Our Chaplain, Fr Dominic, is in Lourdes accompanying the Northern Ireland Cancer Centre Pilgrimage. He lit a candle at the Grotto for Chaplaincy and carries with him the prayers of all our students, staff, alumni and friends.
We’ve been overwhelmed by the turnout of students at Ash Wednesday Masses. The last Mass of the day takes place at 6:05 in Elmwood Hall. Do come early as it’s sure to be busy!
We are always saddened by the untimely, tragic death of a student. Today, Fionntán McGarvey was laid to rest. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and classmates. Students experiencing bereavement will find a listening ear and support in Chaplaincy.
Chaplaincy has received the very generous gift of 12 original portraits by acclaimed local artist, Susan Hughes. They form part of her ‘Quiet Peacemakers’ series, first exhibited in 2014.
Great news from New York! Recent QUB medical graduate and Chaplaincy member, Anna McKinley, completed her postulancy with the Sisters of Life and has been admitted to their novitiate. Anna received the Order's habit the name Sr Rosa Goretti Immaculata. We’re so proud of you Anna.
We were delighted to welcome our new Campus Ministry Team to Chaplaincy today. We enjoyed a day of team-building and reflection, facilitated by Brendan Dineen from Clonard Youth & Young Adult Ministry.
We’re delighted to announce the appointment of Shannon Campbell as Director of Campus Ministry at Queen’s. In her new role, Shannon will help Chaplaincy deliver a world-class model of campus ministry which provides for the faith and pastoral needs of our students, staff & alumni.
It was announced that our final year medical, nursing & midwifery students are to be deployed early. This is a noble calling. You share in the healing ministry of Christ himself. We hold you in our love & prayers. Take care & know that we are proud & grateful for all you will do.
Chaplaincy was delighted to welcome Bishop Alan McGuckian of Raphoe to celebrate our Dedication of Studies Mass yesterday evening. Thanks to all who joined us to mark the beginning of the new academic year and pray God's blessing on our students and staff.
Chaplaincy was delighted to welcome to QUB world renowned artist, Colin Davidson. Colin was recently appointed Chancellor of our (friendly) rival, Ulster University. We're thrilled that Colin has accepted our commission for a painting to mark our 50th Anniversary next year.
We bid a fond farewell to our outgoing Pastoral Manager, Ciaran, who begins studies for priesthood at the Royal English College, Valladolid for
@DownandConnor
. We thank Ciaran for his hard work & dedication & wish him well as he begins this new & exciting chapter in his life.
We are proud of all of our graduates at this time of year. We are particularly proud of Dr Mark McDonnell who, over his time at Queen’s, has contributed so much to the life of Chaplaincy. We wish him well as he embarks on a new and exciting chapter in life. Congratulations Mark!
Huge congratulations to Shannon Campbell, our Director of Campus Ministry, who today graduated from Trinity College Dublin with an MPhil in Theology. Well done Shannon, you should be very proud of this great achievement.
Congratulations!
Our assistant chaplain, Sr Eileen O'Connell OP, graduated from
@StPatsMaynooth
this week with a Masters in Theology. She was awarded First Class Honours. We congratulate her on this great achievement.
@ArchbishopEamon
Huge congratulations to our Director of Sacred Music, Eílis Fox, who graduated today from the Royal Irish Academy of Music at Trinity College with a Masters in Music Performance. Eílis placed top of her year. What an incredible achievement! We're immensely proud of you Eílis!
We marked the beginning of the new academic year with the annual Dedication of Studies Mass. Delighted to welcome
@ArchbishopEamon
. In an inspiring homily, Archbishop Martin encouraged students ‘to use their unique and God-given gifts to change the world for the better.’
What an amazing start to Sunday evening Masses during term. The Canada Room in the University's historic Lanyon Building was full to capacity, with overflow in the Senate Chamber. Thanks to all who’ve made this possible. Chaplaincy was buzzing afterwards!
Extraordinary crowds at
#AshWednesday
Masses
Already today 100s of students have passed through Chaplaincy for Mass & the traditional imposition of ashes. What a good start to Lent. We gather again this evening for Mass at 6.15pm & 7.30pm. We look forward to welcoming you.
The Dominican Sisters of St Cecilia in Limerick are hosting an online vocations event 10 October from 7.30 - 9pm. The event is for young women (aged 16-30) and aims to help them discern their vocation in life. For more information and Zoom details, email limerick
@op
-tn.org
We were honoured to be hosted by Ambassador Derek Hannon for a reception at the Irish Embassy to the Holy See. The British Ambassador was represented by Deputy Head of Mission, Dr Anabel Inge. They shared with us their important work with the Vatican on major global issues.
We bid a fond farewell to our esteemed chaplain Fr Gerard Magee, returning to the Cistercians in Portglenone. We thank him for his distinguished service to the university community the past 3.5 years. His wit, good humour & wise counsel will be missed. We wish him every blessing.
We wish Bishop Alan every blessing in his service of God’s people in Down and Connor Diocese. We were honoured to represent Queen’s University today at such a special and moving occasion.
What a moving visit to Auschwitz.
“The most deadly poison of our time is indifference. Love can do more.”
St Maximilian Kolbe, Nazi victim and Catholic martyr
Well-known speaker and faith advocate, Katie Ascough, will share her story and introduce students to online faith movement Called to More this Tues 10 Nov at 7pm. This online event is co-hosted by Chaplaincy & Fiat and is open to all students and young adults. DM for Zoom details
As he nears the end of his distinguished term as Apostolic Nuncio to Ireland, Chaplaincy extends its sincere sentiments of esteem and respect to Archbishop Jude Thaddeus Okolo. We wish him every blessing as he prepares for his mission to the people of the Czech Republic.
The final countdown to World Youth Day has begun! The Chaplaincy crew (with some friends from UCD!) is beginning to arrive in Portugal. We look forward to welcoming our students to Lisbon in the coming days.
We’re gearing up for Chaplaincy’s biggest day of the year on campus. Join us for Mass at Elmwood Hall with our guest preacher Fr Conor McDonough OP.
@ConorMcDonough4
08:05 • 13:05 • 18:05
Make this your best Lent yet!
We are thrilled to announce that soprano and classical cross-over singer, Eílis Fox, has been appointed our new Director of Sacred Music at Queen’s Chaplaincy. Eílis, a
@RIAMDublin
graduate, is eminently qualified and well-placed to take our choir in new and exciting directions.
We were delighted to be represented at the 150th Anniversary of St Patrick’s Cathedral Armagh, by our Director, Shannon. Afterwards, Shannon was honoured to meet with Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York. She shared with the Cardinal our exciting plans for Chaplaincy. (1/2)
What a great start to the year! Mass in the Great Hall to pray God’s blessing on the academic community at Queen’s, and all that our students and staff will surely go on to achieve in the coming months. Thank you Bishop Naill Coll for celebrating with us.
Mass at Chaplaincy is always special, but last night’s celebration was particularly so. Bishop Alan joined us to welcome Joy into the Church, and to Confirm her along with Maeve. Thank you for your witness, Joy and Maeve.
What an incredible start to Lent. More than 1200 students and staff passed through Elmwood Hall for Mass and the imposition of Ashes, and to hear inspiring words from
@ConorMcDonough4
Remember this is just the start of your Lenten journey, we’re here to support you throughout!
We value very much our partnership with
@StMarys_Belfast
. Last week, Chaplaincy was honoured to attend Commencement Ceremonies and rejoice in the achievements of our students, among them Mary Lyons, a much-valued member of our sacred music society, Canticle. Well done all!
Congratulations to Blathnaid Loughran and Steven Carlin who were married in Chapliancy yesterday. Blathnaid is a QUB alumna. Family friend, Bishop John Keenan, flew in from Scotland to officiate. We wish Blathnaid and Steven every blessing.
Requiescat in pace
We are profoundly saddened to learn of the death of our esteemed former Chaplain, Monsignor Ambrose Macaulay. Monsignor Macaulay was first appointed to the University Chaplaincy in 1964 and served as Chaplain from 1970-1984. (1/2)
So many people have contributed to making our pilgrimage an unforgettable experience. The Chaplaincy team and all our students are immensely grateful to you all!
👇🏻
Our team is at the Vatican this week at a conference on pastoral care and campus ministry. They’ve joined delegates from 44 other countries to discuss how best we can support our students in the contemporary context. Honoured to be contributing to these important conversations!
We were delighted to welcome
@MartinJMagill
to Awaken last night. Over pizza he shared with students his own story and what inspired him to found the 4 Corners Festival Belfast. We look forward to participating in this year’s festival which takes as its theme ‘stories of hope.’
Well done to QUB postgraduate, Mark McMcDonnell, and Fr Raymond Donnelly, Vocations Director for Clogher Diocese, on the launch of 'It's Your Call'. The initiative supports students and young adults discerning the definite service God has called them to in life.
Dr Alan McGuckian, Bishop of Raphoe, joins us for our annual Dedication of Studies Mass this Sunday at 8pm.
This occasion marks an important moment for us as we begin the new academic year, praying God’s blessing on our staff and students in all their endeavours.
In 2022, Chaplaincy celebrates 50 years at our iconic Elmwood Avenue site at the heart of the Queen's campus. We look forward to sharing with you a rich programme of celebratory events to mark our distinguished record of service to the University.
Chaplaincy welcomed the parish team from St John's Parish Falls Road. During their visit, Fr
@MartinJMagill
viewed his portrait by local Susan Hughes, which hangs in Chaplaincy's cloister as part of our 'Quiet Peacemakers' exhibition.
Chaplaincy was honoured to welcome Belfast’s Lord Mayor, Kate Nicholl for a reception to mark our 50th anniversary. She presented us with a commemorative plaque and congratulated us for our distinguished record of service to the University and City. Thanks to all who joined us!
What a great evening we enjoyed with our friends from The Hub on Wednesday. Traditional music, Ceílí dancing, Irish Stew (thanks to Mosaic Cafe) and great craic all made for the perfect St Patrick’s Day celebration!
All 23 of our pilgrims leaving Station Island (background) this morning from our 2019 pilgrimage to
@lough_derg
. Thanks to prior
@FrLaFlynn
& all staff (especially the students who also work with the Chaplaincy!)
@clogherdiocese
. Iarr’mid ort, a Phádraig, guí orainn na Gaela!
Chaplaincy enjoyed a bracing hike up Slieve Binnian today. Well done to CK19 for organising. The visit to the chip shop topped off a very enjoyable day!
We were honoured to host an awards ceremony for participants & volunteers in the Language & Solidarity Initiative. We partner with a variety of service-providers to offer vital supports, including QUB, St Mary's University College, Africa House NI & Horn of Africa People's Aid NI
Wonderful to connect with Year 14s in Aquinas Grammar School today. We wish you all the best with your exams and look forward to welcoming you to Chaplaincy!
Our icon of the Virgin Mary & Infant Jesus, written in Venice c. 1492. Likely carried along the canals of Venice during the plague of 1630-31.
Today, candles burn before the icon representing our prayers for divine protection & healing.
Holy Mary, Seat of Wisdom, pray for us!
Our new
#FoodBar
will replace the Trust Lunch from next Monday. In the meantime, you're welcome to join us for a free lunch of soup and bread between 12 Noon and 2pm each day this week.
Members of the Chaplaincy team are in Lourdes these days and have coincided with our friends from Down and Connor Diocese. Candles have been lit and prayers offered for our intentions. Our Lady of Lourdes and St Bernadette, pray for us.
Prayers from the Holy Land
Our chaplain, Fr Dominic, has been on pilgrimage in the Holy Land this past week. He offered Mass by the Sea of Galilee for the prayer intentions of students, staff and alumni.
Wonderful to have so many Year 14s visit the Chaplaincy. We look forward to welcoming you as undergrads in 2020! We're here for you as you make the transition from school to university. Thanks to our returning students who gave up what remains of the summer holidays to help!
We’re blessed to have such good neighbours. Well done to the young people of nearby St Brigid’s Parish for your generous support of our Christmas Shoebox Appeal, and for the festive refreshments on Sunday night. The mulled wine and mince pies went down a treat!
Huge congratulations to Roisin and Eoghan, who recently announced their engagement to be married. The happy couple first met at Chaplaincy’s Golden Jubilee Gala Ball in Belfast’s City Hall last summer.
Members of our Trócaire Society are taking part in this year’s Belfast City Marathon relay race to raise funds for Trócaire’s important work overseas. All donations are most welcome! You can sponsor the team here:
@marathonbcm
#AshWednesday
well underway in the Chaplaincy today. There are still Masses at 6.15pm & 7.30pm at which ashes will be imposed and you will receive a copy of the new Chaplaincy prayer book. ➕
We were honoured to join with our friends from St Mary’s University College for their Christmas Carol Service. Shannon, Chaplaincy’s Manager, is a graduate of the College and Mary Lyons, member of our choir, Canticle, is a current undergrad. Thanks all for a joy-filled evening.
Chaplaincy’s Pastoral Manager, Shannon Campbell, featured on this morning’s Sunday Sequence. Shannon discussed with the BBC’s Mark Davenport young people’s experience of faith. Well done Shannon for sharing the good news!
@bbcradioulster
Congratulations
Sr Eileeen O’Connell OP, our assistant chaplain, renewed her religious vows as a Dominican Sister yesterday in the presence of Congregation Prioress, Sr Elizabeth OP and her community, St Catherine’s Convent on the Falls Road. We wish her every blessing.
(1/2) The annual Chaplaincy pilgrimage to
@lough_derg
will take place Mon 3rd to Wed 5th June. This ancient & unique form of pilgrimage prayer goes to the very heart of the Gospel’s invitation to encounter God through prayer, fasting and keeping vigil.
Year 14 Open Days!
All Year 14s visiting
@QUBelfast
today and tomorrow, know that you are welcome to come visit the Catholic Chaplaincy on Elmwood Avenue.
Homemade lemonade, cookies and sweets for all!
We welcome Mickey Harte to the Chaplaincy! Mickey will chat about the integral role that his Catholic faith has played in his life as a sportsman. Everyone, both students and non students, are very welcome to join us on Monday 11th at 7pm for this talk!
Chaplaincy gathered yesterday evening with our neighbours from St Brigid’s Parish for Christmas from Queen’s: a Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols. The service proved to be a real highlight of our Advent season. Thanks to all who contributed to what was such a joyous event!
Chaplaincy reopened today with Mass at 8.15am. Facilities are available to students and staff with lots of study space. Our lounge, garden and prayer room are open for prayer and downtime and Mosaic Cafe continues its weekday takeaway service. We can't wait to catch up with you!
We reopen this Monday!
Chaplaincy is here for everyone whether you’re a new student, returning student, young professional or alumni.
Last year was great and we’re confident that this year will be even better. Get involved, bring your friends and spread the word.
#QUBCatholic
Chaplaincy is supporting the humanitarian relief effort in Ukraine. Donations of non-perishable food, first aid supplies, toiletries and nappies should be dropped off to Chaplaincy before Friday. We open each day from 10am to 10pm. Thank you in advance for your generosity.
A small group of students and alumni made pilgrimage to the ancient penitential site of Lough Derg this weekend. They kept us in their prayers.
@lough_derg
Our ever-popular Christmas Shoebox Appeal in support of Belfast Homeless Services has launched. We're delighted this year to be partnering not only with Order of Malta QUB, but also our friends at St Mary's Student Union and the College's Liturgy Group.
Easter celebrations were made all the more joyful this year with the reception into the Church of one of our students, Josi, who was confirmed and made First Communion at last night’s Easter Vigil in St Brigid’s. Josi, from Ohio, is reading public history at QUB. Welcome Josi!
On Monday past, Mickey Harte addressed a packed Chaplaincy. He spoke about the power of prayer & how it has sustained him in good times and bad & answered questions on forgiveness and mercy and gave sound advice for practical Christian living. An inspirational evening!
Excited to announce that we’re partnering with FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students) in the new academic year. Fr Dominic and Shannon attended FOCUS summer training in Austria this past weekend and met with our mission team. We can't wait to welcome them to Belfast!
We wish Bishop Alan McGuckian, a Queen’s alumnus, every good wish and blessing as he departs Raphoe Diocese to take up appointment as Bishop of Down and Connor. We hold him in our love and prayers as he begins this new and exciting chapter in his service of God’s people.
Lovely to see a packed Chaplaincy for the Feast of All Saints. Thanks to our good friend, Fr Martin Magill, for accepting the invitation to be our guest celebrant.
Remember Mass for tomorrow’s Feast of All Souls is again at 5.15pm. Let’s make a special effort!
Our new digital broadcast service launches this evening so that we can keep connected with you this year, whatever the circumstances. If you are unable to join us for the annual Dedication of Studies Mass, it will be live-streamed from at 8pm.
Chaplaincy hosted the traditional Ark celebration for our friends from the Eritrean Coptic community. Their prayer and presence among us is such a blessing. A good time was had by all, and the traditional food and coffee went down a treat!
Chaplaincy supports the important work & mission of Queen’s sister Colleges. Our Chaplain, Fr Dominic, teaches on the RE Cert at Stranmillis, which is accredited by St Mary’s. This collaboration is widening participation & increasing the employability of our teaching graduates.
Chaplaincy celebrated St Brigid's Day with cross making, trad music and Irish stew. Thanks to
@BlestQUB
for hosting such an enjoyable evening. Crosses will be blessed in nearby St Brigid's tomorrow & available for a small donation in support of the Parish's Third World Group.
A bus will leave the Chaplaincy tomorrow morning at 9am for
@lough_derg
. There are still a few places left on the bus at the price for Students £55 and for non-students £65.
On Saturday, 14 young men from the University including our Chaplain Fr McGrattan were inducted into the Order of the Knights of St Columbanus. This University based council is unique to the island but has ties with QUB as far back as 1915.
Congratulations to Adam, one of our first year undergrads and much-valued member of the Chaplaincy team. At a service held in Newry Cathedral yesterday, he was awarded a Pope John Paul II Gold Award for volunteering in his local parish during the pandemic. Well done Adam!
‘Anti-Catholicism in Ireland’ - a talk delivered by
@ionainstitute
Director & columnist,
@DavQuinn
. He'll compare present attitudes towards the Church with attitudes towards Britain, now & in the past, and will review the recent Papal visit to Ireland. Next Tuesday 22nd at 7pm.
Chaplaincy’s core team, made up of FOCUS and our residential community SAUL, is starting to gather in Belfast in time for the new academic year. They enjoyed a pre-semester get-together at the Belfast Giants. We’re looking forward to a great year on campus!
Chaplaincy was represented at a conference on Pastoral Care and Campus Ministry in the Vatican last week. It concluded with an audience with Pope Francis during which Fr Dominic & Shannon met with the Holy Father & conveyed to him good wishes of the academic community at Queen’s.
We bade a sad farewell to Queen’s Academic and friend of Chaplaincy, Professor Pascal McKeown, who steps down this autumn as Dean of the Medical School. We wish Pascal and his wife Julie every blessing in their well-earned retirement.
On
#AshWednesday
there will be 5 Masses at the Chaplaincy: •8.15am, •11.15am, •12.15pm, •6.15pm & •7.30pm.
We are also delighted to be distributing to all who come on Ash Wed & 1st Sunday in
#Lent
the new Chaplaincy Prayer Book, “A Sacrifice of Praise”.
#6thMarch
So proud of our wonderful Chaplaincy ambassador, Inez Murray, who today represented the
@CatholicBishops
at the first meeting of the Shared Island Youth Forum in Dublin.
We look forward to following Inez’s journey on what is set to be a very worthwhile and exciting endeavour!