The Call of the Disciples.

Jesus calls us to follow him, just as he called the first disciples in today’s gospel reading.  He invites us to listen to him, and to act, all of us called to play our individual part in building up the kingdom of God.  At times we fail to heed, or indeed even hear, his call, because we are to busy, or because we feel that responding to it would involve an excessive commitment.  Yet if we all do our bit, the burden will not be too much for any. Sometimes a parish seems a bit like a football match, a crowd in need of exercise watching a few who need a rest.

The Lord wants us to listen and to respond to his call, and many in this parish do, and in many ways. The parish Alpha Course presently being prepared will provide an opportunity, for those who can come, to listen more deeply to the message of life.  Members of the Parish Assembly which has just completed its three year term responded generously to God’s call, and served him and the parish community well.  Likewise the members of the new Assembly presently being formed have responded to the Lord’s call and have given a commitment to serve.  We pray that their experience too may be fulfilling for them and fruitful for all of us.

The Presentation of the Lord – Candlemas Day   will be celebrated next Sunday 2nd February.  Beeswax candles (€1) are available after Masses this weekend and will be blessed at the Masses next weekend.  It’s always good to have a blessed candle in our homes

Feast of St Blaise – The traditional blessing of throats will take place on Monday, February 3rd after the 10am and 6pm Masses (note the extra Mass at 6pm).

St. Brigid: Saturday 1st February, Secondary Patron of Ireland.  La le Brid coincides with longer days and the beginning of spring.  We ask for her intercession for a new springtime for the faith in Ireland, that we may face our many challenges with renewed confidence.

Anointing of the Sick: This coming month the Anointing of the Sick will take place on 11th February “World day of prayer for the Sick” not on Saturday 1st February.

Altar Servers: There will be a meeting of Altar Servers old and new in the Church this Tuesday  28th January  at 2.35pm  All Servers have to be accompanied by a parent.

Prayer for Christian Unity:   Sunday 2nd Feb. at 7.00 pm in St. Luke’s, Church of Ireland, Douglas.  The sermon will be preached this year by Fr. Christy Fitzgerald.  All welcome

Death: We remember in our prayers  Paddy McCarthy, St. Anns Park  We extend our sympathy to his family

South Parish Historical Society: Meeting Wed. 5th Feb. at 7.30pm. St John’s College, Sawmill St.  Speaker Michael Lenihan  – “Timeless Cork”  illustrated.   All welcome non-members €2

Cork Alzheimer’s Cafe:    A safe space for people with memory problems including Alzheimer’s and other dementias, their carers, family & friends along with social and health professionals to meet. Last Fri of each month, 1.30pm-3,30pm. Activity Centre, St Finbarr’s Hospital, Douglas Road, light refreshments provided. All welcome. Next meeting Friday-31st January.

Readers:  can collect their Rotas for the coming weeks in the Sacristy

Confessions: Saturdays: after the 10am Mass & after Saturday Vigil Mass

Catholic Schools Week: will begin on this Sunday 26 January and conclude on 1 February. The theme for Catholic Schools Week this year is ‘Catholic Schools – places of faith and learning”. and celebrates the wonderful contribution that Catholic schools make to our Parish, our local communities and society in general.

Alpha    Our second Turner’s Cross Parish Alpha begins on Wednesday February 12th, and provides an opportunity to explore the faith in a friendly environment.   It continues in the Parish Centre each Wednesday evening from 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm for ten weeks.  A talk is followed by a tea/coffee break and then we divide into small discussion groups. Alpha is for everyone; no question is out of bounds and you are free to discuss as much or as little as you wish. We don’t assume any background knowledge or belief and everyone is welcome. You don’t have to come to the whole course – just pop along for the first night and see what you think.