We at St. Patricks Church are part of the Anglican Church and the parish community focuses around three church buildings in Ballymena – St Patrick’s on Castle Street in the Ballymena town centre, St Columba’s on the Doury Road at the north end of the town and St Patrick’s Ballyclug, approximately 1 mile from the town along the Larne Road.
As Jesus engaged with the world, so we seek to engage with our local community through lips and lives, to bring good news to those around us. We want to affirm people through the assurance of God’s love. We offer lots of activities and ministries including the following;
- Student Common Room
Students from the nearby Northern Regional College (formerly Ballymena Tech) are welcome to use the Parish Halls every Thursday lunchtime as a place of recreation & fellowship. A place to chat, study or play games. There are also hotdogs and toasties offered to the students. Some students choose to give a small donation, and all money raised goes towards a charity at the end of the academic year.
- Breakfast Club
This community outreach started as a provision for clients of the Hope Centre in town but is now open to others who may have a range of issues or problems & also to those who work with people with addictions. A full breakfast, an opportunity to chat about issues & problems, companionship and prayer support is provided on the first Saturday of the month at 9.30am in the Parish Hall in Castle Street, Ballymena
- Foodbank
We are active supporters of the Ballymena Food Bank and a collection point for food. Regularly we are able to provide a considerable amount of food to the distribution centre.
- Open Youth Club
The youth club takes place every Saturday night in the Parish Halls at St Patrick’s. Children of Primary School age (4 – 11) meet for one hour from 7pm till 8pm. Older children of Secondary/Grammar School age (11 – 17) meet for two hours from 8pm to 10pm. As well as games, consoles, tuck-shop, arts and crafts, there is also a brief element of Christian teaching. The Youth Leaders and Volunteers are all experienced in working with young people, and at least one member of the Clergy is normally present to deal with any pastoral concerns that the children wish to talk about.
- Mother and Toddler Club
The mother and toddler club is open to all pre-school children and those adults responsible for them. This meets every Tuesday in the Parish hall off Castle Street from 10am – 12. With ample space for the children to play and a varied programme this well run club has attracted a cross section of the local community for many years.
If you would like to speak to someone about any of the activities above please get in touch with St. Patrick’s Church office on 028 2563 0741 – Mon, Wed & Fri from 10am – 3pm or click here to visit our website. Our aim at St Patricks Church in Ballymena is that in response to God’s love, through faith in Jesus Christ, and by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, we will make and deepen friendship with God, with each other, and the world.
