PENTECOST Christ’s fearful disciples were keeping their heads down, not drawing attention to themselves. A sudden change occurred on that Sunday morning, they began to speak openly and powerfully about Jesus, proclaiming that he is risen, that he is Lord. These days Catholics in Ireland can feel a bit fearful, our heads down, we are shamed by what went wrong in our Church, fed up of the constant media attacks and upset by falling Mass attendances. We know it should be better, we pray it will be better. The Spirit gives us hope that it will be better, that he will make his Church new and vibrant as on that Pentecost dawn. The Holy Spirit is the Lord and giver of life, the one who renews the face of the earth. We pray for renewal, for ourselves and for the Church, that we may experience the new life, the enthusiasm and the love of the early Church. Jesus tells us not to be afraid, he is with us through his Spirit to comfort and guide, to answer our cry. Jesus’ message of life and love is not spread by powerful human systems or programmes, but by the Spirit of God: “not by might, not by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord.” (Zechariah 4:6)
Lourdes: Fr. Kerry travels to Lourdes with the Diocesan Pilgrimage on Sunday next 11th June. Our good wishes and prayers go with him. Petitions to be placed at the Grotto may be put in envelopes – no money – and placed in the box at the altar rail before 12.00 noon on Saturday 10th June.
Minister of the Word Rota for Summer 2017 is available for collection in the sacristy
PILGRIMAGE TO THE HOLY LAND
“and now our feet are standing within your gates, O Jerusalem”
Fr Billy is joining Canon Bertie O’Mahony, PP Dennehy’s Cross, for the 2017 Ballineaspaig Parish Pilgrimage to the Holy Land. The pilgrimage will depart from Cork Airport to fly via London to Tel Aviv on Monday October 9th and will return to Cork Airport on Wednesday October 18th. For the first four days, we will be based in Tiberias on the Sea of Galilee and will arrive in Bethlehem on the evening of October 13th, where we will be based for the remainder of our stay.
There are some additional spaces available and anybody interested in joining the pilgrimage should contact Fr Billy as soon as possible, as completed booking forms and a deposit are required in June. Further details are available from Ballineaspaig Parish Office 021 4344452 or from Premier Travel, 2, Grand Parade, Daunt’s Square, Cork, 021 4277700.
The cost of the nine-day pilgrimage is € 1,695 per person sharing, including half -board accommodation and all taxes. A valid passport is required for entry into Tel Aviv, passports have to be valid for at least six months from the date you depart the country.
Traffic Disruption during Cork City Marathon on this Sunday 4th June from 10.30 am to 1.30 pm. Traffic access to the Church from South Douglas Road/ Skabeg and Curragh Road will be affected. Traffic will be directed from the South Douglas Road onto the Cross Douglas Road via Douglas Road and onto Capwell Road. Traffic from the southern end of Capwell Road may turn left only onto the South Douglas Road. Curragh Road will be closed to traffic. Access to the church car park from Evergreen Road will not be affected.
Ordination to Priesthood:
On Saturday next, June 10th, Reverend Evin O’Brien of Mahon parish, a clerical student for our Diocese, will be Ordained to the Priesthood by Bishop Buckley at the Church of the Holy Cross, Mahon at 12 noon. Priests of the Diocese will concelebrate at the Ordination Mass and all are invited.
Exams: Our prayers and good wishes to all beginning Exams on this Wednesday, when the 10am Mass will be offered for you all. May your efforts and hard work be blessed with success. Our Students are also remembered in our Shared Mass every Friday at 10am. Special Cards are available in the Sacristy.
Prayer for Exam Students
Let us pray for all our young people doing exams:
Lord, pour out your Spirit of Wisdom on them:
help them to remain calm,
to attend carefully to the questions asked,
to think clearly, to remember accurately,
and to express themselves well.
Grant that they may reflect on the best of the
work they have done and the best of the teaching
they have received.
Accept their best efforts in these examinations
and in the great test of life on earth.
May your love be upon them, O Lord,
as they place all their trust in you.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
AMEN