COVENANT: Lent recalls the forty days Jesus spent in the wilderness, and indeed the forty years of wandering in the desert experienced by the children of Israel. We at times experience a wilderness in our lives, times of temptations and dangers, and hardship. God has told us he will be with us, will hear us when we cry to him. He has made a covenant with us, and promised that his faithful love will not be withdrawn. A covenant signifies an agreement by which the participants are bound to each other in a family-like loyalty. The covenant of safety and salvation with Noah foreshadows the new and eternal covenant of Jesus. It is by the new covenant in Jesus’ blood that we are committed as family to God and become his daughters and sons. This Lent we pray that we will prepare ourselves for God’s kingdom, confident in his covenant of life and love.
Synod of Bishops: The meetings in October, 2015 will examine the Vocation and Mission of the Family in the Church and Contemporary World, continuing the discussion from the 2014 Assembly. Pope Francis has again asked for wide consultation with local churches, and we are asked to comment on special questions included in the preparatory document. The Parish Assembly has arranged a meeting to discuss our response at 8.00 pm on this Monday 23rd February, in the Parish Centre, all are welcome. The results of the meeting will be sent to Bishop Buckley, to be included in the diocesan return which will form part of the national return to Rome.
Lent: The increase daily Mass attendance for Lent is inspiring. Masses at 10am & 6pm each day. Lent involves outreach to others, e.g. the sick in hospitals and nursing homes; people living alone; voluntary groups are always seeking volunteers. May Lent be a time of renewal as we hear the words of Christ: Repent, and believe in the Gospel.
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament on Wednesday mornings in Lent after the 10.00 am Mass until 11.00 am.
Parish Choir: New members of our Parish Choir are always welcome, contact Paula 087-3879733 or any member of the Choir.
Deaths: We pray for Norma Buckley, Palaceanne Lawn and Sr. Berchmans Murphy, Presentation Convent, Turner’s Cross. who died recently. We extend our sympathy to their families and community.
Trócaire Family Fast Boxes are available at the back of the church, and will also be distributed through the Primary & Secondary Schools. Last Lent through the Family Fast Boxes the sum of €5,466 was raised for Trócaire from our Parish & Bun Scoil Chriost Ri.
The Christian Vocation – a talk by the Papal Nuncio. His Excellency, The Most Rev Charles J. Brown, Papal Nuncio to Ireland, will speak as part of the St. Columba’s Church Bi-centenary Talk Series at St. Columba’s Church, Douglas, Thursday 26th February 8.00 pm. All Welcome.
In the Footsteps of Blessed Edmund Rice –
Pilgrimage to Callan, Co. Kilkenny & Mt Sion, Waterford City on Sunday, 8th March. Bus departs Mardyke House at 8.30am, returning at 6.30pm. €25, includes lunch. Contact 086-0898120, comms@Presentation Brothers.org or visit www.PresentationBrothers.org <http://www.PresentationBrothers.org> .
Cork Penny Dinners First Holy Communion Event Sunday 1st of March 1pm-6pm in the River Lee Hotel, Western Road, Cork. Pop-up shop with Communion Dresses and Suits, shoes and accessories. Experts to check the fitting and ensure that everything is just right. This is a FREE service and is strictly confidential, contact Caitriona on 085 1201742 to put your name on the list.
Perinatal Hospice Care Coffee Morning Wednesday, 25th February 11am – 1pm at Good Shepherd Convent, The Well Centre, Sunday’s Well (next to the City Gaol). Everybody Welcome – Loretta – 021-4679426
Lantern Community Project Free Courses: Men’s Health & Well-Being from Monday February 23rd from 7.30-10.00pm for 8 weeks. Women’s Health & Well-Being from Wednesday February 25th 10.30 am -1.00pm for 8 weeks. Application forms from Norma Roche- 086-0236442, norma@lanternproject.ie
Lourdes 2015 – Young Adult Helpers. The Diocese invites young adults 18-30 to come to Lourdes as helpers from 11th to 16th June. They will assist with the sick and be involved in the full pilgrimage programme as well as time for prayer, for making new friends and sharing in the story of Lourdes. Limited number of places. Contact Fr. Charlie Kiely 021-4537603, email charliekiely@gmail.com.