June 1st 2008 – 9th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Treaty of Lisbon
The Bishops have  published a pastoral reflection "Fostering a Community of Values" on the occasion of the referendum on the Treaty of Lisbon
"Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labour in vain”
Speaking at the launch Archbishop Martin said, “The Bishops’ Conference welcomes this opportunity to comment, by way of a pastoral reflection, on the Treaty of Lisbon. The pastoral reflection is called "Fostering a Community of Values" and it is available now on our Parish website NOTICES "http://www.turnerscross.com"  for all to read. For anyone requiring a hard copy, it is also available from the Catholic Communications Office in Maynooth.”

In summary "Fostering a Community of Values" reflects the following: 
* We all have a responsibility to inform ourselves about the Lisbon Treaty and to vote.
* In deciding how to vote, recognition needs to be given to the distinctive roles of politics and religion and the legitimate autonomy of the political order.
* Those who seek to influence the outcome of the referendum either by offering misleading or patently incorrect advice or by introducing extraneous factors into the debate, ought to be condemned.
* The Lisbon Treaty referendum should not be used to register a protest vote.
* The Lisbon Treaty referendum should be about values: a community that is founded purely on economic self interest will not last. Europe is a civilization and at all levels needs to promote an ethic of global solidarity.
* While acknowledging the Christian humanist values at the heart of the Treaty, it is regrettable that there is no explicit recognition of the Christian heritage of Europe in the Treaty.
* It is a challenge to all of us today to discern how best we can contribute to a new and enlarged Europe based on shared values of which future generations will be proud. Challenges to this common vision will emerge in Ireland and from within the structures of the EU.
* The convictions, the vigilance and the responsible engagement of citizens will always be important to ensure that Europe continues to be built, as the late Pope John Paul II put it, “on the basis of authentic values, which are founded on the universal moral law written on the heart of every person.”

Year of Vocation – Priesthood in Cork & Ross
If you are thinking of becoming a priest and you would like more information, what to do next and any questions you may have at this time contact: Fr. Tom Deenihan 021-4303017, Fr. Bertie O’Mahony 021-4371684, or Fr. Charlie Kiely 021-4313103
Vocation Prayer
God of our lives
you are always calling us
to follow you into the future,
inviting us to new ventures, new challenges,
new ways to care, new ways to touch the hearts of all.
When we are fearful of the unknown, give us courage.
When we worry that we are not up to the task,
remind us that you would not call us if you did not believe in us.
Renew in us your call to serve.
May we have the courage to invite and
encourage others to reflect on Priesthood or Religious Life
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Knock Summer Youth Festival
Living life to the full? Looking for something more? Tired of the same?
This is what you're looking for! Time out for you….
Knock Summer youth Festival July 24th – 27th, Our Lady’s Shrine, Knock, Co. Mayo. 18-35yrs for more information  and to book your place Contact 094-9388100 / 087-6927850 or check our <A href="http://www.knock-shrine.ie/youthministry">www.knock-shrine.ie/youthministry</A>

Offertory Collection
Last weekend offertory collection came to €2,533.  Thank you for your generosity.

Masses for those doing Exams
All those preparing for or doing exams are in our thoughts and prayers at this time. They are included in our Shared Mass offered each Friday Morning. The 10am Mass this Wed. 4th June – the day the exams begin – will be offered for the students  We ask the  Lord to bless them during this important time in their lives.

Prayer for those doing exams
‘Lord, pour out your Spirit of Wisdom on those  doing exams. Help them to remain calm, to attend carefully to the questions asked, to think clearly, to remember accurately and to express themselves well. Grant that they may reflect the best of the work they have done and the best of teaching they have received. Accept their best efforts in these examinations and in the great test of life on earth. May your love be upon them, O Lord, as they place their trust in you.’

Baptisms
We welcome into the Christian Community Adam John Barrett and Alan Nowak who were baptised recently.

Deaths
We offer sincere and prayerful sympathy to the Families of Michael O’Sullivan. and Derinell Murray,  who died  during the week.  Lord grant them eternal peace and joy, and to their  families & friends strength and comfort.

Recycle
Missionaries of the Sacred Heart can recycle used mobile phones to raise funds for their missions.  You can drop used mobiles (without chargers) into the Mission Support Centre or the Parish Office at Western Rd.

Parish Pilgrimage to Lourdes
A meeting of all pilgrims will be held on Thursday 5th June, at 7.30pm in the Parish Centre.

The Cork Institute of Technology is pleased to invite applications for direct entry to the second, third and fourth year of its programmes in Community Education and Development  leading to the awards of BA/BA Honours in Community Education and Development,  commencing September 2008 in the Cork Institute of Technology.
Applications from candidates who have significant experience in community work and/or qualifications in cognate areas.   Entry  will be based on interviews to be held in the CIT on Friday 13th June.  Information and an application form, contact Anne, Department of Education Development, CIT on 021 – 4326 700