St. Michael's Parish 
Celebrating our Faith
Many people have remarked on the large attendances at Masses on Ash Wednesday morning in both St. Michael’s and Holy Cross. It’s interesting that many also remarked on excellent Mass attendances in both churches over Christmas and the New Year. In St. Michael’s, we have also been blessed with a great response from families as part of the First Holy Communion and Confirmation parish programmes on many Saturday evenings. It’s important to highlight these things as we can become so easily caught up in a narrative of decline. The late Pope Francis always spoke of the ‘joy of the Gospel’. He did so conscious of the fact that we live in an increasingly secular landscape. However, the joy of faith and belief cannot keep itself private and within. It has an urge to be announced and proclaimed.
May the Lord continue to bless us all as we share our faith with families and in our parishes. While the landscape is increasingly challenging, we celebrate the response of so many people and families and ensure that this is the narrative. – Fr. Michael
New Ministers of the Word & Eucharist – training for new ministers in Mahon parish and our Family of Parishes will take place in Blackrock Parish Centre on 10th & 19th March provided by the Office of Mission & Ministry in the Diocese.
Trócaire Lenten Appeal 2026 – Trócaire Boxes available in the church.
Gaelscoil Mhachan Coneartú – best wishes to Rang a Sé who will celebrate their Confirmation on this Monday 23rd February @ 10.30am in Holy Cross Church. Mons. Aidan O’Driscoll Co-PP, VG will be the celebrant. Morning Mass will be at 9am in Holy Cross on that morning to facilitate the Confirmation and Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will not take place.
Holy Cross Church will celebrate its 40th anniversary this year and a number of events being arranged to mark this. The Redemptorist Fathers will lead a Triduum of prayer from 21st – 23rd September in Holy Cross. A celebration is also envisaged for Sunday 20th September beginning at 12.15pm Mass and a reception afterwards which will be open to everyone.
Maranatha is a full-day faith-based, high energy music event for young people from parishes across the diocese attending post-primary schools. Students from over halfof our post-primary schools have been preparing for Maranatha 2026. This cumulates in a concert in Cork City Hall on Thursday 26th February with over 500 young people singing together. Maranatha was created to bring young people together to celebrate their faith through music and have fun at the same time. Please support our young people by coming to this event. Tickets are €15 (plus booking fee) and are available to book on eventbrite.ie, search Maranatha. Doors open 7pm, with concert beginning at 7.30pm
Fr. Michael
085 8735905