Draft:Bellewstown Parish

Bellewstown Parish is a Catholic parish within the Diocese of Meath, Ireland. It is located in the small hilltop village of Bellewstown, which lies in the civil parish of Duleek[1] in County Meath. Bellewstown Parish has been amalgamated with Duleek Parish[1] in recent years, forming part of the Duleek Bellewstown Parish.[2]

Bellewstown Faith Community

edit

The Irish name for Bellewstown is Baile an Bheileogaigh. The main parish church is St. Thérèse,[3] located in Collierstown, Bellewstown, Co. Meath. Bellewstown is part of the Diocese of Meath, and it shares historical and religious connections with other parishes in the area, such as Donore Parish[4] and Rossnaree Parish.[5]

Church of St. Thérèse

edit

The Church of St. Thérèse is located at: Collierstown, Bellewstown, Co. Meath, A92 RY20.[6]

The Church of St. Thérèse in Bellewstown is the focal point of the Bellewstown faith community.[tone] Built around 1977, it features a cruciform plan and several interesting[tone] elements of modern architecture. The church, although the largest structure in the village, is set back from view, so it does not dominate the streetscape.[6]

The building itself is a detached gable-fronted cruciform-plan church with a four-bay side and a gallery at the back. To the north-west is the sacristy. One of the most striking[tone] features is the hexagonal bell tower[7] with a glazed upper section and spire, a modern interpretation of a traditional architectural form. The church's windows are pointed arch openings, filled with stained glass, adding a touch of artistic interest.[tone]

The church yard is enclosed by cast-iron gates and railings with stone piers, remnants of a previous church on this site, dating to around 1890.[7]

Architectural significance

edit

St. Thérèse's Church is a significant modern building within Bellewstown.[7][failed verification] It incorporates many traditional architectural forms, such as the bell tower and stained-glass windows, while presenting them in a contemporary style. The cast-iron gates and stone piers from the previous church are reminders of Bellewstown's religious history.

Past priests

edit

Bellewstown Parish has shared its clergy with neighboring Duleek Parish since its amalgamation. The most recent priests include:

  • Fr. John Conlon – Served as Parish Priest in Duleek and Bellewstown from 01/09/2007 to 01/09/2021.[8]
  • Fr. Mark English – Appointed as Parish Priest of Duleek and Bellewstown and administrator of Donore Parish on 01/09/2021.[8]

Neighboring parishes

edit

Bellewstown Parish is closely linked to several neighbouring parishes within the Boyne Valley region:

  • Duleek Parish[9]
  • Donore Parish[10]
  • Rossnaree Parish[11]

References

edit
  1. ^ a b "Duleek Parish". duleekbellewstownparish.com. Retrieved 12 September 2024.
  2. ^ "Duleek & Bellewstown Parish". duleekbellewstownparish.com. 17 January 2020. Retrieved 12 September 2024.
  3. ^ "St. Thérèse Church". Retrieved 12 September 2024.
  4. ^ "Donore Parish". donorerossnareeparish.com. 9 September 2020. Retrieved 12 September 2024.
  5. ^ "Rossnaree Parish". donorerossnareeparish.com. 23 September 2020. Retrieved 12 September 2024.
  6. ^ a b "Bellewstown Parish". duleekbellewstownparish.com. 23 September 2020. Retrieved 12 September 2024.
  7. ^ a b c "Church of St. Thérèse - Buildings of Ireland". Retrieved 12 September 2024.
  8. ^ a b "Priests of Duleek Parish". duleekbellewstownparish.com. Retrieved 12 September 2024.
  9. ^ "About Duleek Parish". duleekbellewstownparish.com. 23 September 2020. Retrieved 12 September 2024.
  10. ^ "About Donore Parish". donorerossnareeparish.com. 9 September 2020. Retrieved 12 September 2024.
  11. ^ "About Rossnaree Parish". donorerossnareeparish.com. 23 September 2020. Retrieved 12 September 2024.
edit