About our Parish
In the 13th century, a Norman family named ‘de St. Michel’ founded ‘Villa Michel’ on a gently sloping hill in Brigown parish. They had a particular devotion to St Michael the Archangel, who is known in the Bible as the great protector of God’s people against the Devil. As a popular Saint among the Normans they dedicated their village to him. The earliest known use of ‘Villa Michel’ dates to 1286. The name evolved over the centuries to Mitchelstown. We are very happy to have this connection with St Michael and for this reason we claim his protection in a special way.
Word of Welcome:
“On behalf of the priests and people of Mitchelstown, we welcome you to our web site.
We would like to use this modern means of communication to help support you in faith and to keep you in touch with what is happening in the Parish.”
Brief History of our Parish
The patron Saint of the Parish is St. Fanahan and his Feastday is celebrated on November 25th.
St. Fanahan (Fionn Cu or White Hound) came to the local townland of Brigown in the seventh century and founded a monastery there. St. Fanahan died about 660 AD. A cult of prayer and pilgrimage developed at St. Fanahan’s Well, just a short distance from the ruins of Brigown Church, which is all that is now left of the monastic settlement founded by St Fanahan.
The Well is off the Mulberry road and a very serene pathway of several hundred yards leads down to it. It is very well maintained by a local committee and is a still and quiet place to reflect and pray.
Until 1854 the Parish Church was known as St. Fanahan’s. That year the dogma of the Immaculate Conception was proclaimed by the Church and the Parish Priest at the time, Dean Morgan O’Brien, renamed the Church in honour of the new Dogma.
We entrusted the Parish to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on October 13th 2008 and this consecration is renewed every year.
Churches in our Parish
There are three Churches in the Parish: Our Lady Conceived Without Sin, in Mitchelstown itself; the Church of the Holy Family in Ballygiblin and the Church of St. Joseph in Killacluig.
For info on Mass times, confessions and other Church services in each of the churches, click here
Church Our Lady
Conceived Without Sin
Mitchelstown
Church of the Holy Family
Ballygiblin
Church of St. Joseph
Killacluig
Schools in our Parish
We have four Primary schools, two located in the town itself, Bunscoil na Toirbhirte and CBS, and Ballygiblin NS and Glenahulla NS. We have three post-primary schools.
Two of the Primary and Secondary schools were founded by the Christian Brothers and Presentation Sisters in the mid-ninteenth century. Both Religious Communities have sadly now left the Parish, but their work is still being carried on by excellent lay-teachers.
We also have a VEC Community College.
Mitchelstown has a very strong commitment to education. For more on our schools, click here
The Parish Office
The Parish Office is open each day: 9.00am – 12.00 Midday, Monday to Friday.
It is located in the Canon’s House in Convent Hill.
The Secretary will be very happy to help you with any queries.
Tel.: 00353(25) 84062
For contact info, click here
Mass Times
