News

SCRIPTURE CLASS with Fr Kieran O’Mahony: Learning from Matthew’s Church.
Tuesdays at 7pm. Begins 3rd February 2026. This Lent, the Jesuit Centre invites you to a six-week journey into the Gospel of Matthew; our liturgical Gospel for 2026. Led by Fr Kieran O’Mahony OSA of Tarsus Scripture School, the course explores Matthew’s unique version of church: a community navigating challenge, change, and mission. Each session will offer fresh insights into the Gospel themes, including forgiveness, prayer, parables, and the call to discipleship. Whether you are new to scripture study or seeking deeper understanding, all are welcome.

Weekly sessions: Feb 3,10, 17, 24; March 3,10. Suggested donation £80-£120(sliding scale, subsidised places).

Since St. Patrick’s, Lisburn is a very busy Parish Office, we can’t always answer the phone immediately. Please understand and avail of our answering machine. Please leave a message with your telephone number and we will call you back as soon as possible. Phone 029 92 660206. Email lisburn@downandconnor.org

For Pastoral Centre please phone 028 92 607110 or email stpatricksparishcentre@hotmail.com

A WORD OF THANKS to our Indian Community who kindly donated A Wet and Dry Vacuum Cleaner for use in our Church.

DOWN & CONNOR DIOCESAN TRUST – ST. COLUMCILLE’S PARISH, VACANCY ‘ VOCATIONS SUPPORT OFFICER’
Reporting to the Director of Vocations, the role holder will be required to support, promote and sustain a culture of vocations across the Diocese of Down and Connor by coordinating outreach, communications, events and relationships that encourage discernment and prayer for vocations.

Full details regarding the vacancy can be found on Diocesan Website at http://www.downandconnor.org clicking on the tab:

job vacancies and on the Community NI and nijobs.com websites.

Closing date for applications will be 12 noon on Tuesday 10 February 2026.

DOWN and CONNOR DIOCESAN TRUST
ST LUKE’S PARISH & NATIVITY PARISH

VACANCY
PARISH SECRETARY
We are seeking to recruit into the role of Parish Secretary (part-time) within St Luke’s and Nativity Parishes. The role will be based within St Luke’s Church, Twinbrook Road, Dunmurry, BT17 0RP.

The terms are based on a permanent appointment requiring 24 hours per week. (12 hours of attendance allocated to St Luke’s Parish business and 12 hours allocated to Nativity Parish business). Work pattern to be agreed with the Parish Priest.

Full details relating to the vacancy can be found on the Diocesan website at: http://www.downandconnor.org clicking on the tab: JOB VACANCIES and on the Community NI website, where terms and conditions relating to the role can also be accessed by way of a Role Profile and Employment Application form.

Application packs can also be obtained from the Parish Office at St Luke’s Church. We welcome applications from anyone who feels they meet the criteria and are interested in playing an active part in the Parish.

Closing date for applications will be 12.00 noon on Tuesday 3 February 2026

Down and Connor Diocesan Trust is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

ENJOY A DEMONSTRATION OF ST BRIGID CROSS.

Making and using the materials provided make your own cross on Saturday 7 February in North Down Museum Bangor: Limited number of places. For more information and to book now go to
https://www.visitardsandnorthdown.com/whats-on/celtic-saints-a-journey-through-time-and-tradition-p948071

MEDJUGORJE PILGRIMAGE 29TH JULY-5TH AUGUST 2026 – an opportunity to experience the peace of Medjugorje and the absolute joy of our faith with the Mladifest Youth Festival.

7 nights £755 pps (£705 with January discount). contact Eadaoin for details 07706288095.

We warmly invite you to attend the launch and information evening for a new diocesan training and formation programme for Parish Baptism Teams which will take place on Tuesday 27th January 7:00-9:00 pm (Tea/coffee will be served from 6:30 pm). Venue: Holy Rosary Parish Centre, Ormeau Road, Belfast.

This invitation is extended to all Clergy, Parish Pastoral Council representatives, existing Parish Baptism Team members, and those who are currently discerning a role in this very important family ministry

The aim of the evening is to:
• Provide an overview of the vision and purpose of the new diocesan training and formation programme.
• Highlight important factors to consider when discerning a role in Baptism ministry.
• Share experiences from existing parish baptism team members.
• Offer an opportunity for questions and answers.

This gathering marks an important first step in developing a broader and more intentional approach to family ministry
within our parishes, beginning with the ministry of Baptism.
We very much look forward to your presence and participation on the evening.
To register your place, please click on the booking link provided https://forms.office.com/e/5tnRY48HKW

Thank you for your generous response to our Christmas Missionary Appeal.

Donations are still welcome. Appeal will close on Sunday 25th January 2026.

All donations received will be forwarded on your behalf to the Medical Missionaries of Mary, Dominican and Franciscan Sisters working throughout Africa with Aids victims, orphans, disadvantaged children and young adults. Envelopes available in church porch.

SPIRITUAL EXERCISES: 5 DAY SILENT IGNATIAN RETREAT FOR MEN
Led Benedictine monks from St. Joseph Abbey, in France. Starts Thursday 30th April (3pm).
Benburb Priory, Co. Tyrone).

€450 (all meals & single room included). Daily Mass – Ordinary Form (Latin & ad orientem).
Discover the strength that only comes when you stop running and let God speak.
Book at: https://soutenir.clairval.com/retreat-benburb-priory