Twenty-Seventh Sunday In Ordinary Time 4th October 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 4th October 10.00am Patsy McGowan
Sunday 4th October 12Noon Margaret Lumsden
Monday 5th October 7.30pm Fr Frank McLaughlin
Tuesday 6th October 10.00am Hugo Sheils
Tuesday 6th October 7.30pm Robert (Bobby) Moran
Wednesday 7th October 7.30pm Bernard McFadden
Thursday 8th October 7.30pm Charlotte McEvoy
Friday 9th October 7.30pm Gerry Houston
Saturday 10th October 6.00pm June Susan Padmore
Rest In Peace: We extend our sincere sympathy to the family and friends of; Joe McCallion- Culmore Park, Tommy Robinson- Lecky Road, Annie Neal- Rosemount Avenue and Noel Diver -Moss Park.
Parish Baptismal Dates: Please note Saturday Baptisms are at 3.30pm
The next available Baptism dates 7th November & 5th & 19th December
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 £2533.00
LAST WEEK’S RENOVATION COLLECTION AMOUNTED TO £891.00
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 continue each Monday. The meeting will take place immediately after 10.00am Morning Mass and 7.30pm Evening Mass in the Upper Room, Aras Colmcille. Everyone welcome.
Are you enrolled in the Pope John Paul II Award in Long Tower parish this year? If so, you are invited to attend an Information Session on Thursday 8th October at 4.30pm in the Aras Colmcille building, in the grounds of the Long Tower. There will be a short presentation and discussion on how we can help you find suitable tasks that you will enjoy taking part in. Any questions you can email lauren.doherty@derrydiocese.org.
Diocesan Vocations Intercession: We pray for the men God is calling to serve as priests of our diocese that, as they work in the vineyard of the Lord, they will produce the good fruit of justice and integrity.
There will be a Holy Hour every Thursday in St Columba’s Church after the 7.30pm Mass until 9pm in recognition of St Columba’s particular devotion to the Eucharist on this day. We would encourage as many of you as possible to join us.
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).
Our Lady, Untier of Knots Novena – The Novena to Our Lady, Untier of Knots continues each Thursday after 7.30pm Mass, concluding on 26th November. Do you have “knots” in your life? Knots of discord in your family, unresolved pain in relationships, or a lack of peace and joy in your home?. This Novena reminds us that sin never entangled Our Lady, and that Christ gave us His Mother as Our Lady, Untier of Knots. Through this devotion, we entrust our personal “knots” to her loving care—learning to let go and allowing her to gently untie what binds us. All are welcome to join in prayer and reflection.
Are you 18 years or older and thinking or wondering about serving the Church as a priest of the diocese of Derry? There will be an afternoon Talk with time for Prayer, Discussion, Questions & Answers in Derry on Sunday 11th October. For further details please contact Fr Pat O’Hagan at pgoh2111@gmail.com.
St. Padre Pio Mass; In light of Pastoral co-operation and support between the Derry City parishes and to avoid unnecessary duplication of devotions it has been agreed that the Holy Family Church, Ballymagroarty will be the centre of devotion to Padre Pio. Mass will be on first Tuesday of each month, with celebration of Holy Mass at 7.15pm. We encourage you to attend this Mass and appreciate your support. The next Padre Pio Prayer Group, Holy Family Chapel, Ballymagroarty, will take place this Tuesday 6th October 2026. Starting with Rosary at 6.45pm, Celebration of Mass at 7.15pm, followed by a blessing with a first class relic of St. Pio whilst closing prayers are recited. Everyone Welcome.
Accord Derry Marriage Preparation Workshops: November 20th & 21st 2026: Courses are now online for booking at www.accordni.com. Please note all courses are in person. Accord Derry will NOT be facilitating courses during October or December 2026.
Accord Couple Counselling – Our couples counselling specialists provide in-person and online services to individuals and couples dealing with relationship challenges. For further information and to make an appointment please contact us at Accord Derry, Tel (028) 71362475, E mail: derry@accordni.com, Web: www.accordni.com.
Crochet and Chat – A weekly crochet class will be held in the Upper Room, Aras (“Wee nuns”) beginning Wednesday 7th October from 11am-1pm. The class will run for six weeks and costs £30 which should be paid at the first class. Whether you’re a complete beginner or have some experience all are welcome. Only 12 places available so please book early. For further information please contact 07907717077.
The next ‘Rosary on the Coast’ will be this Sunday 4th October at 3pm on Lisfannon Strand, Buncrana. Everyone welcome.
Host for Hospice: October is officially Foyle Hospice Coffee Morning Month. We are calling on supporters to help us raise vital funds by hosting a Coffee Morning. To request your FREE host pack or for more info, please call Ailbhe McDaid, Community Fundraiser, Foyle Hospice, on 028 7135 9888 or email: ailbhe@foylehospice.com.
Thornhill Ministries will lead an introduction to the practice of praying Scripture in a reflective way that will help participants let the Word of God to nestle in the quiet corner of the heart. ‘Open heart – Open to the Word’ series of 4 Sundays in October 3:30pm – 4:30pm in Emmaus Room, Pennyburn Church. All welcome.
Lumen Christi College 30th anniversary Gala event in the Everglades Hotel, Friday 23rd October: Night at the Races, meal and dancing! Tickets available from the college reception. All welcome!
You are warmly invited to join in the “Walk in the Light” annual ecumenical walking service. The walk comprises a short service at each of the five inner-city churches. This year the walk will commence at the Long Tower at 5.45 pm on Sunday 1st November, then to First Derry Presbyterian Church, then up to St Columb’s Cathedral and down to the Diamond, along Ferryquay Street and down Carlisle Road to the Salvation Army for the final service and light refreshments. The walk is a great opportunity to join in worship and strengthen our ties with this City’s other Christian churches as pilgrims together on our shared journey towards Christ.
Abide Women’s Conference, November 20th-22nd , the Great Northern Hotel Bundoran, Co. Donegal. Speakers include: Sarah Swafford, Fr Barry Braum, Fr Mark Wharton, Kimberlee WooLing, Danielle Noonan, Nashville Domincans & more, Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Fintan Gavin. For more details please visit Abide in His Love at eventbrite.ieRegistration link: https://abideinhislove.eventbrite.com
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).
Could You Help Share the True Spirit of Christmas? Each year, volunteers in parishes across Ireland set up a small stall after Masses to sell Trócaire’s Gifts of Change — meaningful gifts that make a real difference to families living in poverty around the world. We provide everything you need including training and support. All we ask is a little time and a big heart. If you would like to find out more about how you can help, please email Mark at mark.mcmahon@trocaire.org or call 028 9080 8030.
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.
