Welcome to the Parish of St Teresa of Ávila,
Glen Road, Belfast
Sunday Masses: Holy Spirit Vigil 5pm (Saturday), St Matthias’ 10am, St Teresa’s 12 noon.
Weekday Masses: (Please refer to the latest Bulletin in the Parish News and Announcements section below for the times of Weekday Masses)
Stations of the Cross: after Friday 10am Mass followed by Adorations at St Teresa’s.
Confessions: Before Saturday Vigil Mass and on request.
A warm welcome to the website of the Parish of St Teresa of Ávila, Belfast!
Our Parish, on the Glen Road in Belfast, is part of the Pastoral Community of West Belfast and is one of the largest parishes in the Diocese of Down and Connor. It began life one hundred years ago on 15th October 1911 as part of the country parish of Derriaghy, a parish already steeped in rich ecclesiastical history. Since then it has grown to become the parish that it is today, with three churches, three schools and over 11,000 people.
Our website is a source of news and information about the parish, and also enables both parishioners and visitors to get in contact via the Contact Us page! You can also sign up to the Parish Mailing List using the “Follow” link at the bottom of this page.
We really hope you enjoy your online visit to our Parish!
God Bless!
Parish News and Announcements
The 30 most recent Parish News announcements are shown below. You can click on each Announcement title for more details, or click on the Parish News link at the top of this page to see all Parish News announcements, past and present. If you would like to receive notifications of News and Announcements to your Email Inbox, You can also sign up to the Parish Mailing List using the “Follow” link at the bottom of this page.
- The St Teresa’s Parish Bulletin for Sunday, 4th January 2026
The St Teresa’s Parish Bulletin Sunday, 4th January 2026Second Sunday of Christmas, Year A - New Year’s Message 2026 from Bishop Alan McGuckian SJ
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, “One year older and still no wiser!” was the rueful remark of an old priest friend every year when I wished him a happy birthday. I am reminded of my old friend now as we usher in another New Year. Each New Year’s Day, the Pope calls on us to pray for peace and Pope Leo reminds us: “Goodness is disarming. Perhaps this is why God became a child. The mystery of the Incarnation, which reaches its deepest descent even to the realm of the dead, begins in the womb of a young… Read more: New Year’s Message 2026 from Bishop Alan McGuckian SJ - In The Gospel Today
In the Gospel Today Sunday 28th December 2025 The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and JosephMatthew 2: 13-15, 19-23 - Happy Christmas from Fr Gabriel
Wishing you and your families a happy, peaceful Christmas. May the love of God continue to surround us that we may experience a new understanding of his love that brings true peace to our hearts ,so that we may silently trust in his mercy and unending love. A word of thanks to all who prepared the churches for the Christmas Season and to those who volunteer in the parish. Fr Gabriel. - Christmas Day
On Christmas Day, the white Christ Candle is lit at the centre of the Advent Wreath. Its light proclaims that the long season of waiting has given way to joyful fulfilment. The white candle speaks of purity, peace, and the radiant love of God made flesh. In the birth of Jesus, the Light of the World enters our darkness. This light does not dazzle, but gently warms hearts and homes. Christ comes quietly, born of Mary, sharing fully in our human life. He brings hope to the weary, comfort to the troubled, and joy to all who welcome Him. As… Read more: Christmas Day - Christmas Mass Times in St Teresa’s Parish 2025Christmas Eve Church of the Holy Spirit: 5pm (Family Mass) Christmas Eve Family Mass children are invited to dress as Shepherd, Mary, Joseph, Donkey, Ox, Wise Person, Angel. St Teresa’s Vigil: 8pm (Carols from 7:30pm) Christmas Day St Matthias’: 10am St Teresa’s: 10am Everyone Welcome
- The Fourth Sunday of Advent
As we light the fourth candle of the Advent Wreath, often called the Candle of Love, we enter the final, prayerful days of preparation for Christmas. Its gentle light reminds us of God’s love made visible in the gift of His Son, born for our salvation. Throughout Advent we have been invited to grow in hope, to walk in peace, and to rejoice with joy. Now, in love, we are called to open our hearts more fully and to make room for Christ in our homes and in our parish. May this holy season draw us closer to one another,… Read more: The Fourth Sunday of Advent - In The Gospel Today
In the Gospel Today Sunday 21st December 2025 4th Sunday of Advent Matthew 1: 18-24 - Christmas Message from Bishop Alan McGuckian, December 2025
- The St Teresa’s Parish Christmas Ballot
The Parish Christmas Ballot took place on Monday 15th December 2025 and raised £4,600 for parish funds. Sincere thanks to everyone who donated prizes and sold tickets, and congratulations to all the winners. The Parish Draw was also held, and heartfelt thanks were extended to the Draw Committee and all promoters for their dedication and hard work throughout the year. Wishing everyone a very happy Christmas. - The St Teresa’s Parish Bulletin for Sunday, 21st December 2025The St Teresa’s Parish Bulletin Sunday, 21st December 2025 Fourth Sunday of Advent Year A
- The Third Sunday of Advent – Gaudete Sunday
Gaudete Sunday marks a joyful pause in our Advent journey. Gaudete means “Rejoice” — and the Church invites us to do just that, not because all is perfect, but because the Lord is near. Christian joy is deeper than cheerfulness. It is rooted in hope and trust: the quiet confidence that God is already at work among us. Even as we continue to wait, we rejoice because God keeps His promises. John the Baptist reminds us that preparing for Christ is not about fear or perfection, but about living with generosity, honesty, and justice — allowing our lives to reflect… Read more: The Third Sunday of Advent – Gaudete Sunday - The St Teresa’s Parish Bulletin for Sunday, 14th December 2025The St Teresa’s Parish Bulletin Sunday, 14th December 2025 Third Sunday of Advent Year A
- The Second Sunday of Advent
The second candle of the Advent wreath, often called the Bethlehem Candle, symbolizes faith and reminds us of the humble and trusting journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. As it is lit on the Second Sunday of Advent, the Church reflects on God’s unfolding plan of salvation and invites us to deepen our own faith in His promises. This candle’s growing light recalls the nearness of Christ’s birth and encourages us to prepare our hearts with renewed trust, humility, and readiness to welcome the Lord who comes among us. - Celtic Carols by Candlelight
Sunday 21st December 2025, 7:00pm St Michael’s Church, Finaghy Road North, Belfast - Thank you, Fr Laurence!
Fr Laurence enjoyed a return visit to St Matthias’ conference room on Wednesday 3rd December 2025, where he was warmly welcomed by parishioners. The children from the primary school gave a lovely presentation to thank him for his work and support over the years. Phil Molloy, Chair of the Pastoral Council, said that the parishioners were sad to see him go and wished him a long and happy retirement. Winnie Dougherty, Chair of the Family of Parishes, added that many people across the surrounding area appreciated everything Fr Laurence has done over so many years. Presentations on behalf of the… Read more: Thank you, Fr Laurence! - The St Teresa’s Parish Bulletin for Sunday, 7th December 2025The St Teresa’s Parish Bulletin Sunday, 7th December 2025 Second Sunday of Advent Year A
- In The Gospel Today
In the Gospel Today Sunday 30th November 2025 1st Sunday of Advent Matthew 24:37-44 - The First Sunday of Advent
The first candle of the Advent wreath, known as the Prophet’s Candle, symbolizes hope—the confident expectation of the Messiah promised by God. As we light it on this First Sunday of Advent, the Church invites us to enter a season of prayerful preparation, recalling the longings of Israel for the coming of Christ and renewing our own hope in His return in glory. This first light reminds us that even in darkness God’s promises are steadfast, and that Advent begins with a call to trust in His faithfulness and to ready our hearts for the birth of our Saviour. - The St Teresa’s Parish Bulletin for Sunday, 30th November 2025The St Teresa’s Parish Bulletin Sunday, 30th November 2025 First Sunday of Advent Year A
- St Teresa’s Youth Centre and St Vincent De Paul: call for donations for Christmas Food Hamper Items
- In The Gospel Today
In the Gospel Today Sunday 23rd November 2025 Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe Luke 23:35-43 - The St Teresa’s Parish Bulletin for Sunday, 23rd November 2025The St Teresa’s Parish Bulletin Sunday, 23rd November 2025 Our Lord Jesus Christ King of the Universe Year C (Week 34)
- In The Gospel Today
In the Gospel Today Sunday 16th November 2025 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Luke 21:5-19 - Lets Step Up
Lets Step Up Jesus Youth Northern Ireland 6th December 2025 St Ann’s Parish Hall, Kingsway, Dunmurray
Pope Leo’s Latest Tweets:
St Teresa’s Parish Latest Tweets:
The Parish of St Teresa of Ávila, Glen Road, Belfast 