Twenty Seventh Sunday In Ordinary Time 4th October 2020
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 4th October 12Noon Patsy McGowan
Monday 5th October 10.00am Stephen Lindsay & Joseph Nolan
Monday 5th October 7.30pm Dolores Logue
Tuesday 6th October 7.30pm Seamus O’Donnell
Wednesday 7th October 7.30pm Bernadette McCafferty
Thursday 8th October 7.30pm Elizabeth Connor
Saturday 10th October 6.00pm Joanna Carlin
Rest In Peace: We extend our sincere sympathy to the family and friends of; Emma Nelis- Shantallow Avenue, Charlotte Temple- Killea, Mary McLaughlin- Marlborough Street, Mary McCorriston- Philip Street, Denis Casey- Formerly St Columb’s Wells, Margaret Brolly- Grangemore Park.
Confessions: Monday – Friday 7.00-7.25pm, Saturday 11.30am- 12.30pm & 5.15pm-5.50pm
Visitation of the Sick: For urgent sick calls please contact the Parish office on 028-71262301 or 02871262894.
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
Mass Guidance
We kindly ask that everyone attending Mass, other Church Services and Devotions to wear a face covering at all times (apart from those with certain health conditions). We must all continue to observe social distancing, to use the hand sanitiser on entering & leaving the Church and to receive Holy Communion only in the hand. It is up to each of us individually and as a community to keep each other as safe as possible as we continue to live alongside the virus. We continue to have stewards and ushers giving direction as you enter and leave the Church. Please follow the guidance given as they are acting for the well being of everyone. Entrance and exit doorways must be kept totally free at all times.We appreciate your understanding and support as we continue to gather together in these uncertain times.
Padre Pio Intercede for Us
Weekly Mass for Healing in Mind & Body continues this Monday 5th October at 7.30pm.
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
“Praise be to you, my Lord, through our Sister, Mother Earth, who sustains and governs us, and who produces various fruit with coloured flowers and herbs”. ‘Canticle of the Sun’ St Francis of Assisi
Today is the feast of St Francis of Assisi, a beautiful soul who was so in tune with the Divine that it is said he could speak with any creature and carried the wounds of Jesus – known as the stigmata. Pope Francis was so humbled by him that he took his name; later becoming inspired to write the encyclical, Laudato Si – Care for our Common Home, from the sublime message in his canticle. Today, let us move from reading to action – to help and speak of those who have been uprooted from their homes and seek resettlement on Mother Earth. For those who are in camps around our shores, treated as outcasts; like the lepers St Francis went to help – as he considered them his brothers. And let us pray that those in power may not send our family members to offshore processing centers – but listen to our Sister who is crying out to be allowed to ‘sustain and govern us, with various fruit and coloured flowers and herbs.’ Praise be to you, my Lord.
A Series of Presentations on Mission Today: Throughout October, Month of Mission, the Derry Diocesan Mission Team is offering a series of presentations on what mission means in today’s society. Each presentation is free and will be available online through Zoom. They will consist of a short film, discussion on the topic and a chance to ask questions. Guest speakers: Martina Purdy, Elaine Kelly, Noel Bradley, Oliver Barrett and Marriage Encounter Ireland. For further information, visit derrydiocese.org.
Archbishop Eamon Martin, has called for a Family Rosary Crusade against Covid-19 during the month of October. “I invite families all over Ireland to pray the Rosary together at home each day for God’s protection during this time of Coronavirus. “These past six months have reminded us of the importance of the “domestic Church” – the Church of the sitting room and kitchen – the Church that meets every time a family stands or kneels down, or sits down to pray together! “It has also helped us realise how important is the vocation of parents to be the primary teachers and leaders of their children in faith and prayer. “That is why I am calling for a “Family Rosary Crusade against Covid-19” during October – encouraging you to pray the Rosary, or even a decade of the Rosary, each day during the month of October. Pray for your own family and loved ones and for all those whose health or livelihood is being seriously impacted by the coronavirus crisis.” Archbishop Eamon is also inviting families to spread the word online. He said, “Using the #FamilyRosaryCrusade or #OctoberFamilyRosary hashtags please feel free to share a picture or a short sound clip of your family saying a “Hail Mary”, “Our Father” or “Glory Be”! on social media.” Archbishop Eamon’s inspiration for the Rosary Crusade came from a visit to the Missionaries of Charity in Armagh who reminded him of what Mother Teresa, St Teresa of Calcutta, once said: “Cling to the Rosary as the creeper clings to the tree – for without Our Lady we cannot stand”.
Trócaire: We wish to acknowledge the generous donation of £7752.17 and €185.00 sent to Trócaire on behalf of the parishioners of St Columba’s Parish (Long Tower). This contribution will help make a life-changing difference for families throughout the developing world and help sustain our life- changing projects overseas. Our sincere thanks to all the parishioners for their thoughtful generosity at this difficult time.
Volunteers Needed, Foyle Hospice Charity Shops, Limavady, Waterloo Place & Strabane; Do you have a few hours to spare a week? Would you like to join our fantastic team of volunteers? Meet new friends? Learn new skills? And most importantly have fun while helping and supporting your local hospice. If this is something that would interest you, please get in touch with Rachael Osbourne, Volunteer Co-ordinator, 028-71351010 or email rachael@foylehospice.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.
The Catholic Chaplaincy at Queen’s reopens on Monday 21 September. Our liturgies, faith events and social gatherings are popular with students and alumni. We have a range of groups and societies whose activities appeal to a wide range of interests. Our Chapel, Food Bar and study space are open throughout the academic year. Wherever you are on your faith journey, know that we are here for you. For more visit qubcatholic.org or drop by for a coffee and chat at 28 Elmwood Avenue, Belfast.
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.
