News and Events
LIFELINE
New regional 24/7 helpline, calls are answered by trained counsellors, to deal with, suicide, self-harm, abuse, trauma, depression, their number: 0808 808 8000, this number is free from landlines and mobiles.
SPONSORSHIP
Any item in the Church can be sponsored. This can be dedicated to a living person/family or in memory of a loved one. For pricing enquiries or a sponsorship booklet please contact the parish secretary on 02890 457626: (International 004490457626) The sponsorship is currently going very well.
OUR CHURCH
view photographs by clicking here>>>
After renovations that took one year to complete the Church is now a beautiful place of worship. The Solemn Re-Opening and Dedication of the Altar took place on Sunday 1st February 2009. All donations towards the Church refurbishment are most welcome. Items can be sponsored Please contact the Parish Secretary for further details. SIncere thanks to those who have already sponsored items.
DVD OF THE RE_OPENING & DEDICATION
A few DVD’s of the Re-opening are still available. Price £10 each. The Re-opening was filmed by a professional company and the digital images are amazing. After the Re-Opening some of the Parishioners were filmed talking about their experience of living in St Matthew’s Parish. The DVD’s cannot be copied! They are available in the Church Shop and in the Parish Office from 10 - 1pm only. Ex-parishioners and friends of the Parish living abroad can request a copy by post. Just add on P & P and send a cheque made out to "St Matthew's Parish."
FAMILY HISTORY
We are pleased to accept requests (in writing or email only). Fee applies. Please be aware that this can take a lot of time. So much valued time is taken up reading through lengthly letters, please help us (and you!) by keeping your request clear and concise. Tell us exactly what it is that you require. Our records do not always give addresses or maiden names. Our records do not include occupations. We do not have school records. If you are keen to get information on your family history and do not want a long wait it is advisable that you contact the Ulster Historical Foundation or PRONI (public records office for NI).
GENEAOLOGY LINKS
The National Archives of Ireland have put the census for 1911 online and it costs absolutley nothing to search and browse. See your ancestors actual census form! This site gives a vast amount of information. Start searching for exact names or browse streets or countys at www.census.nationalarchives.ie
OLD MARRIAGE REGISTERS
Have you had a glimpse of the earliest marriages recorded in St Matthew's yet? If not click here >>> and
take a look back in time. You may be lucky enough to find your ancestors name amongst those on view.
PARISH HISTORY
We receive many enquires about the history of our parish and indeed the story of St Matthew's Parish and its people is beautifully told in an excellent little book by Patricia Kernaghan, "Watching for Daybreak." Copies are available from: St Matthew’s Parochial House, Bryson Street, Belfast, BT5 4ES. The book costs £5. Please make cheques to St Matthew's Parish and include a donation for postage. (the book contains over 60 photographs, maps and diagrams).
BAPTISM
The sacrament of Baptism is celebrated on the third Sunday of each month. For all enquiries relating to Baptism, contact Fr Aidan on 90 457626. Please Note: Godparents must be over 16 years of age. A catholic who has been confirmed and who lives an appropriate life of faith. One Godparent male or female is sufficient but there may be two, one of each sex. Canon Law # 873.
ACCORD offers marriage and relationship counselling. ACCORD, Curran House, Twin Spires Centre, 155 Northumberland Street, Belfast BT13 2JF. Tel: 9033 9944 Mon – Fri, 10am – 12noon and Mon – Thurs 5.30 – 0.00pm. e-mail: accordbelfast@btconnect.com |
