The Net – May 2026 | Diocese of Derry Faith Stories

The May 2026 edition of 'The Net', the monthly publication sharing the fruits of the faith in our parish communities within the Diocese of Derry and beyond.

The NET is available online as well as hardcopy in all parishes - check your local parish church porch

This month's edition is centred around the Silver Jubilee of Bishop Donal McKeown's Episcopal Ordination, celebrated on Good Shepherd Sunday in St Eugene's Cathedral. There are reflections on his 25 years of episcopal ministry, tributes from The Net Young Writers, and expressions of appreciation from across the Diocese for his encouragement, leadership and pastoral care.

The edition also reflects the strong life of faith being lived across parish communities — from Exams Masses and youth initiatives to Marian devotion, pilgrimage, prayer and outreach.

Highlights in this edition include:

Bishop Donal's Silver Jubilee

• Faithful from across the Diocese gathering in St Eugene's Cathedral to celebrate Bishop Donal's Silver Jubilee
• Bishop Donal reflecting on 25 years of episcopal ministry
• Tributes and reflections from The Net Young Writers
• Thanksgiving for prayer answered and expressions of appreciation for Bishop Donal's ministry
  
  

• Blessing of Glengad United's new grounds and facilities in Malin
• Great turnout for the Grotto Rosary at Porthall, Lifford
• Culdaff Choir connecting God and community
• Future looks bright for the Faughanvale May Eve Well Tradition
• Dungiven Parish News and devotion to the Blessed Sacrament
  
  

• Busy Pope John Paul II Award youth in Carndonagh
• Inspiring Exams Masses in Iskaheen and Lavey
• Greencastle fundraiser for Youth Poland Pilgrimage
• Diocesan Youth Marian Evening and Columban Young Adult Group

This month also celebrates Kathleen Doherty, whose Bene Merenti recognition honours a lifetime of faithful service and dedication to improving opportunities and services for the young people of Derry and beyond. 

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✍ Young Writers & Reflection

Young writers reflect on:

• The beauty of sacred spaces
• The authority of the Papacy
• Catholic chaplaincy at Queen's University
• St Maria Goretti and forgiveness
• Why pray in Latin?

• Prayer for vocations ahead of Deacon Stephen Baxter's ordination to priesthood
• Vocations Society of St Joseph Knock Pilgrimage
• Ruach – Breath of the Spirit
• Pope Leo XIV's May prayer intention reflected upon by Trócaire's Roisin O'Hara

Including:

• Parish Post-its
• Diocesan Diary
• Forty Hours
• Children's Catechism Club – C3
• Quiz Time with Lawrence
• Derry Diocesan Society Daily Masses

The May edition of The Net is available online and in hard copy in parishes — please check your local church porch.