Third Sunday In Ordinary Time 21st January 2024
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 21st January 10.00am Christopher Hegarty
Sunday 21st January 12Noon Michael McCarron
Monday 22nd January10.00am Mary Ellen Berry
Monday 22nd January 7.30pm Ann Bradley
Tuesday 23rd January 10.00am Maureen Healy
Tuesday 23rd January 7.30pm Beau O’Donnell
Wednesday 24th January 10.00am Sheila, Fay & Terence Coyle
Wednesday 24th January 7.30pm Anna & Jim Green
Thursday 25th January 7.30pm Ellen & Peter Lancaster
Friday 26th January 10.00am Hugh & Margaret Dalton
Friday 26th January 7.30pm Damien McShane
Saturday 27th January 6.00pm Leo Gallagher
Rest In Peace: We extend our sincere sympathy to the family and friends of; Rosemary Johnstone- Long Tower Court & Athás Deehan- Westland Street
Baptisms: We Welcome into the family of God; Lucía McMonagle & Conor McBride. To book a Baptism, please contact the parish office on 028-71262301 for available dates.
LAST WEEK’S ENVELOPE COLLECTION AMOUNTED TO £1732.00
LAST WEEK’S RENOVATION COLLECTION AMOUNTED TO £526.00
The Parish Office: You can contact the Parish Office by phone on 028-71262301 (during office hours) or via email longtower@derrydiocese.org.
Visitation of the Sick at Home & in Hospital. For urgent sick calls to those at home please contact the parish office on 028-71262301 or 02871262894. For urgent sick calls for those in hospital, please ask the duty nurse on the ward to call the Hospital Chaplain.
PRAYER OF SAINT COLUMBA
(Prayer of St. Columba in the Dubh Regles of Derry)
May the fire of God’s love burn brightly and steadfastly in our hearts like the golden light within the sanctuary lamp.
This month of January the Sanctuary lamp beside the Tabernacle in Long Tower Church will be lit for all our Families, for Healing & Good Health in 2024.
Confirmation & First Holy Communion 2024
Confirmation for the P.7 pupils of Gaelscoil Eadain Mhoir will take place on Friday 1st March 2024 at 1.30pm.
Confirmation for the P.7 pupils of the Long Tower Primary School, Nazareth House Primary School & Ballougry Primary School will take place on Thursday 7th March 2024 at 5pm.
First Holy Communion for P.4 pupils of Gaelscoil Eadain Mhoir & Ballougry Primary School will take place on Saturday 18th May 2024 at 1.30pm.
First Holy Communion for P.4 pupils of Long Tower Primary School will take place on Friday 24th May 2024 at 1.30pm.
First Holy Communion for P.4 pupils of Nazareth House Primary School will take place on Friday 31st May 2024 at 1.30pm.
Renewal Of Parish Ministries: This new year of 2024, we will be having a renewal of ministries in the parish. Fr Peter O’Kane, Evangelisation & Faith Formation Co-Ordinator for Diocese of Derry will speak at all Masses this weekend about this Parish Programme.
Firstly, we are always and continually grateful for the continued support and dedication of all those who are currently involved in ministry as well as your support to the parish. There will be an opportunity in this new year of 2024 to rededicate yourselves to the ministry you continue to assist with in the parish.
Secondly, there is also an invitation to newcomers who are interested in offering their assistance, help, talent, and giftedness to the following ministries: Ministers of the Word, Ministers of Holy Communion, Baptismal Preparation & Music Ministries. If you are interested in becoming part of this journey of renewal, you can contact us via our usual channels of communication Email: longtower@derrydiocese.org, Tel: Parish office 02871262301.
Catholic Schools Week 2024 begins on Sunday 21st January and continues until Saturday 27th January.
The theme for this year is ‘Catholic Schools: Communities of Service’. During Catholic Schools Week families, parishes and schools are invited to participate in a week of celebration of Catholic schools, reflecting on their contribution to the common good of society. The national resource pack with ideas to help schools and parishes celebrate this week is available online at Catholic Schools Week 2024 | Catholic Education Partnership.
City-side and Waterside Churches Celebrate Christian Unity Week
The iconic City Walls is the backdrop for the annual walk celebrating Christian Unity Week, as Christians of all denominations gather in a circlet of prayer this Monday 22nd January at 7 pm. The walk begins at First Derry Presbyterian Church on Magazine Street. This year local religious leaders will offer prayers in the direction of all our churches, schools, government offices and courts, retail, health and community services etc. Fr Stephen Ward will represent St Columba’s Church, Long Tower and we would like to invite as many parishioners as possible to join us – (but only if walking conditions are safe). If the weather is poor, we have a contingency plan in place to meet in one of the city centre churches. This will be published on Long Tower Facebook page. The Waterside Walk for Christian Unity takes place two nights later – on the evening of Wednesday 24th January at 7 pm. Walkers will gather at St Columb’s Church, on Chapel Road at 7 pm.
Derry Diocesan Trust- Parishes of Banagher & Claudy-School Liaison Coordinator- 1-year Fixed Term contract 35 Hours Per Week.
The Parishes of Banagher & Claudy are seeking to recruit an individual to fulfil the role of School Liaison Coordinator. Under the guidance of the Parish Priest/Administrator the successful candidate will work in the two parishes that presently have four primary schools and one post primary school. This is a full-time role for one year. For application packs please contact: Bishop’s House, St Eugene’s Cathedral, Francis Street, Derry, BT48 9AP, telephone 028 7126 2302 or email: recruitment@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 recruitment@derrydiocese.org no later than 4.30pm on 02.02.2024. Derry Diocesan Trust is an Equal Opportunities Employer. We welcome applications from all men and women and from members of all communities.
Children and Crossfire are delighted with the great response so far to their Advent Appeal, thank you so much to everyone for their support. Boxes can still be returned to the parish at all Masses next weekend. Once all donations have been collected we will let you know the total raised. Thanks again for your generosity.
Derry Diocesan Youth Pilgrimage to Medjugorje: We are inviting young people aged 16 + to join us on pilgrimage to Medjugorje for 9 nights from 30th July to 8th August. This will be a unique experience for young people and an opportunity to engage with peers from around the world, in a faith context. Up to 50,000 young people attended the Medjugorje Youth Festival each year. Cost is £800 and there will be a budget plan to help with this. Names and deposit of £100 are required as soon as possible to secure a place. For more information or to book in please contact lizzie.rea@derrydiocese.org 00 44 2871264087.
Derry Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2024: Monday 1 to Friday 5 July, ex City of Derry Airport. Led by Bishop Donal McKeown. Full board £799, single room supplement £150. The pilgrimage office at 164 Bishop Street, Derry, will open to the public 11am to 1pm on Thursdays and Saturdays, starting Saturday 10th February. Telephone number 028 71260293, email derrypilgrim@outlook.com
St Vincent de Paul is appealing for suites in good condition and bedroom furniture. All donations would be greatly appreciated. Please Tel:02871265489 to arrange collection.
Pilgrimage To Medjugorje – 7th August 2024: Bookings are now being taken for a Pilgrimage to Medjugorje departing from Belfast on 7th August 2024 flying direct to Mostar (approximately half an hour from Medjugorje). £715 per person sharing which includes return flights, accommodation and meals. There is an additional charge for single room occupancy. The Pilgrimage is organised through Marian Pilgrimages (Dublin). Discount of £40 per person if deposit is paid by 31st January. For more details, please contact John Murray on 0780 1105575
