Sixth Sunday of Easter 17th 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 17th May 12.00Noon Alex & Sarah Wray
Monday 18th May 7.30pm Ian McCormick
Tuesday 19th May 7.30pm June Kivlehan
Wednesday 20th M 7.30pm Rosaleen Doherty
Friday 22nd May 10.00am Stephen Coyle
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.
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.
The New Parish Collection Envelopes for 2020/21
The new parish envelopes have been delivered, however if you have not yet received your envelopes or if you would like to receive a box, please contact the parish office on 02871 262301 and arrangements can be made. At this time we do not expect you to return your envelopes weekly and would advise that you wait until a later date (when restrictions have been relaxed) and then return your envelopes either to the Church or Parish Office.
A number of parishioners have also enquired about making their contributions by Standing Order. If you would like to make your weekly envelope contributions by Standing Order please contact the Parish Office on 02871262301 (Monday-Friday between 10.00am-2pm) for more information. We appreciate your understanding in this matter and your continued support.
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.
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 20th May 2020 at 7.30pm and every Wednesday at 7.30pm until further notice.
‘I will not leave you Orphans.’
On listening to conversations and speeches the word ‘they’ frequently presents itself – sometimes thoughtlessly slipping off the human tongue. Often, this has painfully touched a raw nerve whose natural impulse has been subdued out of a feeling that the speaker may be offended by ones correction, having also been caught in its enticing web. ‘They’, is commonly used to prevent offence to the use of she or he. But when ‘they’ is not used in this context it ‘refers to unspecified people or people in general, not including the speaker or people addressed.’ Those unspecified or general people could be or have been us, family members or friends – who are all love. In some instances the speaker can inadvertently give a wrong impression of their intent, though some can inflict a wound to the heart that can cause the separation of the ‘they’ from the ‘us.’ It feels we have a duty to work together as one unified body, not in separate groups – allotting ourselves special privileges. And if the ‘they’ are on the outside of some imposed margin then, is it not our Christian duty to help break down the old walls that separate us from the joy of togetherness. Be gentle, we all need help – not judgement. No one likes to rock the boat, though boat rocking was not something Jesus was ever afraid of – keeping the spirit of truth, love and the law at the helm of his work. These we must keep if we say we love him. His wish is that we remain together – let us not abandon each other at this time. We are One. Reference and further reading: John 14:15-21
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.
Community Announcements Sometimes, just before the end of Mass, the Priest will read a list of things that are happening in the community during the coming week. This reminds us of the importance of the community in which we live. It also reminds us that Gods family doesn’t just come together on a Sunday in Gods house but that their are lots of other times when we gather together. The community might get together for fun, for sporting activities, to help those who are in need or to learn more about their faith. Whenever we gather we must remember that we are part of Gods family.
Schedule of Masses (Week Beginning 17th 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.
Fan The Flame Mass 2020 Thursday 4th June was to be our Fan the Flame Mass, where we come together to celebrate all of the young people in our diocese who have received the sacrament of Confirmation and who are preparing to move to the next stage of their education. Unfortunately, that will not be possible this year. We do hope that these young people will experience the full Fan the Flame in the future as it is such a joy-filled day for all of us. To mark the end of their primary education, Bishop McKeown will celebrate the 10.00am Mass in Saint Eugene’s Cathedral for them that day via the webcam. http://www.steugenescathedral.com/webcam.html.
The Net: The May edition of The Net will not be printed, due to the Covid-19 restrictions, but it is available now online on the diocesan website, www.derrydiocese.org. As always, it covers a wide range of events, there are loads of interviews and photos, and plenty of news from parishes and people from all around the diocese. There is also a great section devoted to youth news and activities.
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.
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 now offering a free online copy of the June edition of The Messenger, given that it remains impossible to distribute the paper copy in the usual manner. To access the June edition, visit: https://issuu.com/messengerpublications/docs/messenger_june_v11.3_low_res. 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.
Mary’s Meals: Normally at this time of year we would be visiting parishes to share the message of Mary’s Meals but this is not possible due to the current situation. Until we are able to visit parishes again, our founder, Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow, has recorded a special message for parishioners. You can find his message, filmed outside the shed in Argyll where it all began for Mary’s Meals on the link below. We hope you can help to spread the word about our beautiful mission by sharing it. https://www.facebook.com/caoimhe.marysmeals.5/videos/142492737322522. Please keep our mission in your prayers and know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. May the Lord bless and keep you, Caoimhe McCann, Supporter Engagement Officer for Northern Ireland, Mary’s Meals
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
