ST. MICHAEL'S CHURCH DUN LAOGHAIRE

We are concerned for the safety of everybody and it is important to remember that the obligation to attend Mass in person was lifted at the start of the pandemic and will continue for some time to come.

Further to the recent Government announcement regarding the next and final phase of response to the pandemic: COVID-19 - Reframing the Challenge, Continuing Our Recovery and Reconnecting (www.Gov.ie), please see updates below in respect of Religious/Civil Services/Ceremonies which has been sent out by the protocol section of the Department of the Taoiseach.

RELIGIOUS/CIVIL CEREMONIES

FROM SEPTEMBER 6TH

Religious services and ceremonies (for example Baptisms, First Communions, Confirmations, Weddings & Funerals) can proceed with 50% of venue capacity, regardless of immunity status of attendees. (Subject to appropriate protective measures including social distancing as much as possible, hand sanitising, face masks etc).

All other measures designed to minimise necessary physical interaction during services should be maintained.

FROM OCTOBER 22ND

Based on the criteria of at or close to 90% of people 16 or over being fully vaccinated in the coming weeks, and having regard to the incidence and behaviour of the disease at that time, the Government will remove further statutory restrictions from 22nd of October.

SINGING                                                                                      

As with previous reopening for religious service congregational singing and choir singing is not permitted. Solo singing with accompanist is permitted subject to compliance with detailed guidance contained in HSE Covid-19 Guidance for Religious Services

Face masks are mandatory.

The dispensation, issued by the Irish Bishops Conference, from attending Mass on Sundays and holydays remains in place. You don’t have to attend Mass on Sundays and holydays but you might like to attend the weekday Mass (Monday to Saturday) at 10 a.m.

Physical Distancing:Please enter & leave the church in an orderly manner. Do not cluster in aisles or doorways. Follow the instructions & signs around the Church. Pews have been marked to facilitate physical distancing. Please remain in your pew throughout Mass. Those in the same household may enter and sit together. All others please maintain a distance of 2 meters (6ft). There will be no Offertory Procession or Sign of Peace. Holy Communion will be distributed to the congregation in their seats and may only be received in the hand.

Hygiene:Always cough or sneeze into a tissue/elbow. You are encouraged to carry & use hand sanitiser. The Celebrant, Eucharistic Ministers & Ushers, will wear face masks if they approach the congregation. If you are feeling unwell please do not attend church services. 

Archbishop Farrell’s Pastoral Letter: The Cry of the Earth—The Cry of the Poor

At this time every person on our planet is confronted with two interconnected crises: the corona virus pandemic and the ecological crisis. Both define our age. Both require urgent action. But it is the reality of climate change that is ‘humanity’s defining challenge.’ Over the coming decades, the havoc of the pandemic will pale when compared to that of climate change.

To respond to the climate crisis, and to mark the Season of Creation—which began on September 1st and continues until the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi on October 4th—Archbishop Farrell has published a pastoral letter, The Cry of the Earth—The Cry of the Poor: the Climate Catastrophe—Creation’s Urgent Call for Change. This pastoral is an invitation to all people—those in the Church and those beyond—to reflect on the climate crisis in new ways, so that the baptised may live the life of faith more vibrantly, and everyone may respond more actively to the serious situation in which the world finds itself. The pastoral letter is available on online, as well as in hardcopy from Veritas.

Guided Pilgrimages on the Lough Derg Pilgrim Path

A guided pilgrimage will be offered on Sunday 26th September and Sunday 3rd October, with Mass outdoors, weather permitting.  The full route is a 12km loop, with a shorter 8km option.   Advance booking is essential.  For further information email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  or telephone 0(0353) 71 9861518. www.loughderg.org Lough Derg Pilgrim Path, Pettigo, Co Donegal. 

NEW VOCATIONS TEAM FOR THE PRIESTHOOD IN DUBLIN

Archbishop Dermot Farrell has appointed a New Team for Vocations to the Priesthood for the Archdiocese of Dublin. Fr. Séamus McEntee is now the new Director of Vocation to the Priesthood with Fr. Bill O'Shaughnessy as the new Assistant Vocations Director. Fr. Séamus has assisted on the vocations team for the past seven years and is delighted to be working alongside Fr. Bill in this exciting role of assisting men discern their call to priesthood as well as vocations promotion. Let us pray that God will continue to call enthusiastic men to the priesthood for our Archdiocese. If you know of anyone who thinks they might have a vocation to be a priest or is interested in finding out more about being a priest for the Archdiocese of Dublin, please ask them to contact either Fr. Séamus or Fr. Bill on the Vocations Team at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or check out: Vocations | Archdiocese of Dublin (dublindiocese.ie)

ACCORD CATHOLIC MARRIAGE CARE SERVICE CLG

Accord Catholic Marriage Care Service CLG is currently recruiting volunteers to train as marriage preparation programme facilitators. Accord is seeking registration of interest from those who have a positive attitude towards marriage in the Catholic Church and the enthusiasm to be part of a team supporting couples who are preparing for the Sacrament of Marriage. Successful applicants will receive professional training and will be part of a team delivering marriage preparation programmes locally in accordance with best practice. Contact Aisling on 01 505 3112 or by email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it The closing date for receipt of registration of interest forms to be included in Selections for this year is Friday 27^th August. Additional information is available on www.accord.ie

TOUR OF HOLYISLAND

The tour starts with a mini-bus leaving the Ring of Lough Derg Tourist Office in Killaloe (Co. Clare) at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This mini-bus brings people to a Mountshannon pier where Ger Madden (a very experienced local guide) drives a boat to and from Holy Island. The tour concludes with a lunch at 'Flanagans On The Lake' (a bar and restaurant in Killaloe/Ballina) around 15H following the mini-bus trip back from a Mountshannon pier. Bookings need to be made in advance via 0851086497.

SUMMER DUES 2021 – COMMON FUND

Traditionally, there have been two collections during the Sunday Masses. The “First Collection” for the Common Fund which supports the priests of the Dublin Diocese in active ministry as well as the sick and the retired priest of the Diocese, Parishioners have been very generous towards this collection over the years. The “Second Collection” for the Share Fund in support of financially disadvantaged parishes as well as the diocesan services.  This collection has been well supported by parishioners. Both these collections have been severely impacted by the lockdowns and by the reduced attendance at the public Masses.

The First Collection income has been severely depleted thus making it difficult to support the priests financially. The Common Fund Executive Committee has therefore decided to supplement the income by means of “Summer Dues” (from 20 June 2021). The Summer Dues Envelopes (Green Print) will be left on the tables near the entrances/exits of the Church.  Parishioners/others are invited to take an envelope and to return it with a donation to the Parish office/safe in the Church. We thank you for your generosity in giving to the Parish and Dublin Diocesan collections.

ST. MICHAEL'S PARISH OFFICE

The Parish Office is open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. If you wish to contact the parish office please email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or telephone 01 280 4969.  

Archbishop Farrell is asking for people and priests to pray for vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life on a regular basis. As you are well aware, the need is great, so let’s answer God’s call and “Pray the Lord of the harvest to send labourers into his harvest”

“Marian Pilgrimages have released their pilgrimage schedule for 2021 & 2022 to Lourdes, Medjugorje, Fatima, Italy & Holy Land.  For more information or to register your interest please visit www.marian.ie or ring Marian Pilgrimages on (01) 878 8159” 

VIRTUAL EUCHARISTIC ADORATION

If you are unable to go to church for your hour's adoration, why not click on https://virtualadoration.home.blog/ from your home, where Jesus is waiting for you. “Come to me, all you who labour and are burdened, and I will give you rest” Mt 11: 28

TEEN HOPE CONNECTED 

Teen Hope Connected is a weekly Youth Group. It takes place every Wednesday 6-7pm via Zoom. Join us for fun, exploring faith and life with other Teens through small group discussions, top class games and prayer. If you are interested in joining, please email:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

YCD CONNECTED – BRINGING YOUNG PEOPLE TOGETHER

The Young Church Dublin invite you to join our connected group for Young Adults (20’s 30’s) We meet online every Wednesday, from 8.00-9.00pm for some time of fellow, reflection on Scripture and prayer together. It provides an opportunity to connect in with other young adults in a community of faith. For more information please email:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Generation Tech is a free service and is run by volunteers. Volunteer run FREE HELPLINE to help older people in Ireland with tech issues. Our volunteers are tech experts and work in shifts from 8am-8pm Monday to Friday. Support is provided over the phone. If you need help with smartphones, tablets, social media, apps, PCs, printers, etc. CALL US on: 01-9633 288. 

AWARE - SUPPORT & SELF CARE GROUPS

If you, or those with whom you work wish to connect with people in relation to your mental wellbeing, please consider using the Phone In and Zoom Support & Self Care Groups, the Support Line or Support Mail, now and throughout the holiday season. These services provide support, coping skills and information – and most importantly help people who are in distress to know and feel that they are not alone in their experience.  For more information about the groups https://www.aware.ie/support/support-groups/ and all of our services on www.aware.ie

Irish Hospice Foundation - Many people have experienced the death of someone they love during the Pandemic. In the face of such loss and trauma, the Irish Hospice Foundation have a Bereavement Support Line. It is a national freephone service 1800 80 70 77

COVID-19 Support Lines for Older People

ALONE manage a national support line and additional supports for older people who have concerns or are facing difficulties relating to the outbreak of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). Professional staff are available to answer queries and give advice and reassurance where necessary. The support line is open seven days a week, 8.00am – 8.00pm, by calling 0818 222 024.

Senior Line

If you are an older person and would like someone to talk to, particularly since Covid-19, consider phoning SeniorLine.  We are Ireland’s national confidential service for older people. We are open every day of the year from 10am-10pm.  We are older people too, trained to listen and support.  We would love to hear from you.  Freefone 1800 80 45 91

Volunteer Drivers Irish Cancer Society

Irish Cancer Society is looking for volunteers to drive patients to and from their chemotherapy treatments.  Drivers with a free weekday availability and who can commit to driving twice a month.  Please email Gail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 01 2310 566 for an application form. Due to the impact of the Coronavirus we are seeking drivers under the age of 70 years.

ACCORD Dublin

ACCORD Dublin has launched a new website.  For Sacramental Marriage Preparation Courses or for Marriage and Relationship Counselling please visit www.accorddublin.ie 

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown  Helpline 01 271 3199. Opens 9 am every day. Email  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

South Dublin County Council - Helpline 01-4149043 with the lines initially open from 9am to 5pm seven days a week. Out of hours email contact through  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

COVID-19 TECH SUPPORT FOR OLDER PEOPLE

Covid19 Tech is a  group of I.T professionals who have come together from  across Ireland to volunteer and offer free tech support to Irish seniors in our communities so they can stay connected with their loved ones and required services during the Covid19 crisis. More information visit: https://covid19tech.ie

IMPORTANT NOTICE

BAPTISMS  Baptisms in St. Michael’s Parish will take place on the second Saturday of each month at 12 noon. Please contact the Parish Office in person to make arrangements.

MONTH’S MIND MASSES

To facilitate the families of those who funerals take place in St. Michael’s Church, the 6 p.m. Mass on the first Saturday of each month will be offered for those who have died in the previous month.

Please contact the Parish Office at 01 280 4969 for further information.