The Net – September 2026 | Diocese of Derry Faith Stories

The September 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, Bishop Michael Router reflects on his forthcoming installation as Bishop of Derry and our shared responsibility for the mission of Jesus Christ in our time and place.

Also featured is the Diocesan RE Conference, where educators were encouraged to begin the new school year with "joyful confidence"; a special celebration at Holy Cross College, Melmount, including the unveiling and blessing of a statue of St Carlo Acutis; and HOPE Camps in Banagher, Dungiven and Claudy-Craigbane, bringing young people together for faith, friendship and fun.

Highlights in this edition include:

Faith, friendship and young people

The September edition looks back on a busy summer of faith and friendship for young people across the Diocese.

The HOPE Camps in Banagher, Dungiven and Claudy-Craigbane brought hundreds of young people together for activities, prayer, faith formation and opportunities to make new friends.

There is also news from SEARCH, including 26 years of faith-based summer fun at Mol an Óige and a celebration of the volunteers who have given their time to the programme. Young Writers, meanwhile, reflect on the importance of faith friendships for young Catholics, mission in Moldova, knowing who you are and the significance of the Byzantine Empire for Christians today.

Parish life across the Diocese

There are plenty of stories from parish communities, including:

• Craigbane sacristan Mena Crossan retiring after 58 years of dedicated service
• Buncrana's annual Garden Fete
• The Three Patrons Marian prayer tour in honour of Our Lady
• Malin Parish Sports Day
• The blessing of Greenlough's new Lourdes Grotto
• Pioneer presentations in Desertmartin and Ballinascreen
• Coleraine's parish trip for National Heritage Week
• Church Island Sunday in Bellaghy
• Kilrea's Season of Creation display.

This month also includes Roisin O'Hara of Trócaire reflecting on water as an essential source of life and wellbeing; Divine Mercy by Fr Eamonn Kelly; Modelled by your new mind by Fr Johnny Doherty CSsR; Fulton Sheen – A voice for Christ in the Catholic home by Sinéad Strong; Fatima by Dr Seán Beattie; and Christine O'Hara on helping students encounter Jesus through the Rosary.

Regular features include Children's Catechism Club – C3, Parish Post-its, Diocesan Diary, Eucharistic Adoration, Derry Diocesan Society Daily Masses, Forty Hours, Quiz Time with Lawrence and more.

VIEW THIS MONTH'S EDITION

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