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BEGINNING EXPERIENCE is a peer ministry to the bereaved, separated and divorced, based within the Family Ministry of the Diocese of Down and Connor. The loss of a partner through death, separation or divorce is devastating. Beginning Experience is offering a programme of bereavement support in St Bride’s Hall, Derryvolgie Ave., Belfast on three Saturdays (31st January,
28th February and 28th March) Booking essential. To find out more, contact Pauline 07519289185 or Marie 07896119669 or email belfastbe@yahoo.com

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

THERE WILL BE A EUCHARISTIC HEALING SERVICE in St Matthew’s Church, Short Strand, East Belfast, on Thursday 22nd January at 7pm. Music with Fionnuala O’Neill and Family. Tea and light refreshments to follow.

In marking Catholic Schools Week pupils from St. Patrick’s Academy, Years 14 & 8, will attend and participate in Liturgy at the 10.00am Mass on Monday 19th January, Grandparents and parents are encouraged to attend.

Catholic Marriage Encounter in Ireland, 20 -22 March 2026,
“St Marys” Knock, Co. Mayo, www.marriageencounter.ie

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

CATHOLIC SCHOOL WEEK BEGINS TODAY

Catholic Schools Week 2026 celebrates the extraordinary call to holiness in the midst of ordinary life. Inspired by Pope Francis’s reflection on Blessed Carlo Acutis, soon to be canonised as the first millennial saint – this year’s theme invites pupils, teachers, families, and parishes to explore the call to holiness as something both universal and accessible.

Holiness is not for a few, but for all; not reserved for religious professionals or mystics, but for every student, teacher, parent, (and grandparent!) living each day in friendship with Jesus Christ. Catholic schools exist to form individuals who know that their lives have a purpose and a calling. This year’s theme, “Normal Lives, Called to Holiness,” resonates with the central conviction that education is a path not only to knowledge and maturity but to sainthood.

“Each of us is called to be holy by living our lives with love and by bearing witness in everything we do.”
Gaudete et Exsultate, 14 Catholic Education Partnership.

TODAY WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY BEGINS

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (WPCU) takes place each year from 18 to 25 January.

This ecumenical celebration provides an opportunity to focus our prayers on Christian unity and to know that we are joining with international siblings in Christ.

‘There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling’ taken from Ephesians 4:4 is the theme chosen for the Week of Prayer 2026.