REDEMPTION
The fourth Sunday of Lent, “Laetare Sunday,” marks the half way point in our Lenten journey and we begin to look forward to Holy Week and Easter, to the mystery of our redemption. Nicodemus came to see Jesus at night in case anybody would see him. He came out of darkness, and we may think of the darkness of our own time, the dreadful persecution in the Middle East and all the other problems with the world, but Jesus says “I am the light of the world.” Jesus tells Nicodemus that the Son of Man must be lifted up for our salvation, lifted up on the cross. God loves the world so much that he gave his only Son, gave him at the incarnation, and at the crucifixion, so that through him the world might be saved. When the Word became flesh, he made our flesh holy and he redeems us as we are called to be children of God. This is a call to holiness and indeed a call to happiness, to inner peace, a call to live through love in his presence.
Lent: Weekday Masses 10.00 am & 6.00 pm. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament on Wednesdays after the 10.00 am Mass until 11.00 am. Morning & Evening Prayer of the Church on Fridays during Lent after the 10.00 am & 6.00 pm Masses
St. Patrick’s Day, Tuesday 17th March, is a holy day of obligation. Vigil Mass 6.00 pm Monday, Masses on Tuesday at 10.00 am and 12.00 noon.
Confessions: Saturdays: after the 10.00 am Mass and 6.00 pm Vigil Mass or ask one of the priests at any time.
Bishops Commissions Collection this weekend 14/15th March, helps fund the work of the Irish Bishops Conference and its agencies and commissions. These include Emigrants, Justice & Peace, Communications, CURA, Child Protection etc.
Death: We remember in our prayers Bill Walsh, Fr. Matthew Road who died recently. We extend our sympathy to his family.
A Parish Pilgrimage to the Holy Land is planned for the 21st October 2016 with a flight direct from Shannon to Tel Aviv – a trip of a lifetime. If you are interested give your name in the Sacristy as we would like to have numbers before we offer places to other parishes.
Spring Dues: We would appreciate if the Area Collectors would collect the envelopes for their areas this weekend 14/15th March from the Sacristy Many thanks
Parents & Friends Association, Bunscoil Chriost Ri would like to invite you all to a great night of fun at our Musical Bingo fundraiser on Friday 20th March at 8pm in The Hawthorn Bar, The Lough. Fab spot prizes: vouchers, hampers, 3 course dinner & B&B for 2 in The Blue Haven, Kinsale! Everyone welcome, please support us.
Soul Food: An evening of information and reflection for men (18-40) interested in religious life. Begins with food at 6.30pm, Wednesday 25th March at Presentation Brothers, Mardyke House. Contact Anthony at 086-0898120 to book a place. E-mail vocation@PresentationBrothers.org or visit www.PresentationBrothers.org <http://www.PresentationBrothers.org>
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes: 11-16th June Booking forms from Joe Walsh Tours 117 Patrick St. See notice at back of Church
Position available for General Operative at the Ursuline Convent, Blackrock. A community employment position, eligibility applies. Duties include gardening, light painting, grounds maintenance, light repairs. Garda vetting applies. CV to cstack@ bessborough.ie <http://bessborough.ie> .
Mother’s Day: We wish all mothers a happy Day. The 12 noon Mass this Sunday is being offered for all our mothers living and deceased. Special cards are available in the Parish Office after Masses.
A Mother’s Day Prayer
I thank you, Creator of us all, for my mother. I thank you that she gave me life and nurtured me all those years. She gave me my faith, helping me to know you and to know Jesus and his ways. She taught me how to love and how to sacrifice for others. She taught me that it was okay to cry and that I should always tell the truth. Bless her with the graces she needs and which you want to give her today. Help her to feel precious in your eyes today and to know that I love her. Give her strength and courage, compassion and peace. Bless her this day and every day with your love. Amen.