The Baptism Of The Lord 11th January 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 11th December 10.00am Thomas Gormley
Sunday 11th December 12Noon Eileen Barrett
Tuesday 12th December 10.00am Ron Thompson
Saturday 16th January 6.00pm Athas Deehan
Rest In Peace: We extend our sincere sympathy to the family and friends of; Phil McCauley-Culmore Road, Isabel Murray- Maureen Avenue, Brendan Warren- Formerly Lower Bennett Street, Mary Bradley- Carnhill, Catherine Doran- Oakbridge Park.
Baptisms: We Welcome into the family of God: Fodhla Lennon. To book a Baptism please contact the Parish office on 028-71262301 during office hours or email longtower@derrydiocese.org.
Parish Baptismal Dates: Please note Saturday Baptisms are at 3.30pm.
The next available Baptism dates are 11th & 25th April 2026
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 £1791.00
LAST WEEK’S RENOVATION COLLECTION AMOUNTED TO £440.00
Fr Gerard wishes to offer sincere thanks to you all for your very generous donation to the annual Priests Christmas Collection.
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.
Please note there will be NO 7.30pm Evening Masses during the week of 12th – 16th January 2026 (inclusive). Evening Mass will resume as normal on Monday 19th January at 7.30pm.
Aras Cholmcille Museum and Heritage Centre & Síopa Cholmcille- St Columba’s Gift Shop: Siopa Cholmcille will re-open on Monday 12th January 2026 at 10am. We will have a new range of stock including Confirmation cards and gifts. Aras Cholmcille Museum and Heritage Centre will re-open on Monday 2nd February 2026 at 10am.
‘Cloisters Café’ in Aras Cholmcille in the grounds of Long Tower Church. The café is open Tuesday – Saturday from 9am to 3pm and also on Sunday’s from 10am-3pm, with Sunday breakfast being served until 12Noon and Sunday lunches being served from 12Noon-3pm.
Confirmation & First Holy Communion dates for 2026
for St Columba’s Church, Long Tower
Confirmation for the P.7 pupils of Gaelscoil Eadain Mhoir will take place on Thursday 5th February 2026 at 1.30pm.
Confirmation for the P.7 pupils of the Long Tower Primary School, Nazareth House Primary School & Ballougry Primary School will take place on Friday 6th February 2026 at 1.30pm.
First Holy Communion for P.4 pupils of Gaelscoil Eadain Mhoir will take place on Friday 15th May 2026 at 1.30pm.
First Holy Communion for P.4 pupils of Long Tower Primary School & Ballougry Primary School will take place on Thursday 21st May 2026 at 1.30pm.
First Holy Communion for P.4 pupils of Nazareth House Primary School will take place on Friday 22nd May 2026 at 1.30pm
Diocesan Vocations Intercession: The Baptism of Jesus reminds us of our own baptism and that each one of us is called to be holy and to fulfil our vocation in life. We pray that the men called to serve the diocese as priests will know that, like Jesus, they are beloved sons of the Father, and that they will find fulfilment in spreading the Good News of God’s love for everyone.
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 Safe-Guarding Representative is 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 Gormley, the 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).
Accord Derry Marriage Preparation Workshops: January to June 2026: January 23rd/24th, February 20th/21st, March 27th/28th, April 24th/25th, May 15th/16th & June 19th/20th. All 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 July or August.
Derry Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2026: Monday 29 June to Friday 3 July (4 nights) ex City of Derry Airport. Cost £895 inclusive of local taxes but exclusive of single supplements and insurance. The Pilgrimage office will open for bookings on Saturday 17 January 2026 at 11am. However, Gift Vouchers to any value are now available (Monday to Thursday) from the Diocesan Pastoral Centre, 164 Bishop Street, Derry BT48 6UJ.
Job Opportunity – Derry Diocesan Trust: Administrative & Financial Officer – permanent post, 8 – 10 hours per week. Working for Swatragh Parish, the job is based in Kilrea Parochial House. Working Days – Wednesday & Friday. For application pack, Tel 028 7126 2302 or email: recruitment@derrydiocese.org. Completed applications must be returned to Personnel, Bishop’s House, St Eugene’s Cathedral, Francis Street, Derry, BT48 9AP or via email to recruitment@derrydiocese.org no later than 12noon Monday 26 January 2026. Derry Diocesan Trust is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
Happy New Year from Children in Crossfire! With Christmas now over, Children in Crossfire would like to thank all the parishioners who have already supported their Advent Appeal. If you still have your box/envelopes at home, please return them via the chapel next weekend, or follow the guidance to donate online. The focus of this appeal is on children living in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, whose days are split between going to school and scavenging on a huge rubbish dump nearby, searching for items to sell for food. Children in Crossfire’s goal, with your support, is to give those children the better future they deserve. Thank you for your support – and best wishes to you all for 2026!
The 7:30pm Mass at St Columb’s Church, Waterside, Derry, on Tuesday 13 January, will be followed by a Holy Hour for Vocations, from 8-9pm. Anyone who cannot attend in person can join in the Prayers and Devotions via the parish webcam.
Lumen Christi College Open Evening – Tuesday 13th January 2026.Prospective pupils and their parents/carers are invited to visit Lumen Christi College for the annual Open Evening on Tuesday 13th January 2026 between 4.00pm and 6.30pm. Principal’s Address: 4.00pm in College Assembly Hall. Guided tours of departments will be provided by pupils. Parents of current pupils will be available to share their experience with visitors. Details may be accessed on the College website- www.lumenchristicollege.co.uk
The Ulster University, in conjunction with both the Diocese of Derry and the Diocese of Derry and Raphoe, is launching a new collection of commentaries on a selection of Columban Manuscripts: Friday 16 January, 6.30 – 9.00pm, COI Diocesan Centre, 24 London Street, Derry. Everyone is welcome.
Thornhill College Open Day: Saturday 17th January 2026, 10.00am–1.00pm. Address by the Principal at 10.00am and 12.30pm. For parents/guardians and prospective Year 8 students. Prospective Year 13 students are also welcome to come along and discuss A-level or Applied GCE courses. Visit our Website at: www.thornhillcollege.org.uk.
To mark Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2026, the City Centre Churches are holding a Walking Service on Monday 19th of January, starting at St Augustine’s Church on the Walls at 7pm. We will visit several areas of the city’s business and residential sectors before finishing at Carlisle Road Methodist Church, approximately an hour later, with light refreshments. Everyone is welcome.
Marriage Enrichment Weekend: Catholic Marriage Encounter in Ireland Dates: 20 -22 March 2026. A Weekend Like No Other. Venue: “St Marys” Knock, Co. Mayo. Online: www.marriageencounter.ie
Greencastle Parish Pilgrimages 2026: Poland: 16th – 23rd June 2026, £1275 Flights and Half Board- Salt Mines: (Optional) £55. Spiritual Director: Fr. James Devine. Fatima: 23rd – 30th July, £879: Flights, Full Board, Coach to Dublin Airport. Spiritual Director: Fr. James Devine. Medjugorje: 4th -11th September from Belfast: £849: Flights and Half Board, Spiritual Director: Fr. Pat O’Hagan. Please contact Maria at 02881648357 or 07768 395038 for special offer.
Rachel’s Vineyard: Have you been affected or hurt by abortion? If so, please contact Michelle on 07871765181.
GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS: Is Gambling affecting your life? Perhaps we can help. Tel 028 7135 1329.
