Children's Harvest 2026
What a wonderful Children’s Harvest took place on Sunday 18th October. We welcomed The Rev’d Cathy Hallissey and Copper Pot who talked to us about the wonders of God’s creation!
Afterwards we enjoyed hot dogs, juice and cake in the Old Schools. We had a great turn out and thank you to everyone who helped and especially to Cathy and Copper Pot!
Harvest Thanksgiving Service 2026
On Sunday 11th October we celebrated our Harvest Thanksgiving. Our guest preacher was Ven. Ross Styles, Rector of Newcastle, Newtownmountkennedy and Calary and Archdeacon of Glendalough.
His sermon was really inspiring and challenging. The church was decorated beautifully and we had delicious refreshments following the service! We also welcomed Canon Martin Cosgrove from the Church of the Annunciation as our guest.
Thank you to all who made the day so special.
Makgothi Family Baptism
On Sunday 4th of October we enjoyed the baptism of 3 members of the Makgothi family. It was really special a wonderful day.
They were so well behaved, it was a first for me.
Wedding Bells
On Saturday the 19th September we celebrated the wedding of Zoe Shekleton and Ian Condell. It was a beautiful and special day.
We wish them all the best and very many happy years together.
Back to Church Sunday
On Sunday 13th September we held our annual Back to Church and School service.
It was wonderful to see so many young people and families out for the occasion.
Well done to last year’s confirmation group, who led the service from start to finish with a little help from the rector!
We all enjoyed a well deserved ice cream after the service!
Coffee Morning
On Saturday Morning 5th of September we held a coffee morning in the Rectory. It was in aid equally of Purple House Cancer Support in Bray and also parish funds for the parish’s 200 year anniversary next year. We managed to raise, at time of writing €1388.80 which is amazing!
Many thanks to all who supported, whether by attending, baking, crowd control! or car parking, and also helping to set up and clear away! Also, thanks to our neighbours and Whitechurch NS for providing us with parking.
Baptism of Theo O'Neill
On Sunday 6th September we held the baptism of Theo O’Neill. It was a lovely occasion with an amazing turnout with the O’Neill and Allison family and friends. Theo was in flying form in his special day. It was wonderful to welcome Theo into the family of the church.
Baptism of Theo and Harry Pedlow-Davenport
On Sunday 9th of August we celebrated a double baptism of brothers Theo and Harry Pedlow-Davenport. It was a pleasure to welcome them to the family of the church. Theo even helped pour the water into the font, a very important job!
We look forward to seeing them growing up together in faith.
Baptism of Brigh Ellie Timmons
On Sunday 26th of July we welcomed Brigh Ellie Timmons into the family of the church. It was a wonderful occasion and lovely to share this with Brigh’s extended family and godparents.
As always, we look forward to seeing Brigh grow and develop over the future years.
Zipit Confirmation Class 2026
On Sunday afternoon, the 14th of June the Rector and the 8 recently confirmed young people went Ziplining in Zipit in the Dublin Mountains.
A great time was had by all and plenty of high flying and navigating of obstacles!
Many thanks also to the parents who joined us on the ground. Immediately following this we had pizza and refreshments.
No injuries thankfully, but plenty of midge bites!
Pilgrimage to St. Colmcille's Well
On Saturday the 7th June we joined our ecumenical neighbours for a Pilgrimage to St Columcille’s Well in Knocklyon. Some of us met at the SuperValu car park in Knocklyon and walked to the well. Others went straight there! Fr Tim Lehane gave the reflection and there was beautiful music and prayers. It is a special annual event and a lovely thing to be a part in! The weather behaved itself too, many thanks to all who came and also who worked so hard to make it a success.
Baptism of Ella Sophie Watchorn
On Sunday 31st of May, Trinity Sunday we held the baptism of Ella Sophia Watchorn. It was a lovely occasion, kicking off a Summer of Baptisms! Ella was in great form smiling at everyone. We look forward to seeing Ella grow in Christ amongst our parish community. No better day to be baptised than Trinity Sunday!
Diocesan Hockey Tournament
Well done to Whitechurch Parish Hockey Team. On Sunday 23rd of May we entered a team in the first Diocesan Hockey tournament in many years! We really enjoyed a lovely sunny afternoon. Our team was ably managed by Gail Garry and Jane Connolly and we really appreciate the time they gave, the team that played and also Zoe Mulligan for providing us with delicious baking on the day. We finished off in 3rd place which is very commendable. We look forward to next year!
Mothers' Union Outings
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On Thursday 28th May ladies form our Mothers’ Union went on a boat trip from Dun Laoghaire across Dublin Bay to Howth.
Whitechurch Mothers’ Union enjoying the 150th Anniversary Tea Party celebrations in Castleknock Parish in May
Dream Auction Guides Car Wash
On Saturday 16th of May the Guides washed the cars a part of the Dream Auction back in November. They had a great time whilst leaving pristine cars in their wake!
Annual Inter Faith Golf Outing 2026
Confirmation 2026
Bowls Club Annual Dinner 2026
On Thursday 30th April Whitechurch Bowls Club enjoyed an end of season dinner in Bijou Restaurant. Spirits were high as they celebrated the club’s 35th year. Although, maybe not as successful for trophies, the club continues to thrive! If you are nterested in taking up Bowls, please contact the parish office.
Spring Fete 2026
On Saturday the 25th April we held our annual Church and School Fete. The weather was amazing, the atmosphere electric and everybody had a wonderful time! Many thanks to everyone who helped make the event such a brilliant success. All those who helped out in any way big or small and everyone who attended!
Men's Breakfast 2026
Ladies Breakfast 2026
Rev'd Michael Heaney's 50th Anniversary of Ordination
On Sunday 22nd March we celebrated Rev’d Michael Heaney’s 50th anniversary of his ordination. Michael is a valuable member of our ministry team who we are blessed to have in the parish.
It was wonderful to mark this amazing landmark with Michael and his family and he preached to us on this special day.
Daffodil Day 2026
On Friday 20th March we held our annual Daffodil Day Coffee morning. This you we again raised over €3,000 with a very generous contribution of a beautiful oil painting which we auctioned.
Many thanks to all who supported, gave raffle prizes and the organising committee, led by Jackie Jolley.
Church Sign
Finally we have erected the new sign at the entrance to the church grounds. A special thanks to Mr Ramon Gillis whose generously paid for the sign and its installation in loving memory of his late brother Douglas. Thanks must also go to Mr Tom Jenner and Mr Richard Jolley who helped with the design and the installation of the sign respectively and Mr Trevor Gillis who made the sign and installed it with Richard. As you drive into the church, please look out for it!
Palm Sunday Procession
On Palm Sunday we welcomed Dolly the Donkey and her owner Norah to lead us on our procession. The weather we a bit wet and windy but nothing to deter us from singing, waving our Palm crosses and marking the occasion. Following this we heard the dramatised Passion Gospel according to Matthew. Our busy morning concluded with a Famine Lunch in the Old Schools served by members of the Mothers’ Union and Confirmation Class.
An Afternoon with Marian Keyes
On Sunday, 22 March, parishioner Anna Williams and her friend Niamh Clohessy had the wonderful opportunity to spend an afternoon talking with internationally bestselling author Marian Keyes, after winning a successful bid at the Dream Auction last November.
Marian was kind, engaging, funny, interesting and above all extremely generous with her time and her insights, and even brought along a number of her books for signing. She fielded a variety of questions about her writing process, ranging from where she gets her ideas, to strategies for tackling writer’s “emptiness” (a term she prefers to “block”), to reflections on the differences between now and the beginning of her career, as well as how she fared with writing during Covid times. She recounted being an avid reader as a child, and how her love of stories, and her immense curiosity about people and relationships, has fuelled her writing career. Her warmth and genuine desire for connection was in abundance, making this an afternoon to remember and treasure.
Ministry of Healing Retreat
On Saturday 7th of March we hostel the annual Spring retreat of the Dublin and Glendalough Ministry of Healing. This year the retreat was led by Canon Alastair Graham. He spoke to us about Finding Peace in Rest, Healing and Hope. It was an inspiring and comforting message and it was great to see such a strong turnout from throughout the Diocese. We closed the afternoon with Holy Communion in the church.
Week of Prayer For Christian Unity Annual Service
On Sunday the 18th January we hosted the annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity service.
It was a wonderful occasion and so special to welcome so many of our brothers and sisters in Christ from our neighbouring traditions.
Many thanks to Father Noel Hession for his thought provoking sermon!
Unveiling of Plaque
On Sunday 23rd of November we welcomed The Most Reverend Dr Michael Jackson, Archbishop of Dublin & Glendalough to dedicate and unveil a plaque in the porch of the church.
This plaque was the idea of Mr Reg Richards whose kindness made this possible. It lists all the full time clergy who served in Whitechurch since its opening on 1827.
The choir from Whitechurch NS sang and it was a very special family service. We were delighted that Reg was able to watch the service which was live streamed.
Dream Auction
On Friday 7th of November, we held our parish Dream Auction in Ballinteer St Johns GAA Club. We are very grateful to them and really appreciated their hospitality and kindness in hosting this evening. It was a great night of entertainment, and also a valuable fundraiser for the parish.
There was a great variety of lots up for bidding and many thanks to all who offered their time, talents and items for auction. The committee did great work, the Mothers’ Union provided delicious sandwiches. The art group donated some amazing pictures. Thanks to Chris Steele for keeping us entertained and the bidding moving as our auctioneer for the night and to Daphne Kaye for guiding us in the ways of auctioneering! A fantastic night was had by all.
Dream Auction Highlights
Dream Auction
Children's Harvest Service
On Sunday 19th of October we held our Children’s Harvest.
It was wonderful to have a full church and the school choir performing.
Also, to hear about the care of all God’s creatures from The Rev’d Rob Clements, rector or our neighbouring Kilternan Parish.
Many thanks to all who brought non-perishable food items which went to the very worthy ‘Storehouse’ programme run by Crinken Parish as part of ‘FEAD’ programme.
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
Holy Week Services
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
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
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
Whitechurch Bowls Winners Again
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!