The Ascension Of The Lord 24h May 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 family and loved ones in our prayers.
Tuesday 26th May 7.30pm Mary Pat Murray
Wednesday 27th May 7.30pm Noreen Logue
Saturday 30th May 6.00pm Murray Family
Mass Offering: If you would like to request a Mass intention for a family member or friend on the occasion of their anniversary or months mind, please do not hesitate to contact the Parish Office on 028-71262301 between 9.00am & 2.30pm Monday- Friday or email longtower@derrydiocese.org. Please note (due to prior bookings or funerals) the date and time requested may not always be available.
Rest In Peace: We extend our sincere sympathy to the family and friends of: William Lynch- Lone Moor Gardens, Anna Lynch- Oakfield Avenue
St Columba’s Church, Long Tower will be open for Private/ Individual Prayer as follows:
Monday – Friday from 10.30am until 7.00pm.
Saturday from 10.30am until 5.30pm
Sunday from 1pm until 5.30pm
Please adhere to Government social distancing guidelines at all times. Thank you for your understanding.
Parish Office: You can contact the Parish Office by Phone on 028-71262301 or via email longtower@derrydiocese.org.
There will be NO Weddings or Baptisms until further notice in line with government regulations. We thank you for your understanding at this difficult time.
Visitation of the Sick: Due to the Coronavirus visitation of the sick and housebound within our parish will be postponed until further notice. For urgent sick calls please contact the Parish office on 028-71262301 or 02871262894.
Envelopes /Contributions: As well as the Parish envelopes you can now also make your contributions by Standing Order or via the New Donate Button available on Parish Website. For further details please contact the Parish Office on 028-71262301 (Monday-Friday between 9.30am-2pm). We appreciate your continued support in these difficult times.
Padre Pio Intercede for Us
St Columba’s Church, Long Lower, Derry is sending an invitation to everyone in the Community to join in a weekly webcam Mass for Healing in Mind & Body. We shall share in a spiritual network of prayer, love and support in these difficult times. While 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.
We particularly wish to invite our elderly loved ones, their families and friends – in nursing and care homes, those alone at home, our cherished ones in hospices and hospitals. Also, for those caring for our families and friends, workers and groups – tirelessly acting for, and with us. We ask the children to help in our Monday Mass possibly preparing a family drawing of a candle to display in the window at home or writing a poem of loving kindness for everyone.
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. and then click on the link for the webcam or alternatively by logging on to www.mcmedia.tv
Continues this Monday 25th May 2020 at 7.30pm and every Monday at 7.30pm until further notice.
Between Worlds
It seems the world, as we knew it, has dramatically changed over these Easter days. As we prepare for the new ‘Pathway to Recovery,’ it feels we are also being presented with a reminder of our original blueprint – the one that never changes but seeks to create change in us. For some time, we have been slipping between our worldly and spiritual home, feeling lost and disconnected from each other – craving the love and peace that we once knew in the Garden. Remember that glorious time. This test of fire, which has brought much suffering, should be no surprise to us as we have lingered too long in empty spaces – having strayed from the sacred teachings that were given to navigate our spiritual pathway. Help is on hand, and if you have not felt it for a while, then believe this – it is waiting for our hearts to open; to recognise and accept His love again. May we return to pray in oneness with all life – allowing the Spirit of truth to lift us up from the flux of this world to a renewed life of wholeness with all Creation.
Reference and further reading; Acts 1:12-14, 1 Peter 4:13-16, John 17:1-11a
In Memory Programme
The ‘Do This In Memory’ Mass for those children who are celebrating their First Communion this year will be postponed until further notice as a result of guidelines issued with regards to the COVID-19 Coronavirus.
We are sent: At the end of mass we may all feel relieved that something is over and that we have done our bit as members of Gods family for another week. But remember what the priest says at the end of every Mass: “Go and announce…”. The emphasis is on the word “go”. We are blessed, dismissed and sent from Gods house out into the world to bring God and his message with us to everyone we meet. We can only do this because we have been nourished by the Word of God and the Bread of Life. We cannot do this on our own. We need the support of one another, the Body of Christ, who gather every week to pray.
Schedule of Masses (Week Beginning 24th May)
& Other Devotions until Further Notice
Monday-Friday
10am – Mass on Webcam (without congregation)
3.00pm – Divine Mercy Devotions on Webcam
5.00pm- Rosary on Webcam
7.30pm- Mass on Webcam (without congregation)
Saturday
10am – Mass on Webcam (without congregation)
11.30am – 12.30pm – Confessions in Sacristy
3.00pm – Divine Mercy Devotions on Webcam
5.00pm- Rosary on Webcam
6.00pm- Vigil Mass on Webcam (without congregation)
Sunday
8.00am- Mass on Webcam (without congregation)
10.00am – Mass on Webcam (without congregation)
12Noon- Mass on Webcam (without congregation)
3.00pm – Divine Mercy Devotions on Webcam
5.00pm- Rosary on Webcam
Access to Church Services: All our Church Services can be viewed online via www.mcnmedia.tv or by logging on to our church website www.longtowerchurch.org and following the link to webcam. We would ask that parishioners assist one another where possible to access these resources.
Virtual Pilgrimage; Bishop McKeown is inviting people to join him on Friday 29th May from St Eugene’s Cathedral, Derry, where he will lead his second 24 hour ‘virtual pilgrimage’, to fast and pray, asking God:
- to free us from this pandemic and to support those who are fighting it;
- to comfort those who have been afflicted with this pandemic; and
- to ask God for the wisdom to know how to live now and in the aftermath of the pandemic.
This time of prayer and penance at home will take its shape from core elements of the 3-day Lough Derg pilgrimage. The day will start with 6:00am Mass, Seven Stations through the 24 hour period and conclude with 6:00am Mass on Saturday 30th May. You can follow and participate in the pilgrimage online at www.derrydiocese.org. A number of parishes across the diocese are participating from their own churches, and a Station from each of seven of these parishes will be live-streamed to the diocesan website (as well as their own parish website). Full details of Mass, Station times and prayers are available at: https://www.derrydiocese.org/news/day-of-prayer
Lough Derg Online Retreat Days. Join the Lough Derg Team During May- Sunday 24th May & Wednesday 27th May. Go To www.loughderg.live
A GUIDE TO YOUR ONLINE RETREAT
10:30am Go to loughderg.live
10:45am Welcome from the Prior, Msgr La Flynn
11:05am The Word of God – Reflection on the Good Samaritan with Mary
11:30am Prayer of Intercession with Rosary
12 noon Angelus followed by Way of the Cross
1:45pm Jesus the Healer with Deacon Martin
2:00pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
2:20pm Time of Contemplation
2:40pm Closing Prayer
Lough Derg phone lines are open 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday, during May: Tel: +353 (0) 71 9861518, Email. info@loughderg.org, Website. www.loughderg.org
Fan The Flame Mass 2020 Thursday 4th June was to be our Fan the Flame Mass, where we come together to celebrate all of the young people in our diocese who have received the sacrament of Confirmation and who are preparing to move to the next stage of their education. Unfortunately, that will not be possible this year. We do hope that these young people will experience the full Fan the Flame in the future as it is such a joy-filled day for all of us. To mark the end of their primary education, Bishop McKeown will celebrate the 10.00am Mass in Saint Eugene’s Cathedral for them that day via the webcam. http://www.steugenescathedral.com/webcam.html.
Trocaire Donations: Every year Trócaire asks for your help during Lent to fund lifesaving programmes around the world. This year, of course, it was not possible to return Trócaire boxes through schools or parishes in the usual way. This is the worst possible timing coming just as the world’s poorest people need us most. Therefore, Trócaire are appealing to you to return your Lenten donation.
You can donate in the following ways: Online banking, directly to Trocaire. Bank details: Sort Code: 93.80.92 Account No: 8822 7020 These details are for an account in NI. For people who do not use online banking, cheques can be posted to: Trocaire, 50-52 King Street, Belfast, BT1 6AD. Euro cheques can also be posted to the Belfast address. There is also a Northern Ireland freephone number, 0800 912 1200, through which people can donate. Trocaire boxes can now also be returned to St Columbas Church, Long Tower (in line with current government guidelines).
The contents of each and every Trócaire box, no matter how small, come together to make a significant difference. This virus knows no borders, but neither does our compassion.
The Net: The May edition of The Net will not be printed, due to the Covid-19 restrictions, but it is available now online on the diocesan website, www.derrydiocese.org. As always, it covers a wide range of events, there are loads of interviews and photos, and plenty of news from parishes and people from all around the diocese. There is also a great section devoted to youth news and activities.
The Derry Diocesan Catechetical Centre, working in Partnership with Saint Mary’s University, Twickenham, offers the Masters in Catholic School Leadership. This is a post graduate degree dedicated to the professional development and spiritual formation of Catholic school leaders. It is a great opportunity for those currently in leadership roles and those who aspire to, or have an interest in, leadership roles within the Catholic School system. The next intake will be Autumn 2020. If you require any further information, please contact the Derry Diocesan Catechetical Centre on 004428 71264087 or email tferry@derrydiocese.org.
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
The Messenger: Messenger Publications are now offering a free online copy of the June edition of The Messenger, given that it remains impossible to distribute the paper copy in the usual manner. To access the June edition, visit: https://issuu.com/messengerpublications/docs/messenger_june_v11.3_low_res. Even if you do not normally receive The Messenger, you are welcome to access this link. If you have any difficulty accessing the link or if you have any further queries please email c.henry@messenger.ie
NEW ROSARY PRAYER FOR MONTH OF MARY
O Mary,
You shine continuously on our journey
as a sign of salvation and hope.
We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick,
who, at the foot of the cross,
were united with Jesus’ suffering,
and persevered in your faith.
“Protectress of the Roman people”,
you know our needs,
and we know that you will provide,
so that, as at Cana in Galilee,
joy and celebration may return
after this time of trial.
Help us, Mother of Divine Love,
to conform ourselves to the will of the Father
and to do what Jesus tells us.
For he took upon himself our suffering,
and burdened himself with our sorrows
to bring us, through the cross,
to the joy of the Resurrection. Amen.
We fly to your protection, O Holy Mother of God;
Do not despise our petitions in our necessities, but deliver us always
from every danger, O Glorious and Blessed Virgin.
Irish Chaplaincy offers contact service for anyone in Ireland with concerns about vulnerable older family or friends isolated in London: The Irish Chaplaincy in London is a registered charity which provides an outreach service to three main groups: elderly Irish people (the Seniors’ Project); prisoners and to Travellers. At this challenging time caused by COVID-19 social restrictions, the Chaplaincy is offering support to anyone in Ireland with concerns about an older family member or friend living in London. On their behalf the Chaplaincy can make direct contact with vulnerable older Irish living but isolated in London. The Chaplaincy is also a link to services and community groups on the ground local to where a person is living in London. This is a free service and contact can be made to the Chaplaincy from Ireland by post: PO BOX 75693 London NW1W 7ZT; by email seniors@irishchaplaincy.org.uk and by phone 0044 (0) 20 7482 3274. Please leave a message and a representative will contact you.
Mary’s Meals: Normally at this time of year we would be visiting parishes to share the message of Mary’s Meals but this is not possible due to the current situation. Until we are able to visit parishes again, our founder, Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow, has recorded a special message for parishioners. You can find his message, filmed outside the shed in Argyll where it all began for Mary’s Meals on the link below. We hope you can help to spread the word about our beautiful mission by sharing it. https://www.facebook.com/caoimhe.marysmeals.5/videos/142492737322522. Please keep our mission in your prayers and know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. May the Lord bless and keep you, Caoimhe McCann, Supporter Engagement Officer for Northern Ireland, Mary’s Meals
Part-Time Certificate in Religious Education (Primary) with Online delivery: St Angela’s College, Sligo, is inviting applications for this course, which begins Autumn 2020. The course is open to: Qualified primary school teachers and Qualified post-primary school teachers who wish to transfer to primary school teaching. Parents, sacramental preparation teams and parish catechists who have a specific interest in the area of primary religious education may also apply. Closing date for Applications is Friday 15 May 2020. For further information and application forms contact Mary Kearns, Education Department, St. Angela’s College, Lough Gill, Sligo: mkearns@stangelas.nuigalway.ie or visit Website: www.stangelas.nuigalway.ie
Across the Hedgerow: We provide older, vulnerable or isolated members of the farming community with listening support and companionship via telephone calls during this unsettling time. To avail of this service or to refer someone you care about please call Rural Support on our Freephone Helpline 0800 138 1678; or 028 86760040; email info@ruralsupport.org.uk. More information is available at www.ruralsupport.org.uk; www.facebook.com/ruralsupport Twitter: @ruralsupport
Helpline is available Mon-Fri from 9am-9pm with voicemail and support options available at all other times.
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.
RTÉ will air Mass every weekday at 10.30am from St Eunan’s and St Columba’s Cathedral, Letterkenny, on RTÉ News Now. RTÉ News Now can be accessed on Saorview (channel 21), Sky (521), Virgin Media (200), Eir (517) as well as via the RTÉ Player, the RTÉ News Now app and via RTÉ.ie/news.
Mass – RTÉ Radio 1. Welcome to RTÉ Religious Programmes. Nearly all of our radio Worship programmes on this station are shared with RTÉ One television, so viewers throughout Ireland can also watch our Masses and Services there or on the RTÉ Player. Start times vary slightly between 11.00am and 11.10am.
Vatican Television: During these days, Pope Francis has arranged for his celebration of Mass to be televised from the Vatican. The broadcast is simultaneously translated into the English language. For access please link to https://www.vaticannews.va/en.html
