St Mary Of The Assumption Chruch, Newcastle
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
St Mary Of The Assumption Church is the local Catholic chapel in Newcastle, County Down, Northern Ireland. This Church was blessed and dedicated in June 1966 by the late Most Rev Dr William Philbin, Bishop of Down and Connor. The church was built to replace St Mary's Church, Main Street, (now St Mary's Youth Centre) which had become too small for the ever-growing population, especially during the tourist season.
Its circular style was a departure from the traditional style of Chapel. In the 1960s, as the emphasis on participation of the laity grew, it was felt that he circular style would allow the congregation to participate closely in the services taking place on the central sanctuary.
The Church seats over 1100 people and cost £200,000 to build. It has many outstanding features, the most noteworthy being its elevated sanctuary and stained glass windows. The design for the stained glass windows represents, in symbolic form, the Birth, Life, Passion, Crucifixion and Resurrection of Our Blessed Lord whilst the high level Cherestorey windows use appropriate symbols to represent the 12 Apostles.
The Church was renovated and now contains a large tapestry on its back wall behind the alter depicting Jesus rising from his cross.
The parish priest is Fr Albertt McNally. The church is part of the parish of maghera, which contains newcastle and Bryansford
[edit] Mass Times
Sunday Masses 6.30pm (Vigil), 8.30am 11.30am
Weekday Mass Every Day - 10am (also tues & thurs 8am Wednesday Additional Evening Mass 7.30pm (Newcastle) First Friday of the Month Additional Mass at 8am Sacrament of Reconciliation Saturday: 12 noon to 1 pm; 5.30 pm to 6.15 pm Eve of 1st Friday of every month: 6.30 pm to 7.15 pm
