March 30th 2003 – 4th Sunday of Lent

Mothers Day
Traditionally, this Sunday is called ‘Laetare Sunday’, which means ‘a day for joy.’ Lent is half over, and the celebration of the death and resurrection of Jesus is nearer to us. At this mid-point of Lent, it is traditional to honour mothers, treasuring those still with us and praying for those we have lost to death.

No Charge
A little boy went up to his mother and handed her a piece of paper that he had been writing on. This is what it said:
For cutting the grass  €5.00
For cleaning my room this week  €1.00
For going to the store for you  €0.50
Baby-sitting my brother while you went shopping  €0.25
Taking out the garbage  €1.00
For getting a good report card  €5.00
For cleaning up and raking the yard  €2.00.
Total owed:  €14.75
Well, his mother looked at him standing there expectantly, and you could see the memories flashing through her mind. So she picked up the pen, turned over the paper he had written on and this is what she wrote:
– For the 9 months I carried you while you were growing inside me:  no charge.
– For all the nights I’ve sat up with you, doctored and prayed for you:  no charge.
– For all the trying times, and all the tears that you’ve caused through the years, there’s no charge.
–  When you add it all up, the cost of my love is no charge.
– For all the nights that were filled with dread, and for the worries I knew were ahead:  no charge.
– For the toys, food, clothes, and even wiping your nose, there’s no charge, son.
– When you add it all up, the full cost of real love is no charge.
When finished reading what his mother had written, there were great big tears in his eyes, and he looked straight up at his mother and said, “Mom, I sure do love you.” And then he took the pen and in great big letters he wrote: “ALREADY PAID.”

Easter Triduum
A Triduum of Masses will be offered on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of Holy Week. Triduum Cards are available in the Parish Office and after Mass today.

New Ministers
Ther will be practice sessions in the Church on this Monday 31st March at 7.30 pm for Ministers of the Word and 8.30 pm for Ministers of the Eucharist. If ministers who have served for a number of years were free to come along on Monday to help and support the new ministers it would be appreciated.

Spring Dues
We would appreciate if the Area Collectors would collect the Dues envelopes and the Restoration Fund Annual Report in the Sacristy after Mass today.

Deaths
We remember in our prayers
Helen O’ Leary,  Capwell Road,  and Ann Comerford,  Hawthorn Villas, who died during the week, and we extend our sympathy to their families.

Passion Play
in this Church on Monday & Tuesday of Holy Week
Tickets: Adults €5, Children €3 are available
after Mass today and in the Parish Office during the week.

PRIESTHOOD  IN  CORK  &  ROSS
Talking, listening, discussing, praying and reflecting
will help you explore whether you want to fan the
flame. It is still your decision.

INFORMATION  DAY
about becoming a priest in Cork & Ross
  Date:    Saturday April 12th 2003
  Venue:    Ennismore Reteat Centre, Cork
  Time:    11 – 5  (lunch provided).  No charge.
Should you attend? What if you can’t that day. To find out more
in confidence, phone Fr. Aidan O’Driscoll at 4303015 or Fr. Bertie Ahern 4393815,  or email priesthood@corkandross.org