Twentieth Sunday In Ordinary Time 17th August 2025
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 August 12Noon Patrick Glenn
Monday 18th August 7.30pm Catherine Earley & Elizabeth Doherty
Tuesday 19th August 7.30pm Eileen McCarthy
Wednesday 20th August 7.30pm Sean Irvine
Thursday 21st August 7.30pm Angela Campbell
Saturday 23rd August 6.00pm Nora O’Connor & Angela Michael
Rest In Peace: We extend our sincere sympathy to the family and friends of; Frankie O’Donnell- Kenmare Park, John Bradley- Elmgrove, Michael Farren- Carn Manor & Danny McQuilkin- Belfield Park
To book a Baptism please contact the Parish office on 028-71262301 during office hours or email longtower@derrydiocese.org.
Parish Baptismal Dates: Please note Saturday Baptisms are at 3.30pm.
4th & 18th October, 8th & 22nd November & 6th & 20th December
LAST WEEK’S ENVELOPE COLLECTION AMOUNTED TO £2402.00
LAST WEEK’S RENOVATION COLLECTION AMOUNTED TO £706.00
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. Thank you.
Síopa Cholmcille- St Columba’s Gift Shop in Aras Cholmcille: We stock a variety of gifts & cards, candles, rosary beads, books, occasion cards and many other gifts & mementos. The shop is open after 10am morning Mass. For enquiries please contact Sheila Doyle/ Jim Doherty via (parish office 028-71262301 or Sacristy 028-71261946) who will be happy to help.
‘Cloisters Café’ in Aras Cholmcille in the grounds of Long Tower Church, a cosy place to relax and have a bite to eat or a cuppa and a cake! The café is open Tuesday – Saturday from 9am to 3pm. For more info, view Cloisters social media.
Diocesan Vocations Day: Anyone considering a vocation to the diocesan priesthood is invited to an afternoon of prayer and discussion, organised by the diocesan vocations team, next Sunday, 24 August. Mass will be celebrated in St Columb’s Church, Waterside, Derry, at 12:30pm, followed by refreshments in the parish hall. The afternoon will end at 6pm.
Accord Derry-Marriage Preparation Courses: September – November 2025: September 26th/27th, October 17th/18th & November 7th/ 8th. All courses are now online for booking at www.accordni.com. Please note all courses are in person.
Archbishop Eamon Martin has called on all parishes to set aside time on Sunday 24th August as a day of prayer and reflection for Gaza and for a renewed commitment by the international community for a just and lasting peace in the Middle East. He asks that we continue to show solidarity in whatever way you can; by lobbying your political representatives, supporting humanitarian aid and, above all, by continuing to pray for an end to the conflict and the resumption of peace, including the return of all hostages and prisoners. Pray also for our Christian brothers and sisters among the Palestinian populations in Gaza and on the West Bank who are witnessing daily to peace and non-violence, even in the midst of provocation and attacks. On the 24th August let the light of hope radiate out from the island of Ireland for peace, for Gaza and for the future of its people. There will be a Holy Hour in St Columba’s Church, Long Tower from 6-7pm on Sunday 24th August with exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Rosary & Benediction. Everyone welcome.
An Audio-Visual tour of the Long Tower Church is available. The guide which is narrated by Bishop Donal McKeown, offers a great insight into the history and sacredness of our beautiful Church. If you’re hosting visitors or you simply want to deepen your own appreciation, why not try the audio guide, priced at just £2.00. For further details, call into Aras Cholmcille in the grounds of Long Tower Church or email darinaghboyle15@gmail.com.
“From St Columba to Sister Clare”- Evening of Prayer. We invite you to gather with us in St Columba’s Church, Long Tower on 1st Thursday of each month, beginning on Thursday 2nd October at 7.30pm for Mass followed by Mini Vigil to Midnight for healing and intercession. At this Mass we will pray for the cause of Sister Clare in the Monastic site where St. Columba knelt and prayed. Everyone welcome.
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 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 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).
Life In the Spirit Seminar- Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th September 2025, in the Pastoral Centre, Claudy with Fr Eamonn Kelly. It is an opportunity to deepen your faith and to activate the gifts of the Holy Spirit you received in the Sacrament of Baptism. The Holy Spirit wants to be part of your life and to bring you to a new awareness of His presence. Come along and hear how this can be possible. Saturday 6th (10.30am-3pm) & Sunday 7th (10.30am-3pm) including closing Mass on Sunday. Registration on arrival. Fee-Donation. Refreshments will be provided however you can bring a packed lunch. Everyone Welcome.
Jubilee Year Opportunities at Lough Derg this August & September: One Day Retreats – Guided Days of Prayer and Reflection – places available on August 19, 23, 24, 25, 30; September 3, 6, 7, 9, 13, 20, 21. National Sacred Heart Crusade – a Sacred Heart Statue blessed by Pope Francis will be present for the Day Retreats on 23, 24 & 25 August. Canonisation of Blessed Carlo Acutis on Sunday 7 September – special devotions and blessing with Carlo Acutis Relic. Admission €50. Group discounts available. Advance Booking Essential. Thursday 21 August to mark National Heritage Week 2025 Lough Derg offers a day to immerse yourself in the story and heritage of the ancient Sanctuary. Guided Tour of Station Island and Boat Trip at 11am & 2.30pm. Admission €15. Concessions for students, children & families. Advance Booking Essential. Pilgrim Path Lake Shore Pilgrimage – In the footsteps of pilgrims through the centuries: Sunday 31 August. Guided 8km & 12km walk options available. Admission €25. Advance Booking Essential. Quiet Day Retreat – Come apart by yourself, and rest for a while – Friday 12 September. Admission €40 includes refreshments and lunch. Advance booking essential. Contact by email: info@loughderg.org / Tel. 0(0353) 719861518.
ACN Pilgrimage to Knock: Papal charity Aid to the Church in Need Ireland invites people to join their national pilgrimage to Knock Shrine on Saturday 30th August to highlight the plight of Christians who suffer persecution for their faith. Mass is in the basilica at 3pm – all welcome. For more info, see www.acnireland.org.
Could you help nurses of tomorrow learn about Dementia? Join Time for Dementia – an innovative award-winning training programme, coming to University of Ulster. The programme is designed to educate undergraduate healthcare students to improve their knowledge, attitude, and empathy towards people with dementia and their carers. Students are paired up with a family affected by dementia and will arrange to visit them at home. This is a unique learning opportunity for the students but also a great chance for a family affected by dementia to share their experiences. If you would like to find out more information, please contact Anouska Noble on 07860331648 or anouska.noble@alzheimers.org.uk.
Save the Date: Abide in His Love Women’s Conference November 21st -23rd 2025. The Great Northern Hotel, Bundoran Co. Donegal. An Amazing event for women exploring the beauty & gift of their feminine identity in Christ. Guest Speakers include: Sr. Mary Madeline Todd OP (USA), Megan Madden from ‘A Mother’s Lace’ (USA/UK), Fr. Barry Braum, Fr. Mark Wharton (UK), Fr. Francesco Mary Gavazzi, CFR, the Nashville Dominican sisters, & Mass with Archbishop Eamon Martin. Check out Eventbrite for tickets & more information. Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.com/e/abide-in-his-love-womens-conference -2025-tickets- 1283997654549?aff=ebdssbcategorybrowse.
The next ‘Rosary on the Coast’ will be Sunday 17th August at 3pm on Benone Strand, Magilligan. Everyone welcome.
GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS: Is Gambling affecting your life? Perhaps we can help. Tel 028 7135 1329.
