St. Michael's Parish 
The Good Shepherd
This weekend, we listen to the Word of God about the Good Shepherd. It describes the heart of the shepherd who loves the flock and gives everything for them. It’s the same as a parent for children. It’s a relationship so deep that it’s nearly impossible to capture it in words. That’s why the image of the shepherd helps us.
The children preparing for First Confession learn about the Good Shepherd and are easily able to connect with it. It’s a lovely image to explore with them. Often the children love to illustrate their understanding of the love and care of the Shepherd.
It’s an image of vocation and religious life which is changing and evolving. This weekend, we pray that the Lord will move hearts to religious life. We never give up, we keep going, we trust in God and may experience the tenderness and care of the Shepherd in our lives and families.
Fr. Michael
Parish Visitation of the Sick
If you are know of someone in the parish and area who would like to receive Holy Communion in their home, please let us know by contacting Fr. Michael (085 8735905 or frmichael@corkandross.org )
Choir Interchange
St. Michael’s Church Choir has been invited to sing in the Church of the Incarnation, Frankfield on Sunday April 28th. The church choir from St. Mary and St. John’s in Ballincollig will be with us for 11am here in St. Michael’s on that day. The choir interchange is part of the Annual Cork International Choral Festival this year.
Thinking about the Diocesan Priesthood – There is a special ‘Come & See’ afternoon for men aged between 18 and 40 who may be thinking about Priesthood for the Diocese of Cork and Ross. It will take place from 2-5pm on Sunday April 28th in Mardyke House, Cork City (T12 W8RP). The afternoon will include time for prayer, reflection, discussion and a social dimension. For more information email vocations@corkandross.org
The last Diocesan Needs Quarterly Collection in January 2024 amounted to €51,765 throughout the Diocese, which is much appreciated. The next quarterly collection will take place on this weekend of 20th/21st April 2024.
This quarterly collection allows the Diocese to provide important ongoing supports to parishes in many areas from Education, School Religious Advisory, Mission and
Ministry, Youth Ministry, Governance such as Data Protection, Safeguarding and Finance as well as the related staff costs and ongoing utilities. People continue to be very generous to these quarterly collections over the years, for which the Diocese is most grateful. Your support to this weekend’s collection would be greatly appreciated.