News

We continue to pray for the young people from the parish who are doing examinations during the months of May and June. Lord, I lift up every child preparing for exams, asking for Your wisdom, clarity, and peace to fill their hearts. Replace their anxiety with confidence, strengthen their focus, and remind them that their worth is not defined by grades but by Your love. May they trust in You, knowing that their future is in Your hands. Amen.

WALK IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF OUR PATRON SAINT ON SAINT PATRICK’S WAY PILGRIM WALK IN DOWNPATRICK with guides Martina Purdy and Elaine Kelly on Sat 6 June and 8 August, and Mairead Sweeney on Sat 4 July, begin at Saint Patricks Centre with the fabulous 180° IMAX film of St Patrick, price includes entrance fees, internal bus transfers, pilgrimage lunch at the famous Saul Barn, plus a stamped Camino passport and a 6 mile pilgrimage walk finishing at Saint Patrick’s grave. Come and Be Amazed! (Duration 9am-approx 3pm, all for just £55) To book ring 02844 619000 or go to website www.saintpatrickcentre.com

Fr. Manuelito Milo and Fr Everet Corvera will concelebrate Mass in St. Patrick’s Church on Saturday 16th May at 3.00pm.

We take this opportunity to wish Sean and Marjorie Furey every blessing and good wish as they step down from their duties as Sacristans here at St. Patrick’s. They for many years have been steadfast and most attentive to their different responsibilities.

We now warmly welcome Con Mayes in his new role as Sacristan. Con will work in tandem with Bobby Kerr who has also served very faithfully as Sacristan over the years.

The Chosen – Friday Mornings (May & June): The Belfast Jesuit Centre will host weekly screenings of The Chosen
(Season 1) on Fridays at 10.45am, beginning 8th May and continuing through June.

Tea/coffee at 10.45am – episode begins @ 11am sharp, followed by a short Examen and discussion.
Sessions end at 12.15pm, with the option to remain for Mass at 12.30pm.

All are welcome. To register visit: www.belfastjesuitcentre.co.uk or email bjc@jesuit.ie

Commissioning and Recommissioning will take place next Sunday – Pentecost Sunday – during the 10.00am Mass.

Bishop Alan McGuckian SJ and Jim Deeds will lead the Three-Day Pilgrimage to Lough Derg.

Date: 19th – 21st June 2026. Bus will depart from St Patrick’s Church Donegall Street. Cost £100.

Places are limited early booking advised. To book contact Claire on 028 90690920 or email:
pathwaystothefuture@downandconnor.org

Congratulations to our boys and girls from ST. JOSEPH’S PRIMARY SCHOOL who received First Holy Communion on Friday morning in St. Patrick’s Church. A word of thanks to the teachers and all who assisted in the preparation of the children for First Communion.

Congratulations also to the children from OTHER SCHOOLS who received First Holy Communion on Saturday morning in St. Patrick’s Church. Our grateful thanks to Miss Elaine Barton who voluntary prepared the children for First Holy Communion.

Thanks also to Mrs Sharon Chittick who prepared the children from Downshire Primary Integrated School for the Sacrament.

Appreciation to the parents of the children from St. Joseph’s and other Schools for supporting their children on their First Communion Day.

People from all over Ireland are invited to Knock Shrine on Saturday May 16, for a special pilgrimage to pray for peace in
the Holy Land. The pilgrimage – organised by the papal charity Aid to the Church in Need ? will be led by Bishop William Shomali from Bethlehem. Bishop Shomali will offer a message of hope at 11am and celebrate Mass at 3pm.

All are welcome. More information at www.acnireland.org

A count of attendance will take place at all Masses across the Diocese on THIS WEEKEND. The annual parish census captures valuable information about the numbers, ages, and gender of people attending Mass. This information helps the Diocese and parishes to identify pastoral priorities, make plans to address them, and provide support to our faith communities.

To facilitate an accurate recording of attendance at each Mass, as per last year, on enterng the church everyone will be handed a plastic coloured counter – red (female), blue (male). Placed nearby will be clearly marked ‘age band’ baskets according to age. If you do not receive a counter on entering please collect one before leaving the church. Parents, please obtain counter for each child in attendance.

Census data will be provided later.

We look forward to seeing you at Mass this weekend and thank you for your patience and co-operation.