Twelfth Sunday In Ordinary Time 21st June 2026
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 June 10.00am Christina Brown
Sunday 21st June 12Noon Frances Lyttle
Monday 22nd June 7.30pm Bridie McCarthy
Tuesday 23rd June 7.30pm Kevin O’Toole
Wednesday 24th June 7.30pm Eileen White
Thursday 25th June 7.30pm Mary Doherty
Friday 26th June 7.30pm Richard Barr
Saturday 27th June 10.00am Teresa Bradley
Saturday 27th June 6.00pm Charlie Bradley
Rest In Peace: We extend our sincere sympathy to the family and friends of; Evelyn Land- Burnside Manor, Frank Collett- Brandywell, Sarah O’Reilly- formerly Rathkeel Way & Noeleen English- Harding Street
Baptisms: We Welcome into the family of God: Rian Curtis & Alora-Rose McLaughlin.
Parish Baptismal Dates: Please note Saturday Baptisms are at 3.30pm
The next available Baptism dates are 19th September & 3rd & 17th October
To book a Baptism please contact the Parish office on 028-71262301 during office hours or 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 02871262301. For urgent sick calls for those in hospital, please ask duty nurse on the ward to call hospital chaplain. Thank you.
LAST WEEK’S ENVELOPE COLLECTION AMOUNTED TO £2970.00
LAST WEEK’S RENOVATION COLLECTION AMOUNTED TO £801.00
The Parish Office: Please contact the parish office during office hours to arrange all Anniversary and Months Mind Masses, as well as to book Baptisms & Weddings. Please call the parish office by 12Noon on Thursdays with names for weekend Anniversary list. The Parish Office is open Monday- Friday from 9am to 2.30pm, Tel: 028-71262301 or via email at longtower@derrydiocese.org. For urgent sick calls, please use the office telephone number at all times.
Diocesan Vocations Intercession: As we pray for seminarians and those considering priesthood we hear Jesus telling those who ‘declare themselves’ for Him and ‘commit their cause to Him’ not to ‘be afraid’ but, instead, to know that “God is at [their] side, a mighty hero.” (Jeremiah, First Reading).
Síopa Cholmcille- St Columba’s Gift Shop in Aras Cholmcille & Parish Office, Victoria Place: We stock a variety of gifts & cards, candles, rosary beads, books, occasion cards and many other gifts & mementos. The shop is open throughout the week after 10am morning Mass. Please note there is also a selection of religious items, candles, rosary beads and books now available from the Parish Office at 6 Victoria Place. Thank you for your continued support.
Parish Cell- The weekly parish cell meetings continue on Mondays after 7.30pm mass and on Tuesday’s after 10am mass, in Aras Colmcille (Wee Nuns) on the 1st Floor. The sessions last approx. 1½ hrs. Everyone Welcome to attend.
Book Launch; This Monday 22nd June after 10am Mass, Fr. John Forbes will be launching the publication of his book of reflections through poetry entitled ‘Remembering the Floating Moments of Life’ in Aras Cholmcille. We would be delighted to see you for tea/coffee and some light refreshments. The book costs £10 with net proceeds being donated to Children in Crossfire and to support the Cause for Sr Clare’s Canonisation. Thank you for your support.
We are delighted to welcome Fr Stephen Baxter, who was recently ordained as a priest for the Derry Diocese to celebrate Mass in St Columba’s Church Long Tower on Thursday 25th June at 7.30pm. Everyone Welcome to attend.
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 safeguarding representatives are Ms Josephine Brown and Ms Jennifer Kearney. If you have any concerns with regard to safeguarding children or adults in need of protection within the Church please contact Marie O’Kane, 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).
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2026: Tickets and pilgrim packs will be distributed after a special Mass in Our Lady of Lourdes, Steelstown Road, Derry BT48 8EU on Monday 22 June at 7.00pm. Anyone unable to attend should ask someone to collect the pack for them.
Diocese of Derry Lough Derg Pilgrimage 2026: The Three-Day Pilgrimage will take place from Friday 24th to Sunday 26th July. Lough Derg welcomes people seeking prayer, peace, reflection and renewal. For those availing of the bus transport (from St Eugene’s Cathedral via Strabane and Lifford) the cost is £95 / €110, including bus transport. Booking form/full details are available at derrydiocese.org/lough-derg.
Day for Life 2026: Today, Sunday 21st June, the Church across Ireland celebrates Day for Life on the theme The humanity of the unborn child, which invites us to reflect on the wonder of human life from the moment of conception. We remember how the Lord Jesus Christ Himself sanctified and experienced the beginning of life in the world as an unborn child, hidden in the womb of Mary. Mary knew that she was carrying the Son of God – God and man – as soon as He was conceived. John the Baptist leapt in his mother Elizabeth’s womb when Mary greeted her. Our Lady treasured Our Lord in her heart and womb until His birth. To read the full bishops’ message visit www.councilforlife.ie
Accord Derry Marriage Preparation Workshops: September 25th & 26th & November 20th & 21st 2026: All courses are now online for booking at www.accordni.com. Please note all courses are in person. Please note Accord Derry will NOT be facilitating courses during October or December 2026.
St Joseph’s Boys’ School will host a coffee morning on Monday 22nd June 9am – 11am for Olive Branch for Gaza appeal. All welcome to attend.
Concern Derry Group – The Annual Scalp Challenge in aid of Concern’s worldwide development work will take place on Sunday 28 June at Henry McLaughlin’s farm (from Derry turn right at Burnfoot). First walkers should set off at 12noon and the last at 2pm. Check the weather forecast and wear suitable clothing. All support greatly appreciated.
All-Ireland Rally for Life takes place in Belfast on Saturday 4th July. Please join us to make a stand to protect Ireland’s unborn babies. Coaches will be travelling from towns across Northern Ireland. To book your seat contact 02890278484/ 07592280522 or email info@preciouslife.com.
Down And Connor Diocesan Trust Belfast Jesuit Centre Vacany “Pastoral Ministry Co-Ordinator” (Fixed Term Contract For 9 Months). We are seeking to recruit into a 9-month Fixed Term Contract role as Pastoral Ministry Co-Ordinator based within the Jesuit Centre at 193-195 Donegall Street, Belfast, BT1 2FL. The Pastoral Ministry Co-Ordinator will support the Director of the Belfast Jesuit Centre & Chaplain to the Ulster University, Belfast. The post will be for 35 hours per week. In order to meet the business and pastoral needs of the role, flexibility will be required in relation to attendance and hours worked including evening work. Salary, £29,000 gross per annum. Full details relating to the vacancy can be found on the Diocesan website at: http://www.downandconnor.org clicking on the tab: Job Vacancies, also on the Community NI website, https://belfastjesuitcentre.co.uk and nijob.com. Terms and conditions relating to the role are available via the above links, by way of a Role Profile and Employment Application form. We welcome applications from anyone who feels they meet the criteria and are interested in playing an active role within the Diocese of Down and Connor. Closing date for applications will be 12.00 noon on Monday 6 July 2026. Down and Connor Diocesan Trust is an Equal Opportunities Employer
Fr Mike Schmitz Parables Tour for Young People 20th July Dublin: Derry Youth Ministry are inviting young people aged 16+ to join them for the Fr Mike Schmitz Parables Tour taking place on 20th July 2026 in the National Stadium Dublin. Fr Mike is an American priest and digital evangelist, who will present the message of the Gospel in a novel, energetic and engaging style that speaks into young people’s lives today. There will be a special Mass for youth attending from all over Ireland to begin the evening celebrations. Cost is £45 for ticket and transport. Bus departs Derry at 12noon, with pick-ups in Strabane and Omagh. To secure your place or for more information contact bethany.doherty@derrydiocese.org or call 02871264087
Radio Maria Ireland is an Irish-run Catholic Talk-Radio Station we enjoy Commercial Free Broadcasting – Prayer, Catechesis, Uplifting Music, Talks, Interviews And Testimonies. Here’s How You Can Listen: Via Digital TV – Saorview Channel 210, Download Our FREE App “Radio Maria Ireland”, Streaming On Our Website – Www.Radiomaria.Ie ,Via Our ‘Listen Live Radio’ Link On Our Facebook Page, Via PHONE – Get Live Radio Feed By Calling +353 (0) 1 437 3277 (No Extra Charges Apply)
The next ‘Rosary on the Coast’ will be this Sunday 21st June at 3pm on Benone Strand, Magilligan. Everyone welcome.
Rachel’s Vineyard: Have you been affected or hurt by abortion? If so, please contact Michelle on 07871765181.
