News

We are sorry to learn of the death of Rev. John Davey formerly Minister of Hillsborough Presbyterian Church. Rev. Davey prayed the Stations of The Cross on Good Friday with Fr Dermot in St. Patrick’s Church.

Tuesday 16th September, 7-8.30 pm, online and in person at the Windsor Hub, 22 Lower Windsor Ave, Belfast BT9
7DW, All-Ireland online Interfaith Gathering for Peace including output from Mary Robinson, George + Aryana Scott,
Rev Daphne Hanna, Boyd Sleator & others In-person:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/all-ireland-interfaith-gathering-for-peace-tickets-1654054675059
Online: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/all-island-of-ireland-interfaith-gathering-for-peace-tickets-1332115315769

Sunday 21st September, 6-8pm in the Farset International Hostel
International Day of Peace “Our Shared Humanity : Act Now for a Peaceful World.”
Lead partners Corrymeela, Beyond Skin, NIIFF
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/our-shared-humanity-act-now-for-a-peaceful-world-tickets-1657039312189

SMA NOVENA 2025 IN HONOUR OF ST. THÉRÈSE OF THE CHILD JESUS, PATRONESS OF THE MISSIONS
Tuesday 23rd September to Wednesday 1st October. Daily Mass & Novena Prayers. At 10.00am & 7.30pm
SMA Chapel Dromantine. All Welcome. Also, via webcam (www.sma.ie) African Missions, Dromantine, Newry

DOWN AND CONNOR DIOCESAN TRUST VACANCY
DIOCESAN ASSISTANT FINANCE OFFICER

An opportunity has arisen within our Finance Team to recruit into the role of Diocesan Assistant Finance Officer. Working closely with our Financial Controller (Parishes), you will be required to provide excellent book-keeping support to the Finance Function within the Diocesan Trust. Permanent appointment – 35 hours per week. Monday – Friday from 9.00am – 5.00pm. Full details relating to the vacancy can be found on the Diocesan website at:
http://www.downandconnor.org clicking on tab: job vacancies and on the Community NI and ni.jobs.com websites.
Closing date for applications will be 12 noon on Tuesday 23 September 2025.

The Pastoral life of our Parish in recent times has been enriched and enhanced by the committed work of our different Lay Ministries. Thankfully they are gradually extending their Pastoral outreach.

Our Eucharistic Ministers, as you know, have been active at all Masses, have been conducting Divine Word and Communion Services and pastorally visiting our Residential and Nursing homes.

From beginning of October they will be working with Frs. Dermot and Eamon in pastoral visitation of the many sick and housebound members of our Parish. They will administer Holy Communion and ensure that, where necessary, the priest will administer the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Sacrament of the sick.

To prepare our Eucharistic Ministers for this new role there will be a MEETING OF ALL EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS IN ST. PATRICK’S PASTORAL CENTRE ON MONDAY, 22ND SEPTEMBER AT 7.00PM.

BEGINNING EXPERIENCE is a peer ministry to the bereaved, separated and divorced, based within the Family
Ministry of the Diocese of Down and Connor. The loss of a partner through death, separation or divorce is
devastating. Beginning Experience is offering a programme of bereavement support in St Bride’s Hall, Derryvolgie
Ave., Belfast on three Saturdays (20th September 18th October and 15th November) Booking essential.

To find out more, contact Pauline 07519289185 or Marie 07896119669 or email belfastbe@yahoo.com

WELCOME BACK ST. PATRICK’S SENIOR CHOIR
Many members have sung at Lourdes, Knock and Fatima over the course of the summer and look forward to returning to St Patrick’s. Rehearsals are every Wednesday night 7.15pm to 8.45pm. Potential new members are also welcome. The Senior choir work to enhance the liturgy; singing at Mass every Sunday at 12 noon.

Discerning members should be aware that choristers are expected to be available during the Christmas and Holy Week/Easter celebrations. Please contact the parish office if you would like a phone call or meeting with the Director of Music for more information. The choir will prepare this year to take part in the International Meeting of Choirs at the Vatican in 2026.

European Heritage Days will take place on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th September 2025. There will be public access to the church and St. Patrick’s graveyard (outside Mass times) during these two days.

COFFEE MORNING Sunday 14th September 2025 in St. Patrick’s Pastoral Centre, 10.00am – 1pm.

In aid of Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Appeal. Everyone welcome.

We are delighted to have MISS CRISTIONA MCGUINNESS AND THE CHILDREN’S CHOIR back singing at the Vigil Mass after the summer recess. New members – boys and girls very welcome.

If your child would be interested in joining the choir please speak with Cristiona, after Saturday evening Mass or leave your name in the parish office – 028 92 660206.