February 3rd 2002 - 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time

[Sunday Bulletin]

Deaths
We remember in our prayers:
  Vera Mangan,  Vernon View, South Douglas Road,
Pansy Nott,  Loreto Park,
who died recently.  May they rest in peace.

Diocesan Directory
The 2002 edition of the Cork & Ross Diocesan Directory is on sale after mass today. Price €3.

Blessing of Throats
This year we celebrate the Feast of St. Blaise on this Monday 4th February.
The Blessing of Throats will take place after 8 am and 10 am Masses in Sullivans Funeral Home.
There will also be Mass in the Hall of the Girls’ Primary School at 7 pm. Throats will be blessed after this Mass also.
The Blessing
Through the intercession of St. Blaise, Bishop and Martyr, may God deliver you from all ailments of the throat and from every other evil. In the name of the Father + and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Lourdes Pilgrimage Invalid Fund
The Special Second Collection will be taken up at all Masses next weekend, 9/10 February. This collection goes towards helping invalids and carers to go to Lourdes.
The Cork & Ross Diocesan Pilgrimage takes place from 11th to 16th June 2002. It will be led by Mgr. Kevin O’Callaghan PP, VG.
All details of the Pilgrimage can be obtained from Joe Walsh Tours, 117 Patrick Street, Tel. (021) 4277959.

World Day of Prayer for the Sick
Monday 11th February, Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, is World Day of Prayer for the Sick.
We will have a special Mass for all our sick in Sullivans Funeral Home on Monday 11th at 10 am. The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick will be given during the Mass.

LOTTO DRAW  Jan. 28
Numbers drawn:  8,  10,  22,  23.
NO WINNER
€35 CASH
A. McCarthy,  S. McCarthy,  B. Murphy,  H. Daly
THIS WEEK’S JACKPOT :  €3530
Last week’s net “take”       €3550
Last week’s Second Collection       €937
Anonymous Donation:    €127
Monthly Promoters’ Prize:     Phil Byrne €35
The Change is still welcome:
Donate your coins to the Church Restoration Fund. Collection Box at the rear of the Hall. Last week €145 came in. Many thanks for all Contributions.  

QUESTIONS PEOPLE ASK
Q. What’s the point of blessing candles or having our throats blessed with crossed candles? Why can’t we go straight to God with our prayers?
A. Many objects are blessed — holy water, candles, medals, etc. Their purpose is certainly not to take us away from God. These are supports to faith, reminders of God’s protection and little ways of involving God’s creation. Jesus worked healing through the touch of hands, clay, spittle, water in a pool or sending lepers to the priests when one word would have sufficed. A candle is a particularly good reminder of Jesus because not only does it give light, but it does so through sacrificing its own existence.