Cry for help: Trócaire is responding to the earthquake that struck Haiti and is appealing for funds. Its immediate priority is to save as many lives as possible by rescuing trapped survivors. After that the focus will be getting survivors the shelter, food and cooking equipment they need. Homes, schools, shops and businesses have collapsed in Port-au-prince where over 2 million people live, Trocaire is able to respond quickly through their local partner Caritas Haiti. It runs over 200 hospitals and medical centers in Haiti. They are also skilled in the provision of clean water and sanitation which will be crucial in this response. We offer our prayerful support to the people of Haiti. The images and reports of the scale of human suffering experienced by Haitians has been very distressing. In our Masses and prayers this weekend we remember those who have died and the injured so that they may find the courage to rebuild their lives. While appreciating these are difficult times here at home, you may wish to help the people of Haiti in their hour of need. We have boxes at the exits of the Church. We will forward the money to Trócaire who have guaranteed us that it will be forwarded to their agent in Caritas Haiti immediately.
Cana:
'There were six stone water jars, each could hold 20 or 30 gallons. Jesus said to the servant "Fill them to the brim", "draw some out now and take it to the steward" They did this, the steward tasted the water and it had turned into wine." Sundays Gospel –
There are many angles to this story, but one is that Jesus is talking about the shortages in each of our own lives. Has love dried up in our relationships? Are we bored with life and settling for humdrum routine? Have we tossed aside our hopes, dreams and plans? Are we run down and tired of life and living? Jesus is calling us to change and new beginnings. It doesn't just happen on Jan 1st, it happens today and throughout the coming week. It is never too late to start. Jesus changed the water to wine. If we want to change we also must turn to Jesus, because wherever Jesus is found, life is always changed for the better.
Do this in Memory Meeting of the co-ordinating parents of the Do This in Memory First Holy Communion programme this Mon. Jan. 18th at 7.30 pm in Fr. Kerrys house.
Deaths:
We remember in our prayers Mary ORegan and George Knowles, Connolly Rd. We extend our sympathy and prayers to their Families.
Christ King Pre School will be opening this Mon. 18th Jan, open to girls & boys. Morning session available, 10 euro per session if child does not qualify for ECCE scheme, please contact Aisling OCallaghan 087-6871238
Interfaith Prayer Event: You are invited to join with the President of Ireland Mary McAleese at an Interfaith Event taking place at Cork City Hall on Friday 22nd of January from 7.30pm 9pm. Prayers will be offered for peace and justice in our City. The theme of this event is Unity in Diversity and it is being organised by Cois Tine, St Marys Popes Quay as part of the implementation of the Connecting Communities Cork City Integration Strategy.
The Coláiste Chríost Rí Past Pupils union will be holding a dinner to celebrate the schools 50th Anniversary on Fri. 12th of Feb. in Rochestown Park Hotel. Tickets (50) are now on sale from the school office (021 4274904) or through the Past Pupils Union (email: ccrppu@gmail.com). All welcome.
Baptism Preparation Team
Our parish baptism preparation team needs new members to add to the current team who visit families to prepare them for the baptism of their child. If interested please hand in your name to Fr Kerry a 3 night course will begin on this Wed. Jan. 20th here in our Parish Centre. Volunteers from other parishes will be joining us for the course.
Volunteers Wanted for Mentoring Programme.
Big Brother Big Sister needs male volunteers to become Big Brothers to young people aged 10 18. Some Little Brothers have been waiting for over a year for a mentor. We are also looking for women to volunteer as Big Sisters. Volunteers are asked to spend 1-2 hours a week with their Little Brother/Sister for one year. Together, you can decide on what activities you would like to do… from playing sport to going for lunch. It is a great opportunity to develop a friendship with a young person, share common interests and try new things. Check out our website www.bbbsireland.ie <http://www.bbbsireland.ie/> and contact Brenda on 086 8513347 for more information on our Volunteer Information Nights on the 26th Jan. and 10th Feb.
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
Prayer Service in The Church of the Resurrection, Farranree, at 7.30pm on Fri. 22nd Jan.
All welcome.
Life Pregnancy Care Service, 123 Patrick Street, Cork
is currently recruiting woman volunteers to help in our Cork Caring Centre. If you are a caring, committed person, available in the afternoons or Saturday, a good listener and able to maintain strict confidentiality we would be interested in hearing from you. Life will provide training for suitable applicants. Contact us on 021/4270445
World Migrant and Refugee Sunday: Lord, you meet us in the stranger at the door. Make us always open to new friendships, sympathetic to people far from home, generous to those in need and always ready to play a part in building a community of welcome. Amen
Celtic Spirit: A Weekend Reflection on Celtic Spirituality With Monica Brown and Hilary Musgrave. (they visited Turners Cross last year)
In this difficult and painful time for Ireland, people are searching for meaning and for hope. The Celtic Heart Within weekend reflection is an opportunity to come back to basics, to the very roots of spirituality. Hilary and Monica will draw participants, through creative reflection and ritual, story and imagery, music and song, into a deeper awareness and appreciation Celtic spirituality within the context of their own lives. This weekend offers a unique opportunity to touch the Celtic Heart within ourselves and our community. Sat. 27 & Sun. 28 Feb. Sat. 10.00 am 5.00pm & Sun. 10.00am 3.00pm Grace Dieu Retreat Centre Waterford Tel: 051 374417 E-mail: gracedieu@ireland.com