Baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan

Blessing of Recently Baptised Children This weekend at the 12.00 noon Mass there is a special Blessing for Children who were baptised in our parish during 2018 and for their families.   We welcome parents and children, Godparents and Grandparents and family members. We thank the Baptismal Team for their help and commitment during the year in visiting families and helping them prepare for Baptism. As we begin the new year we pray God’s blessing on all our families.

Parents of children baptised during 2018 bring their child to the Altar Rail. They are blessed with Holy Water and Priest & Parents make the sign of the cross on the children’s foreheads.
 Priest:  
The Journey of Faith continues.  Please God, you will have the joy of being with your child on First Communion day and see your child take on mature Christian living on Confirmation day, when the fullness of God’s Spirit is given.  Let us pray God’s blessing on your child, on your family and all here present.  May God, the almighty Father, who filled the world with joy by giving us his only Son, bless these children recently baptised.  May they have good health and grow to be true followers of Jesus Christ, our Lord.    All: Amen.
Priest:  May almighty God, who gives life on earth and in heaven, bless the Parents of these children.  They thank God for the gift of their child.  May they always show their gratitude in action by loving and caring for them.
 All:  Amen.
 Priest: May almighty God, who has given us new birth by water and the Holy Spirit, generously bless all Godparents, Grandparents and all here present.  May we always live as his people, giving good example and leading these little ones to God.
 All:  Amen.
 Priest: May almighty God bless you all, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
 All: Amen.
Parents & Children return to their seats

2019 Parish Calendars Some are still available at the back of the church. Please consider taking one for a housebound neighbour or friend. 

Deaths:  We pray for Gerard (Ger) Kiely, Rathmore Lawn, and John Byrne, Cross Douglas Road, who died recently.  We extend our sympathy to their families.

Parish Assembly meeting on Monday 14th January in the Parish Centre at 8.00 pm.

Diocesan Quarterly Collection at all Masses next weekend   19th /20th January to support the work of the dioceses.

Alpha Course   Explore:  life,  faith, meaning
Turner’s Cross Parish Alpha 2019 starts on Wednesday 30th January.
We invite you to try Alpha with us on Wednesday evenings from 7.30 to 9.00 pm at the Parish Centre.  This session caters especially for young adults (20’s – 30’s), but all are welcome regardless of age.
     “Friendships are made at Alpha”
 Contact Br Andrew at 086 1522160

Ashton School – Night Courses
Registration night this term is Wednesday 16th January at 7 – 8pm in the school on Blackrock Road, or anyone interested can register online or through the Adult Education Office (021) 4322832.

                               Feast of the Epiphany

 THANK YOU
There are many families and individuals whose contribution to parish life is essential and immense. Through their quiet and unnoticed work, the Parish runs smoothly and parish life is enriched. As 2019 dawns we would like to thank you for your help and support.  Those to whom special thanks are due include those who care for the Church and clean it every week, look after the flowers and altar linens; those who put up the Crib, Easter and Remembrance Gardens and decorate the sanctuary so beautifully. those who help in administration, the Sacristan, members of the Parish Finance Committee, the Safeguarding Representatives, the Church Collectors and Parish Dues Area Collectors.  Special thanks are due this year to Sharon O’Sullivan and Sheila Anne Twomey who worked so hard on the renovation of the Parish Centre.  those who help in the Parish Pastoral Mission, members of the Parish Pastoral Assembly, our Parish Catechist Bernadette Hegarty, our parishioner Deacon Frank McKevitt, our Ministers of Word and Eucharist, the Altar Servers and their Parents, the Choir and the Parish Funeral and Baptismal Teams, and Sr. Karen and Fr. Charlie from the Pastoral Development Office who have been so helpful.   The congregation for your generosity in the offertory collection each week for the upkeep of the Church and payment of staff. We thank all who contributed so generously during 2018 to Trocaire Christmas Gift Cards, to the Trocaire Lenten Campaign, and to all the special collections.
 Thanks also to Christ the King Conference of the Society of St Vincent de Paul, to St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society and the Legion of Mary.

2019 Parish Calendars are available at the back of the church. Please consider taking one for a housebound neighbour or friend.

Alpha Course
Explore:       life,   faith,  meaning
Turner’s Cross Parish Alpha 2019 starts on Wed. 30th January.

                                          Invitation
 We invite you to try Alpha with us on Wednesday evenings from 7.30 to 9.00 pm at the Parish Centre.  This session caters especially for young adults (20’s – 30’s), but all are welcome regardless of age.
Sessions begin with some hot food – come along on the first evening and see what you think!  Each Alpha is limited to 20 people.
Alpha is a 10-week experience covering such topics as Who is Jesus? Why did Jesus die? How does God guide us? and Why and How do I pray? Alpha is relaxed, non-threatening, low key friendly and fun. Alpha can help us to deepen our relationship with the Lord.
What is involved?
We begin every session by chatting with one another over a cup of tea/ coffee.  Then we watch a DVD and hear an interesting talk.  After that we divide into groups and discuss some of the questions relevant to the teaching.
Comment made on completion of an Alpha Course in Glasthule:
I found a community that I did not know was available to me as a young person.   I have friends for life now.
Cost?
Alpha is free – so why not come along and give it a try.
Contact Br Andrew at 086 1522160

NEW YEAR RESOLUTION
New Year is a time for reflection and of course New Year Resolutions. Some of us tend to make the same resolutions we made last year, and hope for a better hit rate this time around. As a parish we can look forward together to 2019, and reflect on the role of the parish in our lives.   Last year was a difficult year for the Church and for faith in Ireland and it is clear that there are problems ahead.  If we ignore those problems and do nothing, then nothing will happen, and the slow decline will continue.
So, what should we do, what can we do?  Perhaps for a start we might consider making a new year resolution to take up Pope Francis’ invitation of a few years ago: I invite all Christians, everywhere, at this very moment, to a renewed personal encounter with Jesus Christ, or at least an openness to letting him encounter you.
 Jesus says to us: you shall be my witnesses (Acts 1:8), and we are called to be witnesses of God’s wonderful love. In the period up to Easter of this year we will consider in prayer what practical steps are open to us as a parish to be faithful to the mission the Lord has given to each of.

 Deaths:  We pray for Breda Murphy, Blarney and Pat McCarthy (nee Dineen), (Rockfort, Upton) who died recently.  We extend our sympathy to their families.

Feast of the Holy Family

Christmas 
It has been a lovely Christmas, with great crowds and a great atmosphere during the Advent and Christmas Liturgies. The joyful preparation, anticipation, participation, celebration and sense of community were inspiring, we thank all who participated.  Fr. Kerry joins me in thanking you for your Christmas wishes and your generous Christmas offerings at the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Masses, and we appreciate your encouraging words.
As we begin the New Year, we pray that 2019 will bring us many blessings.
 Fr. Billy

Anointing of Sick: 
Saturday 5th January after 10.00 am Mass.

2019 Parish Calendars are available at the back of the church. Please consider taking one for a housebound neighbour or friend. It would be great if the area collectors could help to distribute some as well, there are additional supplies in the Sacristy. Many thanks.

Autumn Dues
Many thanks for your generous contributions. Envelopes are available at the back of the church for those who did not receive them.

Feast of the Epiphany:  Sunday 6th January. Vigil Mass on Saturday 6.00 pm.  Mass on Sunday at 10.00 am and 12.00 am

 Anam Cara Cork, the organisation that supports bereaved parents is holding a Parent Evening on Wednesday, January 2nd in the Clayton Hotel, Silversprings Cork commencing 7.20 pm. www.anamcara.ie for further information or 085 2888 888.

Alpha Course
Br. Andrew Hickey, Presentation Brothers Maiville, is an experienced Alpha leader and has agreed to lead our Parish Alpha Course beginning at the end of January.
Explore:   life,   faith,   meaning.                                                      Turner’s Cross Parish Alpha 2019 starts on Wed. 30th January.
Invitation
We want to invite you to try Alpha with us on Wednesday evenings from 7.30 pm to 9.00 pm at the Parish Centre here at Christ the King Church.  This session caters especially for young adults (20s – 30’s), but all are welcome regardless of age.
Every session begins with some hot food – so come along on the first evening and see what you think!  Each Alpha is limited to 20 people.

What is Alpha?
A 10 week experience covering such topics as Who is Jesus? Why did Jesus die? How does God guide us? and Why and How do I pray? Alpha is relaxed, non-threatening, low key friendly and fun. Alpha can help you to deepen your relationship with the Lord.
What is involved?
We begin every session by chatting with one another over a cup of tea/ coffee.  Then we watch a DVD and hear an interesting talk.  After that we divide into groups and discuss some of the questions relevant to the teaching,
Cost?
Alpha is free – so why not come along and give it a try.
Contact   Br. Andrew at 086 1522160

Family Blessing
This Sunday December 30th is the Feast of the Holy Family. A special blessing for 2018 is offered to families at each of our weekend Masses.  All families present or represented will be blessed with these words:
As you seek to live as a family
in the image of the Holy Family
of Jesus, Mary and Joseph,
may Almighty God bless each of you,
and those you love,
the Father, the Son, X and the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

From the Message of Pope Francis for World day of Peace, 1st January 2019
Peace be to this house!
Bringing peace is central to the mission of Christ’s disciples. That peace is offered to all those men and women who long for peace amid the tragedies and violence that mark human history. The “house” of which Jesus speaks is every family, community, country and continent, in all their diversity and history. It is first and foremost each individual person, without distinction or discrimination. But it is also our “common home”: the world in which God has placed us and which we are called to care for and cultivate.
So let this be my greeting at the beginning of the New Year: Peace be to this house!

Anam Cara Cork, the organisation that supports bereaved parents is holding a Parent Evening on Wednesday, January 2nd in the Clayton Hotel, Silversprings Cork commencing 7.20 pm. www.anamcara.ie for further information or 085 2888 888.

Family Blessing
This Sunday December 30th is the Feast of the Holy Family. A special blessing for 2018 is offered to families at each of our weekend Masses.  All families present or represented will be blessed with these words:
 As you seek to live as a family
in the image of the Holy Family
of Jesus, Mary and Joseph,
may Almighty God bless each of you,
and those you love,
the Father, the Son, X and the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
 
From the Message of Pope Francis for World day of Peace, 1st January 2019
Peace be to this house!
Bringing peace is central to the mission of Christ’s disciples. That peace is offered to all those men and women who long for peace amid the tragedies and violence that mark human history. The “house” of which Jesus speaks is every family, community, country and continent, in all their diversity and history. It is first and foremost each individual person, without distinction or discrimination. But it is also our “common home”: the world in which God has placed us and which we are called to care for and cultivate.
So let this be my greeting at the beginning of the New Year: Peace be to this house!

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

                               Christmas Message  

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 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.  
Fr Kerry joins me in wishing you all a Happy Christmas.  We welcome those who are home for Christmas, may you enjoy these special days with your loved ones. We pray for those who can’t make it home and for their families.  We remember those who have been bereaved, your loved ones are remembered in our Masses. Thanks to everybody for all your support, we wish you peace, health and blessings throughout the year ahead.
Fr. Billy

Christmas Masses: Christmas Eve: 6.00 &10.00pm.               Christmas Day: 9.00 am, 10.00 am &12 noon (note extra Mass at 9.00 am). St. Stephen’s Day Mass at 10.00 am.

Fr Kerry’s Grace before Dinner on Christmas Day
Loving God, on this Christmas Day we give
thanks that Jesus, your Son, has come into
our world bringing us gifts of peace and joy.
Bless us as we sit together at this table for
our Christmas meal.
Bless the food we share and help us to
remember those who are hungry.
Be with our loved ones away from home (pause).
Bless and heal those who are sick, those
who are lonely.
We remember our departed loved ones (pause).
May the joy of this feast give us strength and
light, now and in the days ahead.
We thank you Lord for all your blessings. Amen.

PENITENTIAL SERVICE
Christmas Penitential Services this weekend after 6.00 pm vigil, 10.00 am & 12.00 noon Masses.  Visiting priests will be with us for Confessions as we prepare for Christmas.  None of us is without sin and we are all in need of forgiveness. God offers us a most wonderful gift, the assurance that no matter how we have failed his forgiveness is there for us all.  In the words of Pope Francis: “Mercy is the Lord’s most powerful message”

Most are familiar with the procedure for this Communal Reconciliation Service, all you need to say to the priest when you approach for Confession is:
“I am sorry for all my sins, especially for. . . .”

Then you tell your own sins simply, in the best way you can, asking for God’s Forgiveness. Be prepared to leave all your sins with the Lord and promise him that you will try to do better.

Examination of conscience
An examination of conscience concerns our daily lives and our maturity as human beings. It is not preparing a grocery list of sins, but looking at the things we do and at the person who does them. It asks how do we relate to God and to our brothers and sisters for whom Christ died.

A good way of preparing for confession is to divide my life into a few general areas, and take a look at each.

1.   My relationship with God:
Do I give time to God?
Do I pray each day?
Do I attend Mass regularly?

2.   My home life
Am I hard to live with? Do I make my
home happy?
Am I moody and selfish?
Do I cause serious problems at home –
unfaithfulness, drunkenness, taking
drugs, violence, long cold silences?
Do I seek help?
Am I faithful to my commitments?

3.   My relationship with others:    
Am I tolerant of and unselfish towards
others?
Am I kind in word and deed?
Do I pray for my enemies and forgive
them?
Do I respect others? Have I used others
selfishly? or irresponsibly?

4.   My practice of justice:
Do I respect the needs, rights, and
property of others?
Am I honest with my business
dealings?
Do I pay my debts? Do I cheat, or make
false claims?
Do I pay my taxes?  Do I give to those
in need?

Act of Contrition
O my God I thank you for loving me. I am sorry for all my sins, for not loving others and not loving you. Help me to live like Jesus and not sin again.   Amen.

Confessions on Christmas Eve after the 10am & 6pm Masses

Christmas Masses:
Christmas Eve: 6.00 pm & 10.00pm.
Christmas Day: 9.00 am, 10.00 am and 12.00 noon
(note the extra Mass at 9.00 am).
St. Stephen’s Day: 10.00 am.

Memorial Acclamation (response to “The Mystery of Faith”) for the coming year:
My Lord and my God.

Parish Christmas & Triduum Cards are available in the Parish Office after Mass.   The Triduum of Masses will be offered on 23, 24, 25 December.

Our 2019 Parish Calendars are available at the back of the church. Please consider taking one for a housebound neighbour or friend. Many thanks.

Ministers of the Word may collect their Rota and Missals for 2019 from the Sacristy.

Deaths: We pray for Kenneth Daly, late of Iona Road, Mayfield, who died recently.  We extend our sympathy to his family.

Walk with Me: A journey of prayer for Advent & Christmastide 2018. Copies of the excellent booklet Walk with Me are available after Masses at the back of the Church (Cost €1.30).

Congregational Singing. We continue to select Entrance and Recessional hymns suitable for congregational singing, and would encourage (with the emphasis on courage!) everybody to join in.

Christmas gifts with a difference. Trocaire Gifts and Gift Cards will be available at the back of the Church from members of the Parish Assembly during the Sundays of Advent.
Trocaire Christmas Appeal
‘Do not let the downtrodden retreat in confusion, give the poor and needy cause to praise your name.’ Ps 74:21.
Millions of people have had to flee conflict in South Sudan and Yemen. In an area alone in northern Uganda, 33,000 women and children from South Sudan have arrived traumatised and broken.  Trocaire’s Christmas Appeal will help these people and many others rebuild their lives. Visit www.trocaire.org <http://www.trocaire.org>  to find out more.

Autumn Dues
Many thanks for your generous contributions.
Envelopes are available at the back of the church for those who did not receive them.

Third Sunday of Advent                   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.”

PREPARATION FOR CHRISTMAS
As we prepare for Christmas, John the Baptist reminds us to: “prepare the way of the Lord.”  God is coming to save us, to rescue us from sin, fear, unhappiness and death.  And the Baptist tells us: “be content;” an attitude of contentment may not be in tune with our consumerist society, but it does bring happiness and the freedom to enjoy what we have. Jesus tells us that life is more than food and clothes, more than material goods. Christmas is a time of giving, giving presents to those we love, giving gifts to those in need, a time of sharing, giving of our surplus to ensure others have food and clothes, have the basic necessities of life.
Religious observance without generous giving is worthless, and of course it is more blessed to give than to receive.  We wish each other “Happy Christmas,” and St Paul says to us today that God wants us to be happy.  “Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice.”
We pray for peace and joy this Christmas, and may the peace of Christ renew our minds and guard our hearts throughout the coming year.

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

Christmas Penitential Services: Next weekend Saturday 22nd after 6pm vigil Mass, and Sunday 23rd December after 10.00 am & 12.00 noon Masses. A number of priests will be available for Confessions as we prepare for the coming of the Christ Child at Christmas.  We are all in need of forgiveness. God knows that deep down in our hearts we want to turn more fully to him. He offers us this most wonderful gift, the assurance that no matter how we have failed his forgiveness is there for us all.

Christmas Masses:
Christmas Eve: 6.00 pm & 10.00pm.
Christmas Day: 9.00 am, 10.00 am and 12.00 noon
(note the extra Mass at 9.00 am).
St. Stephen’s Day: 10.00 am.

Memorial Acclamation (response to “The Mystery of Faith”) for the coming year:
My Lord and my God.

Infant Jesus Sunday (Bambinelli Sunday):
Families are invited to bring their crib figure of the Infant Jesus to Mass this weekend for blessing.  After the blessing take your figure home and gift wrap it and place it under the Christmas tree so that on Christmas morning it is the first gift the family open for Christmas, and it is then placed in your family crib.

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

Morning Prayer on Fridays of Advent:Morning Prayer of the Church (Lauds) after 10.00 am Mass on each Friday of Advent. This takes less than ten minutes, leaflets for everyone.

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

Christmas gifts with a difference. Trocaire Gifts and Gift Cards will be available at the back of the Church from members of the Parish Assembly during the Sundays of Advent.

Trocaire Christmas Appeal
‘Do not let the downtrodden retreat in confusion, give the poor and needy cause to praise your name.’ Ps 74:21.
Millions of people have had to flee conflict in South Sudan and Yemen. In an area alone in northern Uganda, 33,000 women and children from South Sudan have arrived traumatised and broken.  Trocaire’s Christmas Appeal will help these people and many others rebuild their lives. Visit www.trocaire.org <http://www.trocaire.org> to find out more.

Ministers of the Word may collect their Rota from the Sacristy.

Ministers of the Word may collect their Missal for 2019 from the Sacristy.

Deaths: We pray for Joseph Galway, Connolly Road, and Kathleen Desmond, St Anthony Villas, Friars Walk, who died recently.  We extend our sympathy to their families.

Congregational Singing. We continue to select Entrance and Recessional hymns suitable for congregational singing, and would encourage (with the emphasis on courage!) everybody to join in.

Walk with Me: A journey of prayer for Advent & Christmastide 2018. Copies of the excellent booklet Walk with Me are available after Masses at the back of the Church (Cost €1.30).

Altar Decoration for Christmas:  If you would like to give a Red Poinsettia plant to decorate the Altar for Christmas, it would be much appreciated.

Giving Sunday: The third Sunday of Advent is when Santa will help our local St. Vincent de Paul Society and Santa’s Giving Tree is in place. 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). The members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society will collect them after the Masses

Frankfield Gospel Choir presents “JOY” an evening of festive favourites for all the family, Sunday 16th December at 5.00pm, Church of the Incarnation, Frankfield (donations at the door in aid of St. Vincent De Paul).

0Joyful Hope
St Paul is filled with joy at the faith and faithfulness of the Philippians.  They may not be perfect, but he can rejoice in their goodness and he assures them that God who began a good work in you will see that it is finished, a promise for Christians of every age.  His comments are addressed to the whole people, not just the leadership or to an elite. He stresses the necessity of love for one another which will deepen knowledge and perception of the faith.  A unity of love has no exclusions, no putting a special group or brotherhood above the love of God for his little ones.  “The Lord hears the cry of the poor.”  God’s heart is for all his little ones.

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

Morning Prayer on Fridays of Advent:  Morning Prayer of the Church (Lauds) after 10.00 am Mass on each Friday of Advent. This takes less than ten minutes, leaflets for everyone.

Memorial Acclamation (response to “The Mystery of Faith”). For the coming year the response will be: My Lord and my God.

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

Advent Mini Retreat: Our Parish Evening of Prayer & Reflection to prepare for Christmas will be held in St. Finbarr’s Hospital Chapel on Tuesday 11th December from 7.30 – 9.30 pm for all parishioners and especially for those all who serve and help in our Parish. The sermon will be preached by Fr Michael Burgess OFM Cap. Refreshments served after Mass, everybody welcome.

Christmas gifts with a difference. Trocaire Gifts and Gift Cards will be available at the back of the Church from members of the Parish Assembly during the Sundays of Advent.

Ministers of the Word may collect their Rota from the Sacristy.

Autumn Dues: A few remaining envelopes are ready for collection by the Area Collectors in the Sacristy. Many thanks.

Congregational Singing. We continue to select Entrance and Recessional hymns suitable for congregational singing, and would encourage (with the emphasis on courage!) everybody to join in.

Frankfield Gospel Choir presents “JOY” an evening of festive favourites for all the family, Sunday 16th December at 5.00pm, Church of the Incarnation, Frankfield (donations at the door in aid of St. Vincent De Paul).

Walk With Me: Copies of an excellent booklet: Walk with Me will be available from this week after Masses at the back of the Church (Cost €1.30). A journey of prayer for Advent & Christmastide 2018.

Society of St Vincent de Paul: this weekend on Saturday and Sunday, 8th and 9th December the second collection at all Masses will be the Christmas Collection for the Society of St Vincent de Paul, giving us all an opportunity to contribute financially to the support of those in need in our parish this Christmas. The Society thanks you for your continuing generosity and wishes a happy and holy Christmas to all.

GIVING SUNDAY NEXT WEEKEND: gifts may be placed at our Santa’s Giving Christmas Tree in the Sanctuary.  This year 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.

Bambinelli Sunday: next Sunday is also Infant Jesus Sunday when families are invited to bring their crib figure of the Infant Jesus to Mass for blessing.   After the blessing you are asked to take the figure home and gift wrap it so that on Christmas morning it may be the first gift opened and then placed in your family crib.

Altar Decoration for Christmas:  If you would like to give a Red Poinsettia plant to decorate the Altar for Christmas, it would be much appreciated.

Deaths:  We pray for Sean O’Flynn, Capwell Avenue, Jimmy Crowley, Mayfield and late of Friars Road and Jim O’Hea, Victoria Avenue who died recently.  We extend our sympathy to their families.

Cork Alzheimer’s Café a safe place for people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, their carers, family and friends along with social and health professionals to meet.  Our Christmas Cafe will be held on Friday 14th December at 1.30 – 3.30 pm in St Finbarr’s Hospital. Light refreshments provided free of charge. All welcome.

Deerpark Christian Brothers School are holding “Reindeer Park” a Christmas market and Santa’s grotto Sunday 16th December 3 – 6pm. Free event, open to the public. Sale stands at €25 each are available to interested vendors. For more information call (021) 4962025 or email a.wolfe@deerparkcbs.ie

OLA Sisters Mission yesterday and today exhibition – an exhibition of artefacts collected over 140 years service in Africa will take place at their convent in Ardfoyle, Ballintemple on December 8th and 9th from noon to 7pm.

Trocaire’s Christmas Appeal
‘Do not let the downtrodden retreat in confusion, give the poor and needy cause to praise your name.’ Psalms 74:21.
Millions of people have had to flee conflict in South Sudan and Yemen.   In one area alone in northern Uganda, 33,000 mainly women and children from South Sudan have arrived traumatised and broken.  Trocaire’s Christmas Appeal will help these people and many others rebuild their lives. Visit www.trocaire.org <http://www.trocaire.org> http://www.trocaire.org/ to find out more.

Advent
The First Sunday of Advent marks the beginning of our spiritual preparation for Christma. The commercial preparation has of course been underway for some time.  As Christians we remember that there is a reason for the season, and that it involves more than glitz and parties.

Christmas is a time of giving, presents to those we love, gifts to those in need.  It is a time for sharing, to ensure others have the basic necessities of life.  We wish each other “Happy Christmas,” and the promise of Jesus is: “my peace I leave you, my own peace I give you.” When we find our joy in the Lord, we experience a peace beyond human understanding, the peace of God.  As we rejoice in his peace at Christmas, it is good to remember that God rejoices in us.
May we enjoy time with family and friends and give generously to those in need as we prepare our hearts to welcome the Christ Child this Christmas.

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

Morning Prayer on Fridays of Advent:  Morning Prayer of the Church (Lauds) after 10.00 am Mass on each Friday of Advent.

Memorial Acclamation (response to “The Mystery of Faith”). For the coming year the response will be: My Lord and my God.

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

Advent Mini Retreat: Evening of Prayer & Reflection in St. Finbarr’s Hospital Chapel on Tuesday 11th December from 7.30 – 9.30 pm for all parishioners and especially for those all who serve and help in our Parish. Mass and homily by Fr Michael Burgess OFM Cap, refreshments.

Christmas gifts with a difference. Trocaire Gifts and Gift Cards will be available at the back of the Church from members of the Parish Assembly during the Sundays of Advent.

First Friday: We will visit the sick and housebound this week. If you would like a visit please contact us.

Parish Assembly meeting this Monday December 3rd in the Parish Centre at 8.00 pm.

Feast of the Immaculate Conception:  Vigil Mass on Mon. at 6pm  Tues. 8th Dec  Masses at 10am & 6pm.
Feast of the Immaculate Conception:  Vigil Mass on Mon. at 6pm  Tues. 8th Dec  Masses at 10am & 6pm.
Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Saturday 8th December:  Masses at 6.00 pm Friday (Vigil) and 10.00 am Saturday.

Parish Assembly Coffee Morning in the Parish Centre after 10.00 am Mass on Tuesday 4th December, all welcome, no charge.

Ministers of the Word may collect their Rota from the Sacristy.

Autumn Dues: A few remaining envelopes are ready for collection by the Area Collectors in the Sacristy. Many thanks.

Congregational Singing. From now until Christmas we are using Entrance and Recessional hymns suitable for congregational singing, and would encourage (with the emphasis on courage!) everybody to join in.

Turners Cross Senior Citizens Party in Nemo Rangers Club on Sunday December 9th at three o’clock.  Names to be handed into the Sacristy by this weekend, 1st – 2nd December.

Turners Cross Community Association Santa Claus is visiting on Saturday December 8th, starting 11.30am. Free event, all welcome.  Refreshments served.

Frankfield Gospel Choir presents “JOY” an evening of festive favourites for all the family, Sunday 16th December at 5.00pm, Church of the Incarnation, Frankfield (donations at the door in aid of St. Vincent De Paul).

Liam Lawton Concert. Join Liam Lawton, supported by the Wilcollane Singers, for “Christmas by Candlelight”, a fundraising concert, in St. Finbarr’s South Church on Thursday, December 6th, 2018 at 7.30pm. Tickets, €20.00 each, from:  Pro Musica, Oliver Plunkett Street, Cork; The Flying Enterprise, South Gate Bridge, Cork & South Parish Office and Sacristy or by telephoning 085-147 1147.

Sat 8th Dec: ‘’What’s all the Fuss about Anyway?’’: Advent afternoon of prayer and reflection at Ballygriffin in an atmosphere of silence as we prepare to welcome the Christ Child. A mixture of guided prayer and time for your own reflection. 2pm— 5pm €20 incl. tea/coffee. Nano Nagle Birthplace 022 26411 www.nanonaglebirthplace.ie <http://www.nanonaglebirthplace.ie> . Booking required.

Save the Date!  Faith conference in the Town Hall Mitchelstown on Saturday December 8th, from 9.30am to 3.30pm. The theme is: how Our Lady has preserved and helped the faith to flourish in Ireland in challenging times, and how she can do this once again.  Speakers include Fr Eamonn McCarthy (Radio Maria), Canon Michael Fitzgerald, Dr Gill Doherty, Fr John Mockler, Fr John Walsh OP.  Mass and confessions also included. Donation only.  Time for lunch in Mitchelstown.

Tory Top Library Christmas Event
Tuesday December 4th @ 11: Pre Christmas Healthy Eating Talk: Anne Parle a nutrition consultant will present a Health Ireland Eating Talk. As the Christmas season approaches, healthy eating can often take a hit. Anne will be sharing the healthy eating habits we can bring through the festive period (and into the New Year) and help us to enjoy a happy and healthy Christmas this year.

Anam Cara Cork, the organisation that supports bereaved parents, is holding a Parent Evening on Wednesday 5th of December at 7:20pm in the Clayton Hotel, Silver Springs, Tivoli, Cork. This event is free and open to all bereaved parents regardless of the age your child died, the circumstances of their death, or whether their death was recent or not.
Walk With Me: Copies of an excellent booklet: Walk with Me will be available from this week after Masses at the back of the Church (Cost €1.30). A journey of prayer for Advent & Christmastide 2018.

Family Mass: The 12 o’clock Mass on this Sunday is the first of a monthly series of “Family Masses,” in which we acknowledge the importance of families in the life of our parish and of the Church.  At these Masses we ask members of a particular family to participate in the Mass as a family unit, as a reminder that the family is the “domestic Church” and a reflection of God’s love which brings joy to the world.

Society of St Vincent de Paul: next weekend on Saturday and Sunday, 8th and 9th December the second collection at all Masses will be the Christmas Collection for the Society of St Vincent de Paul, giving us all an opportunity to contribute financially to the support of those in need in our parish this Christmas. The Society thanks you for your continuing generosity and wishes a happy and holy Christmas to all.

THE SERVANT KING
 Following Jesus is not a matter of public demonstration, waving of hands or chanting his name, but of entering into his kingdom of service, justice and generous love.  We share the kingship of the Servant King when we are prepared to wash the feet of the least of the brothers and sisters, to learn from the one who is humble and gentle of heart, to reach out to those in need, the poor, the sick, the old, the lonely, to those who seem undeserving and unlovable.
The leaders of Jerusalem and the soldiers mocked the kingship of Jesus on the cross, and Pilot’s notice on the cross, “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews,” was intended as a mocking warning.  Yet the salvation of the world, of all peoples of all times, comes from the helpless man on the cross.  Jesus, dying for the whole world, focussed on an individual who called to him: “remember me when you come into your kingdom.”  His reply can be for each of us: “this day you will be with me in paradise.”

Congregational Singing. From now until Christmas we are introducing a new series of Entrance and Recessional hymns suitable for congregational singing, and would encourage (with the emphasis on courage perhaps) everybody to join in.

Autumn Dues envelopes are ready for collection by the Area Collectors in the Sacristy. Many thanks.

Special Collection for the World Meeting of Families.
A further Collection for the World Meeting of Families in August 2018 will be held this weekend, November 24th/25th. This is to defray the outstanding deficit of the World Meeting of Families and is part of a National Special Collection.
Any support that you can provide will be greatly appreciated.

A Turner’s Cross Parish Alpha course begins at the end of January. This is an opportunity to explore the meaning of life in an informal, fun and friendly way. The course continues on Wednesday evenings from 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm for ten weeks. Parishioners who have completed an Alpha course are invited to help as Team, contact Fr Billy, Catechist Bernadette Hegarty, or any member of the Parish Assembly

Turners Cross Senior Citizens Party in Nemo Rangers Club on Sunday December 9th at three o’clock.  Names to be handed into the Church by Saturday 1st December.

Handel’s Messiah at Gurranabraher Church – Sunday, December 2, 2018 at 8.00 pm. East Cork Choral Society  with soloists Mary Hegarty – Soprano; Sarah-Ellen Murphy – Alto; Peter Stobart – Tenor; Timothy Emberson – Bass with East Cork Orchestra – Eithne Willis, Leader, Conductor Colin Nicholls.  Admission – €20, all proceeds towards clearing our Church debt. Tickets from Gurranabraher Parish Office, Pro Musica in Oliver Plunkett St. and from East Cork Choral Society members. Further Information at 021 430 3655.

Human Trafficking. The Sisters of Our Lady of the Apostles invites you to a viewing of HOW MUCH . . ., a short film on human trafficking by the Society of African Missions, at 7.00 pm on Sunday 25th November at Ardfoyle Convent, Ballintemple.  Tea served after the film.  This is a contribution to the worldwide campaign “16 Days of Activism Against Violence towards Women and Children,” held from 25th November to 10th December every year.

Anointing of the Sick on Saturday next December 1st at the 10.00 am Mass.  Consider offering a lift to a housebound neighbour.
Parish Christmas & Triduum Cards will be available in the Parish Office after Masses from next weekend   The Triduum of Masses will be offered on 23, 24, 25 December

Liam Lawton Concert. Join Liam Lawton, supported by the Wilcollane Singers, for “Christmas by Candlelight”, a fundraising concert, in St. Finbarr’s South Church, Dunbar Street, Cork on Thursday, December 6th, 2018 at 7.30pm. Tickets, €20.00 each, available from:  Pro Musica, Oliver Plunkett Street, Cork;  The Flying Enterprise, South Gate Bridge, Cork & South Parish Office and Sacristy or by telephoning 085-147 1147.

December Holy Hour to pray for vocations – Saturday 1st December  from 3:00pm to 4:00pm  will be  hosted by the Daughters of Charity, in the Convent Chapel at  St Louise’s Convent,  Knocknaheeny.  All are welcome – refreshments will follow the time of prayer.

Saturday 1st December: “A Ray of Hope” for people who for various reasons find celebrating Christmas a challenge. 10.00 am — 12.30pm including tea/coffee. Booking required. Nano Nagle Birthplace 022 26411 www.nanonaglebirthplace.ie <http://www.nanonaglebirthplace.ie>

Sat 8th Dec: ‘’What’s all the Fuss about Anyway?’’: Advent afternoon of prayer and reflection in an atmosphere of silence as we prepare to welcome the Christchild. A mixture of guided prayer and time for your own reflection. 2pm— 5pm €20 incl. tea/coffee. Booking Required. Nano Nagle Birthplace 022 26411 www.nanonaglebirthplace.ie <http://www.nanonaglebirthplace.ie>

Save the Date!  Faith conference in the Town Hall Mitchelstown on Saturday December 8th, from 9.30am to 3.30pm. The theme is: how Our Lady has preserved and helped the faith to flourish in Ireland in challenging times, and how she can do this once again.  Speakers include Fr Eamonn McCarthy (Radio Maria), Canon Michael Fitzgerald, Dr Gill Doherty, Fr John Mockler, Fr John Walsh OP.  Mass and confessions also included. Donation only.  Time for lunch in Mitchelstown.

Anam Cara Cork, the organisation that supports bereaved parents, is holding a Parent Evening on Wednesday 5th of December at 7:20pm in the Clayton Hotel, Silver Springs, Tivoli, Cork. This event is free and open to all bereaved parents regardless of the age your child died, the circumstances of their death, or whether their death was recent or not.

Cork Alzheimers Café a safe place for people with Alzheimers and other dementias, their carers, family and friends along with social and health professionals to meet. Last Friday of each month 1.30–3.30 pm in St Finbarrs Hospital, Douglas Road.  Light refreshments provided free of charge.  Next meeting Friday 30th November -.All welcome.

Ennismore Retreat Centre   Join us in remembering those we have loved and lost
Candlelit Reflection leading into the Eucharist 28th November at 7:30pm. No charge/ Donation optional. Booking is Essential, email info@ennismore or phone 021-4502520.

Words from Pope Francis, Dublin – Aug 2018

The Power of Forgiveness in Marriage and Relationships: To “forgive” means to “give” something of yourself. Jesus always forgives us. By the power of his forgiveness, we too can forgive others, if we really want to. Isn’t that what we pray for, when we say the Our Father? Children learn to forgive when they see their parents forgiving one another. If we understand this, we can appreciate the grandeur of Jesus’ teaching about fidelity in marriage. Far from a cold legal obligation, it is above all a powerful promise of God’s own fidelity to his word and his unfailing grace. Christ died for us so that we, in turn, might forgive and be reconciled with one another. In this way, as individuals and as families, we can know the truth of Saint Paul’s words that, when all else passes away, “love never ends.” (Meeting with 350 Couples)                                                        Called to be Missionary Disciples: Each Christian is sent forth to be a missionary, “a missionary disciple”(cf. Evangelii Gaudium, 120).  The Church as a whole is called to “go forth” to bring the words of eternal life to all the peripheries of our world.  …As we now prepare to go our separate ways, let us renew our fidelity to the Lord and to the vocation he has given to each of us.  Taking up the prayer of Saint Patrick, let each of us repeat with joy: “Christ within me, Christ behind me, Christ before me, Christ beside me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me” [repeated in Irish].  With the joy and strength given by the Holy Spirit, let us say to him with confidence: “Lord, to whom shall we go?  You have the words of eternal life” (Phoenix Park, Celebration of Eucharist)              New ways of Doing Mission, Be Courageous and Creative: The upheavals of recent years have tested the traditionally strong faith of the Irish people. Yet they have also offered the opportunity for an interior renewal of the Church in this country and pointed to new ways of envisioning its life and mission. “God is eternal newness” and he impels us “constantly to set out anew, to pass beyond what is familiar, to the fringes and beyond” (Gaudete et Exsultate, 135). With humility and trust in his grace, may you discern and set out on new paths for these new times. Be courageous and creative. Surely, the strong missionary sense rooted in the soul of your people will inspire creative ways of bearing witness to the truth of the Gospel and building up the community of believers in the love of Christ and zeal for the growth of his kingdom. (To the Bishops of Ireland)

Special Collection for the World Meeting of Families. A further National Special Collection towards the cost of hosting the World Meeting of Families in August 2018 will be held on Saturday/Sunday, November 24th/25th, 2018 in the Diocese of Cork and Ross.  This is to defray the outstanding deficit of the World Meeting of Families and is part of a National Special Collection.  Any support that you can provide will be greatly appreciated.

Marriage Support:  A second collection will be taken up at all Masses this weekend for Diocesan Marriage Support services.

Alpha Course in Turner’s Cross
A Turner’s Cross Parish Alpha course begins at the end of January. This is an opportunity to explore the meaning of life in an informal, fun and friendly way. The course continues on Wednesday evenings from 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm for ten weeks.
Alpha considers some basic aspects of the Christian faith, including – Who is Jesus? Why Did Jesus Die? How does God guide us? and   [Alpha Logo] What about the Church? We are putting together a team for this course and any parishioners who have completed an Alpha course with us in recent years and would like to help are asked to contact Fr Billy, Bernadette Hegarty, Catechist, or any member of the Parish Assembly.

 Handel’s Messiah at Gurranabraher Church –
The East Cork Choral Society  with soloists Mary Hegarty – Soprano; Sarah-Ellen Murphy – Alto; Peter Stobart – Tenor; Timothy Emberson – Bass with East Cork Orchestra – Eithne Willis, Leader, Conductor Colin Nicholls.  At Ascension Church, on Sunday, December 2, 2018 @ 8pm. Admission – €20. All proceeds towards clearing our Church debt. Tickets from Gurranabraher Parish Office, Pro Musica in Oliver Plunkett St. and from East Cork Choral Society members. Further Information at 021 430 3655.

Human Trafficking. The Sisters of Our Lady of the Apostles invites you to a viewing of HOW MUCH . . ., a short film on human trafficking by the Society of African Missions, at 7.00 pm on Sunday 25th November 2018 at Ardfoyle Convent, Ballintemple.  Tea will be served after the film.  This a contribution to 16 Days of Activism Against Violence towards Women and Children, a worldwide campaign held from 25th November to 10th December every year.

Light up a Memory Mass.  Mass for the Holy Souls in the Sacred Heart Church, Western Road on Saturday 24th November at 6.30 pm. Everybody welcome.

Congregational Singing. From now until Christmas we are introducing a new series of Entrance and Recessional hymns suitable for congregational singing, and would encourage (with the emphasis on courage perhaps) everybody to join in.

Bright Friday A relaxing hour of guided healing
meditations, reflective input, scripture & live music.  Facilitated by Martina Lehane Sheehan  & Patrick Sheehan, St Joseph’s Church, Wilton Friday 23rd November at 7.30pm. (This is a free event!)

Liam Lawton Concert. Join Liam Lawton, supported by the Wilcollane Singers, for “Christmas by Candlelight”, a fundraising concert, in St. Finbarr’s South Church, Dunbar Street, Cork on Thursday, December 6th, 2018 at 7.30pm. Tickets, €20.00 each, available from:  Pro Musica, Oliver Plunkett Street, Cork;  The Flying Enterprise, South Gate Bridge, Cork & South Parish Office and Sacristy or by telephoning 085-147 1147.

Autumn Dues envelopes are ready for collection by the Area Collectors in the Sacristy. Many thanks.