Third Sunday Of Advent/ Gaudete Sunday 17th December 2023
As we journey in Advent and look forward to Christmas we celebrate our joy at the coming of the Lord. Joy, prayer and thanksgiving should characterise Christian worship.
Because the man of integrity has come with good news for the poor, we can exult for joy. But his coming will mean that we also will practise justice and integrity.
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 17th December10.00am Joseph McDaid
Sunday 17th December 12Noon Fr. Santan Pinto
Monday 18th December 10.00am Ellen Barr
Monday 18th December 7.30pm Willie & Annie McCafferty
Tuesday 19th December 10.00am Rose McCallion
Tuesday 19th December 7.30pm Terence Crawley
Thursday 21st December 7.30pm Mary McLery
Friday 22nd December 7.30pm Frances Nash
Saturday 23rd December 10.00am Peggy McLoone
Saturday 23rd December 6.00pm Smyth, Hofmeister & Hussey Families
Rest In Peace: We extend our sincere sympathy to the family and friends of; Anna Doherty- Quarry Street
Baptisms: We Welcome into the family of God; Máela Toland, Ellie Daly & Fiónn Robinson. To book a Baptism, please contact the parish office on 028-71262301 for available dates.
LAST WEEK’S ENVELOPE COLLECTION AMOUNTED TO £2286.00
LAST WEEK’S RENOVATION COLLECTION AMOUNTED TO £605.00
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.
Christmas Mass Bouquets are still available to purchase from the Parish Office Sacristy or from the Novena Shop this Sunday, cost £2.00. Long Tower Christmas Cards are also available from the Novena shop, Parish Office or Sacristy, cost is £5.00 for a packet of 12 cards. Thank you for your support.
12 Noon Mass this Sunday 17th December will be the last Children’s Liturgy before Christmas. The Children’s Liturgy will resume again on Sunday 14th January 2024 at 12Noon Mass.
Annual Solemn Novena in honour of Our Lady of Perpetual Help
Mother of Priests. Nine Sundays before Christmas in Long Tower Church at 6.00pm, concludes this Sunday the 17th December with the Annual Carol Service, followed by refreshments and traditional music in the Long Tower Primary School within the grounds of the Church. Everyone is Welcome to attend.
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 December the Sanctuary lamp beside the Tabernacle in Long Tower Church will be lit for Peace in the World and a resolution to end the conflict in The Holy Lands and for all who are suffering.
St Columba’s Church Long Tower- Liturgical Ceremonies over the Christmas period. Details of all the Mass times, Confession, Adoration etc.., are available as you leave the Church, please take a copy. Full details will also be printed in next weekend’s bulletin.
The Long Tower Parish recognises and upholds the dignity and rights of all children and is committed to ensuring their safety and wellbeing. We are committed to safeguarding as an integral part of the life and ministry of the Church and recognise that we also have a special responsibility towards all vulnerable people who are members of our faith community. Our Parish Safe-Guarding Representatives are Mrs Rita Moore and Ms Josephine Brown. If you have any concerns with regard to Safeguarding children or adults in need of protection within the Church please contact Marie Gormley, the Diocesan Designated Liaison Person (DLP) Tel: NI 075 96500 793 / ROI (0044) 75 96500 793 or at mariegormley@derrydiocese.org. Additional contact numbers: N Ireland PSNI: 101 or Social Services WHSCT Tel +442871314090 (Ask for Duty Social Worker).
Long Tower 2024 Calendars- Last few remaining, cost £3 each or 2 for £5. All proceeds from the calendars will go towards the cost of refurbishing ‘The Calvary’ in the grounds of the Long Tower Church. They would make an ideal Christmas gift especially for those living away from home. Calendars can be purchased from the Parish Office, Sacristy, Novena Shop, Doherty’s Vivo Bishop Street & Vivo Brandywell. Thank you for your support.
Children in Crossfire’s 2023 Advent Appeal packs are now available at the entrance(s) to the church. This year, they are raising funds to support a new programme in inner-city Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. Their goal is to provide education, nutrition, and healthcare for thousands of children growing up in extreme poverty. With your support this Christmas, Children in Crossfire will make life better for many. If you would like to support their appeal online, please visit their website: www.childrenincrossfire.org/donate-advent.
Accord Derry Marriage Preparation Courses January – March 2024: January 19th/20th 2024, February 23rd/24th 2024 & March 22nd/23rd 2024. Venue: Everglades Hotel, Prehen Road, Derry. Please note that these courses are NOT Virtual but are in person. Courses can be booked online now at www.accordni.com.
Mary’s Meals – Double the Love: Mary’s Meals is keeping the promise of a daily school meal to over 2.4 million children in 18 countries. Our Double the Love Campaign has launched, and all donations made to Mary’s Meals until 22nd January 2024 will be doubled by a group of generous supporters, up to £1million. Find out more and browse our Christmas gift cards at marysmeals.org.uk or freephone 0800 698 1212.
Ballinascreen Parish Live Crib: Live Crib featuring real animals and people at St Eugene’s Church Moneyneena on Saturday 30th December. Following the 10.00 am Mass, at which Bishop McKeown will be chief celebrant, the Live Crib will be operational all day until candlelit Mass at 6,00 pm. Refreshments served throughout the day. Everyone is welcome to come and discover the true meaning of Christmas.
Foyle Hospice Christmas Tree Recycling Scheme is now open. The scheme helps Foyle Hospice secure much needed funds whilst offering people the opportunity to have their tree disposed of in an environmentally friendly way, for a suggested donation of £10. Shredded trees are then used in our gardens throughout the year. Trees can be registered for collection through the website – foylehospice.com – or by calling Foyle Hospice fundraising office on 02871 359888. Registration closes on 7th January 2024.
St. Cecilia’s College Open Day– Thursday 11th January 2023, 5pm-8pm. Principal’s address, 5pm- 6.15pm. Pupils transferring from primary to post-primary school in September 2024 and their parents are welcome to attend. Prospective year 13 students and their parents are also welcome.
St. Mary’s College Open Day- Prospective pupils and their families are invited to attend Saint Mary’s College Open Day on Saturday 13th January 2024 from 10.00am to 1.00pm, Principal Mr Brendan McGinn will address visitors at 10.00am and 11.00am. All are welcome.
Prayer By Telephone: The Sisters of Mercy “Bethany” 34 Point Road, Dundalk, Welcome any person who may wish to request prayer, especially during these difficult times. All requests are confidential. 9am – 9pm. Telephone: 042 9331602 ROI or 00353 42 931602 NI. One of the Sisters will be happy to LISTEN and PRAY WITH YOU
Sean Davis “3 day Indoor Christmas Fun Soccer Academy” takes place at Templemore Sports Complex from Wednesday 27th to Friday 29th December 2023. For boys and girls aged 5 to 18 years, 10:00am to 3.00pm daily. For further details Tel. Sean Davis FAI, IFA, FA European A Licence Coach on 028 71263044.
