHOP MICHAEL ROUTER The Derry Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes led by Bishop Michael Router will take place in July 2027. There are TWO possible travel arrangements available to all pilgrims. A group will depart from City of Derry Airport on
Thursday 8 July 2027 and return to City of Derry Airport on
Tuesday 13 July 2027. A second group will depart from Belfast Airport on
Wednesday 7 July and return to Belfast Airport on
Wednesday 14 July. Any pilgrim interested in going should leave their name, contact details and flight preference with either Fr Michael McCaul, Fr Peter Madden or in the Parish Offices as soon as possible.
Please note that the pilgrimage last year was sold out in 10 days.
FATIMA PILGRIMAGE Fully escorted group to Fatima accompanied by Spiritual Director, 28 June – 5 July 2027. Direct Daytime Flights Belfast to Porto return.
Staying in 4* Hotel. Full Board. Services of JWT Pilgrimage Guide.
& Spiritual Activities. Cost £975pps.
Early Booking Offer: £100 OFF if Paid In Full by 30 November 2026. Further details contact Christina Lagan 07803192621
PARISH COLLECTIONS Ballinascreen: Weekly Collection - £1299 Renovation Collection - £1482.50 Mission Collection - £121.15 (Total now: £1511.15) Desertmartin: Weekly Collection - £951.68 Mission Collection - £582 Thank you for your generous support which is greatly appreciated . CHOIR DIRECTOR: ST EUGENE’S CATHEDRAL, DERRY 10 hours per week: St Eugene’s Cathedral is recruiting for an experienced choir director to lead and manage all aspects of the cathedral choir.
They will ensure that the music enhances worship services and aligns with the church’s liturgical themes.
For a job description and application pack - Tel.: (028) 7126 2302 or
recruitment@derrydiocese.org . Submit completed applications to Personnel, Bishop’s House, St Eugene’s Cathedral, Francis Street, Derry, BT48 9AP, or Email to: recruitment@derrydiocese.org . Applications to be received by noon on
Thursday 12 November 2026. DERRY DIOCESE VOCATIONS There will be a meeting for anyone considering a vocation to the diocesan priesthood, in Derry, on
Sunday 8 November, beginning at 4.00 pm. For further details, please contact the Diocesan Vocations Director, Fr Pat O'Hagan
pgoh2111@gmail.com or Tel.: (028) 79386259. TROCAIRE IS LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS To help deliver school talks during our annual Lent Appeal during February and March 2027. We are particularly interested in hearing from people with public speaking experience, especially retired teachers or those who have worked with young people.
Volunteers will visit local schools during school hours to share stories of hope, justice and solidarity from communities around the world.
The role involves approximately 1-2 short talks per week during the four-month campaign period.
Full training, presentation materials and ongoing support will be provided.
Please contact Fionnuala McGuinness on 028 9080 8033 or fionnuala.mcguinness@trocaire.org by the first week of December if you are interested!
MATT TALBOT PRAYER SOCIETY MONTHLY MASS On
Monday 2 November at 7.30 pm in St Eugene’s Cathedral, Derry.
Everyone welcome: Mass is offered for enrolled members of the society and their families.
Anyone dealing with addiction or within their families is encouraged to attend.
Spiritual Packs for the Protection of family homes from Drugs will be distributed after Mass.
To enrol please
vita@matttalbotprayersociety.com WARM WELCOME WEDNESDAY In Workspace Community Hub on
Wednesday 4 November from 11.00 am to 1.00 pm – ‘Coping with Grief and Loss’ Session.
We will be joined by Inspire Wellbeing at 11.45 am. An all-island charity focused on mental health, intellectual disabilities & addiction support.
This session explores the impact of loss & includes reflective activities while learning healthy coping strategies.
Drop in on the day. Free tea, coffee and refreshments.
HAEMOCHROMATOSIS COFFEE EVENING Free event, for anyone who suffers with haemochromatosis, waiting on diagnoses or family & friends, to learn more & support one another.
Neil from haemochromatosis UK will be in attendance, to answer questions & offer advice & guidance.
Venue: The Community Hub (next to library), Draperstown on
Wednesday 11 November from 6.30 pm to 8.00 pm. All welcome. BALLINASCREEN HISTORICAL SOCIETY
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A talk entitled "Local parish registers' Hidden Stories" by Patsy McShane on Tuesday November 3 in the Community Hub at 8.00 pm. Everyone welcome.
CHILDREN'S HALLOWEEN DISCO At Tirgan Hall on
Sunday 1 November from 3 to 5.00 pm. Fancy dress. £5 entry includes treat bag.
Parental supervision required ST MARTIN’S GAC DESERTMARTIN Congratulations to all our players on achieving a successful win at the weekend.
Onward and upwards. RANGANNA GAEILGE / IRISH LANGUAGE CLASSES Join a growing community to learn Irish in a fun, welcoming environment!
A New Christmas Themed 6-week course is starting on
Monday 9 November in St Mary’s Hall, Desertmartin, wrapping up with a festive Céili Na Nollaig (Christmas Céili) in the pub during Christmas week.
Bunrang (Beginners): 6:45pm – 8.00 pm. Meanrang (Improvers): 8.00 pm – 9:30pm Spaces are limited.
To book a place
knocknaginhc@gmail.com , or Tel.: Edward 07835161927 / Gerard 02879631744 . KNOCKNAGIN HALL Craft Fair:
Sunday 8 November from 10:30am to 3.00 pm. Santa will visit from 11.00 am to 2.00 pm!
A wonderful selection of handmade treasures from talented crafters from all over Mid-Ulster!
Over 25 stalls packed with handmade goodies! festive decorations and so much more — there’s something for everyone!
Support local crafters, find unique Christmas presents and enjoy a lovely festive day out!
Bring the children along to meet Santa and get into the Christmas spirit!
Spread the word and bring your family and friends — we look forward to seeing you there!
SARSFIELD’S ACCORDION BAND. Band practice on Thursday evenings at 7:30pm. New and past members are welcome to come along.
SIXTOWNS CROSS COMMUNITY GROUP Indoor Bowls: Mondays at 8.15 pm. New Members Welcome.
Christmas Fair with Santa :
Sunday 29 November 2026 at Sixtowns Hall. Tables are booking up fast. £20 per table or £30 for two. To book Tel.: 07769 289385
Social Dance Classes every Tuesday night at 8.30 pm. All Welcome. GAELSCOIL & NAÍSCOIL NA SPEIRÍNÍ - OPEN AFTERNOON
Sunday 15 November from 1.00 pm to 3.00 pm. Parents and children who are ready for Primary 1 and Nursery in September 2027 are very welcome to visit the school and meet with staff and pupils.
Fun Activities for all. Santa Claus will be there to meet all the children too.
BINGO FOR BALI Join us for an evening of fun bingo, laughter and great prizes as we raise funds for occupational therapy equipment for underprivileged children in Bali.
Saturday 14 November in An Ráth Dubh, Moneyneany.
Doors open at 7.00 pm, eyes down at 7:30pm. Tickets £15, available at Centra, Draperstown; Heron’s Chemist; or Spar, Tobermore.
Or contact Katie at 07834276636 or Amy on 07517079916 . All support greatly appreciated!
PARISH BAPTISMS 2026 Ballinascreen Parish : All bookings to be made via Ballinascreen Parish Office on 02879628248 or
ballinascreenparish@gmail.com Baptisms will be held at 3.00 pm on the following dates: 8 November, St Eugene’s Moneyneena. 29 November, Holy Rosary Church. 6 December, St. Patrick's, Sixtowns. 13 December, St. Columba's, Straw. 20 December, St Eugene’s Moneyneena. 27 December, Holy Rosary Church.
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: November 8 & 22 2026 December 6 & 20 2026 January 10 & 24 2027 February 7 & 21 2027 March 7 & 14 2027 April 4 & 18 2027
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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 For the future priests of our diocese, the men who will preach the Good News of the Beatitudes (today's Gospel) - the happiness that comes from persevering in faith, and trusting in the goodness and mercy of Almighty God through the ups and downs of life.
Auto-generated from the bulletin PDF. Irish (Gaeilge) and English preserved as printed. Check mass times and names against the original PDF.