February 2nd 2003 – Presentation of the Lord

Candlemas
On parish visitation of homes I see candles in many houses. They are back in fashion, even if they are probably used for aesthetic rather than spiritual purposes now. Here is a potent religious symbol already positioned in the home, waiting to be offered to God. This Candlemas, why not alert you families to see the candle as a reminder of Christ, the light of our world?
Candles can help us better integrate our daily living into our faith life, as household ornaments become aids to prayer — windows into the bright, loving warmth of God. They can remind us that what we do in life matters to God. When we live well, we give our best to the Lord. This links in with our celebration of the Eucharist on Sunday, when we present to God the same offering as Mary and Joseph in today’s Gospel. They presented Jesus to the Lord and now
we offer to you, God of glory and majesty,
this holy and perfect sacrifice,
the bread of life
and the cup of eternal salvation.
  Eucharistic Prayer I

Blessing of Throats
This Monday 3rd February is the feast of St. Blaise.
The Blessing of Throats will take place after 8 am and 10 am Masses. There will also be a blessing of throats at 6 pm in the Church. (There won’t be Mass).
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.

Passion Play
will take place in our Church on Mon., Tues. and Wedn. of Holy Week
under the direction of Pierce Gunn, who directed the Play in Holy Trinity Church for a number of years. If you are interested in taking part, we invite you to a meeting in the Church on this Wedn. 5th Febr.. at 7.30 pm.
It should be a great Parish event.

Lourdes Pilgrimage Invalid Fund
The Special Second Collection will be taken up at all Masses next weekend 8/9 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 2003. 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
Tuesday 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 on Tuesday 11th February at 10 am. The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick will be given during the Mass.

Barrack St. East Neighbourhood Watch
Annual Dinner / Dance in Jury’s Hotel on Sat. 15 Febr.
Tickets from your co-ordinator or Phyl  4966860.

September 2003
Enrolments are currently taking place for the new Junior Infants Girls at Christ King Girls’ Primary School.
Tel. 4963695. Please return forms by February 10th.

LOTTO DRAW Jan. 27th
Numbers drawn:  4,  11,  17,  27.
NO WINNER
€35 CASH
Boyle,  D. McCormack,  M. Twomey,  M. Dromey
Monthly Promoters Prize:    I. Roche
THIS WEEK’S JACKPOT :    €3275
Last week’s net “take”       €3,107
Last week’s second Collection       €1,250
The Old Money is still welcome for the Restoration Fund. Box at back of the Church.
Lotto Draw in the Parish Centre at 7.30 pm sharp.

Fund Raising Events in aid of Restoration Fund:
Sun. 23 March    Parish Sponsored Walk
Turners Cross to the Lough.
14th, 15th, 16th April — Holy Week
  Passion Play with our Parish Choir.
Thurs 15 May    Viennese Evening with Mary Hegarty,
Nyle Wolfe, Garda Choir, Willcolane Singers and School of Music Orchestra
Mon 18 Aug.    Golf Classic in Cork Golf Club.
A Series of Autumn  Concerts:
Sat. 27 Sept.    A Concert with Liam Lawton
Sat. 29 Nov.    Handel’s Messiah
with East Cork Choral Society.

Life is . . .
Life is an opportunity — benefit from it
Life is a beauty — admire it
Life is bliss — taste it
Life is a challenge — meet it
Life is a duty — complete it
Life is a game — play it
Life is costly — care for it
Life is wealth — keep it
Life is love — enjoy it
Life is a mystery — know it
Life is a promise — fulfil it

    Mother Teresa