News

THE SYNOD ON SYNODALITY IS SET TO LAUNCH THE FIRST OF TWO ASSEMBLIES ON 4TH OCTOBER, 2023
The global meetings in Rome are the culmination of two years of preparation. In some of his more recent comments on synodality, Pope Francis said, “speaking of a ‘Synod on Synodality’ may seem something abstruse, self-referential, excessively technical, of little interest to the general public but it is something truly important for the Church. Precisely at this time, when there is much talk and little listening, and when the sense of the common good is in danger of weakening, the Church as a whole has embarked on a journey to rediscover the Word together. Walk together. Question together. Take responsibility together for community discernment, which for us is prayer, as the ?rst Apostles did: This is synodality, which we would like to make a daily habit in all its expressions”.

The SEASON OF CREATION is the annual Christian celebration to listen and respond to the cry of all creation. A time when we as families around the world unite to pray and protect our common home. The Season began on 1st September, the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation and ends on 4th October – the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi. Our prayers and liturgies must call for justice, not only for Humans but for all Creation.

To celebrate all that is good in our world and to rejoice in appreciation at all young lives, our children from St. Patrick’s Academy, St. Aloysius’ & St. Joseph’s Primary Schools and Holy Trinity Nursery School are coming together on the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. These children who will bless the World in years to come will celebrate a special MASS TOGETHER AT 10.00AM WEDNESDAY. All welcome.

We invite you to a spiritual journey with us, CHRISTIAN LIFE PROGRAMME 15 & 28 October, 4 November (Dedication Day) from 1pm to 6pm in St. Patrick?s Pastoral Centre. Contact us on Facebook: Jun Cachapero or Pelijun Corvera.

We hope shortly to reintroduce our “Preparing your Child for Baptism” Course. The Parish Baptism Team are seeking volunteers to help deliver this course to new parents and godparents. Training and support will be available. If you are interested in participating. please contact the Parish Office with your contact details. Thank you.

Catholic Chaplaincy QUB reopening at temporary premises.

The Catholic Chaplaincy at Queen’s University Belfast reopens for the new academic year on Monday 18 September at No. 42 University Road. There you will find a Chapel, social space and our much-loved Mosaic Café, open 8.30am to 8.30pm weekdays during term. Sunday Masses take place at 8pm in the Canada Room of the University’s Lanyon Building (from Sunday 24 September) and weekday Masses in the Chaplaincy at No.42 (from Monday 25 September). We look forward to welcoming new and returning students!

TOBAR MHUIRE RETREAT CENTRE, CROSSGAR
We continue our series of conversations in Tobar Mhuire in which people share their experience of life, faith and finding hope in their lives. Our next conversation will be on Wednesday 20th September at 7pm with Rev Bill Shaw from the Duncairn Centre, Belfast, who will share his experience in peace and reconciliation. All welcome.

AUTUMN VOLUNTARY COLLECTION for the support of the priests will be taken up this weekend.

ADULTS & TODDLERS GROUP return after the summer break on Tuesday, 12th September. 10 am – 12 noon in St. Patrick’s Pastoral Centre.

YOUTH MATTERS – LISBURN CASTLEREAGH YOUTH COUNCIL
Youth Matters is on search for Youth Council Members to represent the voices of young people across the Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council area. If you want to…engage with key decision makers,have your say on local issues and meet new friends, be a representative voice for young people in your area, undertake accredited training to grow and develop your skills the Lisburn Castlereagh Youth Council is the role for you!

To apply you must live in the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council area and be aged 15-21 years old.
For more information and the online application form visit www.lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk/YouthCouncil.
Deadline for applications 15th September 2023.

We are seeking Volunteers from our Parish to undergo training in preparation for the delivery of this programme. This is a 5-week programme that could be delivered over October when, within the Church year, we take time in devotion to Our Blessed Mother. This resource features the contemporary artwork of Jen Norton and is designed to be delivered in the Church or in small groups. Beginning with the Annunciation, participants will walk step by step with Mary through the joyful mysteries of her life. Over 5 weeks, there will be opportunities to meditate on a piece of Scripture, learn about key historical facts and be inspired by the selection of artwork which accompanies each session. To support Parishes in delivering the Seven Joys of Mary, a training evening will be held on Tuesday 12th September @7pm online via zoom. The training will be facilitated by Aishling Steen and Fr Paul Byrne. To book your place on the training evening, please click on the registration link https://forms.office.com/e/xBt3vyJWGup next week.