Welcome

A New Pastoral Year - 2015/2016

Dear Friends.

Firstly an introduction. My name is Fr Michael O'Grady and I was recently appointed by Archbishop Diarmuid Martin as Co Parish Priest in the Church of the Most Precious Blood here in Cabra West. Canon Pat Carroll has been appointed Moderator of the Grouping of Parishes which also includes Cabra West, Cabra East, Navan Road, and Phibsborough. Our four parishes are asked to work closely together and  share resources to further the Kingdom of God.

I am conscious that I have big shoes to fill following the great ministry of Fr John Greene. Fr Greene made a huge contribution to the parish and also to the grouping. We all wish him well as he prepares to journey to Chile.

I hail from St Gabriel's parish in Dollymount. It was there that my vocation was nourished thanks to the great example of the local priests and the constant prayers of family and friends. I grew up working in our family business, a newsagent shop at the wooden bridge which my family ran for sixty years. Both my parents are alive and I have one sister who lives in County Wexford.

From the age of about seven I have wanted to be a priest. I entered Holy Cross College in September 1993 with 13 others. Five of us were ordained including Fr David Fleming who ministered here. I was ordained on the Feast of Pentecost in the year 2000. I have worked in various parishes since both urban and rural. I am  very happy and optimistic  despite the challenges of the times. I love being a priest and am aware of my talents and also my weaknesses. I look forward to spending the next number of years working in the parish, getting to know you all, and sharing your joys and sorrows. If I can ever be of help to you, please don't hesitate to ask, I will do my best.

I am very grateful for the warmth of you welcome and the support of Sr Philomena, Natasha, and the whole parish team. Let us hold one another in prayer.  Fr Michael

Fr. Michael O'Grady