There has been a faith community in this part of County Down since the 6th century.
We welcome parishioners who have recently joined our Parish. We encourage those who are interested in learning more about the Parish of Maghera to contact the Parish Office, 028 437 22401, view our website and prayerfully consider joining our faith community.
MINISTERIES
This is a Parish where involvement at all levels and in all ministries is actively encouraged. Indeed, the Parish functions well simply because so many people are prepared to participate in whatever way they can. This is a community marked by a sense of welcome and belonging, a spirit of caring and concern.
The Parish Priest and people of the Parish, extend a particularly warm welcome to parishioners who are new to the Parish and those who visit us in the summer months. We are here to work with you and we hope that you will be a part of all that we do together.
We recognise that God has blessed each of us with various gifts that we can offer to a ministry in our community as we strive to build up His kingdom here on earth. As we work together toward this goal, we encourage Parishioners to serve in one of our many ministries. Just as we encourage our Parish family members to serve in a ministry, we also ask to be informed of any special needs you may have. We want you to feel welcome and to know that you are a very important part of our parish mission!
The Parish has established a Welcoming Group for new parishioners. If you wish, a member of the Welcoming Group will call for a chat.
VISITING A NEW CHURCH CAN BE INTIMIDATIING
What should I wear? Where do I park? Where do my kids go? We understand the many thoughts that can come from visiting a new church, so we want you to feel completely comfortable when you visit. Below are some frequently asked questions. If you have any additional questions, don't hesitate to contact us or talk with an usher when you visit.
WHAT TIME ARE SUNDAY AND WEEKDAY MASSES?
All Sunday and Weekday Masses are held in Our Lady of the Assumption Church Newcastle.
Sunday Masses
Saturday Vigil 6.00 pm
Sunday 11:30 AM
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 and Saturday 10.00 AM
WHEN IS CONFESSION AVAILABLE?
Our Lady of The Assumption, Newcastle - 1st & 3rd Saturday of each month between 3.30-4pm
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
We want you to feel comfortable. After all, we are thrilled that you're joining us and want you to be more focused on the service than what you're wearing. In the summertime, it's not uncommon to see people wearing sandals, shorts, and a shirt. Others prefer to still put on their "Sunday best," and that's fine too! However, we do request that shorts be of a conservative length (no “short-shorts”) and that in general, clothing be respectable and conservative.
HOW DO I GET TO THE PARISH CHURCHES?
Our Lady of The Assumption is located on Downs Road, Newcastle, Co. Down
St. Patrick's Church is located on Ballyhafry Road, Bryansford - approximately 2 miles from Newcastle.
WHERE SHOULD I PARK?
A public carpark is available immediately adjacent to Our Lady of The Assumption Church. A carpark belonging to the Church is available immediately adjacent to St. Patrick's Church in Bryansford
WHERE DO CHILDREN GO?
We believe it is important for children of all ages to attend mass with their families. Therefore, we do not offer separate children’s services. A “crying chapel” is located in Our Lady of The Assumption Church, which has large windows and a sound system to allow you to hear and participate in the Mass.
The 11:30 AM Mass on Sunday in Our Lady of The Assumption Church is the family Mass. A Children's Liturgy is offered for children attending primary school. This liturgy takes place in the adjacent Parish Centre and children return to Mass after the homily. Please register for your child/children to attend the Children's Liturgy. The registration form is available in the forms section of this website and are also available in the porch of Our Lady of The Assumption Church in Newcastle
I'M NOT A CATHOLIC, IS IT OKAY TO PARTICIPATE IN COMMUNION?
Communion, or The Eucharist, is the most intimate expression of our faith. Catholics believe that the host is literally the body of Christ, transformed from bread by the priest presiding over the service. Most evangelicals think of Communion as symbolic, so it makes sense that they are not as strict about having the right relationship to it as Catholics and Orthodox Christians who believe it is a sacrament and the true presence of Christ. So, if you are not Catholic, we ask that you not receive communion. However, those not receiving the Body of Christ and Precious blood are invited to come forward with their hands crossed over their chests for a special blessing.
AM I EXPECTED TO PUT MONEY IN THE OFFERING?
If you are visiting with us, we don't expect you to put money in the offering, and you are welcome to just let it pass you by. If you consider the Parish of Maghera your church Parish, we'd love for you to prayerfully consider giving on a weekly basis.
I HAVE A HEARING PROBLEM, IS THERE ANY SPECIAL ASSISTANCE?
Yes! We have a loop system Our Lady of The Assumption Church. Regettably we do not have headsets to give to parishioners with a hearing impairment.
REFRESHMENTS AFTER MASS
Tea/Coffee is served in the Coffee Shop in the Parish Centre after weekday Mass and after 11:30 Mass on Sunday. Please come along as it is a great opportunity to meet other parishioners.