REALITY
Our standard of living in absolute terms is far better than anything that can be hoped for by the great mass of humanity living on the earth at this time. Yet many of the things we worry about, things covered by the incessant economic commentary, are passing material things. Whilst many among us suffer real hardship and deprivation, some of us need to get real.
The disciples marvelled at the size and magnificence of the temple in Jerusalem, but Jesus tells them it will all be destroyed, pulled down, nothing left. The temple was in fact destroyed about forty years later and the remaining lower part of its western wall, the Wailing Wall, is venerated to this day. The world as we know it will not last forever either, and of course for each of us it ends at the moment of our own death, however long it may last without us. We may ask ourselves what really matters, in the context of eternity, in the context of our own death. Such things as family love and connectedness, friendship and generosity are of primary importance and value, and should be unaffected even by an economic recession.
So while we wait for an uncertain future, we pray for the grace to live a Christian life in our time, place and circumstances; to be loving, other-centred and generous, to reach out to those who suffer, to help and comfort. And that means to live in happiness, with the peace of Christ, a peace that the world cannot give.
Songs of Faith – a celebration of teen talent and Christian faith
A warm welcome awaits all parishioners on Sunday 24th November at 5pm in Christ the King Church, Turner’s Cross as we mark the closing of the Year of Faith by joining with our young people as they sing their songs of faith. They will be joined by Dan Twomey, tenor; Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann and members of the Cork orchestra. There is no charge – all are welcome!
Certificate/Diploma in Catechesis
Applications are now being accepted for our two-year distance learning programme to be offered in Cork in partnership with the Maryvale Institute. For more details and application forms contact: Pastoral Development Office 021 4537601.
PARISH ASSEMBLY: The present Assembly has completed its term and a new Assembly for 2014 to 2016 is being formed. Please consider whether you would like to serve for a three year term on our Parish Pastoral Assembly. Details at Masses this weekend and next weekend.
GOSPEL OF MARK Our occasional series of Biblical reflections continues with five talks on St Mark’s Gospel in the Parish Centre, Turner’s Cross on Tuesday evenings 19th November to 17th December, start time 7.30pm. These will include presentation of material by Fr Billy O’Sullivan followed by tea and small group discussion, all are welcome.
Do this in Memory: meeting with the parent class representatives in Fr. Billy’s house on this Mon. 18th Nov. at 7.30pm.
Nemo: The 6pm Mass on Saturday 23rd Nov will be offered for living and deceased members of Nemo Rangers.
Deaths: We remember in our prayers Fr Jerome Murphy O’Connor OP, Jerusalem, Hannah O’Flynn, Congress Road, Aidan Casey and Philomena Powell who died recently. We extend our sympathy to their families and community.
Advent Evening of Prayer and Reflection for Parishioners and all those who serve in our Parish. Thurs. 5th Dec. at 7.30pm. St. Finbarr’s Hospital Chapel with Fr. Ray Riordan.
Trocaire Collection for Syria and to the Philippines. A special exit collection will be taken up all Masses next weekend, 23rd/24th November. The Trustees of Trócaire have agreed that the planned special church collection for Syria should be shared with the Philippines, given the enormous tragedy that has befallen that country.
Diocesan Quarterly Collection: at all Masses this weekend. 16th/17th November. This collection supports the diocesan office and diocesan initiatives. The central fund is currently operating at an annual deficit of over €300,000.
Memorial Mass for the late Fr. Jerome Murphy-O’Connor O.P who died recently in Jerusalem will be celebrated in St. Mary’s Church, Popes Quay on Saturday 23rd November at 11am
The Maritime Institute of Ireland: Ecumenical Service of Remembrance of Deceased Seafarers the Boardroom, Port of Cork Harbour Office, Cork. On Sunday, 24th. November, 2013 at 1200 (noon).
Annual Mass for Deceased Staff of An Garda Siochana, Cork City Division, will be held at 7.30pm Wednesday, 20th November 2013 at St Francis Church, Liberty Street, Cork.