The Curing of the Leper
Christ performed one of his greatest miracles when he cured a leper. Leprosy was looked on as incurable. This poor man was most probably living near
Capernaum, where some family members heard of the miracles of healing which Jesus had worked there. Filled with hope and faith, he approached Christ and asked for a miracle. His request was granted. It was out of compassion for the sad lot of the human race on earth that Christ became a human being, equal to us in all things but sin, in order to suffer with us and for us. By his human suffering he made atonement for the sins of the world – an atonement which we as human being could never make – to our heavenly Father. He put heaven and a share in the life of God within our reach. Because of our inclination to sin nothing but the mercy of God could save us from our foolishness. That mercy is available if only we ask for it.
What we sinners need is the faith and confidence of the leper in todays Gospel If you will you can make me clean was his approach to Jesus. In the sacrament of Penance the leprosy of sin is washed away and the sinner is restored to new and perfect spiritual health.
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes Collection
The special collection taken up at all Masses this weekend 11th/12th Feb. is in aid of the Annual Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes. This collection subsidises individuals whose health and/or means would otherwise prevent them from traveling to Lourdes. It also subsidises the travel of essential care personnel.
St. Valentine February 14th
St. Valentine is known as the patron saint of people in love. In 1836, Pope Gregory XVI sent a gift to the Carmelite Church in Dublin…recognition of the work carried out by the former prior of the Church, Father John Spratt, widely-known as a very holy man. The gift was a relic of a Christian martyr…a small gold-bound casket which contained the earthly remains of one Saint. The relic had been exhumed from the Cemetery on the Tibertine Way in Rome, placed into a golden casket and transported to Dublin, where it was enshrined with great ceremony in the little Carmelite Church. Every year, on Feb. 14, the casket containing the remains of Valentine is carried in solemn procession to the high altar for a special Mass dedicated to young people and all those in love.
A Valentine Prayer
I said a Valentine prayer for you and asked the Lord above
to fill your heart and bless your soul with the precious gift of love.
I asked Him for sincere love The kind thats meant to stay.
Just like the generous love You give to those you touch each day.
I prayed for love from family And from every cherished friend
Then I asked the Lord to give you His love that knows no end.
Deaths: We remember in our prayers Fergus (Jos) Murphy, Capwell Rd. and Jim Hackett, Murphys Gardens who died during the week. We extend our sympathy to their families
Review Meeting, Tuesday, 14th February for Parish Assembly members in the Parish Centre at 8pm
St Josephs Young Priests Society
Monthly meeting on this Tues. 14th Feb. after the 10am Mass in the Parish Centre.
"Do This in Memory."
We welcome the Parents and the Children preparing for the First Confession and First Holy Communion to our 10am Mass this morning. Girls: First Confession 6th March. Boys: First Confession: 7th March. First Holy Communion Day 12th May
Catholic Papers: on sale at the back of the Church – The Irish Catholic.The Universe & The Catholic Times. always a good read – support the Catholic Press
Ministers of the Word
A 1 Night Course for Minsters of the Word will take place on Monday 20th February at 8.00pm Douglas Parish Centre. Details from Anne Francis (087) 2282134 ~ email: abfrancis@eircom.net or Fr. Kerry – Booking Essential.
Evening of Music & Song in aid of West Cork Trawler Tragedy at Nemo Rangers on Fri. 24th Feb. at 9pm Music by The Rainbows Tickets 20 including light supper . Spot Prizes Galore. Your support will be appreciated.
Bunscoil Chriost Ri Open Night
An Information Night will be held in Bunscoil Chríost Rí, Evergreen Road, Turners Cross, on Thursday 23rd February at 7.30p.m.for the Parents of Infants who are due to start school in September 2012. This is a new co-educational school.Youll also have a chance to meet teachers of Infants and to ask any questions about the curriculum content, sport and other extra-curricular activities.
The meeting will take place in room 34 in the former boys school. Tea/coffee will be provided in the Parents Room.
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday 22nd February. Trocaire Lenten Fast Boxes are available as you leave the Church