St. Michael's Parish 
Gaudete Sunday – we have reached the third Sunday of Advent and preparations are well progressed for us to celebrate Christmas in our church, parish and Family of Parishes this year. The Church Crib is now in place and Christmas decorations are well under way. The parish schools have been here in the church during the past week and we look forward to their presence during the coming week as well. It’s a busy time in the church and it’s great to hear our young voices.
On this third Sunday, we light the rose-coloured candle on our Advent Wreath. The circle of light is growing and will soon be complete. This weekend we pray a prayer of blessing for Bambinelli Sunday, a custom introduced by late Pope St. John Paul encouraging families to bring the Christ figure from their family crib to be blessed in the parish church and then returned home in anticipation of Christmas Night. –
Fr. Michael
Bambinelli Sunday – Blessing Prayer
God our Father, you loved us so much you sent us your only son, Jesus, born of the Virgin Mary, to save us and lead us back to you.
We pray that, with your blessing, these images of Jesus might be a sign of your presence and love in our homes.
Gracious God, give your blessing to all who will gather with us this Christmas, family and friends.
Open our hearts, that we may receive Jesus in joy, do always what He asks of us and see Him in those who need our love.
We ask this in the name of Jesus, your beloved son, who came to give peace to the world. You live and reign forever and ever. Amen.
Do This in Memory Mass – thanks to all the families who participated in on last Saturday evening. The next such Mass will be on Saturday 17th January @ 6pm and we look forward to that in the new year.
Christmas Dues Envelopes – have been delivered to homes during the past week and are available in the church. It’s also possible to send Christmas Dues via the ‘Donate’ facility on the parish website.
Christmas Masses on Wednesday Christmas Eve @ 3pm (co-ordinated by SMA Parish), 6pm & 8pm. Thursday, Christmas Day @ 9am & 11am.
Christmas Confessions after Masses on next weekend of 20th/21st December. Confessions in Holy Cross Church after Masses this weekend 13th/14th December.
#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