Wisdom: We say – ‘Walk it as you talk it’. We look for integrity and sincerity in people. We examine all the political promises and wonder what’s behind it? Do they really care? In the church and its leadership we expect the way we live to be from the gospel. In today’s Gospel Jesus condemned the shallow virtue and outer loyalty of some people. They were very religious people but had lost the centre. This was the centre of love, compassion and joy. When the centre goes, small things become too important. True Religion is of the heart. The church is struck now to look at what is really important in faith. The loyalty first is to the word of God – to read it, believe it and live it. And then to be engaged in the suffering of people. The suffering of people opens the door to the kingdom of God. Look to God and be brought to life – in prayer, love and service. That’s real wisdom. Lord, may your kingdom come, and your will be done among us. (read words of Pope Francis below)
Diocesan Directory: The 2014 edition of the Diocesan Directory in on sale in the Sacristy €5. A few copies are available. A very useful book to have
Confessions: Saturdays: after the 10am Mass & after Saturday Vigil Mass
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes 11th – 16th June booking forms available for the pilgrim section from Joe Walsh 117 Patrick St. 4277959
Enquiries for Special Sick/Assisted Section to Canon Jim O’Donovan Ballinlough 4292296
Little Turners Community Pre-School, now registering for September, 2014. Tel. 4915934 Call to No. 25 Capwell Road, Turners Cross.
Parish Assembly: will meet on this Monday 17th Feb. at 8pmin the Parish Center. Those not on email can collect the agenda for meeting in Sacristy Alpha Our second Turner’s Cross Parish Alpha began on Wednesday February 12th, and continues in the Parish Centre each Wednesday evening from 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm for ten weeks. Because of the bad weather on Wednesday, some people were unable to come, but feel free to join the course from next Wednesday. It provides an opportunity to explore the faith in a friendly environment. 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 next night and see what you think.
The Joy of the Gospel... What is it saying to us today? Fr. Kevin O’Gorman SMA will explore the contents of this latest document by Pope Francis and what it means for us in our Parishes. Fr. Kevin will offer his insights from the document and offer an opportunity for discussion and questions. Venue: Blackrock Parish Centre (behind Church) Friday 7th March 7.30 to 9.30pm all are welcome – no charge. To book places contact: 021 4537474
Dates for your Diary
4th March. First Confessions
5th March Ash Wednesday
7th March Fr. Kevin O’Gorman talks in Blackrock Parish Center 27th March Retreat for those preparing for Confirmation & Service of Light 30th March Mothers Day
11th April Parish Confirmations
12/13th April Palm Sunday. Penitential Rites
20th April Easter Sunday
27th April Canonization of Popes John Paul II & John XXIII
The Call : Pope Francis’ gestures and options for simplicity and humility have made a profound impression. His choice to live in a simple apartment, ride in an unflashy car, and his calls for the church to be a church of the poor have been praised and admired by Catholics and non-Catholics alike. The Pope, by his way of living, preaches simplicity and humility, and is calling all of us to live this ethic as well. This message has brought a new energy and vigor to our Church – a very welcome development. The Pope, in line with the clear teaching of Jesus is calling us to be a counter-witness to consumerism and materialism. We are to be agents of change. Are we mature enough to respond to that call?