News

SCRIPTURE GROUP has now resumed on Tuesday evenings.

We meet in the Parish Pastoral Centre every Tuesday 7:30 – 8:30 to study, discuss and reflect on the Mass readings for the following weekend.

THINKING ABOUT BECOMING CATHOLIC OR WANT TO DEEPEN YOUR UNDERSTANDING OF THE FAITH?
The Diocesan RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is a journey of faith, formation, and community for adults who wish to explore the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church. It is open to those who are not baptised, those baptised in another Christian tradition, or Catholics who wish to reconnect with their faith.

The 2025-2026 programme begins on Wednesday 1st October and runs weekly from 6.30 – 8.00 pm at St Mary’s Hall, Chapel Lane, Belfast. Sessions include prayer, teaching, discussion, and time for questions. Spouses, fiancés or friends are welcome to attend alongside participants. All are welcome, whether you are exploring faith for the first time or returning after some time away. To register or find out more, please email rcia@downandconnor.org

DOWN AND CONNOR DIOCESAN TRUST
BELFAST JESUIT CENTRE
Vacancy “Pastoral Ministry Co-Ordinator”

The Pastoral Ministry Co-Ordinator will support the Director of the Belfast Jesuit Centre & Chaplain to the Ulster University, Belfast. Full details relating to the vacancy can be found on the Diocesan website at www.downandconnor.org clicking on the tab: Job Vacancies, also of the Community NI website: belfastjesuitcentre.co.uk and nijob.com

DAY RETREAT TO LOUGH DERG
Saturday 19th September

Leaving St Paul’s at 6.30am Returning to Paul’s at 7.30pm The day Includes bus, boat, tea & scones on arrival then a light lunch and retreat. Price for Retreat is £45 plus the bus price determined on the uptake.

Telephone St Paul’s Parish Office on 028 90325034 Mon – Thurs.

THE CHOSEN – SEASON 2 AT THE BELFAST JESUIT CENTRE

Weekly screenings of The Chosen: Season 2 will take place each Friday at the Belfast Jesuit Centre. Tea/coffee at 10.45am, episode at 11.00am, followed by a reflective Examen and discussion. All are welcome; no registration required.

Episode dates: 4 Sept, 11 Sept, 18 Sept, 25 Sept, 2 Oct, 9 Oct, 16 Oct, 23rd October.
Contact: bjc@jesuit.ie | 07955 282371 | belfastjesuitcentre.co.uk

A YEAR OF IGNATIAN PRAYER 2026-2027 – BELFAST JESUIT CENTRE
There are a few places remaining on our immersive programme in Ignatian Spirituality, which returns on Saturday 26th September; offering ten in person Saturdays (10am-4pm) in the BJC and seven online Integrative Practice Pause Points to support prayer, discernment and reflective living. Open to those new to Ignatian Spirituality and those seeking to deepen their practice. Suggested donation: £200-£280. Bursaries available.

For dates and registration, please visit: https://belfastjesuitcentre.co.uk/a-year-of-ignatian-prayer-2026-2027/

Mass in Syro-Malabar Rite will be celebrated in St. Patrick’s Church at 3pm this afternoon, 6th September.

Catholic Men’s Retreat – Standing in the Breach

A Catholic Men’s Retreat will take place at Portglenone Monastery on Saturday 19 September 2026, from 9am to 1pm.
The theme of the retreat is “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me” (Galatians 2:20).
The morning will include prayer, teaching, fellowship and men’s testimonies, with Fr Eddie McGee as keynote speaker.
All men are very welcome.

For further information, contact Thomas Carey on 07967 620435 or email sean@catholicminute.co.uk.

Join us on the first & third Sunday of every month to recharge your spiritual batteries through prayer,
study & friendship. Venue: St Columcille’s Church, Belfast

Tuesday 1st September @ 7.30pm – Holy Hour of Eucharistic Adoration
Tuesday 15th September @ 7.30pm – Group Study Course

Phone: 07481940689 Email: rechargecatholic@gmail.com

LISBURN CITY LIBRARY presents: An exhibition on Belfast Botanical Gardens 1st to 30th September.

A Gardeners Perspective. An Exhibition by Hayley Wylie Thurrat of paintings, drawings, printmaking, pressed plants and found objects that merge the beauty and science of botany, horticulture and art.

Extreme Existence: The Hunt: Saturday 5th September. Join staff from award-winning Science & Discovery Centre as they examine how animals survive life in the wild and learn some of the astounding ways they manage to find – or avoid becoming – the next meal! Age 6 – 11 yrs. Booking essential. See below.

Pledge for the Planet Craft: Wednesday 23rd September. Join Joanne and Noel from Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council for a fun upcycling craft session. Both events suitable for children aged 6 ? 11 yrs. accompanied by an adult.
3:30pm ? 4:30pm. Booking essential. t: 028 9266 9345 e:lisburncity.library@librariesni.org.uk