The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary & Joseph 27th December 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 27th December 12Noon Liam Carlin
Tuesday 29th December 10.00am Bernie Mooney
Wednesday 30th December10.00am The Harkin Family
Thursday 31st December 4.30pm McKee Family
Saturday 2nd January 6.00pm Gavin, Ian & Darren McCormick
Monday 4th January 7.30pm Tommy & Mary McCourt
Tuesday 5th January 10.00am Patsy Hegarty
Tuesday 5th January 7.30pm Patrick Finucane
Thursday 7th January 7.30pm William Blair
Saturday 9th January 6.00pm Tonner & Clarke Families
Baptisms: We welcome into the family of God; Dáithí Burke & Merle Moore
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.
Christmas Message
I would like to wish all in our Parish Community a Holy & Happy Christmas. In the restricted days of this year past because of the virus much stress and anxiety has come our way. Sharing in Mass through the webcam has been second best, but it was still a useful spiritual gift. I would like to thank Fr. Frank McLaughlin who has been a great help to me in offering Masses. Please God in 2021 we will be renewed in our faith and care for each other. Fr. Aidan Mullan.
‘For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders: and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.’ Isaiah 9:6
The Flame of Love
Our coming together to pray to the Infant Jesus is felt as a spiritual act to intercede, not just for our own needs…but to ask his help in building a united defence system against the virulent force that is trying to infiltrate the core of our world. The ‘higher power’ is present…but needs everyone to join together in His name. To reconnect, reunite and, most importantly, to reform. Let us light a candle…and invite the flame of love into our homes and communities across the world – as we enter a very auspicious time in the heavens. 🕊
Mass Guidance
If you are attending Masses and other Church services, we please ask that you adhere to the mandatory guidelines. Everyone attending must continue to wear a face covering at all times, observe social distancing, 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 appreciate your understanding and support as we continue to gather together in these uncertain times.
Please note the Church will close at 6.00pm on 25th, 27th, 28th, 29th, 30th & 31st December & 1st January.
Confessions: Confessions will resume on Saturday 2nd January 2020 before evening Mass.
Adoration: There will be No Adoration on Wednesday 30th December. Adoration will resume as normal on Wednesday 6th January 2021.
Adoration Chapel in Pump Street: Will be closed from Thursday 24th December at 12 Noon and re-open on Monday 4th January at 9.00am.
The Parish Office: Will be closed from 12 Noon on Wednesday 23rd December and will re-open at 9.00am on Monday 4th January 2021.
Derry Diocesan Trust Safeguarding Coordinator (2-year fixed term contract). Diocesan Pastoral Centre, 164 Bishop Street, Derry14 hours per week – Monday and Tuesday £27, 905 – £29,636 pro rata per annum Designated Liaison Person Derry Diocesan Office, St Eugene’s Cathedral, Francis Street, Derry14 hours per week – Monday and Tuesday £27, 905 – £29,636 pro rata per annum. For an application pack for either position please contact: Bishop’s House, St Eugene’s Cathedral, Francis Street, Derry, BT48 9AP, telephone 02871262302 or email: payroll@derrydiocese.org. Completed applications must be returned to Personnel, Bishop’s House, St Eugene’s Cathedral, Francis Street, Derry, BT48 9AP or via email to payroll@derrydiocese.org no later than 5.00pm on 06.01.2021. Derry Diocesan Trust is an Equal Opportunities Employer. We welcome applications from all men and women and from members of all communities.
A Family Prayer Booklet – The Twelve Days of Christmas – has been specifically compiled with families and prayer in the home in mind. The Gospel for each day of the twelve days of Christmas is accompanied by a Gospel reflection, prayers and a link to online Christmas hymns. The booklet can be downloaded at this link: https://www.derrydiocese.org/news/family-prayer-service-for-use-at-home-this-christmas
Foyle Foodbank, Springtown, Industrial Estate, is open during the Christmas period from 11am until 4pm Monday to Friday to help those in food crisis. Telephone 71263699.
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.
Children in Crossfire would like to wish you and your families a happy Christmas and New year, we thank you for your ongoing support of our work in this difficult time. Your support this year will help provide clean water and sanitation to 700 schools in Tanzania, invaluable in keeping children safe from disease. Boxes are still available at the back of the chapel and can be returned in January.
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. Each night this December, Simon Community NI will provide 388 warm, safe beds across 21 accommodation sites for those with no home. 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. We need help to make their Christmas and New Year a little brighter. 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.
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.
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.
