Celebrate All Saints this Hallowed Evetide

Event: Celebrate All Saints this Hallowed Evetide at Long Tower

Date: November 3^rd, 2023

Time:  1.30 pm to 3.00 pm

Location: St Columba’s Church Long Tower, Derry/Londonderry

This year we’re hosting a special celebration of two great feast days in the Christian church calendar - All Saints and All Souls dedicated to children and families across the city, and indeed the globe.

We’re inviting kids to dress up as their favourite saint – and take part in an organised pageant around the Long Tower precinct followed by treats in the Áras café – right here in the church grounds.

There will be prizes (3 x £20 children’s books vouchers from Little Acorns) for the best homemade costumes – in three categories – best Irish saint, best ancient saint and ‘my favourite saint’.

But the real fun is in getting ready and taking part. If you and your family fancy joining a Christian-themed alternative to the Halloween festivities – then Long Tower is a little sanctuary on this double feast day.

Children are asked to wear a cardboard sign identifying their ‘saint of choice’  and you are invited to say a simple prayer or share one interesting ‘fact’ about why you’ve chosen your particular saint – it could be an association with a name – maybe even your own name; a prayer that touches your heart, or simply a good yarn! And if you don’t wish to speak – and simply let your costume do the talking – that’s okay too: for this is a day to give thanks for ‘all saints’ – known and unknown.

Our saintly celebration includes storytelling, singing and take-home activity packs and ends with a prayer in St Columba’s Long Tower Church offered for the holy souls and for world peace - but only for those who wish to participate.

A small dedicated group of women from the parish will serve a selection of cakes and treats  –  served with hot chocolate, tea and coffee.

And everyone is welcome, those who are part of our regular Long Tower congregation and those who are not, children from all schools in the area and of all faiths and traditions are especially welcome.

If you have any further queries please contact Darinagh Boyle, 07789850793 or email dboyle@longtowerarascolm.com