The Two Sons: We have this parable of the two sons today. Our first reading, from the Book of Joshua shows us the chosen people finally coming into the Promised Land. Coming into the Promised Land only happens at the end of the long journey. That journey was filled with difficulties, with rebellion, with rejection and with struggles.
The story of the two sons in the Gospel should not be a surprise. Each of them has difficulties, rebellions, rejections and struggles. This is true of any serious human and Christian life. We are not just born and automatically become wonderful human beings. Instead, we are born and life begins. Life is a series of difficulties, rebellions, rejections and struggles. There are also wonderful joys, graces and delights.
May this Sunday in Lent help us see our need of God and come back to the Father. The Father is always waiting for us and will to run out to meet us.
“If you turn back, I will take you back”
Mothers Day: We wish all mothers a happy Day. The 12 noon Mass this Sunday is being offered for all our mothers living and deceased. Special cards are available in the Parish Office after Masses. Easter Triduum cards are also available.
A Mother’s Prayer Lord, here I am immersed in my daily routine of mothering a family, feeding, caring for, consoling, listening to those entrusted to me. May your joy erupt within me to brighten the thousand daily actions woven by the thread of life. Lord stay with me, and let the little deaths of each day lead me along the path to eternal life.
Pilgrimage: To mark the Year of Faith The Parish Assembly have organised a Parish Pilgrimage to Ballygriffin the birth place of Nano Nagle on Sunday afternoon 28th April More details later
Vocations Information Day: The Annual Cork and Ross Vocations information day will be held at St. Dominic’s Retreat Centre, Ennismore, Montenotte on Saturday, 23rd March from 10.30am to 4.00pm. Further information Fr. Tom Deenihan 0214301717, Canon Bertie O’Mahony 0214371684 See notice board.
The Cardinals enter the Sistine Chapel
Choosing a new Pope: The Conclave will begin on this Tuesday 12th March – we pray for the Cardinals who will elect a new Pope “O God, eternal shepherd who govern your flock with unfailing care, grant in your fatherly love a Pope for your Church who will please you by his holiness and to us show watchful care. We ask this through Christ our Lord Amen”
Exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament: on the Wednesdays of Lent after the 10am Mass until 11am,
Child Protection: The Child Protection Officers for our parish are Rose Fitzgerald & Deirdre Healy. Mary Ryder is on the Diocesan Coordinating Group. Their function is to ensure that Child Protection guidelines are followed in our parish. There will be a meeting of the Officers in Fr. Kerry’s house Mon.11th March at 7pm. to complete the Audit to be returned to the Diocesan Office. Child Protection details – see Parish Assembly notice board.
Stations of the Cross: every Friday during Lent at 5.30pm before the 6pm Mass.
Deaths: We remember in our prayers Rt. Rev. Dean Denis O’Connor former Parish Priest of Ballineaspaig, Sr. Eithne Casey, Presentation Convent, Turner’s Cross, Eileen Donnellan, Mercier Pk. Barry Condon, Ashdale Pk. who died recently. We extend our sympathy to their families and Communities. May they rest in peace.
New Diocesan Directory 2013 We have acquired extra copies. €5 on sale at Altar Rail.
Spring Dues: Our thanks to the area collectors who have collected the envelopes for the Spring Dues.
Sharing St. Patrick’s Day : The Parish Assembly invites those in our Parish who are of non-Irish origin to join us in the Parish Centre after 6pm Mass on Sat 16th March to mark St. Patrick’s Day. Light refreshments will be served.
Parish Assembly: will meet on Monday 11th March in the Parish Centre at 8pm
St. Joseph’s Young Priest’s Society will meet in the Parish Centre on Tuesday 12th March after the 10am Mass.
Bishops Commissions Collection this weekend 9/10th March, helps fund the work of the Irish Bishops Conference and its agencies and commissions. These include Emigrants, Justice & Peace, Communications, CURA, Child Protection etc.
Youth 2000 will be hosting a youth retreat (16-35 year old) in Mount Mercy College, Model Farm Road, 22nd to 24th of March. A big attendance is expected donation only. Newcomers very welcome. The weekend – covering masses, talks, music, workshops, testimonies, meet new people. Residential – so please bring a sleeping bag if you wish to stay overnight. Under 18s to download booking form from website. Information 086 3301766 or check out www.youth2000.ie
A Time of Reflection As we prepare for Holy Week there will be time of Reflecion and Prayer in the Chapel of St. Finbarrs Hospital, Fr. Joe Kavanagh o.p. , will guide us. The evening is for all who serve in our Parish of Christ the King and others who wish to join us. 7.30pm Thursday. March 21st (Parking available in grounds)
Parents & Friends Association of Bunscoil Chriost Ri. Fundraising – Musical Bingo Night on Friday 22nd March at Evergreen Bar 9pm. Complimentary finger food, spot prizes & great fun night assured. All welcome, your support would be greatly appreciated