St Marks Parish History

Church of St. Mark the Evangelist solemnly blessed and opened by most reverend Dermot Ryan D.D archbishop of Dublin.

Sunday 27th July in the Holy Year 1975 

In the twelfth year of the pontificate of Pope Paul VI
Edward N. Smith, ARCH.
V. Rev Richard Sherry D.D.P.P.
John J Davitt & Sons, Builders.
Rev. Thomas Colreavy. C.C
Rev. Martin Noone

St Marks parish celebrating 21st Anniversary 1993

St. Mark’s Church is the heart of Springfield Parish, a vibrant and welcoming community in southwest Dublin. The parish was officially established in 1972, formed from the larger Tallaght/Bohernabreena Parish to meet the needs of a growing local population. From the beginning, the community’s spirit of faith and togetherness has been strong.

Before the current church was built, parishioners gathered in a temporary church located on the site where the Scout Hall now stands. Although simple in structure, the original church was central to the early faith life of the community. It served the people of Springfield faithfully until a permanent building could be realized.

On 25th July 1975, the present St. Mark’s Church was officially opened. This marked a new chapter for the parish — a strong, permanent home where the community could worship, celebrate, and grow together. The church, with its welcoming atmosphere, quickly became a focal point for life in Springfield.

One of the most striking features of St. Mark’s is its location. From the church, there are breathtaking views of the Dublin Mountains, providing a beautiful and peaceful backdrop for prayer and reflection. Nature seems to embrace the church, creating an inspiring setting for all who come to worship.

Directly across the road from St. Mark’s are Saint Mark’s Junior and Senior Primary Schools. The close relationship between the schools and the parish strengthens the bonds of the community. Throughout the year, children and their families are involved in parish life, particularly during sacramental preparations such as First Holy Communion and Confirmation. The schools reflect the rich diversity of the area, with families from all over the world coming together to form a lively and inclusive parish community.

Springfield has evolved into a multicultural and dynamic area, and St. Mark’s Parish has embraced this diversity with open arms. Different cultures, traditions, and languages are celebrated within the life of the parish, adding richness to the faith community and helping it to grow in strength and vitality.

St. Mark’s Parish thrives through the dedication and involvement of its people. Many parishioners volunteer their time in a wide variety of ministries, including readers, Eucharistic ministers, choirs, altar servers, and pastoral groups. The Parish Pastoral Council works closely with the priests to guide the parish’s activities and future planning. There are also several parish groups, such as the Legion of Mary and the St. Vincent de Paul Society, offering opportunities for prayer, service, and support.

Throughout the year, St. Mark’s hosts many events that bring people together, from liturgical celebrations during Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter to community festivals and fundraising events. The parish continually seeks to be a place of welcome, faith, and outreach.

As St. Mark’s looks to the future, it does so with hope and faith, building on the strong foundations laid by the first parishioners more than 50 years ago. It remains a place where all are welcome, a true home for worship, community, and service in Springfield.