News

SUMMER SINGING COURSE: 7-11 JULY 2025
5-day singing course for young people who want to improve their singing voice and musical skills. For young people aged 8-18. Venue: St Paul’s Parish Centre, Belfast. End of week showcase: St Peter’s Cathedral.

Optional extra sessions for singers studying GSCE and A Level Music performance.

£75 for 5-day course. Book by 31st May for discount -£50 for 5-day course. Scholarships available on request.
For more information or to apply, please contact cathedralmusic@downandconnor.org

Sunday 8th June 1.00pm – 5.30pm.

Live Music, games for adults and children, face painting, food stalls, bouncy castle. Mass at 5.30pm in Dromantine Chapel.

The Jubilee Year of Hope is a time for pilgrimage and renewal. Bishop Alan McGuckian SJ and Jim Deeds will lead the THREE-DAY PILGRIMAGE TO LOUGH DERG. Date: 4th – 6th July 2025. The bus will depart from St Patrick’s Church Donegall Street. Cost £100. Places are limited early booking advised. To book contact Claire on 02890690920 or email pathwaystothefuture@downandconnor.org

The Diocese of Down and Connor is organizing a pilgrimage to the KNOCK SHRINE ON SUNDAY, JUNE 8TH, 2025. The bus will depart from the Living Church Office in Belfast at 7:30am. The cost is £45 per person. Bishop Alan McGuckian SJ will celebrate the Eucharist at 3:00pm. For more information or to book a seat, contact Claire at 028 90 690920 or email pathwaystothefuture@downandconnor.org.

St. Oliver Plunkett Parish also offers a Knock virtual pilgrimage on June 12th, 2022.

Commissioning and re-commissioning will take place on Pentecost Sunday 8th June during 10am Mass

Congratulations to the boys and girls from St. Aloysius Primary School who received First Holy Communion on Saturday morning.

A word of thanks to the teachers and parents who prepared the children for the Sacrament.

JOIN OVER 10,000 PILGRIMS | ALL IRELAND ROSARY RALLY | KNOCK | SATURDAY, 7TH JUNE

Over 10,000 pilgrims are expected at the 40th All-Ireland Rosary Rally on Saturday, June 7th at Knock Shrine. Events begin at 9:30am with a Marian Conference and conclude with a Pentecost Vigil and Healing Service from 8-10pm. Highlights include a Rosary making workshop, a 250-person Rosary formation for ?lming. Keynote at 1 PM by Msgr Steve Rossetti, USA. Rosary Procession led by children follows the Stations of the Cross at 2:30pm, with Holy Mass at 3pm celebrated by Bishop Donal McKeown. Music by Dana. A youth conference runs 6-7:30 PM. Rosary Rally ends with a Croagh Patrick climb and Mass on Sunday at noon. Full schedule and bus info: www.allirelandrosaryrally.com.

There will be a SENSORY FRIENDLY MASS at St Colmcille’s Church, Ballyhackamore, Belfast, on Saturday 28th June at 12.00 noon. We welcome and embrace neurodiverse persons, those suffering from Alzheimer’s and Dementia conditions, and those with sensory needs. Join us for a sensory friendly liturgy, which includes lower lights, softer music, and literal homilies. Feel free to get up and move if needed, bring alternative seating, use quiet gadgets or noise cancelling headphones. Save the date and come celebrate the Eucharist in an environment free of stigma.

Please contact n.dunn@downandconnor.org to express your interest, or for enquiries.

Join us for a half-day of reflection and inspiration at Ulster University, Belfast, on Saturday, 31st May, from 9.30am to 1.30pm, hosted by the Belfast Jesuit Centre. Inspired by our late Pope Francis’ vision for a Jubilee Year of Hope, we’ll explore how our Catholic faith calls us to embody hope in these challenging times. Speakers include Bishop Alan McGuckian SJ, Dr Austen Ivereigh, and Julieann Moran. The event will be chaired by Pat Coyle of Jesuit Communications. Engage in Spirit-led conversations to foster hope in our families, faith communities and world.

All are welcome. Registration is required and a registration link can be found by visiting belfastjesuitcentre.org or the BJC Facebook page.

ST. PATRICK’S YOUTH CLUB SUMMER SCHEME is now open to children aged 7years 12 years inclusive.
Week 1: Monday 21st July – Friday 25th July, 12pm – 4pm
Week 2: Monday 28th July – Friday 1st August, 12pm – 4pm

The Summer Scheme includes trips and activities to Coco’s, Newcastle, Bowling, Swimming, Irish Linen Centre and Wallace Park. Price for a single child attending both weeks is £90 and £55 for a single child for one week. Family £105 (3 children) for one week.

If interested please contact Cathie 07518333644 or Sheena 07789265249.
You can also call and collect an Application Form at St Patrick’s Pastoral Centre on Friday from 6pm-9pm.
Closing date for applications Friday 6th June at 8.30pm.