Epiphany
Just when most people are about to take down the Christmas tree and decorations, the wise men arrive. The feast of the Epiphany, which we celebrate today – the 12th day of Christmas, – is an important one. Just like the wise men we are all searching for meaning and purpose to life. We are looking for answers to our deepest questions. The journey of the wise men reminds us that those who are searching for something deeper will find God in their lives. God is waiting to be discovered in the places and people that we least expect God to be. We pray today for guidance and direction in our own daily journey. As we make our New Year resolutions, we like the wise men pray for strength and courage on our journey especially when the going is difficult. Many of our resolutions evolve around correcting what1s negative. It1s little wonder that they don1t last. Of course iti s important to check in on what needs improving but so often we concentrate only on the negative. As we begin this New Year why not check in on all that1s good and positive in our lives. This is a great starting point. We can use all that1s good and positive as areas of growth and potential. When this happens the negative begins to be squeezed out. The message of the Gospels reminds us that it won1t all happen today, but most certainly will over time, if we make the effort.
Parish Child Protection Representatives
Last December Bishop Buckley sent a letter to every parish in the diocese announcing the planned appointment of Parish Child Protection Representatives in each parish. The role of these representatives will be to ensure that all information about child protection procedures will be available in each parish, thus ensuring that each parish is committed to best practice in respect of children and young people.
The parishes and religious congregations in the South City will form the first grouping to be offered special training for this role. People who may be interested in becoming parish representatives are invited to give their names to one of the priests of the parish by Tuesday, 15th January 2008 (Including here relevant phone number). All those interested will be welcome to attend an Information Evening on Monday, 21st January 2008 at 7.30pm at Rochestown Park Hotel, Cork.
Thoughts for The New Year
Fear less, hope more;
eat less, chew more;
whine less, breathe more;
talk less, say more;
hate less, move more; Are you willing to forget what you have done for other people and remember what they have done for you?
Are you willing to ignore what the world owes you
and what you owe the world?
Are you willing to close your book of complaints against those
who manage the universe and the country,
and look around for a place where you can sow seeds
of happiness?
Are you willing to do these things for a day?
Yes! …………..then you can do them for a year.
Baptism:
We welcome to our Christian Family Chelsea Hourigan, Fiachra Murphy, Phoebe Trehy & Amaya Bridgeman. Congratulations to the Parents and Godparents. May they be the best of teachers in the ways of faith and may the flame of faith always be alive in this child's heart.
Deaths
We remember in our prayers Nora Kidd, Murphy's Gardens, John Murphy, South Douglas Rd. & Maurice Fenton who died recently and extend our sympathy to their families.
Bereavement Support Group
A support group is beginning in S.M.A. Parish Centre Wilton. Sessions begin Wed. 23rd Jan. at 8pm . Room 10. It is open to all people recently or long-term bereaved. For information call Kathleen 4544262 or Margaret 4544429.
Back to School
We wish both the teachers and students of the schools a welcome back after the Christmas holiday. We hope you all had a well earned rest.
Web sites you may find helpful
Vocations: http://www.vocations.ie/
Daily Prayer: http://churchresources.info/pray/
Prayer with Children: http://www.cptryon.org/prayer/child/
Faith at Home: http://www.faith-at-home.com/tips
The Irish Catholic : http://www.irishcatholic.ie/
Many more sites are listed on our Parish Website http://www.turnerscross.com
St. Joseph's Young Priests Society
Monthly meeting on this Tuesday 8th Jan. in the Parish Centre after the 10am Mass.
Vocation Prayer: Gracious God, you bless us, your people, in every season and provide for our needs through your providential care. Your Church is continually in need of priests, sisters, and brothers to offer themselves in the service of the gospel through lives of dedicated love. Open the hearts of your sons and daughters to hear your call to serve. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
Thank You
Our sincere thanks to all who were part of the Christmas Ceremonies in Christ the King. Frs. Kerry & Charlie thank you for your generous Christmas Offerings, and wish you all health and happiness in 2008