Welcome
In 2019, the Diocese of Down and Connor started a process of discernment and renewal called Pathways to the Future. This programme continues with the blessing, support and guidance of Bishop Alan McGuckian, Bishop of Down and Connor. A Steering Committee of Clergy, Parishioners and Diocesan Staff support the Pathways to the Future programme. The Steering Committee is chaired by Mr Stephen McAnee. The steering committee is supported in their work by a dedicated project manager, Mrs Jackie Kerr.
Following a period of consultation which has taken place across the diocese, parishes have been grouped into ‘Families of Parishes’ to meet the challenges and opportunities that this presents to clergy and parishioners going forward.
OUR PRIORITIES
Our 3 key areas of focus
The Steering Committee has established three subgroups to progress three initial priorities for the programme. They are:
Pastoral Care of
Priests
Lay Leadership and Ministry
Strategic Planning and Communication
Useful Resources
- Pathways to the Future
- Awareness posters for your Church
‘God Unborn’ Devotional Resource
- Download
‘Pilgrim Hearts’ Diocesan Lenten Resource 2025
Welcome to “Pilgrim Hearts: Walking in the steps of Jesus this Lent”, a resource designed to help parishes, families, and individuals deepen their faith by journeying with Christ through the Sunday Gospels.
In this Jubilee Year 2025, with its theme of “Pilgrims of Hope”, our Lenten pilgrimage reminds us that we do not walk alone. Together as a parish family we are united in faith and hope, trusting in God’s guidance every step of the way.
Lent is a season of reflection, renewal, and transformation. It invites us to embark on a spiritual pilgrimage, a journey of the heart, where we walk in the steps of Jesus and draw closer to God. Just as Jesus, moved by the spirit went out into the desert we too are called to follow His example with open and “pilgrim hearts”. To find moments out of the busyness of our day and enter into a quiet time; to pause and reflect.
Ireland’s rich spiritual heritage offers us inspiring examples of saints who lived their lives with “pilgrim hearts”. Saints like Patrick, Brigid, Columba, Kevin, Abigail & Oliver Plunkett teach us how to embrace prayer, sacrifice, and trust in God through their faith filled journeys.
This resource offers weekly reflections based on the Sunday gospels, along with prayers and simple concrete actions to live inspired by the scriptures and the lives of the Irish saints. Each week, we take one step closer to the joy of Easter by:
Prayer: Drawing strength from God as we reflect on His Word.
Reflecting as Pilgrims: Opening our hearts to spiritual growth, renewal and hope.
Acting in Faith: Living out the Gospel message through acts of love, kindness and service.
We hope you find the program meaningful, enriching and a source of of inspiration throughout your Lenten journey. May it deepen your faith, offer new insights and help you grow closer to Christ.
Wishing you every blessing this Lent,
Pathways to The Future Team
RESOURCES
Leader’s Guide – Pilgrim Hearts Lenten Resource (2025)
Parishioner’s Booklet – Pilgrim Hearts Lenten Resource (2025)
Online and Main Booklet – Pilgrim Hearts (2025)
Poster – Pilgrim Hearts Lenten Resource (2025)
Parish Information Poster – Pilgrim Hearts Lenten Resource (2025)
A Family Guide to Planning and Celebrating a Funeral in the Catholic Church
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
In Ireland there are many long standing traditions that show our deep respect for the dignity of death and saying farewell to the people we love. The Christian funeral is of profound importance to Irish society.
The rituals surrounding our funerals allow us to pray for the deceased, create an opportunity for the bereaved to mourn and be comforted, and to assure the entire community of the certain hope found in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
In recent times we have seen many changes to funerals: the availability of cremations, the disruption that took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, and in many of our parishes the support of deacons and the lay faithful leading prayers in homes, at the graveside and crematorium.
In light of the demands being placed on a smaller number of priests we can anticipate that in each of the 86 parishes of the Diocese of Down and Connor there will be a need for more lay people to be trained and to provide prayerful support by leading prayer in our own communities to support the bereaved.
This resource booklet is provided across each of our parishes to help families reflect on the funeral liturgies.
It can be used to support you in thinking and preparing for your own funeral and it can be an aid for prayer and preparation of a funeral following the death of a loved one. Each day those who have died are remembered at every Mass, as are those who mourn.
Let us take comfort in these prayers and in the certain hope that for the Lord’s faithful, in death, life is changed not ended.
+Alan Mc Guckian SJ
Bishop of Down and Connor
Resource
Download a copy of the Family Guide to Celebrating a Funeral in the Catholic Church
Understanding the Sacraments
My dear brothers and sisters,
The seven sacraments are all extraordinary gifts of God. He wants to walk with us on our earthly journey and to share His life with us. The sacraments are such powerful realities that we say that God is REALLY present in each one of them. We can touch Him, hear Him and see Him in the sacraments and experience His abundant blessings. This is a very big claim, made in faith, and it takes a real effort to understand it.
This booklet has been prepared by the generosity of the Order of the Knights of St Columbanus to guide you in understanding the beauty and meaning of the sacraments. You will discover what happens during the ceremony, what the symbols and signs mean, and how each sacrament will fill your heart with God’s love.
I earnestly ask that you open your heart to the power and working of the Holy Spirit and allow His gifts to bear fruit in your life, a life of Christian witness and charity towards everyone.
It is my sincere hope that through this booklet and the reception of the sacraments throughout your life, you may be drawn into a deeper relationship with the Lord who loves you dearly.
May God bless you.
+ Alan McGuckian SJ
Resource
Download a copy of the Booklet – Understanding the Sacraments
Advent – Approaching the Dawn as Pilgrims of Hope
Pope Francis has encouraged us to prepare as pilgrims of hope for the upcoming Jubilee Year which will begin on Christmas eve, when the Holy Father opens the Holy Door in St Peter’s Basilica.
With this in mind, we are excited to offer a new Advent programme during this time of spiritual preparation which will be an opportunity to gather to pray, share and reflect on the Sunday gospel readings during the 4 weeks of Advent as well as be inspired by a selection of art connected with the readings.
Resources
