There are many active groups in our parish catering for a wide variety of interests that enhance different aspects of Parish life.
Most groups are happy to welcome new members. If you have a particular interest or skill set that you would like to offer in the service of the parish community, please contact the particular group concerned.
Contact information for all groups is available through the Parish Office.
The principal role of Ministers of the Word is to proclaim the Scripture readings at Mass and other liturgical celebrations. Scripture readings are the Word of God, through which God speaks to the people gathered in prayer in the Church.
The current rota for Ministers of the Word is available by clicking here.
The Third World Partnership (TWP) was established by the Parish of Our Lady Mother of the Church Castleknock in 2008, with the aim of establishing a supportive link between our parish and a third world parish. The TWP is partnered with the parish of Metcha Borodo in Ethiopia, which is situated 50 miles west of Addis Ababa. We aim to develop sustainable spiritual and cultural links that will be of mutual benefit to both parishes. Our mission is to help our partners by enabling and empowering local people, so that they have the tools, training, and the necessary supports to break the cycle of poverty and need.
You can read more about TWP here.
Parish Pastoral Councils are approved bodies within the structures of the Church that are concerned with fostering the pastoral activities of parish life so that the parish becomes a vibrant Christian community that promotes gospel values of love, justice and peace. In 2004 Archbishop Diarmuid Martin decreed that all parishes in the Archdiocese of Dublin should have a Parish Pastoral Council.
The Parish Pastoral Council is a consultative and representative group within the parish. It is composed of priests, permanent deacons and pastoral workers appointed by the Bishop to minister in the parish along with a variety of men and women from the parish community. It facilitates a shared responsibility for leadership and pastoral initiatives in the parish that aims to build a dynamic Christian community characterised by faith, worship, evangelisation and service.
Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and guided by the teachings of the Church, the Parish Pastoral Council seeks to encourage and assist all members of the parish community to live out their baptismal commitment as disciples of Jesus Christ and give witness to their faith.
Our current Parish Pastoral Council consist of two priests and eleven men and women from the parish. The Parish Pastoral Council meets monthly from September to June. The Parish Pastoral Council can be contacted through the Parish Office.
The Parish Choir sings at the 12 noon Mass on Sundays. The choir rehearses on Tuesday evenings in the Parish Centre from 8pm to 10pm. The 30-member choir comprises Sopranos, Altos, Tenors and Basses of mixed ability voices. We cover a wide range of musical styles. Our objective is to always raise people’s spirits and enhance the liturgy through our music. Contact us at Mass on Sunday or through the Parish Office.
The mission of the Family Group is to support families in their faith through their engagement with the Parish community. The Family Group lead the music and singing at the Family Mass at 10am on Sundays, as well as singing at ceremonies and celebrations throughout the year. Weekly rehearsal is on Wednesday evenings at 8.15pm in the Church.
The Family Group regularly lead a Children’s Liturgy during the 10am Sunday Mass. This takes place in the Parish Centre where a simplified version of the Sunday Gospel is presented to the children who are encouraged to engage in discussing the Gospel story and participating in music, drama, and Irish Sign Language at Mass. Leaders of the Children’s Liturgy attend training and workshops provided by the Diocese. Contact us on Sunday mornings or through the Parish Office.
The Folk Group have been providing music for the 6pm Saturday Vigil Mass for many years. Our repertoire includes traditional, contemporary and original material to enhance the liturgy and the spiritual experience of the congregation. Rehearsals are on Tuesday evenings at 8.15pm in the Church. The group have also performed at various charity events over the years singing both liturgical and secular music. New members are always welcome, and we can be contacted at Mass on Saturdays or through the Parish Office.
The Bethany Bereavement Support Group in Castleknock Parish offers confidential support to bereaved parishioners by a small group of trained and experienced men and women. Our group also assists and supports families in preparing the Funeral Mass liturgy. You may contact us on 085 213 1603 or through the Parish Office.
The “Stop the Persecution of Christians” (SPOC) group was set up in the parish in 2020 with the objective of raising awareness of the relentless persecution that many of our Christian brothers and sisters face in a growing number of countries around the world. Many governments, mainstream media and some human rights organizations have largely ignored this issue. Our group works closely with and is supported by Aid to the Church in Need.
‘Week Of Witness 2022’
Our group is organising a series of activities during ‘Week of Witness 2022′ which takes place from 20th – 26th November. This event is facilitated and supported by Aid To The Church In Need. The activities will include prayer vigils, facilitating people who have experienced persecution to speak in our communities, distributing booklets and leaflets, lighting up the exterior of churches in red, coordinating ringing of church bells, etc.
We would appreciate your prayers and support for persecuted Christians. For further information please contact us at 086 1591188.
You can read more about the SPOC group’s Week of Witness 2020 here.
St. Michael’s Conference, Castleknock meet every Wednesday in the Parish Centre at 7.30pm. The Conference provides support, including financial assistance where necessary, to people in need in Castleknock and also in the Ballymun area. New members are always welcome and you can come along any Wednesday night or contact us through the Parish Office.
To seek help, please phone the SVP Head Office at 01-8550022 or go online at http://www.svp.ie/get-help/request-help-online.aspx
