REVISED SUNDAY PARISH MASS TIMES
Commencing Sunday 8th June 2008
(Posted May2008)

From 8th June
Sunday Mass Times as follows:
Carrickfergus  11.30 am,    Whitehead  9.30 am
 

Carrickfergus


Whitehead
 

YOUTH PASTORAL COUNCIL
(Posted June 2008)
The YPC is a group of parish teenagers who come together on a regular basis for fun and to discuss issues that affect the youth of the Parish (Carrick and Whitehead). They are currently looking for new members and would encourage any teenagers interested to come to the next meeting. 

TEEN NIGHT AT THE MOVIES
   
Wednesday 25th June, 7.30pm - 10pm
St Nicholas' Primary School Hall
For all teenagers of the parish
Come and Enjoy - Have a Pizza too!

More info Tel: 028 93367861

All teenagers welcome!
Contacts:
Christopher Madden,  Email: christophermadden@btinternet.com
Raymond Frampton
Hayley Nicholls
Fr. Dillon

A DAY OF PRIVATE REFLECTION ON THE CONFLICT IN NORTHERN IRELAND
Saturday 21st JUNE 2008
(Posted May 2008)

Saturday 21st June, has been designated a 'Day of Private Reflection on the Troubles'.

It is a day set aside to acknowledge the deep hurt and pain caused by the conflict, and also to allow time for reflection on “What lessons have we learnt and what more can we do to make sure that the tragedy of the last 30 years is never repeated?”

This Day of Private Reflection is an initiative of ‘Healing Through Remembering’, a country wide cross-community body, set up to explore ways of constructively dealing with the past. (It is totally independent of government, political parties, churches, and other groups.)

While it is a private day, local groups were invited to get involved through raising awareness or offering a place where reflection could take place or through developing materials which would aid meaningful reflection.

The local church based, ‘Carrickfergus Journey in Understanding Initiative' in conjunction with the Carrickfergus Borough Council Good Relations Office have taken up this invitation and have organised a drop-in space for reflection in the Education Room in Carrickfergus Civic Centre and Museum, Antrim Street this Saturday between 10am and 4pm.

A short 12 minute audio-visual is one of a number of aids to reflection that will be made available.

Everyone is welcome to drop-in. It will be a case of come, see and reflect. There will be no talks given, no group activities and no charge.
Why not give it a try.

Click on image above to visit 'Day of Private Reflection' website!

Out of the Depths 
(An online reflection from the Centre for Contemporary Christianity in Ireland designed to help us reflect on the consequences of the “Troubles”. )

AUTUMN CLUB - BUS TRIP TO NEWRY / WARRENPOINT
(Posted June2008)

Saturday 28th June.
A few seats are still available. 
Contact: Teresa Boylan Tel: 028 93367110
Cost £5
 

PREPARATION FOR BAPTISM
(Posted May2008)

The parish Baptism Team will meet parents who are preparing for their baby's Baptism on:
Next Meeting: Monday 30th June at 7.30pm in St Nicholas' Church. 
A presentation will be given lasting 45 minutes.

Contact:
Fr Sean Dillon  028 93363269
Margaret Webb 028 93367861
Louise Mayne 028 90866023

THERE IS A PLACE FOR YOU IN THE PARISH CELLS IN 2008
(Posted May 2008)

Parish cell groups continue to meet in a number of parishioners homes on a fortnightly basis, usually on a Wednesday night at 8pm.  If you would like to visit or take part in a cell please contact  Patsy Bell   Tel: 028 93360926.   Email: ferguspat@tiscali.co.uk


SUMMER BREAK CELEBRATION
will be held Wednesday 25th June 2008 in Community Centre Carrick. 


CELL LEADERS RETREAT IN DRUMALIS was held Saturday 26th April 10am to 4pm. 
 

See also What are Parish Cells?

PARISH CELL MEETINGS

 Contact Patsy
Tel: 028 93360926

CROSS COMMUNITY 'CIRCUS' SUMMER CAMP
(Posted June 2008)

WEEKLY CHRISTIAN MEDITATION GROUP IN CARRICKFERGUS
(Posted May 2008)

Tuesdays at 11.15am - 12.00noon
48 Sunnylands Avenue

For more information please contact:-
Philomena McQuillan,
48 Sunnylands Avenue,
Carrickfergus.
Tel: 0782426051
Email: philomenamcquillan@hotmail.co.uk

CHRISTIAN MEDITATION QUIET DAY - 'GOD'S BREATH IN US'
(Posted May 2008)

Saturday 24th May 2008
From 10am to 3.30pm
Edgehill Theological College, Lennoxvale, Belfast.
(Lennoxvale is on the Malone Road, 2nd left past Fisherwick Presbyterian Church.)
Led by Rev. Canon Timothy Kinahan
and based on the practices of Fr John Main OSB

Cost of the day £10. (Please bring packed lunch. Tea and Coffee provided).
Experienced meditators and beginners welcome.
Books, CDs etc. will be available for purchase.

For Booking and more information please contact:-
Philomena McQuillan.  (Contact details as above).

Click here for Booking Form
Click here for The World Community for Christian Meditation website

Fr John Main OSB (1926-1982)
 
 

GLOBAL DAY OF PRAYER - PENTECOST SUNDAY 11th MAY 2008
CARRICKFERGUS CASTLE GREEN 3pm
(Posted March2008)

www.transformations-ireland.org

Two years ago, thousands gathered in the Grounds of Parliament  Buildings at Stormont, on Penecost Sunday afternoon to take part in a Global Day of Prayer.

Last year, local united assemblies have been called for.  This was repeated this year 2008 and hopefully next year, 2009.   

Carrickfergus was one of many venues for a gathering.  This took place on the Castle Green, Pentecost Sunday 11th May 2007 at 3pm, under the walls of Carrickfergus Castle. 

 

  Click here for Brazilians Dance Routine on YouTube

 

Click here for Global Day of Prayer in Carrickfergus Report (Word doc)

Click here for Photographs of the 2006 event.
Click here for Photographs of the the 2005 event        
                      

NATIONAL CHARISMATIC RENEWAL CONFERENCE 2008
(Posted May 2008)


'Go and Proclaim the Kingdom'
June 20th - 22nd
Athlone

Speakers: Joe Dalton, Fr Pat Collins, Patti Gallagher Mansfield.

Click here for brochure

TRADITIONAL MUSIC SESSIONS IN CARRICKFERGUS GASWORKS
Friday Slow Sessions (Gasworks, 44 Irish Quarter West, Carrickfergus)
and
Wednesday Slower Sessions  (also in the Gasworks):
NOW ON SUMMER BREAK.
Keep an eye on www.eatms.co.uk for Autumn dates beginning September 2008.


TRADITIONAL MUSIC SUMMER BBQ IN THE GASWORKS
Gasworks, 44 Irish Quarter West, Carrickfergus.
Friday 6th June 2008. 
Watch a YouTube video from the night - Click here!
 

PARISH  ENTERTAINMENT
(Posted May 2008)

Trasna Ceílídh Band
Sat 31st May 2008
8 pm – late
St Nicholas’ Community Centre
Strictly over 18s
Tickets from any Committee member
See Trasna Ceílídh Band Website

Autumn Club Tea Dance
Wednesday 4th June 2008
2pm - 4pm
St Nicholas' Community Centre
 
Lourdes' PTA,
Annual Quiz and BBQ
Sat 7th June 2008
Church Hall, Whitehead  


YOUTH CENTRE

St Nicholas’ Community Centre
Thursdays 7.30pm  -  9.30pm
Volunteers required, aged 19

 

INTERDENOMINATIONAL PRAYER FOR CARRICK
(Posted May 2008)

'Prayer for Carrick' is a monthly inter-denominational meeting focusing on Christian unity and intercessory prayer for the Carrickfergus area. It seeks to provide a space where people can come together to build relationship and pray, with no agenda other than to honour God and to pray for needs of our community, country and world.

Next meeting:
No meetings in July and August. 
Meetings will recommence in September 2008.
Prayer for Carrickfergus Newsletter - May 2008  (Word doc.)

Previous meetings:
January, Tuesday 22nd 2008 in Carrickfergus Elim Church, North Road, at 8pm.
February, Tuesday 26th 2008 in Carrick Community Church, Sunnylands, at 8pm.
March, meeting cancelled due to Holy Week Services.
April, Tuesday 15th 2008 in St. Colmans Church of Ireland, Larne Road at 8pm.
May, Meeting cancelled due to Pentecost Global Day of Prayer event, 11th May, Castle Green.
June, Tuesday 10th 2008, Gateway Church, 8pm

"Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you... Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper"' (Jeremiah 29:5-7)

PARISH GUIDES
(Posted September 2007)


Click on picture for link to Catholic Guides of Ireland Website
 

The Catholic Guides of Ireland is a member organisation of the World Associaiton of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts and we are pleased to have them here in the Carrickfergus parish. 



Help is needed.  Volunteers 18+ needed to become Guide Leaders for (1) Cygnets aged 4-7 years and (2) Btigins aged 7-11 years.  For more information contact:
Gillian Plackett, email carrickfergusguides@hotmail.co.uk or Tel: 07969443858

Click here for more on the Guides aims and activities

 

WOULD YOU LIKE TO VOLUNTEER AS A CHURCH CLEANER?
(Posted December 2007)

Would you consider joining the parish church cleaner teams?  It doesn't have to mean forever!

There is an urgent need.   Volunteers are asked to add their names and contact numbers to the list at the rear of the church.  Thank you.

A Cleaner's Prayer

NIMMA - STRONG OBJECTIONS, STRONGER LOVE
(Posted May 2008)

The Northern Ireland Mixed Marriage Association
(Support for couples and families).
Newcomers most welcome.   Tel: 028 90235444

Click here for NIMMA Newsletter Summer 2008

"Interchurch couples deserve to be received with compassion because the fault is not theirs but the consequence of our division.  The pain which this causes is not their fault, but that of our churches which have placed them in that situation.
It is a case not of the church having to forgive them but of asking them to forgive the church".

Report of the National Dialogue between the Roman Catholic Church and the Uniting Church in Australia 1999 page 78.

The NIMMA website
Mixed Marriages in N. Ireland - Threat or Opportunity?
Christian/Muslim marriage support group


NIMMA Annual Conference 2008
Theme: 'Is the Mixed Marriage Problem Solved?'
Venue: Dromantine Conference Centre, Newry
Date: Saturday 12th - Sunday 13th April 2008
Click here for Programme
 

Accord Pre Marriage Courses for Mixed Couples
Comfort Hotel,  Antrim.
Dates:
Thursday 26th June 2008
Sunday 29th June 2008
Thursday 25th September 2008
Sunday 28th September 2008
Thursday 20th November 2008
Sunday 23th November 2008
Cost per couple £110
Tel: 028 90233002
 

ARK SEMINAR
Theme: 'Intimate Mixing - Bridging the Gap? Catholic Protestant Relationships in N. Ireland'.
Hosted by: NICVA.
Venue: 61 Duncairn Gardens, Belfast.
Date: Tuesday 13th May 2008 (from 12 noon).  Contact NIMMA.
 

TAIZE, PILGRIMAGE OF TRUST - BELFAST 26th APRIL 2008
(Posted April 2008)

An evening for young people aged 15-35 together with Bro Alois, Prior of the Taize Community, Brothers of the Community and local church leaders.

Pilgrimage from St Peter's Cathedral, Falls Road to St Anne's Cathedral, 6-15pm.
Song practice in the Cathedral from 7pm.

Evening of Prayer and Worship in St Anne's Cathedral, 8pm.

Now's your chance to join the famous Taize choir
"A Pilgrimage of Trust organised by the renowned Taize community is on its way to Belfast.  The new prior of Taize, Brother Alois, and some other brothers of the community are coming to a prayer service in Belfast on Saturday April 26 in St Anne's Cathedral at 8pm.  They will be joined by the leaders of our different Church communities in Northern Ireland for this historic gathering.  Hundreds of people from all over Ireland are expected to participate In a similar gathering in the pro-cathedral in Dublin at 8pm on Friday April 25 and in the St Anne's Cathedral service.  Both gatherings will include periods of worship using the music which is a central part of the prayer of the community. The Belfast event will begin with a walk from St Peter's Cathedral to St Anne's Cathedral led by Bishop Tony Farquhar, Bishop Harold Millar and brothers from the Taize community.  Everyone is encouraged to participate in this concrete expression of friendship and peace between the local Church communities, and of the partnership between the two cathedrals in Belfast.  Those who wish to take part in the walk are asked to gather In St Peter's Cathedral for 6pm.  An invitation is also extended to anyone who would like to participate as a member of the Taize choir for the occasion.
Come along to the final rehearsal in the offices of Youthcom, 68 Berry Street, Belfast, at 2.30pm on Saturday April 26."

BRIAN McKEE
Director YouthCom, Belfast

The Taize Community Website

COMMEMMORATING THE PAST - REMEMBERING THE FUTURE:
Responding to a Culture of Commemoration
(Posted January 2008)

A series of six Thursday evening talks
in:
Carrickfergus Town Hall, (Dobbs Room)
commencing:
Thursday 10th January 2008
at
7-30pm

Every country has a culture of commemoration. This may be more obvious in Ireland than many other places, were the different groups in our history of conflict each have their chosen traumas and chosen glories to remember.

With the new and more hopeful phase in our peace process, enhancing confidence and creating the feeling that we are on the way to being at peace with ourselves, will the nature of commemoration change? Within a decade we will commemorate some of the most significant events in modem Irish history and which have affected all of us in different ways. How will we remember in the future? Will the new atmosphere open up a more critical awareness, deconstruct myths, enable us to pick out positive aspects which we might even share and appreciate together?

These are some of the questions that will be asked as we explore six significant events from our past which will be commemorated in a context different from anything before now.


[Click here for complete list of Topics and Dates of Meetings].

NEED A LIFT TO MASS?
(Posted January 2008)

Would you be willing to offer a lift to Mass to someone, or do you know someone who requires a lift, please add names to the appropriate list at the rear of the Church or contact Fr Dillon.

RETROUVAILLE WEEKEND
(Posted January 2008)

If there is little or no communication; if you are thinking of a separation or divorce; if your marriage is breaking your heart or you simply want some support, Retrouvaille might be for you.  It can help you rediscover joy and meaning in your marriage.

The next weekend will take place on:

Friday 22nd -24th February 2008 in Drumalis Conference Centre, Larne.
For further information, contact: Family Ministry  028 9049 2777 (Make that call.  You will be glad you did.)

Click here to visit Retrouvaille Ireland website

Joe and Mary Murphy had been married for 20 years but at least 10 of those had been what Joe describes as "a silent hell". They were full of resentment towards each other, Joe because he felt Mary didn't understand his deep unhappiness, Mary because she felt she had to be strong and hold everything together while Joe moped.  "If we did try to talk, our voices would instantly go up a couple of octaves and in two seconds we'd be heading for a row," says Mary. "Everything was empty and joyless. We had built a wall between us." .................  Click here to read on

INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COURSE
(Posted January 2008)

An Introduction to Community Development Course will start on Wednesday 23th January at 10.00am in the Town Hall Carrickfergus. This is a short course (10 hours in total) giving individuals and groups an introduction to the key skills and concepts of community development. Very worthwhile for all Community Activists.

Any groups or individuals wishing to participate please contact:
Janice Cherry Community Development outreach Officer, Carrickfergus Community Forum,
1 Joymount Carrickfergus Co Antrim BT38 7DQ.

Tel/fax 028 93359777
email: carrickferguscommforum@hotmail.co.uk

GOOD NEWS ONLINE
(Posted December 2007)

Welcome to Goodnews Online, serving the Church in England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland. Read the current online version of the Goodnews magazine - it's packed with news and articles, plus masses of information. 

Read powerful testimonies of lives touched by Jesus and the wonderful things He has done. Visit the Links page, with its ever expanding list of links to other Christian sites. Plus a Prayerline for your prayer requests, and much more...

Click here for Home Page  http://www.ccr.org.uk/
Click here for Articles and Audio teaching files  http://www.ccr.org.uk/archive/index.html
Click here for testimonies  http://www.ccr.org.uk/testimon.htm

Material produced and owned by Catholic Charismatic Renewal.

CULTURAL EVENTS  IN THE GASWORKS
 (Posted January 2008)

The FLAME GASWORKS invites you to an evening of music to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of DONAGHADEE MALE VOICE CHOIR on Monday 28th January at 7.30pm.

Tickets will be on a first come, first served basis only.
As audience capacity is limited it will only be those in possession of a ticket that will be admitted.

As this is a free event a donation would be appreciated.

Tickets available from: FLAME A 44 Irish Quarter West, Carrickfergus, Co. Antrim, BT38 8AT.
For enquiries contact Sharon:
Tel:  028 9336 9575
Email: info@flamegasworks.co.uk

The CARRICKFERGUS SLOW SESSION with guests hammered out the tunes at the Annual Gasworks Christmas Get-together 2007 in the Gasworks, 44 Irish Quarter West, Carrickfergus.  It was an open door and the usual Christmas refreshments were enjoyed along with some good music in the excellent festive surroundings provided by Carrickfergus Gasworks.

Click here for Flame! The Gasworks Museum of Ireland
Click here for a Gasworks location map.

ANNUAL PARISH MASS FOR THE BEREAVED
(Posted October 2006)

for the families and friends of all those who died, especially in the past year, will be held on Friday
14th December at 7-00pm in St Nicholas' Carrickfergus.   There will be light refreshments in the community centre after the Mass.

The event is being organised by the Parish Bereavement Support Group.

ST NICHOLAS' PRIMARY SCHOOL DECEMBER EVENTS
(Posted November 2007)

St Nicholas’ Primary School Christmas Fair Sun 25 November.
Face painting, Santa, Tombola, Cake stall, Seasonal crafts and gifts ……………

Open Day
Wednesday 5th December 9.30 - 10.30am and 7.00 - 8.30pm

Carol Service
Monday 10th December at 7.00pm

A wide range of activities, clubs and classes will be taking place at the school.
Click here for full details of the EXTENDED SCHOOL PROGRAMME

CARRICKFERGUS JOURNEY IN UNDERSTANDING
 (Posted October 2007)

AUTUMN 2007
You are probably well aware by now that 2007 marks the 400th anniversary of what has become know as the ‘Flight of the Earls’, which is seen by many to mark the end of Gaelic Ireland as a distinct political system. Many events have been held across the country particularly west of the Bann to commemorate this event. Carrickfergus, has a strong but largely overlooked historical connection with the Flight of the Earls through the person of Sir Arthur Chichester, one time Governor of Carrickfergus and Lord Deputy of Ireland
[Read more].

[Click here for Poster]

Not to be left out, the Carrickfergus Journey in Understanding Group invited Dr John McCavitt, author, historian, and leading authority on both the Flight of the Earls and the life of Sir Arthur Chichester, to Carrickfergus, to give a presentation entitled:-

'A clash of Cultures - Sir Arthur Chichester and the Flight of the Earls 1607’
The venue was:
Carrickfergus Town Hall
on
Thursday 29th November 2007
at
8pm.

Dr McCavitt has been much in demand in this anniversary year and has acted as an historical adviser on the Flight of the Earls to both the BBC and the Ulster Scots Agency. Using images from his most recently published book, ‘The Flight of the Earls an Illustrated History’, he gave a fully illustrated presentation. Carrickfergus Town Hall is a particularly appropriate venue, standing as it does, practically on the site of Joymount Palace, Chichester’s Jacobean Mansion which in turn was built on the site of a former Franciscan friary. Unfortunately the mansion no longer exists today.

FR MICHAEL COSGROVE - PLAQUE UNVEILED IN MEMORY
(Posted November 2007)

A plaque was unveiled in memory of former parish priest, Fr Michael Cosgrove.  This took place after Mass on Sunday 25th November 2007 in the presence of family, friends and parishioners.

Fr Michael Cosgrove
Former parish priest, Carrickfergus
  from 1997- 2005

HARVEST SUNDAY - OCTOBER 2007
(Posted October 2007)

The Harvest Festival used to be celebrated at the beginning of the Harvest season in August and was called Lammas, meaning 'loaf Mass'. Farmers made loaves of bread from the new wheat crop and gave them to their local church. They were then used as the Communion bread during a special mass thanking God for the Harvest. The custom died out in the Catholic tradition at the time of the Reformation.  Nowadays churches have harvest festivals at the end of the Harvest season.

Last year the parish revived the celebration of Harvest at Sunday Mass, making it a special time to focus on God's wonderful provision and mindful that really there is nothing that we can give God that He has not already given us.

This year again parishioners donated fruit and vegetables for the wonderful display put together by a team of hard working volunteers.  The fruit was given out to the children at the end of Mass and any access will be distributed by the St Vincent de Paul to needy places.

See Photographs

"The earth is the Lord's,
 and everything in it ...."
Psalm 24
 

CHOICE WEEKEND - 3rd / 5th NOVEMBER 2007
(Posted October 2007)

Choice Weekend in Drumalis Retreat Centre will take place on 3rd/5th November 2007. 

CHOICE - If you are single, aged between 20 - 45 and keen to share your faith and life experiences with others in a friendly atmosphere, as well as making new friends, then CHOICE is for you.

CHOICE seeks to give a sense of belonging, meaning and purpose to life. In a relaxed and friendly atmosphere of TRUST and OPENNESS, each one can experience his or her uniqueness and self worth.

CHOICE looks at the fundamental triangle of relationships that we all have - with ourselves, with others and with God.

Information from parish contact, Mary McAuley Tel: 028 93 378917
or TEL: 028 28272196 or email: drumalis@btconnect.com

CHOICE - Faith and Fun can go together.

FOCUSING WORKSHOP - 13th/14th OCTOBER
(Posted October 2007)

A gentle and safe way to be with how we experience the whole of life at any given moment.

A two-day workshop:
13th and 14th October, 10am - 4.30pm
Conference Room 120 Cliftonville Road (in the grounds of the Poor Clare Convent)
Cost £60.

For more information ring Margaret Maguire 028 90772842
or email: margaret@daneo.org

Visit website: Daneo Human & Spiritual Development Services, Belfast

SERDECZNIE WITAMY
(Posted September 2007)

Goraco witamy naszych nowych Polskich uczniow oraz Oktawiana I Nicole w St. Nicholas’ Primary Shool. Chcielibysmy zapewnic Panstwa, ze robimy wszystko co w naszej mocy by dostarczyc waszym dzieciom Katolickiej Edukacji na najwyzszym poziomie, w przytulnym oraz bezpiecznym otoczeniu. Stanowimy wspaniala szkole, w ktorej wszystkie dzieci osiagaja swietne rezultaty. Jestesmy swiadomi tego, ze coraz wiecej Polakow osiedla sie w Carrickfergus, dlatego tez chcielibysmy zachecic Panstwa do postrzegania naszej szkoly jako najlepsze miejsce edukacji dla Polskich dzieci. Aby uzyskac wiecej informacji prosze o zapoznanie sie z zalaczona broszura I skontaktowanie sie z Pania

Dyrektor: Mrs Bronagh Mc Veigh.

Szkola Podstawowa, St. Nicholas’ Primary School
Minorca Place
Carrickfergus
BT 38 8AU
Tel: 028 93 351149

Web address: www.adream.tv/{ wybierz Search, a nastepnie wpisz St. Nicholas’}

Specjalna msza odbedzie sie w Niedziele, 4 pazdziernika o godzinie 12.00, na ktora serdecznie zapraszamy naszych Polskich uczniow z rodzinami oraz przyjaciolmi.

LATIN / BALLROOM DANCING
(Posted June 2007)

It is hoped to start a class in Latin/Ballroom dancing in the parish commencing Monday 1st October 2007.  Those interested in joining please contact:

Ursula Kelly
Tel:  028 93369727 or
Email: ursulaakelly@hotmail.com

BEGINNERS GUITAR, TIN WHISTLE, BODHRAN CLASSES - FREE!
(Posted August 2007)

Interested in learning to play Guitar, Tin Whistle, or Bodhran?

Then good news!  FREE CLASSES will run this Autumn on Tuesday evenings, starting on Tuesday 11th September, from 7pm until 9pm in Sunnylands Community Centre.

If interested contact tutor: Lee Martin, Tel. No. 028 91 857716 or parish contact: Patsy Bell 028 93360926.

CARRICKFERGUS JOURNEY IN UNDERSTANDING - AGM
 (Posted September 2007)

The Carrickfergus Journey in Understanding Annual General Meeting will be held on Saturday 29th September 2007 at 9am in Gateway Church, Governor's Place, Carrickfergus. Everyone welcome. Morning coffee available.

Keep in touch at website  www.carrickfergusjiu.org

CARRICKFERGUS COMMUNITY FORUM
(Posted September 2007)
 

The Parish has a community development group registered with the Carrickfergus Community Forum, the structure of which is currently under review.  More information on this to follow.

Benefits of membership include:- Free membership; Funding Advice/Sources; Administration support (photocopying, IT facilities etc.); Regular Mailing/Monthly Newsletter; Information Sharing; Training Courses/Workshops; Community Site Visits; Leadership Development.

Click here for LATEST COMMUNITY FORUM NEWSLETTER

ST NICHOLAS' GOES HI TECH
(Posted June 2007)

An excellent new resource in the form of a new large screen and data projector has been installed in St Nicholas'.  This will bring help bring the Sunday Mass and other liturgical events into the 21st Century by enhancing the congregation's participation in the worship.  It will also provide the priest with a valuable tool for proclaiming the gospel message in a way very much in keeping with our modern age of communication.

ECO-CONGREGATION-IRELAND
(Posted October 2007)

Eco-Congregation aims to encourage churches to celebrate the gift of God's creation, to recognize the interdependence of all creation, and to care for it in their life and mission and through the members' personal lifestyles.  Eco-Congregation Ireland has been developed in co-operation with four churches – the Church of Ireland, the Methodist Church in Ireland, the Presbyterian Church in Ireland and the Roman Catholic Church – whose ecological representatives are in touch with the many groups operating in Britain and Europe.  The programme is available to all parishes with a keen interest in environmental issues and offers resources and support to help them to take practical action in the context of their Christian faith.

See http://ecocongregationireland.org/

What is Christian Ecology Link ?

Christian Ecology Link:
Offers insights into ecology and the environment to Christian people and churches.
Offers Christian insights to the Green movement.
Works for a Greener Church.

 We are responsible for our impact on God's creation as a whole. CEL helps members to understand and relate these responsibilities to their faith. Members can then encourage others in their local church to think seriously about these issues.

Contact:
CEL Information Officer: 3, Bond Street, Lancaster, LA1 3ER, UK.
Tel: +44 (0)1524 33858
Email: info@christian-ecology.org.uk

If you would be interested in joining a small group of people to examine how the parish might be more energy efficient and environmentally friendly, please contact Fr Dillon.

Check out the amazing resources at:
Christian Ecology Link Website
Christian Ecology Link - Catholic Team Page 
Daily Prayer Guide for the Environment

CHRIST IN A WORLD OF MANY FAITHS
AUTUMN COURSE, IRISH SCHOOL OF ECUMENICS,  ANTRIM RD, BELFAST
(Posted September 2007)

Who is Jesus in a world of many faiths and what is mission about in this context?
How do we experience and understand salvation in a world where God is not limited by our formulations, definitions and institutions ?
What is the Spirit saying to the peoples of the world ?

These are inescapable 21st century questions which this course will seek to address. They have implications for the way we will deal with racism, sectarianism, violence, poverty and environmental destruction. Education For Reconciliation
 

A 10 session course from 24th September 2007- 3rd December 2007
from 7.30p.m. — 9.30p.m.
Course Co-ordinator: Rev Dr Johnston McMaster

Click here for more information and enrolment details.  No Fee for course.

Lion and Lamb Magazine - Click here to read Current Issue online

Click  p.s. for some interesting comment on current affairs.

 

BELFAST LOUGH SAILABILITY
(Posted September 2007)

 

CARRICKFERGUS WOMENS' FORUM - AUTUMN PROGRAMME 2007
(Posted September 2007)

The Carrickfergus Womens' Forum have released details of their extensive programme courses for Autumn 2007.

Click here for Programme details

Website:  www.CFWF.org.uk
Email: carrickferguswomensforum@yahoo.co.uk


 

NIMMA - STRONG OBJECTIONS, STRONGER LOVE
(Posted July 2007)

The Northern Ireland Mixed Marriage Association
(Support for couples and families).
Newcomers most welcome.   Tel: 028 90235444

The NIMMA website
Mixed Marriages in N. Ireland - Threat or Opportunity?
Christian/Muslim marriage support group

Click here for NIMMA Newsletter October 2007

Accord Pre Marriage Courses for Mixed Couples
Comfort Hotel,  Antrim.
Next Date: Saturday 17 November 2007
Tel: 028 38 334781

The following is extracted from the Tablet of 12th May 2007.
"After his first audience with Pope Benedict XVI in Rome, the leader of the Lutheran Church in Germany, Bishop Wolfgan Huber, told journalists that the Pope had assured him, for the Catholic Church, dialogue with the Protestant Churches was as important as with the Orthodox Churches.  The emphasis of the leaders' discussion had been on what their two Churches shared, Bishop Huber said. They both agreed that differences between their two Churches should not be levelled out, and that it was more important to speak out clearly ` on what our common task and the common crux of our Christian faith is'.  
Bishop Huber said the Lutheran Church considered it more important for mixed-marriage couples to be able to share Communion than first solving the two Churches' different understanding of ordination and priestly office.  The Pope had assured him that he fully realised the urgency of this problem and that a solution must be sought `in all humility'. Bishop Huber said he understood this to mean that the Pope was `open to new insights'."

(Pope Benedict XVI, Warsaw, 2006)
'The decision [to enter an interchurch marriage] can lead to the formation of a practical laboratory of unity. For this to happen there is need for mutual goodwill, understanding and maturity of faith in both partners, and also in the communities from which they come. ... My wish is that in this delicate area reciprocal trust and cooperation between the churches may grow, fully respecting the rights and responsibilities of the spouses for the faith formation of their own family and the education of their children.'
The above quote highlights the ecumenical potential of Christians marrying across the denominational divide. In his address Pope Benedict reaffirms the rights and responsibilities of each spouse and the corresponding responsibilities of the churches to respect the unity of the marriage. There was also papal encouragement for joint pastoral care of the couple. This teaching reinforces the earlier comments by Pope John-Paul II in Un Unum Sint in 1995 and the input in 1995 to the Pontifical Council by the Interchurch Families Network of which NIMMA is an active member.

N.I. COMMUNITY RELATIONS COUNCIL EVENTS BULLETIN
(Posted September 2007)

YOUTH CENTRE - BUS TRIP TO DONEGAL - 26th AUGUST
(Posted June 2007)

Bus trip to Donegal, 26th August 2007.
Open to all members.  APPLICATION FORMS MUST BE RETURNED BEFORE 26th JUNE.
Non-members will be invited if any places remain.  For further information call into the Youth Centre on Thursdays from 7-30pm - 9-30pm.

Contact Pat Clarke 028 93 351288.

ANNUAL FAMILY FOOTBALL CHALLENGE  2007
(Posted June 2007)

'St Nicholas' Reunited 'Family World Cup' was held on Saturday 1st September 2007 and included an evening celebration in the Clarion Hotel. 



Click here for Photographs

TRADITIONAL MUSIC - LEARN TO PLAY
Visit the East Antrim Traditional Music School website to get details of classes that commence again in September 2007.   Click here: www.eatms.co.uk
 

CARRICKFERGUS 'SLOW SESSIONS' IN THE GASWORKS
(Posted January 2007)

A 'Slow Session' is running in Carrickfergus and is currently held about once every three weeks.  This is for new players but not absolute beginners.  In other words, it is not a class.  Rather it is for those who are learning to play and are ready to try playing along with others in a session situation.

The following dates have been set for the Slow Session in the Gasworks:
(1)  Friday 14th September 2007
(2)  Friday 5th Octocer 2007
(3)  Friday 26th October 2007
(4)  Friday 16th November 2007
(5)  Friday 7th December 2007
Starting Time is 8pm

For a location map for the Gasworks click here
For more information etc. contact:  Martin Murray.  Tel: 07815081714
Carrickfergus Slow Session is an initiative of the East Antrim Traditional Music School.

COMHALTAS
See: 
Click here for National Comhaltas website
Click here for nearest Comhaltas branch (Belfast).

'CARRICKFERGUS TOGETHER IN TIME'
Traditional Arts Festival 2007
11th -16th June
(Posted April 2007)  

Following on last year’s successful event, the ‘Carrickfergus Together in Time’ Traditional Music Festival will take place during the week of 11th – 17th June 2007.

Click here for festival website: www.togetherintime.co.uk

This year it is hoped it will be bigger and better. The main events will be concerts in the Civic Centre on Friday 15th and Saturday 16th June. There will also be a number of musical instrument workshops and a Set Dancing workshop held all day Saturday 16th June. All this along with a wide variety of sessions, outdoor music events and historical talks throughout the week in a number of town centre venues.

So don’t book your holidays for that week in June as the place to be will is Carrickfergus. Also watch this space for more details soon.

Last Year's Event  Carrickfergus - The Session 2006
A traditional music, cross-cultural event organised by the Carrickfergus Journey in Understanding Group with assistance from the East Antrim Traditional Music School, entitled 'Carrickfergus - The Session' was held in Carrickfergus Civic Centre, Antrim Street on the weekend of 26th - 27th May 2006.   It consisted of, musically illustrated talks on Friday evening and Saturday afternoon, along with a concert/session on Saturday evening. 
Click here for PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE 2006 EVENT
The event was supported by the Ulster Scots Agency and by Carrickfergus Borough Council.

 

Click on Image for more details

CARRICKFERGUS JOURNEY IN UNDERSTANDING 2007.
(First Posted January 2007)

What is still to come? ..................


Part 6
This is the last part of this year's programme before the summer break!
A UNITED LITURGY OF PRAYER
Tues.5th June,  8.00pm
Gateway Church, Governors Place
A united liturgy and prayer for community healing (with our local clergy)

This year's journey so far ..................

This year the theme is 'Walking through Carrick's History - Healing Past Community Hurts'.  The plan is to have only one meeting per month between January and June 2007.  There are two parts, the Historical journey and the Healing journey.

The Historical Journey started in the Dobbs Room of Carrickfergus Town Hall on Tuesday 23rd January 2007.  Around 80 people attended each of the first two events.  The speaker was the historian Jonathan Bardon, creator of ‘A short History of Ulster in 240 episodes’ which ran weekly on BBC Radio Ulster.  On the first evening held in January, Jonathan spoke on the history of Carrickfergus in its wider Irish Context.  Then in February he concentrated on the more local aspects of Carrick’s history.

CHURCHES HISTORY TOUR - Saturday 24 March 
The third event in the journey, was an historical walk around some of Carrick’s town centre churches.  It included visits to St Nicholas’ Church of Ireland, First  Presbyterian Church North Street, St Nicholas’ R.C. Church in Minorca Place and Gateway Church in Governor’s Place.   A blue badge historical guide, Mr John O’McIllvenna led the tour.  
Around 40 people gathered at the Civic Centre in Antrim Street at 10am for a brief talk in the Education Room before heading out.  The tour ended in Gateway Church with some light refreshments.

'THE TROUBLES - THE COMMUNITY IMPACT ON CARRICKFERGUS'
Tuesday 24th April 
Carrickfergus Town Hall
Cll. Sean Neeson (MLA) and Cll. Billy Hamilton recalled their personal journeys through the dark years of the Troubles and reflected on the impact of 'the troubles' on Carrickfergus. 
Faciliated by Mr Derek Poole, from Centre for Contemporary Christianity in Ireland.

PART 5
A JOURNEY TOWARDS COMMUNITY HEALING
Tuesday 8th May,  8.00pm
Gateway Church, Governors Place

Identifying with PAST community hurts
Confronting PRESENT fears
Redeeming our FUTURE

with international speaker:-
Ps. Roger Mitchell.
Author and consultant on community reconciliation. Currently doing a doctoral research at Lancaster University.


Click the link above for the full programme.
See Journey in Understanding 2007 - Programme (pdf format)


Visit the CARRICKFERGUS JOURNEY IN UNDERSTANDING WEBSITE
 

PENTECOST SUNDAY - PARISH BBQ
(Posted May 2007)

Fr Dillon would like to invite YOU to a BBQ to be held after Mass in Carrickfergus in the Church grounds on Pentecost Sunday, 27th May.

You may want to make an afternoon of it and head down to the Castle green afterwards.  See Global Day of Prayer Notice below.

Also 'Come Holy Spirit' event in St Gerard's Community Centre in the evening.  See invite below.

ST NICHOLAS' PRIMARY SCHOOL SCHOOL OPENS ITS DOORS FOR
CLUBS AND SOCIETIES
(Posted May2007)

St Nicholas' Primary School is keen to open the school to the parish community. 
If you are interested in running a club or society (eg. dancing, music, flower arranging, knitting circle, etc.) or if you have any further suggestions please contact Miss McGillan 02893 351149
 

INTERDENOMINATIONAL PRAYER FOR CARRICK
(Posted March2007)

'Prayer for Carrick' is a monthly inter-denominational meeting focusing on Christian unity and intercessory prayer for the Carrickfergus area. It seeks to provide a space where people can come together to build relationship and pray, with no agenda other than to honour God and to pray for needs of our community, country and world.

For the last meeting before the summer break 'Prayer for Carrick' will joint with 'Carrick Journey in Understanding for a special event.  It will be a UNITED LITURGY OF PRAYER FOR COMMUNITY HEALING.  This will take place on Tuesday 5th June at 8.00pm in Gateway Church, Governors Place, Carrickfergus.

For more information and news of other meetings see:
'Prayer for Carrick' - latest Newsletter (Microsoft Word doc)

"Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you... Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper"' (Jeremiah 29:5-7)

CARRICKFERGUS, OUR TOWN
(Posted February 2007)

St Nicholas' Reunited will conclude their Peace II funded Families Together project on Saturday 24th February from 6.00pm to 11.00pm. Entitled 'Carrickfergus, Our Town', the venue is Carrickfergus Castle and the speaker is archaeologist and historian, Rauri O' Baoille.

A few places may still be available.
Contact 9336 9471

HISTORY OF PARISH  (March 2003)
'A Short History of the Parish', compiled by Mr Hugh Donnelly of Greenisland,
up to now only available in hardcopy, is now available online within this website. 
Our thanks to Hugh for all his hard work in providing us with this priceless record of the journey of the people of the parish here in the Borough of Carrickfergus down through the centuries.
Click the 'History' button from the list of website contents or (Click here)
See also 'The Old Chapel'
 

WHY SING AT MASS?
(Posted November 2006)

Since the dawn of time human beings have striven to relate to their maker and to offer worship. 
Worship is our deepest calling as human beings - a vital part of what it is to be human.  It is the stance of the creature towards its creator.  Read more .....

For further information contact Fr Dillon 02893 363269

There will be a meeting for parents of P4 children in the parish on Monday 25th of September at 7.30pm in church (Carrick).  It is an information evening about the new programme.



Parents of  P4 children from all the schools within in the parish are invited and encouraged to attend.

Lion and Lamb Magazine - Click here to read Current Issue online

Click  p.s. for some interesting comment on current affairs.

 

You can sign up at the back of the Church, or just meet up here in St Nicholas' on Sunday 18th March at 9-30am sharp, for a short commissioning prayer, before we split into groups to visit the other Churches.
 

PARISH ST PATRICK'S NIGHT PARTY
(Posted March2007)

The Annual ST PATRICK'S FAMILY NIGHT will take place on Friday 16th march in St. Nicholas' Parish Community Centre from 8pm.  Admission Adults £5, Children OAPs £3.  Includes Irish Stew Supper.  Bring your own refreshments.  Tickets available from committee members.

Click here for poster
Click here for photographs

ST PATRICK'S WEEKEND CELEBRATIONS
(Posted February2007)

The Annual ST PATRICK'S NIGHT FAMILY DANCE will take place on Friday 16th march in St. Nicholas' Parish Community Centre. More details to follow.
Click here for photographs

Also, Looking for somewhere to go on St Patrick's Day?  We can recommend:
Saint Patrick’s Day Pageant, Armagh
‘PATRICK, IN HIS OWN WORDS’
Live entertainment begins on the outdoor stage at 12.30pm when surrounding restaurants will be serving a special Saint Patrick’s day lunch menu.  ‘Patrick - In his own words’, is staged as an historical Pageant. The Roman soldiers march into Market Square behind the Library and the performance begins on large outdoor stages facing up the hill towards St. Patrick’s Cathedral (Church of Ireland). Covered seating and some heated areas will accommodate the audience but most will be out in the open, up close and personal with the marching soldiers, charging Irish raiders, escaping brigands, and hard working stone masons. As the setting becomes part of the story the audience are drawn back in time to the earliest beginnings of Armagh. 

A Joint service will be conducted between both the Catholic and Church of Ireland Cathedrals as part of this celebration.  And Church Primates will lead the way in the Spirit of Patrick.  Following his enthronement on the 16th March in Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, Archbishop Alan Harper will join with Archbishop Brady to watch ‘‘PATRICK, IN HIS OWN WORDS’ ’.  The two Archbishops have agreed to open the event, and to lead the public off from it into their own joint celebrations.’

‘In the Spirit of Patrick’ starts in the COI cathedral, and through a joint walk proceeds, later on, to the RC cathedral.   It will be topped off by the historic skyline fireworks display at 8.30pm.  This mix of history, culture, faith and fun joins all the elements for which Armagh is unique, not only as the City of Patrick, but as a place that actually celebrates the man who’s saints day is the most celebrated the world over.
 
Venue Market Square, Armagh
Time 2.30pm - 5.00pm with a short interval
Admission Free

Contact Tourist Information Centre 028 3752 1800

Click here to read poster

FR MICHAEL COSGROVE - REST IN PEACE
(Posted November 2006)