Koinonia John the Baptist Ireland

24/06/2026

SUMMER MADNESS 2026 | WE’RE READY…
Thanks for all the help today Knock Church, Belfast…

We look like an island in that field… we’re waiting for our amazing young people (and our neighbours to arrive at Summer Madness.

Roll on Friday evening! !

Pathways to The Future Down and Connor Parish of Duneane Antrim, Randalstown & Duneane Youth Ministry Youth Link NI Catholic Youth Ministry in Ireland

24/06/2026

SUMMER MADNESS | We’re on our way!!!

We can’t wait for what the Lord will do this weekend, both for the 100 young people who’ll join us in our community hub, and the many 100s more at this year’s festival!

Please hold our young people, the young people from Knock Church, Belfast, and from Antrim, Randalstown & Duneane Youth Ministry as we pilgrim together from Friday to Tuesday!

24/06/2026

GLENRAVEL SUMMER SCHEME (with Circusful)

Thank you to the volunteers at Glenravel and District Community and Residents Association LTD for organising this opportunity - a fun-filled week is definitely on the cards!

For further details reach out to GDCRA: [email protected]

24/06/2026

THANK YOU, SR ANNE
It is with a bitter sweetness that we share the news that the Lord has called home to Himself Sr Anne McCourt SSL, a dear friend of the community and a PASSIONATE advocate for young people in West Belfast and across the Diocese.

Sr Anne, thank you for your witness to consecrated life and to faith-filled youth ministry. In this day of the Nativity of John the Baptist we especially remember the abundant joy that fuelled your mission and ministry - you truly leapt for joy in the presence of your Saviour. May you now leap into His arms!

May all in the St Louis family across the Diocese and Ireland know the compassion and mercy at the heart of our God!

St Louis Grammar School Catholic Youth Ministry in Ireland Pathways to The Future Down and Connor Loughshore Parishes

We are deeply saddened to share the news that Sr Anne McCourt has passed away. Sr Anne gave so much to St Genevieve’s, both as a valued teacher and leader, and in the years following her retirement through her continued support of our students. She dedicated her life to serving others, and her kindness, care and commitment have left a lasting mark on generations of young people and colleagues. Her legacy lives on in the community she helped to build and in the many lives she touched. This reflects the values we continue to hold at the heart of our school each day.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all who knew her and loved her at this time. May she rest in peace.

Sr Anne’s funeral will take place at 11am on Friday in St Agnes’s. Further arrangements will be shared in due course.

21/06/2026

AD MULTOS ANNOS, FANDA & DANIEL

Today we took a pause from our preparations for Summer Madness and the Jubilee and Ordination celebrations to give our thanks to God for the ordination of our Bros Fanda and Daniel, ordained by His Beatitude Card Pizzaballa OFM in Capernaum this afternoon.

Fanda and Daniel, we look forward to welcoming you to Ireland soon to continue our Thanksgiving for your call and Yes!

19/06/2026

Thomas, be assured of our prayers and we look forward to getting to know you as you serve God’s people here in the Diocese.

We join our invitation to that of the parish to you: join with us as Bishop Alan ordains our Br Esteban to the Sacred Priesthood on Saturday 4th July.

07/06/2026

SUMMER MADNESS - TASTER DAY & MASS

We are so excited to be on the final countdown to Summer Madness 2026… any young person who’d like to join us for the festival can still register here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-GB/ticketing/koinonia-summer-madness

But, we also have an exciting invitation, from us and Bishop Alan, to come along and experience the festival on Saturday 27 July. You can come with your youth leader, or register with us for the day! You can register at this link: https://www.zeffy.com/en-GB/ticketing/summer-madness-taster-day

Here is more info… please share to any young person interested.

SO… Join us for the SUMMER MADNESS TASTER DAY – Saturday 27 June 2026, Portglenone
(Aged 11–18 | Just £15 - lunch and dinner included)

Not sure about a full festival? Come dip into the joy of Summer Madness 2026 on Taster Day! On Saturday 27 June, experience the energy, music, and community—with a special Diocesan welcome.

Bishop Alan will celebrate Mass with us (Sunday Vigil Mass on Saturday lathen fire up the grill for his very own “Bishop’s BBQ” – and you’re invited!

COMING SOLO?
No problem. Koinonia Youth (Catholic youth ministry) will give you a warm welcome, safeguarding support, and a safe space to connect with others.

COMING AS A YOUTH GROUP with your leader?

Awesome – just let us know your numbers! Koinonia Youth, together with Youth Ministry in Antrim, Randalstown and Duneane, run a community hub on site and are the official Catholic chaplains at the festival. We'd love you to join us for lunch on Saturday and the Bishop’s BBQ in the evening. Youth leaders: want to chat about activities and the programme? Call Br Darren on 07752154369.

📅 Saturday 27 June 2026 | 9am-10pm
📍 Summer Madness Festival, Portglenone
🎟️ £15 Taster Day entry
👥 11–18 years

Gather your friends—or come and make new ones. See you for faith, food, and festival fun!

Diocese of Down and Connor Pathways to The Future Down and Connor St Patrick's College, Ballymena St Killian's College St Louis Grammar School St Benedict's College, Randalstown Our Lady of Lourdes School Ballymoney Ballymena Kirkinriola Parish Glenravel and the Braid

21/05/2026

Today, Derry is adorned with artistic murals of Sr Clare Crockett. A Derry woman with aspirations in acting whose life was altered on Good Friday. Her journey led her to become a religious sister and ended in a devastating earthquake in Ecuador where she was working. This film charts the life of a remarkable woman who may one day be recognised as Saint Clare. Movie shown in GCDA Conf Room at 9:30pm

21/05/2026

Come join us for some board game banter!

Family Fun continues at with Board Games in The Ballsallagh Suite at 1pm on Sat May 23rd. Organised by Koinonia and St Vincent de Paul. Fun for all the family guaranteed. Contact Siobhan on 07912 796182 for more details.

18/05/2026

🌟 SUMMER MADNESS 2026 🌟

A fantastic opportunity for young people to enjoy a few days of fun, faith and friendship this summer at Portglenone Monastery. 🙌⛺️🎶

With sports, outdoor activities, live music, prayer and worship, Summer Madness promises to be a fun and faith-filled experience for all involved.

📅 26–30 June
📍 Portglenone Monastery
👥 For Years 8–10 and Years 11–14

If anyone would like a taster of Summer Madness, we would encourage them to come along on Saturday 27 June when the Bishop will celebrate Mass as part of the festival.

Please see the poster below for full details and booking information. ⬇️