News

‘SING FOR JOY!’ – A DAY OF MUSIC AND MINISTRY
Are you involved, or keen to become involved in Church Music in your Parish, School, University etc.?
We invite you to join us for ‘Sing for Joy!’ – A Day of Music and Ministry. Saturday 26th April 2025 at Lough Derg, Pettigo, Co. Donegal. Boat departs at 9:30am. In the prayerful setting of Lough Derg, this day will provide space for the power of music to nourish our spirit and allow us to give praise to God through the beauty of sound, song and silence. There will be various inputs as well as time to pray, connect with others and explore this Sacred place. The day will conclude with the Celebration of the Eucharist at 5pm (open to the public). This day is open to young people aged 18-35 and is free to attend (supported by the Knights of St Columbanus). Registration is essential via
https://bit.ly/SingforJoy . Please contact info@knightsofstcolumbanusomagh.co.uk / +447759496677.

TROCAIRE LENT BOXES are available in church porch. Please take one home.
‘Injustice is not invincible’.
£20 could provide a better future for a child covering the cost of education for a month.
£50 could provide a family with a one month food basket as part of emergency response relief
£100 will help struggling families by providing trees, drought resistant seeds, and farming tools.

There is a desperate shortage of FOSTER CARERS across the UK. Our faith teaches us that children need love and nurture. Unfortunately, this is not the experience of over 30,000 children each year who enter the care system, having experienced trauma, abuse, and neglect. Our faith can provide them with structure, stability, and a whole community to support the fostering family. If you think you could change a child’s life for the better and welcome them into your heart and your home, contact your local fostering service today. There are many organisations out there who welcome faith in fostering and who do not profit from the services they provide for young people. It’s easier than you think, you just need an open heart and a spare room. Here are some links you might find useful.
https://www.actionforchildren.org.uk/fostering/why-choose-us/faith-in-fostering/
https://media.actionforchildren.org.uk/documents/AfC_FIF_A4Poster.pdf

JUBILEE PILGRIMAGE TO ROME AND ASSISI – QUB ALUMNI AND FRIENDS
The Catholic Chaplaincy at Queen’s University Belfast will lead a Pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi for alumni and friends. Departing 25 August 2025 for 7 nights, Spiritual Director Fr Dominic McGrattan, with dedicated tour guide, private coach travel & group meals included. For more information email Chaplaincy Director,
Shannon Campbell, at catholicchaplaincy@qub.ac.uk

“HOPE” – A RETREAT FOR THOSE DISCERNING THE PRIESTHOOD
Are you considering the call to the priesthood? Join us for a Vocation to the Priesthood Retreat from 7th – 9th March at Drumalis Retreat Centre, Larne. This year’s theme, “Priests as Men of Hope,” invites us to reflect on the joy and strength that come from trusting in God’s plan. To book a place or for more information, contact the Vocations Director: Fr Conor McGrath at c.mcgrath@downandconnor.org

Celebrating the Jubilee Year and our 40th Annual Diocesan Pilgrimage.
5 nights (10-15 July). Hotel £859
5 nights (10-15 July) Accueil Notre Dame (for Pilgrims requiring care) £729
7 nights (9-16 July) Hotel – £972. Youth Team (9-16 July) £760
Prices are per person sharing, additional charges may apply.

Please visit www.downandconnor.org/lourdes for more information or call the Pilgrimage Office on (028) 9077 0162 or email lourdes@downandconnor.org Youth Team (9-16th July): Applications now open.

ST PATRICK’S PASTORAL CENTRE
ABBA SENSATIONS
Saturday 29th March 2025
Doors open 8pm. Show 9pm. B.Y.O.
Tickets £15 now available from Centre.

FREE CONCERT – ST PATRICK’S PASTORAL CENTRE, SATURDAY 15 MARCH 2025, 3PM NI Suzuki Students with the South Ulster Sinfonai.

The SUS joins forces again with NI Suzuki method to showcase their amazing talent. The programme includes music from Bach to Disney.

Conductor: Philip Walton. Leader: Fionnuala Toman. Suzuki Lead: Keri Cassidy Taylor.

Rota (March/April, inclusive) is available for collection in Sacristy.

A big thank you to all those who so willingly give their time to the internal maintenance and cleaning of our church.

As we begin to prepare for the season of Lent which starts on Ash Wednesday 5th March, I am delighted to introduce, Pilgrim Hearts: Walking in the Steps of Jesus this Lent – a new resource inspired by the Gospels and the pilgrim saints of Ireland. As “Pilgrims of Hope” in this Jubilee Year (2025), this program has been designed to help parishes, families and individuals deepen their faith by journeying with Christ through the Sunday Gospels and be inspired by the lives of the Irish Saints.

Ireland’s rich spiritual heritage offers us inspiring examples of saints who lived their lives with “pilgrim hearts”. Saints like Patrick, Brigid, Columba, Kevin & Abigail taught us how to embrace prayer, sacrifice, and trust in God through their faith filled journeys.

The structure of the program includes:
Prayer and reading of the gospel passage: Drawing strength from God as we reflect on His Word.
Reflecting as Pilgrims with a short video on an Irish Saint: Opening our hearts to spiritual growth, renewal and hope. Acting in Faith: Living out the Gospel message through acts of love, kindness and service.

We are hosting an online training via zoom on Tuesday 18th February @7:00 pm for parish leaders and group facilitators to explore ways of delivering the program. If you would like to attend or would like a copy of the resource, please complete the online form by clicking the link: https://forms.office.com/e/LpARgB1kqn