March 28th 2004 – 5th Sunday of Lent

Reflection
“Woman, has no one condemned you?
Then neither will I condemn you.”
The Lord’s words remain with us
just as he said they would.
“What good will it do you to gain the whole world
if you lose your soul?
“Love your enemies;
pray for those who persecute you.
“The greatest among you
is the one who serves.
“There is joy in heaven
when a sinner repents.
“Seek first the kingdom of God
and all these things that you fret about
will be given you.”
Lord, your words challenge and inspire,
they guide and comfort us.
They turn our values upside down.
Once heard, we cannot forget them.
We anchor our lives to them.
For though heaven and earth should pass away,
your words will never pass away.

First Friday
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament from 9 am till 12.30.

Parish Visitation
Fr. Kerry will visit Beaufort Park.
Fr. John will visit Greenhills Estate.

Turners Cross Gramophone Circle
Recital on this Tuesday 30th March in the Parish Centre
at 7.45 pm. Presenter: John O’Gorman.

Congratulations
to the 141 young people who received the Sacrament of Confirmation on Tuesday. The whole ceremony was both impressive and inspiring. It was nice to have Bishop Buckley with us. He gave great time to the young people and their families after the ceremony. We thank the teachers and parents for preparing the boys and girls for this important day in their lives. Our thanks also to those who sent in daffodils and to those who had the Church shining and arranged the flowers.

Easter Triduum
A Triduum of Masses begins on Easter Sunday. Triduum Cards are available in the Parish Office after Mass today and during the week.

Confessions
Next Sunday, Palm Sunday, Holy Week begins. We will have an opportunity to receive God’s forgiveness.
Penitential Celebrations will take place after all the Masses next weekend 3/4 April.
On the Sunday before Christmas last year 20 priests were hearing confessions after the four weekend Masses. We will have the same opportunity this coming weekend.
Encourage members of the family to avail of the opportunity. As St. Paul says: “Now is the favourable time, this is the day of salvation.”

Successful Meeting
The Hall of the Girls Primary School was full last Tuesday for the Parish Meeting to discuss the Draft Pastoral Strategy Document. There was a great sense of purpose and interest as the questions that required clarification from the Draft Document were discussed. The three members chosen to represent the Parish at Diocesan Meetings in relation to pastoral planning are Ann Morgan, Frank McKevitte and Fiacra Bracken. Our thanks to Br. Patrick Fitzgibbon who was the facilitator for the meeting.

It will cost you nothing
This weekend at our Masses Brian Murphy and Eugene O’Riordan of Deloitte & Touche accountants will be speaking about a method whereby this Parish of Christ the King can get monies back in respect of taxes already paid by you for the benefit of the Church. If not claimed it will remain in the State coffers. The Parish can use this method only because it is a charitable body. We ask you to listen to what Brian and Eugene have to say.
Remember it will cost you nothing.

The Passion of the Christ
has been hailed as the most powerful portrayal of the suffering and death of Jesus ever presented. I went to see the film during the week and was deeply moved — a powerful representation of Christ’s redeeming sacrifice on the Cross.
This film is a must see. — Fr. Kerry

Sponsored Parish Walk
in aid of the Church Restoration Fund: Turners Cross to the Lough. This Sunday 28th March at 3 pm. We meet at the Church. Please support.

Listening, discussing, praying and reflecting
PRIESTHOOD INFORMATION DAY
about becoming a priest in Cork & Ross
Date: Saturday April 3rd 2004.
Venue: Ennismore Retreat Centre, Cork
Time: 11 am — 5 pm.
Cost: Free
Should you attend? What if you can’t that day?
In confidence, phone Fr. Aidan O’Driscoll at 4303015
9am—3pm or Fr. Bertie O’Mahony at 4371684, or
e-mail priesthood@corkandross.org.

LOTTO DRAW March 22nd
Numbers drawn: 3, 19, 23, 24.
Congratulaions to Michael Murphy
on winning the Jackpot: €1,650
€35 CASH
R.O’Callaghan, E.O’Driscoll, M.Coleman, R.O’Keeffe
THIS WEEK’S JACKPOT : €1000
Last week’s net “take” €2,828
Last week’s second Collection €1,345