6th September 2020

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Parish Phone Nos. (021) 4871180.
Emergency No: 087 0956190
Monsignor Kevin O’Callaghan: (021) 7336053
Parish Centre/Sacristy: (021) 4289768
Ring for bookings: Baptisms & Marriages etc

Weekend Masses
Ovens:
Vigil: 7.30pm.
Sunday: 11.30am.
Farran:
Vigil: 6pm
Sunday: 9.30am.

WEEKDAY MASSES
Ovens: 7.30pm: Monday.
9.30am: Weds & Fri.
Farran: 9.30am: Tues. & Thurs.

Holy Hour
Holy Hour in Ovens Church each Tuesday 8pm to 9pm. (Live streamed)

Holy Rosary
The Holy Rosary will be recited in Ovens Church at 2.30pm on this Tues 8th Sept in honour of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Second Collection
The Annual Collection for the Holy Places was not taken up in Churches on Good Friday this year due to the closure of Churches at the time.. This collection will now be held next weekend, 12th/13th September. Baskets will be placed at the entrance and exit doors of the Churches for this special collection. The money is for the upkeep of the Holy Places in the Holy Land.

Thank You
Fr. Liam and the Finance Committee sincerely thank all parishioners for their generous support during the lockdown, & particularly since the easing of restrictions allowed Mass in the Churches to be resumed.
This has enabled the parish to meet the various expenses that are essential to the operation and upkeep of our churches and functions.
The ‘Tax-Back’ system, which has generated a tax refund of €3,625 this year is also a substantial support to our finances and is always open to new participants.
Your support is greatly appreciated.

Totus Tuus Magazine
Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic Totus Tuus magazine is now being delivered straight to your door. If you would like to start receiving Totus Tuus to your home, then please phone Fiona at: 086 8760058.

As we strive together in Faith
The Coronavirus has changed everything. It has done so for the oldest to the youngest and for everyone in between. But it is important that we most of all keep safe and strive to keep everyone else safe also. We know now too that the virus is something we must live with, at least for the foreseeable future. It puts before us the need to continuously adapt to a changing situation.
Both our Churches have very successfully reopened but, of course,, our numbers are very limited with only a capacity of 46 allowed in both Churches. For that successful reopening thanks to the Parish Assembly, Finance Committee, Sacristans, Stewards, Ministers of the Word and Eucharist and to all who have attended our Masses and Ceremonies and have been so co-operative in every way. We are particularly mindful of those who had bereavements and who had to have private family funerals with such limited numbers.
So as to facilitate everyone each weekday Mass may now be made ones “Sunday Mass”. This too facilitates those who may only be able to attend at weekends. The 7.30pm Monday Mass in Ovens Church will hopefully facilitate those who may have work commitments etc. during the day. The weekday option may become more important as we move into Autumn and Winter, because, while our outside speakers in both churches are very efficient, the very fine weather each weekend to date has helped in this.
The Webcam system installed in Ovens Church joins us through the Mass and prayer with our people who are not yet comfortable being with a congregation. It also joins us with the sick and housebound and, of course, our people in any part of the world who may wish to link with us. The Ovens weekend and weekday Masses are streamed live on churchservices.TV/ovens.
Again, thanks to everyone as we strive to pray together and to keep each other safe.

A Prayer during Covid-19
May you be made holy when you are feeling frustrated and at your wits end.
When words fail your understanding and actions yield no results.
May you step away with God for that moment of silence that brings clarity.
May you be given the perspective of a broader purpose and a wider vision.
May you see as God sees and be redirected towards what is good and true.
May the God of perspective bless you. Amen.

Bishop Fintan Gavin’s letter to School Principals
I write to let you know that you are very much in my thoughts and prayers as your school reopens to welcome pupils during these days. I am also thinking of your school staff and school community at this time. I recall 12th March this year when schools closed suddenly and all our lives were changed instantly. This was an enormous change for you as well as for all the children and families that you serve. I know that you have developed new and creative way to support your pupils and their families in that time and these have been really appreciated.
Safely reopening schools will be challenging for you and your staff. I know that you have been preparing for some time with your staff, Board of Management and many volunteers to put precautions in place for a safe reopening. I am conscious at the best of times you face many challenges as you reopen for the new school year and now you are faced with even more challenges.
One of the great strengths of our Catholic schools is that they form part of a wider parish and faith community who support one another. I want you to know that your work contributes enormously to your local parish community and is deeply appreciated.
I hope these coming days go well for you and that you will have every support as you face the inevitable challenges ahead.
Yours sincerely in Christ.
Bishop Fintan Gavin.
The letter may also be viewed on the Cork and Ross website.

Baptisms
Baptism Ceremonies were unable to be held during the lockdown. In recent weeks, when some restrictions were lifted, several Baptisms have taken place. We welcome them & congratulate their parents & families.
Ultan Eugene Deeny, Ballincollig Rían Denis O’Toole, Douglas Sam Joseph Kelleher, Classis Lake Anna Deirdre O’Sullivan, Clashanure Culann Christopher Walsh, Farran To be continued next week.