News

The Knights of St Columbanus, CK12 Downpatrick, invite you to a special screening of Matt Talbot – Urban Mystic at Newcastle Community Cinema, St Mary’s Hall, Main Street, Newcastle, on Friday 4th September at 7.00pm. Matt Talbot’s remarkable true story of faith, struggle, addiction and redemption continues to inspire people throughout the world and offers a powerful message of hope to those affected by addiction and their families.

The evening will also feature guest speaker Michael Murphy.

Admission is free, with a suggested donation of £3 towards costs. Tea and coffee will be served following the screening. Everyone is very welcome – please bring family and friends.

ST PATRICK’S SENIOR CHOIR return for rehearsal on Wednesday 2nd September at 7.15pm
The choir have had a busy summer with members representing the parish and diocese at the shrines of Knock, Lourdes and Fatima. We welcome new male voices – tenor and bass.

If you are interested contact the parish office and come join in on a rehearsal.

Psalm 68:4-6 Sing to God, sing praises to his name; lift up a song to him who rides through the deserts; his name is the LORD; exult before him!

MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND 2Nd-4TH OCTOBER 2026
Marriage Encounter Ireland invites married couples to a residential Weekend from Friday 2nd to Sunday 4th October 2026 at the “Focolare Centre” “Curryhills”, Prosperous, Co. Kildare.

Step away from daily distractions to deepen your communication, renew your love, and rediscover the joy of your marriage. www.marriageencounter.ie T: 087 216 2436

Registration will be on Friday 4th September from 6 – 8pm in the Pastoral Centre for all new and old Members (age 7-11 years).

All children must be accompanied by their parents on that evening.
Cost of Membership: £15 single
£25 Family for the year
£3.00 nightly fee

The Youth Club will then commence on Friday 11th September 6 – 8.45pm.

POPE’S AUGUST PRAYER INTENTION: ‘FOR EVANGELIZATION IN THE CITY’

Pope Leo XIV has urged Catholics across the globe to join him this August in praying for evangelization in the city.

In his prayer, Pope Leo asks the “Good Shepherd” who “walks through our streets and squares,” to “enter tall buildings and humble neighbourhoods,” and to “silently accompany millions” of people who “seek meaning amid noise and haste.” The Pope acknowledges that while cities are meant to be places of “freedom and opportunity,” they can also become “spaces of anonymity and isolation.”

Thus, he expressed his hope that urban environments may provide “fertile ground” for proclaiming the Gospel.

The Holy Father also prayed that the faithful make “simple and loving gestures,” and do so together as a community that “goes forth,” and combats indifference and isolation with presence and fraternity.

Parishioners are encouraged to make donations to the parish either by using the parish offertory envelopes or by means of standing order. One-off donations are also welcome.

If you would like to donate using parish offertory envelopes and don’t already do so, please contact in confidence

Maria, Parish Support Officer – telephone 028 92 660206 email lisburn@downandconnor.org

Alternatively, if you would prefer to make a monthly offering to the Church by means of a standing order please contact the above number.

We are very grateful and appreciate the generosity of the many parishioners who support us throughout the year.

AUGUST & SEPTEMBER 2026 at LOUGH DERG

“A pilgrimage has a vital part to play in our life of faith, for it removes us from our daily routines, and gives us time and space to encounter God more deeply.”

Pope Leo XIV

Three Day Pilgrimages – In the tradition of prayer, fasting and keeping Vigil

Begin on any day of the week until Thursday 13th August.

Admission €85. Discounts available for Groups, Seniors & Students.

One Day Retreats – Guided Days of Prayer and Reflection – places available on

August 18th, 22nd, 23rd, 29th and 31st

September 5th, 6th, 9th, 12th, 15th, 19th and 20th

Admission €50. Group discounts available. Advance Booking Essential .

Includes Special Themed Retreats:

23rd August – St Peregrine

5th September – Pioneer Pilgrimage

6th September – St Carlos Acutis

9th & 12th September – Vocations Monstrance

19th September – Divine Mercy Pilgrimage

Heritage Day Tours – Explore one of Ireland ’s most enduring and authentic spiritual destinations. Thursday 20th August. 11am & 2:30pm. As part of National Heritage Week celebrations visitors will enjoy a guided boat trip on the lake, guided tour of Station

Island and refreshments.

Admission €15. Student & Child discounts available. Advance Booking Essential.

Lakeshore Pilgrim Path Pilgrimage – In the footsteps of pilgrims through the centuries

Sunday 30th August. 8km & 12km routes, fully guided. Outdoor Mass weather permitting.

Admission €25. Advance Booking Essential.

NEW FOR 2026 SEASON – Overnight accommodation available on Station Island the night before beginning a Retreat or Pilgrimage.

Lough Derg, Pettigo, Co Donegal. F94 PC60

www.loughderg.org email. info@loughderg.org Tel. 0719861518

SACRAMENTS OF FIRST RECONCILIATION, FIRST HOLY COMMUNION & CONFIRMATION.

Parents of children attending schools in the Parish, other than St. Joseph & St. Aloysius Primary Schools who wish to have their child/children enrolled for any of the above Sacraments in 2027 are asked to contact the Parish Office to register ? 028 92 660206. Email lisburn@downandconnor.org

ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP – 2026. DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES
Lourdes Pilgrimage Office acknowledge our recent donation of £1,452 and wish to thank the parishioners of Blaris for your generous support of the pilgrimage.
Donations help to provide the equipment and supplies needed to care for the sick and vulnerable pilgrims who are at the very heart of the pilgrimage. They also help to support the staff with subsidized fares.

All Associated pilgrims are remembered each day during the pilgrimage.

ST PETER’S CATHEDRAL: Join us for the inaugural tours of St Peter’s Cathedral, led by Stevie Corr, as we celebrate its 160th anniversary! This special guided tour offers a unique opportunity to explore areas of the Cathedral that are rich in history and significance.

Dates are Mon 3, Tues 4, Wed 5 & Thurs 6 August at 3pm each day.

Tickets: £5 per person, payable at the entrance (please bring the exact amount).