Summer must be ending when the mornings are cool, the Leaving Cert results have landed and we’ve spotted the first young person in a school uniform out and about. The months of June, July and August have sped past and now autumn beckons, soon leaves will begin to turn golden and fall and the cycle of life that begins each September will start again.
Back in June we initiated a summer schedule of weekend masses in our Partnership, reducing the total number by 2 and inviting parishioners to gather in greater numbers at the available liturgies. This has gone very well with around 350 people participating in the Sunday morning celebrations in both Mount Merrion and Kilmacud. Given the reduction in the number of attending Sunday Eucharist and with fewer priests available to celebrate Mass, I propose to carry on with this new schedule for September and October. I invite leaders of ministry and music groups to reflect on this and to share the liturgical roles among their existing members.
In Mount Merrion the Family Mass Group and the Lisieux singers will alternate at the 6.00pm Vigil Mass. We will have a survey of numbers attending weekend liturgies one weekend in September and keep the situation under review.
This weekend we mark the 5th anniversary of the death of Fr Tony Coote and reflect on his contribution to life and ministry. His legacy continues to inspire us all and we commend his soul to the love and mercy of God.
The sudden disappearance of Margaret Barber has left a huge gap in the lives of all who know her and we continue to pray for news of Margaret and for the comfort of her husband and daughters. We have appointed Leelo Saalik as interim manager of the Parish Centre in Mount Merrion and greatly appreciate her willingness to take on this role in difficult times.
In all three parishes, during the month of September, the Parish Pastoral Councils, the Finance Committees and other pastoral groups should gather for a meeting and begin to plan for the year ahead. The need for new members, new volunteers and renewed energy and commitment is obvious as we meet the future with hope.
Finally, Archbishop Dermot has appointed Deacon Ciaran Egan to our partnership for his final year in formation before Ordination. Br Ciaran was ordained a Deacon in St Kevin’s, Harrington Street on July 21st by Bishop Paul Dempsey. We look forward to welcoming Ciaran and supporting his ministry during September.