GOOD SHEPHERD SUNDAY – Vocation Sunday

All of us are members of the Body of Christ and there is no such thing as a member who does not share in the mission of Christ.  When we follow God’s call, the result is joy and fulfilment, whether our vocation is an overtly religious one or not. May 12th is Good Shepherd Sunday, the World Day of Prayer for Vocations.  Today in spite of sceptical attitudes, a decline in priestly and religious vocations, in spite of the scandals and troubles in the Church, people still follow faithfully and joyfully their lay or religious vocations, enriching their own lives and the life of the Church community to which they belong.

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.  There are 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, whatever you want to do in your life you can do as a religious Sister, Brother or Priest.  The ordained Priest or Deacon is to be a fellow disciple and a brother among brothers and sisters in the family of God and at the same time servant, pastor and teacher. The first task of a priest or deacon is to announce the Gospel of Christ.  Priests are available to all, encouraging those whom they advise to live not only for themselves, but for others.  We are all 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. The signs of a true vocation include deep friendship with Christ, the generous gift of oneself, joyful communion with brothers and sisters in Christ, in a life which proclaims the love of Christ.

Jesus promises he will lead us to springs of living water, as we are filled with the Holy Spirit whose fruits in our lives include peace, gentleness and joy, and the awareness of being fully alive.  The Lord has a plan for each of us, he calls each one by name.  We are called to witness, 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 pray for Sheila Horgan, late of Friars Road who died recently.  We extend our sympathy to her family.

Vocations to the Priesthood –If you are interested in knowing more about being a priest in our diocese we have an open afternoon this weekend Sunday 12th May  from 3:00pm to 6:00pm at the Pastoral Development Office, Ballyphehane (located in the grounds of the Church) Eircode: T12 K798. If you wish to about your vocation, contact Fr Charlie Kiely at
021 4537474

Parish Assembly meeting in the Parish Centre Monday 13th May at 8.00 pm.

First Holy Communion:  Congratulations to the Girls and Boys from Bun Scoil Chríost Rí who received their First Holy Communion on Saturday, 11th May.

The SMA National Novena in honour of our Lady of Knock from Friday 17th to Saturday 25th May at the African Missions Church, Blackrock Road and will end on Saturday 25th May, with our Annual Pilgrimage to Knock. The Novena will be celebrated each evening at 7.30pm (except on Saturday 18th May when it will be at 7.00pm). Contact SMA 021-4292871.

Annual collection for the Diocesan Pastoral Development Office will be taken up at all Masses this weekend – Saturday/Sunday 11th/12th May.  Your generosity to this collection enables the office to continue to offer training and formation for pastoral groups and parish ministries, and adult faith development opportunities throughout the Diocese of Cork and Ross.

Rosary at the Grottos:
Join thousands of people around Ireland as we pray the Rosary in May at 8pm at local Grottos, see www.coastalrosaryireland.ie <http://www.coastalrosaryireland.ie>  or call/text 087 278 6552.

Bring flowers of the rarest – our May hymn to Mary. We encourage you to pray the Rosary (even one decade), during May, or join the Rosary is prayed here before the 10.00 am weekday Mass.