Christian Unity Week
The week of prayer for Christian Unity began on Friday 18th January and will conclude on Friday, 25th January, 2008.
The past 100 years of prayer and work for the unity of the Church has seen ever closer understanding and co-operation between Christians. The Ecumenical Movement has been a great blessing for the Church and we must continue to pray for the grace of the Holy Spirit to deepen the communion that already exists between all Christians.
A History
The Universal Week of Prayer for Christian Unity was started in 1908. It was known then as the Church Unity Octave celebrated from 18-25 January and was originally initiated by the American Episcopalian clergyman Revd Paul Watson. Watson converted to Roman Catholicism in 1909 and believed that Christian Unity could only be achieved through other Christian Churches returning to Rome. In the 1930s the Week was given a wider remit through the work of a French Roman Catholic, Paul Couturier, who did not believe that it was necessary for all Christians to become Roman Catholics. The dates were maintained but the name changed from the Church Unity Octave to the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Paul Couturier taught that 'we must pray not that others may be converted to us but that we may all be drawn closer to Christ'.
We pray for ever closer understanding and co-operation between Christians in this week of Christian Unity. May the grace of the Holy Spirit continue to deepen the communion that already exists between all Christians.
A Service of Prayer for Christian Unity to bring to a close the annual week of prayer for unity among Christians, will be held on Friday Jan 25th at 7.30pm in the chapel of St. Patrick's Hospital, Wellington Road, Cork.
Representatives of the Roman Catholic, Anglican, Methodist and Presbyterian churches in Cork will lead the service and all are welcome to attend.
The theme of this year's prayer is "Pray without ceasing"
Related Link: www.ctbi.org.uk
Important Dates
6th Feb. Ash Wednesday
11th Feb. World Day of Prayer for the Sick
5th March First Confessions Boys
6th March First Confessions Girls
14th April Parish Confirmations
10th May First Holy Communions Girls
17th May First Holy Communion Boys
Parish Child Protection Representatives
We thank those who have indicated to us that they will attend the Information Evening on this Monday, 21st January at 7.30pm at Rochestown Park Hotel.
Ministers of the Eucharist
can collect their Rotas for the coming weeks in the Sacristy after Mass
Parish Pilgrimage to Lourdes
11th-16th June 2008
Will all those who gave in their names in last October, please call into the Sacristy as soon as possible to confirm their place on the Pilgrimage. JWT the travel agent have given the cost per person – 689.
Beginning Experience
There is a whole heartache for those who find themselves single again through the death of a loved one or separation. Now there is help. A weekend away a lifetime of change.
For information, Contact: Family Ministry, 34 Paul St. Tel: 4275136
Next Beginning Experience Weekend: Ennismore Retreat Centre, Montenotte. 7th-9th March
Welcome
We extend a warm to our Lord Mayor Cllr. Donal Counihan who will visit Turners Cross Day Care Centre, Capwell Rd. on Wednesday next 23rd Jan.
Parish Assembly
There will be a meeting of all the members of the The Parish Assembly in the Parish Centre in this Tues. 22nd Jan. at 8pm
South Parish Community Association
Over 60s Talent Competition with Guest Artists will be held on Fri. 25th Jan. at 8pm sharp in the South Parish Community Centre, Sawmill St. Entrance Fee 5. Refreshments served. If interested in entering the competition contact Maureen Holland or John Creed 4317780 Mon.-Fri. after 6pm
Preparation for First Holy Communion Do this in memory Programme
The next Mass for the children and their parents will be on Sunday, 27th Jan. at 10.30am.
There will be a meeting of the parent class representatives in Fr. Charlies house on this Monday 21st Jan. at 7.30pm
Mass Cards and Cards for the Friday Shared Mass are available in the Sacristy after Mass. The Shared Mass every Friday at 10 am is offered for the sick, for those who have died and for your special intentions.
A Thought Migrant Sunday
Welcome the stranger, for Christ often comes in the stranger's guise.' Old Irish Saying
Today Jan 20th has been given the title 'Migrant Sunday'. We remember today all who have left their homelands in search of employment, a new beginning, perhaps safety. The aim of any community or parish is to make it a place of welcome for people of any nationality. The challenge each day is to reach out a hand of welcome to those who have come to live among us. We ask God to bless all who live in our community and in particular those who have come to live with us from outside.
Fr. James McSweeney www.2u.ie