News

DISCOVER THE ENNEAGRAM – A TOOL FOR GROWTH
Join us at the Belfast Jesuit Centre for a gentle, insightful introduction to the Enneagram. Nuala Prince will lead us as we explore how the Enneagram can deepen self-understanding, strengthen relationships, and support spiritual and emotional wellbeing.

Friday 23 Jan (7-9.30pm) & Saturday 24 Jan (10am-4pm)
193 – 195 Donegall Street, Belfast
Suggested donation: £40 – £55
Refreshments provided; bring lunch on Saturday
Registration essential. 07955282371 | belfastjesuitcentre.co.uk | bjc@jesuit.ie

LENTEN SCRIPTURE COURSE WITH FR KIERAN O’MAHONY: Learning from Matthew’s Church
Tuesdays at 7pm. Begins 3rd February 2026
This Lent, the Belfast Jesuit Centre invites you to a six-week journey into the Gospel of Matthew; our liturgical Gospel for 2026. Led by Fr Kieran O’Mahony OSA of Tarsus Scripture School, the course explores Matthew’s unique vision of church: a community navigating challenge, change, and mission.

Each session will offer fresh insight into the Gospel’s themes, including forgiveness, prayer, parables, and the call to discipleship. Whether you’re new to scripture study or seeking deeper understanding, all are welcome.
Weekly sessions: Feb 3, 10, 17, 24; Mar 3, 10. Suggested donation: £80-£120 (sliding scale; subsidised places)
Registration essential. 07955282371 | belfastjesuitcentre.co.uk | bjc@jesuit.ie

Thursday 8 January 2026 2:00 pm ? 4:00 pm

We would love to welcome you to our fantastic Nursery School! Come along and see our bright, engaging learning spaces, meet our friendly and dedicated staff, and discover why St. Aloysius is such a special place for your child to learn and grow.

Closing date for applications is 12 noon Wednesday 21 January 2026.

Principal: cmilne244@c2kni.net Phone: 028 9266 2293

Thursday 15th January 2026. 6.30pm – 8.30pm
Principal’s Address at 6.30pm.
www.stpatsni.co.uk Ballinderry Road, Lisburn BT28 1TD. telephone: 028 92664877.

DOWN & CONNOR LOURDES PILGRIMAGE 2026  9 – 14 JULY 2026: We are seeking doctors, registered nurses and volunteers to care for pilgrims who need medical, nursing, personal care or assistance to make their pilgrimage to Lourdes possible. New members are welcome for our medical, nursing brancardier (adult male helpers) and handmaiden (adult female helpers) teams. For more information please email your contact details to lourdes@downandconnor.org

PARISH OF BLARIS – FINANCIAL REPORT FOR YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Copy of report is posted in church porch. Should you have any queries please speak in confidence with Parish Priest or Parish Secretary.

FOR YOUNG WOMEN (18-40YRS) WHO ARE DISCERNING A VOCATION TO RELIGIOUS/CONSECRATED LIFE, monthly meetings are held in Charleville Retreat Centre, Cork. The day includes prayer, talks, Holy Mass, Adoration and achance to meet and chat with religious sisters of different communities.

If you are interested please email womendiscern@corkandross.org

INAUGURAL STELLA MARIS LOURDES PILGRIMAGE: Mon 25th Sat 30 May 2026 We warmly welcome serving or retired seafarers, fishers and their family members or carers to spend six grace-filled days of prayer, healing, and fellowship in the beautiful sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes. This pilgrimage will be fully funded (including travel, accommodation, and meals). To register or for more information john.fogarty@stellamarismail.org or hugh.ramsay@stellamarismail.org Tel 07432 654032.

CHRIST OUR ANCHOR: WRITINGS BY JAMES O’KANE, PRIEST AND THEOLOGIAN, ed. Fiona Lynch, with a Foreword by Bishop Alan McGuckian (Shanway Press, 2025).

To order please go to: www.shanway.com Tel: 028 9022 2070
Email: info@shanway.com. RRP: £12.99.

Three of the items in this collection are of particular interest. There is a highly lucid and comprehensive exposition of the Church’s teaching on the Eucharist embedded in a series of six previously unpublished homilies delivered in St Patrick’s Church, Culfeightrin. Then, in an article which appeared in L’Osservatore Romano, Fr O’Kane considers the nature of priesthood itself. Finally, in a conference paper, he discusses pastoral opportunities in relation to Baptism, Matrimony and Church funerals.

Thank you to all who expressed an interest in forming a Children’s Liturgy Group within the Parish.

A meeting will be held in St. Patrick’s Pastoral Centre on Wednesday 19th November at 7.00pm to discuss formation of the group.

Subscriptions are now due. If you wish to renew subscription for 2026 (£26 per year), please leave subscription in Parish Office as soon as possible. Many thanks.