Today’s Gospel: We begin the Gospel of Mark – Jesus setting out and preaching after the arrest of John the Baptist. The message is the same as John’s: “Repent and believe in the Good News, the Kingdom of God is at hand”. We can look at all three readings as inviting us to change, to repent, to live in a new way. The choice is ours each day of our lives. We can respond to the Lord and allow Him to change us or we can resist the Lord. Today again the choice is ours.
Catholic Schools Week from 25th to 31st January is an opportunity for to think about
the importance of having Catholic schools. Class events and liturgies in Bun Scoil Chriost Ri will celebrate the gift that Catholic Schools are to the faith formation of our children. The week is a time to say a special Word of Thanks to our teachers for the wonderful work they do in forming the children in Christ, and also to thank the members of the School Boards and Parents & Friends Association for their generous and invaluable service.
Diocesan Certificates in Biblical Studies: a four module programme over two years includes an Introduction to the Bible, the Old Testament, the Gospels and the Early Church and Paul’s Letters. Module 1 consists of 5 nights and one Saturday workshop starting on Monday Feb 9th at 7.30 p.m. in Scala, Blackrock. Presented by Fr Seán O’Sullivan, Diane Corkery, Mons Ned Goold and Fr. Kieran O’Mahony 0SA. Cost: €50 per module; contact Cork Scripture Group at corkscripturegroup@gmail.com or 021-4295144 (Marian or Phil).
Parish Choir: New members of our Parish Choir are welcome, contact Paula 087-3879733 or any member of the Choir.
Confessions: Saturdays: after the 10am Mass & after Saturday Vigil Mass or ask one of the priests at any time.
Gospel Reflection: Do you know what you are missing? Each Monday after ten o’clock Mass we read the gospel for the following Sunday in the Parish Centre, reflect on it and discuss it among friends. All welcome.
Remembering with Love. A multi denominational Service of Remembrance for families who have experienced the death of a child. Wednesday 28th Jan. 6.30 pm Sacred Heart Church, Western Road. All welcome. Refreshments and children’s entertainment provided afterwards. Information 086 4124373
Death: We remember in our prayers John Carroll, Greenhills Court who died recently. We extend our sympathy to his family
Community Employment Vacancy: Secretary / Receptionist vacancy at Diocese of Cork and Ross Pastoral Development Office, Ballyphehane. Duties include telephone, typing, filing, computers and accounts. Community Employment eligibility applies. CVs to Southside Training & Development Ltd., SMA Centre, Wilton. Tel: 4345583. Email southsidetdl@eircom.net <mailto:southsidetdl@eircom.net>
Christian Unity Week 2015. The theme is: Jesus said to her: “Give me to drink” (John 4:7). The encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well invites us to try water from a different well and also to offer a little of our own. In diversity we enrich each other. The Week of Prayer for Unity is a privileged moment for prayer and an opportunity to recognize the richness and value present in the other, the different, and to ask God for the gift of unity. To drink water from someone else’s well is a step towards experiencing another’s way of being, leading to an exchange of gifts that enriches. Where the gifts of the other are refused much damage is done to society and to the Church. “Give me to drink” implies an ethical action that recognises the need for one another in living out Christ’s mission. It commits us to see unity in the midst of our diversity, through our openness to a variety of prayer and Christian spirituality.
Meeting and Greeting. The Parish Assembly is developing a team to welcome people, 
regulars or newcomers, to Mass on Sunday. Our Sunday Mass is the central action of our Parish Community, and it is good to remember and foster the communal aspect of our worship. Team members will be asked to attend a Mass of their choice from time to time and hand out Mass leaflets as they offer a smile or word of welcome. Please consider volunteering to help the development of this parish service.
Positive Psychology/Mindfulness and Relaxation Classes in Turners Cross Community Centre from Monday 2nd Feb 7:30-9:00 pm €60 for 6 week course. Judy Phelan R.G.N Dip Applied Positive Psychology – 085 7142944
Anam Cara is holding its monthly Parent Evening on Wednesday 4th of Feb. from 7:30 to 9pm at the Silver Springs Hotel, Tivoli. Anam Cara Services are available free of charge to all bereaved parents.
Reflection Both readings today warn us about the dangers of being self-obsessed.
The parable of Jonah speaks very clearly of the dangers involved in imagining that we are better than everyone else. Such an attitude blinds us both to the goodness in others and the graciousness of our God whose mercy reaches out to all.
Paul is trying to get across to groups, who are trying to outdo each other in terms of their Christian virtue, that they don’t have to go making radical changes to their lifestyle in order to be faithful to the gospel.
It is much more important that in the ordinary details of their daily life and relationships they are guided by the love of Christ.