Parish Clergy
Fr. Micheál, a native of the Waterside, initially pursued a career in financial services before discerning his call to the priesthood. Following his studies in Belfast and Rome, he was ordained as a priest for the Diocese of Derry in 2013, with his first assignment being the Parish of The Three Patrons. During his time there, he also served as chaplain to St. Columb’s College and earned an MA in Medical Ethics and Law from Queen’s University, Belfast.
From 2016 to 2019, Fr. Micheál furthered his studies in Canon Law at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., where he obtained a Licentiate in Canon Law. Upon returning to the Diocese of Derry in 2019, he was appointed Administrator of the Parish of Banagher, Judicial Vicar, Director of the Diocesan Pastoral Centre, and Instructing Judge for the Armagh Inter-Diocesan Marriage Tribunal.
In August 2024, Fr. Micheál returned to the Parish of The Three Patrons as Parish Priest, bringing with him a wealth of experience and dedication to serving the people of God.
Community of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal
Established in 2009, St Columba Friary was first located in the Long Tower parish but in 2014 we moved to Galliagh and the Three Patrons parish, where we remain to this day.
Our mission here in Derry is founded on the three essential pillars of our life: prayer, fraternity and apostolate. Above all, we seek to participate in God's renewal of all things by an individual and communal commitment to Jesus Christ and His Church.
As we strive to live a life of fraternity with one another and with our neighbours, we hope that God's goodness and mercy is experienced by people in real and practical ways. Some of these ways include the hospitality of St Pio Cafe, the healing of God at our monthly Healing Night, visits to the students at our local high school, formation of the young people at our youth group, celebrating local Masses and general availability for confessions and a chat. At times, our evangelization activity extends to different parts of the country (and sometimes even further abroad!).
St Pio House, Fairview Road, Galliagh, BT48 8NU
Tel: 028 71419980
Parish Life
Parish Team
Parish Business & Operations Manager:
Mrs Margaret Sammon, Tel: 028 7126 2360
Email: threepatrons@derrydiocese.org
Parish Secretary:
Mrs Eileen Canning, Tel: 028 7126 2360
Email: threepatrons@derrydiocese.org
Parish Catechists:
Mrs Kathryn Ellis
Tel: 075 4825 5407
Email: kathryn.ellis@derrydiocese.org
Mrs Teresa McDaid
Tel: 079 2764 1007
Email: teresa.mcdaid@derrydiocese.org
Parish Sacristans:
Eleanor Keenan (Carnhill)
Raymond McClintock, Gerard Gray, Lawrence Hegarty, Malachy McGonagle (Pennyburn)
Cassandra Gavassi (Galliagh)
Housekeeper:
Kathleen Fagan
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Parish Pastoral Council
The Parish Pastoral Council meets monthly to support the Parish Priest in guiding the pastoral life of the parish. Its mission is threefold: first, to strengthen the faith and spiritual growth of active parishioners; second, to reach out and engage with those who may have lapsed in their faith or do not practice regularly; and third, to develop programs that nurture the faith of our young people.
Council members are appointed for a five-year term, with the current term beginning in September 2024. The council is chaired by Fr. Micheál McGavigan.
Parish Finance Council
Mandated by Canon Law, the Parish Finance Council convenes as needed to support and advise the Parish Priest in managing the parish’s financial affairs. The council reviews the parish accounts annually and is consulted on any major or extraordinary expenditures. Additionally, it helps to devise strategies for fundraising to meet both routine and special financial needs.
The Council members are: Fr Micheál McGavigan (Chair), Mrs Margaret Sammon (Secretary), Mr Daniel Doran, Mr Raymond McClintock, Mrs Karen Doran and Mrs Aine Gordon.
Schools of the Parish
St Brigid’s PS, Carnhill, Derry, BT48 8BZ
Tel: 0287135 1929
Website: www.stbrigidsps.com
Principal: Mrs Caroline Callan
St Patrick’s PS, Racecourse Road, Derry, BT48 8QG
Tel: 028 7126 6074
Website: www.stpatrickspspennyburn.com
Principal: Mr Ian Gallagher
St Paul’s PS (Slievemore), Moss Road, Galliagh, BT48 8JZ
Tel: 028 7135 2485
Website: www.stpaulsps.net
Principal: Mr Gareth Blackery
St Thérèse’s PS (Lenamore), Heather Road East, Galliagh, BT48 8NX
Tel: 028 7135 9759
Website: www.stthereses.com
Principal: Miss Catherine McCaul
St Brigid’s College, Carnhill, Derry, BT48 8DU
Tel: 0287135 1002
Website: www.stbrigidscollegederry.com
Principal: Mr Sean McCay
St Columb’s College, Buncrana Road, Derry, BT48 8NH
Tel: 028 7128 5000
Website: www.stcolumbs.com
Principal: Mrs Caroline McLaughlin
Pastoral Outreaches
Culmore Park, Culmore Road, Derry, BT48 7AN.
Tel: 028 7135 3000
Donal Casey Court, Templemore Mews, Derry, BT48 8SG.
Tel: 028 7130 9164
Edenballymore Lodge, 25 Northland Road, Derry, BT48 7NF.
Tel: 028 7126 3987
Oakleaves Care Centre, 42 Racecourse Road, Derry, BT48 8DA.
Tel: 028 7135 4725