Ash Wednesday – Lent
The ash we receive on our forehead on Wednesday is the gate way to Lent. In this simple sign we accept that life over the next six weeks is going to be different
During Lent we shall give priority to pray each day. This will mean finding time and a place to raise our minds and hearts to God.
During these weeks we shall also give time to fasting or to some definite act of self denial. This will free our hearts from preoccupation about material goods and enable Gods spirit to find a true space within us.
During these weeks we shall open our hearts to those in need and offer help from all the resources we have.
Lent is the interplay of prayer, fasting and giving. This is the mix which each of us must establish. Today is the day to begin.
Now is the favourable time; this is the day of salvation
"Come back to Me with all your heart." (Ash Wed. Mass)
Ash Wednesday
Next Wed. 6th of Feb. Ashes will be Blessed and imposed at the Masses.
The Mass Times on Ash Wednesday and on all the weekdays of Lent will be at 10am and 6pm.
A Lenten Invitation
Lent is an opportunity to grow in knowledge and love of Jesus. A simple way to do this is to prayerfully read the Gospel in faith.
Each Monday after the 10am Mass a group of people do just that with the Gospel for the following Sunday. Join us in the Parish Centre You will be most welcome.
Walk with Me
On sale this weekend, linked with the season of Lent, a little book Walk with Me, a Lenten Journey of Prayer an ideal companion during the season of Lent. Daily meditations in simple and accessible style, a great way to encourage people to prepare for Easter. This is an excellent booklet. Cost 2. Available at the back of the Church.
Family Fast Boxes
Trócaire Family Fast Boxes are available at the back of the Church, and will also be distributed through the Primary Schools. Last Lent the great sum of 11,669 was raised for Trócaire from our Parish.
Trócaire's approach
At all times, Trócaire's emergency and rehabilitation work is designed to build upon the existing capacities of local communities. When an emergency situation arises, Trócaire is contacted by a local partner who will provide information about the needs of the people being affected.
Then, together with the partner, we work quickly to develop an appropriate proposal for emergency intervention. The partners contribution is crucial in that in-depth knowledge of the local area, issues, local authority structures and language is provided. This is how the monies we contribute to Trócaire are managed.
Deaths
We extend our prayers and sympathies to the families of Mary Casey, Fr. Matthew Rd., Patrick Buckley, Slieve Mish Pk. and Dan Linehan, Evergreen Rd. who died during the past week. May they rest in eternal peace.
Cork & Ross Diocesan Directory 2008
The new directory will be available next weekend. The cost is 6.00 per directory.
Parish Visitation
Fr. Kerry will visit the homes in Evergreen Rd. during the week.
Parish Assembly
There will be a meeting of all the members of the The Parish Assembly in the Parish Centre in this Thursday 7th February at 8pm
Blessing of Throats
This Monday 4th February we will have The Blessing of Throats after 10am and 6pm Vigil Mass. (note the extra Mass at 6pm)
The Blessing
Through the intercession of St. Blaise, Bishop and Martyr, may God deliver you from all ailments of the throat and from every other evil. In the name of the Father + and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Lourdes & World Day of Prayer for the Sick.
Fr Charlie will be travelling to Lourdes on Saturday night next (February 9th) on Pilgrimage and he will be attending the special celebrations there on February 11th (World Day of Prayer for the Sick) on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the apparitions of Our Lady to Bernadette. He will gladly bring your petitions to the Grotto on your behalf. Petitions can be placed in the box at the Altar or by handing them into his house before 7pm next Saturday.
Cork South Parish Historical Society
Monthly Meeting on Wednesday 6th February @ 8pm. Guest Speaker: Liam OhVigín – full details on Church Notice-board.
2nd Collecdtion
Next weekend: Cork & Ross Lourdes Invalid Fund
In Joyful Hope.
Bishopstown Lay Dominican Chapter invite you to join them in a day of Reflection and Prayer on Saturday 9th February in St Dominics Retreat House, Montenotte. For details phone: Rose 4874595 or Jo 4541331.
Catholic Papers
The Irish Catholic, The Universe & The Catholic Times are available at the back of the Church. New Irish Edition of the Universe now available. Families are informed that there is now an informative family section within The Irish Catholic.
The Angelus
Fr. James McSweeney has a reflection in The Echo every evening, recently he wrote about The Angelus. In recent times there has been concern that The Angelus might be scrapped, in case it would offend people from other religious faiths. RTEs new editor of religious programming has revealed interesting insights into the Angelus as a prayer. It is the most watched programme on RTE even though it lasts only a minute. People of other faiths including Muslims are in favour of the Angelus. There would be very few who could argue that a little time out to reflect is wrong. The Angelus may only be a minute but what a precious minute. Can I use 6pm as a moment of prayer? Can I use it to look back on my day and give thanks for one good thing that happened? Can I use it to ask God for something or for guidance? Youd be surprised how productive one minute can be. Thank God the Angelus is around to give us that chance.
How about The Angelus as a Lenten Resolution?
Fr. James website: www.2u.ie
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.