16th May 2021

The Ascension of the Lord

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.
Both Masses on the Webcam.
Farran:
Vigil: 6pm. Sunday: 9.30am.

WEEKDAY MASSES THIS WEEK
Ovens: Monday 7.30pm.
9.30am: Weds & Friday.
(All weekday Masses Via Webcam)
Farran:
9.30am: Tuesday &Thursday.

PARISH OFFICE OPENING HOURS
Tuesday: 6.30pm to 7.30pm.
Thursday: 9.30am to 10.30am.
If you wish to leave a message outside of the office hours you may ring 021 4289768 and we will return your call.

BAPTISMS
Thankfully, with the easing of restrictions Baptisms can be held again, but with reduced numbers, as was the case before Christmas. Grandparents can now attend the Baptism, but no other relatives or friends.
Due to the large number waiting, Baptisms may also be arranged for weekdays, evenings or mornings after Mass in May and June.

MINISTERS OF THE EUCHARIST (OVENS)
New Rota now available for Ministers of the Eucharist.
MINISTERS OF THE WORD (OVENS)
Some Ministers of the Word may not have received the current Rota.
Please collect it at your convenience.

“KILCREA FRIARY, FRANCISCAN HERITAGE IN CO. CORK”
Some free copies of this excellent book still available. Please contact Oliver O’Callaghan at 021 7331090.

FEAST OF THE ASCENSION
This Sunday, 16th May, we celebrate the Feast of the Ascension.
The Feast commemorates the bodily Ascension of Jesus into Heaven. It is one of the universally celebrated feasts of Christian Churches, ranking with the feasts of the Passion, of Easter and Pentecost. The Risen Jesus appeared for 40 days after the Resurrection prior to His Ascension.

Ascension Day was traditionally celebrated on a Thursday and it was a Holy Day of Obligation. Some years ago the Feast was moved to the Sunday before Pentecost.
When the Ascension was celebrated on a Thursday the three days before the Feast were called Rogation Days, days of prayer and fasting. The Sunday before was called Rogation Sunday.
The Entrance Prayer for this Sunday’s Mass is taken from the Acts of the Apostles:
“Men of Galilee, why gaze in wonder at the heavens?
This Jesus who you saw ascending into Heaven, will return as you saw Him go, Alleluia”.

MASS DURING LOCKDOWN A YEAR AGO
During the weekends of May & June last year we had our live streamed Masses via Roger O’Sullivan’s camera. These took place from the special places of prayer and faith in our Parish and each weekend. Looking back, thanks to all who took part in and who facilitated these Liturgies, and did so willingly. Thanks especially to Roger in making these possible each weekend and to Claire O’Donoghue also.

HOLY HOUR
Holy Hour in Ovens Church each Tuesday from 8pm to 9pm.
The Rosary will be recited and then time for private prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.
All Government guidelines with regard to social distancing, wearing of face coverings, hand sanitising & ventilation will be in place.
The Holy Hour will be live streamed on the Webcam.

MAY IS THE MONTH OF MARY
This May you could make a simple May altar, with fresh flowers. As is becoming for the Mother of the Lord, the flowers to be picked for her are to be of the “Rarest” and “ Fairest” kind and to be sought from all over, buttercups, cowslips, primroses and bluebells.
You will need a statue or picture of May.
To make a May Altar place the flowers in front of the picture or statue of Our Lady.

These are the words of a traditional Hymn to Mary which is sung during the month of May. The words tell us about the joy of children gathering flowers to crown Mary Queen of the May.

Bring flowers of the rarest, bring blossoms the fairest,
From garden and woodland and hillside and dale.
Our full hearts are swelling, our glad voices telling the praise of the loveliest flower of the vale.
Refrain:
O Mary, we crown thee with blossoms today, Queen of the Angels and Queen of the May.
O Mary, we crown thee with blossoms today, Queen of the Angels and Queen of the May.
Their Lady they name thee, their mistress proclaim thee,
O grant that thy children on earth be as true.
As long as the bowers are radiant with flowers, as long as the azure shall keep it’s bright hue.
Repeat the Refrain

HOLY ROSARY
The Rosary will be recited in Ovens Church on Friday mornings at 9.10am before the 9.30am Mass

RETURN TO MASS WITH A CONGREGATION
We welcome everyone back to Mass this weekend, when we join in prayer as a community of Faith on weekends and weekdays. As everyone is aware there are limited numbers allowed in our Churches due to the Covid 19 restrictions. Both Churches have outside speakers which are very effective. Please observe social distancing. One may also, of course, join in the Mass through Webcam from Ovens Church and, le cúnamh Dé from Farran Church from next weekend.
But it is very important that when restrictions are fully lifted our Faith Community in Ovens and Farran will come together to pray the Mass at weekends in our Churches. Those living elsewhere in our country, those living abroad, the sick and housebound will be able to join us on Webcam. This also applies to weekday Masses.
As previously, we may make any of the weekday Masses our Saturday evening or Sunday Mass. The 7.30pm evening Mass on Mondays in Ovens Church may be particularly suitable in this regard.
Arrangements re stewarding by Parish Assembly Members and volunteer stewards are being put in place at present.

THANK YOU FOR PARISH CONTRIBUTIONS
Sincere thanks to all parishioners for the support they have given for the upkeep of parish services during a most difficult time.
Thanks to all who dropped in envelopes, even though no Masses with a congregation were taking place. Also, for contributions received using the on-line and direct debit system, contributions from the shrines and the tax-back system.
The Tax-Back System is still open to new members for 2020 and 2021, who are tax payers and have contributed an average of at least €5 per week (€250 for a year).
Your dealings with Revenue are strictly confidential.
Contact: Fr. Liam for details.

RECENT DEATHS
Niamh Haze Nolan, Ballincollig
Marie McCarthy, Ballinamorive, Model Farm Road &
Farran School

Mary O’Callaghan, Kilbrittain and Carrigaline.
May they Rest in Peace.