News

POPE’S AUGUST PRAYER INTENTION: ‘FOR EVANGELIZATION IN THE CITY’

Pope Leo XIV has urged Catholics across the globe to join him this August in praying for evangelization in the city.

In his prayer, Pope Leo asks the “Good Shepherd” who “walks through our streets and squares,” to “enter tall buildings and humble neighbourhoods,” and to “silently accompany millions” of people who “seek meaning amid noise and haste.” The Pope acknowledges that while cities are meant to be places of “freedom and opportunity,” they can also become “spaces of anonymity and isolation.”

Thus, he expressed his hope that urban environments may provide “fertile ground” for proclaiming the Gospel.

The Holy Father also prayed that the faithful make “simple and loving gestures,” and do so together as a community that “goes forth,” and combats indifference and isolation with presence and fraternity.

Parishioners are encouraged to make donations to the parish either by using the parish offertory envelopes or by means of standing order. One-off donations are also welcome.

If you would like to donate using parish offertory envelopes and don’t already do so, please contact in confidence

Maria, Parish Support Officer – telephone 028 92 660206 email lisburn@downandconnor.org

Alternatively, if you would prefer to make a monthly offering to the Church by means of a standing order please contact the above number.

We are very grateful and appreciate the generosity of the many parishioners who support us throughout the year.

AUGUST & SEPTEMBER 2026 at LOUGH DERG

“A pilgrimage has a vital part to play in our life of faith, for it removes us from our daily routines, and gives us time and space to encounter God more deeply.”

Pope Leo XIV

Three Day Pilgrimages – In the tradition of prayer, fasting and keeping Vigil

Begin on any day of the week until Thursday 13th August.

Admission €85. Discounts available for Groups, Seniors & Students.

One Day Retreats – Guided Days of Prayer and Reflection – places available on

August 18th, 22nd, 23rd, 29th and 31st

September 5th, 6th, 9th, 12th, 15th, 19th and 20th

Admission €50. Group discounts available. Advance Booking Essential .

Includes Special Themed Retreats:

23rd August – St Peregrine

5th September – Pioneer Pilgrimage

6th September – St Carlos Acutis

9th & 12th September – Vocations Monstrance

19th September – Divine Mercy Pilgrimage

Heritage Day Tours – Explore one of Ireland ’s most enduring and authentic spiritual destinations. Thursday 20th August. 11am & 2:30pm. As part of National Heritage Week celebrations visitors will enjoy a guided boat trip on the lake, guided tour of Station

Island and refreshments.

Admission €15. Student & Child discounts available. Advance Booking Essential.

Lakeshore Pilgrim Path Pilgrimage – In the footsteps of pilgrims through the centuries

Sunday 30th August. 8km & 12km routes, fully guided. Outdoor Mass weather permitting.

Admission €25. Advance Booking Essential.

NEW FOR 2026 SEASON – Overnight accommodation available on Station Island the night before beginning a Retreat or Pilgrimage.

Lough Derg, Pettigo, Co Donegal. F94 PC60

www.loughderg.org email. info@loughderg.org Tel. 0719861518

SACRAMENTS OF FIRST RECONCILIATION, FIRST HOLY COMMUNION & CONFIRMATION.

Parents of children attending schools in the Parish, other than St. Joseph & St. Aloysius Primary Schools who wish to have their child/children enrolled for any of the above Sacraments in 2027 are asked to contact the Parish Office to register ? 028 92 660206. Email lisburn@downandconnor.org

ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP – 2026. DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES
Lourdes Pilgrimage Office acknowledge our recent donation of £1,452 and wish to thank the parishioners of Blaris for your generous support of the pilgrimage.
Donations help to provide the equipment and supplies needed to care for the sick and vulnerable pilgrims who are at the very heart of the pilgrimage. They also help to support the staff with subsidized fares.

All Associated pilgrims are remembered each day during the pilgrimage.

ST PETER’S CATHEDRAL: Join us for the inaugural tours of St Peter’s Cathedral, led by Stevie Corr, as we celebrate its 160th anniversary! This special guided tour offers a unique opportunity to explore areas of the Cathedral that are rich in history and significance.

Dates are Mon 3, Tues 4, Wed 5 & Thurs 6 August at 3pm each day.

Tickets: £5 per person, payable at the entrance (please bring the exact amount).

Old School Café will reopen on Monday 24 August after 10.00am Mass.

Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite at 3.00pm this afternoon (Sunday 2nd August) in St. Patrick’s Church

Old School Café closed. Re-opening Monday 24th August 2026 after 10.00am Mass.

ST. COLMCILLE’S & FAMILY OF PARISHES
VACANCY – YOUTH MINISTER based at St Colmcille’s Parish, 191 Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast
The role will require you to work 35 hours per week to include evening and weekend work.
If interested full details including role profile and application form can be found on Diocesan website at:
http://www.downandconnor.org clicking on tab: job vacancies or https://www.nijobs.com
Closing date for applications will be 12 noon on Tuesday 28 July 2026.