LENT
Lent is a time for taking stock, for repentance and renewal. The Ash Wednesday blessing is in two principal forms: the sombre turn away from sin and believe in the gospel, or the grim remember that you are dust and to dust you will return; something of a reality check, a reminder that we are on a journey through life, and the journey will come to an end. We need to remember what is really important and to have healthy priorities such as family love and connectedness rather than individualism, generosity rather than self-centredness, living for others rather than for ourselves. When our focus is just on ourselves, we may be “religious” but we have no real appreciation of the other-centred love implicit in God’s calling. There is no real relationship with Jesus outside community, and solitary Christianity is a contradiction. This Lent we pray for a renewed spirit of community and that we will recognise those around us as brothers and sisters for whom Christ died.
Our PARISH MISSION for Lent will run from Monday 20th to Friday 24th March and will be given by a team from St Patrick’s Community. Team member John Pridmore, ex-gangster and international bestselling Author of the book ‘From Gangland to Promised Land,’ will be sharing his amazing story on Monday night.
Mission Prayer
Heavenly Father,
We pray that our Parish Mission may be a time of grace and renewal for all.
We ask you to bless all the families in our Parish especially those who are experiencing difficulties.
Bless the old, the young, the poor, the sick, the unemployed and those in sorrow or despair.
Help us dear Lord to grow in faith and love of you.
Amen.
Mission Leaflets for distribution with the Spring Dues envelopes are in the Sacristy for distribution during the coming week, in good time before the Mission, help from our Dues Collectors would be greatly appreciated.
Lenten Masses: in Turner’s Cross 10am & 6pm each day.
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament on Wednesday mornings in Lent after the 10.00 am Mass until 11.00 am.
Morning and Evening Prayer of the Church (Lauds and Vespers) after 10.00 am and 6.00 pm Masses on Fridays in Lent. Lasts about ten minutes, leaflets will be available for everybody.
Lent – Our Journey into God. Two evenings with Anne Francis & Fr. Christy Fitzgerald, exploring our Lenten journey through the Word of God. Monday 20th & 27th March, 8pm in Carrigaline Parish Centre (behind the Church).
The Parish Assembly: meeting this Monday 6th March in the Parish Centre at 8.00 pm.
First Confessions: Girls & Boys from Bun Scoil Chriost Ri will be making their First Confessions on next Wednesday 8th March at 7.30pm We pray for them, for their parents & teachers.
Trócaire Family Fast Boxes are available at the back of the Church, and are distributed through the Schools. Last Lent the parish and Bun Scoil Chriost Ri raised € 4,235 for Trócaire. “Everything that is shared is multiplied, only when we are able to share do we become truly rich.” Pope Francis
Young Adult Helpers in Lourdes – June 11 to 16. Thank you to all who requested application forms to come as helpers on our Diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes. Forms to be returned by Tuesday 14th March. Enquiries to Fr Charlie Kiely 021 4537603
The Gospel of Life. A four session programme to look at the what the Gospel says to us about a consistent ethic of life and the dignity of each person before God. Include: the care of creation, welcoming refugees and migrants, the sacredness of human life from conception to its natural end, and dignity of work and a home for each person. Programme will offered by Sr Karen at the Pastoral Development Office, Parochial House, Ballyphehane on Tuesdays 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th March. Coffee at 10:30am, session 10:50am to 12:15pm. Phone 021 4537601. No cost.
“Walk with Me,” a Lenten Journey of Prayer –an excellent booklet. Cost €1.30, available at the back of the Church.
Bishops Commissions Collection next weekend 11th/12th 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.
Table Quiz in aid of Pieta House on Friday, 10th March at 8.30 pm in The Market Tavern, Anglesea Street. €20 per table of 4. Music and free finger food. Fantastic Raffle on the night. ALL WELCOME
The Further Education Colleges (College of Commerce, CSN – Colaiste Stiofain Naofa, St. Johns Central College) will be holding an Open Day on Tuesday 7th March, 2017. All Welcome.