St. Michael's Parish 
Confirmation – The Confirmation candidates from Scoil Barra Naofa CaillinÃ, Scoil Barra Naofa BuachaillÃ, Scoil Ursula and St. Michael’s NS participated in wonderful retreat day in the Parish Centre and the church last Thursday. The retreat was facilitated by a team of eight young people from NET Ministries. Our Confirmation candidates had a very good experience of participation concluding with quiet prayer in the church.
This Saturday the Confirmation candidates and their families are very welcome to the Confirmation Enrolment ceremony in the parish. This reinforces the family and parish elements of their preparation along with the great work in our parish schools. May the Lord bless the young people, their families, their schools and our parish. – Fr. Michael
Praying Together – From this weekend we will gradually introduce a number of small changes as to when we stand and when we kneel during the celebration of the Mass. In fact we have already seamlessly begun this at weekday Masses recently. According to Bishop Fintan Gavin these adjustments will ‘help make people feel even more welcome and at home in whatever church in our diocese that they attend the celebration of the Eucharist.’ Explanatory cards are available in the church this weekend.
Do This in Memory Mass – on next Saturday 6th December @ 6pm.Â
Family of Parishes Calendar 2026 – available in the church from this weekend.
Christmas Dues Envelopes – will be delivered to homes this week and are also available in the church.
Christmas Masses on Wednesday Christmas Eve @ 3pm (co-ordinated by SMA Parish), 6pm & 8pm. Thursday, Christmas Day @ 9am & 11am.
Christmas Confessions after Masses on weekend of 20th/21st December
Monday 8th December – Feast of the Immaculate Conception – Mass @ 9.30am.
Choral Christmas Cheer – presented by the Cork International Choral Festival under the direction of Catherine Mahon Buckley in St. Michael’s Church, Blackrock on Sunday 30th November @ 7.30pm. A night of music and readings, this year under the iconic title ‘Choral Christmas Cheer‘ with renowned soprano Mary Hegarty, emerging vocal talents, CADA, Carrigaline Gospel Choir, City Hall Singers, River Rhythms Community Choir, St Michael’s NS, Blackrock and the Willcollane Singers. Details from www.corkchoral.ie
Christmas Coffee Morning, Raffle and Cake Sale in aid of Marymount Hospice on Sunday 7th December starting at 9.30am in Ballinlough Community Centre.
#HaveYourSay about your Catholic School
For Attention of Parents of children attending Primary Schools or have yet to start.
The Department of Education is currently conducting a Primary School Survey that
will determine the future provision of Primary Schools and crucially could lead to
lasting changes in your school. In simple, direct terms, you are being asked if you
want your school to stay a Catholic school or if you want that to change. Don’t leave
it to others, have your say before 16 December 2025.
See – https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/campaigns/primary-school-survey
Fr. Michael
085 8735905