St Vincent de Paul Society
The St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP) is a well-known Catholic charitable organisation dedicated to helping individuals and families who are experiencing hardship or poverty. Inspired by the Gospel values of compassion, dignity, and solidarity, the Society works quietly and respectfully to provide practical support to those in need within the local community.
Through the generosity and commitment of volunteers, SVP offers assistance to people facing difficult circumstances, including financial hardship, loneliness, or social isolation. The support provided may include help with basic necessities, guidance in times of crisis, and compassionate listening for those who are struggling.
The aim of the Society of St Vincent de Paul is to tackle poverty in all its forms by offering practical assistance and promoting dignity, hope, and solidarity within the community.
The SVP office in Portlaoise is open to anyone seeking help or advice.
Bereavement Support Group
Through a dedicated team of parish volunteers, Edenderry Parish reaches out to support, comfort, and accompany those who are grieving the loss of a loved one.
The death of someone close to us is one of the most difficult experiences we face in life. It touches us deeply, both emotionally and spiritually. Whether the loss is of a parent, spouse, child, brother, sister, relative, or friend, no one should have to go through this journey alone.
Our Bereavement Support Team offers a compassionate presence and a listening ear to those who are grieving.
One-to-one support is available by making an appointment with a member of the Bereavement Support Team.
If you or someone you know would benefit from this support, please feel free to contact the parish office.
Eucharistic Ministers & Ministers of the Word (Readers)
Lay ministry plays an important role in the liturgical life of our parish. Eucharistic Ministers and Ministers of the Word (Readers) assist in the celebration of the Mass and help the community to participate more fully in the liturgy.
Ministers of the Word proclaim the readings from Sacred Scripture during Mass, helping the Word of God to be heard and reflected upon by the congregation.
Eucharistic Ministers assist the priest in the distribution of Holy Communion during Mass and, on occasion, may also bring Holy Communion to parishioners who are sick or housebound.
These ministries are an important service to the parish community and are carried out by committed parish volunteers who receive appropriate guidance and support.
If you feel called to serve the parish in one of these ministries and would like to become a Eucharistic Minister or Reader, please contact the Parish Office during office hours for further information.
📞 Tel: 046 9733311
New volunteers are always welcome, and training will be provided.
Legion of Mary
The Legion of Mary is a worldwide Catholic lay organisation whose members serve the Church through prayer, spiritual formation, and works of apostolate under the guidance of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Members meet weekly for prayer, reflection, and the planning of apostolic works. Through their activities they seek to support the life of the parish and bring the message of the Gospel to others.
Typical works of the Legion include:
- visiting families and those who may feel isolated
- visiting the sick and people in hospital or care homes
- promoting Catholic literature and devotion
- supporting parish initiatives and outreach
Weekly Meeting
📍 Parish Centre – Room 4
🕢 Monday at 7:30pm
Divine Mercy Prayer Group
The Divine Mercy Prayer Group is a small community of parishioners who gather in prayer to reflect on the message of God’s mercy revealed through St. Faustina Kowalska and devotion to the Divine Mercy.
Inspired by the words of Jesus, “Jesus, I trust in You,” the group seeks to grow in trust, compassion, and prayer for the needs of the world.
Members gather each Sunday at 3:00 pm, the Hour of Mercy, to pray together. The prayer time usually includes:
- The Chaplet of Divine Mercy
- Silent prayer and reflection
- Intercessions for the needs of the parish and the world
- A short reading or meditation from the Diary of St. Faustina or Sacred Scripture
Everyone is welcome to join, whether regularly or occasionally. The devotion to Divine Mercy reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of God’s love and forgiveness.
Through prayer and trust in God’s mercy, we support one another spiritually and entrust our lives, our parish, and the whole world to the loving heart of Christ.