Why Ashes: ?
Why did we put ashes on our foreheads last Wednesday? Its not a good luck charm but an outward sign that were mortal, fragile pilgrims passing through this world. The ashes were a reminder that we are willing to do something positive in our spiritual lives. Lent is not about doom, gloom or negativity. Its a time to celebrate the gift of now and the gift of today. Ashes remind us that we dont go on forever and the coming weeks of Lent are an opportunity to delight in the gifts of every day. Its so easy to take everything and everyone for granted. Perhaps today the 1st Sunday of Lent and throughout Lent we can make sure we value whats really important in our lives. As we journey through the coming weeks of Lent we invite God into our lives. We especially ask God to replace what's stale and stagnant with life, energy and freshness. Let us make the most of this Lent.
It was good to see the big numbers at Mass on Ash Wednesday and since then. Weekday Masses during Lent 10am & 6pm (Note no 6pm on Thursday)
Two things to do this week
1. Pray Psalm 51 slowly and carefully this week. Find a word or phrase in that catches your eye. Close your eyes and reflect on it over and over again. Use it as an intercession or a blessing for your community, your church, or someone you love.
2. Read the moving account of Jesus struggle with and victory over temptation and darkness in the letter to the Hebrews. Here the early Church gives us a model of Jesus, our compassionate high priest, who can help us in the midst of our struggles.
Give yourself a gift of Peace this Lent
On the Wednesdays of Lent there will be Exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament after the 10am Mass until 11am, including our Mass we will have an hour with the Lord. Why not join us for an hour each week. Silence and prayer are the key to peace. Why not give yourself this gift?
Trócaire Family Fast Boxes are available at the back of the Church.
A Lenten Invitation
Lent is an opportunity to grow in knowledge and love of Jesus. A simple way to do this is to prayerfully read the Gospel in faith. Prayer each Monday after the 10am Mass a group of people do just that with the Gospel for the following Sunday. Join us in the Parish Centre You will be most welcome.
Our Lady Of Fatima Rosary Prayer Group, Invite People To Walk In Procession With Them In Cork's St Patrick's Day Parade, On Thurs The 17th Of March, Assembling On Union Quay At 12-30pm. Parade Starts At 1pm. All Are Welcome. All Enquires To Pat At 086-3473583.
Bishops Commission Collection this weekend The proceeds from this collection helps fund the work of the Irish Bishops Conference and its agencies and commissions. These include, Emigrants, Justice & Peace, Communications, Cura, etc.
St Patricks Day
Masses: Wed. 16th March Vigil Mass at 6pm, Thurs. St Patricks Day: 9am 10.30am and 12 noon (please note: no evening Mass at 6pm St Patricks Day).
Feast of St. Joseph: Saturday 19th March.
Catholic Papers: The Irish Catholic, (in this weeks issue Fr. Jerome Murphy-OConnor has a review if Pope Benedicts new book Jesus of Nazareth) The Universe & The Catholic Times are available every weekend at the back of the Church
Spring Dues:
We would appreciate if the Area Collectors would collect the envelopes for the Spring Dues in the Sacristy after Masses next weekend 19th/20th March
Parish Assembly:
will meet this Monday 14th March in the Parish Centre at 8pm.
Deaths:
We remember in our prayers Michael OFlynn and Betty Carroll who died during the week. We extend our sympathy and prayers to their families.
Ministers of the Word: Rotas now available from the Sacristy
First Confessions: We congratulate the boys and girls (along with their teachers and parents) from our primary schools who received the Sacrament of First Confession during the past week.
"Making the Exam Dyslexic Friendly"
We are running a Junior Certificate Maths & English Workshop – "Making the Exam Dyslexic Friendly" on Saturday, 26th March from 10 am to 1.30 pm in Bishopstown Community School. For more information, please contact Liz Forde (086) 3858463 after 6 pm.
Beginning Experience is a specially designed Programme which gives separated, divorced and widowed people help and support to deal with the grief process, and to discover for themselves that merely existing in life can be transformed into living a new life, though a different one. The next weekend is being held in Ennismore Centre 15/17th April For Application forms and further information contact Tel: 087.9886480 or Fr. Kerry
Cork & Ross Information Day on Priesthood on Saturday March 26th at Ennismore. 11am to 4pm Details on 4301717 or 4313103