Twenty First Sunday In Ordinary Time 24th 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 24th August 10.00am Sadie Matthewson
Sunday 24th August 12Noon Tommy Donnelly
Tuesday 26th August 10.00am Paddy McAdams
Wednesday 27th August 10.00am Bridget Morrison
Wednesday 27th August 7.30pm Mary Rose & Joe White & White Family
Thursday 28th August 7.30pm Rita & Les O’Donnell
Friday 29th August 7.30pm Colum Devenney
Saturday 30th August 6.00pm William Campbell
Rest In Peace: We extend our sincere sympathy to the family and friends of; Michael Moore- Abercorn Road & Barry Street.
Baptisms: We Welcome into the family of God: Kian O’Donnell, Roman Flanagan & Sophie Daly
Parish Baptismal Dates: Please note Saturday Baptisms are at 3.30pm.
4th & 18th October, 8th & 22nd November & 6th & 20th December
To book a Baptism please contact the Parish office on 028-71262301 during office hours or email longtower@derrydiocese.org.
LAST WEEK’S ENVELOPE COLLECTION AMOUNTED TO £2546.00
LAST WEEK’S RENOVATION COLLECTION AMOUNTED TO £637.00
LAST WEEK’S PARISH YOUTH MINISTRY £674.00
The Parish Office: You can contact the Parish Office by phone on 028-71262301 (during office hours) or via email longtower@derrydiocese.org. The parish office will be closed Monday 25th August and re-open Tuesday 26th August at 9am.
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 Intercession: We pray that the men who sense that the Lord is calling them to serve the Church as priests of the diocese will respond positively to the Response to our Psalm this weekend: “Go out to the whole world; proclaim the Good News!”
Archbishop Eamon Martin has called on all parishes to set aside time this 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 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 this 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 the 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).
Buncrana Parish Garden Fête: The Annual Buncrana Parish Garden Fete will take place this afternoon (24 August) in the grounds of Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana, 3pm-6pm. A fun family day with Bouncy Castles, Children’s Races, Tractor Reversing Competition, Rickety Wheel, Bingo, Jiving Competition, Dog Show and much more! Come along and enjoy a lovely afternoon. Our Parish Mega Draw will take place on the day with a top prize of €50,000. Tickets are €100 available on the day (Cash only).
Accord Derry-Marriage Preparation Courses: October – November 2025: October 17th/18th & November 7th/ 8th. Venue- Everglades Hotel, Derry. All courses are now online for booking at www.accordni.com. Please note all courses are in person.
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.
SPARK: A weekend of fun, faith and friendship for 12-16 year olds. Do you know a young person who would like to build their faith and make new friends? Spark is a weekend experience which follows core themes from YouCat, as well as stories of role models such as Bl. Carlo Acutis and Sr. Clare Crockett, to help young people learn about their faith, while making friends and hopefully having a bit of fun in the process! September 12th – 14th in Termonbacca Carmelite Retreat Centre, Derry. To book or find out more? Text or WhatsApp Brendan on +353 86 8067973 or Vivienne on +44 7935 007351. Cost is €80/£70 per person (to cover food and board). Spark is fully endorsed by Bishop McKeown and supported by local diocesan priests. Our adult volunteers are fully vetted and we take safeguarding very seriously. Please note that places are limited and will be allocated on a first come basis.
Jubilee Year Opportunities at Lough Derg this August & September: One Day Retreats – Guided Days of Prayer and Reflection – places available on August 30; September 3, 6, 7, 9, 13, 20, 21. Canonisation of Blessed Carlo Acutis, Sunday 7 September – special devotions and blessing with Carlo Acutis Relic. Admission €50. Group discounts available. 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, lunch. Advance booking essential. Email:info@loughderg.org/ Tel:0(0353) 719861518.
Caring for People Living with Dementia: On Wednesday 24th September Ards Friary is holding a day of emotional support and sharing for those caring for people living with dementia. This day will be led by Caroline Brown, facilitator, trainer and ex carer. Beginning at 10.30am and finishing at 4.00pm, it will include tea/coffee and a light lunch. Cost €50. For bookings contact Ards Friary, T: 0(0353)74 913 8909 or E: info@ardsfriary.ie. For more information contact Caroline at carolinebrown268@gmail.com.
Poor Clares, Galway- Monastic Experience Day for Women, 18-35 years old. An opportunity to explore and experience Poor Clare life and spirituality. The event will take place from 10am to 5pm on Saturday 6th September. Contact: events@poorclares.ie to register. More info. poorclares.ie/monastic-experience-days.
Rachel’s Vineyard: Have you been affected or hurt by abortion? If so, please contact Michelle on 07871765181.
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.
GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS: Is Gambling affecting your life? Perhaps we can help. Tel 028 7135 1329.
