News

It has become a frequent feature of parish life in this country for the community to gather and celebrate the Word of God and distribute Holy Communion in the absence of a priest.

The Leader of each service will be assisted by other Ministers, such as a MInister of the Word, Minister of Communion and musician. The preparation of the whole parish for these celebrations is of vital importance.

These preparations have begun. As from Monday 3rd July and for subsequent Mondays and Fridays until all Ministers are trained we will celebrate a laity led Word and Eucharistic service.

You may be aware of proposed changes to the provision of bus passes to senior citizens.
As these proposals are likely to have an impact on many older parishioners you may wish to draw attention to the public consultation currently being undertaken.
https://consultations2.nidirect.gov.uk/d?-1/consultation-on-free-and-discounted-fares-on-publi/

This is a time of major change – politically, economically, socially, and within our Church. Change can be unsettling and even a little frightening, especially when it impacts on something that we love, cherish, and rely upon, like our parish communities and how we celebrate our faith. Over recent weeks, we have heard about changes that are coming to our parishes and Diocese. Changes in the number of priests in active ministry in years to come, changes in how our parishes will work together in new families of parishes, changes in the active role that lay people will play working alongside our clergy in new ministries, leadership roles and the management of our parishes. The Holy Spirit is moving within these changes, and Jesus is calling each one of us to renew and to rebuild His Church. As Bishop Donal McKeown said in his Pastoral Letter at Pentecost, “The Spirit which acted with such unexpected force and fulness in Pentecost is the same Spirit we can call upon and put our entire trust in today.”

The Pathways to the Future team is concluding its initial planning work. Further information about our new Families of Parishes, lay ministries, and new ways for our lay people and clergy to work together in the service of God and each other will shared through a series of events across the Diocese in the autumn. This will be the start of ongoing conversations that will continue within parishes and across parishes as we start to build our new parish families. As Bishop McKeown said at Pentecost, “Together we can renew and rebuild the Church. Together, we can become part of God’s amazing dream for ourselves and for the whole of creation. Like the disciples at Pentecost, let us embrace the future with confidence and hope.” In doing so, let us hear Jesus’ voice as He continues to tell each of us “Do not be afraid”.

SAINT PATRICK’S ACADEMY, BALLINDERRY ROAD is seeking to appoint a STUDY SUPERVISOR in September 2023. Temporary Post : Work Pattern Monday – Friday (30 hours per week)

Experience of working with children is preferable. CVs can be left into the School office or alternatively emailed to – info@stpats.lisburn.ni.sch.uk

Does your son or daughter have a learning disability? Take some time out with us:

• A chance to meet other parents.
• Time for reflection and prayer.

Featuring a discussion with Jill Hashaw – Author of ‘God Beyond Words’.

Friday June 2023, 10.00am – 1pm at the Living Church Offices, 120 Cliftonville Road, Belfast, BT14 6LA. To book contact Louise. Email l.mcquillan@downandconnor.org Tel: 07922437679

Loving God, Creator of all times and places, we thank you for the gift of summertime, the days of light, warmth and leisure.
Thank you for the beauty that surrounds us everywhere we look: the multi-coloured flowers, the deep blue of the sky, the tranquil surface of lakes, the laughter of children at play, people strolling in parks, families gathered around picnic tables and the more time to spend with family and friends.

As we open our eyes and ears to the landscape of nature and people, open our hearts to receive all as gift. Give us that insight to see you as the Divine Artist. Help us to realize and appreciate that you are labouring to keep all in existence. Warm our souls with the awareness of your presence.

Let all the gifts we enjoy this summer deepen our awareness of your love so that we may share this with others and enjoy a summertime of re-creation. AMEN

God of Love, you are with us in every transition and change. As we enter into this new era with excitement and even some anxiety, we recall your deep compassion, presence, and abounding love. We thank you for the gifts, talents and skills with which you have blessed us. We thank you for the work of others that gives breadth and depth to our own work. Be with us as we move forward, rejoicing with you and supporting one another. We ask this in your Holy Name. AMEN

Pastoral Letter from
Most Rev. Donal McKeown D.D.,
Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Down & Connor.
Pentecost Sunday, 28th May 2023

DOWNLOAD HERE

Hard copies will be available in church.

SACRAMENTS OF FIRST PENANCE & FIRST HOLY COMMUNION
Primary 4 pupils – September 2023
SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION
Primary 7 pupils – September 2023
Parents of children attending SCHOOLS OTHER THAN PARISH SCHOOLS who wish to have their children prepared for reception of the above Sacraments in 2024 are requested to contact the Parish Office as soon as possible.

DOWN & CONNOR DIOCESAN TRUST
Vacancy : Assistant Director, Living Church Office. 3 Year fixed term contract. 35 hours per week.
Full details relating to the vacancy can be found on the Diocesan website at: http://www.downandconnor.org clicking on tab: job vacancies and on the Community NI and nijobs.com websites, where terms and conditions relating to the role can be accessed by way of a Role Profile and Employment Application Form.