Gardiner Street Church is a warm and welcoming city church where people from all walks of life, both young and old, belong. We do our best to make Mass, the sacraments and prayer beautiful and meaningful experiences, so that everyone who walks through our doors can experience spiritual healing, nourishment and God’s love. Under the care of the Jesuits, we offer ongoing faith formation to help people grow as missionary disciples of Jesus and use their gifts in service of their neighbour and for the greater glory of God.
Our church is made up of followers of Jesus. Whoever you are, wherever you are at, we want to help you to go deeper in your spiritual life and encounter God’s love for you.
As a church, we also seek to be an active hub of mission in the city, helping people in need and reaching out to those who do not know God.
Everyone can have a personal relationship with God. In spending time with Him in prayer, our hearts are renewed.
Reaching out to those who do not know God or who have left the Catholic faith, inviting them to discover or rediscover Him in His Church.
Offering opportunities to go deeper in your faith, serving the deep spiritual needs not met by our society.
Ensuring that everyone knows that they belong at our church and are authentically welcomed into the community.
Planning sustainably for the future and making sure that we direct our resources and energy towards our mission.
All things are possible with God. If we stay close to Him, we will see a fruitful future.
Our church was one of the first churches to be built in Dublin after Catholic Emancipation (The Catholic Relief Act) in 1829. In that year the first stone was laid, and the first Mass was said in the newly built church on 3rd May 1832, here on Gardiner Street.
This was a church run by Jesuits and in 1841 they opened a school nearby, which would later become Belvedere College.
Over the years, many well-known people of faith would come through St Francis Xavier’s, Gardiner Street. Venerable Matt Talbot, who is considered to be the patron of men and women struggling with alcoholism, used to pray here each day at the 5:30am Mass. St John Henry Newman celebrated Mass here when he lived on Dorset Street in 1854. Blessed John Sullivan ministered from this church for a short time in 1907 and he was beatified (made blessed) right here in our church, where his body is entombed.
This church has made a huge contribution to the life of this area of Dublin over these many years. In times of great social deprivation, this church served the needs of many through the charitable works of many societies and organisations, notably among them the local St Vincent de Paul groups.
Our church is served by the Jesuits of Ireland. The Jesuits were founded by St Ignatius of Loyola whose spiritual exercises and spirituality have helped many to navigate their lives of faith. Here at Gardiner Street Parish, we run many projects inspired by St Ignatius’ spirituality to help you to identify where God is at work in your life.
Our church received the Eco-Congregation Award from Eco-Congregation Ireland for our efforts to care for God’s creation. One popular initiative this year was using the polytunnel as a nursery to grow seedling tomato plants which we then gave to parishioners to grow at home. Pupils from Gardiner Street Primary School also grow plants in it. To keep this going, we need volunteers to help us with planting, growing and harvesting, so whether you are a seasoned or beginner gardener, you are welcome on our team!
We work with great Catholic churches across Dublin to serve the needs of the city. We are currently in partnership with St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral, Sean McDermott Street Parish and Berkeley Road Parish.