This is a list of Castleknock Parish and Community groups and notices which relate to each. Click on the group name below for more information. If you would like your community group or service to appear on our website please contact the Parish Office.
Castleknock Active Retirement Association meets every Thursday from 3-5pm in our Lady’s Parish centre, Castleknock. The association greatly enhances the lives of older people in the area, encourages retired men and women to maintain their independence and provides great opportunities to meet, socialise and engage in activities with their peers. The group provides facilities for activities such as art, bowls, book clubs, language classes, day trips, cards, scrabble, community development and much more. Some recent activities included a trip to Aras an Uachtarán to meet the President and her husband, a trip last year to Westport and most recently a YouthReach initiative with 4th year students from Castleknock College. For details contact Our Lady’s Parish Centre (01) 82 09 907.
Contact: Leo Gibson
We are a voluntary parish – based Ministry which aims to help the bereaved and grieving .
Following notification of a death , contact is made with the family . We support the family in the initial stages of loss and help them to prepare for the removal and funeral Mass . We offer a “ listening ear “ for as long as is required . An annual Service of Light Mass is organised to commemorate those who have died and to pray with those who are bereaved .
We meet on the second Wednesday of each month at 8 pm in Room 3 in the Parish Centre .
How to contact or join the Group : Please contact the contact persons below or email the Bethany Group. Each prospective member sits in on a number of meetings and then complete a Training Course of 12 weeks duration before formally joining the Group .
Contact Persons : Mel Gilligan, Rosemary McDevitt
Group Email : bethany@castleknockparish.ie
Castleknock Todder Group – we welcome all toddlers and babies from all backgrounds at a play session between 10am and 12pm every Friday during Term time at Our Lady’s Parish Centre. There is a soft play area for babies and plenty of room for toddlers to play and meet with their friends. There is also a sing-along circle as well as a snack for both children and parents/carers. There is a minimal charge of EUR3 per family to cover costs as the group is a non-profit group run by parents.
Please contact us at: Castleknock Toddlergroup castleknocktoddlergroup@yahoo.com
For more information please see our facebook page by searching Castleknock Toddler Group on facebook or by using the following link.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Castleknock-Toddler-Group/369838666431367
The Castleknock Third World Partnership (TWP) was established by the Parish Pastoral Council in 2008, It was launched in July 2008 as part of the 25th Anniversary Celebrations of the Parish with the aim of establishing a supportive link between our parish and a third world parish. The Castleknock TWP partnered with the parish of Metcha Boroddo in Ethiopia.
The mission of the Castleknock Third World Partnership (TWP) is to build a partnership with selected third world parishes to bring real and lasting change 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 To develop sustainable spiritual and cultural links with these parishes that will be of mutual benefit to both parishes.
The TWP currently provides funding for 185 students to go to school, children whose families would otherwise be unable to afford their schooling, by funding their school fees, uniforms, books, medical and hygiene needs. In December 2009, the TWP in partnership with Camara an Irish based charity, created a Computer Laboratory in the school by providing 21 Computers, Desks, Chairs, a printer and also provided computer training for the teachers.
In 2010, the TWP in partnership with the Vincentian Order in Ethiopia, funded the restoration of the Parish Church in Metcha Boroddo. Cycles of rain and drought combined with the type of soil the Church is built on resulted in the subsidence of the church foundations and the development of huge cracks in the church walls. This was a major project for the partnership which took over 4 months to complete.
Other activities include provision of Library Books, Choir uniforms and keyboard, and the building of a home for an elderly pensioner.
The TWP accounts are under the control of the Parish Finance committee and are audited as part of the Parish Accounts. Income to the Partnership is primarily from monthly standing orders of the parishioners, once-off donations from parishioners, sponsorship by the Castleknock Arts Group and some fundraising events.
The TWP core group would like to take this opportunity to thank, on behalf of our Ethiopian partners, all our supporters who have made this partnership possible and whose support has allowed us to make such a difference in the education and lives of the people in our partner parish in Ethiopia.
If you have not already done so and would like to help, please contact a member of the TWP or e-mail the TWP at: twp@castleknockparish.ie to make a donation or make a regular contribution by standing order.
The TWP meet every second Thursday in the Parish Centre at 8pm
Contact: Deirdre O’Halloran
Please click here to view more about the Castleknock, Third World Partnership.
Contact: Austin Joyce
Contact: Brendan Scallon
Contact: Mary Boyle
“Community Games” is coming back to Castleknock however we need your help.
If you have some time to spare to help with activities such as Chess,Art,Basketball,Draughts etc.
Unfortunately Castleknock is not affiliated any longer to Community Games which means the children of the Parish cannot compete in any of the 50 activities.
With your help, no matter how small – we can change that this year – so please call David on 086 020 1495 and let’s get Castleknock back competing in Dublin Community Games once more. Thank you- Oct 2012
Contact: Teresa Hawkes
The Localise Youth Group provide a range of both socially responsible and fun activities for young people between the ages of 14 to 18. At the age of 18, young people can become Adult Leaders. Recent activities include:
We meet every Friday from 7.15 to 8.45pm, in Our Lady’s Parish Centre (September to May). We welcome new members. Junior members can join in September, prospective Adult Leaders are welcome at any time.
Conatct: Leo Gibson
Meals on Wheels is a group of 60 volunteer men an women who deliver meals in the greater Castleknock and Blanchardstown area to about 60 elderly and disabled people on Monday Wednesday and Fridays throughout the year.
We are always looking for new volunteers. If you have 2 hours to spare on Monday, Wednesday or Friday we would greatly appreciate your help.
For further information, please contact Judie Glynn, Driver Rosterer, Meals on Wheels Team, for further information. Email: judieglynn@eircom.net
Contact: John Eyres
Terms of Reference
The ultimate responsibility for the financial administration of the parish lies with the Parish Priest.
The Parish Finance Committee (PFC) is an advisory committee that assists the Parish Priest by clarifying issues and making recommendations so that he is fully aware of all aspects of parish finances particularly when making decisions.
The key advisory roles of the PFC are:
From time to time other financial matters are referred to the Committee.
Annual Financial Statement
The Parish Finance Committee publishes an Annual Financial Statement for the Parish which is distributed to parishioners. To view the latest statement, click here.
Membership of the Committee
The current members of the PFC are:
Contact: Mel Gilligan
Please click here to view more about the Parish Pastoral Council.
Email: ppc@castleknockparish.ie
Contact: Kitty Mulligan
Please click here to view more about the Safeguarding and Child Protection Team.
Contact: Austin Joyce
St. Michael’s conference, Castleknock, meets every Wednesday in the parish centre at 7.30.
We have 18 members.
The conference visits people in their homes in Ballymun and also in Castleknock.
We help people in any way can. This would include financial, education, Social Welfare entitlement and holidays, as well as providing friendship and support. New members are always welcome.
SVP Parish contact is Kevin Lynch
Contact to seek help – SVP Head Office is (01) 855 0022
Website: www.svp.ie
(01) 6408595Fr. Denis O’Connor CSsR (01) 821 4003