Dear Parishioner,

May I, first of all, say how delighted I am to have been appointed to minister in Blackrock Parish.

Since I set foot in the Parish I have received – a very warm welcome.

I thank Canon John Delany for his kindness and caring by passing on the baton to me in Blackrock. I also thank Fr. Eddie Conway for his help and support since my arrival. A special word of thanks to Gina Cooney and Kay Hughes for their welcome and for all their help. I have indeed been blessed by such supportive and affirming Faith presence.

I hope in the near future when the Churches can reopen, I will be able to meet and converse with you.

Pope Francis reminds us in his new encyclical ‘Fratelli Tutti’ that today we face many challenges of change due to the present pandemic – he writes

‘the pain, uncertainty and fear, and the realisation of our own limitations, brought on by the pandemic have only made it all the more urgent that we rethink our styles of life, our relationships, the organisation of our societies and the meaning of our existence’.

Change is in the air also in our Faith communities and in our parishes. To facilitate this change, I look forward to listening, conversing and discerning with the people of Blackrock Parish who have been the bedrock and support of their parish for so many years. I know only too well clergy may come and go but the people of faith remain.

Thank you for your prayers and your faith.

I look forward to meeting you.

I am delighted to be serving a ministry in Blackrock.

Wishing you all God’s Blessing and safe tidings

(Very Rev). Peter O’Connor, P.P.