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…
Celebrating Together – our church and parish centre has been very busy in recent times as we continue through Advent and approach Christmas. We had a wonderful concert in the church last Sunday evening which was very well attended. We were delighted to facilitate and welcome the Polish Community to the Parish Centre last weekend…
Confirmation – The Confirmation candidates from Scoil Barra Naofa Cailliní, Scoil Barra Naofa Buachaillí, 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…
Praying Together
In the coming weeks, we will gradually introduce a number of small changes as to when we stand and when we kneel during the celebration of the Mass. Bishop Fintan Gavin has said that ‘during our Year of Prayer, Listening and Discernment, people shared a desire for a deeper and more united experience…
Fáilte
We all know when we are welcome in a situation, visiting a neighbour, a workplace, a social gathering or anywhere. It’s even more important in a church and place of worship that people feel welcome, included and noticed. Welcome is the kernel of faith and parish life. It’s something that we should never take…
Remembering
The early days of November have been very fulfilling as we have gathered to remember our loved ones who have died. There has been a great response and participation in the November Novena with so many names now placed on the altar to be remembered in Novena Masses. Our Remembrance Mass on last Monday…
Remembering Our Loved Ones
When I was student for the priesthood, I clearly recall returning home from Maynooth at this time of the year. In those days, we would have returned to Maynooth in late August and the first visit home was at the end of October. I couldn’t but notice the change…
Do This in Memory
This weekend, we have the Enrolment Mass for the First Holy Communion children and their families. This parish-based programme went very well last year and we look forward to the same this year. Children and families have a very good experience of welcome and participation. The presence of the children brings…
Joy of Ministry
For a few days during the past week from Tuesday – Thursday, I had the opportunity to join the annual Diocesan Priests Retreat in East Cork. This year, 57 priests who serve in parish and chaplaincy appointments attended. Over the last five years that priests have gathered, we have had beautiful October…
St. Michael's Parish