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.
It is with great joy as a diocese we celebrate the Novena to The Sacred Heart. The Sacred Heart Novena invites you to nine days of prayer, cumulating in the celebration of the Feast of the Sacred Heart. Come to Me. These words of Jesus are among the most tender in all of the Gospels. They are not a command but an invitation - offered freely, offered personally, offered to each one of us. To set aside time each day for prayer is to say yes to that invitation. It is a simple act, yet a profound one. In the busyness of our lives - with all their demands, their joys, and their anxieties - to pause and turn our hearts toward Jesus is itself a form of love. The prayers will be available in a booklet you can pick up at Mass or read online; it will also include a piece of scripture and a reflection for each day for those who wish to go a little deeper. The images used in this year’s Novena book are by students from our schools from across the diocese. Bishop Alan’s hope is that this novena will be prayed either individually or together by parishes, groups, schools or families. Even young children can join in with the short prayers! Sacred Heart Novena Booklet 2026
ENCOUNTER WEEKEND DONEGAL, Radisson Blu Hotel, Letterkenny. 6.00pm - 10.30pm Friday 5th June. 9.00am - 10.30pm. Saturday 6th June. Expect to experience the presence of God through the celebration of the Sacraments, Spirit-led worship, inspiring talks, healing service, and fellowship. Come and be refreshed and empowered by the Holy Spirit and learn from the Saints how to live the lifestyle God intended you to live. Keynote Speakers: Patrick Reis: co-founder and Executive Director of Encounter Ministries USA & Fr. Patrick Gonyeau who serves with the U.S. Province of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood in Ohio. Bookings at https://encounterschoolofministrydoneg.regfox.com/encounter-conference-donegal For more info, email donegal@encounterschool.org.
In this his fourth book, Listening to People who Listen to God, Portrush-based Monsignor Paddy Delargy invites readers to respond imaginatively and prayerfully to Zechariah’s Benedictus from Luke’s gospel. Many will be familiar with this powerful and beautiful blessing prayer of the Hebrew temple priest, husband of Elizabeth and father of John the Baptist, who spent his whole life listening for God’s word spoken to him through many different people. Zachariah, the author says, ‘will tell us of his personal experience of God speaking to him, of the many ancestors in faith who shaped his thinking, about his son John’s role in preparing for the Saviour and the characteristics of the Saviour’. The second half of the book presents personal reflections from Msgr Delargy’s students, colleagues, parishioners and friends, who seek to respond to ‘the call to serve in holiness and justice’ in a variety of ways and situations. All write with deep conviction about the themes which speak to us today in Zechariah’s great song of thanksgiving, praise and hope. This reflective and engaging book is beautifully illustrated by Belfast author and illustrator Flora Delargy, and pupils from Dominican College, Portstewart. It will appeal to individuals and church groups alike, who desire to join Zachariah in ‘sharing God’s blessings, eager to live in faith in this sceptical age’. Author Msgr Delargy grew up in Cushendun, County Antrim, and was ordained to the priesthood in 1973. Retiring as Parish Priest of Ballymena in 2022, he moved to St Patrick’s, Portrush, to help in the parish and take up a new role at the University of Ulster, Coleraine. Other works by Msgr Delargy: Hold your Head up High and Other Stories, Praying to God our Father, An Invitation to be where Love is. Friday 5 June, 11am Main Hall, All Saints Parish & Community Centre Ballymena BT43 6HA 028 256 31236/allsaintspc@outlook.com Book (£12.50) available from the repository in the Parish Centre and Shanway Press Proceeds to Aid to the Church in Need
1-Day Retreat Tobar Mhuire Retreat Centre, Crossgar Sat 6th June 10.00am – 4.00pm Registration / tea / coffee & biscuits at 9.40am Tea/Coffee /Biscuits during morning break, Lunch, 3 themed sessions, group discussions & time for individual reflection £30 stipend to book your place (only 40 spaces available) Telephone reception at Tobar Mhuire and pay your £30 or alternatively you can call in Reception 02844 830242 Open 9.30am – 4.30pm Monday – Friday Please note you will be asked to provide your name, mobile and email details. You will also be asked if you will be attending 9.00am Mass.
Bishop Alan McGuckian SJ and Jim Deeds will lead the Three-Day Pilgrimage to Lough Derg. Date: 19th – 21st June 2026. The bus will depart from St Patrick’s Church Donegall Street. Cost £100. Places are limited early booking advised. To book contact Claire on 028 90690920 or email: pathwaystothefuture@downandconnor.org
Join us at Recharge for a fun-filled Quiz Night in support of Mary's Meals on Friday the 19th of June at 7.30pm in St Colmcille’s Church Hall, Ballyhackamore! Gather your friends, test your knowledge, and help provide life-changing school meals to children in some of the world's poorest communities. Every answer makes a difference—come along for a great evening and a great cause. £5 donation - sign up via eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/charity-quiz-tickets-1989987423954?aff=oddtdtcreator
The Day of Reflection is on 21st June each year. This special day provides an opportunity for reflection and to remember that so many suffered from all corners of society in our conflict. The annual Day of Reflection service will be held in St Peter’s Cathedral this year at 3pm on Sunday 21st June and will be attended by victims as well as religious, civic and political representatives. Everyone is warmly invited to attend.