Eighth Sunday In Ordinary Time 27th February 2022
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 27th February 12Noon John Hegarty
Monday 28th February 7.30pm Margaret Adams
Tuesday 1st March 10.00am Jeannie McConomy
Tuesday 1st March 7.30pm Sean O’Kane
Thursday 3rd March 7.30pm Monica McGowan
Saturday 5thMarch 6.00pm The Cassidy Family
Rest In Peace: We extend our sincere sympathy to the family and friends of; Gretta Sweeney- Millar Street, Paul Matthewson- Bishop Street & Michael Fox- Belfield Park
Baptisms: We welcome into the family of God; Fáidhla Thornton, Cáleb Gallagher, Méilí Duffy, Sean Collett & Tristan Mullan
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.
Mass Guidance
The Irish Bishops have discussed the implications of the lifting of most of the restrictions surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic, north and south, and have considered next steps with regard to the various mitigations that were put in place from June 2020 for the Catholic Church in Ireland. The continuation of the following protective measures is recommended to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the vulnerable or anxious members of the congregation: The wearing of face coverings inside Church buildings, the use of hand sanitiser on entering & leaving the Church, Holy Communion to be received only in the hand and Holy water to be used in asperges but not yet restored to fonts for communal use at the entrances to Church buildings. While we are encouraged by the lifting of the restrictions imposed during the pandemic, we will continue to take care to provide appropriate protection and reassurance to all involved in Church activities. We thank you for your understanding and support as we continue to gather together as a parish community.
PARISH PROGRAMME FOR LENT 2022
‘When we entrust ourselves to the Lord,
We can overcome all obstacles that we encounter on the way.’ Pope Francis
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday 2nd March 2022
ASH WEDNESDAY – A day of fast and abstinence – Catholics are asked to eat a maximum of one main meal and two collations (light meals) and to abstain from meat. Ashes will be blessed at the 10.00am Mass and distributed at the 10.00am and 7.30pm Masses. Please note that ashes will not be distributed at any other times and not from the Parochial House.
FRIDAY PENANCE during Lent: (i) make a special effort at family prayer (ii) make the Stations of the Cross (iii) do something to help the poor, sick or lonely (iv) make a special effort to avail of the Sacrament of Reconciliation (v) abstain from meat or some other food.
Holy Land Collection will be taken up at all Masses on Ash Wednesday.
DIVINE MERCY during Lent: The Chaplet of Divine Mercy will be said each day, (Monday- Friday) at 3.00pm during the season of Lent, beginning Ash Wednesday 2nd March.
ROSARY during Lent: The Rosary will be said each evening (Monday-Friday) at 6.45pm during season of lent, beginning Ash Wednesday 2nd March and will be followed by Stations of the Cross.
STATIONS OF THE CROSS during Lent: Stations of the Cross will be said each evening (Monday-Friday) before Evening Mass at 7.00pm & on Sundays at 6.00pm during the season of Lent, beginning on Ash Wednesday 2nd March.
Short Term Alcohol Free Promise for Lent: During Lent we always try to engage in extra PRAYER, FASTING and ALMSGIVING. Last year quite a number of parishioners promised to stay off alcohol as an act of FASTING and we hope that this will happen again in 2022. If you choose to give up alcohol we ask you to sign up to this FAST in the Sacristy or in the Parish Office and to wear the special badge we have made to signify our commitment to forego alcohol for the 40 days of LENT. The suggested offering to pay for the badge is £2.00.
TROCAIRE Lent 2022: The 2022 Lenten campaign highlights how Covid-19 has impacted communities in Zimbabwe who were already facing significant challenges due to climate change and food insecurity. “In the spirit of faith and in the spirit of humanity, I want to appreciate the support of the people of Ireland. And I would say that we have nothing much to give you back, we are always grateful to you, and every Sunday, when our people gather, we can assure you of our prayers for your generosity. I can only encourage you all to keep this partnership in the spirit of our faith.”
(Archbishop Alex Thomas -Archdiocese of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe).
TROCAIRE boxes are available from Parish Office and St Columba’s Church, Long Tower. Donations can also be made online at www.trocaire.org/donate.
WALK WITH ME – A Journey of Lenten Prayer for 2022. Booklets are available from Parish Office or Jim Doherty at Church, cost £1.00. These booklets are a useful prayer format for the Holy season of Lent.
The Diocese of Derry Privacy Notice: The Diocese of Derry complies with GDPR regulations. A privacy notice is available on the Parish website or by contacting the Parish Office. Live stream and recordings of Mass and Services in St Columba’s Church, Long Tower and are available online. Parishioners should note that the first 4 rows of seats are visible online in St Columba’s Church, Long Tower.
Safeguarding Notice: If you have any concerns with regard to the Safeguarding of children or adults in need of protection within the Church please contact Marie Gormley, the Diocesan Designated Liaison Person (DLP) at 07596500793/07707311358 or at the Safeguarding Office, Diocesan Pastoral Centre, 164 Bishop Street, Derry, BT48 6UJ or PSNI (Police Service of Northern Ireland) 101 or Social Services: Gateway Services, Western HSC Trust, 71314090 and ask for the Duty Social Worker.
The Net – February 2022Sharing the fruits of the faith in the Derry Diocese, the February 2022 edition of ‘The Net’ is now available on the Diocesan website – https://www.derrydiocese.org/publications/the-net/the-net-february-2022.pdf. For coverage of faith stories just email editorthenet15@gmail.com.
Cemetery Sunday: The Annual Service of Intercession for the Dead will take place in the City Cemetery on Sunday, 26 June 2022 at 6.00 pm.
The Derry Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes will resume this year, from 3 – 8 July 2022. Cost: £689 per person sharing, with single room supplement £150. Price includes flights, transfers and full board. The pilgrimage will be suitable for pilgrims who do not require medical, nursing or personal assistance as, unfortunately, this cannot be provided this year. The intentions of the sick of the diocese can be taken to Lourdes. The Pilgrimage Office, 164 Bishop Street, Derry, will be open for enquires and application forms on Thursdays and Saturdays, 11.00am – 1.00pm, from 3 March. Tel: 028 71 260293 or email derrypilgrim@outlook.com
Exploring Priesthood – Zoom with Seminarians and Priests: On Tuesday 1st March at 8.00pm there will be an opportunity for men to join in on a Zoom to find out more about priesthood and to hear directly from a priest and from two young men who are currently studying for the priesthood in our National Seminary in Maynooth. The event is being run by the National Vocations Office. Further information and registration details can be obtained by emailing info@vocations.ie or alternatively by visiting vocations.ie/zoom The Zoom session should end by 9.30pm at the latest. There will be a short time spent watching YouTube videos on priesthood and vocation, and a Questions & Answers session with the seminarians and the panel.
Dromantine Retreat Centre invites you to the following upcoming events: Lenten Day of Reflection, Sunday 6 March, 9.30am – 5.30pm. Provides time and space to reflect and pray on Lenten themes in preparation for the celebration of Holy Week and Easter. Led by Fr Damian Bresnahan SMA. Cost, including full lunch, £35 / €40. The Wonder of Creation – the Miracle of Life, Friday 11 March, 5pm – Sunday 13 March, 2pm. In contemplating the wonder of our Common Home and current threats to its integrity, we will explore an ecological vision in responding to the cry of the poor at this time of unprecedented planetary change. Led by Sr Nellie McLaughlin RSM. Cost, including full board, £220 / €260.For further information or to enrol, tel 028 3082 1964 or email admin@dromantineconference.com
No Greater Love – Five-week ‘zoom’ programme, each session lasting one hour, with a time for prayer, sharing and reflection. This programme is considered a great way to prepare our hearts and minds for the holiest of seasons in the Church calendar. In a series of short films shot on location in the Holy land, No Greater Love is a biblical pilgrimage, taking us through the key events of Christ’s passion and revealing His amazing love for us. Best-selling author, Edward Sri, will guide us through the final hours of Christ’s life. You will walk step by step with Jesus through the Scriptures from the Garden of Gethsemane to Mount Calvary. Hosted by the Living Church Office in Down & Connor diocese, there are six ‘starting’ options to choose from: Tuesday 8 March at 7:30pm, Wednesday 9 March at 7:30pm, Thursday 10 March at 11.00am or 7.00pm, Monday 14 March at 11.00am or 7.00pm. Please consider participating! To book your place please click on the link: https://forms.office.com/r/TZkWYFSAHR
Anam Cara Donegal, the organisation that supports bereaved parents, is holding it’s monthly Parent Evening for bereaved parents on Thursday 10th March at 7:30pm in the Raddison Blu, Letterkenny. This event is free and open to all bereaved parents regardless of the age your child died, the circumstances of their death, or whether their death was recent or not. We alos offer an online service. Please contact us on 085 288 8888/info@anamcara.ie for further information.
Carmelite Retreat Centre, Termonbacca; Novena to Sleeping St. Joseph: Friday 11th – Saturday 19th March. Mass each evening at 7.30 p.m. (except Sunday 13th March – Mass at 7p.m. Booking necessary for attendance at this novena, or can be viewed via the webcam (YoutubeTermonbacca). Day Retreat in Honour of St. Joseph: Saturday 19th March. 10a.m. – 3p.m. Booking necessary. Carmelite Pilgrimage to Lourdes: 1st – 6th September, 2022. Fare 729 Euro per person. For booking forms, contact the Carmelite Retreat Centre. Tel: 71 262512.
Catholic Engaged Encounter. A Marriage Preparation course is planned for 9/10 April 2022 in The Drummond Hotel, Ballykelly, Co. Derry. This 2-day course is a positive way of preparing for Marriage where you will discover how you can enrich your future relationship. Information/Booking: marriageencounter.ie or 028276 38512.
Pilgrimage to Medjugorje: Bookings are now being taken for a Pilgrimage to Medjugorje later this year. It will leave from Dublin Airport on 24th August returning a week later. The cost of the Pilgrimage is 765 Euros (approx £630) per person sharing. This covers return flights, accommodation and meals. There is an additional charge for single room occupancy. The Pilgrimage is organised through Marian Pilgrimages in Dublin. Early booking is strongly recommended with a small deposit required to secure your place. For more details please contact John Murray on 02882 841265 or 0780 1105575.
Dementia Friendly Tea Dance We are delighted to announce the return of our Dementia Friendly Tea Dance on Thursday 28 April at 2pm-3.30pm in the Studio Theatre at the Millennium Forum. Entertainment will be provided by Dougie Breslin, admission is free, booking in advance is essential as numbers are limited. Tickets for this performances are on-sale through our box office (02871 264455 choose option 1) or on our website www.millenniumforum.co.uk
Accord Derry Marriage Preparation Workshops 2022: March 8th/9th 2022, March 22nd/ 23rd 2022, April 5th/6th 2022, May 10th/11th 2022 & June 14th/15th 2022. All of the above courses are Virtual Interactive Courses and are being facilitated over 2 evenings. They are held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 7pm-9pm. Booking online 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.
