Hannahstown Parish
St Joseph’s Church, Hannahstown Hill and St Peter’s Church, The Rock
NO MASSES UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
Dear Parishioners,
As we gathered in our Churches last Sunday, none of us could have envisaged that we wouldn’t be gathering this Sunday for the celebration of Mass.
We are all aware that the directives issued by the Diocese are prudent and necessary measures designed to help contain the spread of the coronavirus in our community. It certainly comes at a spiritual cost: for many of you this removes one of the most fundamental and important practices of your Catholic faith – your participation in the Mass and the reception of Holy Communion. There is an immensesadness for me as a priest to be celebrating Mass in the Church without thepresence of you the faithful.
What can we do instead at this time? Well, there are many televised and live-streamed Masses available, as well as ones broadcast on the radio. Within the West Belfast Pastoral Community, St. Michael’s Church, Finaghy and St. Oliver Plunkett Church, Lenadoon broadcast their daily and Sunday Masses. But even if you can’t find one, you can pray on your own. When you do, remember that you’re still part of our faith community. There is also the longstanding tradition in our church of receiving a “spiritual communion,” when, if you cannot participate in the Mass in person, you unite yourself with God in prayer.
At this difficult and challenging time, we must stand in solidarity with one another. The Parish with the support of the Community Association and Lámh Dhearg CLG are reaching out to support those who are living on their own and also to families who may need support and assistance at this time. If you are aware of anyone in our community who needs support and assistance, please contact the Parish Office.
Brothers and sisters, at this time of great uncertainty let us unite around Jesus Christ. Jesus, understands all the fears, worries and anxieties that we have. Jesus understands you, not only because he is divine and understands all things but because he is human and experienced all things. Let all of us go to Him in prayer and trust. We will move through this very difficult time together, with God’s help. Fr. Martin Peyton and I want to assure you that Mass is being celebrated in each of our Churches every day for you and your loved ones and we willcontinue to keep you in our prayers. Fr. Kevin McGuckien.
This is an occasion for all of us – especially in families – to pray more intensely for each other and especially for those who have succumbed to the coronavirus. We should pray also for those at the frontlines – especially doctors, nurses and medical staff and other carers, including the priests of our Diocese – that the Lord will protect them as they place their own well-being at risk in the service of all.
A Prayer for Healthcare Workers during this time of the Coronavirus COVID-19
Loving God,
we place into your care
all our doctors, nurses and healthcare workers.
Give them courage of heart
and strength of mind and body.
Keep them safe from harm.
May they know our deep gratitude
for all they are doing
to heal and help those affected by
the coronavirus.
God of all consolation
may they know your protection and peace.
Bless them in these challenging days
and bless their families.
Amen.
About Us
The churches of St Peter’s and St Joseph’s are the two churches in the Parish with Fr Kevin McGuckien at St Joseph’s Hannahstown.
The Hannahstown area lies to the west of Belfast, the capital city of Northern Ireland. With the growth of the city many new housing areas are a short distance from the church and the church and grounds have stunning views across the County Down countryside. Many of the Parish live within a few miles of the church.
Contact Us
PARISH OFFICE: MONDAY – FRIDAY 9.30AM-1.00PM TEL: 02890 614567
ST JOSEPH’S CHURCH HANNAHSTOWN
PARISH PRIEST: FR KEVIN MCGUCKIEN
23 HANNAHSTOWN HILL,
BELFAST BT17 OLT
NORTHERN IRELAND
k.mcguckien@downandconor.org
ST PETER’S CHURCH
18 ROCK ROAD, LISBURN, CO.ANTRIM,
BT 28 3SU.
TEL: 02892 648 244
PARISH OFFICE / CEMETERY BUSINESS
Mrs Grainne McArevey
hannahstown@downandconnor.org
COMMUNITY HALL CONTACT
Alison Fegan Tel 02890 309795
Send Us a Message
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Hannahstown Parish 