Annual Mass for Expectant Families

What to Expect

The Diocese of Raphoe holds its annual Mass for Expectant Families on Tuesday 8 September 2026 at 7pm in St Eunan’s Cathedral, Letterkenny. Bishop Niall Coll is the main celebrant and homilist, and the service includes a special blessing for expectant parents at the heart of the liturgy. The diocese describes it as an occasion for parents-to-be, their wider families and supporters to gather in prayer ahead of the birth of a child, bringing together couples from parishes right across County Donegal for a single shared celebration rather than a series of individual parish blessings.

Held in the diocese’s cathedral church, the Mass has become a fixed date on the Raphoe calendar, giving expectant families a chance to mark the pregnancy in a formal church setting alongside others going through the same stage of life. The cathedral setting also means the service can accommodate a larger congregation than a typical parish Mass, which suits an event that draws families from well beyond Letterkenny itself.

Good to Know

The Mass is free and open to all, with the diocese stating simply “all welcome.” No booking is required to attend, though families expecting a baby are the specific focus of the blessing element of the service, so pregnant parishioners and their partners are especially encouraged to come along. A poster with further details is available for download from the diocesan website, and enquiries about the service can be directed to the diocesan office by phone or email. This is an annual fixture on the Raphoe diocesan calendar, typically held in September each year, so families due around that time of year may find it a natural date to mark in the calendar in advance.

Getting There

St Eunan’s Cathedral is on Sentry Hill Road in Letterkenny town centre, within walking distance of the main bus station and several public car parks in the town, making it an easy evening service to attend for families travelling in from outlying parishes after work or school pick-up.