The World Meeting of Families takes place in Dublin from 21-26 August 2018. The theme chosen by Pope Francis for WMOF2018 is The Gospel of the Family: Joy for the World. The event will consist of a joyful and reflective programme of workshops, talks and discussions for adults; an engaging and exciting programme for young people as well as faith and fun activities for children. WMOF2018 will include the daily celebration of Mass, a festival of families event, exhibitions, cultural events and musical performances, events around the city, gestures of solidarity with those in need, and much more. WMOF requires host families […]

Birr Parish Bereavement Support Group is available for individuals who are seeking confidential, non-directive counselling support; please call 089 4670926 for further information and appointments.

Like our page on Facebook and keep up-to-date with prayer, parish news and other links St Brendans Church, Birr will find us. Please note that we do not reply to messages via Facebook; if you wish to contact the Parish you can email info@stbrendans.birr.ie or in an emergency call 086 3531955

The 50th World Day of Peace is celebrated on Sunday 1 January. The Catholic Nonviolence Initiative,  affirms that active nonviolence is at the heart of the vision and message of Jesus, the life of the Catholic Church, and the long-term vocation of healing and reconciling both people and the planet. This bold effort was launched at the Nonviolence and Just Peace Conference held in Rome April 11-13, 2016 and co-sponsored by the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, Pax Christi International, and other international bodies. How can you get involved. Visit Catholic NonViolence Initiative  Also see 64 Ways to Nonviolence Here […]

“Land of Saints and Scholars – the story of the Catholic Church in Ireland” is a new publication designed to appeal to younger people and children. Told in full colour picture format the book would make an excellent Christmas present. It is a special publication which is only available through parishes and there are pages dedicated to the Diocese of Killaloe. It costs €10 and is available in the Parish Office.

Parish Pastoral Council Meeting on Wednesday 8 February 2017 in the Conference Room St Brendan’s Church. All members are asked to make a special effort to attend this meeting as we will be addressed by Fr Ger Nash, Director of Pastoral Development in Killaloe Diocese. This will guide our pastoral planning for 2017.  

Meeting Report 7 December 2016 There was a poor attendance at the meeting on Wednesday night. Updates were given on work in parish buildings, negotiations on the management of the Marian Hall and new Safeguarding Children vetting procedures. It was agreed that training for parish agencies on Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults will be held in Spring 2017. The meeting looked at pastoral planning for 2017 and Fr Ger Nash, Director of Pastoral Development in Killaloe Diocese is to be invited to address our next meeting and help the future focus and planning of the PPC as we look at […]

We are grateful to the Sisters of Mercy who have donated books from the collection of the late Sr Roberta Delaney to our church library. Take some time to browse the bookshelves in the Reading Room at the rear of St Brendan’s Church. You are welcome to take a book home but please do return it for others to use. Please pray for the repose of the soul of Sr Roberta.  

Submissions to Citizen’s Assembly   The newly formed Citizen’s Assembly have gathered in the Grand Hotel Malahide to consider their first political question, the 8th Ammendment which is the clause in the constitution which protects the unborn. Submissions are now being invited from the general public on this very important  amendment.                                                                                         Please take time to give […]

Birr Parish Bereavement Support Group are hoping to hold an open evening session next Thursday 1st December between 8pm – 9.30 pm in the Parish Conference Room. We offer, a space that offers a little comfort and peace. All are welcome. The support group is a voluntary parish based ministry. It aims to help the bereaved and grieving through the provision of a private, free and confidential service. According to the group, although grieving in all its shapes and forms is a natural process, which can be helped by the empathy, compassion and understanding of friends, sometimes one may need […]