St. Michael's Parish 
Welcoming Families – Last Saturday we welcomed the First Holy Communion children and their families to the evening Mass as one of the eight Do This in Memory Masses from last October to next May. Next Saturday, we will welcome the Confirmation candidates and their families to a second Mass in the church as part of their Ceremony of Light in preparation for Confirmation. That means that we will have ten Masses throughout the school year for the Sacremental classes building on preparations in their schools and their homes.
Families really appreciate the welcome they receive at these Masses in the church. This is a simple formula of nurturing involvement and participation of a large number of young people and their families. We are also extending the team of altar servers in the church building relationships with families. The best part of this is that young people and families really appreciate being involved and there is a lovely atmosphere in the church.
While there are many counter attractions and alternatives for our young people and their families there is an evident willingness to be part of the parish and church. May we all continue to support our children and young people and work together to make sure that coming to the church is a good experience. May the Lord bless all our young people, their families, schools and our parish for the year ahead. Fr. Michael
Sunday of the Word of God – Enthronement Prayer – We gather on the Lord’s Day as people of faith to revere and honour the Word of God. From ancient times, the open book of the Sacred Scriptures has been enthroned at Church councils and in cathedrals, in parish churches and in homes. Today, you invite us, Lord, to listen once more to your Word, to treasure it in our hearts, to meditate on it and to share it with others. We thank you for this opportunity to celebrate your Word. We ask you to send your Holy Spirit to touch our minds and hearts, so that we may discover, understand, and live your message for us. We make our prayer through Christ your Son, your Word made flesh. Amen.
Confirmations 2026
Mon. 23rd Feb. Gaelscoil Mhachan (in Holy Cross)
Mon. 2nd Mar. Beaumont GNS & BNS, Scoil Ursula
St. Michael’s NS & School of the Divine Child
Thurs. 5th Mar. St. Anthony’s BNS (in St. Michael’s)
Wed. 11th Mar. Scoil na Croise Naofa (in Holy Cross)
Wed. 29th Apr. Crab Lane NS (in St. Michael’s)
Christmas Dues Envelopes – remain available in the church. Contributions can also be given to the ‘Priests Collection’ via the Donate button on the parish website.
Confirmation 2026 – Ceremony of Light – Saturday 31st January @ 6pm Mass – in preparation for the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation on Mon. 2nd March.
Catholic Schools Week runs from 18th – 24th January with the theme, Normal Lives, Called to Holiness! The 2026 theme invites pupils, teachers, families, and parishes to explore the call to holiness as something both universal and accessible. Holiness is not for a few, but for all; for every student, teacher, parent, and grandparent living each day in friendship with Jesus. We give thanks for the great work of our Catholic schools and pray for all involved.
Fr. Michael
085 8735905