Entrance Hymn: Holy God, we praise thy name

Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul is celebrated tomorrow, Monday, 29^th June. Traditionally this day was considered in pagan Rome to be the foundation day of the city, founded by Romulus. Now we celebrate the twin founders of the Church in Rome: St Peter, originally called Simon, a fisherman who became leader of the apostles and the rock on which the Church is built. He died by crucifixion around the year 64. St Paul, originally called Saul, was a Pharisee who became the ‘Apostle of the Gentiles’, that is the non-Jews. He was martyred by beheading around 67. Both proclaim with their lives that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God.

Feast of St Thomas, Apostle

Next Friday we celebrate the feast of St Thomas who is the quintessential example of the faith journey.

Thomas, called the Twin, who was one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. When the disciples said, ‘We have seen the Lord’, he answered, ‘Unless I see the holes that the nails made in his hands…I refuse to believe’…Then Jesus spoke to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here; look, here are my hands…Doubt no longer but believe’. Thomas replied, ‘My Lord and my God!’

Thomas is the scientific type who has to examine the evidence for himself: only then is he prepared to commit himself. But the awakening of faith is not based on evidence alone. It is an inner movement of grace in the human spirit; it is the action of the Holy Spirit that dispels doubt and allows Thomas to express that wonderful faith response: ‘My Lord and my God’. This expression of faith is not based on the evidence he sees in front of him. Examining the evidence is part of his journey to faith but it does not bring about faith. Faith is a supernatural gift that is given to Thomas and the others. Thomas is believed to have preached the gospel in India, where he was martyred.

Ár nAthair

Ár n-Athair atá ar neamh,
Go naofar d’ainim,
Go dtaga do ríocht,
Go ndéantar do thoil ar an talamh mar a dhéantar ar neamh.
Ár n-arán laethúil tabhair dúinn inniu,
agus maith dúinn ár bhfiacha
mar a mhaithimidne dár bhféichiúna féin
Ach ná lig sinn i gcathú,
ach saor sinn ó olc,
Amen

Entrance Hymn: Holy God, we praise thy name

Happy Father’s Day to all fathers and grandfathers.

Day for Life 2026

Today, Sunday 21 June, the Church across Ireland celebrates Day for Life on the theme The humanity of the unborn child, which invites us to reflect on the wonder of human life from the moment of conception.  We remember how the Lord Jesus Christ Himself sanctified and experienced the beginning of life in the world as an unborn child, hidden in the womb of Mary. To read the full bishops’ message visit www.councilforlife.ie

Prayer to Our Lady for the vulnerable’ O Mary, bright dawn of the new world, Mother of the living, to you do we entrust the cause of life. Look down, O Mother, upon the vast numbers of babies not allowed to be born, of the poor whose lives are made difficult, of men and women who are victims of brutal violence, of the elderly and the sick killed by indifference or out of misguided mercy…’ Pope St John Paul II

New Sacristy Number

The landline in the sacristy has been giving trouble recently. We may be able to rectify it. In any case we have a mobile phone which wasn’t in use and this is now in the sacristy and can be used to make contact with the sacristan: 085 8890257

Saints Peter and Paul’s Young Adult Community

Are you aged 18-35? Do you want to grow in your faith and serve the Church? Would you like to do so with other young Catholics? You have the opportunity to live in a Catholic community for nine months in the heart of Cork City. Ss Peter and Paul’s young adult community could be for you: praying together, sharing meals, receiving formation and volunteering in the Cathedral family of parishes.

For more information, email: youngadultcommunity@corkand ross.org

Entrance Hymn: Holy God, we praise thy name

Reflection on Today’s Gospel: What does the term ‘apostle’ mean?

It is someone who is sent. Jesus himself was sent by the Father to reveal God to the world and to redeem humanity. Jesus chose twelve of his followers and they acted as his core group of collaborators. Their closeness to Jesus over the time of his public ministry was a preparation for their mission in life. Just as Jesus had been sent by the Father, Jesus in turn sent out his twelve disciples to make him known, initially to the Jews and eventually to the whole world. In today’s gospel he tells them: ‘And as you go, proclaim that the kingdom of heaven is close at hand’ (Matthew 10:7). Later in that gospel we read the Great Commission, i.e. Jesus’ final sending out of his apostles:

All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age (Mt 28:18-20)

This commission is now the responsibility of the whole Church, not just the successors of the apostles. Pope Francis proposed this extension of the apostolic mission to all Christians as synodality. Pope Leo has continued this emphasis on synodality from the beginning of his papacy.

What is Synodality?

The term ‘synodality’ owes its origin to two Greek words sun (with) and hé hodos (the road/journey): we journey on the one road together. The basis of synodality is the Incarnation: the Son of God became one of us and joined us on the journey of life with its joys and sorrows, until he met with a most brutal death. And he continues to journey with us: ‘And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age’ (Mt 28:20). We too need to journey together. Though we have different functions in the Church and different vocations, nonetheless, we are all travelling together. The term ‘synodality’ owes its origin to two Greek words sun (with) and hé hodos (the road/journey): we journey on the one road together. The basis of synodality is the Incarnation: the Son of God became one of us and joined us on the journey of life with its joys and sorrows, until he met with a most brutal death. And he continues to journey with us: ‘And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age’ (Mt 28:20). We too need to journey together. Though we have different functions in the Church and different vocations, nonetheless, we are all travelling together. Synodality is not a new pastoral experiment which gives a platform to the theologically articulate. It is a constitutive dimension of the Church and always has been. Synodality is not a new pastoral experiment which gives a platform to the theologically articulate. It is a constitutive dimension of the Church and always has been. St John Chrysostom (347-407) stated that ‘Church and Synod are synonymous’.   

Who’s Who? The members of the funeral team are as follows: Fiacra Bracken, Bernadette Hegarty, Maeve Kennedy, and Christine O’Neill. They lead the prayers at the reposing in the funeral home the day prior to the funeral Mass. This is a sensitive ministry, and they need our prayers.

Entrance Hymn: I am the Bread of Life

Eucharistic Procession Today Sunday, 7^th June.

We are invited to assemble at 2:30pm at the Cathedral of St Mary and St Anne to begin the Procession at 3pm. Alternatively, people can go directly to the Grand Parade. It is 100 years since the first Eucharistic Procession in Cork so today’s event is especially significant.  A procession is the occasion where we walk with Jesus present in the Blessed Sacrament. Jesus is with us all the time and the procession is the time when this presence is made explicit. May it bring many blessings to our people.

The Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist

Jesus refers to himself as bread: ‘I am the living bread which came down from heaven; if anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give for the life of the world is my flesh’ (John 6:51). Now this is not a spiritual communion only. We are familiar with the prayer of spiritual communion in our livestreamed masses. But Jesus intends us to eat the bread of life in a physical way. St John appreciated that because he uses a very physical term for ‘to eat’ (trogein); it really means to chew/to bite, and it is not the usual verb for eating in Greek (phagein). We can take from this that Jesus intended us to consume the bread of life physically and not just spiritually. In addition, we can say that the climax of the Mass is the reception of Holy Communion and not the words of institution. It is the whole Eucharistic Prayer which is consecratory and not just the words of institution. So, we have a huge challenge in convincing our people that to participate fully in the Eucharist we need to receive communion.

First Communion Procession

Last Sunday’s Mass welcomed the children who recently received their First Holy Communion. They participated in a procession at the end of Mass and this was followed by treats in the Parish Centre. The experience was indeed a memorable one. Sincere thanks to Rose and Ephie Fitzgerald and to Ephie’s mother, Chrissie, who prepared and donated the drinks and cakes. Incidentally, they also do so for the Morning Coffee on the first Tuesday of each month. Mile buiochas.

Parish Assembly meets tomorrow, Monday, at 8.00 pm

Feast of the Sacred Heart: Next Friday, 12^th June.

The Sacrament of the Sick will be offered at the 10.00 Mass on Friday.

Remembrance Mass in St Michael’s Cemetery

The annual remembrance Mass will be held on Wednesday, 24^th June, at 7.30pm. The organisers advise that those attending bring their own chair.

They are also inviting participation from this parish by reading a prayer at the Mass. Just let me know if you would like to do so.

Weekend Mass Collection Last weekend the amount received was €1070.00.

Recent Death: The death has occurred of Aideen Donnellan, Midleton and late of Doyle Road. She is the daughter of our choir member, Kay Mullins. We sympathise with Kay and with Aideen’s son and daughter. May she rest in peace.

Entrance Hymn: Holy God, we praise thy name

First Communion 2026

Today we welcome back the boys and girls who received their First Holy Communion on 16^th. We will have a procession with them at the end of the 11.00 Mass on Sunday, followed by refreshments in the Parish Centre.

Centenary of Cork Eucharistic Procession Next Sunday, 7^th June. It begins at the Cathedral at 3.00 and processes to the Grand Parade. Our parish will participate and parishioners and friends are invited to give their names to the sacristy asap so that we can inform the organisers of the numbers taking part. Participants need to be at the Cathedral from 2.30 pm. Those who are unable to process from the Cathedral can join in the celebration in the Grand Parade.

First Encyclical of Pope Leo

Marking the 135th anniversary of Rerum novarum, Pope Leo XIV releases his first encyclical, entitled ‘Magnifica humanitas: On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence.’ He appeals for the safeguarding of humanity, promotion of truth, dignity of work, social justice, and peace.

 ‘The Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, has today published the first encyclical, major teaching letter, of his papacy.  The letter, Magnifica Humanitas (The Grandeur of Humanity) is, at its subtitle explains, aimed at safeguarding humanity at a time of artificial intelligence.  At its heart is an appeal to all people of good will to work together to ensure that AI will be developed and used in ways that promote ‘human flourishing’ and help us to build a better and more just world.’ Archbishop Dermot Farrell, Dublin. 

Capwell Centenary

Congratulations to the Capwell community on the wonderful afternoon they offered to all. The facilities, refreshments, and music created a great atmosphere. All ages were catered for, including young children who were able to have games. The booklet commemorating the 100 years is a treasure. Congratulations and thanks to the organising committee and the local businesses whose support was essential.

Who’s Who? The volunteers who take care to ensure the church is clean are the following: Garry Barry, Margaret Barry, Annette Cronin, Catherine Cullinane, Eoin Duggan, Olive Kenny, and Pat McCarthy. In particular, this group comes to the church weekly and undertakes a thorough cleaning of the sanctuary, the sacristy rooms and the body of the church. The parish owes them a huge debt of gratitude for their continued dedication to God’s house and to the church community.

Coffee Morning Tuesday after the 10.00 am Mass.

Wednesday:  Prayers at 10.00 am on Wednesday led by the Legion of Mary members. All welcome.

Weekend Mass Collection Last weekend the amount received was €1130.00.

Recent Deaths: The death has occurred of Sean Kelleher, late of Eldred Tce, Douglas Road; Margaret O’Sullivan, Congress Road; Betty Fitzpatrick, Greenhills Estate. May they rest in peace. We sympathise with their families and offer the support of our prayers.

Entrance Hymn: Spirit of the living God

Pentecost Sunday

With joy we celebrate the feast of Pentecost. This feast commemorates the event that took place fifty days after the resurrection which transformed the apostles from being frightened, hunted men into fearless missionaries and eventually martyrs (The word ‘pentecost’ comes from the Greek for ‘fifty’). Jesus had already imparted the Spirit to them on Easter Sunday evening: ‘He breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven…”.’ However, they had yet to receive the fullness of the Spirit. This was the dramatic, transforming event that took place at Pentecost.

The Spirit has been given to us at Baptism and Confirmation, but we have yet to receive fully this gift of God. Today’s feast is an occasion to reconsider our Confirmation and, in particular, the gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, good judgment, courage, knowledge, reverence, wonder and awe in God’s presence.   Like any gift these can remain in their packages, unopened, unused. It is useful occasionally to open up one of these gifts and to see where we need it in practical situations. Try it!

Capwell Road Centenary. Today we celebrate 100 years of Capwell Road. Celebrations are from 2-4 pm on the road. An afternoon of live music, local history, food & activities for all ages. All welcome.

The road will be closed from 11 am to about 5 pm. The front gates of the church grounds will remain open throughout but the back gate will remain closed as no cars will be allowed on the road. Congratulations and thanks to the organising committee.

Centenary of Cork Eucharistic Procession Sunday, 7^th June. It begins at the Cathedral at 3.00 and processes to the Grand Parade. Our parish will participate and parishioners and friends are invited to give their names to the sacristy asap so that we can inform the organisers of the numbers taking part. Participants need to be at the Cathedral from 2.30 pm. Those who are unable to process from the Cathedral can join in the celebration in the Grand Parade. We thank Mary Ryder who is speaking at our Masses this weekend about the forthcoming Procession.

Parish Finance Committee meets on this Monday, 25^th May, at 4.30 pm.

Weekend Mass Collection Last weekend the amount received was €1225.00.

Recent Death The death has occurred of Denis O’Callaghan, late of Railway Place, High Street. May he rest in peace. We offer our sympathy and prayers to his family.

Bring blossoms the fairest,

From garden and woodland

And hillside and dale;

Our full hearts are swelling,
Our Glad voices telling
The praise of the loveliest
Rose of the vale.

O Mary! we crown thee with

blossoms today,

Queen of the Angels and Queen

of the May

Their lady they name thee, Their mistress proclaim thee, Oh, grant that thy children on earth be as true As long as the bowers Are radiant with flowers As long as the azure shall keep its bright blue.

Chorus

Mass Collection Last weekend the amount received was €1165.00. The proceeds of the second collection for Mission and Ministry in the diocese was €590.00.

Recessional Hymn: Bring Flowers of the Rarest

Who’s Who? The members of the Baptism team who prepare parents for the baptism of their child and who help celebrate the sacrament: Rose Fitzgerald, Louise Harrington and Olive Kenny.

Pope Leo XIV One year on.

Friday, 8^th May, marked Pope Leo’s first year as Pope. This is one quotation which is relevant to us all:

1.     ‘Friendship with Christ, which forms the basis of faith, is not just one aid among many others for building the future; it is our guiding star.’ — Pope Leo at a vigil for the Jubilee of Youth Aug. 2, 2025

The Mission and Ministry Special Collection takes place this weekend. This office plays a vital role in supporting our priests, parishes and Families of Parishes as we work together to help people grow in faith

and live as missionary disciples. It provides formation and support for Parish Pastoral Councils, Baptism and Funeral Ministry Teams, Ministers of the Word and Eucharist, Choirs and other ministries, as well as offering resources for prayer, evangelisation and adult sacramental preparation. Thanks to your generosity, this work continues to grow and reach more people across our diocese. Thank you for your continued support and encouragement of this important work.

Finance Committee We very much appreciated the presence and input of Revd Frank McKevitt at our Masses last weekend. The finance committee has decided that the amount contributed each weekend in the collections at the Masses will be published the following weekend. Last weekend the amount received was €1105.00.

Recent Deaths The deaths have occurred of Michael Falvey, Curragh Road and May Scannell, late of Maiville Tce. May they rest in peace. We pray for their grieving families.

Recessional Hymn: Bring Flowers of the Rarest

Capwell 100 Celebrating 100 years 1926-2026

You are invited to the Capwell Road centenary free celebration for the whole community on Sunday May 24th 2026  2- 4 pm on Capwell Road.  An afternoon of live music, local history, food & activities for all ages, made possible with generous support of the local businesses & Cork City Council.

Second Collection next weekend for Mission and Ministry in the diocese.

Recent Deaths The death has occurred of Vicki Cole, Congress Rd; Kevin O’Leary, Mount Pleasant Rd. May they rest in peace. We pray for family and carers and offer our sympathy.

Recessional Hymn: Bring Flowers of the Fairest

Vocations Sunday

One the fourth Sunday of Easter each year we focus on vocations to the priesthood and the religious life (Sisters and Brothers). Both vocations have endured a testing time in recent years. Currently, we have no seminarian preparing for the priesthood in Cork and Ross. Nationally, the seminary situation is more positive. I believe Cloyne diocese has six seminarians.

          So what is a vocation? It is a call from God to follow him in a particular way for the good of his people both at home and on the missions. The call comes through human means: God does not appear in human form to call someone to priesthood or religious life. A young person will be awakened to God’s call in the ‘bits and pieces of everyday’, especially people’s need for spiritual nourishment, through the sacraments and personal care. I was inspired to go for the priesthood by the curate in Bandon as I was growing up. And you all know him: Fr Kerry. He was omnipresent to the people of the parish, including the schools. I felt the call to a similar mission. And I haven’t been disappointed. While all my appointments were challenging I had a sense of purpose and belonging that really mattered. This is certainly true here in my family, the parish of Turner’s Cross.

          Let us pray today – and everyday – that young people will be awakened to the call of God. Each of them needs it for themselves but more so for the people of future generations.

Capwell 100 Celebrating 100 years 1926-2026  

You are invited to the Capwell Road centenary free celebration for the whole community on Sunday May 24th 2026  2- 4 pm on Capwell Road.  An afternoon of live music, local history, food & activities for all ages, made possible with generous support of the local businesses & Cork City Council.   

Boiler Fund

We have finally arrived at being in a position to pay for the new church boiler which costs €29,300. We offer our thanks and prayers to all who took this challenge seriously and, particularly, the number of anonymous donors. We hope that you will enjoy not just the heat of the church but that you will also feel the warmth of the parish community and the warmth of the love of God. We will continue to leave the box at the altar rails as the weekly collection does not meet the expenses of the parish. More on this anon.

Concert tonight

The Fleischmann Choir is coming to Christ the King Church this evening, beginning at 7.00 pm. Under the direction of Tom Doyle, the Fleischmann Choir and guest soloists Emma Nash, Gemma Ní Bhriain, Ross Scanlon and Brendan Collins present Mozart’s Missa solemnis in C minor (KV 139), written for the consecration of a new orphanage church, and Schubert’s rousing Magnificat in C major (D 486).

Recessional Hymn: Hail Redeemer, King divine!