News

Many people choose to abstain from alcohol during the season of Lent. You can do likewise. Please consider taking the short-term Pioneer Lenten pledge and say the prayer daily.

“I promise in honour of the Sacred Heart of Jesus with the help of the Blessed Virgin Mary to abstain from all alcoholic drink during Lent.”

DIOCESAN VOCATION WEEKEND: DRUMALIS RETREAT HOUSE: FRIDAY 8TH – SUNDAY 10TH MARCH.
Have you ever considered the possibility that God is calling you to the priesthood? If so, take this opportunity to gather with other men who are discerning a vocation to the priesthood. This retreat will create the time and space to help you discern God’s calling in your life. If you wish to attend this retreat or would like further information please contact Fr Conor McGrath, c.mcgrath@downandconnor.org or telephone 028 9065 4157

LAYING DOWN 11am – 3.30pm, Saturday 9 March, 2024. Clonard Monastery, Belfast..

Gentle mix of prayer, song, story and silence, led by Breige O’Hare. Time to rest and recover a simpler, slower sense of Lent. Space to meet the God who lived and died so that we might know how much we matter.

Donation: £10 (or whatever you can afford). Bring your own lunch. Tea, coffee provided. Booking is essential.
To book, ring Clonard: 028 9044 5950

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST FOR THE PERMANENT DIACONATE
The Permanent Deacon responds to the call of Jesus and his Church in three specific ways: through the ministry of
Charity, the ministry of the Word and the ministry of the Altar with a particular focus on the ministry of charity. The
Diocese invites expressions of interest from men, (married or single), who feel called to the Diaconate.
Further relevant information can be found on the Diocesan website
https://www.downandconnor.org/living-church/diaconate/

Additionally, it is proposed to hold three information evenings in St Patrick’s Downpatrick, All Saints Ballymena and St Brigid’s Belfast on 7th 12th and 20th March. This will provide an opportunity to meet Permanent Deacons and their wives and discover more about this vocation.

It is hoped to commence a propaedeutic year of discernment in September 2024. Expressions of Interest forms will be issued by email to those who have responded to this announcement and the formal application and interview process will commence, with a view to completion in June 2024.

DROMANTINE SUMMER CAMP is returning in 2024 and we are hoping you could encourage the youth of your Parish to get involved. For more information about camp and how to register please visit our website at www.dromantinesummercamp.co.uk.

2024 Camp dates are as follows:
Boys week 1: 7th-12th July. Boys week 2: 14th-19th July.
Girls’ week 1: 21st-26th July. Girls’ week 2: 28th July -02nd August.

Lenten Reflection Days, Saturday 9th & 16th March, 10am-5pm. An opportunity for time aside to reflect on the Season of Lent and to open our minds and hearts afresh to celebrate Holy Week and Easter. Cost (incl. lunch) £38.

Holy Week Retreat, Wednesday 27th March (5pm) – Sunday 31st March (9am). The SMA Community invites you to join them in reflectively celebrating the Easter Triduum, beginning with a Seder Meal. Let us choose time aside to celebrate the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Christ and so taste and savour the New Life being offered to us all. Coast £370. Phone: 028 3082 1224 Email: sma.dromantine@sma.ie

DOWN & CONNOR PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES 2024: 10 – 15th/17th July. 5- & 7-Night options available.

Please visit www.downandconnor.org/lourdes for more information or call the Pilgrimage Office on (028) 9077 0162 or email lourdes@downandconnor.org

We can continue to offer a pilgrimage for pilgrims requiring medical and nursing or personal care, accommodated in the Accueil Notre Dame, cared for by our dedicated team of volunteers.

YOUTH TEAM (10-17TH JULY): applications now open, online only. Link: https://forms.office.com/r/QsQujTcwrQ

LAY LED FUNERAL MINISTRY TRAINING is currently being offered by Pathways to the Future. If interested please contact Parish Office.

OUR LADY OF CONSOLATION BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY
Meeting of Bereavement Ministers in Parochial House Monday 26th February at 7.30pm.

RE: FOSTERING WITHIN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH. A word of thanks: ‘I just wanted to get in touch to say a big thank you to yourselves and the whole parish for all of your support, help and hospitality with the fostering promotion on Sunday. You really went above and beyond with the organising and promotion of it – very much appreciated. Sunday all went as planned and we had a few people who came to chat as well giving out over 100 fliers so hopefully we are getting the word out. Please feel pass on my thanks to Fr Dermot and let everyone who stopped to chat or took a leaflet know that it was appreciated.’ Craig.Douglas@setrust.hscni.net