God is With Us
Our second reading today hints at the Ascension but more importantly it's a prayer for each of us. The prayer wishes lots of good things for us, hoping that we will have the energy and wisdom to know that God is journeying with us in a special way throughout our lives. Sometimes we are worried about the complexities of life and yet no one person can solve them all. Whoever tries to solve everything is like a person trying to fill a jug with the sea. But sharing our worries with God is well worth the effort.
God is constantly in touch with whatever is going on in our lives. The Ascension is all about reminding us that God is closer to us than we can possibly imagine. This is what this second reading is attempting to do – encouraging us to place our trust and confidence in God who is close to us and helping us through each day.
Graduation Prayer
Almighty God, Giver of Breath, I have knowledge, so will You show me now how to use it wisely and find a way somehow to make the world I live in a little better place, and make life with its problems a little bit easier to face. Grant me faith and courage and put purpose in my days, and show me how to serve You in effective ways. By the power of the Holy Spirit, empower me, so my education, knowledge and skills may find their true fulfilment as I seek to do Your will. And may I ever be aware, in everything I do, that knowledge comes from learning, and wisdom comes from You, Lord.
Ordination
During the coming week we remember in our prayers Anthony O'Mahony who will be ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Buckley for the Diocese of Cork & Ross on Sunday next (Pentecost Sunday) in his home parish of Ardfield. Our prayers and good wishes go to Anthony and his family.
Date for Your Diary
The Corpus Christi Eucharistic Procession celebrating its 80th Anniversary this year. The Procession takes place on the afternoon of Sunday 18th June. Bishop Patrick Lynch, recently ordained Auxiliary Bishop of Southwark, London, will preach the sermon. Try to keep this Sunday free to make the Procession a family event.
The Feast of Pentecost in Cork
Cork people will celebrate Pentecost in many languages, drums and dresses for the first time.At a special Mass at the North Cathedralon the eve of Pentecost, Saturday 3rd June,at 6pm Bishop John Buckley will lead a celebration of the diverse gifts and languages that now make up the local Church.
The Feast of Pentecost recalls the early Churchs account of receiving the Holy Spirit. The bible describes how when the apostles preached to a crowd of people who came from different countries, each heard the message in their own language.
Representatives of the various language groups which have made Cork home in recent years will participate in the Mass. These include people from across Europe as far away as Poland, from several African countries and Asia and especially the Philippines.
Immigrants to Ireland will wear the traditional dress of their homeland as they participate in the Mass which will reflect Corks cultural diversity in colour, language, symbols and music. The intentions for the Prayer of the Faithful will be read in seven languages. Africans who will do a traditional dance accompanied by African drum music will bring the gifts to the altar.
The homily will be given by Fr Angelo Lafferty, a member of the Society of African Missions.
The Mass is being organised in association with Cois Tine, an organisation which offers an outreach ministry to immigrants in Cork. Cois Tine is based in part of the Dominican complex on Popeÿs Quay in the heart of Cork Cty.
First Friday
Friday 2nd June is the First Friday.
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament from after 10am Mass until 1pm.
Fr. Kerry will visit the sick & housebound on Thursday & Friday at the usual times.
Congratulations and Good Luck
to the Munster Team on their great win in the Heineken Cup, and the best of luck to the Cork Hurlers who play Clare in the S.H.C. this Sunday.
Turners Cross Community Playgroup (Little Turners)
25 Capwell Road (021) 4915934. Afternoon places available for September 2006. Call or phone for application form.
SOLEMN VESPERS
A Celebration of Evening Prayer in word & music for the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord this Sunday May 28th 6 pm in the Cathedral of St. Mary & St. Anne (North Cathedral), Cork. With Musica Sacra Chorale, Limerick.
Musical Director: Paddy McCormack. Guest Organist: Michael O'Brien. All welcome.
South Presentation Primary School
Closing down – July 31st.
Open Days: May 26th 7 – 9 pm. May 27th & 28th 2 – 5 pm.
Exhibitions, Photographs, Chat, Refreshments.
ALL WELCOME.
Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated by Bishop Buckley in St. Finbarr's Church on Saturday 1st July at 6 pm.
Exam Time
Mass will be offered for all those doing Exams on Wedn. 7th June. Special Cards are available in the Parish Office.
South Parish/Turners Cross Summer Play Scheme
Registration Night Thursday 1st June in Community Centre, Sawmill Street.
Prayer and Reflection
In the Parish Centre every Monday evening at 7.30. Those who come find it very helpful. You are welcome to join the group on Monday evenings.
Deaths
We remember in our prayers Christine Canniffe, late of Doyle Rd., Frank O'Leary, O'Connell Ave., Sr. Raphael Collins, who taught for many years in Ballyphehane and in the South Presentation, and Br. Dominic Brannock, Maiville Tec. Br. Dominic spent the greater part of his life working with the underprivileged in the West Indies and was the founder of the Care Project. We extend our sympathy to their Families and Communities. May all who mourn be comforted.
Pilgrimage to Knock
On Saturday June 24th 2006 Bus leaving Girls Primary School, Evergreen Rd., at 7 am. Fare E22. Meals extra.
Enquiries Irene at (021) 4963326.
Woodvale Pitch & Putt Club (Just below Cross Douglas Road)
OPEN DAYS Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th May 3 pm to 6 pm each day.
New members welcome.
Tramore Athletic FC
Their AGM will take place in the Clubhouse on May 31st at 7.30 pm. All are welcome.
Catholic Papers
on sale at the back of the Church: The Irish Catholic, The Voice, The Universe, The Catholic Times.
Communicating
A little boy was sitting watching his dad working on the car. The boy noticed that his father had a few grey hairs and he asked, 'Dad, why are some of your hairs white?' His father answered, 'Well, son, every time you do something wrong and make me unhappy, one of my hairs turns white.' The boy thought for a while and then said, 'Well then, how come all of Grand dad's hairs are white?'
Isn't the quick and innocent humour of a child great. But it also shows how the words we use can be interpreted in different ways. Our speech is a gift from God, but sometimes we can use our speech to hurt and belittle someone else.
Lord, thank you for the gift of my speech and being able to communicate.
Help me on this World Communications Day to use words that will encourage and praise someone else.
Help me to avoid negative, harsh or cold words throughout this day.
Old Chinese Proverb
If you are planning for a year, sow rice.
If you are planning for a decade, plant trees.
If you are planning for a lifetime, educate a person.