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 …
Clergy appointments for the Diocese of Dromore
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 …
Article: A lesson for Newry from the Brummies!
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 …
Instructions for booking baptisms
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. …
Article: Who do you say that I am?
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 …
Article: Pope Francis says mothers should stop ironing their son’s shirts
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 …
Notice: Music for weddings
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 …
Podcast series offers real life stories on living with addiction
Addiction is a frightening aspect of life in Ireland today. The rise in the abuse of drugs and alcohol is well documented and many parents, families and communities have suffered and are struggling to respond. Bishop Michael Router Episode two of the ‘Leave Your Mark’ podcast is now available focusing on the issue of addiction. The Irish Bishops’ Drugs Initiative …
Article: ‘There but for the grace of God go I’
How many of us have heard our mother or other family member use this saying? We have grown up with similar sayings that are founded in the traditions of our religious beliefs. They are part of an everyday vernacular for some and in many ways have become synonymous with our lives. Despite enduring two years of Covid-19 restrictions, we are …
Arrangements for funerals in Newry Parish
A message from Canon Francis Brown, Adm. 4 July 2022 As you know there is only Fr. Alphonsus and myself in the parish full time. Fr. Robert has gone back to Poland. We are very fortunate to have Fr. Callum on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. I would like to ask your consideration when arranging funerals, as we have other duties in the …