St. Michael's Parish 
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 between late August and late October. The familiar trees that surrounded our farmyard and home were nearly empty of leaves, temperatures had changed, the summer warmth and colours had gone. Evenings were darker and I had not been part of this natural change of season and scenery while in college. The difference was stark.
We begin our Novena for the Dead this Sunday. We will place their names on our Novena Lists, pray for them at Mass and know that we are closest to them gathered around the Altar. While there is sadness, there is a greater warmth when we remember people. Our lives are changed in their absence and things can be stark like the changed season, however, praying for the dead keeps them close to God and close to us. May they rest in peace in the Home of the Father. They have gone no further than to God and God is very near. Fr. Michael
Annual Remembrance Mass – for all those who have died in our parish over the last year will be celebrated on Monday 3rd November @ 7pm. All are welcome to this poignant and consoling celebration.
November Novena for the Dead – Sunday 2nd to Monday 10th November. There will be Mass each weekday @ 9.30am during the Novena. Envelopes and Lists are available in the church.
Blessing of Graves – on this Sunday 2nd November @ 3pm in St. Michael’s Cemetery.
Catholic Papers and Literature – we are fortunate to have a good selection of Catholic papers available in the church each weekend. This is appreciated by many people as good Catholic literature keeps us in touch with the wider church and faith development in a rapidly changing world.
Children’s Adoration – Friday 7th November from 3pm – 3.30pm in St. Michael’s, Blackrock.
SMA Parish – Sunday Masses continue temporarily @ 10am & 12noon in Crab Lane NS (Portakabin) off Boreenmanna Road. We continue to facilitate SMA parish here in St. Michael’s in the celebration of baptisms, funerals and a number of weddings.
Fr. Michael
085 8735905