Preparing for Lent 2023
The weather begins to change, calendars continue to turn, Christmas and New Year’s celebrations drift further into the rear-view mirror. All are signs that Lent is drawing near. Lent is one of the five seasons of the Catholic liturgical calendar, along with Advent, Christmas, Easter, and Ordinary Time. It precedes Easter and is a solemn period centred on prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. While Lent is often associated with the Catholic faith, many Christians–including Protestant and Orthodox–observe it. There is no better time to reconnect with or deepen one’s faith than Lent. During this time, we can draw closer to God as we prepare for the joyous celebration of Christ’s resurrection at Easter.
Lent offers us opportunities to redirect our lives in a fuller Christian way. One very important part of that redirection is attendance at Mass in person. While livestreaming has been beneficial during Covid, and continues to be so for people who are physically unable to come to the church, it is no substitute for being present in person with the community and receiving Holy Communion, which is the climax of the Mass.
Ash Wednesday We will have Mass and distribution of ashes at a special 10.00 celebration on Wednesday next.
Fridays of Lent We will celebrate Lauds (Morning Prayer) after Mass
Day Care Centre: Mass will also be celebrated in the Day Care Centre on Ash Wednesday. May I take this opportunity to thank the Ministers of the Eucharist who bring Communion to the Centre each day. People from several parishes on the south side of the city come to the Turner’s Cross Day Care Centre and are so warmly welcomed and entertained. The director and staff are to be commended for the wonderful service they provide.
Collections at Mass At the recent meeting of the Parish Assembly it was decided to return to the use of baskets for the collections, as was the case pre-Covid. The parish owes a huge debt of gratitude to the collectors. I want to emphasise that their service to the parish is not taken for granted. Mile buiochas daoibh.
Cork Alzheimers Café
Last Friday of each month 11am to 12.30pm in St Finbarr’s Hospital Activity Centre, Douglas Road.
Light refreshments provided free of charge. All welcome.
Friday 24th February the next meeting.
https://www.facebook.com/Cork-Alzheimer-Cafe-136469209819937/
New Rotas: New rotas are available in the sacristy for Ministers of the Word and Ministers of the Eucharist. These are hugely important ministries in every parish. We are blessed to have such committed and competent Ministers. We welcome new people to these ministries; just make contact by email or mobile.