Entrance Hymn: Here I am, Lord

Exaltation of the Holy Cross

According to Christian tradition, the True Cross was discovered in 326 by Saint Helena, the mother of the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great, during a pilgrimage she made to Jerusalem. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre was then built at the site of the discovery, by order of Helena and Constantine. The church was dedicated nine years later (335), with a portion of the cross. One-third therefore remained in Jerusalem, one-third was brought to Rome and one-third was taken to Constantinople.

The date of the feast marks the dedication of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in 335. This was a two-day festival: although the actual consecration of the church was on 13 September, the cross itself was brought outside the church on 14 September so that the clergy and faithful could pray before the True Cross, and all could come forward to venerate it. And so we celebrate the Veneration of the Cross today, 14^th September.

A Gathering to look together at what is emerging as next steps from the Year of Prayer, Listening and Discernment:

This will take place in the Rochestown Park Hotel today, Sunday 14^th  September. Members of the Parish Assembly and Finance Committee are invited. The meeting begins with tea/coffee at 2.00 pm and ends at 5.00 pm.

We received a letter from Bishop Fintan about this meeting. This is an extract from the letter:

‘I am very grateful for your engagement with the Year of Prayer, Listening and Discernment.  To continue our journey together I invite you and representatives from your Parish Leadership Team (including priests, deacons, religious and those who represented their parishes at the sessions) to attend a gathering to look together at what is emerging as next steps from this year.’

Recent Deaths:

Since the beginning of July a number of deaths have occurred in the parish and among families associated with the parish. We offer our sympathy and support.

The deaths have occurred of Thomas Dorgan, Killavullen; Robert (Bob) McCarthy, Curragh Rd; Br James Needham, Presentation Brothers, Turner’s Cross; Maureen Scully, Greenhills Estate; Donie Walsh, Fr Matthew Rd; Clodagh McCarthy (aged 6), Mitchelstown; Paul Gibbons, Derrynane Rd; Mary Lynch, Palaceanne Lawn; George Morrison, Loreto Park; Kay Black, South Douglas Rd; Cormac Dullea, Dunmanway. Leaba i measc na naomh go raibh acu. We pray for their families and all those affected by their deaths.

 Recessional Hymn: Now Thank we all our God