Last weekend we began the Summer Schedule for the Sunday Masses. As you know we just reduced the number of Masses across the three parishes in our partnership by 2, suspending the 10.00am in Kilmacud and the 11.30am in Mount Merrion. This left both parishes with their existing Vigil Masses, just one Sunday morning Mass and then an evening Mass in Mount Merrion for all.
This Sunday the 11.30am Mass scheduled for Kilmacud will take place in Mount Merrion as their church is closed for floor repairs. So for this week only Mount Merrion parishioners have the option of Mass at both 10.00 and 11.30.
When we make changes like this, no matter how we advertise and share the new details there will always be some people who turn up for Mass at their familiar time and find the church empty! So many thanks to all who were disappointed for your tolerance and understanding, and I’m happy to say the vast majority of parishioners were fantastic in making the change and came at the new times.
So what was the outcome? Well the purpose was to gather in larger numbers during this holiday time and have a better experience of the liturgy. I was delighted that both parishes had organised music for their Sunday morning liturgy and to quote Fr Donie “What I saw was people not pews.” He was so happy not to arrive into a church just one third full and really appreciated the life and energy in the gathering. So on first glance this initiative of the Archbishop and the Building Hope project seems to have worked. Please feel free to offer you feedback as the weeks go on and this will be taken in account when planning for next year.
Fr Paddy O’Byrne is turning 80 this month and formally retiring from active ministry. At the 11.30 Mass on July 23rd in Kilmacud we will mark this milestone with him and express our thanks for his ministry here in the parishes for over 10 years. Please note the date in your diary and come to either the Mass or reception following, or to both!