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…
Fáilte – We have been blessed with a beautiful summer and early autumn this year though things are changing in recent days. Parish life has fully resumed as we prepare with our schools for the celebration of the sacraments, an increasing number of baptisms are celebrated, very sadly families have been bereaved but we all…
Our Parish – Thanks to those who got in touch after last weekend to let us know that they would like to be involved in some parish ministry. This is much appreciated. Our parish needs new volunteers to be involved so hopefully you can give this some consideration and let us know if you want…
Parish Life – Emerging from the diocesan meeting in Rochestown Park Hotel last Sunday afternoon where representatives from parishes, faith communities, chaplaincies and religious communities gathered to chart the way ahead more generally, the need to nurture parish ministries was clear. This was always the case and is more immediate and urgent than ever before. …
St. Michael's Parish