While Covid is still very much in our midst, we are getting back to some form of normality in Parish life albeit with many changes - especially as we look forward to forthcoming events.

This year marks two special centenaries in the life of our parish which goes back 400 years and beyond to the founding of the old church at Blackhill. As we return to the new norm after the Covid Pandemic restrictions, we invite you to join with us in these special events and, indeed, our regular Sunday worship services at 9am and 11am..

• We marked the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Weekend with a "ROYAL RAMBLE" for families to Tullyhogue Fort and our "JUBILEE SERVICE" in church.
• Our FAMILY QUIZ EVENING on was a successful fun evening and it was good to see the hall back in use again for a parish event.

• 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 at 7pm on the 8th August to discover something of the rich history of the church and then walk to St Luran's for a short service at 8pm to acknowledge that special date.
• BICENTENARY: Our main Service of Thanksgiving will then be on Sunday 14th August at 3pm when Archbishop John McDowell will be our special preacher. We invite everyone who has had connections with Derryloran to attend and help us celebrate our distinctive Christian presence in the community.

BICENTENARY GOSPEL CONCERT: Looking further ahead the Belfast Community Gospel Choir will present a Gospel Concert in church on Saurday 24th September at 730pm, please keep that date free and plan to attend along with family and friends!

SUNDAY SCHOOL will resume on Sunday 11th September at 10am and we hope to build up our numbers after the Covid restrictions created such havoc.

SUNDAY SERVICES will continue at 9am (Holy Communion 1) and at 11am with our usual variety of morning services each Sunday.

ORGANISATIONS will return during September, but may be somewaht impacted by repairs to the hall as noted below....

PARISH HALL REPAIRS: After years of planning and following restrictions we embark on a new and exciting project in the restoration of our Parish Hall. The work is absolutely necessary and it is our duty to restore our hall to a ‘fit for purpose’ building for parish and community activities. Work is due to be completed by 06 January 2023. While the work is being done there will be no access to the main hall as it will be sealed off and strictly under the control of the contractor. There will be pedestrian access up the driveway to the minor hall, kitchen, committee room, Killymoon Room and parish office for normal use and activities as the workforce will finish at 5.00pm daily.

This is a major and costly project involving replacing the leaking roof, rotting windows and a facelift to the front façade. As a parish we go forward in faith and confidence that parishioners as they have graciously done in the past will recognise the need for the restoration and respond by generous financial giving. We appeal to ALL parishioners to respond to the challenge and support the project by way of our Building Fund pink envelopes. THINK PINK!

ENJOY what is left of the Summer!

June/July 2022 News