As Covid precautions have eased throughout the country, life in the parish has reflected that as we gradually are returning to what ever will be the "new norm" in the foreseeable future.

LOOKING BACK, there were a number of significant events in the Parish including 2 services which had been postponed from 2021 due to the Coronavirus Pandemic:- THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION CENTENARY SERVICE and Dedication of the new Branch Standard in Derryloran followed by a Reception in the Legion Hall, and THE NI CENTENARY SERVICE to which members of the Orange Order paraded to mark the 100th year of the establishment of Northern Ireland.

SUNDAY SCHOOL resumed after a two year break due to the pandemic..

Our BROWNIES duly celebrated their 90th anniversary with a party in the Parish Hall and a great evening was enjoyed by all with a lovely cake!

Our MOTHERS' UNION also were in party mood with a Platinum Jubilee Tea Party as they marked HM the Queen's 70th Anniversary in style.

LOOKING AHEAD, we have a number of special events lined up over the next few months...We mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Weekend with a "ROYAL RAMBLE" for families to Tullyhogue Fort on Saturday 4th June at 11am followed by our "JUBILEE SERVICE" in church on Sunday 5th at 11am which will tie in with "Children's Day".

Our FAMILY QUIZ EVENING on Thursday 3rd June in the Parish Hall will be a fun evening to bring people together after such a long period where such gatherings were not possible. The event is free to all and will feature a Tuck Shop. Come along and enjoy our light-hearted quiz!

QUATERCENTENARY: This year marks the 400th Anniversary of the old church at the Blackhill and also the Bicentenary of St Luran's at Gortalowry which was dedicated on 8th August 1822. To mark that event, we will meet at Blackhill on the evening of the 8th August to discover something of the rich history of the church and then walk to St Luran's for a short service to acknowledge that special date. Our main Service of Thanksgiving will then be on Sunday 14th August at 3pm when the Archbishop will be our special preacher. Keep that date free!

BICENTENARY GOSPEL CONCERT: Looking further ahead the Belfast Community Gospel Choir will present a Gospel Concert on Saurday 24th September at 730pm, so again, please keep that date free!

February/March 2022 News