March 19th 2006 – 3rd Sunday of Lent

Thinking of becoming a priest?
The Diocese of Cork & Ross is holding an Information Day on Priesthood in Cork & Ross. It will consist of talking, listening, discussing, praying and reflecting. This annual Information Day about becoming a priest in Cork & Ross is open to people who have questions about how to join the Diocese as a diocesan priest. It will be attended by the Diocesan Vocations Committee and some of the people currently training to be priests of the Diocese. The Priesthood Information Day happens as plans are being made for the ordination to priesthood of the next person to become a priest of the Diocese. Anthony O’Mahony, a native of Ardfield/Rathbarry Parish, will be ordained a priest in June in his home parish. The ordination takes place on Sunday June 4th, the feast of Pentecost. Anthony is currently serving as a deacon in Carrigaline parish.
The Priesthood Information Day is on Saturday April 8th. 2006.
Venue: Ennismore Retreat Centre, Montenotte, Cork.
Time: 11am—5pm (lunch provided).
If you can’t attend or want to find out more, in confidence, telephone Fr. Aidan O’Driscoll at (021) 4303015 (school hours) or Fr. Bertie O’Mahony at (021) 4371684 or send an email to priesthood@corkandross.org

Spring Dues
We would appreciate if the Area Collectors would collect the envelopes for the Spring Dues in the Sacristy next weekend 25/26 March. Thank you.

This Week’s Calendar
Monday 20 – St. Joseph, husband of the Bl. Virgin Mary. Normally celebrated on March 19, this year it is celebrated on March 20. St. Joseph is patron of households and of many countries.
Saturday 25 – The Annunciation of the Lord. This feast used to be known in Ireland as Lá ’le Muire san Earrach. Today we celebrate the great moment when Mary said ‘yes’ to God’s redeeming plan for all peoples. At that moment ‘the Word became flesh and lived among us’.

Deaths
We remember in our prayers Bill Foley, Greenhills Estate,  Paddy Scannell, Connolly Rd. and Betty McAnaney, Church Lane, Evergreen Rd. who died during the week, and extend our sympathy to their families.
A note from Fr. Nicholas Motherway in Kenya saying his aunt Sr. Finbarr O’Connell (Kathy) has died in Cairns, Australia, at the age of 106. She came to live in Maiville Tce. when she was 1 year old. She told Fr. Nicholas that only the houses on the right side had been built at the time. His own family members were born and reared in No. 30. Was she the oldest Irish Missionary sister in the world?? May those who mourn be comforted.

Mothers Day
The 12 noon Mass on Mothering Sunday will be a Shared Mass for all our Mothers. A special Card is available in the Parish Office after Mass today and during the week.

Public Lecture
Mary: Grace and Hope in Christ. Speaker: Canon Don Bolen, Roman Catholic Co-Secretary of ARCIC – in St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral on Wed. 29th March at 8pm.

Childline
Have you got 4 hours a week to spare? Childline is looking for volunteers in its Cork Unit. No experience is necessary. We train you. For further information please contact Ciara on 4962949 or www.corkchl@yahoo.com

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

Rehab Foundation
are organising the following International Walks:
1. New Zealand Nov. 15th — Dec. 1st 2006.
2. Argentina Spring 2007.
If you wish to participate in either of these fund raising walks or would like any additional information, please contact Thos O’Leary, Rehab Foundation on 021 4857820 or 087 9825639 or email thosoleary@rehab.ie

Sick Poor Society
Since 1853 The South Parish Sick Poor society has continued to provide material assistance for the people of this area. We urgently need new members to continue and expand this work. Are YOU willing to give about 2 hours a week to help people in our society who are in need?
For further information please contact: Sick Poor Society, St. Finbarr’s South, Dunbar St.
087 7549933.

Mozart 250th Anniversary Concert
will take place in Christ the King Church on Friday 31st March at 8pm. The Cork Chamber Orchestra, Guest Conductor: Neil Thomson. Solo Violin: Elizabeth Cooney (NCH Rising Star 2006). The proceeds will go to the Church Grounds Repair Fund. Tickets €20 on sale in the Parish Office & Pro Musica during the week.

Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART
Born: January 27, 1756 in Salzburg, Austria

‘Teach us to Pray’
Jesus’ disciples said to him: ‘Lord, teach us to pray’. Today, many people find themselves asking the same thing. The Catholic Church has a wonderful tradition of prayer on which to draw. Unfortunately, many of us still see prayer as complicated and difficult, or reserved for ‘professionals’. This is the first myth to slay! Prayer is not complicated and it is meant for everyone. An early Christian poet, St. Ephraem, wrote: ‘Birds fly, fish swim, people pray.’ Human beings are made to pray, because they are made for God.
When we come to pray, wherever it is, first remind yourself that God is there. Then consciously place yourself in his presence and ask him to help you.
It is hard to write about prayer, because it is something that needs to be experienced. If you really want to learn to pray, then the only way to do it is to try. Set aside the time. Open your heart, and persevere — you will never look back, and you will never regret it.
Come to the Parish Centre in the Church Grounds on the Mondays of Lent at 7.30pm and experience a lovely and helpful form of prayer, led by Sr. Mary Dinneen.

Important Dates
March 26th    Mothers Day
March 28th    Parish Confirmations with Archbishop White
March 31st    Mozart Concert
April 8th/9th    Palm Sunday Penitential Rites at all Masses
April 16th    Easter Sunday
May 6th        First Holy Communion Boys
May 20th    First Holy Communion Girls