Repentance
The readings for this third Sunday of Easter speak of repentance, being redeemed by the suffering of Christ and turning to God for his forgiveness and acceptance.  In this they mirror the movement in our celebration of Mass, when we repent, listen to the Word of God, participate in the sacrifice of Jesus at Calvary and are nourished by his life-giving body and blood. We are children of God through the new and eternal covenant in Jesus’ blood and are enabled to live a life of peace, that peace of Christ which is beyond human understanding.  Jesus said to the disciples and says to us: “peace be with you.” The celebration of the memorial of Jesus’ Passion is not a matter of ritual, but of an interior reality, a movement of our hearts.  Our repentance involves a renewing of attitude, causing us to be gentle, kind and accepting of other people.  As we become familiar with God’s Word we learn to recognise his voice and be guided by him. We learn from his word how to live life to the full, how to live with an inner peace.

Death:  We remember in our prayers Timmy Hurley, Evergreen Rd who died recently We extend our sympathy to his family

Confirmations:  We welcome Bishop John in this the Golden Jubilee year of his priesthood to our Parish Confirmation ceremony on Wednesday next, April 22nd. at 10.30am

Because of Confirmations there will be no 10.00 am Mass on Wednesday.  Mass will be at 9.00 am with the Confirmation Mass at 10.30am

Ministers of the Eucharist can collect their rota for the coming weeks in the Sacristy

Parish Library: open this weekend 18/19th April. Return a book and take another.

Thank you to all who contributed to our Daffodil Day Collection on 27th March, a total of €380 euro was  collected for the Irish Cancer Society.

Parish Pilgrimage to Mount Melleray Abbey.  A Parish Pilgrimage to Mount Melleray is planned for Pentecost Sunday 24th May, when we will pray for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit on our Parish and on our Church.  Bus will depart from Evergreen Road at 12.35 pm, approximately, return for 7.00 pm, refreshments at the Abbey.  Cost € 10.00, names and payment may be given in to Sacristy.

Welcome to the Carrigaline Gospel Choir at our 6.00 pm Mass this Saturday, under their director Karen Cogan. We are delighted that they have joined us and congratulate them on their tenth anniversary.

Diocesan Quarterly Collection: at all Masses this weekend. 18th /19th April.  This collection supports the diocesan office and diocesan initiatives. The diocese is currently operating at an annual deficit of over €300,000

Come and see: Priesthood in the Diocese of Cork and Ross.  An open invitation is extended to men over 18 interested in knowing more about being  a priest in our Diocese to an afternoon information session on this Sunday 19th April from 2:30pm to 5:30pm  at Ennismore Retreat Centre, Montenotte.  Further details from Canon Bertie O’Mahony  021 4346940  or  Fr Tom Deenihan  021 43017171, email: secretary@corkandross.org <mailto:secretary@corkandross.org>

The Annual Mass and Blessing for People with Parkinson’s, their families and friends will take place at St. Patrick’s Church, Rochestown on Mon. 20th April at 7 p.m.  All Welcome.

Consecrated Life  Celebrating and praying for Vocations to the Priesthood and Consecrated Life
Pope Francis has designated this year – the Year for Consecrated Life – so we invite the priests, religious and people of the Diocese to join together to give thanks for the vocations of the past, to celebrate the vocations in our diocese today and to pray in hope for vocations of the future in our Diocesan liturgy on Friday 24th April  at 7:30pm at Saint Michael’s Church, Blackrock.  .All welcome.

 Tea Day for the Alzheimer Society Thursday 23rd April, Neptune Stadium 11.00am – 2.00 pm.   Parishioners are invited to join members of the society for tea and scones at Neptune on Thursday (the Lord Mayor will be attending this year).

The Battle of Rochestown.  John Borgonovo of the History Department, UCC will deliver a talk on the Battle of Rochestown which occurred during the war of Independence at 8.00 pm on Thursday 23rd of April in St. Columba’s Parish Pastoral Centre, Douglas. All Welcome.