The Blog

In Luke’s Gospel, we are told, ‘A person’s life is not made secure by what he owns, even when they have more than they need’ (Luke 12:15).Therefore,  ‘what have we gained for all the toil and strain that we have undergone under the sun?” (Ecclesiastes 2:22).  Dom Helder Camara, the Brazilian archbishop who devoted his life to seeking justice for the poor, said …

Many local families will already be thinking about the cost of sending their children back to school in September with expensive school uniforms top of the list. SVDP are appealing for donations of money or school uniform clothing which is no longer needed and still in good condition. Please call in with outgrown items or even school equipment that is …

Few people can fail to have been moved by the plight of the young 12-year-old boy, Archie Battersbee who died on Saturday 6th August. After almost four months in a coma and a legal battle between his parents and doctors, Archie was taken off life support and passed away a few hours later. The 12-year-old’s heartbroken mother, Hollie Dance struggled …

Changes effective 10th September 2022 Archbishop Eamon Martin, Apostolic Administrator has announced the following clergy changes/appointments in the Diocese of Dromore, to take effect on 10th September 2022. Changes for Newry and Saval We look forward to welcoming Fr Wojciech Stachyra SChr (currently working in the Archdiocese of Westminster) who will be joining us in the parishes of Newry and …

The Pakistani activist Malala Yousafzai who was named the 2014 Peace Prize laureate when she was 17, gave a moving speech this week during the Opening Ceremony of the Commonwealth Games. She underlined the opportunities Birmingham had given her and her family when they arrived from Pakistan. In October 2012, the Pakistani advocate for female education was flown to Queen …

All babies must be registered for baptism in the Cathedral Parish Office, Hill Street, Newry, not in St. Catherine’s.  The reason is that the official baptismal register is kept in the Cathedral Parish Office. When a baby is to be baptised, please call at the Cathedral Parish Office. The Church in which the baby is to be baptised will be recorded.   …

Jesus asked a simple question of his disciples, ‘Who do you say I am?’(Matthew 16:16). You can just imagine the silence that ensued. I am sure some of them looked away, some of them studied the back of their hands, some moved little piles of dirt around with the toes of their sandals. Who knows how long the silence lasted …

Pope Francis has urged mothers to stop ironing their son’s shirts and instead start encouraging them to get married. Speaking during a service to mark the end of the 10th World Meeting of Families, he told adult men not to ‘take the easy road’ and return to their mothers in ‘moments of difficulty’. Instead, he added, they should ‘move ahead …

Dear Engaged Couple As you prepare for marriage, we the clergy require you to choose hymns/sacred music for your Nuptial Mass. Secular songs are not appropriate in our Churches. Please advise your organist/musician that this is a requirement. It would also enhance the liturgy if the Psalm, Alleluia, Holy, Holy, Holy, Memorial Acclamation, the Great Amen and the Lamb of …