Get Involved in Parish Life

Our parishes are vibrant, welcoming communities, and they thrive because of the wonderful people who give their time, energy, and heart.

Whether you are new to the parish or have been here for years, there are many ways you can share your gifts, meet others, and feel more connected. From music to ministry, hospitality to helping hands, there is something for everyone, no matter your age, background, or schedule.

You do not need any special experience, just a willing spirit and a bit of time. Getting involved is a beautiful way to grow in faith, serve others, and truly feel at home in your parish community.

We would love to have you join us.

To get involved in any of the groups or ministries below, please contact the relevant parish office.

Parish Groups & MinistriesClonskeagh, Kilmacud & Mount Merrion

Serving at Mass

Altar Servers (Kilmacud & Mount Merrion)

Open to children aged 9–15 who have made their First Holy Communion. Altar servers assist at weekend and special liturgies. Training can be provided.

Baptism Team (Kilmacud)

Volunteers help families prepare for the sacrament and support them on the day of baptism. Volunteers normally meet the family the month before the Baptism, usually on the last Tuesday of the month for Baptisms taking place the following month.

Ministers of the Word (Clonskeagh, Kilmacud & Mount Merrion)

Ministers of the Word read at daily and weekend Masses, including special occasions. New readers are always welcome. Training can be provided and rotas are arranged in advance, taking availability into account.

Ministers of the Eucharist (Clonskeagh, Kilmacud & Mount Merrion)

Ministers of the Eucharist serve during Mass and bring Holy Communion to the housebound. Training and commissioning are provided at specific times throughout the year. Rotas are arranged in advance, taking availability into account.

Funeral Ministry Teams (Kilmacud & Mount Merrion)

These lay teams offer compassionate support and coordination at funerals, working closely with parish clergy. Volunteers can help family members arrange readings, prayers and music, and provide support and guidance beforehand and on the day.

Music and Choirs

Kilmacud

  • Sunday Choir at 11:30 a.m. Mass — practice at 10:30 a.m.
  • Youth Choir at Saturday 6:00 p.m. Mass — musicians and singers welcome, practice at 5:00 p.m.

Mount Merrion

  • Children’s Choir at alternate Saturday 6:00 p.m. Mass, open to all school-age children. Practice is usually at 4:30 p.m. before Mass.
  • Lisieux Singers at alternate Saturday 6:00 p.m. Mass, female group aged 18–26. Practice at 5:20 p.m. before Mass.
  • Mount Merrion Singers at alternate Sunday 7:30 p.m. Mass. Practice at 6:30 p.m.
  • Senior Choir at Sunday 10:00 a.m. Mass. Practice at 9:15 a.m.

Clonskeagh

The choir sings at Sunday Mass, directed by Jacinta Quigley, and is keen to welcome new members.

Prayer, Faith and Liturgy

Apostolate of Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration (Mount Merrion & Kilmacud)

Parishioners volunteer to spend one regular hour a week in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. This offers a peaceful, intimate time with Jesus in the Adoration Chapel.

Faith Space Group (Mount Merrion)

This group creates liturgical-themed visual installations to inspire reflection based on scripture and Church seasons. The Faith Space draws attention to aspects of the current liturgical season using scriptural references, symbols and visual aids.

Family Mass Group (Mount Merrion)

This group organises liturgy and encourages children’s involvement in Masses throughout the year through readings, prayers and gifts. Volunteers are welcome regularly or every now and again.

Legion of Mary (Kilmacud, Mount Merrion & Clonskeagh)

Our Lady of Beauraing Praesidium meets weekly and performs prayer and outreach tasks. Clonskeagh details can be confirmed through the parish office.

Pioneers (Kilmacud)

The Pioneers promote sobriety and prayerful living through abstinence from alcohol. The Kilmacud branch has been active since 1917.

St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society (Mount Merrion)

This society supports vocations through prayer and funding of seminarians.

Hospitality, Welcome and Church Care

Church Cleaners (Clonskeagh, Kilmacud & Mount Merrion)

Help keep our churches clean, welcoming and beautiful with just an hour of your time each week. Kilmacud meets on Wednesdays at 9:00 a.m. Mount Merrion meets on Tuesdays after 10:00 a.m. Mass. Clonskeagh usually meets on a Saturday.

Church Grounds & Maintenance (Clonskeagh, Kilmacud & Mount Merrion)

Friendly teams help keep the church grounds tidy and beautiful. Volunteers help with grass cutting, weeding and general upkeep. Kilmacud meets on Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m. Mount Merrion meets on Tuesdays at 10:15 a.m. Clonskeagh is organised by the sacristan on a regular basis.

Coffee Dock / Hospitality Group (Clonskeagh, Kilmacud & Mount Merrion)

Volunteers help serve tea, coffee and a warm welcome after Mass and special liturgies. Kilmacud Coffee Dock is open after morning Mass in the Parish Centre. Mount Merrion welcomes attendees at special liturgies. Clonskeagh serves tea and biscuits after Mass on a monthly basis.

Floral Art Group & Altar Society (Mount Merrion)

Volunteers care for the altar linen and flowers in the church. This friendly group meets weekly and is always open to new volunteers.

Lending Library (Mount Merrion)

This spiritual self-service library is located in the church porch and is open whenever the church is open.

Care, Support and Community

Bethany Bereavement Support Group (Kilmacud)

Volunteers support people who have been bereaved with one-to-one sessions and monthly group meetings on the last Thursday at 3:00 p.m. in the Kilmacud Parish Centre.

Society of St. Vincent de Paul (Mount Merrion & Clonskeagh)

Confidential support is offered for individuals and families in need, including assistance with food, fuel, education and more. Support lines: 087 163 9052 or 01 838 6990.

Communications Group (Clonskeagh, Kilmacud & Mount Merrion)

This group maintains the parish partnership website and social media channels, helping to keep information updated. New volunteers with digital skills are always welcome.

Interested in getting involved?

Contact the relevant parish office and someone will help point you in the right direction.