Teach Pobail Mhuire in Doirí Beaga was completely destroyed in a devastating fire early on Easter Monday morning, April 21.
Emergency services were alerted to the fire shortly after 4am and a number of properties in the area were evacuated.
There were no injuries.
An investigation into the cause of the fire was launched and a Garda spokesperson confirmed that foul play is not suspected.
Following the fire, Paróiste Ghaoth Dobhair said it will rebuild the church and fundraising efforts were launched to help cover the costs of the rebuild.
A GoFundMe page was launched after the fire and €141,000 has been raised.
In a recent update, parishioners were told the church is insured with Allianz, and a dedicated working group “Meitheal Mhuire” has been established to guide the next steps.
This team, which will expand as needed, is actively working in close partnership with the insurance company.
The site of Teach Pobail Mhuire is now safe and secure.
However, to ensure the safety and integrity of the site, a secure hoarding wall has been erected around the grounds.
All of these works and steps are being carried out with the full guidance and approval of the Diocese of Raphoe, which holds the final authority in all decisions related to the rebuilding process of Teach Pobail Mhuire.
Parish Priest Brian Ó Fearraigh said the process is currently in the early stages and a public consultation will be launched in due course.
“We are committed to keeping diocesan leadership fully informed as progress unfolds.
“As you will appreciate, this whole process is still in its early stages, and at present, documents have been compiled by Meitheal Mhuire and sent to suitably qualified architects with expertise and experience in the area of church builds and/or builds of a similar nature and complexity.
“At this stage, we are seeking outline proposals that reflect their vision and approach to the project.
“Equally important is your voice.
“We are currently in a phase of active listening and will soon begin a public consultation to engage with you, the members of our parish and wider community.“This will help us to better understand both current and future needs, and to ensure that our new church, in the heart of our community reflects our shared values, aspirations, and faith,” said Fr Ó Fearraigh.
Séipéal Mhuire has served the parish since 1972.
Fr Ó Fearraigh said the church was more than a building; it was a sacred place of worship, a gathering space for the community, and a sanctuary of peace, solace, and spiritual comfort for generations.
“The loss is deeply felt by all of us.
“Yet even in our sorrow, we remain united in hope and purpose.
“With faith, resilience, and shared commitment, we will come together to design and build a new and beautiful parish church, one that honours the Blessed Virgin Mary and continues to serve as a beacon of faith at the heart of our community.
“Though we have lost a cherished church, a place of faith and a sacred sanctuary, we remain a strong, steadfast, and united community.
“From the ashes, a new and beautiful Church will rise, to the glory of God and in honour of Our Lady.
“It will stand as a lasting testament to our collective faith, our resilience, and the enduring love we share for one another, especially in times of challenge and difficulty,” said Fr Ó Fearraigh.
Fr Ó Fearraigh also thanked the local community and parishioners for their support since the fire.
“I am deeply grateful to each of you.
“I want to express my deepest gratitude for the generous support you have offered, spiritually, financially, and practically, from near and far.
“Your kindness and encouragement, understanding and commitment, and most importantly your continued prayers are truly helping to lay the foundations of our new parish Church in the heart of Gaoth Dobhair.
“With God’s blessing, and under the care and protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we walk this path together - and we will rebuild,” said Fr Ó Fearraigh.