Ardmore Parish Bulletin

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ARDMORE PARISH NEWSLETTER
Sunday, 13th September 2026
Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
✝ Thoughts on the Gospel
Matthew 18:21- 35
The gospel today tells of Peter asking Jesus how many times he should forgive someone
who wrongs him. Jesus responds with a parable: a servant forgiven of an immense debt
refuses to forgive a fellow servant of a small debt.
The lesson is clear: those who receive mercy must extend mercy.
Forgiveness begins with humility, recognising our own frailty and the mercy we have
received. It is not weakness, but strength rooted in grace. Humility opens our hearts to
God’s mercy and enables us to extend that same mercy to others.
Forgiveness also requires empathy. By seeing the humanity of those who hurt us, we
can respond with compassion without excusing wrongdoing. In forgiving, we honour the
forgiveness we ourselves have received and become stewards of grace.
Ultimately, forgiveness reshapes our hearts, relationships, and communities, making us
more like the One who forgives endlessly.
The parable of the unforgiving servant is not just a warning; it is an invitation. It calls us
to live with a HEART shaped by humility, empathy, accountability, release, and
transformation.
Forgiveness is not easy, but it is essential. When we forgive, we reflect the very heart of
God. And in doing so, we discover freedom, peace, and the joy of a life lived in mercy.
Lord, help us forgive with humble hearts and share your mercy with others. Amen.
Installation of Bishop Michael Router
As the diocese prepares to celebrate the joyous occasion of the installation of Bishop
Router as Bishop of Derry on Sunday 20th September , parishioners throughout the
diocese are invited to participate in a Triduum of Masses , on Friday 18th, Saturday
19th & Sunday 20th September . Ardmore http://www.ardmoreparish.com

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This is an important occasion for all of us in the diocese and people are invited to pray
as a community or at home as a family or individually.
We invoke the intercession of the Holy Spirit and the words ‘Come Holy Spirit’ . So too,
we pray for the presence of Our Lady and protection of St Michael the Archangel and of
course the intercession of St John Vianney and St Pio.
Readings for Sun 20th September
1st Reading: Isaiah 55:6-9
Psalm: 145:2-3, 8-9, 17- 18
2nd Reading: Philippians 1:20c-24, 27a
Gospel: Matthew 20:1- 16
🕊 Saints of the Coming Week
Monday: The Exultation of the Cross
Tuesday: Our Lady of Sorrows
Wednesday: St Cornelius, pope and St Cyprian, bishop, martyrs
Thursday: St Hildegard of Bingen, virgin and doctor of the Church, St Robert Bellarmine,
bishop & doctor of the Church
Saturday: St Januarius, bishop & martyr
The Columban Young Adults are a new group for those aged 18 - 30 in the diocese, who
are seeking a community of like-minded young adults who have Christ at the centre of
their lives.
Our September event will be a Holy Hour and meditation on Thursday 17th
September at 7.00 pm at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Steelstown, Derry , delivered
by Fr Declan McGeehan.
The meditation will be followed by Solemn Benediction and light refreshments.
We are actively seeking new members- please come along and bring a friend!
🕯 Eucharistic Adoration
Derry Diocese is renewing and developing its Diocesan Adoration Lay Committee to
increase the practice of Eucharistic Adoration in parishes throughout the diocese.

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You are welcome to an Information Meeting on Wednesday 30th September at 8 pm
in the Drummond Hotel, 2 Main St, Ballykelly, BT49 9HP .
Registration / light refreshments from 7.30 pm .
All welcome.
Job Opportunity
Derry Diocesan Trust invites applications for the post of sacristan at Granaghan
(Swatragh) parish .
12 hrs per week
Rate of pay: £12.88 per hr.
Contact: recruitment@derrydiocese.org / 028 71262302
Closing date: 15th September 2026.
🇮🇪 Human Life International Ireland
Fr L Carney (USA), international speaker and popular author, Provincial Tour of Ireland.
Join us for the Ulster event at Canal Court Hotel, Newry on 29th Sept at 6:45pm with
1st class relic of St Thérèse.
Season of Creation
Water heals, restores, and makes creation flourish, but it also challenges us to
recognise ecological damage, embrace our interconnectedness, and immerse
ourselves in the responsibility of caring for and restoring our Common Home.
May this season be a path for the healing of the earth and human well-being to flourish
together.
Please visit: https://youtu.be/xVVZ8LSpcRk
🏍 Blessing of Bikers & Motorcycles today (Sunday) at 1.30 pm in St Aengus’ Chapel,
Burt.

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Following blessing all are welcome to join the run to Ned’s Point RNLI Station , to
present a donation to RNLI.
Mass will be celebrated on 13th September at 11.30 am in St Patrick’s Chapel,
DUNGIVEN for deceased bikers.
All welcome.
Coffee Morning — Foyle Hospice
Coffee Morning in aid of Foyle Hospice in Murphy’s on the Green on Friday 25th
September from 9.30 am - 12.30 pm.
Prize draw included at £1 per line . A great range of prizes up for grabs.
Draw at 1 pm on the day.
Hope to see you all there.
Queen’s University Catholic Chaplaincy reopens on Monday 14th September , with

weekday Masses and our semester programme resuming

The first Sunday Mass will be celebrated on 20th Sept at the earlier time of 7.00 pm.
New or returning student? Find out about what’s on, ways to connect and get involved,
and student accommodation at Ryan Hall at qubcatholic.org and on our socials.
Staff and alumni are always welcome too.
Visit our newly renewed Chaplaincy at 28 Elmwood Ave for Mass, Confessions or
candle-lighting — and call into Mosaic for some of the best coffee, hot lunches and
home-baked treats in South Belfast!
Michael English Church Concert
This evening of faith, hope and inspiration takes place on Friday 2nd October at 7.15
pm, in St Patrick's Church, Keenaught, Desertmartin .
Tickets: £30
Available at:
Heron’s Gift Shop, Draperstown, Moneyneena Post Office, Ballinascreen and
Desertmartin Parish offices, or online with Eventbrite:

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https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/michael-english- band -fundraising-concert-
tickets1996641829460
Lough Derg Day Retreats
September 15, 19, 20
A day of prayer, reflection and spiritual renewal.
Visit www.loughderg.org
All welcome.
Trócaire
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.
Last Christmas, 50 parishes took part — and we’d love to grow that number this
year!
If you would like to find out more, please email Mark at mark.mcmahon@trocaire.org
or call 028 9080 8030 .
🛡 Safeguarding — Northern Ireland
If you have any concerns with regard to the Safeguarding of Children or Adult at risk of
harm or Adult in need of protection within the Church please contact Marie Gormley,
the Diocesan Designated Liaison Person (DLP) on:
07596 500793
marie.gormley@derrydiocese.org
To report a safeguarding suspicion, concern, knowledge or allegation directly to the
statutory authorities please contact:
PSNI: 101
Western HSCT Children’s Gateway Services: 028 71 314090

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WHSCT Adult Gateway Services: 028 71 611366
Regional Emergency Social Work Service: 028 95 049999
🛡 Safeguarding — Republic of Ireland
If you have any concerns with regard to the Safeguarding of Children or Vulnerable
Adults within the Church please contact Marie Gormley, the Diocesan Designated
Liaison Person (DLP) on:
+44 7596 500793
marie.gormley@derrydiocese.org
To report a safeguarding suspicion, concern, knowledge or allegation directly to the
statutory authorities please contact:
Garda Síochána Buncrana: 074 93 20540
Garda Síochána Letterkenny: 074 91 67100
TUSLA (ROI) Child and Family Agency: 074 91 02233
HSC Adult Safeguarding, Donegal: 071 983 4660