News

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

PATHWAYS – ADULT FAITH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
Now in our 18th Year.. Have you ever thought of taking time out, to reflect, to better understand your faith in all its richness, to explore how it might be integrated with your busy, daily life and to nurture in a focussed way your relation-ship with God? If the answer is “yes”, then Pathways may be for you. The course runs one Saturday per month (10 am – 4 pm) from October to June, either in-house at Drumalis or online via Zoom.

CERTIFICATE IN CHRISTIAN THOUGHT (TWO-YEAR, PART-TIME COURSE)
The Certi?cate in Christian Thought aims to offer a space where adults can explore, re?ect upon, discuss and study faith and how it relates to life in today’s world, both at a personal and community level. It is possible to do the course for validation by St Mary’s University College or for personal development only. The course is offered either in-house at Drumalis, Larne or online via Zoom over seven Saturdays from September to May.

For further information or to register on either of these courses, please contact Drumalis during o?ce hours
(Mon-Fri, 9 am – 5 pm) – 028 28276455/28272196 or email maura@drumalis.co.uk Further information also available on Drumalis website: http://www.drumalis.co.uk

LISBURN SURE START aims to deliver “the best start in life” for every child living within the Old Warren, Tonagh, Hilden and Hillhall catchment area. It o?ers a range of early years and family support services along with antenatal support for eligible families, from pre-birth until a child?s 4th birthday. For further information visit www.lisburnsurestart.org
Tel. 028 9267 2292. Email: lisburnreception@rysonsurestart.org

SCRIPTURE GROUP resumes on Tuesday 3rd October – 7.30 to 8.30 , in Pastoral Centre. All welcome.