NEW TO THE PARISH | parishofmaghera

Ways to Register as a Parishioner

A WARM WELCOME TO THE PARISH OF MAGHERA

Situated at the foot of Slieve Donard the parish enjoys some of, if not the best, scenery in Ireland - where the Mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea. St. Donard was a follower of St. Patrick. He built a church "Rath Muirbuilc", now called Maghera, at the foot of the mountain near the sea, but he also had an oratory on the very summit of the mountain. His death is given as 507 AD. There has been a faith community in this part of County Down since the 6th century.

We welcome those 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.

Obtain a Welcome Booklet in the Parish Office, complete the registration form and return it to the Parish Office, Parochial House, 24 Downs Road, Newcastle, BT33 0AG. Alternatively place your completed registration form in the collection basket.

Phone the Parish Office, 028 437 22401 and request a Welcome Booklet and registration form be posted or emailed to you

Drop into the Parish Office located in the Parochial House, 24 Downs Road, Newcastle, BT33 0AG (opening hours 10:00 am to 1:00 pm Tuesday - Friday) and obtain the Welcome Booklet and registration form.

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 intimidating:

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 the Masses?

Sunday Masses:

Our Lady of the Assumption Church, Newcastle

Sunday - (Vigil Mass - Saturday 6.00 pm) 11:30 AM

St. Patrick's Church, Bryansford

For private prayer from 10am -5pm.

Weddings can be arranged with Fr Jim

Weekday Masses:

Our Lady of the Assumption Church, Newcastle

Monday - 10:00 AM
Tuesday - 10:00 AM
Thursday - 10:00 AM
Friday - 10:00 AM

Liturgy of the Word with Holy Communion

Our Lady of the Assumption Church, Newcastle

Wednesday and Saturday 10.00 AM

When is confession available?

Our Lady of The Assumption, Newcastle - Saturday 1st & 3rd 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?

Parking is available immediately adjacent to both churches.

Where do my 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.

I’m not Catholic ... is it okay for me 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! For those who are hearing impaired, we have special hearing devices that you can wear that will allow you to control the volume. If you think this would be beneficial to you, please ask one of the ushers located at the back of the church to provide you with a headset.