Twentieth Sunday In Ordinary Time 16th August 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 16th August 10.00am Eileen McCarthy
Sunday 16th August 12Noon William McShane
Saturday 22nd August 6.00pm Catherine Earley & Elizabeth Doherty
Rest In Peace: We extend our sincere sympathy to the family and friends of; Bobby Moran- Cable Street & Ann Clift- Brookdale Crescent.
Parish Baptismal Dates: Please note Saturday Baptisms are at 3.30pm
The next available Baptism dates 17th October & 7th & 21st November
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 £2738.00
LAST WEEK’S RENOVATION COLLECTION AMOUNTED TO £536.00
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.
Parish Cell Prayer Meetings: Please note there will be NO meetings throughout August. The meetings will resume again on Monday 7th September after morning mass (in room above sacristy) and after evening mass (in the upper room, Aras).
Evening Masses-Please not there will be NO 7.30pm evening Mass (Monday- Friday) in Long Tower from 3rd to 28th August inclusive, the Church will close at 6pm on those days. The 7.30pm evening mass will resume on Monday 31st August. Thank you for your co-operation.
Wednesday Adoration in St Columba’s Church, Long Tower: Please note that throughout the Wednesday’s of August Adoration will finish at earlier time of 6.00pm. Thank you for your co-operation.
Síopa Cholmcille- St Columba’s Gift Shop in Aras Cholmcille & Parish Office. 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 Mass. There is also a selection of religious items, mass cards, mass bouquet cards and candles available from the parish office. Thank you for your support.
‘Cloisters Cafe’ – New Opening Times for July and August- Wednesday – Sunday, 9am to 3pm). Your Sunday breakfast favourites are served until 3pm. Whether you’re craving a full breakfast or something light we’ve got you covered.
Job Opportunity- Derry Diocesan Trust
Administrative & Financial Officer (18 hours per week), Waterside Parish, Parochial House, 32 Chapel Road, Derry. Rate of pay: £12.88 per hr – £13.50 per hr. For application packs please email: recruitment@derrydiocese.org or Tel:028-71262302. 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 12Noon Monday 24th August 2026. Derry Diocesan Trust is an Equal Opportunities Employer. We welcome applications from all men and women and from members of all communities.
Diocesan Vocations Intercession: That the men called to priesthood will “…have a care for justice [and] act with integrity…” as they preach the message of God’s salvation for everyone, the Good News that the Church is “…a house of prayer for all the peoples.”
Still young at heart: My deepest gratitude and appreciation go to parishioners who acknowledged my recent ‘significant birthday’ in a variety of ways. Your thoughtfulness and kindness are greatly appreciated. What was expected to be a quiet and little-known occasion turned out to be filled with sincere congratulations and best wishes which have filled me with joy and touched me in a way which will never be forgotten. Many thanks for the memories. Fr. Peter.
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).
Accord Derry Marriage Preparation Workshops: September 25th & 26th & November 20th & 21st 2026: All courses are now online for booking at www.accordni.com. There are still places available on these courses. Please note all courses are in person. Accord Derry will NOT be facilitating courses during October or December 2026.
National Novena to Our Lady of Knock: 13th – 21st August 2026. Since 1977, the National Novena to Our Lady of Knock has taken place at Knock Shrine, welcoming pilgrims from across Ireland and abroad to gather in prayer and reflection. This year’s theme, “Sheltered in God’s Love,” marks the 50th anniversary of the opening of Knock Basilica and reflects its continuing role as a place of faith, hope and community for all who visit this sacred place. Daily Programme– Novena Ceremonies- Daily Ceremonies take place at 3pm and 8pm each day in Knock Basilica, Rosary procession takes place after the afternoon ceremony, Candlelight procession takes place after the evening ceremony. Anointing of the Sick- Anointing of the Sick takes place each day at 2.30pm in Knock Basilica. Novena Workshops- Workshops with guest speakers take place each day at 12.45pm in the Prayer Centre. Themed Guided Tours- Guided tours takes place at 11am each day, beginning at the Information Centre. See the full programme at: https://www.knockshrine.ie/national-novena-2026-guest-speakers-and-programme/
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 The Long Tower Church or email darinaghboyle15@gmail.com.
The next ‘Rosary on the Coast’ will be this Sunday 16th August at 3pm on Benone Strand, Magilligan. Everyone welcome.
‘Embrace the Grace’ Young Adult Catholic Conference – 29th August 2026 – Legion of Mary: ‘Embrace the Grace’ is a conference on faith and culture for young adults (18-40) with talks, prayer, Mass, confession, workshops, food and social in the historic Legion of Mary headquarters at De Montfort House, North Brunswick Street, Dublin 7 on Saturday 30th August 9.30am to 6.00pm with a social afterwards. Tickets cost €20 and can be booked on the eventbrite website by looking up ‘Embrace the Grace’. Any queries can be directed towards deusetpatria@gmail.com.
Return to school information for St Joseph’s Boys’ School: Induction mornings 8.40am to 12 midday for pupils are as follows; Induction Day, Year 12 and 14 – Monday 24th August 2026. Year 9, Year 10 and Year 11 – Wednesday 26th August 2026. Year 8 and Year 13 – Friday 28th August 2026. All year groups full return on Tuesday 1st September 2026 from 8.40 am – 3.00 pm.
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).
Marriage Enrichment Weekend: Marriage Encounter Ireland invites married couples to a residential Weekend from Friday 2 to Sunday 4 October 2026 at the Focolare Centre, Curryhills, Prosperous, Co. Kildare. Step away from daily distractions to deepen your communication, renew your love, and rediscover the joy of your marriage. Visit www.marriageencounter.ie
St Joseph Men’s Camino: Every Camino changes us in ways we don’t expect, every man needs one. Join men from across Ireland on Saturday 12th September for a 25km pilgrimage through the Boyne Valley, beginning in Drogheda. The day includes Mass, Adoration, Rosary, Confessions, fraternity, lunch and dinner, with after-dinner speaker Fr. Mark Quinn. Open to men aged 18+. Cost: €65 (student € 55). Registration, accomodation and details: www.dominicans.ie/events. Enquiries: op.evangelisation@gmail.com.
Cancer Focus NI – Pink Colour Fun Run – Ebrington Square, 18th October. Details available at www.cancerfocusni.org/foyle-pink-run.
GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS: Is Gambling affecting your life? Perhaps we can help. Tel 028 7135 1329.
Rachel’s Vineyard: Have you been affected or hurt by abortion? If so, please contact Michelle on 07871765181.
