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. …
Parish Life – Parish groups, choir and music groups are all returning after the summer break. We look forward to the Do This in Memory parish-based programme for the First Holy Communion children and their families and this year, we will have a number of Masses for the Confirmation candidates and their families as well. …
Peace to This House
First Friday Visits to the Sick and Housebound – A number of people have been in touch to let us know of a family member who would welcome a visit to receive the Blessed Sacrament in their homes. This is so important for people who came to the church throughout their…
Looking Ahead
At the start of September several new initiatives are prepared to commence in our Family of Parishes and in the Diocese. It’s very easy for a narrative to develop that somehow our parishes are diminishing. New things show that this is far from the truth. These initiatives will compliment the vital work and…
St. Michael's Parish