Twenty-Ninth Sunday In Ordinary Time 20th October 2024
World Mission Sunday
Pope Francis’ theme for World Mission Sunday is rooted in the Gospel of Matthew: “Go and Invite Everyone to the Banquet,” (cf. Mt 22:9) Dear brothers and sisters! The theme I have chosen for this year’s World Mission Day is taken from the Gospel parable of the wedding banquet (cf. Mt 22:1-14). After the guests refused his invitation, the king, the main character in the story, tells his servants: “Go therefore to the thoroughfares, and invite to the marriage feast as many as you find” (v. 9). Reflecting on this key passage in the context of the parable and of Jesus’ own life, we can discern several important aspects of evangelization. These appear particularly timely for all of us, as missionary disciples of Christ, during this final stage of the synodal journey that, in the words of its motto, “Communion, Participation, Mission”..,
Let us not forget that every Christian is called to take part in this universal mission by offering his or her own witness to the Gospel in every context, so that the whole Church can continually go forth with her Lord and Master to the “crossroads” of today’s world. “Today’s drama in the Church is that Jesus keeps knocking on the door, but from within, so that we will let him out! Often, we end up being an ‘imprisoning’ Church which does not let the Lord out, which keeps him as ‘its own’, whereas the Lord came for mission and wants us to be missionaries”..,
In this year devoted to prayer in preparation for the Jubilee of 2025, I wish to encourage all to deepen their commitment above all to take part in the celebration of Mass and to pray for the Church’s mission of evangelization. In obedience to the Saviour’s command, she does not cease to pray, at every Eucharistic and liturgical celebration, the “Our Father”, with its petition, “Thy kingdom come”. In this way, daily prayer and the Eucharist in particular make us pilgrims and missionaries of hope, journeying towards everlasting life in God, towards the nuptial banquet that God has prepared for all his children. Excerpts from Message of His Holiness Pope Francis for World Mission Day 2024.
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 20th October 10.00am Patrick McCarron
Sunday 20th October 12Noon Mary Toland
Monday 21st October 7.30pm Tommy & Monica McGowan
Tuesday 22nd October 7.30pm Fr Jim Hamilton
Wednesday 23rd October 7.30pm Frankie McFeely
Thursday 24th October 10.00am Eileen Holmes
Thursday 24th October 7.30pm Maureen Gallagher
Friday 25th October 7.30pm Richard Gillespie
Saturday 26th October 6.00pm Paddy Cassidy (Snr)& Cassidy Family
Baptisms: We Welcome into the family of God; Lori Colhoun & Zach Hendawy.
To book a Baptism please contact the Parish office on 028-71262301 during office hours.
Parish Baptismal Dates: Please note Saturday Baptisms are at 3.30pm.
November 2024: Saturday 23rd
December 2024: Saturday 7th, 14th & 21st
LAST WEEK’S ENVELOPE COLLECTION AMOUNTED TO £2126.00
LAST WEEK’S RENOVATION COLLECTION AMOUNTED TO £635.00
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.
Long Tower 2025 Calendars are now available cost £3 each or 2 for £5. They would make an ideal Christmas gift especially for those living away from home. Calendars can be purchased from the Parish Office or Sacristy.
Long Tower Mass Bouquet Cards are now available: A beautiful gift for loved ones and anyone you wish to offer thoughts and prayers for a specific intention. The recipient’s intentions will be remembered at the 8am Mass on the first Sunday of every month. They can be purchased at the Parish Office or Sacristy cost £2 each.
Diocesan Vocations: As we celebrate Mission Sunday, we pray for those who hope to play their part in the Church’s mission of spreading the Good News of God’s love as future priests of the diocese of Derry.
Annual Solemn Novena in honour of Our Lady of Perpetual Help
Nine Sundays before Christmas in Long Tower Church at 6.00pm, beginning Sunday 27th October, with Bishop Donal McKeown as our guest speaker.
The theme of our Novena this year is ‘The Power Of Prayer’- Reflecting on the prayer Jesus taught us in this Year of Prayer.
Each night will comprise of the Rosary, Novena prayer and petitions with a short talk given by various guest speakers and Eucharistic Healing Ceremony with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.
We encourage everybody, including those in particular need of healing to join us.
Long Tower’s 40 Hours
A continuous 40 Hours of Adoration will begin with 8am Mass on Sunday 27th October 2024, continuing right through Sunday night and all day Monday 28th October, concluding at midnight.
‘O Come Let Us Adore Him’.
Accord Derry are facilitating a Marriage Preparation Course in the Everglades Hotel Derry on November 15th /16th 2024. Booking now online at www.accordni.com. This course is in person and NOT virtual.
A Monthly Children’s Rosary will take place in Long Tower every last Saturday at 3pm. Children of all ages accompanied by parent(s)/guardian(s) are all welcome. This prayer group for children is led by Shelaine and Marcella and in accordance with the Diocesan safeguarding policy.
Praying with the Scriptures – Lectio Divina: As we prepare for the coming of Christ at Christmas, there will be an opportunity to pray with the Scriptures using the method of Lectio Divina for the Sunday Gospels of Advent. This will take place downstairs in Aras Colmcille from 11am to 12pm on the following dates: Thursday 28th November, Thursday 5th December, Thursday 12th December & Thursday 19th December. All welcome to attend. Leaflets will be provided!
Mother and Baby Wellness Classes in Áras Cholmcille: Qualified practitioners Bronagh McNamara and Sinead Lynch will deliver two, 6-week programmes supporting the physical, mental and emotional health of mothers and babies aged 6 weeks to 1 year. The programmes begin on Wednesday 13th or Thursday 14th November. The classes will be delivered in a small-group setting (90 minutes once per week on either Wednesday or Thursday). The classes will have a personal focus tailored to the individual needs and preferences of participants and will include baby massage, bonding, appropriate exercise for mums, nutrition, self-care among many other elements. It’s also simply an opportunity for mums to share the joys and challenges in a supporting environment. Mammies of all ages are welcome including young mums and mothers of babies with additional needs. The courses are free of charge and supported by Heritage Lottery Awards For All. Please be advised places are limited, text 07789850793 if you would like any further information or to register for the classes. We are happy to put you in touch with Bronagh or Sinead should you wish to talk anything over with them regarding the classes.
BRIGID 1500- Saint Brigid – Woman of Peace: Reflecting on the life of Saint Brigid, who was a woman of peace throughout Ireland, we invite you to join us in a beautiful liturgy of music, prayer, scripture and reflection, as we gather to pray for peace throughout the world today. St Brigid’s Church, Carnhill, Derry, Sunday 27th October 2024 at 5.00pm. All welcome.
‘The NET’ – Sharing the fruits of the faith in the Derry Diocese. The October Edition of The Net is now available online on the Diocesan Website www.derrydiocese.org as well as hardcopy as you leave the Church. No fixed charge, donations welcome. For coverage of faith related stories just email editorthenet15@gmail.com.
Pilgrimage to Fatima- EX Dublin Easter 2025, Flying with TAP airlines, Also 13th June 2025 for Feast of Saint Anthony, 13th October 2025 for Miracle of Sun. Contact James Treacy on 00353-61921470, or email jamestreacyphotography@gmail.com payments by instalments acceptable. Last Remaining Seats.
GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS: Is Gambling affecting your life? Perhaps we can help. Tel 028 7135 1329.
