The Church of Mater Dei is a church of the 20th century, first opened in 1974. The senior curate at the time, Fr Brendan Mooney, acting on behalf of the Parish Priest, Fr Patrick Kerr, who was in poor health, was presented the task of creating a new place of worship for the growing population of of Crumlin. His instructions to the Architects were that the building should be ‘strong but inexpensive’. The Church of Mater Dei has served the growing community as expected. Its distinctive design and appearance have ensured that it has become a local landmark. However, after 50 years of worship, the structure had begun to show signs that major repairs were required.
Discussions began in 2023 to renovate the Church of Mater Dei. Proposals were encouraged and supported by the late Archbishop Noel Treanor and his successor, Bishop Alan McGuckian as we sought to provide a fitting place for Liturgical Worship appropriate to the 21st century. It was a challenging but immensely rewarding experience. We as a parish are grateful to all the individuals who placed their knowledge and skills at the service of this sacred project and the construction of what is now truly a ‘new’ space for the celebration of the Liturgy and thanksgiving to God in our town and in our parish.
The Rite of Solemn dedication of the Altar of the Church of Mater Dei by Most Rev. Alan McGuckian SJ DD took place on 15 March. Our Parish Priest the Very Rev. Canon Colm McBride and former priests of this parish took part in the ceremony and the community of Glenavy & Killead came together to celebrate and rejoice in their renovated place of worship.
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