Matthew
Matthews area where he collected his taxes was a good one. He was based at Capernaum where the river Jordan flows into the sea of Galilee and where the road from Egypt to Damascus passed through. His take would have been huge. Back in the time of Jesus there were all kinds of taxes used in the Roman system: income tax, poll taxes, tax on produce, import and export tax, road use tax, sales tax, wheel tax on carts and so on. Tax collectors promised to pay a certain amount to Rome and they were allowed to line their pockets with the rest. They took bribes from the rich to lower their taxes and squeezed everything from the poor. It is little wonder that tax collectors were hated by so many.
This Gospel story is amazing and in particular the speed with which Matthew got up and followed Jesus. But we can assume that he had heard a lot about Jesus, had sized up his form and was clearly moved by all that Jesus had done and was doing. His decision to give up all his money and follow Jesus was instant with no doubts or hesitation.
Jesus also has a go at the Pharisees for their snobbishness. He reminds them that his main purpose is to journey with people who are struggling and those for whom life is difficult. There are no exceptions and no compromises. Like Matthew we too can get up and follow Jesus with renewed energy and enthusiasm. There are enough Pharisees ready to knock everything. We need much more people with the spirit of Matthew.
The Cardinal says thanks
Cardinal Cormac has written to thank the people of Turners Cross and Cork for the welcome he received last weekend. He really enjoyed his stay with us.
Exams
Our good wishes and prayers to all who began their exams on Wednesday. The 6pm Mass this evening Sat. 4th June and the 10am Mass on Wed. 8th June (the day the Leaving and Junior Cert. exams begin) will be offered for all those doing exams, Special cards are available at the Parish Office after Mass and during the week.
+ Prayer for those doing exams:
Lord, pour out your Spirit of Wisdom on those students doing exams. Help them to remain calm, to attend carefully to the questions asked, to think clearly, to remember accurately and to express themselves well. Grant that they may reflect the best of the work they have done and the best of teaching they have received. Accept their best efforts in these examinations and in the great test of life on earth. May your love be upon them, O Lord, as they place all their trust in you..
Diocesan Pastoral Strategy
The Diocesan Pastoral Strategy document will be launched on Friday next June 10th 2005 at 8pm at the Great Southern Hotel, Cork Airport.
The elected representatives from the parishes who attended the area meetings and all the clergy of the Diocese are invited to the event. The report marks three years of work and consultation by the group established by Bishop Buckley in 2002.
Copies of the text of the Report will be available at the meeting and plans are in place to distribute summaries of the Report within parishes. It will be posted on our Parish website www.turnerscross.com
Parish Pilgrimage to Lourdes
Our Parish Pilgrimage leaves for Lourdes next Saturday 11th June. We will be part of the Diocesan Pilgrimage led by Bishop Buckley. Our departure time is 9.25 am (be at the Airport at 7.30 am). We are due to leave Lourdes on Thursday 16th June at 8.15 pm. Air tickets can be collected at Turners Cross Credit Union on Tuesday. If you have petitions you would like to have placed at the Grotto put them in an envelope (no money) and place in box at altar rail.
Mid-Summer Concert
By popular demand International Soprano Majella Cullagh returns to Turners Cross for a Mid-Summer Concert on 23rd June.
She will be joined by Scottish Tenor Iain Paton, The Eudoxa Quartet and the Voices of Cork 2005 Choir.
Proceeds in aid of Church Restoration Fund
Tickets 20 available from Parish Office after Mass and during the week. Also from Veritas and Pro Musica.
Pilgrimage to Knock
Christ the King Parish Branch of St, Josephs Young Priests Society Saturday June 25th. Bus from Girls Primary School, Evergreen Rd. 7am sharp. Enquiries/Bookings: Phone Irene 4963326.
Declan Wolfe Stage School Summer Dance Course
Commences June 11th until July 30th. Saturday mornings.
Dance to Britney, Usher, Hi5, Girls Aloud and loads more. Girls, Boys and Non Students all welcome, ages 3 years upwards 021 4891249.
Nemo Rangers Street Leagues Finals
The finals of the 2005 street leagues will be held on Sat. 11th June. All team members are asked to assemble at Scoil Chríost Rí at 10 am from where they will parade to the Club grounds, South Douglas Rd. This is a very special day for the Club as it is the last street leagues to be held there before they move to their new home in Trabeg later this summer. It promises to be a day to remember for our stars of tomorrow.
Patrician Meeting
on Thurs. 9th June at 7.15pm in the Parish Centre. Title: Does the Mass and the Real Presence still matter?
LOTTO DRAW May 30th
Numbers drawn: 8, 12, 19, 21.
NO WINNER
35 CASH
OLoughlin, B. Dennehy, A. Nicholson, J. Manning
THIS WEEKS JACKPOT : 2,950
Last weeks net take 2,102
Last weeks second Collection 1,615
Anonymous Donations: 72, 50, 20
Because of the Bank Holiday the Lotto Draw will take place on Tuesday 7th June at 7.30pm in Parish Centre.
Many thanks for supporting the Parish Lotto in aid of the Church Restoration Fund.
A Thought
In spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart. Anne Frank
Lord, help each of us to cherish goodness in our lives. Help us to achieve our full potential with our own goodness. We also pray for those who decide to abuse, ignore and bury their potential for goodness. We pray that they may see light and especially your light in their lives.
(Fr. James McSweeney)