When parishioners learned that St. Brendan’s Church was set to be closed by the Archdiocese of Boston 3 years ago, they reacted with both anger and an urgency that involved a commitment to improving attendance, increasing offertory donations, and raising the funds necessary to keep the doors open.

After years of hard work, the church community has done just that, organizers say, and now it’s time to celebrate. 

On Friday, April 11, the Friends of Saint Brendan will present “Gathering for Good,” a live auction and cocktail reception at Florian Hall to highlight that accomplishment. 

“What we’re trying to do here is change the tone a bit,” said John O’Toole, one of the event planners. “The stories have been ‘we’re surviving, we’re surviving, we’re surviving.’ We’ve surpassed all of the goals to this date, and we’re really trying to focus on this 90th anniversary as a celebration and moving forward in the future.

“A lot of it has been kind of doom and gloom and ‘will they make it?’ But we have.” 

The event, which will begin at 7 p.m., will reunite families, friends, and neighbors as they celebrate nine decades of keeping the faith in the community. Added O’Toole: “This is shaping up to be a reunion. Dorchester people come from far and wide and we’re already hearing from folks across the country and elsewhere that plan on making this event.” 

One those coming back will be Mike Gorman, the legendary long-time voice of the Boston Celtics and president of St. Brendan School’s Class of 1961. He will emcee the event and former highway administrator for the city and the state Tom Tinlin will be the auctioneer. 

Up for bids will be a vacation getaway, sports memorabilia, and gift baskets while celebrators enjoy food from Fasano’s and dancing to a DJ’s choices.

“Since Covid, we really haven’t had a major fundraising event that pulls all different people, the alumni, current parents of St. Brendan’s, parishioners, past parishioners, so that’s our target and we’re looking to have a really good event on April 11,” O’Toole’s sister, Beth Emery, told The Reporter. 

Longtime congregant John Parsons has played an integral role in reinvigorating the spirit of the St. Brendan’s community. Last spring he began an ongoing fundraising opportunity marked by the names of donors being painted onto the walls of the church. He also made repairs to the altar and clean-painted statues inside the church. 

Other areas of the church have been renovated too, including the basement, front steps, and the front doors. Parsons, O’Toole, and Emery are certain that even more improvements will come thanks to the large turnout they expect to see at Florian Hall in two weeks.

“When people say there is going to be a time at Florian Hall, everyone knows what to expect. You know it’s always going to be a good time,” Parsons said about the celebration.

To purchase a ticket or table or sign up to become a 2025 Friends of St. Brendan community partner, go here.