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LENT BEGINS ON ASH WEDNESDAY 18TH FEBRUARY 2026
It is a Day of Fast and Abstinence
Masses: 10.00am & 7.30pm.
Ashes will Be distributed during Masses.

MASS TIMES DURING LENT
Vigil 6.30pm (Saturday)
Sunday: 10.00am & 12 noon
Weekdays; Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 10.00am.
Wednesday: Ministry of the Word & Holy Communion: 10.00am
Stations of the Cross on Wednesdays at 7.15pm followed by Mass at 7.30pm
Confessions: Tuesday before and after 10.00am Mass.

All Masses are live streamed – visit www.churchlive.co.uk

Mass will be celebrated in Syro-Malabar Rite this afternoon at 3.00pm.

Ash Monday 16th February: Mass in Syro Malabar Rite at 6.30pm

Way of the Cross Friday evenings during Lent from 6.00pm – 7.00pm
Commencing Friday 20th February 2026 to Friday 27th March 2024 (incl).

Many people choose to abstain from alcohol during the season Lent. You can do likewise.

Please consider taking the short-term Pioneer Lenten pledge and say the prayer daily – “I promise in honour of the Sacred Heart of Jesus with the help of the Blessed Virgin Mary to abstain from all alcoholic drink during Lent”.

LENTEN TROCAIRE BOXES are available in Church porch. Please take one home.

DISCERNMENT RETREAT FOR DIOCESAN PRIESTHOOD 6 – 8 MARCH 2026
For young men who are open to the question: “Is God calling me to be a priest? A chance to step away from the noise and busyness of everyday life. Time for prayer, silence, and honest conversation. No pressure to decide anything – just space to listen and reflect. Venue: Drumalis Retreat House, Larne. For more information, contact Fr Conor McGrath C.mcgrath@downandconor.org

Bishop Alan McGuckian SJ will confer the Sacrament of Confirmation on our P.7 pupils on Thursday 26th February in St. Patrick’s Church. There will be two sessions:

First session will be at 11.30 am – Pupils from St. Joseph’s Primary School & pupils from non-Parish schools.

Session 2 will be at 3.30pm – Pupils from St. Aloysius Primary School.

We remember in our prayers the children who are preparing to receive the Sacrament.

PLEASE NOTE THERE WILL BE NO 10.00AM MASS ON THAT DAY.

The loss of a partner through death, separation or divorce is devastating.

Beginning Experience is offering “a weekend away for a lifetime of change” at Drumalis Retreat and Conference Centre, Larne on Friday 20th-Sunday 22nd March 2026.

To find out more contact Marie 07896119669 or Pauline 07519289185 or email belfastbe@yahoo.com

DOWN AND CONNOR LOURDES PILGRIMAGE YOUTH TEAM 2026
8 – 15 July 2026. Online applications open to all 17 – 24-year-olds (at time of travel).
Applications close 7 March 2026 @5pm. Cost £810 incl. flights, shared full board accommodation and insurance.

Contact lourdes@downandconnor.org or 02890 770162 downsndconnor.org/lourdes

In Ireland, a Day of Prayer for Victims and Survivors of Abuse is marked each year on the Friday immediately following Ash Wednesday. This year it will be marked across Ireland on Friday 20th February 2026

This day is not only for victims and survivors who have been so severely injured inside our Church, but also for the families and communities affected by the pain and grief of their loved ones.

It is essential that we, as a Church, be able to acknowledge and condemn, with sorrow and shame, the atrocities perpetrated by consecrated persons, clerics, and all those entrusted with the mission of watching over and caring for those most vulnerable. Let us beg forgiveness for our own sins and the sins of others. An awareness of sin helps us to acknowledge the errors, the crimes and the wounds caused in the past and allows us, in the present, to be more open and committed along a journey of renewed conversion

Abuse happened within the Catholic Church in Ireland. Abuse happened in our Diocese of Down and Connor.
BISHOP ALAN MCGUCKIAN SJ WILL CELEBRATE MASS IN ST PETER’S CATHEDRAL ON FRIDAY 20TH FEBRUARY 2026 AT 6:00PM. Chairs and members of Parish – Family of Parishes Safeguarding Committees are invited to attend the Mass in St Peter’s Cathedral and join with Bishop Alan in praying for all those who have been affected by abuse.