The Baptism Of The Lord 10th January 2021
Anniversary & Month’s Mind Masses
Mass will be offered for the following people on the occasion of an Anniversary or Month’s Mind. We remember them, their families and loved ones in our prayers.
Sunday 10th January 12Noon Kelpie Family
Monday 11th January 10.00am John Hegarty
Monday 11th January 7.30pm Ken Grant
Tuesday 12th January 7.30pm Joanna Carlin
Wednesday 13th January 7.30pm Chris McCallion
Thursday 14th January 7.30pm Tony McDaid
Saturday 16th January 6.00pm Hugh & Margaret Dalton
Rest In Peace: We extend our sincere sympathy to the family and friends of; Margaret Stewart-Lisfannon Park, Mark Deane- Long Tower Court, Kathleen Collins-Glenshane Road, John McColgan-Abbots Walk, Lexie Arbuckle-Durrow Park, Connie Smith-Iona Court, Eileen McGuigan-Glenfada Park, Sadie Van Sikkelerus- High Park, Eileen Doran – Harkness Gardens.
Baptisms: Please contact the Parish Office for dates.
Parish Office: You can contact the Parish Office by Phone on 028-71262301 or via email longtower@derrydiocese.org
Visitation of the Sick. For urgent sick calls please contact the parish office on 028-71262301 or 02871262894.
Padre Pio Intercede for Us
Weekly Mass for Healing in Mind & Body continues this Monday 11th January at 7.30pm Via Webcam.
We shall share in a spiritual network of prayer, love and support in these difficult times. While we may still be apart in person, we remain heartfully present with everyone and wish to further connect with all who are ill, unwell, feeling isolated and struggling with the pressures of life. Through the gift of this Mass we will unite in prayer for all. We pray to be surrounded by the light and warmth of God’s love to heal our brokenness at this time of isolation, suffering and loss. We hope at the end of each Mass to give a Spiritual Blessing using a 1st class relic of Padre Pio. We ask everyone’s assistance to help others connect with this Mass through our webcam – especially the elderly, frail and vulnerable. Please share as best you can knowledge of this Mass with your family & friends. You can access the Mass via our parish website: www.longtowerchurch.org then click on the link for the webcam or alternatively by logging on to www.churchmedia.tv
New Beginnings
‘At the very dawn of creation
your Spirit breathed on the waters,
making them the wellspring of all holiness.’
Another year welcomes and invites us to explore further landscapes in our lives, giving us opportunities to review how we care for ourselves. This can be both challenging and uplifting as change takes us out of our comfort zone and directs us to other ways of being. In the hallowed earth of the heart it is comforting to feel we are not alone, that we are assisted through transformation – to bathe in the divine waters of love and leave behind the parts of self that no longer serve us. As we create new beginnings may we feel the light of renewal shine through our days – with the universal bonds of love supporting us. Reference and further reading: The Catechism (1218)-13
Statement from the Catholic Bishops of Northern Ireland: dated Thursday 7th January 2021. In light of our ongoing consultations and of the current serious and worsening situation, and in line with clear public health guidance that people should stay at home, we have decided that for a limited period (from midnight on Thursday 7 January until Saturday 6 February 2021, subject to review in late January), the celebration of the Eucharist and other liturgies should take place without the physical presence of the faithful – with the exception of marriage, funeral, baptismal liturgies and drive-in services (subject to regulations). Arrangements for recording and/or livestreaming, and making individual visits for private prayer are also permissible in accordance with regulations. The full statement can be read on www.catholicbishops.ie.
Foyle Foodbank, Springtown, Industrial Estate, is open Monday to Friday to help those in food crisis. Telephone 71263699.
Children in Crossfire Advent boxes/Donations can be returned to the parish office. The current campaign aims to provide hand washing and sanitation facilities in 700 schools in Tanzania, benefiting up to 80,000 children. There are still some packs at the doors of the chapel if you feel you can support this vital work, Thank you.
Greater Shantallow Area Partnership and local Churches have come together, to appeal for new or used ipads/tablets, to be given to older members of our communities. Donations towards the campaign would also be greatly appreciated. All ipads/tablets or donations can be left at the Long Tower Sacristy or at Parish Office.
Simon Community: A safe place to call home has never been more important. But for many this winter will be their first without a home. Each day approximately another 50 people become homeless here in Northern Ireland, and we only expect this to rise with the economic impact of coronavirus. They will be adults, children and families, all anxious and frightened for their future. We will provide them with vital shelter and support when they need it most, saving and rebuilding lives. If you would like to make a donation to help someone without a home, please send a cheque payable to Simon Comunity C/o Mrs Amanda Scott, Simon Community NI, 25-27 Franklin Street, Belfast BT2 8DS or go to https://www.simoncommunity.org and donate or phone 028 9023 2882. If you would like further information, please do not hesitate to contact; amandascott@simoncommunity.org.
Priory Institute Online Open Day- Our next semester starts on February 13, 2021 and the Open Day is a chance to look into what it would be like to study with us. People attending our online Open Day here in Tallaght will have the opportunity to meet with current students and staff over Zoom, attend a short introductory lecture on theology and find out if studying theology with us is the right thing for you.
To find out more about the schedule or to register please go to: https://prioryinstitute.com/events/january-priory-institute-open-day.
Accord Derry Virtual Interactive Marriage Preparation Programme. Course Dates, January 12th and 13th 2021, February 9th and 10th 2021 & March 9th and 10th 2021. Booking now online at www.accordni.com.
Accord’s free and confidential ‘Relationships Support Phone Line’ for marriages, families and relationships offers support to those experiencing extra pressure due to social restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The three numbers are: Accord CLG – 01 531 3331, Accord Dublin – 01 905 9555, Accord NI – 028 9568 0151 or 00353 1 531 3331.
Webcams Around the country, some parish churches and cathedrals have installed webcams for the broadcast of Mass and these can accessed on the following websites; https://www.churchservices.tv/churches/
https://www.mcnmedia.tv/cameras
https://www.parishwebsites.ie/
Radio Maria Ireland is an Irish-run Catholic Talk-Radio Station. Prayer, Catechesis, Uplifting music, Talks, Interviews and Testimonies – Listen via TV on Saorview – Channel 210 and Freeview – Channel 826; Download our FREE APP – “Radio Maria Ireland”, streaming on www.radiomaria.ie or via PHONE – get live radio feed by telephoning +353 (0) 1 437 3277 (no extra charges apply). Please join our growing faith family.
Volunteering opportunity with the British Red Cross. The Red Cross are looking for volunteers to help in their community by joining our Meals on Wheels team. The team provide much needed meals to members of the community on a Mon, Tue, Wed and Thurs which are delivered from 12 noon each day. If you have an hour or two each week to spare, have a full driving licence and access to a vehicle and are interested in joining our team we would like to hear from you. For more information please contact us on the details provided below. Email: Patrickwalker@redcross.org.uk or Tel: 07725205487.