Twenty Second Sunday In Ordinary Time 30th August 2020
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 30th August 12Noon William Campbell
Monday 31st August 7.30pm Elizabeth Lynch
Tuesday 1st September 7.30pm Annie Smith
Wednesday 2nd September 7.30pm Margaret Crockett
Thursday 3rd September 7.30pm Damian Quigley
Saturday 29th August 6.00pm The Cassidy Family
Rest In Peace: We extend our sincere sympathy to the family and friends of; John Hutton- Elmwood Terrace, formerly Bennett Street & George Kalkman- Foyle Road
Baptisms: We welcome into the family of God; Sophia Rodgers
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
The Parish Office will be closed on Monday 31st August and will re-open on Tuesday 1st September at 9.00am.
Mass Guidance
From Monday 10th August it was mandatory to wear a face covering in any indoor public space, including in the Church. We therefore kindly ask that everyone attending Mass, other Church Services and Devotions to wear a face covering at all times (apart from those with certain health conditions). We must all continue to observe social distancing, to 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 continue to have stewards and ushers giving direction as you enter and leave the Church. Please follow the guidance given as they are acting for the well being of everyone. Entrance and exit doorways must be kept totally free at all times.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 31st August 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
Obstacles
‘The way you think is not God’s way but man’s’.
All around the world the wearing of protective materials has become part of everyday life when gathering. Through following the guidance to protect ourselves and each other, it has triggered an effect on the natural order of how we live. Now when we meet, some of our senses are covered muted and restrained – blocking our contact and communication with each other and things around us. It feels we are being asked to help ourselves – by remodelling our mind so we may change our thinking and behaviour, to remember how once we used to connect with each other on higher levels, with no restrictions. Let us not weary ourselves by engaging with obstacles on our path, using our time wisely by learning God’s ways; feeling his love in our heart and trusting that He will heal protect and reward us – according to our behaviour. References:Jeremiah 20:7-9 , Paul to Romans 12:1-2, Matthew 16:21-27
Schedule of Masses (Week Beginning Monday 31st August)
& Other Devotions until Further Notice
Monday-Friday
10am – Mass
6.50pm–Divine Mercy Devotions
7.00pm- Rosary
7.00pm- 7.25pm Confessions
7.30pm- Mass
Saturday
10am – Mass
11.30am – 12.30pm – Confessions
5.15pm- 5.50pm – Confessions
6.00pm- Vigil Mass
Sunday
8.00am- Mass
10.00am – Mass
12Noon- Mass
Adoration
Wednesday: 10.30am -7.00pm
New Webcam
Access to Church Services: You can access the webcam via the www.longtowerchurch.org website & clicking on webcam or directly via www.churchmedia.tv and clicking into to St Columba’s Church, Long Tower. https://churchmedia.tv/camera/st-columbas-church-longtower. We would ask that parishioners assist one another where possible to access these resources.
The Season Of Creation -1st September To 4th October 2020
The Season of Creation, is marked throughout the Christian world from 1st September to 4th October (Feast of St. Francis of Assisi) and celebrates the joy of creation as well as encouraging awareness-raising initiatives to protect the natural environment. This Tuesday 1st September is the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation. It offers to individual believers and to the community a precious opportunity to renew our personal participation in this vocation as custodians of creation, raising to God our thanks for the marvellous works that he has entrusted to our care, invoking his help for the protection of creation and his mercy for the sins committed against the world in which we live. Many ideas and resources have been published on the diocese website (derrydiocese.org) including: Practical actions for parishioners, leaflets for download, videos and other resources and ideas.
DERRY YOUTH COMMUNITY, a faith-based Gap Year opportunity for young adults aged between 18–25, is now open for applications for the year starting September 2020. DYC offers the opportunity to live in community, to develop and be formed in faith and be involved in youth ministry in parishes. The three main aspects of DYC are: Accompaniment, Community and Encounter. If you are interested in this Gap Year or would like some more information, please email: dyc@derrydiocese.org
The Helping Hand Programme: Calling Retired Teachers/The Online Helping Hand programme. Covid-19 pandemic has impacted so much on the learning of children and young people. Greater Shantallow Area Partnership are setting up a pilot Learning Hub, in the new Glenabbey Centre at Skeoge for all primary school children in the Outer North area. We are setting up a pool of retired primary school teachers, who would be available to give up one hour per week, from the comfort of their own home, to answer questions and concerns of pupils Nicola Mullan, Glenabbey Area Co-ordinator would be the only person to have the teachers contact details and on the day that they are volunteering from home, she would call or Zoom them. Greater Shantallow Area Partnership would really appreciate you promoting this appeal on your website. Please contact Nicola Mullan 02871358787.
National Grandparents Pilgrimage 2020 will be broadcast live on Sunday 13 September at 3.00pm from the Basilica at Knock Shrine. Grandparents and their families are invited to join online at www.knockshrine.ie/watch
Anam Cara Donegal, the organisation that supports bereaved parents, is holding it’s monthly Parent Evening for bereaved parents on Thursday 10th September at 7:20pm in the Raddison Blu, Letterkenny. This event is free and open to all bereaved parents regardless of the age your child died, the circumstances of their death, or whether their death was recent or not. *subject to change in accordance with government guidelines*.
The Priory Institute: We are taking registrations now for our autumn online theology courses. The courses are up to degree level and are heavily subsidised by the Irish Domincans. They could be just the thing as the nights draw in and we look to an uncertain winter. https://prioryinstitute.com/
Holy Family Padre Pio Prayer Group – Ballymagroarty; The Padre Pio Prayer Group will be held on Tuesday 1st September 2020 directly after mass at 7.15pm. There will be a first-class relic available at the prayer group for blessing. Everyone welcome.
The Net – July-August 2020. With the Covid-19 restrictions still in place, the July-August edition of ‘The Net’ will only be available on the Diocesan website at this stage – https://www.derrydiocese.org/news/the-net-july-august-2020. However, the publication will be available again in parishes when the restrictions are lifted. For inclusion of your faith related news in future editions just email: editorthenet15@gmail.com.
Growth in Prayer and Reflective Living: Drumalis, Larne – commencing Monday, 14 September (online by Zoom). Due to the success of last year’s course, applications are now being accepted for the new intake of this one-year programme for those who want a closer relationship with God. Living out faith isn’t easy against the backdrop of our fast-paced, noisy and instantaneous culture. The Growth in Prayer and Reflective Living course aims to give you the tools and space to become attuned to God’s voice in the midst of the clamour. Taking place over 30 Monday Evenings from 7 pm – 9:30 pm by Zoom. When circumstances permit, the option to take part in the Drumalis Centre will also be available. For further information, please contact 028 28276455/28272196 (Mon-Fri, 9am – 5 pm) or email maura@drumalis.co.uk Details are also available on the Drumalis website – http://www.drumalis.co.uk. See Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3JY2lChUU4&t=36s
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.