Entrance Hymn: Lord of all hopefulness

Pope Francis Requiescat in pace

Bishop Fintan invites people to remember Pope Francis with  gratitude and in prayer:

Following the announcement by the Holy See that Pope Francis has ‘returned to the House of the Lord’, Bishop Fintan Gavin invites the people of the Diocese of Cork and Ross to unite in prayer to God at this time. “I invite the parishioners, priests, deacons and religious of our diocese to join as one with the faithful across the globe as we commend Pope Francis to the Lord. We give thanks to Almighty God for the gift of Pope Francis as shepherd of the people of God and we thank God for his selfless service and dedication to the end of his earthly life. We remember Pope Francis as one who challenged us to reach out to those on the margins and to bring God’s mercy to all those we encounter. We pray together that Pope Francis’ call to all of us to make this Jubilee Year a Year of Hope may be fulfilled. In what was to be his last pastoral message to the faithful on Easter Sunday, Pope Francis said: ‘All those who put their hope in God place their feeble hands in his strong and mighty hand; they let themselves be raised up and set out on a journey. Together with the risen Jesus, they become pilgrims of hope, witnesses of the victory of love and of the disarmed power of Life.’ We pray together now that Pope Francis’ prayer will be answered and that his soul may be in eternal peace with God.”

Pope Francis’ testament, dated 29 June 2022:

As I sense the approaching twilight of my earthly life, and with firm hope in eternal life, I wish to set out my final wishes solely regarding the place of my burial. Throughout my life, and during my ministry as a priest and bishop, I have always entrusted myself to the Mother of Our Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary. For this reason, I ask that my mortal remains rest – awaiting the day of the Resurrection – in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major. I wish my final earthly journey to end precisely in this ancient Marian sanctuary, where I would always stop to pray at the beginning and end of every Apostolic Journey, confidently entrusting my intentions to the Immaculate Mother, and giving thanks for her gentle and maternal care. The tomb should be in the ground; simple, without particular ornamentation, bearing only the inscription: Franciscus.

May the Lord grant a fitting reward to all those who have loved me and who continue to pray for me. The suffering that has marked the final part of my life, I offer to the Lord, for peace in the world and for fraternity among peoples.

Recessional Hymn: Hail Redeemer, King divine!

Entrance Hymn:

This is the day (Sunday 10.00 am)

Alleluia, sing to Jesus (Sunday Noon Mass)

Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia!

Wherever we are on the faith journey we are offered a wonderful opportunity today to have our faith deepened. The risen Christ is present among us. He is only too willing to accompany us on our faith journey, as he did with the disciples on the road to Emmaus at the first Easter.

            All our Masses this weekend are offered for the people of the parish. May our participation in this Easter Mass renew our appreciation of being Christian and may we leave here full of the deep-down joy of the resurrection. Gaudium Paschale! Beannachtai na Casca

The Frank Speight Easter Garden

We are delighted to see the unique Easter Garden, created by Frank Speight, present in our church this year. It is a most creative expression of the resurrection of Christ that shows a profound faith in the event which we are celebrating today. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dilis.

Thanks to all who are facilitating our celebration of Holy Week and Easter. It takes many people to bring each ceremony to fruition. And, of course, it is the Holy Spirit at work in us all which ensures that the ceremonies bear fruit.

Easter Collection

The collections at the Masses this weekend form part of the priests’ income. Thanks in advance for your contribution. Thanks too for the dues which have been returned over the past few weeks. The thoughtfulness and generosity of parishioners is most appreciated.

Recessional Hymn: Jesus Christ is risen today

Entrance Hymn: Praise to the Lord

This weekend we offer the Sacrament of Penance after each of the three Masses

This is a time for you to enter this quiet place inside your heart and let your heart become an inviting and open space for the Holy Spirit to speak to you, not in a voice that can be heard with our ears but nonetheless a very real voice. Let the Holy Spirit speak a word of understanding, a word of forgiveness, a word of healing, a word of love to your heart.

     Jesus told us the greatest commandment is “you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength”. The second greatest commandment is this “you shall love your neighbour as yourself”. The Lord Jesus said, “there is no other commandment greater than these”.

       Sin is an absence of love. We all fall short of the life of love that Jesus calls us to. We need to ask ourselves in what ways have I failed to love God and love others. Lord Jesus have mercy on us and forgive us for the times when we have not loved You and not loved others. Amen.

A detailed examination of conscience is on the reverse side of this page.

How to go to Confession?

1. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

2. It is ———— months/years since my last Confession.

3. These are my sins……

4. The priest suggests a penance which may be a prayer or an act of charity (the purpose of this penance is to underline the seriousness of our Confession and our resolve – with God’s grace – not to sin again.

5. Act of Sorrow (one suggested form): O my God, I am sorry for all my sins because they offend you who are so good and, with your help, I will not sin again. Amen

Chrism Mass: Bishop Fintan invites parishioners to join in the celebration of the Mass of Chrism on Holy Thursday (April 17 th ) at 10am at the Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Anne, Cork. At this Mass with priests and parishioners from the diocese, the Oils of Baptism and the Sick will be blessed, and Bishop Fintan will consecrate the Oil of Chrism, which will be used in parishes during the year. Bishop Fintan and our priests will also renew their priestly promises. People from throughout the diocese are invited to join us in the Cathedral. It would be wonderful to see people from every parish there, especially those involved in ministry.

Recent Death The death has occurred of Mary Carroll, Capwell Rd. Her brother, Fr Michael Carroll, died at Christmas. May they rest in peace. Our sympathies to the family.

is moving in this place;
he comes to cleanse and heal, to minister his grace.
No work too hard for him, in faith receive from him.
Be Still, for the power of the Lord is moving in this place.

Holy Thursday:

6.00 pm Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper

Holy Hour after the Mass for those who wish to stay

Good Friday:

12 Noon Stations of the Cross

3.00 pm  Celebration of the Lord’s Passion

Holy Saturday: 6.00 pm The Easter Vigil

Entrance Hymn: Holy God, we praise thy name

Entrance Hymn: Praise to the Lord

Laetare Sunday

The fourth Sunday of Lent every year is called Laetare Sunday. It literally means ‘Rejoice Sunday’. We are invited to experience the joy of the nearness of Easter. Laetare is the imperative of the Latin verb laetor, laetari, laetatus sum. It is the kind of joy that is exuberant; there is reason to jump for joy because the resurrection of Christ is just three weeks away.

      Laetare differs from the Sunday of joy in Advent, viz. Gaudete Sunday. This is a more sober verb; it is the joy that comes from knowing that life has meaning (gaudeo, gaudére, gavisus sum).

      Traditionally, Lent was often seen as a kill-joy kind of season, with emphasis on tough penances. While we are called upon to penance during this time of preparation for Easter, we are never meant to be deprived of the good news. This is the news that Jesus died for us, to free us from the prison of sinfulness and liberate us for a life of love.

Coffee Morning Tuesday, 1^st April after the 10.00 am Mass. All welcome.

Mother’s Day Celebration

Mother’s Day is a celebration honouring the mother of the family, as well as motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in society. We pray for all mothers in Mass today, especially those who have illnesses or family bereavements. We thank all mothers for their generous  participation in the life of the parish.

Second Collection today is for the diocese

Parish Assembly meets on Monday, 7^th April. This is a week earlier than usual to facilitate the necessary preparations for Easter.

First Wednesday

The Legion of Mary will lead prayer in the Church on Wednesday, at 10.00

Confession Weekend Every Lent we offer the Sacrament of Penance after each of the weekend Masses. This year we will do so on 12/13 April.

is moving in this place;
he comes to cleanse and heal, to minister his grace.
No work too hard for him, in faith receive from him.
Be Still, for the power of the Lord is moving in this place.

Entrance Hymn: Praise to the Lord

Sacrament of Confirmation Monday, 24^th March, at 10.30 am

The sixth class children from Bunscoil Chriost Ri will receive the sacrament of Confirmation tomorrow, Monday. We congratulate them and their parents and hope the occasion will be truly celebratory for all the family. We thank their teachers for preparing the children: Ms Niamh Byrne, Mr Ken Crewe and Mr Kevin O’Donoghue.  Forty nine children will receive the sacrament.    The celebrant will be Bishop Fintan Gavin. We welcome him warmly to our parish.

           The celebration of the sacrament of Confirmation is an opportunity for all of us to renew our own Confirmation. Whether it’s recently or in the distant past that we received this sacrament, our lives will be greatly enriched if we open our hearts to the gifts we received on that occasion. These are the gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, good judgment, courage, knowledge, reverence, wonder and awe in God’s presence.

Cork and Ross Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2025

The diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes this year will take place from Friday 19^th September to Wednesday 24th September. We will fly from Cork to Lourdes.

Bookings are now open with Joe Walsh Tours on 01 2410 800 for anyone wishing to travel as a pilgrim.

Volunteers are also required: Doctors, Nurses, Care Assistants and Helpers (Adults and Young Adults aged between 18 to 25 years). For General Enquiries contact 085 2525 040 or Email: lourdes@corkandross.org

Parish Pilgrimage

We hope to go to Lourdes as a parish to join the wider diocesan family. If there are people who are interested please let us know (Fr Kerry and Fr Noel) The cost of going on pilgrimage is €985 per person. There is also the opportunity for people who have movement difficulties or other illnesses to go as well. They will be able to stay at the hospital in Lourdes.

Trocaire – Lent 2025

Trocaire boxes and freepost envelopes are available for this year’s Lenten campaign. You can pick them up at the entrances to the church.

Matt Talbot Mass & Novena

On the Tuesdays of Lent in Togher Church at 7.30 pm (11^th March to 8^th April)

Confession Weekend

Every Lent we offer the Sacrament of Penance after each of the weekend Masses. This year we will do so on 12/13 April.

Second Collection next weekend for diocesan needs.

Legion of Mary The Legion of Mary ‘Acies’ will be held in St Michael’s Church, Blackrock on Thursday, March 27^th with Mass at 7.30 pm and Rosary at 7.15 pm.

is moving in this place;
he comes to cleanse and heal, to minister his grace.
No work too hard for him, in faith receive from him.
Be Still, for the power of the Lord is moving in this place.

Entrance Hymn: Praise to the Lord

St Patrick’s Day/ La le Padraig

We will celebrate it here with Masses at 10.00 and 12.00, tomorrow Monday. This is a celebration of the coming of Christianity to Ireland in the fifth century. It is celebrated not just by Christians but by all who value Ireland worldwide. It is of course our national holiday.

The Meaning of Lent
The English word ‘Lent’ comes from the Anglo-Saxon word Lencten, meaning ‘Spring’.  In other languages the word comes from the Latin, Quadragesima – a period of 40 days.  In the Christian tradition the forty days is understood to refer to a time of intense prayer and preparation; we remember the biblical stories of Noah and the flood of 40, the forty years the Israelites spent wandering in the wilderness and Christ’s forty day fast in the desert in preparation for his earthly ministry.

Cork and Ross Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2025

The diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes this year will take place from Friday 19^th September to Wednesday 24th September. We will fly from Cork to Lourdes.

Bookings are now open with Joe Walsh Tours on 01 2410 800 for anyone wishing to travel as a pilgrim.

Volunteers are also required: Doctors, Nurses, Care Assistants and Helpers (Adultsand Young Adults aged between 18 to 25 years). For General Enquiries contact 085 2525 040 or Email: lourdes@corkandross.org

Family of Parishes: Meetings

The Parish Assembly and Finance Ctte in each of the 16 Family of Parishes were asked by the Bishop to meet on three separate nights. The purpose of these meetings is to reflect together on the issues that are significant in our family of parishes.  Our family of parishes – Christ the King, Douglas/Rochestown and Frankfield/Grange – has had our three meetings on the Mondays of 17 and 24 February and 3 March. These were constructive assemblies where we reflected on three issues:

1.     How can we make baptism the gateway into life in our community?

2.     How can priests and parishioners prepare for and celebrate the Sunday Eucharist so that we are nourished and strengthened to tell others about Christ?

3.     The final subject was on the potential of the family of parishes to deal with the key issues into the future.

The response from each of the three parishes showed a commitment and engagement that should give us confidence. The method used in the three meetings was the synodal method, viz. prayer, listening and discernment. We look forward to the report which will be compiled by the diocese when all the families of parishes have submitted their reflections.

There still are copies of Bishop Fintan Gavin’s letter available at the entrance to the Church.

Matt Talbot Mass & Novena

On the Tuesdays of Lent in Togher Church at 7.30 pm (11^th March to 8^th April)

is moving in this place;
he comes to cleanse and heal, to minister his grace.
No work too hard for him, in faith receive from him.
Be Still, for the power of the Lord is moving in this place.

Entrance Hymn: Praise to the Lord

Ministers of Word and Eucharist

Are invited to a meeting at the parish centre in Frankfield on Tuesday, 11^th March. The meeting for Ministers of the Eucharist is from 7-8 pm. The Ministers of the Word meet from 8-9 pm. It is very important that you avail of these meetings which are organised for our family of parishes.

Forgiveness as a Focus for Lent

Last Sunday’s newsletter carried a reflection on Lent with the focus on Prayer, Penance and Charity. Today we add another branch to the tree: forgiveness. This consists of forgiveness of people who have hurt or offended us. It also involves seeking forgiveness from God for our sins.

          Forgiveness does not come naturally to human beings. It’s usually the last thing we want to do. We prefer to hold on to the grudge and the hurt. We can only forgive with the grace of the Holy Spirit. So forgiveness won’t come quickly or easily. We need to pray to the Spirit for the grace to forgive. When this happens we will experience great freedom within us. Holding a grudge is a form of imprisonment. Forgiveness is liberation.

Does God forgive?

          We can seek forgiveness from God anytime we wish. Just turn to him and admit our faults and ask his forgiveness. At the start of every Mass there is a penitential rite. We confess our sins at the beginning of Mass. And then there is the sacramental experience of forgiveness in the Sacrament of Penance. This sacrament is more about the future than the past. We mention aspects of our lives in Confession to invoke God’s forgiveness and healing. What is important to remember is that this sacrament showers on us the grace of the Holy Spirit without which we could not grow in virtue. With this grace we are no longer on our own in the face of temptation. So let us consider on this, the first Sunday of Lent, when and where we will go to the sacrament of penance this Lent. We offer the sacrament after the 6.00 pm Mass every Saturday night. Later on in Lent we will have three priests available for the sacrament after each of the Masses on a particular weekend.

Parish Assembly meets on Monday evening, 10^th March, at 8.00 pm

St Patrick’s Day/ La le Padraig

We are approaching the feast of St Patrick. We will celebrate it here with Masses at 10.00 and 12.00 on Monday, 17^th March. This is a celebration of the coming of Christianity to Ireland in the fifth century. It is celebrated not just by Christians but by all who value Ireland worldwide. It is of course our national holiday.

Safeguarding Directive

A reminder that access to the sacristy at weekend Masses is on the right hand side of the sanctuary as you face the altar.

is moving in this place;
he comes to cleanse and heal, to minister his grace.
No work too hard for him, in faith receive from him.
Be Still, for the power of the Lord is moving in this place.

Entrance Hymn: As I kneel before you

Lent begins next Wednesday with the blessing and distribution of ashes at the 10.00 am Mass

priest and lamb the throne is thine

king whose reign shall never cease

prince or everlasting peace

Refrain

Angels saints and nations sing

praised be Jesus Christ our king

Lord of life, earth, sky and sea

king of love on Calvary

Rule our hearts, our minds, our wills;

Till in peace, each nation rings

With thy praises, King of kings.

Refrain

Entrance Hymn: As I kneel before you

Life Issues:

Valuing every life in every condition
We believe that an absolute commitment to dignity, value and right to life of every person – at every stage and in every condition of life – is vital for the sustaining of a vibrant, hope-filled cohesive, flourishing society.  This commitment must be part of our political dialogue and the actions of those whom we elect.  Over recent years, we have witnessed a diminution in the respect for human life in our political discourse.  The value of people’s lives seems to be calculated as if it were simply part of a cost-benefit analysis.  Where is the hope in this? In recent years we have witnessed the introduction of a very liberal abortion law in Ireland.  Since the introduction of the legislation in 2018, 40,000 abortions have been carried out in Ireland.  And some politicians want to make it even more liberal.  Now we have efforts being made to make legislative provision for ‘assisted dying’ in Ireland.  A recent report from an Oireachtas Committee has made recommendations to the incoming Government that assisted dying be allowed in certain, restricted circumstances.  We totally reject that recommendation because a fundamental principle of civilised society is that no person can lawfully take the life of another. 

Assisted Suicide

The Irish Bishops have issued the following statement:

“Assisted suicide, far from being an expression of autonomy, is a failure of care.  By legislating for assisted suicide or euthanasia, the State would contribute to undermining the confidence of people who are terminally ill, who want to be cared for and want to live life as fully as possible until death naturally comes. In our culture, we rightly hold doctors and nurses in high esteem because they are presumed always to be at the service of life, for as long as their patient lives.  We call on Catholics to stand firmly in support of nurses and doctors who stand for life.  One day it may be your life.”

Life of the Unborn The Pro Life Movement in Ireland is offering an online information session. These are the details:

“Ireland, Abortion and Advocating for Life in 2025”
Hosted by the Pro Life Campaign. March 3rd 7.30pm-8.30pm.
Online free information event, register at prolifecampaign.ie/events

Recent Death: Finbarr Murphy, Doyle Rd. May he rest in peace. We offer our sympathy and prayers to his family, friends and neighbours.

A Mhuire Mháthair

priest and lamb the throne is thine

king whose reign shall never cease

prince or everlasting peace

Refrain

Angels saints and nations sing

praised be Jesus Christ our king

Lord of life, earth, sky and sea

king of love on Calvary

Rule our hearts, our minds, our wills;

Till in peace, each nation rings

With thy praises, King of kings.

Refrain