Parish News

Screenshot

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.…

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…

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…

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,…

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 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…

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…

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…

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…

Screenshot

Red Wednesday – 19th November 2025

Red Wednesday – 19th November 2025More Christians have been killed because of their faith in Christ in the last century than the previous 1,900 years of Christian history Join us in standing with them in prayerful solidarity This Red Wednesday, Aid to the Church in Need invites you to wear something red, light a red candle in your window and pray for their welfare.

© The Parish of St Teresa of Ávila, Glen Road, Belfast 2018 – 2025
All Rights Reserved

Please note this Website uses Cookies