St. Colmcille's Parish, Holywood

04/09/2026

🍃💧 Season of Creation 2026: Living Water 💧🍃

Today we begin the Season of Creation (1st September to 4th October), a special time when Christians around the world are invited to pray, reflect and take practical action to care for God's creation, our common home. The 2026 theme, "Living Water," reminds us of the life-giving stream flowing from the Temple of God, growing into a deep and powerful river, bringing hope and renewal wherever it flows.

Inspired by the teachings of Pope Francis in Laudato Si' and Laudate Deum, we are invited to recognise that every action, however small, can contribute to a "global stream of hope" as we respond to the challenges of water scarcity, pollution, environmental degradation and climate justice.

As a parish community, let us ask ourselves:

💧 What action can I take this season to care for creation?
💧 How can I reduce waste and use water more wisely?
💧 How can I encourage others, especially young people, to care for our common home?
💧 How can my faith inspire practical action for the good of future generations?

As we journey towards the Feast of St Francis of Assisi on 4 October, and mark the 800th anniversary of his death, may we seek to be faithful stewards of God's creation and heed both "the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor."

🙏"All of us can cooperate as instruments of God for the care of creation, each according to his or her own culture, experience, involvements and talents." (Laudato Si', 14)

15/08/2026

Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Today the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, rejoicing that, at the completion of her earthly life, Our Lady was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory.

This great feast reminds us that Christ has conquered death and opened the gates of Heaven. In Mary, we see the fulfilment of God’s promise and a sign of the hope that awaits all who follow her Son with faith and faithful hearts.

The Assumption also speaks of Mary’s unique place within the Church. As Mother of God and Mother of the Church, she continues to accompany the faithful, leading us always to Jesus. Her life was a continual “yes” to God’s will, and her Assumption encourages us to live with our hearts fixed on the things of Heaven.

As Pope Leo XIV recently reflected, Mary “shines as an icon of hope for her pilgrim children throughout history.”

Prayer:

Holy Mary, Mother of God and Mother of the Church, pray for us, for our families, and for our parish community. Help us to walk faithfully in the footsteps of your Son, to persevere in hope amid life’s challenges, and to grow each day in love of God and neighbour.

May your Assumption inspire us to keep our hearts fixed on Heaven, where Christ reigns in glory and where we hope one day to share in the joy of eternal life.

Our Lady of the Assumption, pray for us. 🙏🌹

“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord.” (Luke 1:46)

14/08/2026

Community Statement for Holywood

St Colmcille’s Parish Church is proud to add its name to this community statement alongside local churches, community groups, elected representatives, businesses and organisations across Holywood.

Recent attacks on homes have caused concern and distress within our town. As a parish community, we wish to reaffirm that every person is made in the image and likeness of God and deserves to be treated with dignity, respect and compassion.

Holywood has long been enriched by the contributions of people from different backgrounds and cultures. We stand against racism, intimidation, hatred and violence in all their forms, and we support efforts to build a community where everyone feels safe, welcome and valued.

Our message is simple: we all belong together.
We encourage everyone to read and reflect on the statement below and to continue working together for the common good of all who call Holywood home.

“Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you.” (Romans 15:7)

27/07/2026

🙏 24 Hours of Prayer for Vocations 🙏

Join us at St Colmcille’s, Ballyhackamore for 24 hours of Eucharistic Adoration and prayer for vocations to the priesthood as we celebrate the Feast of St John Vianney.

📅 3–4 August�🕖 Begins with Holy Mass at 7pm on Monday�🕖 Concludes with Holy Mass at 7pm on Tuesday

Come for a few minutes, an hour, or longer. Priests will be available for the Sacrament of Reconciliation throughout the night.

“The priesthood is the love of the Heart of Jesus.” – St John Vianney

All are welcome. Come and pray. He is waiting for you. 🙏

01/06/2026

🌅 Rise and Shine Charity Collection Update 🌅

A huge thank you to everyone for your generosity last weekend! Together, we raised an incredible £2,178👏

Your support will make a real difference and help Rise and Shine continue their valuable work in the community.

We truly appreciate everyone who donated and got involved 💛

31/05/2026

📖 Pope Leo XIV’s First Encyclical: Magnifica Humanitas

Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas (“Magnificent Humanity”), takes on one of the most urgent questions of our time: how we safeguard human dignity in the age of artificial intelligence.

In this powerful document, the Pope looks beyond common concerns about AI—like job loss, misinformation, and privacy—and highlights a deeper issue: the growing temptation to see human beings as things to be improved, engineered, or optimized, rather than persons of inherent dignity.

Instead, Magnifica Humanitas reminds us that our limits—suffering, weakness, and vulnerability—are not flaws to eliminate, but places where we encounter love, truth, and ultimately God. Technology, he says, should serve human flourishing, not redefine what it means to be human.

🌍 Written for Catholics and all people of goodwill, the encyclical invites us to reflect:
What does it mean to be truly human?
Should technology serve us—or reshape us?
How do we protect truth, work, and the most vulnerable in an AI-driven world?

👉 This is just a brief overview—read the full, in-depth guide here:

https://ascensionpress.com/blogs/articles/a-complete-guide-to-pope-leo-s-encyclical-magnificent-humanitas?srsltid=AfmBOoqzN5ilDmVF4E6znE3CqEoBMP1dRBv7bVoIrKrZ6MSDi8Rg5c1R

30/05/2026

🚨 Defibrillator Parishioner Training ❤️

We’re pleased to share that a defibrillator (AED) has recently been installed in the Parish. It is located just inside the church entrance, beside the toilet area.

Defibrillators are safe, simple to use, and can be operated without prior training — but we want to go a step further.

👉 During September, we’re offering PARISHIONERS the opportunity to become familiar with the device, so you can feel confident acting quickly in an emergency.

✅ No previous first aid experience is required
✅ Open to any parishioner aged 18+

A cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, at any time. When it does, every second counts — and early use of a defibrillator can save lives.

We are planning to provide hands-on training sessions delivered by an external organisation, with certificates awarded to those who take part. This will include practical demonstrations to help you feel comfortable and confident using the equipment.

💡 Please note, UK guidance reassures us that anyone who steps in to help during an emergency is supported and protected when acting in good faith. AEDs are designed for members of the public and will only deliver a shock if it is needed.

We would especially welcome volunteers who regularly attend weekend Masses (Saturday Vigil and Sunday) to take part.

👉 If you’re a parishioner and interested, please send us a message or contact the Parish Office, letting us know which Mass you usually attend. Please note the training is limited to Parishioners of St. Colmcille’s, Holywood.

Let’s work together to make our Parish a safer place for everyone 💙🙏🏻

27/05/2026

✨ St Colmcille’s, BALLYHACKAMORE Fun Day & Walk to Church

The Parish Engagement Group (PEG) at St Colmcille’s Parish, Ballyhackamore (NOT HOLYWOOD) is delighted to invite you to a Parish Fun Day and Walk to Church on Sunday 7th June 2026, starting at 12:30pm.

👣 Take part in the Walk to Church�🎉 Enjoy a fun-filled afternoon of activities�🤝 Spend time together as a wider parish community

This invitation has been extended to parishioners from our St Colmcille’s Parish, here in Holywood — everyone is very welcome to come along and join in the celebrations.

💛 Bring your family, friends, and neighbours for what promises to be a great day together. We look forward to seeing you there!

25/05/2026

24/05/2026

🔥 Pentecost Sunday Blessings 🔥

Today we celebrate the great feast of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles, filling them with courage, wisdom, and divine love. 🌿✨

From fear to faith, from silence to bold proclamation, the Spirit transformed their lives and gave birth to the Church.

As many of you will have seen at Mass today, the altar was dressed in red and the priest wore red vestments. This vibrant colour represents the tongues of fire that came to rest on the Apostles, a sign of the Holy Spirit’s powerful presence. It also symbolises the burning love of God, the courage to witness our faith, and the mission we all share to bring Christ to the world. 🔴🔥

That same Spirit is alive in us today, calling us to renew our hearts and share the Gospel with joy.

“Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love.”

Let us pray for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon our parish, our families, and our world.

❤️ Happy Pentecost Sunday! Come, Holy Spirit! ❤️