Entrance Hymn: Sweet Sacrament Divine

Saints Peter and Paul (Simon and Saul)

Simon was born in Bethsaida, near the Sea of Galilee. He was a fisherman by trade, along with his brother Andrew. When Jesus met Simon, He said, “‘You are Simon the son of John; you will be called Cephas (which is translated Peter)” John 1:42.  Matthew’s Gospel relates that Jesus changed Simon’s name to Peter when He said to him, “I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven” Matthew 16:18f.  With his new name and unique spiritual authority in which he held the “keys to the kingdom of heaven,” Peter emerged as the central leader of the Church after Pentecost. He spent about a decade in Jerusalem, preaching powerfully, performing miracles, and converting many. He eventually travelled to Rome where he established the Church there, becoming its first bishop. Around the year 64, he was martyred during the persecutions of Emperor Nero. His tomb is located under the main altar of Saint Peter’s Basilica.

Saul was born as a Roman citizen in Tarsus, modern-day Turkey. After Jesus’ ascension into Heaven, Saul became one of the fiercest persecutors of the early Church, being partly responsible for the death of the proto-martyr Saint Stephen Acts 7:58. However, within a few years, as Saul was traveling to Damascus to persecute other Christians, he was knocked to the ground and struck blind. He heard Jesus say to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” Jesus then directed him to a disciple of the Lord in Damascus named Ananias who baptized Saul. Saul spent about three years in Arabia where he went through an intense time of prayer and study, eventually returning to Damascus. In Jerusalem, Saul began to use his Roman name, Paul, and then spent approximately the next ten years as a missionary throughout the Mediterranean. Back in Jerusalem, he was imprisoned for a couple of years and then was sent to Rome for trial since he was a Roman citizen.

         Saints Peter and Paul are considered the foundational pillars of the Church. Peter represents the stability of the Church and the office of the Vicar of Christ. Paul represents the mission of evangelization that was entrusted to the Church by Jesus Himself.

Second Collection this weekend will be the Peter’s Pence collection. Peter’s Pence is a collection taken up annually by the Catholic Church to support the Holy Father’s charitable and apostolic works.

Trocaire

The Trocaire boxes presented in Christ the King Church netted a total of €2,107.00. Thanks to all who contributed. A special word of thanks to Sacristan, Jack Kiely, who looked after the whole process, from distributing the boxes to counting and banking the money.

Fr Paul Kangkai, from Nigeria, will come to our parish again this year. He will arrive on 16^th August.

Sweet heart of Jesus
We implore
O make us love thee
More and more

Entrance Hymn: Sweet Sacrament Divine

The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

This weekend we celebrate the feast of the Body and Blood of Christ present in the Eucharist. It is one of our core beliefs as Catholics. We believe that the bread and wine become the body and blood of Christ during the Mass and the communion we receive is not bread but Christ himself. This is a major claim. We can only accept it in faith. I suggest that for the Year of Faith we might focus on the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist and ask the Holy Spirit to deepen our faith in it.

            Familiarity breeds indifference. We are so accustomed to the Mass and to receiving Communion that we can become casual about it, taking for granted what is really involved. The earliest account of the Eucharist is our second reading this evening, from St Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians 11:23-5:

For the tradition I received from the Lord and also handed on to you is that on the night he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took some bread,  and after he had given thanks, he broke it, and he said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” And in the same way, with the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Whenever you drink it, do this as a memorial of me.’”

We believe in Christ’s presence in the Eucharist because we have Jesus’s words for it. These words are so important that three of the four gospels give an account of them, that is, Matthew, Mark, and Luke.

An invitation to the 99^th Cork Eucharistic Procession:

The 99^th Eucharistic Procession takes place today, leaving the Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Anne at 3.00pm. Alternatively, one can join the procession at the national monument on the Grand Parade for the sermon and Benediction. It is expected to arrive there about 3.40. For more details see www.corkandross.org

The Sacrament of Anointing will be offered at Mass next Friday, the feast of the Sacred Heart.

Parish Finance Committee meets next Friday at 3.00 pm

Parish Choir The Parish Choir has begun its summer vacation. A huge ‘thank you’ is due to this wonderful group of singers, together with their organist and director, Cian O’Sullivan. We look forward to their return in September.

Second Collection next weekend will be the Peter’s Pence collection. Peter’s Pence is a collection taken up annually by the Catholic Church to support the Holy Father’s charitable and apostolic works.

Recent Deaths The death has occurred of Anne Murphy, Kilcolman Lawn; Carol O’Connor, South Douglas Rd; Kathleen Dunlea, Greenhills Estate; Joan Neville, Capwell Ave. May they rest in peace. We offer our sympathy to their families, neighbours and friends.

Sweet heart of Jesus
We implore
O make us love thee
More and more

Entrance Hymn: Hail Redeemer, King divine!

An invitation to the 99^th Cork Eucharistic Procession:

Please join us for the 99^th Eucharistic Procession which takes place on Sunday, June 22^nd leaving the Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Anne at 3.00pm. This year to accommodate the growing large numbers it was decided to take the final prayer and Benediction outside onto a specially constructed platform down at the end of Grand Parade near the National Monument. For more details see www.corkandross.org

First Communion Procession

Last Sunday’s Noon Mass welcomed the children who recently received their First Holy Communion. They participated in a procession at the end of Mass and this was followed by treats in the Parish Centre. The experience was indeed a memorable one. Hopefully, it will encourage the children and their parents to build on the experience. Sincere thanks to Rose Fitzgerald and her mother-in-law, Chris, who prepared and donated the drinks and cakes. Incidentally, they also do so for the Morning Coffee on the first Tuesday of each month. Mile buiochas.

Applications for Ss Peter and Paul’s Young Adult Community!

The Cork Cathedral Family of Parishes invites young adults of faith aged 18–30 to consider living in Saints Peter and Paul’s Young Adult Community from September 2025 to June 2026. This community is a place for both men and women to grow in faith, make lifelong friends, and get involved in projects within the Cathedral Family of Parishes. Cost: €150 per week plus utility bills. For an application form email youngadultcommunity@corkandross.org. Closing date for applications 23^rd  June 2025

Remembrance Mass in St Michael’s Cemetery

The annual remembrance Mass will be held on Wednesday, 25^th June, at 7.30pm. The organisers advise that those attending bring their own chair.

Turner’s Cross Active Retired Ladies’ Social Club

The club is now actively looking for new members. It meets every Tuesday evening, 7.00-9.30 pm. If interested contact Teresa at CPD, Ballyphehane at 0879015339

Weddings: Congratulations to Shauna Meehan (Railway Place) and Dylan Preston, married on Thursday; Maria Kennedy (Mercier Park) and John Charles O’Flynn, married on Saturday. Both weddings here in Christ the King.

Recent Deaths: Sheila Kelleher, Greenhills Estate; Angela Gaffney, Evergreen Road. May they rest in peace. Sincere sympathies to their families.

Recessional Hymn: Praise to the Lord

Entrance Hymn: Spirit of the Living God

Pentecost Sunday

With joy we celebrate the feast of Pentecost. This feast commemorates the event that took place fifty days after the resurrection which transformed the apostles from being frightened, hunted men into fearless missionaries and eventually martyrs (The word ‘pentecost’ comes from the Greek for ‘fifty’). Jesus had already imparted the Spirit to them on Easter Sunday evening: ‘He breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven…”.’ However, they had yet to receive the fullness of the Spirit. This was the dramatic, transforming event that took place at Pentecost.

             The Spirit has been given to us at Baptism and Confirmation, but we have yet to receive fully this gift of God. Today’s feast is an occasion to reconsider our Confirmation and, in particular, the gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, good judgment, courage, knowledge, reverence, wonder and awe in God’s presence.   Like any gift these can remain in their packages, unopened, unused. It is useful occasionally to open up one of these gifts and to see where we need it in practical situations. Try it!

An invitation to the 99^th Cork Eucharistic Procession:

Please join us for the 99^th Eucharistic Procession which takes place on Sunday, June 22^nd leaving the Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Anne at 3.00pm. It would be great to continue the tradition of parishioners from parishes throughout the city and beyond to walk in the procession. Parking is available in the grounds of St. Anthony’s Convent, St. Mary’s Road (across from the Cathedral). This year to accommodate the growing large numbers it was decided to take the final prayer and Benediction outside onto a specially constructed platform down at the end of Grand Parade near the National Monument. For more details see www.corkandross.org

First Communion Procession

We invite the children who have received First Communion to join us today for a procession through the church at the 12 noon Mass.

Parish Assembly meets tomorrow evening, Monday, at 8.00 pm

Remembrance Mass in St Michael’s Cemetery

The annual remembrance Mass will be held on Wednesday, 25^th June, at 7.30pm. The organisers advise that those attending bring their own chair.

Thinking about the Diocesan Priesthood?

For more information email vocations@corkandross.org

Wedding Congratulations to Rebecca Murdoch and Mike Sullivan whose wedding took place in St Mary’s Cathedral, Killarney on 31^st May. Rebecca is a granddaughter of the late Tess Bruton, Mercier Park.

Recessional Hymn: Praise to the Lord

Entrance Hymn: Hail Redeemer, King divine!

Eucharistic Procession 22^nd June

This year marks the 99^th Eucharistic Procession in Cork city. Last year, almost 4000 people participated in the procession. This year, to accommodate the growing numbers  of those taking part, the procession will conclude with outdoor Benediction on the Grand Parade. It will follow the traditional route, beginning at the Cathedral at 3.00 pm and moving through Roman St and right down through Patrick’s St, to the Grand Parade.

First Communion Procession

We invite the children who have received First Communion to join us for a procession through the church on next Sunday, 8^th June at the 12 noon Mass.

Year of Prayer, Listening and Discernment: Continuing the Journey

The Diocesan Year of Prayer, Listening and Discernment continues to unfold. We are deeply grateful to all who took part in the recent sessions within our Families of Parishes. Your prayer, presence, and reflections have enriched this process. Over the coming weeks, the responses received are being carefully and prayerfully reviewed. This next stage—of reflection and discernment—will help determine the steps we are called to take together as a Diocese. We ask for your continued prayer that this next phase may be shaped by the wisdom of the Holy Spirit and a shared desire to respond to the call of Christ in our time.

Coffee Morning Tuesday after the 10.00 Mass. All welcome. The next Coffee Morning after this will be in September.

First Wednesday Prayer will be led by the Legion of Mary on Wednesday morning at 10.00. All welcome.

Leaving Cert: The Leaving and Junior Cert. exams begin on Wednesday next, 4^th June. We wish all students well in the preparation and execution of the exams, especially the students in the two secondary schools in our parish, Christ King Girls Secondary School and Colaiste Chriost Ri. We pray for all the students, their teachers and families.

Remembrance Mass in St Michael’s Cemetery

The annual remembrance Mass will be held on Wednesday, 25^th June, at 7.30pm. The organisers advise that those attending bring their own chair.

Thinking about the Diocesan Priesthood?

For more information email vocations@corkandross.org

Rosminian Mission Office

Fr Wilhad Casmir Shayo has written to us in gratitude for the generosity of the parish to his recent appeal which raised €1,875 for the missions.

Recessional Hymn: Abide with me

Entrance Hymn: I’ll sing a hymn to Mary

Eucharistic Procession 22^nd June

This year marks the 99^th Eucharistic Procession in Cork city. Last year, almost 4000 people participated in the procession. This year, to accommodate the growing numbers  of those taking part, the procession will conclude with outdoor Benediction on the Grand Parade. It will follow the traditional route, beginning at the Cathedral at 3.00 pm and moving through Roman St and right down through Patrick’s St,  to the Grand Parade.

What is a Eucharistic Procession?

It is a solemn religious event where Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament is publicly displayed and processed through the streets. It is a prayerful devotion by those taking part but it is also a witness to the many onlookers, busy with their shopping.

The first procession for all parishes in Cork City took place in 1926 to help unite the people in prayer after the divisions of the Civil War. It holds special significance today as a way to bring people together to celebrate their shared faith and heritage. It is an opportunity for the community to unite in prayer and thanksgiving, while honouring Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.

All are invited to take part by walking from the Cathedral to the Grand Parade or, alternatively, coming to the Benediction which concludes the procession. It is important to encourage young people and children to participate, especially those who have just received the sacraments of First Communion and Confirmation.

First Communion Procession

We invite the children who have received First Communion to join us for a procession through the church on Sunday, 8^th June at the 12 noon Mass.

Pray for Life Novena

The Pray for Life Novena is an invitation to join thousands of people across Ireland to pray for the protection of human life, from Friday 23^rd May to the Feast of the Visitation on Saturday 31^st May. Each day’s intention is accompanied by a short reflection and suggested actions to help build a culture of life in Ireland. Visit www.prayforlife.ie for the daily novena prayers and to sign up for daily reminders. The prayers will also be posted on facebook.com/PrayforLifeNovena @PrayforLife_ie on X and @prayforlifenovena on Instagram. This is an initiative of the Council for Life of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference. 

Thinking about the Diocesan Priesthood?

There is a Come and See afternoon for men aged between 18 and 40 who may be thinking about Priesthood for the Diocese of Cork and Ross. It will take place from 2-5pm today, May 25^th  in Mardyke House, Cork City (T12 W8RP). The afternoon will include time for prayer, reflection, discussion and a social dimension.

For more information email vocations@corkandross.org

Recent Death: Angela Ross, Congress Rd. May she rest in peace. We sympathise with her son, Ken, and family.

Recessional Hymn: Bring Flowers of the Fairest

Entrance Hymn: Hail, Queen of Heaven

First Communion

Thirty six children from Bunscoil Chriost Ri received their First Holy Communion yesterday. We pray that this will mark a significant milestone in their life’s journey, one that they will cherish throughout their lives. First Communion Day is not a once off. Its success depends on the follow up which is the responsibility of parents.

         Sincere thanks to the three teachers who have been preparing the children for this sacrament: Ms Kelly Fitzgerald, Ms Eimear O’Callaghan, and Mr Donal O’Keeffe. Their commitment and engagement with the children has been most impressive. May they be richly rewarded.

Leaving Cert. Mass

Mass was celebrated in Christ King Girls Secondary School on Tuesday last. It was an experience to be treasured by the girls and their teachers. They were so well prepared and the occasion was most dignified and uplifting. Special thanks to the Principal, Ms Long and to the Leaving Cert. Year Tutor, Ms Kelleher. Their faith witness was most powerful.

Rosminian Mission Appeal

We welcome to our parish today, Fr Wilhad Shayo from the Rosminians.

Pray for Life Novena

The Pray for Life Novena is an invitation to join thousands of people across Ireland to pray for the protection of human life, from Friday 23^rd May to the Feast of the Visitation on Saturday 31^st May. Each day’s intention is accompanied by a short reflection and suggested actions to help build a culture of life in Ireland. Visit www.prayforlife.ie for the daily novena prayers and to sign up for daily reminders. The prayers will also be posted on facebook.com/PrayforLifeNovena @PrayforLife_ie on X and @prayforlifenovena on Instagram. This is an initiative of the Council for Life of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference. 

FW: Catechism/Youcat Pilgrimage to Knock Saturday 31st May 2025

Knowing and Living our Catholic Faith

Catechism/YouCat pilgrimage to Our Lady’s Shrine, Knock on Sat 31 May, 2025. Guest speaker: Rev. Fr. John Harris O.P. Prior Provincial, Irish Dominican Province. See Church Notice Board for details of Pilgrimage. Further enquiries: Máirín 087 7950325. 

Thinking about the Diocesan Priesthood?

There is a Come and See afternoon for men aged between 18 and 40 who may be thinking about Priesthood for the Diocese of Cork and Ross. It will take place from 2-5pm on Sunday May 25 th in Mardyke House, Cork City (T12 W8RP). The afternoon will include time for prayer, reflection, discussion and a social dimension.

For more information email vocations@corkandross.org

Our Lady of Knock Novena: SMA Church, Blackrock Rd. 16-24 May at 10 am Mass.

Recessional Hymn: Bring Flowers of the Fairest

Entrance Hymn: Hail, Queen of Heaven

Good Shepherd Sunday/Vocations Sunday

Today is Good Shepherd Sunday, when the liturgy puts before us the image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd leading his sheep. This is the Sunday every year that we call Vocations Sunday, the occasion when we reflect on and pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life.  

Pope Leo XIV

We welcome our new Pope and pray that he will shepherd our Church after the mind of Christ. We look forward to his homilies and publications in the years ahead. His vast experience as a missionary in Peru and his more recent work in the dicastery for bishops in Rome should prepare him well for the leadership of 1.4 billion Catholics and also for his role in the wider world. We pray that he will have the peace of Christ and the guidance of the Holy Spirit at all times.

First Communion

The children from Bunscoil Chriost Ri will receive their First Holy Communion next Saturday, 17^th May. We pray that this will mark a significant milestone in their life’s journey, one that they will cherish throughout their lives. First Communion Day is not a once off. Its success depends on the follow up which is the responsibility of parents. Sincere thanks to the three teachers who have been preparing the children for this sacrament: Ms Eimear O’Callaghan, Ms Kelly Fitzgerald and Mr Donal O’Keeffe.

Second Collection The annual diocesan collection for the Office for Mission and Ministry takes place this weekend.

Parish Assembly meets this Monday, 12 May, at 8.00 pm

Spring Dues and Easter Collection

185 dues envelopes have been returned so far. In addition, the proceeds of the Easter collection have increased this year. Sincere thanks to all who support the priests’ income in this way. I assure you it is not taken for granted.

Rosminian Mission Appeal

Next weekend, 17^th and 18^th May, the Rosminians will be be making a mission appeal in our parish. The Rosminians work in East Africa, running parishes in Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda, providing health care in rural areas, digging water wells for local communities and providing primary, secondary and technical education for both boys and girls, Christians and Muslims.

Our Lady of Knock Novena: SMA Church, Blackrock Rd. 16-24 May at 10 am Mass.

Recent Deaths: Paul Depuis, Deerpark Mews; Sean Madden, Palaceanne Lawn. May they rest in peace. We pray for their grieving families.

Recessional Hymn: Bring Flowers of the Fairest

Entrance Hymn: Hail, Queen of Heaven

May, the Month of Mary

For many centuries now, the month of May is dedicated to Mary, mother of Jesus. Hence we have some Marian hymns at our Masses throughout the month. It is a time to ensure that we recite the rosary daily. This is an easy prayer to say, either personally or as a family. During each decade we reflect on the mysteries: Sunday and Wednesday – the Glorious Mysteries; Monday and Saturday – the Joyful Mysteries; Tuesday and Friday – the Sorrowful Mysteries; Thursday – the Mysteries of Light.

The Conclave

Some 135 cardinals, all under the age of 80 and from across the world will meet in a secret conclave to elect a new pope, starting from 7^th May. We invoke the guidance of the Holy Spirit to help the cardinals decide on who should be the next leader of the 1.4 billion Catholics. The conclave takes place in the remarkably beautiful Sistine Chapel. The previous two conclaves, held in 2005 and 2013, lasted just two days. We await the white smoke!

Coffee Morning Tuesday next, 6^th May, after the 10 am Mass. All welcome.

First Wednesday Prayers will be led by the Legion of Mary in the Church at 10.00 am

Second Collection next weekend

The annual collection for the Office for Mission and Ministry will take place next weekend. The office plays a vital role in supporting our priests, parishes and Families of Parishes in helping people grow in faith and live as missionary disciples. It offers formation for Parish Pastoral Councils, Baptism and Funeral teams, Ministers of the Word and Eucharist, and ministries involved in parish life. It also provides resources to support prayer, catechesis, and evangelisation. Your generosity in the past has helped this work to grow and reach more people.Thank you for your continued support.

Recent Deaths: John O’Connell, Congress Road; Sr Colette Stevenson, Dublin, formerly of Turner’s Cross. May they rest in peace.

A Mhuire Mháthair

Recessional Hymn: Hail Redeemer, King divine!

Entrance Hymn: Lord of all hopefulness

Pope Francis Requiescat in pace

Bishop Fintan invites people to remember Pope Francis with  gratitude and in prayer:

Following the announcement by the Holy See that Pope Francis has ‘returned to the House of the Lord’, Bishop Fintan Gavin invites the people of the Diocese of Cork and Ross to unite in prayer to God at this time. “I invite the parishioners, priests, deacons and religious of our diocese to join as one with the faithful across the globe as we commend Pope Francis to the Lord. We give thanks to Almighty God for the gift of Pope Francis as shepherd of the people of God and we thank God for his selfless service and dedication to the end of his earthly life. We remember Pope Francis as one who challenged us to reach out to those on the margins and to bring God’s mercy to all those we encounter. We pray together that Pope Francis’ call to all of us to make this Jubilee Year a Year of Hope may be fulfilled. In what was to be his last pastoral message to the faithful on Easter Sunday, Pope Francis said: ‘All those who put their hope in God place their feeble hands in his strong and mighty hand; they let themselves be raised up and set out on a journey. Together with the risen Jesus, they become pilgrims of hope, witnesses of the victory of love and of the disarmed power of Life.’ We pray together now that Pope Francis’ prayer will be answered and that his soul may be in eternal peace with God.”

Pope Francis’ testament, dated 29 June 2022:

As I sense the approaching twilight of my earthly life, and with firm hope in eternal life, I wish to set out my final wishes solely regarding the place of my burial. Throughout my life, and during my ministry as a priest and bishop, I have always entrusted myself to the Mother of Our Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary. For this reason, I ask that my mortal remains rest – awaiting the day of the Resurrection – in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major. I wish my final earthly journey to end precisely in this ancient Marian sanctuary, where I would always stop to pray at the beginning and end of every Apostolic Journey, confidently entrusting my intentions to the Immaculate Mother, and giving thanks for her gentle and maternal care. The tomb should be in the ground; simple, without particular ornamentation, bearing only the inscription: Franciscus.

May the Lord grant a fitting reward to all those who have loved me and who continue to pray for me. The suffering that has marked the final part of my life, I offer to the Lord, for peace in the world and for fraternity among peoples.

Recessional Hymn: Hail Redeemer, King divine!