A Thought
Thomas, called the Twin, who was one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. When the disciples said, 'We have seen the Lord', he answered, 'Unless I see the holes that the nails made in his hands and can put my finger into the holes they made, and unless I can put my hand into his side, I refuse to believe' – John 20:23-25
Not everyone is fully sure about the Resurrection or what it fully means. But one thing is absolutely certain and that is that the Resurrection is the corner stone of our faith. It's the hinge on which we rest everything. We all have our doubts and questions. That's why we should not be so hard on Thomas better known as 'Doubting Thomas'. He holds all our questions and doubts.
The message is not to be discouraged. Hold onto them, live them and give them time. This is what Thomas did and marked him out, not just as a believer but marked him out as an open, honest and genuine believer. God always appreciates such openness and honesty.
We all could do well to follow.
Easter Garden
Big numbers have been coming to visit the Easter Garden. Our thanks to those who put it together. It gives us all food for thought – 'The Lord is truly risen, Alleluia!'
Four Strengths
The four strengths of the early Church were:
– Fidelity to the teaching of the Apostles;
– a sense of community, – sharing and responsibility for one another;
– personal daily prayers.
A good strategy for helping anybody interested in joining the Church, or seeking to be a better member, is to work at one or other of these four angles. Any one of them properly pursued will eventually embrace the others.
Death
We offer our sincere and prayerful sympathy to the Family of Mary Roche of Kilcolman Lawn. Lord grant her eternal peace and joy, and to her family & friends strength and comfort.
Holy Week
Our sincere thanks to all who were part of the of the Holy Week Ceremonies. The big numbers who attended and the involvement of so many people was great. The feedback from many parishioners and those who attended our ceremonies was most encouraging. The lay involvement especially in leading the Good Friday ~ Stations of the Cross at both the 12noon and 6pm showed great leadership in our parish community. It was good to be part of the congregation at the Easter Vigil who welcomed ERIN GRACE McTAGGART into the Christian Family on that evening and we remember also KATY JANE GUIRGUIS who was welcomed into the Christian Family on Easter Sunday- thanks again.
Recovering Her Voice
A Day Celebrating Women and Womanhood in the Bible in Frankfield Parish Centre on Sunday 25th April from 10am to 4pm. Cost 10 (20 including lunch). Presented by Mary T. Malone Emeritus Professor of Religious Studies at St Jeromes University, Canada. Bookings and information from Fr Seán OSullivan @ 021-4357765 or email are@corkandross.org ALL ARE WELCOME.
Do This In Memory Mass
The next Do This In Memory Mass will take place next Sunday at 10.30. Meeting of The Co-ordinating Parents Group will take place in Fr Charlies house at 7.30pm on this Monday April 20th.
Over 60s Semi Final Tickets
The semi-final of the Over 60s Talent Competition will be held on Sunday 19th April in the City Hall at 8pm. A limited number of tickets are available. Cost 15 each. To purchase tickets contact 087-6973206
Divine Mercy Sunday
Our late Pope, John Paul ll throughout his pontificate placed a strong and significant focus on the Divine Mercy message and devotion. Repeatedly he wrote and spoke about the need for us to turn to the mercy of God as the answer to the specific problems of our times.
Divine Mercy is the heart of the Gospel. If we really look at how God has revealed himself in Scripture and in Church Tradition, we discover afresh how mercy is essential to understanding his message of love and salvation. Mercy even reveals his very identity. With this understanding of God and his revelation to us, we can ask for his Mercy, be merciful to others, and strive to completely trust in his Son, who is Divine Mercy Incarnate.
Thank You
Fr. Charlie and Fr. Kerry say a sincere thanks for your Easter Offerings and Spring Dues and to the area collectors.
AREA COLLECTOR NEEDED
Area Collector for Westview needed at this time, further details from Fr Charlie on 4313103.
Trócaire
There has been a very good response to the Trócaire Lenten Appeal. We will have the total next weekend – Don't forget to hand in your Trócaire Box.
Celebrating the 225th Anniversary of NANO NAGLES Death.
A JUBILEE MASS of Thanksgiving will be celebrated in St Finbarrs South Parish church on Sunday April 26th @ 3pm ALL WELCOME.
Visiting Choirs.
On Sunday next: April 26th St Michaels Church Choir Blackrock will visit and sing at our 10.30 Mass and on May 3rd The Chamber Choir Gallerie from Finland will sing at the 10.30 Mass. Our Church Choir will sing next Sunday at Our Lady Crowned Parish, Mayfield.
Have You Got Talent?
Community talent show auditions. Primary & Secondary School Age Groups Sunday 26th April ~ 1pm-5pm at Blackrock Castle. Further details from organisers Kieran McCarthy on 087-6553389 or Yvonne Coughlan on 087-7335260.
PLEASE BRING A COPY OF THIS NEWSLETTER TO THE SICK & HOUSEBOUND OF THE PARISH. THANK YOU.