April 2nd 2006 – 5th Sunday of Lent

Pope John Paul II
To give thanks for the life of Pope John Paul II and to mark the First Anniversary of his death the 10.30 am Mass on this Sunday 2nd April will be offered for the late Pope.
Pope John Paul II (Karol Jósef Wojtyla)
Born May 18th 1920 ‹ Died April 2nd 2005.

On this the first anniversary of his death, we thank God for the life of Karol Wojtyla, and in particular, we thank Him for his twenty-six and a half years of ministry as Pope John Paul 11.  We remember with gratitude his unselfish service to the world and the inspirational witness he provided.  His authentic witness to Christ was celebrated by young people searching for the right path, and his example in bearing physical suffering gave courage to many who are called by God to carry similar crosses.  We pray with confidence that he has entered the Father’s House and from there will continue to  guide us.   Amen.

Confessions
Next Sunday, Palm Sunday, Holy Week begins. We will have an opportunity to receive God's forgiveness.
Penitential celebrations (Confessions) will take place after all the Masses next weekend 8th/9th April. A number of priests will be available for confessions. 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.'

Palm Sunday
Palm will be blessed at all Masses next weekend. Please bring your palm branch to Mass.

Thanks to our Teachers
It was a great celebration. The singing was excellent, the prayers prayed loud and proud, and the children rejoiced at another milestone as they knelt before Archbishop White to receive the Sacrament of Conformation. It is the culmination of a long journey of learning, preparation and practice.
At the end of the ceremony the young people presented Archbishop White with a gift to mark his Golden Jubilee as a priest.
These past weeks too have been busy and vital for the boys and girls of second class as they celebrated their First Confession. Parents, teachers and priests marvel still at the beauty and simplicity of a child saying 'I am sorry'.
These celebrations don't just happen. They are the product of planning and meticulous preparation. They are a testament to the partnership of home, school and parish working together in bringing the Lord closer to the experience of the boys and girls.
Behind it all we are truly blessed with a most dedicated and committed group of people – our teachers. They are to be congratulated for their enthusiasm and hard work and selfless sharing of faith. Long may our parish, schools and children continue to be so blessed.

Tramore Athletic FC – a Big Thank You
to all who made Friday night1s Race Night such a big success.  Your support is greatly appreciated.

Daily Masses during Lent –  7.30am & 10am

Spring Dues
Our thanks to the Area Collectors who collected their envelopes for the Spring Dues last weekend.

Cork South Parish Historical Society.
Wednesday 5th April 8 pm in the South Parish Community Centre.
Guest Speaker: Richard Henchion.
Topic: The Fishermen of Blackrock.  All welcome.

Stroke affects about 10,000 people in Ireland each year. The Irish Heart Foundation is working to help ease the burden on those affected by Stroke and their carers. As part of this work, they encourage people to share their experiences with Stroke.
On Wednesday 5th April 2006 Cork Businessman, Vivian Nathan, will talk about his own encounter with Stroke in the Imperial Hotel at 8 pm. To reserve a place, please contact the Irish Heart Foundation on 021 4505822.

Open Day at Coláiste Stiofáin Naofa, College of Further Education, Tramore Rd., Cork, Mon. 3rd April at 8pm.
Over 40 Full-time and Part-time courses. Talk to students, meet the tutors. Everyone welcome.

First Friday
Fr. Kerry will visit the Sick & Housebound on Thursday at the usual times AM & PM. The calls he would normally do on Friday he will do on Monday 10th at the usual times.
There will be Exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament on Friday after the 10 am Mass until 1 pm.

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 is on Saturday next April 8th. 2006.
Venue: Ennismore Retreat Centre, Montenotte, Cork.
Time: 11am‹5pm (lunch provided).
If you can1t attend or want to find out more, in confidence, telephone Fr. Aidan O1Driscoll at (021) 4303015 (school hours) or Fr. Bertie O1Mahony at (021) 4371684 or send an email to priesthood@corkandross.org

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

Beginning Experience
is a weekend programme to help those who have lost a spouse through death, separation or divorce. It helps the bereaved move from the darkness of their grief into the light of a new beginning and move into the future with renewed hope.
The next residential weekend programme will take place in St. Dominic's Retreat Centre, Ennismore, Montenotte, 21st-23rd April. If you are interested in participating in this weekend contact Kathleen at Family Ministry, 34 Paul St.  Phone 4275136.