Parish Information
Parish Clergy
V. Rev. James Hurley P.P.
A native of Tralee, Fr James was appointed to the parish in July 2013 and has been Parish Priest since September 2023.
He has a B.Eng from the University of Limerick and worked in schoolbook publishing before returning to third level education to study International Relations, and, later, Media. He studied theology in Rome and in Pamplona, Spain, and was ordained a priest of the Opus Dei Prelature in May 2010. He has also worked in the voluntary sector assisting in development projects in Southill, Limerick and also in Uganda. Since he was ordained he has worked a lot with youth. A keen sportsman, he also likes reading and listening to music, and has a particular interest in the writings and thought of Saint John Henry Newman and their impact on French theology.
31 Herbert Avenue, Dublin 4, D04 X2W6 • Email: [email protected]; Mobile: 086-107 2930
Patroness
Pope Benedict XV was responsible for adding “Queen of Peace” to the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Against the backdrop of World War I he asked that the invocation “Queen of Peace” be added at a Consistory of Cardinals in December 1915.
At the meeting he said: “When man has hardened his heart and hate has overrun the earth, when fire and sword convulse the world and make it resound with clash of arms and of wailing, when human plans have proved misleading, and when all social well-being is upset, faith and history point to Mary as the only refuge, the all-powerful intercessor, the Mediatrix of all grace… therefore, let us say with sure trust: Queen of Peace, pray for us!”
In a letter dated 5 May 1917, the Pope wrote to all the Bishops of the world formally asking that the invocation Queen of Peace, pray for us be added to the Litany of Loreto.
Eight days after the signing of this letter by Pope Benedict XV, Our Lady appeared for the first time to the young shepherds at Fatima.
We celebrate the annual feast of Our Lady Queen Peace on New Years day. A standout feature of our Church is the stained glass window featuring our Patroness.
Staff
Asst. Parish Manager:
Pat Hanratty
Parish Secretary:
Mandy Kelly-Gunning (on maternity leave till end of April 2026)
Parish Book-keeper & Acting Parish Secretary:
Linda O’Neill
Pastoral Council
Parish Priest: Fr James Hurley PP
Chairperson: Peter Flanagan
Brian Hughes
Catherine O’Flynn
Pietro Soldini
Justin Sullivan
The Parish Pastoral Council meets 5-6 times a year.
New Members
People who would like to help with their talent and energy are more than welcome. Please contact Mandy or Linda in the Parish Office.
Finance Committee
Fr James Hurley; Brendan Morahan (Chair) Colm Duff, Peter Flanagan, Emeline Perouse, Pietro Soldini.
It oversees parish finances in order to support liturgical services, community activities and maintain parish property with full transparency and accountability.
Family Offerings
After Car Park rental income, the Family Offering is our most important source of income and we appreciate the generosity of all those who contribute. This money covers the day-to-day running of the church, which includes utility bills, insurance, small repairs and maintenance.
While we are pleased to receive contributions in any form, we do have a preference for Standing/Banker’s Orders as it reduces the administrative burden on the Parish. The form can be downloaded here.
Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish has charitable status through the Archdiocese of Dublin (Chy No 7424). A blended rate of relief (31%) applies to all taxpayers regardless of their marginal tax rate, subject to the taxpayer having paid at least the amount of tax being claimed back by the parish. To qualify, the total donation in a year must be at least €250. More info.
Groups & Activities
Confessions
Mon – Sat: 10.30 – 11:45
Sun: 10.30 – 11:45 and 20 mins before & after 9pm Mass
Also on Thu: 7 – 8pm (during Holy Hour)
Readers of the Word of God
Following Vatican II, the Liturgy of the Word gained renewed emphasis, encouraging active participation by the laity. Readers (or Lectors) have the important role of proclaiming Scripture at Mass, except the Gospel, and may also lead intercessions or psalms. They prepare by studying the readings to proclaim them clearly and attend training sessions throughout the year.
More info: [email protected]
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
Every Thursday: 7.00 – 8.00 pm.
It includes some guided prayer, silent adoration, and the opportunity for Confession.
Catechesis for families
Adults & Children: Fridays at 3.30 pm – Tower Room for children and Tea Room for accompanying adults.
Adults & Teenagers: 1st Sunday of each month, after 12 pm Mass.
Children’s Adoration
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament for Families with Children.
First Saturday of each month: 5 – 6 pm.
The session includes a short class, adoration, refreshments, and confessions are available.
Women’s Study Group
All women are welcome to join the Women’s Study Group. It offers a valuable opportunity to come together, deepen understanding of the faith, and engage in meaningful discussions with other women in the community.
Reading and study of Pope Paul VI’s Humanae Vitae (Of Human Life) and other related texts. The sessions encourage engaging dialogue and discussion.
Every Tuesday: 10.00 – 11.30 am
More info: [email protected]
Hospitality Group
After the 12 noon Mass on Sundays, a cup of tea or coffee is provided by a group of parish volunteers.
Bethany Bereavement Support Group
Bethany is a voluntary community supporting the bereaved through the grieving process. Services are totally free of charge and confidential within the law.
For support, contact the Helpline 087 9905299.
Flower Arrangers
A small group of parishioners looks after the flowers in the Church. Special floral arrangements are done for important liturgical occasions such as Christmas and Easter.
Flowers add beauty to the church and enhance our celebrations.
More info: [email protected]
History
The history of Our Lady Queen of Peace dates back to the 1920s when a growing Catholic population in Merrion in the 1920s led Archbishop Edward Byrne to establish a new parish and church.
A temporary “tin church” was opened in 1940 while the permanent structure was built and officially opened and blessed in 1953. Interestingly, the temporary church was later moved to Kilmacud while they commenced their building programme.
Designed by Simon Leonard of W. H. Byrne and Son, the church follows a Basilica style, with granite and limestone finishes, a marble High Altar, stained glass by Earley Studios, and a landmark rose window. Its round-tower-inspired belfry stands over 100 feet high, with a bell cast in Dublin.
