Entrance Hymn: Seek ye first the Kingdom of God

Mission Sunday Today

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

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

Wedding

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

Recent Deaths:

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

Recessional Hymn: Bind us together, Lord

Entrance Hymn: Lord of all hopefulness

Mass for New School Year

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

Eucharistic Adoration

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

Diocesan Needs Collection this weekend.

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

Altar Servers

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

Funeral Ministry Team Formation

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

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

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

Coffee Morning

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

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

Confirmation

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

Recessional Hymn: Bind us together, Lord

Entrance Hymn: Lord of all hopefulness

Priests on Retreat this week.

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

October: Mission Month

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

Altar Servers

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

Funeral Ministry Team Formation

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

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

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

Coffee Morning

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

Parish Assembly meets on Monday week, 13^th October

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

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

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

Recent Death:

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

Recessional Hymn: Bind us together, Lord

Entrance Hymn: Here I am, Lord

ALPHA INTER-CHURCH DOUGLAS, Autumn 2025

A new Alpha Experience starts on Tuesday, 30 September. Alpha is a 10-week series of interactive sessions, where anyone can explore life and the Christian faith in a friendly, open and informal environment. Every Alpha session has three key elements: food, talk, and discussion. This is an inter-church programme from the Douglas / Rochestown, Frankfield / Grange and Turner’s Cross family of parishes, the Douglas Union of Parishes and the Cork Methodist Church.

ALPHA INTER-CHURCH DOUGLAS, Autumn 2025, starts on Tuesday, 30 September, 7.30 pm to 9.00 pm, in the Ardfallen Centre, Douglas Road (entrance via Nursery Road), and runs for 10 weeks. Come and see! Everyone is welcome! 

Foundations in Theology and Sycamore Programmes for Young Adults

The Diocese of Cork and Ross, in collaboration with UCC Chaplaincy and the Presentation Brothers LEAF Project, is offering two exciting programmes for young adults (18-35 years), starting on Wednesday 24 th September from 5.45-8pm in Mardyke House, Cork, T12 W8RP. Both programmes will run concurrently over the next 10 weeks:

 Foundations in Theology: This introductory programme explores the fundamentals of our Christian faith. Sessions will be presented by various experts, including some of our own priests.

 Sycamore Formation Series: A welcoming and accessible starting point for young adults interested in learning more about the Catholic faith.

Each session begins with food and refreshments, and provide participants with an opportunity to engage in meaningful discussion.

To sign-up or for more information, email Sheila at youthministry@corkandross.org 

SMA Novena to St Thérèse

This novena will take place in SMA Church Wilton

Tuesday 23^rd September to Wednesday 1^st October. Mass at 7.30 pm each evening, except on Saturday 27^th when it will be at 7.00 pm.

First Wednesday The Legion of Mary will lead the prayer service on Wednesday, 1^st October, at 10.00.

Recent Deaths

The deaths have occurred of Con Jones, Maiville;  Mary Forde, late of Derrynane Road;  Joan O’Sullivan, Ballyvolane; Tom O’Sullivan, Horgan’s Buildings (a sister and brother). May they rest in peace. We offer our sympathies to their families.

Recessional Hymn: Now Thank we all our God

Entrance Hymn: Here I am, Lord

Gougane Barra Sunday

On Sunday 28^th September we celebrate the Feast of St Finbarr, Patron of Cork and one of the Patrons of the Diocese of Cork and Ross in Gougane Barra.  This year is particularly significant as St Finbarr’s Oratory in Gougane Barra has been our designated place of Jubilee pilgrimage during this Jubilee Year of Hope. It is also possible to receive a special Jubilee indulgence by participating in Gougane Sunday.  For that reason, Confessions will be available from 1.30pm followed by Rosary at 2.30pm with Mass at 3.00pm.  Conditions for an indulgence are Sacramental Confession, Reception of Holy Eucharist, Prayer for the Intentions of Holy Father and Preforming a work of Charity. (See www.corkandross.org for more details). We are therefore inviting people from all over the Diocese to join us on Gougane Sunday to make the pilgrimage as part of the Jubilee. I (Bishop Fintan) would encourage you to extend the invitation to all parishioners to join us in Gougane Barra on Sunday 28^th September.

Collection for fund which supports seminarians and deacons

The annual collection for the Priesthood Education Fund will take place across the Diocese on this weekend. This fund plays a vital role in

supporting the formation and ongoing education of those serving in priestly and diaconal ministry. Currently one seminarian returned to his studies for the priesthood in St Patrick’s College, Maynooth last week and another candidate is pursuing formation for the Permanent Diaconate.

Finance Committee meets next Friday, 26^th September, at 4.00 pm.

SMA Novena to St Thérèse

This novena will take place in SMA Church Wilton

Tuesday 23^rd September to Wednesday 1^st October. Mass at 7.30 pm each evening, except on Saturday 27^th when it will be at 7.00 pm.

ALPHA INTER-CHURCH DOUGLAS, Autumn 2025, starts on Tuesday, 30 September, 7.30 pm to 9.00 pm, in the Ardfallen Centre, Douglas Road (entrance via Nursery Road), and runs for 10 weeks. Come and see! Everyone is welcome! 

Recent Deaths

The deaths have occurred of Derek O’Mahoney, Glencurrig, South Douglas Road; Pauline Murray, Maddens Buildings. May they rest in peace. We offer our sympathies to their families.

Recessional Hymn: Now Thank we all our God

Entrance Hymn: Here I am, Lord

Exaltation of the Holy Cross

According to Christian tradition, the True Cross was discovered in 326 by Saint Helena, the mother of the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great, during a pilgrimage she made to Jerusalem. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre was then built at the site of the discovery, by order of Helena and Constantine. The church was dedicated nine years later (335), with a portion of the cross. One-third therefore remained in Jerusalem, one-third was brought to Rome and one-third was taken to Constantinople.

The date of the feast marks the dedication of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in 335. This was a two-day festival: although the actual consecration of the church was on 13 September, the cross itself was brought outside the church on 14 September so that the clergy and faithful could pray before the True Cross, and all could come forward to venerate it. And so we celebrate the Veneration of the Cross today, 14^th September.

A Gathering to look together at what is emerging as next steps from the Year of Prayer, Listening and Discernment:

This will take place in the Rochestown Park Hotel today, Sunday 14^th  September. Members of the Parish Assembly and Finance Committee are invited. The meeting begins with tea/coffee at 2.00 pm and ends at 5.00 pm.

We received a letter from Bishop Fintan about this meeting. This is an extract from the letter:

‘I am very grateful for your engagement with the Year of Prayer, Listening and Discernment.  To continue our journey together I invite you and representatives from your Parish Leadership Team (including priests, deacons, religious and those who represented their parishes at the sessions) to attend a gathering to look together at what is emerging as next steps from this year.’

Recent Deaths:

Since the beginning of July a number of deaths have occurred in the parish and among families associated with the parish. We offer our sympathy and support.

The deaths have occurred of Thomas Dorgan, Killavullen; Robert (Bob) McCarthy, Curragh Rd; Br James Needham, Presentation Brothers, Turner’s Cross; Maureen Scully, Greenhills Estate; Donie Walsh, Fr Matthew Rd; Clodagh McCarthy (aged 6), Mitchelstown; Paul Gibbons, Derrynane Rd; Mary Lynch, Palaceanne Lawn; George Morrison, Loreto Park; Kay Black, South Douglas Rd; Cormac Dullea, Dunmanway. Leaba i measc na naomh go raibh acu. We pray for their families and all those affected by their deaths.

 Recessional Hymn: Now Thank we all our God

Entrance Hymn: Here I am, Lord

Welcome

Revd Dr Paul Kangkai is looking after the parish at the moment while Fr Noel is on holidays. We welcome Fr Paul, who has come all the way from Nigeria to be with us.

Back to School/College

All our schools have now opened after the summer holidays and the colleges will open shortly. We hope that the break has been beneficial to pupils, students and teachers. The academic year is intense and the holidays are well placed. This year’s weather was at a level not usually experienced. We pray that all will be able to enter fully into school/college life this year and bring kindness and support to each other.

Choir returns today at 12.00 Mass. We welcome this return and avail of the occasion to record how important a contribution this choir makes to the parish, via the liturgy.

Parish Assembly The first Autumn meeting of the parish assembly takes place on Monday 15^th  September, at 8.00 pm.

Canonisation of Carlo Acutis  takes place in Rome today

Carlo Acutis was born on May 3, 1991, in London. From a young age, Carlo displayed a profound love for God and the Church that inspired his parents. His family later moved to Milan, Italy, where Carlo’s passion for computer programming blossomed alongside his deepening faith.

Carlo Acutis will be canonized today by Pope Leo. Acutis, known for his deep devotion to the Catholic faith and his adept use of technology to share religious content, is set to become the first millennial saint. Acutis, who passed away in 2006 at the age of 15 due to leukaemia, has been admired for his work in creating a website documenting Eucharistic miracles worldwide. His beatification took place in October 2020, and the recent recognition of a second miracle—an essential step in the process—marks the final phase towards sainthood. Acutis is celebrated not only for his piety but also for his

The canonisation today of St Carlo Acutis is an occasion to pray that young people will be inspired to rediscover the riches of the Catholic faith.

With heart and hands and voices,

Who wondrous things has done,

In whom his world rejoices;

Who from our mothers’ arms

Has blessed us on our way

With countless gifts of love,

And still is ours today

Through all our life be near us,

With ever joyful hearts

And blessed peace to cheer us,

To keep us in his grace,

And guide us when perplexed,

And free us from all ills

Of this world and the next.

Entrance Hymn: Sweet Sacrament Divine

Saints Peter and Paul (Simon and Saul)

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

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

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

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

Trocaire

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

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

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

Entrance Hymn: Sweet Sacrament Divine

The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

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

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

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

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

An invitation to the 99^th Cork Eucharistic Procession:

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

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

Parish Finance Committee meets next Friday at 3.00 pm

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

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

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

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

Entrance Hymn: Hail Redeemer, King divine!

An invitation to the 99^th Cork Eucharistic Procession:

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

First Communion Procession

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

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

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

Remembrance Mass in St Michael’s Cemetery

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

Turner’s Cross Active Retired Ladies’ Social Club

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

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

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

Recessional Hymn: Praise to the Lord