BISHOP FINTAN GAVIN

We are delighted to welcome Bishop Fintan to Turner’s Cross to celebrate our Sunday Masses this weekend. This is his first Pastoral Visit to our Parish since he was ordained Bishop of Cork & Ross and is part of a series of visits to parishes interrupted by the coronavirus epidemic.

PENTECOST

The Jewish feast of Pentecost celebrated the covenant at Mount Sinai, when the law had been inscribed on tablets of stone. Jesus’ new law of love is inscribed on tablets of flesh, on human hearts.  The fearful disciples experienced a sudden change, they go out, speaking boldly about the marvels of God.   They have new courage, new insight and they declare that Jesus is risen, he is Lord.   They speak with the courage and freshness of the Holy Spirit.   We too in our time can be fearful, not wishing to speak of our faith, but the Holy Spirit can lift us up and Jesus tells us do not be afraid.   Some people in Jerusalem would have preferred the apostles to stay quiet, to stay closed away at home and not to disturb.   Today, many people want Christians to stay quiet, but the risen Lord sends us out in the power and joy of what happened on that Pentecost in Jerusalem.

When we receive the Holy Spirit, we receive divine authority to spread the message of Jesus, not by powerful systems but by the spirit of God “not by might, not by power but by my spirit, says the Lord (Zachariah 4:6).   We must ask ourselves, are we open or are we fearful, are we prepared to go a new path or do we want to stay in safe temporal structures which have become rigid and are not open.  A fundamental element of Pentecost is surprise.   No one expected anything much of the disciples, perhaps not even themselves, but suddenly an event occurs which inspires wonder.   In our time we are called to be a church which surprises people with a new message of resurrection, a new language of love.  Pope Francis comments that without the capacity to surprise the church is weak, sick and dying.  

We have the same mission as our Master “as the Father said to me, so am I sending you.”  There are problems in the world to which we are sent, problems in our church and in ourselves, we experience disillusionment, shamed by scandals, upset by division, by falling Mass attendance and all the problems and disappointments of our time. The Spirit gives us hope that it will be better, that the church can be new and vibrant as on that first Pentecost morning, the morning of the birthday of the Church.   When God reveals himself there is a newness and a freshness as he asks for our trust, and the Spirit gives us courage. 

So we pray today that we will be renewed by the Holy Spirit, that we will experience new heart, new courage, that we will experience the fullness of God’s peace and joy, with lives focused on God and on the sisters and brothers around us for whom Christ died.  We pray that the Holy Spirit, the Lord and giver of life, will renew the face of the earth and renew the face of the church.

Dues & Donations

Many thanks for your generous Easter dues and donations for the upkeep of the Church, they are all greatly appreciated.

Church Cameras

Our Church is monitored by CCTV, which is on and recording at all hours. Our live-stream webcam is always on and Masses are normally recorded and can be viewed online within 90 days following the ceremony

COMPETITION

To mark Laudato Si’ week (May 16^th – 24^th) Nano Nagle Birthplace is launching a short story/essay/poetry/song competition. 

The closing date is 30th June 2021. Details at www.nanonaglebirthplace.ie.

Reopening of our Church for Public Worship

Stewards

We are deeply grateful to volunteer stewards and those who sanitised and maintained the church to a very high standard over the last year.   As public worship resumes, we are again indebted to these volunteers and need their continued help to keep our church open.

Safety in the church

For weekend Mass the church is separated into two sections, each having its own entrance and exit routes based on a one-way system, with directional arrows marked on the floor. A minimum distance of 4 metres is maintained between the sections, and each section may contain up to 50 people, subject to a 2-metre social distance requirement.  There should be no movement of people between sections before, during or after Mass. Special arrangements are in place for Holy Communion, with separate distribution points in each section.

Personal Safety

Covid-19 Public Health safety rules must be observed in the Church, wearing masks, keeping our distance from others, sanitising hands on entering and exiting the Church and not congregating outside the church.

Weddings and Funerals

Not more than fifty people can attend Weddings and Funerals in a church, irrespective of the size of the church. Funeral services will continue to be live streamed to help reduce numbers attending.

Confessions

Confession will be heard by prior arrangement, either in the Parish Centre, or in the church, taking account of all relevant health measures.

Singing

Congregational singing and choir singing are not permitted at present.  Solo singing with accompanist is permitted subject to HSE Covid-19 Guidance for Religious Services.

Year of St Joseph

Pope Francis has declared a year dedicated to St Joseph, from 8^th December 2020 to 8^th December 2021. He says:

 “Each of us can discover in Joseph – the man who goes unnoticed, a daily, discreet and hidden presence – an intercessor, a support and a guide in times of trouble.”

(Patris Corde – With a Father’s Love)

Prayers to St Joseph after 10.00 am Mass on Fridays until 8th December.

Deaths: We pray for Marie Sheehan (nee Downey), South Douglas Road who died recently.  We extend our sympathy to her family.

National Synod

The Bishops invited submissions on what methods to adopt in the initial consultation period. Our thanks to those who met on zoom and prepared submissions, which have been sent to the Bishops’ Conference.

Dues & Donations

Many thanks for your generous Easter dues and donations for the upkeep of the Church, they are all greatly appreciated.

Church Cameras

Our Church is monitored by CCTV, which is on and recording at all hours. Our live-stream webcam is always on and Masses are normally recorded and can be viewed online within 90 days following the ceremony

COMPETITION

To mark Laudato Si’ week (May 16^th – 24^th) Nano Nagle Birthplace is launching a short story/essay/poetry/song competition.The closing date is 30th June 2021. Details at www.nanonaglebirthplace.ie.

FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT

Laetare Sunday

REDEMPTION

The fourth Sunday of Lent, “Laetare Sunday,” marks the half way point in our Lenten journey and we begin to look forward to Holy Week and Easter, to the mystery of our redemption.  Nicodemus came to see Jesus at night in case anybody would see him.   He came in darkness, and we may think of the darkness of our own time, hostility to the gospel of life, the Covid-19 pandemic and all the other problems of the world.  In the darkness we hear Jesus saying, “I am the light of the world.”

God loves the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that through him the world might be saved. He calls us to holiness and indeed to happiness and inner peace, a call to live through love in his presence.

St. Patrick’s Day

Live-streamed Vigil Mass on Tuesday at 6.00 pm.  Masses on Wednesday at 10.00 am & 12.00 noon.   No evening Mass on St Patrick’s Day, but Lent Wednesday Stations of the Cross at the usual time of 6.00 pm.

Bishop Fintan comments that many people who live and work abroad have been unable to return home to visit families for almost a year.  St. Patrick’s Day is traditionally a day to reach out and connect to our diaspora.  Our live streamed celebrations of Mass for St Patrick’s Day will include those who are away from home. Please feel free to send us names of family members living abroad, via e-mail. 

TRÓCAIRE

Join the fight for justice this Lent

Trócaire Family Fast Boxes for Lent are available at the back of the Church.

By supporting Trócaire at Lent, we help ensure that families in developing countries can earn an income and have enough to eat, we help communities rebuild their lives after disasters and conflict, and we defend the rights of people under threat.

Download resources for school, parish and home from the Trocaire website.

St Joseph

             March 19^th, Solemnity of St Joseph              Husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Pope Francis proclaimed a Year of Saint Joseph to mark the 150^th anniversary of the declaration of Saint Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church, from 8^th December 2020, to 8^th December 2021.  Saint Joseph appeared, together with Our Lady, Saint John the Evangelist, and the Lamb of God in the Apparition at Knock in 1879.  On Friday next on the Feast of St Joseph the Holy Father will formally designate Knock as an International Marian and Eucharistic Shrine in a homily which will be transmitted via video link to Mass in the Shrine Chapel at Knock. The Mass will be celebrated by Archbishop Michael Neary and concelebrated by Father Richard Gibbons, PP and Rector of Knock Shrine.

Our thanks to Mons. Aidan O’Driscoll and Clonakilty Parish who have arranged Prayer Resources which will be available in our church and on our Website for the Feast of St. Joseph in this special year.

Our thanks to Mons. Aidan O’Driscoll and Clonakilty Parish who have arranged Prayer Resources which will be available in our church and on our Website for the Feast of St. Joseph in this special year.

Mothers’ Day

In spite of the Corona Virus, this Sunday is still Mother’s Day, and we wish all mothers a happy Day.  Prayers are offered for all our mothers, living and deceased, at all Masses this weekend.

A Mothers’ Day Prayer 

We thank you, Creator of us all, for our mothers. 

We thank you that they gave us life and nurtured us all those years.

They gave us our faith, helping us to know you and to know Jesus and his ways.

They taught us how to love and how to sacrifice for others.  

Bless them with the graces they need and which you want to give them today.

Help them to know that they are precious in your eyes and that we love them.

Give them strength and courage, compassion and peace.

Bless them this day and every day with your love.

Amen.

Deaths:  We pray for Arthur Ward, Mercier Park who died recently.  We extend our sympathy to his family.

Morning and Evening Prayer

Lauds and Vespers on Fridays of Lent after the 10.00 am and 6.00 pm Masses.

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament on Wednesday mornings in Lent after the 10.00 am Mass until 11.00 am. 

Pope Francis: Saturday of this weekend is the eighth anniversary of the election of Pope Francis. We pray for his ministry to the Universal Church and to all humanity.

Financial Support

Sincere thanks to all who have contributed so generously following our recent appeal.  A “Donate Button” for church collections and dues is now live on the parish website.

VOCATIONS

Today a saviour has been born to us    He is Christ the Lord

 Christmas 

We are a redeemed people, and the work of our redemption began with the birth of a baby in Bethlehem.  Simple beginnings, no one noticed Joseph and the young expectant mother who had travelled a long journey from Nazareth.  No one noticed them and there was no room for them.  At a salvation moment of universal importance, the mother gave birth in a stable and laid her baby in a manger, a feeding trough.  They were alone and lonely in the town of David as the son of David was born, no PR, no Security, no barriers between this baby and the messy realities of the life of the poor. 

Then, in the darkness of that holy night, the glory of God shone around a group of lowly, despised shepherds, men not allowed even to enter a synagogue, and God’s message was entrusted to them: today a saviour has been born to you, he is Christ the Lord. 

For us too a light shines at Christmas, in the dark moments of our lives, and the people who walk in darkness have indeed seen a great light.  May we take notice of that light and learn to experience the joy of the message of the angels and the joy of the Gospel of Christ.  May we hear the angels sing: Glory to God in the highest and peace on earth to those of good will. 

Happy Christmas

We wish you all a Happy Christmas.  We pray for those who can’t make it home this year and for their families.  We remember those who have been bereaved, and all who have been impacted by the epidemic. Your loved ones are remembered in our Masses.

Thanks to everybody for all your support and generosity, we wish you peace, health and blessings throughout the year ahead.

Fr Kerry & Fr Billy

Covid-19 Restrictions

Our Christmas Masses will be the last public Masses until the new restrictions are lifted.  Mass will continue to be live streamed at the normal times, and we look forward to meeting you again when public Mass is permitted once more.

Fourth Sunday of Advent

A CHRISTMAS PRESENT JESUS  GIVES US

The Liturgy for the Fourth and last Sunday of Advent wants to prepare us for Christmas by meditating on the Angel’s Annunciation to Mary. In the familiar story in our gospel reading the Archangel Gabriel reveals to the Virgin the Lord’s will that she become the mother of his Only-Begotten Son: “you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High” (Lk 1:31-2).

Responding to the Angel, Mary said: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word” (v. 38). In her answer, filled with faith, Mary does not know what lies before her, what pains she must suffer, what risks she must face. But she does know that it is God who asks her, and she entrusts herself totally to Him; she abandons herself to his love. May we have something of the faith of Mary as we prepare to meet Jesus at Christmas.

Jesus came to proclaim the Kingdom of God, that we might have life, and have it to the full. We ask God for that Kingdom life, as we prepare a way for the Lord in the wilderness of our hearts.  God teaches us and guides us in the Scriptures that we hear at Mass and in our personal reading of Sacred Scripture.  The psalmist says:    “Lord your word is a lamp for my steps, a light for my path.”  That light will help us to find the treasure of the Kingdom of God.  When we find or rediscover that treasure there is a new reality as we begin to live out our Christian values, to reach out to others, to live life to the full.

We pray for the courage to think and to reflect; for the courage to live an interior life with God, which will transform our relationship with others.  We ask for the Christmas present that Jesus came to give us, we pray for life.  

CHRISTMAS MASSES

All our Christmas Masses will be live-streamed.  Because of Covid-19 restrictions it will not be possible to accommodate the usual numbers in the church. Seats must be reserved and Tickets will be necessary for admission to all Christmas Masses.  Applications for tickets must specify the number of seats requested and the names of those attending (including children).  Please indicate a preferred Mass time and also a second preference. 

Some Masses are already close to being fully booked. Applications for remaining tickets should be made in writing to the Parish Priest as soon as possible. We ask for your understanding and support. 

Mass times are as follows:

Christmas Eve:  10.00 am, 3.00, 5.00,

7.00 and 10.00 pm

Christmas Day:  8.00 am, 10.00 am and 12.00 noon.

Tickets

Pre-booked Christmas Mass Tickets will be available for collection from the Church Porch Office from 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm on Tuesday and Wednesday next. (Note seats may not be booked at these times.)

DUTY TO GO TO MASS

Catholics are dispensed from attending Sunday and Holy Day Masses. Those over 70 years and those with underlying health conditions should remain at home where appropriate. Anyone who has symptoms of any sickness (even mild symptoms) should not attend the public celebration of Mass

Confessions 

Available after all Masses this week, up to the 10.00 am Mass on Christmas Eve.

Bishop’s Pastoral Message 

Bishop Fintan’s Christmas Pastoral Message to the Diocese is available on the diocesan website and copies are available at the back of the church. 

This is a message of hope and encouragement as we all continue to navigate challenging times during this Christmas season.

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

Exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament after 10.00 am Mass to 11.00 am on Wednesday next 23^rd December.

Deaths: We pray for Dudley O’Driscoll, Friars Walk, and Donal Kelleher, South Douglas Road, who died recently.  We extend our sympathy to their families.

Live-streamed Advent Devotions

At 7.30 pm on Wednesday evening 23^rd December.  Rosary, gospel reading and homily concluding with Benediction at 8.15 pm.

Parish Christmas & Triduum Cards

Available in the Parish Office after all Masses this weekend. The Triduum of Masses will be offered on 23rd, 24th and  25th  December.

Walk with Me

Prayer for Advent & Christmastide 2020. This excellent booklet is available at the back of the Church (Cost €1.30).

Altar Decoration: Red Poinsettia plants would be much appreciated.

SVP Fundraiser Performer-Composer Emily Magner Hurley online Christmas concert on Sunday 20th December.  Donate €5 at https://www.svp.ie/emhforsvp to receive a link to the concert.

REFLECTION

From Donal Neary SJ.

We are Christmas

A house or an apartment – where we live – is really important.  David is really proud of what he has built and now wonders what to do with God or for God.  David wanted a big house for God but that was not the way it would be.  The house would be the body of Mary and the house would be all of us.

Christmas highlights the belief that God is in all of us.  We can ignore that, or we can help God be found in all of us.  God is often deeply hidden, and God is active through each of us for each other.

Married people are sacraments of God to each other, in their love, attention, self-giving love, in giving life and caring for their children.  One big picture for me of the love of God is parents worrying over the cot of a sick child.  Friends bring God to each other, caring for each other at bad times, as well as sharing the love of good times.  Wherever we give of ourselves to another, then we are God to each other.  The house of God  is being built. 

When we care for the really needy we bring God in a special way to people who really need the ordinary necessities of life, at home or far from home. This can be in our care for them at this time of pandemic, for our celebrating Christmas in a safe way. It can be in the phone call, Skype, Zoom etc or a text to those away from home.

Every bit of Christmas celebration is a reminder of God coming among us.  Christmas keeps the story of God alive in our neighbourhood and country. Because   God is in each of us, then Christmas can happen.

No love that in a family dwells, no carolling in frosty air,                    Nor all the steeple-shaking bells can with this single Truth compare That God was Man in Palestine and lives to-day in Bread and Wine

…. G K Chesterton.

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

 Gaudete Sunday 

We light the third (pink) candle of the Advent Wreath on the third Sunday of Advent. This Sunday is called Gaudete, the Latin for “Rejoice,” after the first word of the Entrance Antiphon for today: “Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice.”

Bishop’s Christmas Pastoral Message

Bishop Fintan will preach his Christmas Pastoral Message during the Diocesan Carol Service on this Sunday 13th December at 7.30pm which will be streamed from the Cathedral.  The pastoral message will be available in the Parish Church and on the Parish Website from Monday, and will be distributed with the Bulletin next weekend.

Diocesan Christmas Carol Service 2020

The Carol Service will be streamed from the Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Anne on this Sunday 13^th December at 7.30pm.  Ten choirs (with six members each) will participate from parishes throughout the Diocese via their webcams.  We are invited to join in via the Cathedral webcam https://www.corkcathedral.ie/live-stream/.  The words of the carols and full order of service can be downloaded from the Diocesan website www.corkandross.org beforehand to enable us and especially our choir members to Join in from their homes.

Parish Christmas & Triduum Cards will be available in the church after Masses from now until 23^rd December.   The Triduum of Masses will be offered on December 23^rd, 24^th and 25^th.

GIVING SUNDAY

This is “Giving Sunday” and gifts may be placed at our Giving Christmas Tree in the Sanctuary.  We request non-perishable foods to help struggling families.  Any of the following items – tea, coffee, sugar, Tayto, chocolates, selection boxes, biscuits, soup, (no toys). The gifts will be collected by members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society for distribution to families in need.

St. Vincent de Paul Christmas Collection

The St. Vincent de Paul Society Christmas collection will be taken up at all Masses this weekend.

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

There will be Exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament after 10.00 am Mass to 11.00 am on Wednesdays of Advent.

Morning Prayer on Fridays of Advent

Morning Prayer of the Church (Lauds) will be recited after 10.00 am Mass on the Fridays of Advent.

Live-streamed Advent Devotions

Christmas Preparation Prayer at 7.30 pm on each Wednesday evening up to 23^rd December.  Rosary, gospel reading and homily concluding with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament at 8.15 pm.

Advent and Christmas Prayers at Home

The Office of Mission and Ministry of the diocese has provided prayers for all of us to use at home including a prayer when decorating the Christmas Tree and a prayer at the Christmas Crib, which can be downloaded from the Diocesan Website.

“Walk with Me,”

A journey of prayer for Advent & Christmastide 2020. This excellent booklet is available at the back of the Church (Cost €1.30).

Confessions: each morning this week after the 10.00 am Mass.

Altar Decoration for Christmas.

Red Poinsettia plants would be much appreciated.

CHRISTMAS MASSES

 Because of Covid-19 restrictions it will not be possible to accommodate the usual numbers at our Christmas Masses this year.  Tickets will be necessary for admission.  Applications for tickets must specify the number of seats requested and the names of those attending (including children).  Please indicate a preferred Mass time and also a second preference.  Seats will be numbered and only reserved seats will be available.  Applications for tickets should be made in writing to the Parish Priest from Wednesday next 16^th December. We ask for your understanding and support. 

Mass times are as follows:

Christmas Eve:   10.00 am, 3.00 pm,  5.00 pm, 7.00 pm and 10.00 pm

Christmas Day:     8.00 am, 10.00 am and  12.00 noon.

DUTY TO GO TO MASS

Catholics are dispensed from attending Sunday and Holy Day Masses. Those over 70 years and those with underlying health conditions should remain at home where appropriate. Anyone who has symptoms of any sickness (even mild symptoms) should not attend the public celebration of Mass

First Holy Communion and Confirmation 

Congratulations to the Girls and Boys from Bun Scoil Chríost Rí 2020 First Communion and Confirmation classes who received their deferred First Holy Communion on Saturday, 12^th December, and deferred Sacrament of Confirmation on Wednesday 9^th December.

Live-streaming of Parish Masses

Our website is www.turnerscross.com.  All Masses are livestreamed via our new Church Services TV webcam which can be accessed by clicking on the movie camera pictogram in the home page of our website,

Our Masses are also available from Church Services TV at www.churchservices.tv by entering Turner’s Cross on the Find a Church button; alternatively log on to https://www.churchservices.tv/turnerscross

REFLECTION

from Fr Donal Neary SJ

Advent is a time of joy – joy in the waiting and this Sunday we wear the joyful rose-coloured vestment. The messenger in the first reading is the ‘joyful messenger’, and his joy is that God is near and God is coming. This would be the message of Jesus –that he was the joyful messenger of his Father’s love. He would be the shepherd – the one who cares, knows and actively looks after the sheep in good times and in difficult times as we are having now. . John the Baptist is the voice of joy and energy, preaching the new message. Voices of Advent to bring God near –   The central message within all the voices of Christmas. God’s Christmas voice is I love you, you are all brothers and sisters, and nothing except love is final. Not just a voice…but actively loving in word and deed.

One way of touching that love is in the Mass.  Jesus is not really love from the sky, but food of the Eucharist, that nourishes us and makes a difference. We bring our ordinary concerns to Mass, and let God lighten them and transform them, and enlighten us with his word.  The voice of God makes sense of and brings light into the ordinariness of life. God is present in his word, and in his body – we wait in joy for the Word to be made flesh.

Remember this week what makes you joyful about the coming feast of Christmas and be grateful.

Lord I believe your word was made flesh and appeared among us.

SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Today we light the Advent Wreath second candle 

Today’s candle represents FAITH. Last week’s first candle represents hope, and the candles for the third and fourth Sundays of Advent represent Joy and Peace. The fifth (white) candle is lit at Christmas to welcome the Christ Child.

  ADVENT

 Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

Th.ere will be Exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament after 10.00 am Mass to 11.00 am on Wednesdays of Advent

Morning Prayer on Fridays of Advent

Morning Prayer of the Church (Lauds) will be recited after 10.00 am Mass on the Fridays of Advent.

Live-streamed Advent Devotions

Join us via the Parish webcam for live-streamed Christmas Preparation Prayer at 7.30 pm on each Wednesday evening up to 23^rd December.  Rosary, gospel reading and homily concluding with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament at 8.15 pm.

Advent Zoom Discussion

Reflection and discussion on following Christ as Brothers and Sisters Together, on Tuesday evenings from 7.30 to 8.30 pm, December 8^th to 22^nd.  Register by email to receive a link to join each meeting at 7.15 pm, email frbillyosullivan@gmail.com.

Advent and Christmas Prayers at Home

The Office of Mission and Ministry of the diocese has provided prayers for all of us to use at home including a prayer when decorating the Christmas Tree and a prayer at the Christmas Crib, which can be downloaded from the Diocesan Website.

Christmas Masses

Because of Covid-19 restrictions it will not be possible to accommodate the usual numbers at our Christmas Masses and it is likely that a place booking and ticket system will be necessary. We ask for your understanding and support.  Arrangements will be included in next week’s bulletin.

Parish Christmas & Triduum Cards will be available in the church after Masses.   The Triduum of Masses will be offered on 23rd, 24th and 25th December.

The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is not a day of obligation this year, but we will provide the traditional extra Masses.  Vigil Mass on Monday at 6.00 pm, Masses on Tuesday at 10.00 am and 6.00 p.m

“Walk with Me,” a journey of prayer for Advent & Christmastide 2020. This excellent booklet is available at the back of the Church (Cost €1.30).

There will be NO 10.00 am Mass on next Saturday 12^th December, because of First Holy Communion Masses at 11.00 am and 1.00 pm on that day.

First Holy Communion and Confirmation

The Sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation for Bunscoil Chríost Rí pupils will be celebrated this week. 

Confirmations will be held on Wednesday at 12.00 noon and 2.00 pm and First Holy Communion Masses will take place on Saturday at 11.00 am and 1.00 pm.

Because of Covid-19 restrictions the number of people present in the church for each ceremony will be limited to the pupils receiving the sacrament, their parents and one other person only for each family.

GIVING SUNDAY NEXT WEEKEND: Gifts may be placed at our Santa’s Giving Christmas Tree in the Sanctuary.  Instead of toys, we request non-perishable foods to help struggling families.  Any of the following items – tea, coffee, sugar, Tayto, chocolates, selection boxes, biscuits, soup, may be placed at the Santa Tree in the Church (no toys).  Members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society will collect them after the Masses.

The St. Vincent de Paul Society Christmas collection will be taken up at all Masses next weekend.

Diocesan Christmas Carol Service 2020

This year a Carol Service will be streamed from the Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Anne on Sunday 13^th December at 7.30pm.  Ten choirs (with six members each) will participate from parishes throughout the Diocese via their webcams.  We are invited to join in via the Cathedral webcam https://www.corkcathedral.ie/live-stream/.  The words of the carols and full order of service can be downloaded from the Diocesan website www.corkandross.org beforehand to enable us and especially our choir members to Join in from their homes.

Altar Decoration for Christmas. Red Poinsettia plants would be much appreciated.

DUTY TO GO TO MASS

Catholics are dispensed from attending Sunday and Holy Day Masses. Those over 70 years and those with underlying health conditions should remain at home where appropriate. Anyone who has symptoms of any sickness (even mild symptoms) should not attend the public celebration of Mass

REFLECTION

 from Fr Donal Neary SJ

There’s a family expectancy on the air about Christmas, people looking forward to the celebrations just now and hoping within covid restrictions they can happen in some way. Even if we dread bits of Christmas, and many do, we know that there is something very good about it.  We look forward to it, as we look forward to the visit of someone we love.

The people at Jesus’ time were like that – looking forward to the ‘one who is to come’.  It would all take time, and the last of the messengers was John the Baptist.  His mother would await his birth with huge expectation.

He preached forgiveness. This is one of the special gifts of God, and one of the big celebrations of Advent.  We are a forgiven people, and we welcome the forgiveness of God in our repentance.  This means we are firstly grateful for forgiveness, that we do not have to carry forever the burden of sin, meanness and our faults and failings. God covers them over in mercy.  The second step of welcoming forgiveness is to try to do better in life – to move on from this sinfulness and meanness to a life of care, compassion, love and joy.  It is a call and a challenge to forgive others.

Advent is not complete without some admission of sin and our need for mercy. The parish celebrations, even in some restricted forms, of the sacrament of Penance in common or individually is step which makes our celebration of Christmas complete.

For this week: say the angelus on wakening, at noon and at 6 p.m.

May our good and gracious God have mercy on us all,

forgive us our sins

and lead us to everlasting life.

Amen.

Donal Neary SJ.

RESUMPTION OF PUBLIC MASSES

PUBLIC MASSES

We welcome the resumption of Masses from Tuesday 1^st December at the normal times, subject to compliance with Covid-10 Public Health Safety Requirements. Subject to further guidance, arrangements are as follows.

Weekday Mass

 Weekday Masses will be at 10.00 am, Monday to Saturday.  For weekday Mass the church will constitute a single space, permitted to contain up to fifty people, observing a 2-metre social distance requirement and wearing face masks, as in shops and on public transport.

Weekend Masses

Weekend Masses will be at 6.00 pm Saturday (Vigil Mass) and at 10.00 am and 12.00 midday on Sunday.  We must continue to observe the Covid-19 Public Health safety rules. 

For weekend Mass the church is separated into two sections, each having its own entrance and exit routes based on a one-way system, with a minimum of 4 metres between the sections.  Each section is permitted to contain up to 50 people, subject to a 2-metre social distance requirement and wearing of face masks, subject to the same conditions as for shops and public transport. There can be no movement of people between the separate sections of the church before, during or after Mass. Stewards will guide people to their places, and special arrangements will be in place for Holy Communion, with separate distributions points in each section.

Duty to go to Mass

Catholics continue to be dispensed from attending Sunday and Holy Day Masses until further notice. Those over 70 years and those with underlying health conditions should of course take appropriate precautions and follow health advice.  Anyone who feels uncomfortable or nervous about returning to Mass has a legitimate reason to remain at home, or to come to a weekday Mass instead of Sunday.  Anyone who has symptoms of any sickness (even mild symptoms) should not attend the public celebration of Mass.

ADVENT

Advent prepares us for Christmas, to open our hearts to welcome Jesus.  As well as anticipating the Christ Child, we also look forward to the return of Christ at the end of time, and at the end of our time in this life.  We watch and pray as we wait for Christmas, for the return of Christ in glory, and for the day the Lord will call each of us.

For these four weeks we move beyond the routine of life as we nourish hope, and nourish dreams of a new future. Jesus tells us “watch at all times, praying.” This will help us to avoid an inner listlessness comes from always focussing on ourselves, on our own life, with its problems, its joys and suffering, but obsessed with ourselves.  This is wearying and dull, and closes us to hope. It is the root of a laziness that the Gospel speaks about.  Advent invites us to wake up, look beyond the self, beyond ourselves, to expand our mind and heart, as we open ourselves to the needs of our brothers and sisters, and to a desire for a new world.  A new world is desired, is needed, by so many people afflicted by hunger, injustice, war, a new world is desired and needed by the poor, the weak and the abandoned.  This is a time to open our hearts and to ask ourselves how and for whom we spend our lives.  This is a time to pray!

May the Virgin Mary, a woman of expectation and prayer, help us to strengthen our hope in the promises of her Son Jesus, even as we experience all the difficulties and griefs of life in this difficult year.  May she will help us to find our joy in the Lord as we prepare for the Christmas of 2020.

The Advent Wreath

There are five candles on the wreath, reminding us of the four Sundays of Advent and Christmas. Three are purple, one is pink and one white. The first is a symbol of HOPE, the second of FAITH, the third candle is pink and is lit on “Gaudete Sunday” and is a symbol of JOY, the fourth candle is a symbol of PEACE and the fifth (white) candle symbolises CHRIST and is lit at Christmas as we welcome the Christ Child.

The Jesse Tree

The Jesse Tree Symbols for the First Sunday of Advent are a Dove, an Apple and a picture of the Ark of Noah.

The Dove recalls the peace and harmony of creation as God intended.

The Apple reminds us of original sin. Christ is the new Adam bringing a new creation, forgiving sin and restoring us to God’s grace.

The Ark reminds us that while God is displeased with wickedness, he also sees the best in us and renews his covenant through forgiveness and mercy.

Exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament

There will be Exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament after 10.00 am Mass to 11.00 am on Wednesdays of Advent.

Morning Prayer on Fridays of Advent

Morning Prayer of the Church (Lauds) will be recited after 10.00 am Mass on the Fridays of Advent.

Parish Christmas & Triduum Cards

Parish Christmas & Triduum Cards will be available in the Church after Masses from next weekend   The Triduum of Masses will be offered on 23^rd, 24^th and 25^th December.

“Walk With Me,” a journey of prayer for Advent & Christmastide 2020.

This excellent booklet is available at the back of the Church (Cost €1.30).

PRAYER AND REMEMBRANCE IN NOVEMBER

We continue to pray for our beloved dead as November comes to an end, and perhaps visit the burial places of our dead once more to pray there alone or with others from our household, remembering that Pope Francis for this year has extended the time during which November Plenary Indulgences for the dead may be gained. 

PARISH DUES

Renewed and sincere thanks for the very generous response to the Autumn Dues appeal.

WEBCAM

 We apologise for the loss of transmission of our morning Mass last Thursday.  We have experienced difficulties with our live-streamed Mass transmissions recently, our broadband connection has now been upgraded and we hope that issues have been resolved.

REFLECTION

 from Fr Donal Neary SJ

 The Invitation

I like these words of the late Cardinal Hume: “There are times when I can visualize Our Lord at the break of day standing by my bed and saying: “Get up, follow me.” Whether I am conscious of it or not, in effect that invitation, that loving but insistent command, is given to me every day.  Each new morning is the opportunity to start again.  Yesterday there may have been inadequacies and failures but today Christ renews his call: “Follow me. I have chosen you. I need you.”  Who can fail to respond to the thought that God needs our willing collaboration.”

We are carers for creation and of his people. Take this seriously, it is our world which God has shared with us. .  God has made himself so vulnerable and this gospel reading is just before the passion.  An area or parish improves if enough people do something.  We look at areas in a locality which are now clean  of drugs, more prosperous and just. This has been the work of people,  co-creating the world with God. Making it a better place. Doing the world a world of good.

The Gospel today says – Don’t give up. In good times and bad, crisis and pandemic times, God is always near!  Live in hope and preparation. Stay awake to the season – the ways we can deepen and grow in our faith — maybe do a a retreat, do something good for others with your time or finance, notice God in the events of the next few weeks, pray a bit every day, make time to be awakened to  the centre of our world who is God, and to his central action in creating the world each day, sending Jesus Christ his Son.

A question for the first week of Advent: How can I help someone today?

Lord, send me, use me, create me for your work in the world.

Donal Neary SJ

Gospel Reflections for Sundays of Year B (2017).
www.messenger.ie/bookshop/

THE KINGDOM OF THE SHEPHERD KING

As we celebrate the feast of Christ the King and conclude our Sunday readings from St Matthew’s Gospel, we remember that Jesus came as the shepherd king, to establish the kingdom of God, a kingdom of love and service of others.  The signs of the kingdom of God are acts of compassion to the vulnerable and hurting, love for one another and a realisation that the king identifies himself completely with the least in his kingdom. Christ’s call for universal compassion can be uncomfortable for those of us who are comfortable. In our natural self-centred state, we are not ready for his kingdom, so we are called to repent, to renew our attitudes. 

Jesus says he is the Good Shepherd, the one described by Isaiah, who would rescue, heal, feed and give rest to his sheep, and who would judge them.  Time will come to an end for each of us and for all, and there will be judgement.  Our judgement will be based on whether we were good, kind, welcoming and giving to other people, whether we had time for those in distress, time for God’s little ones.

May the Virgin Mary help us to encounter Our Lord and receive him in his Word and in the Eucharist, and at the same time in brothers and sisters who suffer from hunger, disease, oppression or injustice.  May we have a heart for all who suffer, especially those accounted as unimportant in the eyes of the world. May we help them from our material posessions and may give our time, as loving and generous followers of Christ.  We pray that at the resurrection, by God’s mercy, we will be called to life

PRAYER AND REMEMBRANCE IN NOVEMBER

We continue to pray for our beloved dead in this month of November, and perhaps visit the burial places of our loved ones to pray there alone or with others from our household. 

Pope Francis for this year has extended the time during which November Plenary Indulgences for the dead may be gained.  A plenary indulgence may be gained by visiting and praying in a church or oratory on any day in November, and a plenary indulgences to be gained once per day for visiting a cemetery and praying for the dead on any eight days in November, which need not be consecutive. We should also pray for the Pope’s intentions.

Those who are elderly, sick or otherwise vulnerable and unable to leave home due to Covid-19 restrictions, may gain these indulgences by praying for the dead before an image of Jesus or of the Blessed Virgin Mary, appropriate prayers include the Rosary, the Divine Mercy Chaplet or prayers from the Office of the Dead.

The usual conditions (Sacramental Confession and reception of Holy Communion) should be completed when this becomes possible again.

PARISH DUES

Sincere thanks for the very generous response to the Autumn Dues appeal.

WEBCAM

 We have experienced difficulties with our live-streamed Mass transmissions from time to time, in particular occasional time lags of up to several minutes, we hope to have these issues resolved soon.

Covid-19

Existing arrangements to comply with COVID-19 restrictions continue as follows as follows.

 Church Open for Private Prayer

11.00 am – 6.00 pm Monday-Saturday

Live Streamed Masses:

10.00 am Monday-Saturday

6.00 pm Saturday (vigil)

10.00 am and 12.00 noon on Sunday

Funeral Masses

Permitted, subject to a limit of twenty-five people in the church, including the priest.

Weddings

Permitted, subject to a limit of twenty-five people in the church, including the bride, groom, witnesses and the priest.

Baptisms

No baptisms for the time being.

REFLECTION from Fr Donal Neary SJ

On the Solemnity of Christ the King

Words connected with king may be power, authority, distance, homage and many more.  The king presented in Jesus is very different, as in our readings this week.

The king is more a shepherd and often called a shepherd-king. The one who looks after all the sheep, looks for the lost and is loved by the sheep.

In the gospel Jesus presents us with a representative list of those who need the most looking after in the world then and now: like the hungry and thirsty, who will die if help is not given. He highlights people who are often neglected as not worth our time – the stranger, the prisoner and the sick. He looks out for the least ones.

A challenge today in trying to care for the millions who starve and lack good water; the people confined in nursing homes and those in mourning because of the dangerous virus; the prisoner, locked and hidden away. They are ones Jesus remembers every day himself. Can we do the same, and put our remembrance into action?

Let me notice this week, O Lord, the needy ones on my doorstep.

Donal Neary SJ
www.messenger.ie/bookshop/