WhiteChurch Parish

Mothers'Union

Our Mothers’ Union opening service took place on Tuesday 7th October.  We enjoyed refreshments following the service.

Harvest Thanksgiving 2025

Our parish Harvest Thanksgiving took place on Sunday 12th October.  We welcomed the Very Reverend Dermot Dunne as our speaker, Dean of Christ Church Cathedral.  The church looked fantastic, thanks to our wonderful team of flower arrangers and also Mrs Olive Wilson’s amazing, knitted harvest fruit, veg and harvest mice!

Back to Church Sunday

On Sunday 14th September we held our annual ‘Back to Church and School’ Service.

The first half was child centred, followed by Sunday Club.

Immediately following the service many parishioners, young and otherwise, enjoyed a treat from the ice cream van!

We look forward to a fun and busy season of Sunday Club and New Family services.

Holy Baptism

On Sunday 10th of August we held the baptism of Lara Gibson McNamara. It was great to have her family and friends accompanying her on this very special day! We hope that she felt very welcome!

Holy Baptism

On Sunday 27th July we held the baptism of Sophie Jenny Malcom.

It was a lovely day and such a pleasure, as always to welcome a new person into the family of the church!

Holy Baptism

On Sunday the 6th July we welcomed Cora May McGrath into the family of the church through baptism. It was also wonderful to welcome her family and especially her Grandad, Rev’d Fred Appelbe who baptised Cora and also preached at her baptism!

 

Inter Faith Golf Outing 2025

We had a wonderful Inter Faith Golf outing on Friday 13th June in Rathfarnham Golf Club. 

The course was in superb condition and the food and service were amazing. Thank you so much to all involved in the club for making the day so special.

Thank you also to our sponsors, especially Fanagans, our main sponsor, amongst others.

We had a great turnout from the parish, and I think that we had people in 5 of the top six teams. We were pipped by a team from Rathfarnham Parish! 

St. Colmcille's Well

On Sunday 8th June we joined our neighbouring parish of Firhouse on a pilgrimage walk to St Colmcille’s Well.  The weather was mixed (but better than last year!).  Rev’d Michael Heaney led with a reflection and there was music and much fellowship.  It is a great annual event and one that is always very memorable.

Youth Club Go Quest 2025

On Friday 13th June, our Youth Club went on a trip to Go Quest,

A great time was had as they navigated their way through rooms, trying to complete puzzles and escape!

We look forward to next year and another great year for the Whitechurch Youth Club.  Thanks so much for the leaders for all the work that they put in.

 

Confirmation 2025

A wonderful Confirmation this morning 1st of June in Whitechurch.

Ouiz Night 2025

On Friday 16th May we held our annual joint parish and school table quiz in St John’s GAA Club in Ballinteer.

A fun night was had by all. The team ‘The Wilbrookers’ came out winners in a closely fought contest!

 

Many thanks to Chris Steele for setting out the questions and St John’s for their hospitality.

Holy Baptism

On Sunday 11th May we had the pleasure of the baptism of Harry Stanley. It was wonderful as always to welcome another person into the family of the Church!

Holy Baptism

On Sunday 27th April we welcomed Rowan Robert McCarthy-Neal through baptism into the family of the church. It was a lovely service and a pleasure to see a crowded church for such a special day on Rowan’s spiritual life.

Ladies Breakfast April 2025

On the morning of Saturday 26th April we welcomed Ms Ruth Gyves, Lay Assistant Pastor from Holy Trinity Parish, Rathmines came to speak to a crowded Stables for our annual Ladies Breakfast.

She challenged us to consider our choices and decisions as we all go through the good times and the tough ones.  That God is with us all the time and we can rely on Him.

Many thanks to Ruth and also to Rhodanne and her team who helped out providing a delicious and healthy breakfast, setting up and clearing up afterwards.

 

Easter Sunday

Thank you all such much for decorating our church so beautifully for the celebration on Easter Day. So much hard work and thought went into making it look so amazing!.

Sonrise Ecumenical Service

Early on Easter Morning we enjoyed a Sonrise Ecumenical Service with our Neighbours in Rathfarnham Parish Church of Ireland, Church Of The Annunciation, Ballyroan Parish and Churchtown Parish.
An early start was well worthwhile as we climbed Montpelier Hill and the darkness. The rain stopped and we light a fire, enjoyed the sunrise and sang hymns, listened to bible readings and prayed together.
Immediately following this we reconvened at The Old Schools in Whitechurch for refreshments and further fellowship. It was a lovely way to start such a special day. Many thanks to all involved in making it possible.

Holy Week Services

We had a very special Holy Week as we welcome Dr Bridget Nichols, lecturer in the Church of Ireland Theological Institute as our guest speaker. Bridget spoke on Wednesday to Good Friday at our 7pm services.
She opened up the scriptures of Holy Week in an engaging, enlightening and fascinating way.
Thank you Bridget for giving of your time and wisdom!

Sunday Club
Good Friday Children's Workshop

On Good Friday we held our Sunday Club Workshop in The Stables. It was a great opportunity for some of our young people to get together on such a special day.

Palm Sunday

On Sunday 13th April we held our Palm Sunday procession from The Old Schools to The Stables and back to the Church. Following this we held a dramatised version of the Passion led by the Confirmation Class and selected others!

 

After the service we enjoyed our famine lunch in aid of the Mothers Union Charities ably assisted by the confirmation candidates. A busy morning for them!

Men's Breakfast 12th April 2025

On Saturday 12th April we held our annual Men’s breakfast. This year, our venue was the beautiful leafy surroundings of Rathfarnham Golf Club. 

Our speaker was the inspirational Rev’d Trevor Stevenson, former rector of Crinken parish and member of the board of Fields of Life. Fields of Life is an Irish charity who work it improve the living conditions and educational opportunities in some of the poorest countries in Africa.  It truly was food for thought. Many thanks to Michael and Har for organising and Rathfarnham Golf Club for their hospitality.

Mother's Day

We had a special Mothering Sunday service! Thank you Con Power for a wonderful sermon. Also Janine for making lovely gifts for all our Mothers and Ladies.
Great to see the men doing the coffee and tea after the service!

Inter-Faith Golf Outing

Shrove Tuesday

On Tuesday 4th of March we held our last Select Vestry meeting before the Easter Vestry meeting planned for 8th of April.

As a thank you to them for their loyal service to the parish and to mark the day that was in it, the rector cooked pancakes for all present!

 

Mothers' Union Spring Gathering

The MU Spring Gathering for Dublin & Glendalough was held on Saturday  morning 1st March in the Gathering Grounds and was attended by three Whitechurch representatives Sue, Hazel and Gillian!  We did some quizzing and some crafts where we made a hyacinth !                                        

Lovely sociable morning 


Whitechurch Spring Fete Raffle

Please see link below for the Whitechurch Spring Fete Raffle. The sheer number of prizes is amazing and a huge thank you must go to Heather Fenton for sourcing the bulk of these! Thank you also to Zoe Phelan for looking after the tech side of things with the raffle! This year, we have some really fantastic top prizes including hotel stays, and many vouchers and high value prizes! 

Please consider buying some raffle tickets and help us spread the word far and wide by sharing this link with family, friends, neighbours, local What’s App groups, social media- Instagram, Facebook etc. We want the raffle link to reach as many people as possible to help maximise the funds raised. 

https://www.idonate.ie/raffle/WhitechurchParishandNSSpringFeteRaffle2025

 

Parish Sunday Lunch

On Sunday 16th February many of the parishioners of all ages enjoyed a social Sunday Lunch.

 The event took place in The Merry Ploughboy, not far from the church. The food and service was excellent. It was a really good time of fellowship and there was a great buzz about the afternoon.

 Thanks to the committee who put so much work into making it such a success. 

 Quite a few people asked when we will be doing it again! Watch this space!

Senior Youth Club Bowling

On Sunday evening the Senior Youth Club went bowling in the Leisureplex in Tallaght.

9 members of the recently formed Senior Youth Club met with 3 leaders including the rector. No comment on who got the highest score!

We look forward to a bright future for our parish with such nice young people in both Senior and Junior Youth Clubs!

 

Week of Prayer Christian Unity 2025

On Sunday 19th we enjoyed fellowship with our neighbours from Church of the annunciation, Rathfarnham, Our Lady of Good Councel, Ballyboden and also our hosts in the Church of the Divine Word, Marley Grange.

It was a special afternoon and members and clergy from all the parish met to worship and enjoyed refreshments afterwards. 

It is important to build up ties of friendship with our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

Badminton 25th Anniversary

On Wednesday 11th December Whitechurch Parish Badminton Club held their combined Christmas and 25th Anniversary party in the Old Schools.It was great to see faces of past and current members! There was fun badminton followed by a great selection of food!

Many thanks to Sylvia who as always put so much work into making it such a successful night! Bring on the next 25 years!!

Wedding Bells

On Saturday 23rd November, we celebrated the Wedding of Rolyen Hontiveros and Nigel Tennant.  The wedding took place in the church and was a beautiful occasion. 

It is always special to have a church wedding and this was no different. We wish Yen and Nigel a long, happy and healthy married life together.

Holy Baptim

Last Sunday, the 1st of December we had the pleasure of baptising Sophia Lily Hiebner. Another lovely baptism and again great to welcome her into the family of the church. Also, a pleasure to see so many of her family and friends here to support her. 

Holy Baptism

On Sunday 24th November we welcomed Max Har O’Neill into the family of the church. We baptised him on The Sunday when we celebrated The Kingship of Christ. It was a joy and a pleasure to share this happy event with his family, godparents and friends!

Youth Club Returns

Holy Baptism

On Friday 8th November we welcomed Zack Adam Kovac into the family of the Church. It was a special service and we wish Zack well on his life journey!

Holy Baptism Sunday 3rd November 2024

On Sunday 3rd November we celebrated the baptism of Hailey Ann Kelly. It was wonderful to welcome Hailey into the family of the church.

Harvest Thanksgiving Service
20th October 2024

On Sunday 20th October we welcomed the Rev’d Isy Hawthorne-Steele from Greenisland Parish to preach at our Harvest Thanksgiving.  Isy is an engaging and thought provoking preacher! The generous collection went towards the Greenisland parish rebuilding fund.

 

Many thanks to all who decorated the church so beautifully for the service.

 

Wedding Bells

Congratulations to Suzanne Gray and Adam Keane who were married last Thursday 10th October in St Mary’s Abbey Church of Ireland in Ardee.

Rev’d David had the privilege of officiating at the wedding. Suzanne is a parishioner and attended Whitechurch NS. What a wonderful couple and an amazing day!

We wish them all God’s blessings as they begin their married life together.

Pet Service 6th October 2024

On Sunday 6th of October we held a Blessing of Pets Service.  It was wonderful to welcome all creatures great and small to be blessed.  The church was unscathed as we blessed dogs, cats, a budgie, a rabbit and even a fifty-something year old tortoise named Trotters!

Defibrillator Training

On Monday 23rd September, 12 parishioners underwent defibrillator training.  Many thanks to Colm Foley who so engagingly taught us about what to do in the unlikely event that someone needs medical attention before the emergency services arrive.

Back to Church Sunday and BBQ

On Sunday 22nd of September we held our Back to Church and School Service & BBQ in the Church and its grounds.  It was great to see so many people enjoying the service & BBQ from school and parish alike. A special thanks to those who were confirmed this year who led the service so well.  Also thanks to those we cooked up a storm and also provided refreshments in the Old Schools too!  The weather behaved and the ice creams, burgers and hot dogs were much enjoyed by those of all ages!

 

John Dexter's Retirement Presentation

On Sunday 8th September John Dexter led the Choir for the last time as Director of Music.  John has been Director of Music for 23 years in Whitechurch and we marked this occasion with a presentation following the service from the choir and also from the parish and select vestry.  Both John and Alison will be greatly missed. We are delighted that they will still be joining us occasionally and John has offered his services to deputise when needed if he is available!  Many thanks to both John and Alison for all they have contributed to the parish, it is impossible to guess the positive impact that they have made over the years.

Baptism Sunday 18th August 2024

On Sunday 18th August we welcomed Maia Macken into the family of the church.  See photo of Maia and her family.

Pulpit Swap Sunday 11th August

On Sunday 11th August a pulpit swap took place between Whitechurch and St Brigid’s in Stillorgan.

It was lovely to welcome Rev’d Kevin Conroy back to Whitechurch.  Also Rev’d David received a great welcome from the parishioners of St Brigid’s and All Saints, the parish where he grew up!

 

Interfaith Golf Outing Grange Golf Club 2024
We held a great Interfaith Golf Outing On 27th June in Grange Golf Club
Special Congratulations to the Whitechurch team of Brian Pollock, Steven Anderson, Robin Benn and Alan Worrell who came second out of about 25 teams and also to David Hunt who won closest to the line! We look forward to next year and continuing our winning streak!
Prize Winners 
1st Prize – Muriel Doyle, Felicity Coll, Muriel Fitzgerald and Carol Loftus from Ballyroan Church.
2nd Prize – Steven Anderson, Robin Benn, Brian Pollock and Alan Worrell from Whitechurch Parish.
3rd Prize – Ross Sargeant, Jean Lew, Stan Lew and Jeff Sargeant from Rathfarnham Parish.
4th Prize – Cathal McCarthy, Denis O’Callaghan, Shay Keenan and Dan Steen from Church of Annunciation, Rathfarnham.
5th Prize – Fergal Duffy, Kevin Hughes, Liam O’Connor and Sean Kelleher from St. Mary’s Boys National School.
Nearest the line – David Hunt from Whitechurch Parish.
Nearest the pin – Men’s – Eamonn Brett from Church of Annunciation Rathfarnham.
Nearest the pin – Ladies – Maureen Nolan form Rathfarnham Parish RC.
 

St. Colmcille's Well Service
Sunday 9th June 2024

On Sunday afternoon, approx. 120 people travelled to St Colmcille’s Well from Knocklyon Car Park to celebrate St Colmcille’s  (Columba’s) Day.  Even  though it rained, it couldn’t dampen the spirits and we really enjoyed music, prayer and worship along with building up ecumenical relations!

See photo of Rev’d David with Parish Priest Fr. Cyril Ming Ma and Deacon Michael Giblin of Knocklyon Parish.

 

Reg's Retirement Presentation Photographs

During coffee on Sunday 9th June following the 10.30am service with marked Reg Richards’ retirement. He received a presentation and many parishioners and family members turned out to show their appreciation for all Reg did in the parish over many years, in so many different ways.

Youth Club Archery Trip 2024

Recently the Youth Club went on an Archery outing. It was a great morning! Many thanks for the leaders who gave up their time and especially Zoe who organised the trip

Confirmation Class Trip

Last week some of the confirmation class went Ziplining in Zipit. Although it was a bit wet, a great time was had by all, even the Rector!

Spring Quiz Results 2024

Confirmation Class 2024

The Confirmation Service was held in Taney Church this year on Sunday 12th May. Congratulations to all the Whitechurch candidates.

Spring Fete 2024


Bowls Dinner 2024

Palm Sunday 24th March 2024

On Palm Sunday, prior to our service with our dramatised Passion, Dolly the donkey lead us in our procession from the Old Schools Hall, to the Stables and back to the church.
Many thanks to Norah who brought and accompanied Dolly on our journey!

Whitechurch Bowls Winners Again

Congratulations again to Whitechurch Bowls Club. Along with the Price Cup win (on a previous post), they also won the Rohu Cup and the Miller trophy!
Roll on next year!

Daffodil Day 2024

Men's Breakfast March 2024

We enjoyed a great Men’s Breakfast on Saturday 9th March 2024 in Grange Golf Club. Many thanks to our speaker, the Warden of St Columba’s College, Mark Boobbyer for his engaging and thought provoking talk. 

Also, to Grange Golf Club for their hospitality and Rev’d Michael Heaney and Har Allison for organising and running it on the day.

Whitechurch Bowls

Congratulations to Whitechurch Bowls Club team on winning the Price Cup 2024.

Scouts Founders and Guides Thinking Day

 

On Sunday 25th of February at 10.30am we helped to celebrate Scouts Founders and Guides Thinking Day in Whitechurch Parish with a parade service.  It was a pleasure to welcome members of the Brownies, Cubs, Guides and Scouts who did their units proud as the paraded with their flags into the church.  They took part by also reading the lessons and taking up the collection.  It is wonderful to have such a strong relationship between parish and these youth organisations, long may it continue!

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