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 your 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 the Gospel story. 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 1.
Candlemas Day
Thursday next February 2nd is the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord Candlemas Day. Mass at 10 am. Candles will be blessed. Wax candles are available in the Parish Office during the week. Price 1.
A Thought
There is not enough darkness in the entire world to put out the light of even one small candle.' ~Robert Alden
On Candlemas day candles are blessed. These candles will then be used throughout the year for many different occasions. Candles are also used in homes to create ambiance and atmosphere. They come in all shapes, colours, sizes and scents.
From a faith perspective candles have always represented the light of Christ. We live in a world that is often darkened by evil and darker forces. We believe that the light of Christ is powerful and strong enough to wipe out all forms of darkness. We have to choose the light, we need to share it with others and we need to be proud of our own light. Today we invite God's light into our lives, into our darker corners and wherever such light is most needed at the moment.
First Friday 3rd February
The sick and housebound will be visited this Thursday & Friday. There will be Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament after the 10 am Mass and Blessing of Throats until 1 pm.
Blessing of Throats
Friday 3rd February is the Feast of St. Blaise.
The Blessing of Throats will take place after 10 am and 6 pm Masses.
Please note there will be Mass at 6 pm.
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.
Deaths
We remember in our prayers Kitty OSullivan, OConnell Ave., Nora McGrath, O'Connell Ave., Betty Browne, Capwell Road, and Margaret Lynch, South Douglas Road, who died during the week. We extend our sympathy to their families. May all who mourn them be comforted.
Addiction
Help for families affected by addiction 10 week family support course beginning Feb. 6th 2006 at Mardyke House, Cork. Contact 087 – 1308555 / 087 – 7548959.
N.A.O.M.I.
Pre Marriage Courses, Natural Family Planning, Achieving Pregnancy, Menopause Counselling.
Contact N.A.O.M.I. 119 Patrick St. (Entrance on Drawbridge St.) Tel. 021 4272213.
Catholic Papers
The Irish Catholic, The Voice, The Universe and The Catholic Times are on sale at the back of the Church every week.
Active Retired Club
Coming Events
Feb. 7th St. Brigid Crosses with Nollaig
Feb 14th Night at the Opera House
Feb. 21st Maureens Ladies with Drama
Feb. 28th Exercise Classes
All are welcome.
Christ King Secondary School
The Parents Council is holding a fund raising Table Quiz on Wed. Febr. 8th in Nemo Rangers New Complex, Trabeg.
Turners Cross Gramophone Circle
Recital in the Parish Centre this Tuesday 7.45 pm
Presenter Dave McInerney.
Pope Benedicts First Encyclical
He reflects on the necessary link between love of God and of our fellow human beings. The document God is Love traces divine love from its first instance in creation to the fullest revelation of love in His Son becoming man. This love, Pope Benedict says, is given an enduring presence through the institution of the Eucharist at the Last Supper.
He says today love has become one of the most frequently misused words. However the Pope says one love stands out: love between man and woman where body and soul are inseparably joined and human beings glimpse an apparently irresistible promise of happiness.
In this way, he says, the love between a man and a woman transforms itself into charity, in which the two really love one another, and one does not seek himself, his joy, his pleasure, but seeks above all the good of the other.
Pope Benedict underlines the fact that love of God naturally leads to love of our neighbour. Love of neighbour is a path that leads to the encounter with God . . . . Closing our eyes to our neighbour also blinds us to God, he says.
The full text of the Encyclical is available on the web at:
www.vatican.va and in Veritas. A document well worth reading.
Nurturing Our Children's Faith
Education in Faith Sunday (formerly Catechetical Sunday) will be celebrated on Sunday 5th February 2006. The Catholic bishops of Ireland are publishing a Pastoral Letter entitled Nurturing Our Childrens Faith to coincide with Education in Faith Sunday.
The Pastoral deals with the people and the methods that are important in communicating faith to children. Experience demonstrates that the faith of children is best nurtured when home, school and parish work together in partnership.
The Pastoral letter will be available in the parish on the weekend of Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th February 2006. It can also be viewed online at www.catechetics.ie
Pilgrimage to the Holy Land
What do you think???
If we have numbers (48) we could organise a Pilgrimage from 20th 29th September 2006. Direct from Cork to Tel Aviv. The price being quoted is 1,190 3-star (staying in Bethlehem and Tiberias) fully inclusive of taxes.
Visit Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Sea of Galilee, Nazareth, Cana & many other holy places. If you are interested, will you contact Fr. Kerry or Siobhán in the Parish Office during the week and we will see how the numbers go. The prices quoted are for a group of 48.