May 17th 2009 – 6th Sunday of Easter

Love
Love, or charity, has often been described as the primary  Christian virtue.  If there is any doubt as to why it should be so, today's gospel would dispel it.  The Father’s relationship with Jesus is seen in terms of love.  So too is Jesus’ relationship with his disciples. And it is love which Jesus commands his disciples to have for one another. Saint John puts this demand of Jesus in the context of his last supper conversation with his disciples, thus giving it added emphasis.  Jesus’ laying down his life for his friends is presented as the highest expression of love that any human being can have for other.

National Famine Commemoration Day: 
This Sunday 17th May is National Famine Commemoration Day there will  be a special Ceremony in St Joseph's Cemetery at the Famine Graves at 3.30pm 
1. Introduction by the Lord Mayor  2. Ecumenical service.  3. Laying of wreath 4. Friendship singers with a selection of hymns  5. Keynote speech by Dr Gillian Doherty, Department of History, UCC.  6. Salute by the 'Pards' historical re-enactment group  7. Blessing and Last Post  8. Final hymn and National Anthem.
*The Irish Famine deserves to be remembered with due solemnity.
*Hunger and famine affect so many people in our world of today.
*In a world of plenty, people still go hungry.
*Famine happens largely as a result of human action – and inaction; We call on governments to address the underlying causes of hunger and famine and to honor their promises on oversees aid.

Graduation Mass: The Graduation Mass for the the five Leaving Cert. Classes of Coláiste Chríost Rí will take place in Christ the King Church on this Tues. 19th May at 7.30p

Masses for Exams
All those preparing for or doing exams will be included in our Shared Mass offered each Friday Morning at 10am.  Special Exam Mass Cards are now available from the Sacristy

Attention all Family Carers
If you caring for a family member at home, you are invited to the family carers FORUM at the Ambassador Hotel, on Thursday 21st May, at 8pm.  It’s your chance to have your say. Election candidates will attend, so don’t miss the opportunity to voice your concerns.  All are welcome.  Refreshments will be provided.  If you need any further information please contact the Carers’ Association on 021 4806397

Like To Use Your Skills To Make A Difference?
Since 1960, Viatores Christi (Catholic lay missionary development workers), has aimed to respond to needs overseas and at home by giving people an opportunity to share their lives and skills with those in need.  People from all backgrounds and professions join Viatores Christi – people who want to challenge themselves to make a difference in the world, however big or small.
Viatores Christi lay missionary development workers are assigned to projects which deal with a range of social and justice issues throughout the world including AIDS/HIV projects, displaced peoples, healthcare, intellectual disability, education and indigenous peoples.  We need people from all disciplines, from teachers to electricians, doctors to administrators, farmers to childcare workers.  If you are interested in learning more, please come along to our information and recruitment session in Cork on 21st May 2009 at 7.30pm in SMA Parish Centre, Wilton. Information Martin Browne at info@viatoreschristi.com or Tel. 01-8689986 or log on to <A href="http://www.viatoreschristi.com">www.viatoreschristi.com</A>

Feast of the Ascension
Next Sunday we celebrate the Feast of the Ascension.  Will the ministers of the word please note the readings in their Missal on page 232. The second reading is from Paul to the Ephesians 1 ;17-23 the end of page 234

Congratulations: 
to the  Girls and Boys from The Schools in our Parish  who received their First Holy Communion recently. We had lovely memorable ceremonies and say well done to the Children their Teachers and Parents. We will have our final “Do this in Memory” Mass on the feast of Corpus Christi  14th June when all the First Communicants will walk in a short Eucharistic Procession  in the Church Grounds after the 10.30 Mass

Prayer After Holy Communion
Lord Jesus I love and adore you.
You’re a special friend to me.
Welcome, Lord Jesus, O welcome.
Thank you for coming to me.
Thank you, Lord Jesus, O thank you
for giving yourself to me.
Make me strong  to show your love wherever I may be.
Be near me Lord Jesus, I ask you to stay
Close by me for ever and love me I pray.
Bless all of us children in your loving care
and bring us to heaven to live with you there.
I’m ready now, Lord Jesus to show how much I care
I’m ready now to give your love at home and everywhere.

Dates for your Diary
Wed. 3rd June the Leaving Cert. Exams begin, the 10am Mass on that day will be offered for all those doing exams.
Sun. 14th June. Feast of Corpus Christi.  The Eucharist Procession through our City will take place.

Congratulations: to Dean Denis O’Connor P.E. of Holy Spirit Parish, Dennehy’s Cross  and Sr. Eucharia of the Presentation Sisters who will receive the Freedom of our City at the City Hall on Friday next in recognition and appreciation of their outstanding services to the Church and the Community. This is the highest honor our City can confer. Our thanks to the Lord Mayor Cllr. Brian Bermingham and the City Council for conferring this great honor on these two caring people.  Our prayers and good wishes to both recipients

Pre-Marriage Courses
(organized by NAOMI – Billings Ireland). Full Day Saturday €90 per couple.  Contact NAOMI @ 4272213 (Office hours, Mon. – Fri 9.30am -1.00pm).

Knock Summer Youth Festival 2009
“You are the light of the world”
The festival will take place from 23rd – 26th July.
Strictly 18 – 35 yrs; cost €70, this includes all your food, your accommodation and four days of
the festival. Places limited.
Book now. 094 – 9375035,
www.knock-shrine.ie/youthfestival