A Day of Joy
The Easter Season is celebrated over 50 days. During this time, we reflect on Christs presence among us and our call to follow as disciples. Ascension Day brings the Easter Season to an end. In one sense, this marks the end of Jesus ministry but in another it is only the beginning. The Feast of the Ascension confirms for us that Jesus came from God and now returns to God. He came to give us a clearer and more accurate picture of God as the source of our human lives. He came that we might have confidence that we do not journey alone. He came to deepen our awareness that God is near and we can reach out and touch God at any moment. You would expect the disciples to be saddened on his departure. Yet the Gospel story tells, they returned to Jerusalem with great joy and they could be found in the temple praising God. The disciples were filled with joy because they knew much of the Lord remained with them. What remained were the words he preached, the forgiveness and love he embodied, his presence that touched and healed so many lives, and the memorial of his body and blood, the Eucharist.
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 6th June when all the First Communicants will walk in a short Eucharistic Procession in the Church Grounds after the 10.30 Mass
Pope Benedicts memories of his own First Communion.
I remember my First Communion Day very well (March 1936). The church looked beautiful and it was a sunny day. I understood that Jesus had entered my heart, he had actually visited me. And with Jesus, God himself was with me. I realised that this is a gift of love that is truly worth more than all the other things that life can give. So on that day I was really filled with great joy, because Jesus came to me and I realised that a new stage in my life was beginning. I promised the Lord, as best I could: I always want to stay with you, and I prayed to him, but above all, stay with me. Thus, that day of my First Communion was the beginning of a journey made together. I hope that for all of you too, the First Communion you will receive will be the beginning of a lifelong friendship with Jesus, the beginning of a journey together, because in walking with Jesus we do well and life becomes good.
Cork City, National Memorial Day for the Famine – An Gorta Mor
Will be held on this Sunday 16th May at the Famine Plot St. Joseph's Graveyard. Tory Top Road, at 3.30pm.The Ceremony will include the Lord Mayor Cllr. Dara Murphy laying a wreath on behalf of the City Council,,to be followed by prayers, a talk on the Famine by Ronnie O'Herlihy, music and a minute of silent reflection.
Our Students
College, Leaving and Junior Cert. students everywhere really begin to focus on the examination dates fast approaching. We wish you well with your revision and with your exams. The following prayer will, we hope, help to calm any nerves:
O Holy Spirit, give us your gifts of wisdom, understanding and knowledge. Enlighten my mind and inspire me to work hard that I may be successful in my examinations. Guide and direct me in all my undertakings and help me especially to discover my true vocation in life. Alay my fears and teach me always to live in your light, your love and your truth. I make this prayer through Christ, Our Lord. Amen
Our Students are remembered in our Shared Mass every Friday at 10am. Special Cards are available in the Sacristy for those doing and preparing for exams.
Graduation Masses:
For the Leaving Cert. Classes of Christ King Girls Secondary will be on Thurs. 20th May at 1.30pm
For the Leaving Cert. Classes of Coláiste Chríost Rí will be on Thurs. 20th May at 7.30pm
Both Masses will be in Christ the King Church.
Study of the Catechism of the Catholic Church
Introductory Talk: Fr. Paul Watson, Director, Maryvale Institute Birmingham on the Study of the Catechism of the Catholic Church in the Franciscan Friary, Liberty Street, Cork on Friday 21st 7.30 to 8.30 p.m. Adults interested in developing their faith and increasing their knowledge of the Catechism are invited to attend. Admission is Free.
Deaths: We remember in our prayers Gavin Burke South Douglas Rd. and Ann Cronin, OConnell Ave who died recently and extend our sympathy to their families.
RehabCare Douglas invites you to our Annual Open Day on Thur. 27th of May at our centre in theDosco Industrial Estate, South Douglas Road, Cork,from 11.00 a.m to 4.00 p.m. With a barbecue, Boccia competition, gramophone recital, ceili, table quiz, sale of work, cake sale, raffle and surprise events For more information, contact Paul at 4362701
South Parish/Turners Cross Summer Scheme :Registration for this years Summer Scheme will take place on Mon. 17th May at 8pm in the South Parish Community Centre, Sawmill St. (Behind Fiat Garage)
CLM Knock Pilgrimage
Next Saturday 22nd May – Leaving Cork at 7am Tickets 16.Still some places available. Bookings and further details from Máire Smye 023-8833273.
CLM Lourdes 2010. Departures ex-Cork from June 1st to September. Limited places and special subsidised fare of only 450. Further details from Máire Smye on 023-8833273.