News 2023

Saint Patrick’s Breastplate

  The popular prayer Saint Patrick’s Breastplate is contained in the ancient Book of Armagh, from the early ninth century, along with Patrick’s authentic Confession. Saint Patrick is said to have written this prayer to strengthen himself with God’s protection as he prepared to confront and convert Loegaire, High King of Ireland.   Watch a short Video of Sa...

Patrick is as a saint for all the world and a patron of victims of human trafficking – Archbishop Eamon Martin

  Message of Archbishop Eamon Martin to the people of Ireland at home and abroad for Saint Patrick’s Day 2023:   Today, when people from every continent like to trace even their slightest connections with Ireland and the Irish, Saint Patrick can truly be hailed as ‘a saint for all the world’.    Our patron saint’s name has been carried around th...

Newbridge CCE - Big Trad Breakfast in the Old Thatch Inn on 17th March

  Newbridge CCE are holding a Big Trad Breakfast on St Patrick’s Day in The Old Thatch Inn from 9am to 12 noon.   Adults £7.50, Children £6.   Everyone welcome.   ...

Foster Care Services and Support

  There are children in crisis today in our local communities – children of all ages and all abilities.   Can you spare an hour a day, an overnight or a weekend or more to make a difference in a child’s life.   If you can, then contact the Regional Fostering Team at www.adoptionandfostercare.hscni.net or on 0800 0720 137…..remember, every child is just one...

Sculpture ‘Let the Oppressed go free!’ on display in Armagh Cathedral 14 –18 March

  A six foot model of a sculpture by renowned Canadian sculptor Tim Schmalz will be on display in St Patrick's Cathedral  Armagh from Tuesday 14 – Saturday 18 March.  The piece is called 'Let the Oppressed Go Free'.  It features St Josephine Bakhita releasing a host of human trafficking victims from the 'underground' thus letting them be seen and to be free.   ...

The Loup & District Historical Society - talk on Wednesday, 15th March at 8pm

    The next meeting of the Loup & District Historical Society will take place on Wednesday, 15 March at 8pm in St Patrick's GAC Loup. Dr David Jewson, former researcher at Ulster University Traad Point Ballymaguigan for many years, will give a talk on:          'Lough Neagh, the effect of water levels on shoreline life through history’ &nbs...

Statement of the Spring 2023 General Meeting of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference

  Members of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference gathered in-person this week for their Spring 2023 General Meeting at Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth.  The President of the Conference is Archbishop Eamon Martin of Armagh and the Vice-President is Archbishop Dermot Farrell of Dublin.   During their meeting bishops prayed together for peace for the people i...

SMA Dromantine, Newry - Retreats

  DANCE OF LIFE RETREAT Friday 17th March (5.00pm) – Sunday 19th (2.00pm) In this retreat the opportunity to dance may bring a renewed awareness in your sense of self, connection with others and connection with God. Led by Sr. Mary Taylor OLA and Fr. Damian Bresnahan SMA Cost £220/€250   LENTEN REFLECTION DAY Saturday 25th March 9.30am – 5.00pm ...

Home of St Patrick Festival, Armagh - Saturday 11 – Sunday 19 March 2023

    At Home with Patrick – Past, Present & Future - The Market Place Theatre: Tuesday 14 March, 7.30pm Free, but booking essential through The Market Place Theatre.  Armagh Cathedrals Partnership invite you to a special evening of music, story, poetry and prayer to celebrate St Patrick. The guest speaker will be the Reverend Henry Hull who is the Church of Ireland Dea...

Triduum of Prayer to St Patrick

  As we celebrate the 150th year since the Dedication of St Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh, a special TRIDUUM OF PRAYER TO SAINT PATRICK will take place in the Cathedral from Tuesday 14 – Thursday 16 March.    Mass on the three mornings in St Patrick’s Cathedral at 10am and on the three evenings at 7.30pm   Tuesday 14 March 7.30pm ...