Twenty Ninth Sunday In Ordinary Time 18th October 2020
It is World Mission Sunday, a day when our entire Church family comes together for a truly incredible celebration of solidarity. This year’s theme is, ‘Together we can do more – Blessed are the peacemakers’ (Mt 5:9). In his message, the Holy Father said the Covid-19 pandemic is an opportunity for true mission and service to others. This year World Mission Ireland launches a special appeal as the Covid-19 pandemic has been devastating for those in the developing world. Today, every single Church around the world shares what they can, so that the vital work of the Church and our missionaries can continue. Through your extra generosity, you are offering much needed financial help to missionaries who dedicate their lives to those who are suffering and neglected. From all the missionaries your kindness supports, thank you for digging deeper today.
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.
Monday19th October 7.30pm Josephine Ward
Tuesday 20th October 7.30pm James & Martha Kennedy
Wednesday 21st October 7.30pm Liam McAdams
Thursday 22nd October 7.30pm Fr. Jim Hamilton
Saturday 24th October 10.00am Tony McDaid
Rest In Peace: We extend our sincere sympathy to the family and friends of; David Quigley-Lenamore Gardens, Patrick McCarter- Jack Allen Court, Patricia McCullagh-Glendara, Foyle Road.
Baptisms: We welcome into the family of God; Clóda McFeely
Confessions: Monday – Friday 7.00-7.25pm, Saturday 11.30am- 12.30pm & 5.15pm-5.50pm
Visitation of the Sick: For urgent sick calls please contact the Parish office on 028-71262301 or 02871262894.
Baptisms: Please contact the Parish Office for dates.
Parish Office: You can contact the Parish Office by Phone on 028-71262301 or via email longtower@derrydiocese.org
Mass Guidance
On Wednesday 14th October the NI Executive announced additional regulations for places of Worship which restricts the number of people attending Funerals to 25 people. Weekday & Saturday Morning Masses will continue as usual at 10am with Funeral Masses at 11am. There will be no Funeral Masses on a Sunday. These restrictions are being implemented from Friday 16th October for a period of four weeks, when they will be reviewed again.
It is also mandatory that everyone attending Mass & other Church Services wear a face covering at all times. We must all continue to observe social distancing, use the hand sanitiser on entering & leaving the Church and to receive Holy Communion only in the hand. It is up to each of us individually and as a community to keep each other as safe as possible as we continue to live alongside the virus. We appreciate your understanding and support as we continue to gather together in these uncertain times.
Padre Pio Intercede for Us
Weekly Mass for Healing in Mind & Body continues this Monday 18th October at 7.30pm.
We shall share in a spiritual network of prayer, love and support in these difficult times. While we may still be apart in person, we remain heartfully present with everyone and wish to further connect with all who are ill, unwell, feeling isolated and struggling with the pressures of life.
Through the gift of this Mass we will unite in prayer for all. We pray to be surrounded by the light and warmth of God’s love to heal our brokenness at this time of isolation, suffering and loss. We hope at the end of each Mass to give a Spiritual Blessing using a 1st class relic of Padre Pio.
We ask everyone’s assistance to help others connect with this Mass through our webcam – especially the elderly, frail and vulnerable. Please share as best you can knowledge of this Mass with your family & friends.
You can access the Mass via our parish website: www.longtowerchurch.org then click on the link for the webcam or alternatively by logging on to www.churchmedia.tv
Special Assignment
‘As you sent me into the world, so I sent them into the world.’
The word assignment seems to follow us from the moment we are created, travelling with us within various forms and intensities. In its original and pure state it gives each one of us a special and unique purpose, sending us into the world with both individual and collective tasks to complete. In other words, it gives us work to do for our own good, and the good of others. At this time, we are being pressed to reflect more deeply, act more courageously and open our hearts more widely to complete our spiritual mission – to share the sanctity of the truth and become perfected in unity. Reference and further reading: John 17: 11,17-23.
Annual Solemn Novena In Honour of Our Lady of Perpetual Help.
Annual Solemn Novena in honour of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Nine Sundays before Christmas in Long Tower Church at 6.00pm, beginning Sunday 25th October. Pope Francis wrote his latest letter to us all on the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi on 4th October. In it he asks us, in the spirit of St. Francis, to pray for and work at brotherhood and solidarity with all our sisters and brothers of all faiths and none. We will pray for this spirit of fraternal love through our Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Each night will comprise of the Rosary, Novena prayer and petitions with a short talk given by various guest speakers and a ceremony of healing with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. Our first speaker will be Fr. Stephen Quinn. Fr. Stephen is a Carmelite Priest who currently serves as Prior of Termonbacca. Originally from Andersonstown in West Belfast. Ordained to the Priesthood in 2004, he was solemnly professed on the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in 2008. We welcome him to the Long Tower as we begin our Novena in honour of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. We encourage everybody, including those in particular need of healing in their lives to join us.
A Series of Presentations on Mission Today: Throughout October, Month of Mission, the Derry Diocesan Mission Team is offering a series of presentations on what mission means in today’s society. Each presentation is free and will be available online through Zoom. They will consist of a short film, discussion on the topic and a chance to ask questions. For further information, visit derrydiocese.org.
Archbishop Eamon Martin, has called for a Family Rosary Crusade against Covid-19 during the month of October. “I invite families all over Ireland to pray the Rosary together at home each day for God’s protection during this time of Coronavirus. “These past six months have reminded us of the importance of the “domestic Church” – the Church of the sitting room and kitchen – the Church that meets every time a family stands or kneels down, or sits down to pray together! “It has also helped us realise how important is the vocation of parents to be the primary teachers and leaders of their children in faith and prayer. Pray for your own family and loved ones and for all those whose health or livelihood is being seriously impacted by the coronavirus crisis.” Archbishop Eamon is also inviting families to spread the word online. He said, “Using the #FamilyRosaryCrusade or #OctoberFamilyRosary hashtags please feel free to share a picture or a short sound clip of your family saying a “Hail Mary”, “Our Father” or “Glory Be”! on social media.”
Dromantine Retreat Centre, Newry, intends to host the following events in November. Offering a safe welcome back, numbers will be restricted, with social distancing and all Northern Health and Executive directives being adhered to: ‘Broken Open’: How difficult times can help us grow – a Workshop that will explore the potential for discovering courage, compassion and wisdom even in the most painful of life circumstances. Presented by Fr Hugh Lagan SMA: Monday 2 November, 9.30am – Tuesday 3 November, 5.00pm.Full cost £115 or €125. ‘Loss and Recovery’: This seminar will explore loss in its many facets and how it is also an invitation to wholeness. “While the heart grieves for what it has lost, the Spirit dances for that which it has found.” Presented by Fr Jim Cogley: Saturday 14 November, 9.30am – 5.00pm. Full cost £35. To book, or for further enquiries, Tel 028 3082 1964 or email sma.dromantine@sma.ie.
The Net: The October edition of The Net is now available online, on www.derrydiocese.org . As always, it features a wide variety of news, interesting and inspiring interviews, articles and photos from parishes across the diocese. You are invited to read The Net, on the diocesan website, at your convenience.
Accord’s free and confidential ‘Relationships Support Phone Line’ for marriages, families and relationships offers support to those experiencing extra pressure due to social restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The three numbers are: Accord CLG – 01 531 3331, Accord Dublin – 01 905 9555, Accord NI – 028 9568 0151 or 00353 1 531 3331.
Webcams Around the country, some parish churches and cathedrals have installed webcams for the broadcast of Mass and these can accessed on the following websites; https://www.churchservices.tv/churches/
https://www.mcnmedia.tv/cameras
https://www.parishwebsites.ie/
Radio Maria Ireland is an Irish-run Catholic Talk-Radio Station. Prayer, Catechesis, Uplifting music, Talks, Interviews and Testimonies – Listen via TV on Saorview – Channel 210 and Freeview – Channel 826; Download our FREE APP – “Radio Maria Ireland”, streaming on www.radiomaria.ie or via PHONE – get live radio feed by telephoning +353 (0) 1 437 3277 (no extra charges apply). Please join our growing faith family.
