LENT: Thornhill Ministries, an initiative in the Derry Diocese engaged in faith formation and evangelisation, has further developed its novel 'Lenten Scratchcard' with a Year of Mercy theme.
The card is based on three core dimensions of Lent - to pray, give and fast. Scratch away on a particular day, and you may find a challenge to fast from gossip, to pray for those who are afraid or to pay for something for someone else.
More information from www.thornhillministries.co.uk or by telephoning 028 7135 1233.
NEW CHAPLAIN: Fr Gerard Magee, a Cistercian, has been appointed as the next Catholic chaplain at Queen's University Belfast.
He will succeed Fr Gary Toman, who was named as priest in residence in Glenarm in this month's Down and Connor clerical changes.
Fr Magee, who is from Belfast, joined the Cistercian Order in Our Lady of Bethlehem Abbey in Portglenone in 2004.
He returns to Belfast from Cistercian College at Mt St Joseph Abbey, Roscrea in Co Tipperary, where he has been a member of staff for the past year.
SEXUALITY RESOURCE: The Church of Ireland's Select Committee on Human Sexuality in the Context of Christian Belief has launch its 'Guide to the Conversation', which is described as "resource designed to assist members of the Church in the ongoing process of listening, learning and dialogue on the issue".
Archbishop of Armagh Dr Richard Clarke said it contained "an absolute wealth of material on a huge variety of issues".
"We are encouraged to use the Scriptures reverently and humbly, and helped in finding ways in which we may do this," he said.
"We are given practical guidance on how to approach dialogue with those who hold different viewpoints from ours."
MERCY PRAYER: To celebrate the Jubilee Year of Mercy being observed by the Catholic Church, Armagh Parish's Holy Spirit Prayer Group is hosting a series of Life in the Spirit seminars, in Mount Saint Catherine's Primary School in the city.
The seminars, which are open to all, will be held at 8pm every Tuesday, continuing until March 15.
Deacon John Taaffe is scheduled to address the February 2 gathering.
PRAISE BE: Responding to the call of Laudato Si, Pope Francis's encyclical on the environment, Drumalis retreat centre in Larne is hosting a weekend conference next month.
'Caring for Our Common Home', which will run from Friday February 5 to Sunday February 7, will be led by Sr Nellie McLaughlin RSM and Professor John Sweeney from NUI Maynooth.
Further information by telephoning Drumalis on 028 2827 2196 or 028 2827 6455, or by visiting www.drumalis.co.uk.
CANCER: St Patrick's Church in Derrygonnelly, Co Fermanagh holds a Mass for the sick each Wednesday at 7.30pm, with a particular focus on those with cancer and the intervention of St Peregrine, the patron saint of cancer patients.
The Mass is broadcast live at www.churchservices.tv/derrygonnelly. More information at www.parishofbotha.com.
