Today's Gospel has Jesus setting out and preaching after the death of John the Baptist. The same message as Johns Repent and believe in the Good News the Kingdom of God is at hand. We can look at all three readings as inviting us to change, to repent, to live in a new way. The choice is ours each day of our lives. We can respond to the Lord and allow Him to change us or we can resist the Lord. Today again the choice is ours.
Christian Unity Week 2012 We will all be changed
Change is at the heart of our Christian faith. Saint Paul said that anyone who is in Christ is a new creation, and we are called to live as children in the light. The theme for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2012 comes to us from the churches in Poland, who have reflected upon their own experience as a nation, and in particular how, as a nation, they have been changed and transformed by the many upheavals of their history, and sustained by their faith. Change is also at the heart of the ecumenical movement. When we pray for the unity of the church we are praying that the churches that we know and which are so familiar to us will change as they conform more closely to Christ. This is an exciting vision, but also a challenging one. Furthermore, when we pray for this transforming unity we are also praying for change in the world.
Diocesan Needs Collection: The second Collection at all Masses this weekend is an appeal from Bishop Buckley to help him in the running of the Diocese and in the provision of pastoral services. There will be four collections during the year. Your support will be greatly appreciated.
Baptism Preparation Team: Our parish baptism preparation teams need new members to add to the current teams who visit families to prepare the family for the baptism of their child. If interested please hand in your name to one of the priests a three night course will begin on Tuesday 28th Feb. here in our Parish Centre. Our thanks to those who have volunteered.
Parenting Course: There has been a very good response from those wishing to be part of the Parenting Course. It will be held on Thursday nights 7pm-9.30pm beginning 2nd February for six weeks in Christ the King Parish Centre. The course will be facilitated by Ann Murphy (who was with us for the two previous courses). There is still time to enroll. This course has been very successful and helpful to many families over the years. We strongly encourage and invite you to participate. For more details contact Beth OSullivan at 085-2832707 or call in to the Sacristy
Deaths: We remember in our prayers Erby Underwood and Maura Murphy Maiville Tec. who died recently we extend our sympathy to their families and school friends.
Youth Choir
The Parish Assembly is organising a Youth Choir. All those interested please contact
Beth OSullivan : 085-2832707 for further details.
The Response after the Consecration during January & February will be
Priest: The mystery of faith People: My Lord and my God
Brownies For Girls Aged 6 1/2 -11 years. Ballyphehane Community Centre, Wed 3.30-5pm for more information contact 087-169 2268 or 085-727 9253 places limited
Cork College of Commerce: is now offering a wide range of Evening Courses including Business, Complementary, Beauty Therapy, Childcare, Health, Computers, First Aid, Photography, Languages and Leisure. Enrolment is on-going at www.corkcollegeofcommerce.ie. or phone 021-4222100. Registration Evening on Tues. 24th Jan. from 5:30-7:30pm in the college.
Tragedy: Bishop John Buckley was in Union Hall during the week to be with the families and led them and the locals in a prayer service on the pier near where five fishermen went missing when their trawler sank early last Sunday morning. To date two bodies have been recovered. We extend our sympathy to the grieving families and pray that the efforts to recover the other bodies will be successful. Bishop Buckley praised the local community for the work they were doing and their wonderful community effort.
Eucharistic Congress Prayer
Lord Jesus, you were sent by the Father, to gather together those who are scattered. You came among us, doing good and bringing healing, announcing the Word of salvation and giving the Bread which lasts forever. Be our companion on lifes pilgrim way. May your Holy Spirit inflame our hearts, enliven our hope and open our minds, so that together with our sisters and brothers in faith, we may recognise you in the Scriptures and in the breaking of bread. May the Holy Spirit transform us into one body and lead us to walk humbly on the earth, in justice and love, as witnesses of your resurrection.
In communion with Mary, whom you gave to us as our Mother at the foot of the cross, Through you may all praise, honor and blessing be to the Father, in the Holy Spirit and in the Church, now and forever, Amen.