News

Congratulations to the girls and boys of St Aloysius Primary School on receiving the Sacrament of First Holy Communion on Saturday 30th May. Thanks to the teachers and parents who helped and supported the children in preparation for their very special day.

SACRAMENTS OF FIRST RECONCILIATION, FIRST HOLY COMMUNION & CONFIRMATION.
Parents of children attending non-Catholic schools who wish to have their child prepared for any of the above Sacraments 2027 are asked to contact the Parish Office to register – 028 92 660206.

PREPARATION FOR MARRIAGE & MARRIED COUPLES COURSES 2026/27

Grásta is a voluntary group of Married Couples based in Ireland, who for over 25 years have been facilitating
Pre-Marriage Courses for couples getting married in the Catholic Church.

We are holding Pre-Marriage courses on the following dates:
13th – 15th November 2026
26th – 28th February 2027
www.grasta.org or at info@grasta.org

We also organise courses for Married Couples.
The dates for our Married Couples courses are:
14th – 15th November 2026
27th – 28th February 2027
www.grasta.org or at info@grasta.org

Our Grásta Courses consist of a residential weekend course, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, for
couples to focus on their relationship and what is important for them as a couple planning their married life together.

6.30pm Mass, Saturday 9th May: 395
10.00am Mass, Sunday 10th May: 468
12 noon Mass, Sunday 10th May: 370

Thank you for your patience and cooperation last weekend in assisting us with the Annual Parish Census.

ST. PETER’S CATHEDRAL, BELFAST
Summer Singing Course – 6th – 10th July 2026

5 day singing course for young people who want to improve their singing voice and musical skills.

For young people aged 8-16. £50 per 5 day course. Book by 30th May – £30 per 5 day course.

No singing experience required. For more information email cathedralmusic@downandconnor.org

We continue to pray for the young people from the parish who are doing examinations during the months of May and June. Lord, I lift up every child preparing for exams, asking for Your wisdom, clarity, and peace to fill their hearts. Replace their anxiety with confidence, strengthen their focus, and remind them that their worth is not defined by grades but by Your love. May they trust in You, knowing that their future is in Your hands. Amen.

WALK IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF OUR PATRON SAINT ON SAINT PATRICK’S WAY PILGRIM WALK IN DOWNPATRICK with guides Martina Purdy and Elaine Kelly on Sat 6 June and 8 August, and Mairead Sweeney on Sat 4 July, begin at Saint Patricks Centre with the fabulous 180° IMAX film of St Patrick, price includes entrance fees, internal bus transfers, pilgrimage lunch at the famous Saul Barn, plus a stamped Camino passport and a 6 mile pilgrimage walk finishing at Saint Patrick’s grave. Come and Be Amazed! (Duration 9am-approx 3pm, all for just £55) To book ring 02844 619000 or go to website www.saintpatrickcentre.com

Fr. Manuelito Milo and Fr Everet Corvera will concelebrate Mass in St. Patrick’s Church on Saturday 16th May at 3.00pm.

We take this opportunity to wish Sean and Marjorie Furey every blessing and good wish as they step down from their duties as Sacristans here at St. Patrick’s. They for many years have been steadfast and most attentive to their different responsibilities.

We now warmly welcome Con Mayes in his new role as Sacristan. Con will work in tandem with Bobby Kerr who has also served very faithfully as Sacristan over the years.

The Chosen – Friday Mornings (May & June): The Belfast Jesuit Centre will host weekly screenings of The Chosen
(Season 1) on Fridays at 10.45am, beginning 8th May and continuing through June.

Tea/coffee at 10.45am – episode begins @ 11am sharp, followed by a short Examen and discussion.
Sessions end at 12.15pm, with the option to remain for Mass at 12.30pm.

All are welcome. To register visit: www.belfastjesuitcentre.co.uk or email bjc@jesuit.ie