OPENNESS
In the midst of all the tensions in Irish life we are called to witness to the Christian calling of love. God says to Jeremiah and to us, brace yourself, I will make you strong; I have called you, and I am with you. Our Christian calling is not easy, but as we respond, God is with us. Without love we are nothing, shadow people living a shadowy existence. Love endures and does not come to an end. St Paul speaks in the context of the love we are to have for the Christian family and for all people. The people in Nazareth were impressed with Jesus’ gracious words, but were not going to let him get above himself, “sure this is Joseph’s son.” Jesus anticipated their rejection when he remarked that no one is a prophet at home, and then reminded them that that God’s help was given to a widow in Sidon and a Syrian leper when there were many widows and lepers in Israel. His message of openness to all was angrily rejected.
The challenge for us is have an open and loving attitude to everybody, to those who are different, those of other religions, social backgrounds or race, those of whom we don’t approve because of lifestyle or political viewpoint. To be open to others requires a certain strength of character, and at times is not easy. So we brace ourselves, knowing that the God of love is with us.
The Turner’s Cross Parish Alpha Course begins on Wednesday next, February 6th, in the Parish Centre and continues on Wednesday evenings from 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm for ten weeks until April. This is an opportunity to explore faith and the meaning of life in a friendly environment. A talk is followed by a tea/coffee break and then we divide into small discussion groups. No question is out of bounds and you are free to discuss as much or as little as you wish. There is no charge for the Alpha Course and everyone is welcome.
The Parenting Course
will be facilitated by Mary Ryan in the Parish Centre, on Tuesday nights beginning 5th Feb. from 7:30 pm – 9:30pm. Contact Beth O’Sullivan at 085-2832707 or one of the Priests at 087-2610276 with your name and phone number as soon as possible.
Feast of St Blaise – The traditional blessing of throats will take place on Monday, February 4th after the 10am and 6pm Masses (note the extra Mass at 6pm).
Deaths: We extend our sympathies to the families of Hugh Barriscale of Tower Street whose funeral took place during the week and of Olive Casey of Greenhills Court, who died on Friday. May they rest in eternal peace.
First Friday
Fr Kerry will visit the sick and housebound in his area of the parish on Friday next, February 8th. If you would like a visit please contact us.
Ennismore Retreat Centre
The talk in the Series on New Ecclesial Communities on Monday 4th February at 7.30pm will be on the L’Arche Community. Tim Kearney, founding member of L’Arche Cork, joined by core members of the community, will present the spirituality and theology of L’Arche. The talk on 11th February will be on the Focolare Community. Further information and booking at 021 4502520 or ennimore@eircom.net.
History of Turners Cross Parish
Liam O hUigin at the Cork South Parish Historical Society monthly meeting on Wednesday 6th February, 2013 in St John’s College, Sawmill Street.
Retired Men
Turners Cross Gents’ Retirement Group meet in the Day Centre, Capwell Road at 7.30 pm on Monday February 4th. All Welcome.
Anointing of The Sick
The 10am Mass on Monday week, the 11th February (Feast day of Our Lady of Lourdes and World Day of Prayer for the Sick) will be offered for the Sick and Housebound and their Carers. The Anointing of the Sick and the blessing with the Relic of St. Bernadette will take place after the 10am Mass. Refreshments in the Parish Centre courtesy of the Parish Assembly.
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes Collection to be taken up at all Masses next weekend 9th/10th Feb. subsidises individuals whose health and/or means would otherwise prevent them from travelling to Lourdes. It also subsidises the travel of essential care personnel.