Catholic Schools Week 2016:  takes place from: 31st Jan. to 6th Feb. The theme this year: “Challenged to Proclaim God’s Mercy.”  We celebrate our schools as places of faith where the mercy of God shines through each day.  The themes for each day are

Monday:       I am the face of God’s when I am kind and compassionate.
Tuesday:      I am the face of God’s mercy when I forgive and reconcile
Wednesday: Grandparents are the face of God’s mercy.
Thursday:    I am the face of God’s mercy when I’m fair and just.                            Friday:         I am the face of God’s mercy when I live like Jesus

St. Brigid: Monday 1st February, Secondary Patron of Ireland.  Lá le Bríd coincides with longer days and the beginning of spring.  We ask for her intercession for a new springtime for the faith in Ireland, that we may face our many challenges with renewed confidence.

Candlemas Day: Candles will be blessed at 10.00 am Mass on Tuesday, the feast of the Presentation of the Lord, commemorating the presentation of Jesus in the Temple. Beeswax candles (€2.00) 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 Wednesday Feb 3rd after the 10.00 am and 6.00 pm Masses (note the extra Mass at 6.00 pm).

Anointing of the Sick: This month Anointing of the Sick will take place on Thursday 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.
Note:  No Anointing of the sick at the 10.00 am Mass on Saturday 6th February.  The February monthly coffee morning in the Parish Centre on 11th February, to coincide with the World Day of Prayer for the sick.

 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.

The Parish Library is open at all Masses next weekend 7th and 8th February, to get or return books.

Confessions:   Saturdays after the 10.00 am Mass & after 6.00 pm Vigil Mass, or ask one of the priests at any time.

Thank You:  The Director of Trocaire has written to thank the Parishioners of Turner’s Cross for buying Trocaire Gifts at Christmas to the value of €1,002.50 and to thank those who helped to sell the gifts.  These gifts provide real hope and opportunity for many families and communities in the world’s poorest places.

The Turner’s Cross Parish Alpha Course began last Wednesday and continues on Wednesday evenings in the Parish Centre from 8.00 pm to 10.00 pm for ten weeks until April.   This is an opportunity to explore faith and the meaning of life in a friendly environment.  There is no charge for the Alpha Course and everyone is welcome, feel free to join us even if you missed the opening session.

Sisters of Bon Secours Lenten Programme. All young adults invited on Tuesday 9th February, then each Tuesday in Lent to explore “What does Mercy Mean?”  From 7.00 – 8.00 pm in  Casa Maria/Cnoc Mhuire (Opposite Bon Secours Hospital, College Road).  Lenten Retreat Day Saturday 12th March 11.00 am-4.00 pm in the Sisters of Bon Secours Convent. Booking essential, lunch provided.

Lourdes 2016 – Young Adult Helpers   Our Diocese invites Young Adults 18-30 years old to come to Lourdes as helpers from 11th to 16th June. As helpers you will assist the sick and be involved in the full pilgrimage programme as well as a time of prayer, for making new friends. and share in the story of Lourdes. Details from Fr. Charlie Kiely  4537603.    Pastoral  Office, Parochial House Ballyphane

Diocesan Bible Study Certificate Module 3 an introduction to the Gospels will be presented by Fr Ben Hegarty OP, Marian Mortell & Fr John Newman. Monday Feb 1st in SCALA (opposite Blackrock Castle) and will run for six nights.  Also a Saturday workshop on the Year of Mercy with Dr. Jessie Rogers on April 16th. There are a limited number of places available on the module.

Cork South Parish Historical Society  Monthly Meeting on Wed. 3rd Feb. at 7:30 p.m. in St John’s College Sawmill Street. Speaker  Shane Lehane  will speak on “The Folklore of the May Morning Hare”  All Welcome