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Latest Parish News
60th Anniversary of the Opening of Our Lady of the Assumption Church
Michael English Church Concert Friday 19th June 2026.
Tickets are now available from The Parish Shop, Sacristy, Parish Office and Eventbrite App at £30.
Holy Week and Easter Arrangements 2026
Holy Week
A Sacred Journey of Faith
Holy Week is the most sacred time in the Christian calendar, marking the final days of Lent and inviting us to reflect deeply on the Passion, death, and Resurrection of Our Lord, Jesus Christ. This holy week begins with Palm Sunday and reaches its joyful culmination on Easter Sunday (29th March – 5th April 2026). Throughout these days, the Church gathers in prayer, reverence, and hope, walking with Christ through His final journey on earth.
The Days of Holy Week
🌿 Palm Sunday
We begin Holy Week by recalling Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Palms are blessed and carried in procession, reminding us of the crowds who welcomed Him with joy and praise.
🕊️ Holy Wednesday (Spy Wednesday)
This day invites quiet reflection on the betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot. It is a time to turn inward, reflecting on our own faithfulness and response to Christ’s call.
🍞 Holy Thursday
We commemorate the Last Supper, where Jesus gave us the gift of the Eucharist. Many parishes also include the Washing of Feet, a powerful symbol of service, humility, and love.
✝️ Good Friday
The most solemn day of the Church year, when we remember the suffering and death of Jesus on the Cross. Through prayer, fasting, and the Stations of the Cross, we unite ourselves with His sacrifice.
🕯️ Holy Saturday
A day of stillness and waiting, as we reflect on Christ resting in the tomb. The silence of this day prepares us for the great joy of the Easter Vigil, when light overcomes darkness.
🌅 Easter Sunday
With great joy, we celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ — the victory of life over death. It is a day of hope, renewal, and rejoicing, shared in worship and with family.
A Time to Reflect and Renew
Holy Week is not simply a remembrance of past events, but an invitation to deepen our faith. As we journey through these sacred days, we are called to prayer, reflection, and renewal — walking more closely with Christ and preparing our hearts for the joy of Easter.
PALM SUNDAY | 28 Mar | 6pm Vigil Mass |
PALM SUNDAY | 29 Mar | 11:30am Morning Mass |
HOLY THURSDAY | 2 Apr | 7pm Mass of the Lord’s Supper |
HOLY THURSDAY | 2 Apr | 8pm Adoration at Altar of Repose |
HOLY THURSDAY | 2 Apr | 8.30pm Night Prayer |
GOOD FRIDAY | 3 Apr | 12pm Stations of the Cross (Bryansford) |
GOOD FRIDAY | 3 Apr | 3pm Solemn Celebration of the Lord’s Passion |
GOOD FRIDAY | 3 Apr | 7pm Stations of the Cross (JP II Award). |
HOLY SATURDAY | 4 Apr | 8pm Easter Vigil of the Lord’s Resurrection. |
EASTER SUNDAY | 5 Apr | 9am & 11.30am Morning Mass |
INDIVIDUAL CONFESSION | 30 Mar | From 10.30am - 11:00am (after Mass) |
INDIVIDUAL CONFESSION | 31 Mar | From 10.30am - 11:00am (after Mass) |
INDIVIDUAL CONFESSION | 4 Apr | From 12pm - 1pm |
MASS TIMES AND LITURGIES
Sunday Masses
Saturday 6:00pm Vigil
Sunday 11:30am Family Mass
Weekday Masses
Monday 10:00 AM
Tuesday 10:00 AM
Thursday 10:00 AM
Friday 10:00 AM
Liturgy of The Word
with Holy Communion
Wednesday 10:00 AM
Saturday 10:00 AM
Individual Confessions
1st and 3rd Saturday of the month
from 3.30 - 4pm
PARISH CALENDAR
PARISH CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2026
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Thursday, 5 March, 2026
First Confession (St. Mary's Primary)
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Friday, 13 March, 2026
First Confession (St. Joseph's
Primary)
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Thursday, 2 April, 2026
Holy Thursday
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Friday, 3 April, 2026
Good Friday
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Saturday, 4 April, 2026
Holy Saturday
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Sunday, 5 April, 2026
Easter Sunday
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Friday, 17 April, 2026
Confirmation for Primary 7 pupils
from St Mary’s, St Joseph’s,
St Patrick’s, Newcastle Primary
and All Children’s Integrated
Primary Schools.
Our Lady of the Assumption Church
at 11:30 am
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Friday, 1 May 2026
First Holy Communion (St. Mary's
Primary)
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Friday, 8 May 2026
First Holy Communion (St. Patrick's
Primary, All Children's Primary &
Newcastle Primary)
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Friday, 15 May 2026
First Holy Communion (St. Joseph's
Primary)
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Sunday, 31 May 2026
Cemetery Sunday Newcastle
& Bryansford
THIS MONTH'S PARISH DRAW
Thank you for your continued support of this important source of Parish income. This year’s Parish Draw will begin again this month of March. Parish Draw envelopes are available at the Church porch or from your promoter.
Please complete your entry details and return the envelopes by placing it in the Church collection boxes or in the post box outside the Parochial House.
We are also very grateful to those who continue to contribute by standing order. Your ongoing generosity is sincerely appreciated.
The first draw has to begin on Thursday, 26 March 2020. However, as some promoters have not yet been able to return their collection into the Parish Office, the first draw will be postponed. The draw will now take place at the end of April, when both the first and second draw will be held.
We thank you for your understanding and your continued support of the Parish through this important source of income.
A MESSAGE FROM THE PARISH WELCOME GROUP
We extend a sincere welcome to all our parishioners Especially those who live alone or just feeling lonely Or those of you who feel marginalised, Whilst enduring the pain of isolation. We extend a heartfelt welcome to the bereaved, Hoping you find peace, healing and sanctum, In our Church, Whether attending Mass or lighting A solitary candle. We extend a welcome to you , if you are just out of bed, Or just out of prison and have not seen the inside of a church, for twenty years …. or more. We welcome all who are young And those who are not so young, Who feel religion has been forced on them, Or have a problem with 'organised' religion. We extend a very warm welcome to those of you Living here, far away from your homeland, Or on holiday, Where the Mountain of Mourne Really do sweep down to the sea! We especially extend a welcome to the little ones, From the babies in arms, to the lively toddlers, As Jesus himself said, "suffer little children to come onto me" And remember, these little children will one day, inherit the Earth.
