Entrance Hymn: Amazing Grace

This is the penultimate Sunday of the current liturgical year.

Next Sunday is the feast of Christ the King, patron of this church and parish.

Advent begins in a fortnight’s time.

Today we begin with a summary of the history of our church, to be continued next weekend.

§  Commissioned in 1927 by Rev Daniel Cohalan D.D., Bishop of Cork

§  Designed by Chicago Architect Barry Byrne

§  Built through 1929-1931 by John Buckley

§  Opened on the Feast of Christ the King, October 25th 1931.

§  Cost £30,000

§  The first Irish church to be designed by a foreign architect

§  The first Irish church to be built from concrete instead of brick

§  One of the largest suspended-ceiling churches in Europe.

§  Seating Capacity of 1200

By the mid 1920’s, the South Parish of Cork city, had grown in both population and area to a point where it could no longer function with a single church. In an effort to address the situation, the bishop of Cork, Rev. Daniel Cohalan D.D designated Turners Cross as the location for a second parish church to serve the ever growing congregation. The architect chosen was the American Barry Byrne, who had already designed three Catholic churches in the US. The first model of the church had the same octagonal shape as we see today but was based on a brick exterior/interior and featured a suspended wooden ceiling. It was a larger-scale development on a previous Byrne design in Tulsa, Oklahoma (1926).

Department of Education Survey about School Choice (message from the diocese):

The current Department of Education survey on the future of patronage in the primary sector is important in that it will shape the discussion on primary school divesting for the years to come throughout the Republic of Ireland. While it is important that those who wish for a change in patronage would have their voice heard, it is equally important that those who wish for a Catholic Education for their children and for those who would wish for sacramental preparation within the school would have their voice heard also. For those reasons and to ensure that an accurate picture emerges, please participate in this survey if you are a parent, prospective parent of a Primary school student. The survey can be accessed at www.gov.ie/primary-school-survey The IEC message regarding this survey is available on the Cork and Ross Social media platforms.

Recent Deaths: The deaths have occurred of Phyllis Doyle, Doyle Road; Michael (Mick) Murphy, Mercier Park. May they rest in peace. We extend our sympathy to their families.

Sweet shall my weeping be, Grief surely leading me, Nearer my God to Thee, nearer to Thee.