Entrance Hymn: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

What Is Advent?

Advent is not just about preparing for Christmas. In fact, it is only in the final week of the season that the focus is on commemorating the coming of Christ at Christmas. The emphasis in the first three weeks of Advent is on the second coming of Christ. The season of Advent is proposed to us every year by the Church to enable us to prepare for the end time, when Christ will return to take us into the community of the Trinity in a definitive way. His kingdom will then be fully established.

Some people may know that the Advent season focuses on expectation and think it serves as an anticipation of Christ’s birth in the season leading up to Christmas. This is part of the story, but there’s more to Advent. The word ‘Advent’ is derived from the Latin word adventus, meaning ‘coming’. By the 6^th century Roman Christians had tied Advent to the coming of Christ. But the ‘coming’ they had in mind was not Christ’s first coming in the manger in Bethlehem, but his second coming at the end of time. The Advent season was not explicitly linked to Christ’s first coming at Christmas until the Middle Ages.

‘Waiting’, ‘expectation’, ‘preparation’, ‘coming’: this is where we are this Advent. For Advent to be productive for us we need to rely on the help of the Holy Spirit who will enable us to deal with what looks impossible to our weak human way of thinking. Advent is the season when we prepare for Christ to come to each one of us. May our prayer be: ‘Come, Lord Jesus.’

The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary will be celebrated tomorrow, 8^th December. Mass at 10.00 am.

An evening for those in ministries and services

On Thursday next, 11^th December, there will be an evening of reflection for those involved in parish ministries and services. Presentation Brother Martin Kenneally will be our facilitator. The title of his intervention is: ‘Finding hope in challenging times’. The function will take place in the Day Care Centre on Capwell Rd and will begin at 7.00 pm. Light refreshments will be available. The church car park will be open all evening to facilitate those attending.

Morning Prayer (Lauds) will be offered after Mass on Fridays of Advent

Sacrament of Penance will be offered after all Masses the weekend of 20/21 December, a most appropriate preparation for Christmas.

Christmas Cards

Shared Mass Cards are available from this weekend at the office inside the main entrance to the Church.

St Vincent de Paul Collection will be held next weekend 13/14 December.

Ave Maria
Gratia plena
Dominus tecum
Benedicta tu

Ave Maria…

Entrance Hymn: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

An evening for those in ministries and services

On Thursday next, 11^th December, there will be an evening of reflection for those involved in parish ministries and services. Presentation Brother Martin Kenneally will be our facilitator. The title of his intervention is: ‘Finding hope in challenging times’. The function will take place in the Day Care Centre on Capwell Rd and will begin at 7.00 pm. Light refreshments will be available. The church car park will be open all evening to facilitate those attending.

Ministries and Services (in alphabetical order): Baptism Team, Caretaker, Choir, Church Cleaning, Collectors, Finance Committee, Flower Management, Funeral Team, Ministers of the Eucharist, Ministers of the Word, Parish Assembly, Sacristans, Safeguarding Personnel.

Morning Prayer (Lauds) will be offered after Mass on Fridays of Advent

Recent Death: Marie Dineen, Fr Matthew Rd. May she rest in peace.

Sacrament of Penance will be offered after all Masses the weekend of 20/21 December, a most appropriate preparation for Christmas.

Thanks Sincere thanks to all who have contributed to the Autumn Dues in support of the priests’ income. The weekly collections are for the running of the parish and do not go to the priests. Thanks to the many parishioners who presented the names of the deceased for the All Souls Novena and for the offerings attached. Mile buiochas.

New Rotas New rotas for Ministers of the Word and Eucharist have just been released by the coordinators, Maeve Kennedy  and Christine O’Neill. Sincere thanks to them and to all the Ministers.

Christmas Cards

Shared Mass Cards are available from this weekend at the office inside the main entrance to the Church. The parish is indebted to Margaret Barry for this service.

Coffee Morning

Our next coffee morning will take place this Tuesday after the 10.00 Mass in the Parish Centre across from the side door of the Church. All are most welcome.

First Wednesday

Novena prayers to Our Lady next Wednesday at 10.00 am. Thanks to the Legion of Mary for providing this service.

Senior Citizens’ Christmas Party takes place in Nemo Rangers on Sunday December 7^th at 3.00 pm. All senior citizens are welcome to attend and the afternoon is free. The meal will be followed by music and dancing. Just book in by ringing Nemo at 021 4291038 before 5^th December.

Ave Maria
Gratia plena
Dominus tecum
Benedicta tu

Ave Maria…

Entrance Hymn: Hail, Redeemer, King Divine

Continuing the History of Christ the King Church…

The Turner’s Cross building commission was subject to an overall cost restriction of £30,000. After some investigation, site supervising architect J.R. Boyd Barrett reported that a brick and wood building could not be accomplished on that budget and suggested that a complete concrete construction with plaster ceiling would be more realistic. Although somewhat reluctant to sacrifice the brick and wood design, Byrne reworked his solution to use concrete as the main construction material. The result would involve the use of large sections of cast and steel re-enforced concrete. The reissued model, depicted a new departure in Byrne’s style and the Church of Christ the King, became the first Irish church ever built from concrete.

Work began in March 1929 with foundations being blessed on 21st July of the same year by Dr. Cohalan. Initial problems were mostly in relation to the foundation. The soft marsh-like terrain of the site was no match for the heavy foundation. Before any walls could be erected, the building contractor, John Buckley, had to sink foundations some fifteen feet to reach a solid base, well above the 5-6 feet estimations of Byrne. Other issues included a strong opposition from the Society of Stone Cutters and Marble Masons. Their anger related to the selection of concrete as a base material and instructed that the foundation stone “..shall not be worked, as the building of the said Church is detrimental to our trade”. A general building trade strike took place the following year from May to August causing significant delays in the project. The church did however open on time on the Feast of Christ the King, October 25th 1931. Such was his delight with the results, Barry Byrne would never again choose brick as his preferred material. His later churches would perfect the use of concrete, not only as a more versatile material, but as a cheap alternative to brick. In 1957, Turner’s Cross was designated an independent parish by Bishop Cornelius Lucey. This coincided with the construction of five new churches under the direction of Bishop Lucey. Several Irish architecture publications feature this church and on an international scale, the only two Cork churches to frequently feature in journals and books are the Church of Christ the King and the Protestant Cathedral of St. Finbarr.

Thanks

Sincere thanks to all who have contributed to the Autumn Dues in support of the priests’ income. The weekly collections are for the running of the parish and do not go to the priests. Thanks to the many parishioners who presented the names of the deceased for the All Souls Novena and for the offerings attached. Mile buiochas.

Recent Death:

The death has occurred of Declan Burke, Erin Tce. May he rest in peace. We offer our sympthay and prayers to his family.

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.

Entrance Hymn: Amazing Grace

The Lateran Basilica

The Lateran Basilica is the cathedral church of the Diocese of Rome and the official ecclesiastical seat of the Bishop of Rome, who is the Pope. It is the Papal Archbasilica, and it is the oldest public church in the West and ranks first among the four Major Basilicas of Rome. Lateran and Laterano are names for an area of Rome, and the shared names of several buildings in Rome. The properties were once owned by the Lateranus family of the Roman Empire.

In hoc signo vinces

The first two centuries of Christianity suffered horrendous persecutions from successive Roman emperors. All this changed in the year 311 when Emperor Constantine attributed his triumph in an important battle to the image of the Cross which he saw in the sky at a key moment in the war. Under the cross was the Latin phrase in hoc signo vinces (in this sign you will conquer). As a result he granted religious freedom to Christians. Furthermore, he donated the palace of the Lateran to the Church and it became the very first basilica. It was dedicated on this date in 324. From then until the 15^th century the popes lived there. The Vatican did not exist in those centuries.

Sacrament of Anointing This sacrament will be celebrated during Mass on Friday next, 14^th November, at 10.00

Novena for the Faithful Departed

The novena for the dead which began last Sunday concludes tomorrow, Monday. We will continue to exhibit the board with the names of all those who died in the past year. The lists of our loved ones will continue to be kept in front of the altar throughout the month of November.

Parish Assembly meets Monday, 10^th November

Coffee Morning Tuesday, 11^th November after 10.00 am Mass

Volunteers Required Urgently: Turner’s Cross Care Centre, Retired ladies’ group seeks people to help run the club, which meets on Tuesdays, 7.00 pm to 8.30 pm. Contact Teresa 087 9015339 or Ber 086 1033056

Second Collection this weekend is for Youth Ministry in the Diocese.

Recent Deaths: The deaths have occurred of Bernadette Martin, late of Connolly Road; Seobhna Deasy, Clarke’s Rd and late of Friar’s Rd. May they rest in peace. Our sympathy and prayers to the families.

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

Entrance Hymn: Amazing Grace

Novena for the Faithful Departed

The novena for the dead begins today, 2^nd November and continues until Monday, 10^th, inclusive. There will be Mass each day during the Novena at 10 am including the Saturday and the Wednesday. These Masses will be celebrated for those whose names have been handed in via the envelopes available at the church entrances. The Masses this weekend are for the repose of those who died in the past year. Their names have been placed on the board in the sanctuary.

Parish Assembly meets Monday, 10^th November

Coffee Morning Tuesday, 11^th November after 10.00 am Mass (note this is  the second Tuesdayof November).

Cemetery Sunday

Blessing of the graves in St Joseph’s Cemetery, Tory Top Road, takes place today, the 2^nd November at 2.30 pm. You are asked to bring a container for holy water. Holy water will be blessed during the ceremony and you can bring some of this water to your family grave for the blessing.

A Prayer of Remembrance 

God, thank you for the special people in our lives whom we are remembering during the month of November. We thank you for being a compassionate God who walks with us in the our dark moments of grief and loneliness. We are thankful for all who continue to love and support us through our grief. Lord, continue to be a light for us, giving us hope, direction and courage. May we now live our lives treasuring the memories of those special people we have known and loved and help us to bring light and hope to others. We make this prayer through Christ our Lord, Amen. 

Volunteers Required Urgently: Turner’s Cross Care Centre, Retired ladies’ group seeks people to help run the club, which meets on Tuesdays, 7.00 pm to 8.30 pm. Contact Teresa 087 9015339 or Ber 086 1033056

Second Collection next weekend for Youth Ministry in the Diocese.

This collection directly supports the work of Sheila Kelleher, our Diocesan

Youth Ministry Coordinator, and the many volunteers dedicated to nurturing faith among our youth. Over the past year, new initiatives have taken root, including Altar Server Workshops, Alpha Youth (fostering collaboration between schools and parishes), Maranatha (a faith-based high-energy music event for Post-Primary school students), the continuation of the Sycamore Camp; Foundations in Theology programmes, Lourdes pilgrimage, the Jubilee of Youth and Connect (for young adults). Investing in our young people is vital for the future of the Church.

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

Entrance Hymn: Seek ye first

Pharisee and Publican (Tax-Collector)

Today we have a profound parable told by Jesus. Jesus was the master storyteller. The stories he composed have entered the languages of the world to the extent that many people don’t realize their origin. Take, for example, the parable of the Good Samaritan or the Prodigal Son. These are iconic figures who have come down to us through the centuries. The good Samaritan is the archetypical kind neighbour. The prodigal son is the wayward who returns to the loving, forgiving family. Jesus told these stories to make people think, to prod his listeners into looking at themselves with their hypocrisy and self-importance. The good story was more effective than any amount of moralizing. Today’s parable deserves our close attention.

Solemnity of All Saints Saturday, 1^st November

Next Saturday is the Solemnity of All Saints, a Holy Day of Obligation. Mass at 10.00 am.

Novena for the Faithful Departed

The novena for the dead begins on Sunday next, 2^nd November and continues until Monday, 10^th, inclusive. There will be Mass each day during the Novena at 10 am including the Saturday and the Wednesday. These Masses will be celebrated for those whose names will be handed in via the envelopes available at the church entrances. The Masses next Saturday evening and next Sunday will be for the repose of those who died here in the past year. Their names will be placed on the board in the sanctuary. Relatives are invited to take a candle at the entrance and place it lighting on the altar rails for the Mass of your choice next weekend.

Cemetery Sunday

Blessing of the graves in St Joseph’s Cemetery, Tory Top Road, will take place next Sunday, the 2^nd November at 2.30 pm. You are asked to bring a container for holy water. Holy water will be blessed during the ceremony and you can bring some of this water to your family grave for the blessing.

Altar Servers We are currently inviting children to join our altar servers’ team. Application forms available in the sacristy.

Fit for the glory of God,

Purchased by His precious Blood

Born with the right to be free

Jesus the victory has won.

Entrance Hymn: Seek ye first the Kingdom of God

Mission Sunday Today

Ninety-nine years ago Pope Pius XI set aside this day, Mission Sunday, so that every diocese, parish and religious community throughout the world would pray for and make a collection for Christian communities in need and also support missionaries in proclaiming the Gospel to the ends of the earth. Some have been martyred, others have lost their health and all of them have left the known and familiar of their homes to bring the story of God’s mercy to some of the poorest people on earth.

        Last year I mentioned Bishop Edward Galvin (1882-1956) from Newcestown and so many people responded with interest. He is obviously well known in Cork. From his youth Edward Galvin, had more than anything else, wanted to be a foreign missioner. But when he saw the unhappiness his wish caused his parents, he agreed to go to Maynooth instead, for the diocese of Cork (Ross was a separate diocese at that time). By the time he was ordained in 1909 there was no vacancy for him in Cork, so he volunteered for Brooklyn in New York. During the three years he spent there he felt a strong call to go as a missionary to China, one of the most daring and difficult missions possible at the beginning of the twentieth century. This is a quotation from a letter he wrote to his mother the morning he was leaving New York for China, 28^th February, 1912: ‘I feel like a man going to the scaffold. I am up all night and writing this at 5 o’clock in the morning. Why did I have to go? Why should God ask me to do this that is breaking my heart to do?’ Four years later Fr Galvin founded the Maynooth Mission to China (now called the Columbans) and stayed there until he was expelled in 1952. He died four years later of leukaemia. In 1927 he had become Bishop of Hanyang, but spent his final years in China under house arrest in terrible conditions. That’s the Irish missionary spirit.

Wedding

Last Saturday we had the joyful celebration of the marriage of two parishioners who are originally from India, Julisto Costa and Josyviya Abida Fernandes. This bride and groom are regulars at our Sunday Mass and are blessed with a deep faith. It was a beautiful ceremony with just a small group of friends. The bride’s mother came specially from India. We congratulate them and pray that their love will grow and that they will be blessed with lovely children.

Recent Deaths:

Tim O’Leary, Greenhills Estate; Oliver Hartnett, Laurelwood Tce; Brother Barry Stanton, Maiville Presentation Community. May they rest in peace. We pray for their families, relatives and friends, and for the confrères of Br Barry.

Recessional Hymn: Bind us together, Lord

Entrance Hymn: Lord of all hopefulness

Mass for New School Year

Tuesday, 14^th October, at 7.30 pm, in Cathedral of St Mary and St Anne. Celebrating 50 years of service of Boards of Management. All welcome to this Mass.

Eucharistic Adoration

Information meeting about setting up a time for Eucharistic Adoration in parishes will take place on Thursday, 16^th October, in the Bresillac Suite, SMA Parish Centre, Wilton. Registration from 7.00 pm; Presentation at 8.00 pm. Refreshments will served.

Diocesan Needs Collection this weekend.

Today’s second collection allows for vital supports to your parish in many areas, including Education, Religious Faith Formation in schools, Mission and Ministry, Youth Ministry, Safeguarding, and Stewardship and Governance as well as guidance in practical matters such as Data Protection, Finance, and Property. Despite the many demands that are placed on your finances, your generosity this weekend is deeply appreciated and will help us continue to build and support a vibrant faith community today and into the future. Thank you for your continued financial assistance.

Altar Servers

The parish is now inviting new altar servers to join our team. It is so helpful for a child at the beginning of the road of Christian faith to have an involvement in the liturgy. They are no longer just spectators, somewhat lost in the seats. Now they are central to the celebration of Mass. I encourage all parents and grandparents to consider offering the possibility of becoming an altar server to your child/grandchild. Application forms are available in the sacristy.

Funeral Ministry Team Formation

The Office for Mission and Ministry will be offering three formation sessions for new teams and for new members of existing teams in the Parish Centre of Sacred Heart, Western Road, Cork on Tuesdays, October 14th and 21st and 28th from 7.30pm to 9.00pm. To register please visit https://tinyurl.com/mission-ministry or by contacting the Office directly at 021-7355517.

CONNECT 7 – an invitation to young adults (18 to 35 years)

Connect 7 will take place on Saturday 18^th October in the Cathedral of Saint Mary and Saint Anne, Cork City.

Coffee Morning

Tuesday, 14^th October, after the 10.00 Mass. All welcome.

Parish Assembly meets on Monday, 13^th October, at 8.00 pm

Confirmation

The sacrament of confirmation 2026 will be celebrated in Christ the King Church on Thursday, 26^th March, at 10.30 am. There are some 50 children being prepared for this sacrament in Bunscoil Chriost Ri.

Recessional Hymn: Bind us together, Lord

Entrance Hymn: Lord of all hopefulness

Priests on Retreat this week.

No Mass Monday to Thursday inclusive. Masses as usual in the religious order churches.

October: Mission Month

The Month of Mission is a Catholic observance held annually in October to promote missionary efforts and support the work of missionaries worldwide. Celebrated throughout the month, it culminates in World Mission Sunday, which falls this year on 19^th October. 

Altar Servers

The parish is now inviting new altar servers to join our team. It is so helpful for a child at the beginning of the road of Christian faith to have an involvement in the liturgy. They are no longer just spectators, somewhat lost in the seats. Now they are central to the celebration of Mass. I encourage all parents and grandparents to consider offering the possibility of becoming an altar server to your child/grandchild. Application forms are available in the sacristy.

Funeral Ministry Team Formation

The Office for Mission and Ministry will be offering three formation sessions for new teams and for new members of existing teams in the Parish Centre of Sacred Heart, Western Road, Cork on Tuesdays, October 14th and 21st and 28th from 7.30pm to 9.00pm. To register please visit https://tinyurl.com/mission-ministry or by contacting the Office directly at 021-7355517.

CONNECT 7 – an invitation to young adults (18 to 35 years)

Connect 7 will take place on Saturday 18^th October in the Cathedral of Saint Mary and Saint Anne, Cork City. The day begins at 2pm and includes keynote talks from Fr. Conor McGrath (Vocations Director, Diocese of Down and Connor) and Lorraine Buckley (Faith Development Coordinator, Diocese of Cork and Ross). This year’s theme is: ‘Finding purpose – God’s plan for my life’. As well as the talk, we will have Mass, adoration, pizza, a panel discussion, confessions and much more! Registration is €10 on Eventbrite.ie – search CONNECT 7.

Coffee Morning

Tuesday, 14^th October, after the 10.00 Mass. All welcome. Note postponement from the first Tuesday of the month because of the priests’ retreat.

Parish Assembly meets on Monday week, 13^th October

Faith-filled Witness from the heart of a grieving widow:

‘The answer to hate is not hate, the answer we know from the gospel is love, and always love – love for our enemies and love for those who persecute us.’

–       Erika Kirk, widow of Charlie Kirk, assassinated in the US recently.

Recent Death:

Mick Kelly, Fr Matthew Road. May he rest in peace. Our sympathies are with his wife Jean, son Robert and the wider family.

Recessional Hymn: Bind us together, Lord