Vision takes shape in Ballymacarrett
The vision to turn St Patrick’s Ballymacarrett into a Diocesan Resource Church is taking shape with the recent arrival of workmen on site.
As with most renovations, the first step is to remove and repair, and the work began with flushing, drainage and removal of the heating pipes and pews. Pews in good condition have been sold and the remainder recycled.
The life of God has repeatedly broken outwards from a worshipping community on this site over the last 200 years and we believe we will see God do it again. The leader of the new Resource Church, Revd Mike Darbandi, shares this exciting vision in the short film at the end of this article.
Plans
Plans for the redevelopment of St Patrick’s have been approved in principle by the Representative Church Body and we hope to see contractors move in during March 2026 to begin the refurbishment work so that we are ready to launch the new Resource Church in autumn 2026.
Architects have been reimagining St Patrick’s as a Resource Church with:
an 800-seat worship and prayer space, designed for life-giving, Spirit-filled encounter
five vibrant kids and youth rooms, reclaiming its heritage of raising the next generation
a Leadership and Training Hub to equip future church planters, pastors and pioneers
flexible areas for community engagement, ministry and mission
Pray for the vision
Please pray for:
The soil - that God will prepare the ground for mission and open hearts and minds for the Gospel.
The seeds and the planters - for resources and workers.
The Darbandi family as they prepare for their move to Belfast.
Invest in the vision
Donate online through CAF (Charities Aid Foundation) AT THIS LINK.
Donations by cheque (payable to Diocese of Down and Dromore) should be sent to:
The Finance Manager
Diocese of Down and Dromore
Unit 1, 21 Old Channel Road
Belfast
BT3 9DE
Please mark your donation ‘Ballymacarrett’.