Five Wise – Five Foolish
WISDOM
Our reading from the Book of Wisdom tells something about the nature of wisdom. It is available to those who seek it and it is essentially of God. We have seen many sad examples of cleverness and knowledge without wisdom in Irish economic and political life in recent years, and we have had to live with the consequences of that foolishness. A wise person will have a lightness and brightness of heart, a loving heart is wise. Wisdom is a gift from God, and we may pray with the Psalmist: “give me the Wisdom that sits by your throne.”
The parable of the wise and foolish bridesmaids is about end times, the end of the world and the ending of our lives. We may wonder if we will be able to rekindle our faith in a time of crisis, will there be a spark left. Without faith we may not hear the words of life, we may be unable to accept the gift of God’s salvation. We pray that we will be wise, and keep the light of faith burning in our hearts.
As Christians we are not afraid to think about death. We have a sure and certain hope for ourselves and those we love. Jesus tells us he has prepared a place for each of us and will return to take us to himself, so that, as he says, “where I am you may be too.” We live in that hope, in that promise, as we continue to pray for our beloved dead in this month of November.
PRAYERS & BLESSING OF GRAVES
12th Nov. St. Finbarr’s, Glasheen Rd 2.30pm
St. Michael’s, Blackrock. 3.00pm
St Catherine’s, Kilcully 3.00 pm
Don’t forget a prayer at the Graves at the back of the Church
Autumn Dues envelopes are ready for collection by the Area Collectors in the Sacristy. Many thanks.
Diocese of Cork and Ross Vocation Discernment for men aged 18 to 40 who are thinking about priesthood. Monthly gatherings at the Pastoral Development Office, Ballyphehane beginning on Wednesday 29th November from 6:30pm to 8:00pm. Further information contact Fr Charlie Kiely on 021 4537603.
Deaths: We pray for Barry Bevan, Cork and Spain, who died recently. We extend our sympathy to his family.
Marriage Support: A second collection will be taken up at all Masses next weekend 18th/19th November for Diocesan Marriage Support services.
Pope Francis on Twitter: Press to open
Encountering Family in the Gospels and how Pope Francis links this into Amoris Laetitia. Wednesdays 22nd, 29th November and 6th December from 7:30pm to 9:00pm at the Ursuline Convent, Blackrock – access from Convent Road. All welcome, contact Sr Karen at 087 9161792.
PARISH CELEBRATION 25th November, 2017
A number of significant milestones in the life of our parish occurred over the past year or so. We wish to mark Sacristan Jack Kiely’s long service to the church and parish community in Turner’s Cross and his 80th birthday this year. We also want to belatedly acknowledge Fr Kerry’s retirement and his 80th birthday at the end of last year. We celebrate Frank McKevitt’s diaconate ordination and bid farewell to Br Aidan McHugh, following his transfer to Mount St Joseph. These events will be recalled in prayer at the 6.00 pm vigil Mass on Saturday 25th November, 2017. After Mass we will gather for food, music, presentations and a little craic in the Nano Nagle Hall, Bunscoil Chriost Ri. All are invited, so save the date.
OFFICIAL FAMILY PRAYER FOR
WORLD MEETING OF FAMILIES 2018
God, our Father,
We are brothers and sisters in Jesus your Son,
One family, in the Spirit of your love.
Bless us with the joy of love.
Make us patient and kind,
gentle and generous,
welcoming to those in need.
Help us to live your forgiveness and peace.
Protect all families with your loving care,
Especially those for whom we now pray:
[we pause and remember family members and others by name].
Increase our faith,
Strengthen our hope,
Keep us safe in your love,
Make us always grateful for the gift of life that we share.
This we ask, through Christ our Lord,
Amen