Waterside (& Strathfoyle amalgamated) Parish Bulletin

Page 1

Parishes of
Glendermott & Strathfoyle
Sunday 13th September 2026
Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
HOW OFTEN TO FORGIVE
In our Gospel this weekend St Matthew continues to deal with relations between
Christians, focusing on the need for forgiveness. Peter asks Jesus how often he
should forgive his brother and then answers the question by suggesting seven
times.
Just as in days of old as in our own time and the time of Jesus Christ there was no
limit to hatred, evil and vengeance, likewise in the eyes of Jesus there is no limit
to mercy and forgiveness.
The parable of the unforgiving official is told to underline the need for forgiveness.
When the accounts are audited there is a huge deficiency. The sum is deliberately
extravagant to heighten the contrast with the small amount owed to the official.
Despite the King cancelling the official’s debt he learns nothing. The official seems
to forget that he has had his debt cancelled. Forgetfulness of our own sins and
human weakness can lead us to lack of compassion. Through forgetfulness of
God’s compassion, we can end up becoming cruel to each other.
In the first reading we have good advice which underlines the futility of vengeance
and anger. “If a man nurses anger against another, can he demand compassion
from the Lord? Showing no pity for a man like himself, can he then plead for his
own sins?” Nursing anger and not forgiving disables us and renders us defenseless
when we look for forgiveness for our own sins.
Remember - “To err is human; to forgive is, divine”. Alexander Pope
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION - The Derry Diocese is renewing and developing its
Diocesan Adoration Lay Committee to increase the practice of Eucharistic
Adoration in parishes throughout the diocese. We invite people to attend an
Information Meeting on Wednesday 30th September at 8pm in the Drummond
Hotel, 2 Main Street Ballykelly.
Waterside (& Strathfoyle amalgamated)

Page 2

TRIDUUM OF MASSES AND PRAYERS for Bishop Michael Router
As the Diocese prepares to celebrate the joyous occasion of the Installation of
Bishop Michael Router as Bishop of Derry, we are invited to participate in a time
of prayer and a Triduum of Masses on Friday 18th, Saturday 19th and Sunday20th
of this month.
Prayer - God of holiness, we give you thanks for this diocese, the church that is
the Diocese of Derry. We recall with thanks all who handed on the gift of faith in
past generations, in difficult and in troubled times down to the present day.
We look forward with hope as we walk together in faith with our new Bishop.
We pray that we may become more faithful disciples of Jesus and joyful
witnesses to his Gospel for the many generations who will follow us in the
parishes of our diocese.
Baptisms – We welcome into God’s family: Zack Doherty, Garrymore Place,
Strathfoyle, Fiachra Quinn, Moyglass Place.
Anniversaries – Danny McGeady, Lily Gillespie, Sean McElholm, John
O’Kane, John Diver, Michael Harkin, Elizabeth Harkin, Adrian Sharkey,
Annette Mortimor, Joseph Doherty, Philomena Martin, Anna McGarvey,
Michael North, Mickey McLaughlin, Sean Moore, Tony Dunne, William
O’Donnell, Mark O’Donnell, Billy Duddy.
Vocations – In today's gospel Jesus teaches a powerful lesson on
forgiveness. We pray for the men called to priesthood that, as they
celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation with their people, they will help
them to know and experience the Lord who ".is compassion and love,
slow to anger, and rich in mercy." (Responsorial Psalm).
Vocations Society of St Joseph (Waterside Parish) We continue to pray for
priests, vocations to priesthood and religious life and support seminarians.
The Rosary on Thursday mornings at 9.30am offered for this intention.
Lectio Divina – Join us on Thursday evenings at 8:00pm in St Columb’s
Church for our weekly praying of the Sacred Scriptures.
Centring Prayer Group – Join us on Wednesday at 8:00pm in the St
Columb’s Church (Parish Hall)
Offertory Collections: Glendermott: £4,285.00
Strathfoyle: £555.00
Thank you for your generosity to the parish collections.
This week’s collection is the Priest’s Stipend Collection

Page 3

Coffee Morning – The staff of Enagh Seniors group are holding a coffee
morning on Tuesday 15th September from 10.30 – 12.30 in Strathfoyle
Library. In aid of McMillan Cancer.
Are you interested in volunteering to help children and adults in our parish
to prepare to receive the Sacraments? If you have a basic knowledge of
Catholic teaching and some teaching experience (not essential), please
contact the Parish Office Tel. 02871 342303. You will join a small parish
team and be supported in preparing and delivering sessions. The time
commitment would be around 2 hours per week from end of September to
May. Safeguarding checks will be carried out.
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 17 September, 7:00pm at our Lady of Lourdes
Church, Steelstown, Derry, delivered by Fr Declan McGeehan. The meditation
will be followed by Solemn Benediction and light refreshments.
“He who sings, prays twice.” (St Augustine) – St Columb’s Church resumed
last weekend. We are constantly looking for new singers, maybe you would
consider joining, just come along and give it a try or talk to Markus or any choir
members.
'Trench Rd Folk Group are returning for practise on Wednesday 16th January
in Malvern Terrace Parish Hall at 7pm. New and returning singers are
welcome. Ages P7 up to and including adults.'
QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY CATHOLIC CHAPLAINCY reopens for the new academic
year on Monday 14 September, with weekday Masses and our semester
programme resuming. The first Sunday Mass will be celebrated on 20
September at the new, earlier time of 7.00pm. Please note the new
time! 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
Organ Donation Week: 21-27 September 2026 - Organ Donation Week is
nearly here! Support us and help us share the message of the Gift of Life.
Running from Monday 21 – Sunday 27 September. One person can save up to
nine lives as an organ donor, and even more if they also donate tissue. Support
Organ Donation Week by confirming your decision on the NHS Organ Donor
Register at www.organdonationni.info/register-now or call 0300 123 23.

Page 4

Mass & Confession Times
Sunday
St Columb’s Church
10.00am, 12.30pm & 6.00pm
Church of Immaculate Conception
10.15am & 12.15pm
St Oliver Plunkett Church
11.15am
St Mary’s Oratory
9.15am
Monday – Friday
St Columb’s Church
10.00am & 7.30pm
Church of Immaculate Conception
9.15am (Monday – Friday)
St Oliver Plunkett’s Church
11.00am (Mon, Tue and
Thursday)
St Mary’s Oratory
11.00am (Wednesday only)
Saturday
St Columb’s Church
10.00am & 7.00pm (Vigil of Sunday)
Church of Immaculate Conception
6.00pm (Vigil of Sunday)
St Oliver Plunkett’s Church
6.00pm (Vigil of Sunday)
Confessions
St Columb’s Church
Monday – Friday 7.00pm – 7.25pm
Saturday after 10.00 Mass
Church of Immaculate Conception
Saturday 5.30pm – 5.55pm
St Oliver Plumkett’s Church
Saturday 5.30pm – 5.55pm
Parish Office 32 Chapel Road, Derry BT47 2BB. Tel. 02871 342303
Email: secretary@watersideparish.net Web: www.watersideparish.net
YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/WatersideParish
Rev. Michael Canny PP
02871342303 secretary@watersideparish.net
Rev. Patrick Lagan CC
02871342303 secretary@watersidepaish.net
Rev Joshy Parokkaran CC 02871342303 secretary@watersideparish.net
SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN AND VULNERABLE ADULTS – If you are concerned about
the welfare and safety of children or a vulnerable adult contact: Designated Diocesan Person Ms
Marie Gormley at 07596500793 or marie.gormley@derrydiocese.org or PSNI 101.
Our Churches are monitored by CCTV cameras and by live streaming. Live streaming can
be viewed online at the parish website. The Diocese of Derry Privacy Notice is displayed
on the parish website and Church notice board.