Fourth Sunday of Easter/ Good Shepherd Sunday 3rd May 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 family and loved ones in our prayers.
Sunday 3rd May 12.00Noon Mary Gilmore
Monday 4th May 7.30pm Patrick Connor
Tuesday 5th May 7.30pm Patricia McDaid
Wednesday 6th May 7.30pm Bridie Moran
Thursday 7th May 10.00am Patrick & Eugene Crossan
Thursday 7th May 7.30pm Paddy McSwine
Saturday 9th May 6.00pm James Dunne
Mass Offering: If you would like to request a Mass intention for a family member or friend on the occasion of their anniversary or months mind, please do not hesitate to contact the Parish Office on 028-71262301 between 9.00am & 2.30pm Monday- Friday or email longtower@derrydiocese.org. Please note (due to prior bookings or funerals) the date and time requested may not always be available.
Rest In Peace: We extend our sincere sympathy to the family and friends of: Margaret McLaughlin- Sunbeam Terrace.
Parish Office: You can contact the Parish Office by Phone on 028-71262301 or via email longtower@derrydiocese.org.
There will be NO Weddings or Baptisms until further notice in line with government regulations. We thank you for your understanding at this difficult time.
Visitation of the Sick: Due to the Coronavirus visitation of the sick and housebound within our parish will be postponed until further notice. For urgent sick calls please contact the Parish office on 028-71262301 or 02871262894.
Mass Cards: Mass cards are available from the Parish Office. Please contact us on 028-71262301 between 9.00am & 2.30pm Monday – Friday or email longtower@derrydiocese.org and arrangements can be made for collection. Please also note that Mass cards continue to be made available from the usual retail outlets as normal.
The New Parish Collection Envelopes for 2020/21
Due the coronavirus pandemic, it was decided in mid- March that new parish envelopes would not be delivered as normal. However, in the past number of weeks, we have been receiving calls and messages from some parishioners asking for their envelopes in order to continue supporting the Parish.
If anyone wishes to collect their envelopes, we would ask that they telephone or email the Parish Office on 028-71262301 or email longtower@derrydiocese.org before 2.30pm on Wednesday of each week with their name and address. The envelopes requested will then be available for collection from the Parochial House on Thursdays from 10.30am until 12.30pm as part of your permitted daily exercise.
Envelopes can be returned to the Parish Office. Alternatively you can wait until later (when restrictions have been relaxed) and return your envelopes either to the Church or Parish Office. We appreciate your understanding in this matter and your continued support.
Please note only those envelopes that have been previously requested by phone or email will be available for collection.
Padre Pio Intercede for Us
St Columba’s Church, Long Lower, Derry is sending an invitation to everyone in the Community to join in a weekly webcam Mass for Healing in Mind & Body. We shall share in a spiritual network of prayer, love and support in these difficult times. While 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.
We particularly wish to invite our elderly loved ones, their families and friends – in nursing and care homes, those alone at home, our cherished ones in hospices and hospitals. Also, for those caring for our families and friends, workers and groups – tirelessly acting for, and with us. We ask the children to help in our Wednesday Mass possibly preparing a family drawing of a candle to display in the window at home or writing a poem of loving kindness for everyone.
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. and then click on the link for the webcam or alternatively by logging on to www.mcmedia.tv
Continues this Wednesday 6th May 2020 at 7.30pm and every Wednesday at 7.30pm until further notice.
Gatekeeper
When we were children we were frequently told not to trust strangers, our guardians shielded us with a ring of protection – warning us to be careful of the dangers of befriending and trusting such people. This would sometimes create fear, but mostly it saved us. The stranger is like a chameleon, changing its appearance and character to gain trust from vulnerable hearts; inflicting pain and suffering that only His wounds can heal. The stranger remains a present danger for all of us – trying to enter the door of our hearts when we are fearful, exposed and cannot defend ourselves. Let us remember the guardians in our childhood – the ones who first taught us how to be careful and to only trust the true Gatekeeper. We know the call of his voice – may we follow it. For he gives us life, to be lived fully – with the freedom to move safely within the protected lands of His heart – no longer fearful of being stolen or destroyed. Reference and further reading:1st Letter of St Peter 2:20b-25, John 10:1-10.
In Memory Programme
The ‘Do This In Memory’ Mass for those children who are celebrating their First Communion this year will be postponed until further notice as a result of guidelines issued with regards to the COVID-19 Coronavirus.
Fasting before communion: We are asked not to eat before receiving communion. This is called “fasting”. This rule has changed over time. In the past people were required to fast 12 hours before mass. Nowadays it is just one hour. We are asked to fast from all food except water in this hour before we receive the bread of life. We do this to help us to be more aware of the gifts that we are about to receive.
Schedule of Masses (Week Beginning 3rd May)
& Other Devotions until Further Notice
Monday-Friday
10am – Mass on Webcam (without congregation)
3.00pm – Divine Mercy Devotions on Webcam
5.00pm- Rosary on Webcam
7.30pm- Mass on Webcam (without congregation)
Saturday
10am – Mass on Webcam (without congregation)
11.30am – 12.30pm – Confessions in Sacristy
3.00pm – Divine Mercy Devotions on Webcam
5.00pm- Rosary on Webcam
6.00pm- Vigil Mass on Webcam (without congregation)
Sunday
8.00am- Mass on Webcam (without congregation)
10.00am – Mass on Webcam (without congregation)
12Noon- Mass on Webcam (without congregation)
3.00pm – Divine Mercy Devotions on Webcam
5.00pm- Rosary on Webcam
Access to Church Services: All our Church Services can be viewed online via www.mcnmedia.tv or by logging on to our church website www.longtowerchurch.org and following the link to webcam. We would ask that parishioners assist one another where possible to access these resources.
Derry Diocesan Vocation Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, gentle shepherd,You know your sheep,
And you know how to reach their hearts.
Give to the people of the diocese of Derry
Hearts that are open to the call of the Holy Spirit.
Speak to the hearts of the (young) men of our diocese
That they may hear your call
To follow you and serve your people as priests.
Awaken in them the courage to answer: ‘Here I am, Lord, Send me.’
St Eugene, pray for us.
St Columba, pray for us.
St John Vianney, pray for us.
The Derry Diocesan Catechetical Centre, working in Partnership with Saint Mary’s University, Twickenham, offers the Masters in Catholic School Leadership. This is a post graduate degree dedicated to the professional development and spiritual formation of Catholic school leaders. It is a great opportunity for those currently in leadership roles and those who aspire to, or have an interest in, leadership roles within the Catholic School system. The next intake will be Autumn 2020. If you require any further information, please contact the Derry Diocesan Catechetical Centre on 004428 71264087 or email tferry@derrydiocese.org.
St Patricks Church, Pennyburn– The St Pio Monthly Mass will be celebrated on Monday 4th May at 7.00 pm in St Patrick’s Church, Pennyburn. We ask God’s blessing on all through the intercession of St Pio. (streamed live via webcam – www.threepatrons.org/webcam or www.mcnmedia.tv).
Holy Family Padre Pio Prayer Group – Ballymagroarty: The Padre Pio Prayer Group will be live streamed on Tuesday 5th May 2020 directly after mass at 7.15pm. You are invited to take part from home and join in the prayers for all those affected during this pandemic. The Prayer Group will be live streamed on the first Tuesday of every month while social distancing remains in place.
Dear Parishioners of St. Columba’s Church, Longtower, Children in Crossfire have launched a new home-based fundraising challenge which will take place on Saturday 16 May. Participants in the Climb Errigal at Home Challenge will be expected to climb up and down their stairs at home no fewer than 150 times. Money raised will support vulnerable people and communities in Ethiopia and Tanzania being adversely affected by the COVID-19 crisis. Children in Crossfire Community Fundraiser Shauna O’Neill is encouraging people to take part:
“We know these are very challenging times for everyone. Ordinarily Children in Crossfire would be organising outdoor activities to raise funds but lockdown means that we have to come up with new events for people to take part in from the safety of their own homes. That’s why we’re encouraging people to climb the equivalent of Mount Errigal in Co Donegal up and down their stairs. We estimate that Errigal is 4,000 steps, which we reckon means 150 times up and down the average home’s staircase. This will be no mean feat for the people taking part but we believe plenty will want to challenge themselves while raising funds for us. Our Facebook group will also give everyone the opportunity to connect with new people, which is crucially important in these trying days. Above all, we are asking people to take on this challenge because we are raising funds to help counter COVID-19 in Ethiopia and Tanzania. When we consider the poverty and lack of health facilities throughout both countries, it becomes frighteningly clear just how severe an impact coronavirus will have. My direct appeal to anyone interested in signing up is this: by taking part in our Climb Errigal at Home Challenge you will be helping us and our partners in Ethiopia and Tanzania to save people’s lives during this terrible pandemic. Please do register now and take part on Saturday 16 May.”
We hope you can join us! Children in Crossfire.
Anyone wishing to sign up should:
- Join our Facebook group here
- Call Shauna O’Neill on 028 7127 8947 or 07597 747940; or
- Email shauna.oneill@childrenincrossfire.org
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 Messenger: Messenger Publications are offering a free online copy of the May edition (and possibly further editions) of The Messenger, given that it is impossible to distribute the paper copy in the usual manner. To access the May edition, visit: https://issuu.com/messengerpublications/docs/05_messenger_may_2020. Even if you do not normally receive The Messenger, you are welcome to access this link. If you have any difficulty accessing the link or if you have any further queries please email c.henry@messenger.ie
NEW ROSARY PRAYER FOR MONTH OF MARY
O Mary,
You shine continuously on our journey
as a sign of salvation and hope.
We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick,
who, at the foot of the cross,
were united with Jesus’ suffering,
and persevered in your faith.
“Protectress of the Roman people”,
you know our needs,
and we know that you will provide,
so that, as at Cana in Galilee,
joy and celebration may return
after this time of trial.
Help us, Mother of Divine Love,
to conform ourselves to the will of the Father
and to do what Jesus tells us.
For he took upon himself our suffering,
and burdened himself with our sorrows
to bring us, through the cross,
to the joy of the Resurrection. Amen.
We fly to your protection, O Holy Mother of God;
Do not despise our petitions in our necessities, but deliver us always
from every danger, O Glorious and Blessed Virgin.
Irish Chaplaincy offers contact service for anyone in Ireland with concerns about vulnerable older family or friends isolated in London: The Irish Chaplaincy in London is a registered charity which provides an outreach service to three main groups: elderly Irish people (the Seniors’ Project); prisoners and to Travellers. At this challenging time caused by COVID-19 social restrictions, the Chaplaincy is offering support to anyone in Ireland with concerns about an older family member or friend living in London. On their behalf the Chaplaincy can make direct contact with vulnerable older Irish living but isolated in London. The Chaplaincy is also a link to services and community groups on the ground local to where a person is living in London. This is a free service and contact can be made to the Chaplaincy from Ireland by post: PO BOX 75693 London NW1W 7ZT; by email seniors@irishchaplaincy.org.uk and by phone 0044 (0) 20 7482 3274. Please leave a message and a representative will contact you
Trocaire Donations: Please find below details of ways you can contribute/donate to Trocaire; Online banking, directly to Trocaire. Bank details: Sort Code: 93.80.92 Account No: 8822 7020 These details are for an account in NI. For people who do not use online banking, cheques can be posted to: Trocaire, 50-52 King Street, Belfast, BT1 6AD. Euro cheques can also be posted to the Belfast address. There is also a Northern Ireland freephone number, 0800 912 1200, through which people can donate.
Part-Time Certificate in Religious Education (Primary) with Online delivery: St Angela’s College, Sligo, is inviting applications for this course, which begins Autumn 2020. The course is open to: Qualified primary school teachers and Qualified post-primary school teachers who wish to transfer to primary school teaching. Parents, sacramental preparation teams and parish catechists who have a specific interest in the area of primary religious education may also apply. Closing date for Applications is Friday 15 May 2020. For further information and application forms contact Mary Kearns, Education Department, St. Angela’s College, Lough Gill, Sligo: mkearns@stangelas.nuigalway.ie or visit Website: www.stangelas.nuigalway.ie
Across the Hedgerow: We provide older, vulnerable or isolated members of the farming community with listening support and companionship via telephone calls during this unsettling time. To avail of this service or to refer someone you care about please call Rural Support on our Freephone Helpline 0800 138 1678; or 028 86760040: email info@ruralsupport.org.uk. More information is available at www.ruralsupport.org.uk; www.facebook.com/ruralsupport Twitter: @ruralsupport
Helpline is available Mon-Fri from 9am-9pm with voicemail and support options available at all other times.
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.
RTÉ will air Mass every weekday at 10.30am from St Eunan’s and St Columba’s Cathedral, Letterkenny, on RTÉ News Now. RTÉ News Now can be accessed on Saorview (channel 21), Sky (521), Virgin Media (200), Eir (517) as well as via the RTÉ Player, the RTÉ News Now app and via RTÉ.ie/news.
Mass – RTÉ Radio 1. Welcome to RTÉ Religious Programmes. Nearly all of our radio Worship programmes on this station are shared with RTÉ One television, so viewers throughout Ireland can also watch our Masses and Services there or on the RTÉ Player. Start times vary slightly between 11.00am and 11.10am.
Vatican Television: During these days, Pope Francis has arranged for his celebration of Mass to be televised from the Vatican. The broadcast is simultaneously translated into the English language. For access please link to https://www.vaticannews.va/en.html
