News

PAUSE FOR HOPE ? SUNDAY 26TH OCTOBER AT 3.30PM IN CLONARD CHURCH.
Bringing together in prayer those who have and have had cancer; their loved ones; those who care for them – doctors & nurses: those with special skills involved in the investigation and treatment of cancer; those in authority who have responsibility for providing resources; our scientists trying to find a cure. Following the service light refreshments will be provided, along with the opportunity to share stories and experience with others in a similar situation.

TRÓCAIRE: Could you help share the true spirit of Christmas in your parish? Trócaire are appealing for volunteers to
help sell their Gifts of Change to help make a real difference to families living in poverty around the world. We
provide everything you need including training & support. For more information, Tel Mark 028 9080 8030 or email
mark.mcmahon@trocaire.org or call 028 9080 8030.

OFFERTORY ENVELOPES: At present we are re-ordering our supply of Offertory Envelopes 2026. If you would like to
support the Parish by means of a Weekly Offertory Envelope, please leave contact details with Parish Office.
Alternatively, if you are able, you are encouraged to make a Monthly Offering to the Church by means of a Standing
Order/Bank Transfer. Forms are available at the back of the Church or from Parish Office. Both forms need to be
completed with one sent to your Bank and the other to the parish office. If you have any queries, please contact in
confidence the parish secretary 028 92 660206.
We are grateful to the parishioners who support us so generously throughout the year.
Our weekly/monthly donations and Gift Aid are our main source of Parish income.

THINKING ABOUT BECOMING CATHOLIC OR WANT TO DEEPEN YOUR UNDERSTANDING OF THE FAITH?
The Diocesan RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is a journey of faith, formation, and community for adults
who wish to explore the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church. It is open to those who are not baptised,
those baptised in another Christian tradition, or Catholics who wish to reconnect with their faith. The 2025/26
programme begins on Wednesday 1 October, runs weekly from 6.30?8pm at St Mary’s Hall, Chapel Lane, Belfast.
To register or find out more, please email rcia@downandconnor.org

MANRESA JESUIT CENTRE OF SPIRITUALITY (OCT-DEC 2025)
8-day Directed Retreat (14 – 23 October). A residential retreat with one-on-one spiritual direction.
Advent Triduum Retreat (Monday-Friday, 1-5 or 8-12 December). Silent retreat guided by the Jesuit community.
New Year Retreat (Monday, 29 December – Thursday, 1 January) Welcoming the New Year in a spirit of peace and
prayer. More information or to book manresa.ie, email reception@manresa.ie, or Tel +353 1 5529

Meeting of Bereavement Ministers in Parochial House on Monday 13th October at 7.00 pm.

Mass will be celebrated in Syro-Malabar Rite in St. Patrick’s Church this afternoon, Sunday 5th October at 3pm.

PREPARING FOR MARRIAGE? Weekend residential courses available.
21-23 November 2025, 6-8 March 2026 and 13-15 November 2026. Details: www.grasta.org or at info@grasta.org
and
MARRIED COUPLES COURSE? Weekend residential courses available.
22-23 November 2025, 7-8 March 2026 and 14-15 November 2026. Details: www.grasta.org or at info@grasta.org

THE RISE AND SHINE TRUST – LOURDES 2026
The Rise and Shine Trust, are welcoming guest applications for our fully supported and funded pilgrimage holiday
to Lourdes, France next Easter, 2026.

Who can apply :
• *Young people aged 11-30* with additional needs (full care and support provided)
• *Children under 11* with additional needs or serious/terminal illness (must be accompanied by a parent or
guardian).

We are also seeking *volunteer carers* to join us in supporting our guests in Lourdes.
If you are interested contact Jarlath (07855802011) or (Kristina (07761531813) or apply online: www.riseandshine.ie
Closing date for receipt of all applications is *October 15th.*
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more information: riseandshinegroup 103

PATHWAYS ADULT FAITH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME. The Pathways Adult Faith Development Programme for
2025-2026 begins on Saturday 4 October at Drumalis. The programme takes place one Saturday a month from
10am-4pm between October and June and is offered in-house at Drumalis or online via Zoom. All welcome.
For further details please contact Drumalis Mon-Fri. 9am-5pm on 028276455/28272196 or email
drumalis@btconnect.com Information also available on Drumalis website: http://www.drumalis.co.uk