News

In excess of 1,000 people have registered or have already attended one of the Pathways to the Future conversations that are being held across the Diocese during November. The conversations have been animated, rich, and fruitful, with those present sharing their hopes and dreams for their parishes and Families of parishes, their cares and concerns, as well as ideas and suggestions on how we build the Kingdom of God in Down and Connor. The Holy Spirit is moving through our parishes and our people, and there is a very real sense of excitement and optimism, and a willingness among our faithful to answer’s Christ’s call to renew and rebuild His Church for now and for the future.

On this Feast of Christ the King, as this church year draws to a close and we move into a time of waiting, expectation and preparation for the birth of Christ, our Saviour and King, let us pray for the renewal of our Church in Down and Connor and the guidance of the Holy Spirit as we plan for our future. Let us pray to be guided by the Spirit in the discernment of our own personal gifts and the role that God wants us to play in sharing the Good News of the Gospel and the love of God with all we meet and journey within our lives.

“I am going to look after my flock myself and keep all of it in view.” Ezekiel 34:11

Subscription of £22 is now due for 2024. Please place payment in envelope provided and return to Parish Office. Thank you.

Lord, you are close to the broken hearted. Be with me now in my grief and loneliness. Give me the courage to face my loss and not grieve in silence. Be with me as I struggle with many difficult and painful feelings. Ease the hurt in my heart. Encircle me in your love. Stay with me, Lord, support me. Help me to know that your power is at work within me as I deal with my grief. Amen.

On Sunday, 22nd October 2023 a group of 29 men and women became the first Lay Funeral Ministers to be appointed by the Catholic Church in Northern Ireland.

Traditionally, Catholic funerals are led by clergy rather than lay people – the ceremony includes a Mass which can only be led by an ordained priest. However, with so few young men joining the priesthood over the past three decades, the Church is struggling to find the manpower to provide the service. Earlier this year, Bishop of Derry Donal McKeown warned that very soon it might “no longer be the norm” for every individual to have a Mass as part of their funeral.

He also called on lay church-goers to help the declining number of priests manage their increasingly unsustainable workloads. Several volunteers have answered the call and, at a private ceremony in north Belfast on Sunday 22nd October 2023, the 29 lay funeral ministers were offcially commissioned into their roles. Lay ministers still cannot officiate at Masses in the absence of a priest but, in a change to tradition, they will be able to lead the liturgy when a coffin arrives at a church. After a memorial ceremony, they will also lead prayers at a graveside or crematorium.

Over the past few weeks, the volunteers have received liturgical instruction as well as church training on how to help bereaved people cope with grief. The Diocese of Down and Connor is the first Catholic authority in Northern Ireland to implement the programme and it could be rolled out on a wider basis.

The Community Wellbeing website www.communitywellbeing.info, is a website full of mental health-related information and resources. Topics covered include: anxiety and stress, grief and bereavement, alcohol, drugs & gambling, money & mental health. Tel: 028 9032 8474. Email: hello@inspirewellbeing.org Website: inspirewellbeing.org

God of Love, You are with us in every transition and change. As we enter into this new era with excitement and even some anxiety, we recall your deep compassion, presence, and abounding love.

We thank you for the gifts, talents, and skills with which you have blessed us.

We thank you for the work of others that gives breadth and depth to our own work. Be with us as we move forward, rejoicing with you and supporting one another. We ask this in your Holy Name. Amen.

I thank you Lord, for you remembered me at those times when I found life most difficult, when I was almost swamped by the pressures of life, like a small boat caught in a gale.

You kept me afloat and kept me going, and even though I’d done nothing to merit your favour, you chose to help me.

You came to my aid, and I felt your presence, felt you near, experienced a peace and consolation at the right time. How can I ever thank you enough for the favours you bestow on upon me,

For the many times you make things work out for the best Lord, I thank you with all my heart for all the good things I’ve received from your bounty. Amen

If you feel your relationship is in crisis or need a little guidance and feel that you and your partner would benefit from Marriage & Relationship Counselling call 02890 233002 for all N.I. centres.

MARRIAGE ENRICHMENT WEEKEND, 10 – 12 NOVEMBER 2023, CO. KILDARE: an opportunity to energise
communication and romance in your marriage! Visit: www.marriageencounter.ie/marriage-encounter-weekend.

VOLUNTEERS required to help with the delivery of Pre-Baptism instruction programme. This class involves speaking with the parents and godparents of children being brought forward for the Sacrament of Baptism. The rite and symbols of the Sacrament, the responsibility of parents and godparents on their undertaking on behalf of their child at the start of their relationship with God are explained. Commitment – one hour per month. Contact Parish Office 028 92 660206. Email: lisburn@downandconnor.org