“O THAT TODAY YOU WOULD LISTEN TO HIS VOICE”
Today’s reading from Deuteronomy tells of a prophet to be raised up by God, a new Moses, in whose mouth God will put His words. Jesus’ words are the words of God, and we may ask ourselves if we are ready to listen to them, or do we prefer just to speak ourselves. In the gospel reading Jesus’ preaching makes a deep impression on those in the synagogue at Capernaum. There is power in his words, spoken to confront evil. He comes to confront the darkness in our live too, and to say to the death voices of our contemporary world, “be quiet!” He speaks to our addictions, our attitudes of selfish individualism, our sin. Are we ready to be healed and to be set free? The psalm says:“O that today you would listen to his voice.” The choice is ours, to listen or not. Let’s pray that we will have the courage to listen, and to live out his words in our lives and witness to the life-giving power of those words to a world sorely in need of witnesses.
Candlemas Day: Candles will be blessed at 10.00 am Mass on Monday, the feast of the Presentation of the Lord, commemorating the presentation of Jesus in the Temple. Beeswax candles (€1.50) are available at the back of the Church. 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 Tuesday Feb 3rd after the 10am and 6pm Masses (note the extra Mass at 6.00 pm).
Anointing of the Sick: This month Anointing of the Sick will take place on Wednesday 11th February, “World Day of Prayer for the Sick,” after the 10.00 am & 6.00 pm Masses (note extra Mass). Refreshments in the Parish Centre courtesy of the Parish Assembly after the 10.00 am Mass. Consider offering a lift to a neighbour who may be housebound.
Meeting and Greeting: The Parish Assembly is developing a team to welcome people, regulars or newcomers, to Mass on Sunday. It is good to foster the communal aspect of our Sunday Mass. 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.
Weekly 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.
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes Collection A special collection at all Masses next
weekend 7th/8th February to help those whose health and/or means would otherwise prevent them from travelling to Lourdes. It also subsidises the travel of essential care personnel. This year’s Pilgrimage is from 11th to 16th June.
First Friday: Fr Kerry & Fr. Billy will visit the sick and housebound on Thursday & Friday of this week. If you would like a visit please contact us.
Diocesan Certificates in Biblical Studies: a four module programme over two years. Module 1 consists of 5 nights and one Saturday workshop starts 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 always welcome, contact Paula 087-3879733 or any member of the Choir.
Ministers of Word & Eucharist: Rotas for coming weeks in the Sacristy.
Community Employment Vacancy: Secretary /Receptionist vacancy at Diocese of Cork and Ross Pastoral Development Office, Ballyphehane. Community Employment eligibility applies. CVs to Southside Training & Development Ltd., SMA Centre, Wilton. Tel: 4345583. Email southsidetdl@eircom.net
First Friday Fr Kerry & Fr. Billy will visit the sick and housebound on Thursday & Friday of this week. If you would like a visit please contact us.
Wanted Old / Broken Mobile Phones: Bun Scoil Chriost Ri are collecting old mobile phones, batteries and chargers for Irish Autism Action Scheme “IPads for Phones”. From Tuesday next there will be a box at the back of the Church for old phones.
Ministers of Word & Eucharist: Rotas for coming weeks in the Sacristy.
Community Employment Vacancy: Secretary /Receptionist vacancy at Diocese of Cork and Ross Pastoral Development Office, Ballyphehane. Community Employment eligibility applies. CVs to Southside Training & Development Ltd., SMA Centre, Wilton. Tel: 4345583. Email southsidetdl@eircom.net
South Parish Historical Society: Wednesday 4th February 7:30 pm in St John’s Sawmill St. Speaker Liam O’hUigín “Growing up in the Marsh Area in the 40s, 50s & 60s. All welcome.