DAY OF PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS We have become more and more conscious of the fall in the number of priests and the reduced number of vocations to the priesthood in the Ireland of our time. There are of course different vocations, different ways of living out our Christian calling. The vocation to a married or single lay life is the norm, and such vocations are the mainstay of the Church. The men and women who are members of religious orders, congregations and societies spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ through a variety of ways, and whatever you want to do in your life you can do as a religious Sister, Brother or Priest. In spite of prevailing sceptical attitudes, in spite of the scandals and troubles in the Church, people still respond joyfully to their lay or religious vocations, enriching their own lives and the life of the Church community to which they belong. All of us share in the mission of Christ, and whether our vocation is an overtly religious one or not, when we follow God’s call the result is joy and fulfilment. Jesus asks us to recognise his voice and follow him, and he promises us eternal life, and a peace in this life that the world cannot give.
We do of course have some priestly vocations and each year there are ordinations. The ordained priest is to be a fellow disciple and a brother among sisters and brothers in the family of God and at the same time pastor and teacher. The first task of priesthood is to announce the Gospel of Christ. Priests are available to all, encouraging those to whom they are pastors to live not only for themselves, but for others. We are beginning to see vocations to the Permanent Diaconate in our Diocese. Deacons combine parish work with family life and fulltime careers. The diaconate is open to married and single men alike: married men must be at least 35 years on applying; celibate men can be accepted at 25.
All of us are called to give witness to joy and life in our individual vocations, to show the love of God for all his people and especially those who are weak, hurt or vulnerable. Signs of a true vocation include deep friendship with Christ, the generous gift of oneself, joyful communion with brothers and sisters in Christ, a life which proclaims the love of Christ. We are called to love and to serve, vocations are about following Christ. A generous response to a vocation is a source of happiness and joy, as we realise and experience that “it is in giving that we receive.”
Death: We remember in our prayers Pearl O’Halloran (nee Lawlor) Airport Road and late of Turners Cross), who died recently, we extend our sympathy to her family.
Come and See Information Day for Priesthood in the Diocese of Cork & Ross. The Annual Vocations Information Day will be held this year at The Pastoral Development Office, Ballyphehane 021-4537603 on Sunday May 7th from 2.30pm to 5.30pm. For more information, in confidence please contact Fr. Tom Deenihan (021) 4301717, Fr Charlie Kiely (021) 4537603 or Canon Bertie O’Mahony (021) 4371684.
Pope Francis seeks the views of young people. Young people aged 16-29 are invited to complete the survey for Pope Francis with their views on church today, at http://www.corkandross.org
SMA Pilgrimage to Lourdes 17th – 22nd September, 2017. Five nights, full board in the Hotel Roissy. Director: Fr. Hugh B. Harkin SMA, African Missions, Blackrock Road Tel: 021-4292871
Annual collection for the Diocesan Pastoral Development Office next weekend. The annual collection to fund the work of the Cork and Ross Pastoral Development Office will be taken up next weekend Saturday/Sunday 13th and 14th May. This annual collection funds the costs of training for Parish Assemblies and Pastoral Councils; training and resourcing parish ministries such as Parish Catechists, RCIA teams, Visitation teams, Baptism Preparation Teams, Young Adult and Youth Ministry; and ongoing formation for all engaged parish ministry such as talks, conferences and courses for clergy, religious and laity.
Anointing of the Sick on Saturday 13th May after 10.00 am Mass. Transferred because of First Holy Communions on 6th May
Bring flowers of the rarest – this hymn to Mary will be sung during May. We encourage you to pray the Rosary, (even one decade), particularly during these weeks of May. The Rosary is prayed every morning here before the 10.00 am Mass.
CMCC: Marriage Preparation Courses: Book your pre-marriage course at CMCC, early booking is essential. Contact us on 021 4272277. Over 90% of couples find our courses to be “A very worthwhile experience.”