September 17th 2006 – 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Hope and Courage
‘If you lose hope, somehow you lose the vitality that keeps life moving, you lose the courage to be, that quality that keeps you on in spite of it all.’    — Martin Luther King Jnr.
Hope and courage have been two words that have surrounded the Owenahincha drowning tragedy for the past two weeks. Everyone has been deeply moved by the deaths of Peter and Jonathan. When news filtered through last Sunday morning that the body of Jonathan was found there was a great sense of relief. It gave permission for everyone to move on to the next stage of grieving. There has been a moving and touching show of community spirit among so many people in response to this tragedy. Peter and Jonathan gave their lives in such a heroic way and have instilled in all of us a deep hope that touches the soul. Our prayers are with both families.

Mission Awareness
Following Bro. Brian Johnston’s talk at our Masses last weekend the amount of the collection taken was €4,465. Bro. Brian of the Franciscan Brothers Kenyan Mission wishes to thank you most sincerely for your generosity and asks you to continue to pray for the work they do in the Kenyan Mission fields.

Information Night
An information night will take place for all parents of First Holy communion children 2007 from both Christ the King Girls and Scoil Chríost Rí on Tuesday night Sept. 26th at 7.30pm in the Church of Christ the King.

Congratulations
Our congratulations and good wishes to Mrs. Sheila Connolly, Loreto Park, who on Friday celebrated her 100th Birthday. We wish her health and happiness. She and her family were with us for a Mass of Thanksgiving on Friday.

The Second Collection next weekend
will be for the Education of Students for the Priesthood. Two students from our Diocese begin their studies this month.

Gougane Barra Devotions on October 1st
The annual ceremonies at Gougane Barra to mark the Feast of St. Finbarr will take place on the afternoon of Sunday October 1st. The Mass will be celebrated by Bishop John Buckley and the homily will be preached by Fr. Tom Deenihan, Diocesan Secretary.

All Ireland
Our congratulations to the wonderful Cork Comogie Team on their great win in the All Ireland Final last Sunday.

Death
We remember in our prayers Lil Desmond, Doyle Road, who died during the week. We extend our sympathy to her family. May she rest in peace.

Family Ministry Leadership Training October 2006
for people who may wish to facilitate Family Caring Trust Parenting Programmes. Training will look at:
* How to set up a parenting group * Preparation of sessions  * Exploring how people behave in groups *Facilitating discussion and skills needed * Evaluation
It is advisable that participants have attended a Parenting Programme themselves in order to qualify. The Programme consists of 8 two hour weekly sessions. Cost of training is €120 which includes a training manual.
The Course will start on Wedn. 11th Oct. 8 — 10pm.
Phone 4275136 or email familyministry@eircom.net.

Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, Terence McSwiney Branch
Traditional Irish Music & Singing Classes will resume at Gael Scoil An Teaghlaigh Naofa, Tory Top Road on Wed. 20th Sept. at 7pm. Information: 4961410.

Parish Mission & Novena to St. Thérèse
St. Joseph’s SMA Parish Church, Blackrock Road, from Sat. 23rd Sept. to Sun. 1st Oct. commencing at 6pm on Sat. 23rd.
Mass, Novena Prayers and Talks daily 7, 10am & 7.30pm
conducted by the Redemptorist Team of Fr. Tony Flannery, Fr. Peter Flannery and Ms Anne O’Toole.
All are welcome.

Morning Prayer
This prayer is recited each morning here in our parish at the beginning of Daily Mass.
God of my life, I welcome this new day.
It is your gift to me, a new creation,
A promise of resurrection.
I thank you for the grace of being alive this morning.
I thank you for the sleep that has refreshed me.
I thank you for the chance to make a new beginning.
This day, Lord, is full of promise and opportunity:
Let me waste none of it.
This day is full of mystery and the unknown:
Help me to face it without fear or anxiety.
This day is blessed with beauty and adventure:
Make me fully alive to it all.
During this day
Keep me thoughtful, prayerful and kind.
May I be courteous and helpful to others,
And not turned in on myself.
Keep me from any word or deed
That would hurt, or destroy, or belittle.
And may the thoughts of my mind
Be pleasing in your sight.
When night comes again,
May I look back on this day
With no grievance or bitterness in my heart,
and may nobody be unhappy
Because of anything I have done
Or anything I have failed to do.
Lord, bless this day for me and for everyone.
Make it a day in which we grow
To have the mind of Christ, your Son.
Lord Jesus Christ, friend and brother,
May we know you more clearly,
Love you more dearly,
and follow you more nearly,
Day by day.
Amen.