The Church Building
“My House is to be a House of Prayer” Mt 21:13
The Liturgy gathers us together to celebrate God’s Love and activity in the world, in our lives and throughout history, the present and the future. The Liturgy is the Action of God and of his people.
“…the liturgy, “through which the work of our redemption is accomplished,” most of all in the divine sacrifice of the Eucharist, is the outstanding means whereby the faithful may express in their lives, and manifest to others, the mystery of Christ and the real nature of the true Church. While the liturgy daily builds up those who are within into a holy temple of the Lord, into a dwelling place for God in the Spirit, to the mature measure of the fullness of Christ [4], at the same time it marvelously strengthens their power to preach Christ, and thus shows forth the Church to those who are outside as a sign lifted up among the nations [5] under which the scattered children of God may be gathered together, until there is one sheepfold and one shepherd”.
“Christ Himself is the inner source of the mystery of the Church, the holy people of God, born from His side pierced on the cross. In the holy liturgy, through the power of His Spirit, He continues to act. He sanctifies and unites the Church, His bride, to His offering to the Father. He exercises His utterly unique priesthood, He who is present in the proclaimed Word, in the sacraments, in the ministers who celebrate, in the gathered community and, in the highest degree, in the Eucharist (cf. SC, 7). Thus, according to Saint Augustine (cf. Sermon, 272), in celebrating the Eucharist the Church receives the Body of the Lord and becomes what she receives: she becomes the Body of Christ, “a dwelling place of God in the Spirit” (Eph 2:22). This is the “work of our redemption”, which conforms us to Christ and builds us up in communion.
In the holy liturgy, this communion is achieved through “rites and prayers” (SC, 48). Dear friends, let us allow ourselves to be shaped inwardly by the rites, symbols, gestures and above all the living presence of Christ in the liturgy.” Pope Leo XIV 20/5/26
The furnishings of the Sanctuary are at the service of the Liturgy. They in themselves are symbols of Christ, the Priest, the Teacher, the Word, the Offering, and the Sacrifice. These furnishings are to be worthy for what they are called to be used for. “A symbol does not give an explanation. It does not speak of itself, but itself speaks to us. A symbol does not give an explanation. For the symbol to work, what signifies has to be significant. The poet, the artist, the Liturgy do not seek first to give us a message, but to lead us to an experience.” (Jean Lebon – How to understand the Liturgy)
May the new Presiders Cahir, Ambo and Cross evoke within us the message that Christ Teaches, Christ Speaks, Christ offers.
On Saturday 20th June, Bishop Crean will be celebrating the 6pm Mass, and after this Mass there will be some refleshments and an opportunity for people to gateher together.
Parish Office open from Monday to Friday 9.15am to 1pm
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on Monday 29th June 10.30am – 6pm
Prayer for Vocations to the Priesthood
O Lord God, you renew the Church in every age by raising up priests outstanding in holiness, living witnesses of your unchanging Love. In your plan for our salvation you provide shepherds for your people. Fill the hearts of men with the spirit of courage and love that they may answer your call generously. Give parents the grace to encourage vocations in their family by prayer and good example. Raise up worthy priests for your Altars and ardent, but gentle servants of the Gospel. Give the Church more priests and keep them faithful in their love and service. May many choose to serve you by devoting themselves to the service of your people. Amen
Preparing for the Sacraments for 2027: A meeting for those Parents/guardians who wish to register their child for Sacraments for 2027 will be held on Tuesday the 2nd of June at 8pm in St. Mary’s Church. It is important for Parents to register their intent to have their child enrolled for the Sacraments of Penance and Holy Communion for 2027, as preparation begins with the participation of Sunday Mass.
Parish Pilgrimage to Fatima – 7th – 14th September 2026
Full Board, Cork to Faro return with Bus to and from Fatima included. Limited number of places. €1045, single supplement extra – limited single rooms, insurance also extra. €100 off if paid in full by 23rd December. Make enquires to Fr. Winkle 021 4882439 or Joe Walsh Tours. 01 241 0800 or 021 242 7190
Book direct through parish website:, www.carrigtwohillparish.ie
Look to the Lord of Surprises
“May the Lord open us to the newness that transforms, to the beautiful surprises of God. May he make us men and women capable of remembering all that he has done in our own lives and in the history of our world. May he help us to feel his presence as the one who is alive and at work in our midst. And may he teach us each day, not to look among the dead for the Living One. Amen.” Pope Francis – first Easter Vigil Homily30/3/13
Easter
“The Celebration of Easter is prolonged throughout the Easter Season. The fifty days from Easter Sunday to Pentecost Sunday are celebrated as on feast day, the ‘great Sunday’. The Sundays of this season are regarded as Sundays of Easter.” Congregation for Divine Worship, Paschale solemnitas, 100-8.
Parish Pilgrimage to Fatima – 7th – 14th September 2026
Full Board, Cork to Faro €1045, single supplement extra -. Make enquires to Fr. Winkle 021 4882439 or Joe Walsh Tours. 01 241 0800 or 021 242 7190
Book direct https://joewalshtours.ie/private-tours/carrigtwohill-parish-fatima-pilgrimage/
Diocesan Planning for the Future
At the recent meetings of the Bishop, priests and deacons of the Diocese this past week, the Proposal of ‘Pastoral Areas’, was discussed. As the Diocese moves into a new era the question of how communities/ parishes will continue to celebrate the Sacraments and to have Pastoral Outreach following in the footsteps of the Good Shepherd has to be addressed. It is envisioned that two or three parishes or more will form a ‘Pastoral Area’ which will have a number of priests and deacons to minister to the Area. Now is new time which calls for a new openness on all our parts as we continue to proclaim the Gospel and hand on the faith to every generation. It will call us to take an active interest in our parish community and Pastoral Area when they are formed and to become involved in various ways. It cannot be left to the few.
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Consider getting involved in parish Ministry / Activities
Can You Help in any of the following areas of the Parish
- Visit the Sick/housebound:
- Bring Holy Communion to the Sick and Housebound:
- Reader:
- Extraordinary minister of Holy Communion:
- Choir members:
- Musicians:
- Youth work:
- Collector of Baskets:
- Counters – count the finance collected on Sunday:
- Property – Help with parish deeds and the law:
- Church Cleaning Group.
- Safeguarding:
Altar Servers: Children / young people are invited to consider becoming an Altar Server in the Parish. It is a most important role of service to Christ and the Community. A child from third class upwards who has received Holy Communion is welcome to apply. Altar Serving is not confined to children but can and is undertaken by older young people and adults. Anyone interested please contact Fr. Winkle and or email parish office.
If you are interested in any of these roles or in other roles in the Parish, please contact Parish Office for more information. Other roles, choir members, musicians, extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, etc
Parish Box of Envelopes: If you haven’t collected your box, please do so, otherwise they will have to be posted and this adds another cost to the distribution of envelopes.
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Consider getting involved in parish Ministry / Activities
Can You Help in any of the following areas of the Parish
Visit the Sick/housebound: Be part of a group that was established a year ago that visits people who are sick / housebound in the Parish. This is a visit to talk with the person and pray with them if they wish, it is separate from bringing Holy Communion to people.
Bring Holy Communion to the Sick and Housebound: A number of people in the parish would like to receive Holy Communion in their homes, because they are unable to go to Church due to illness or burden of years. Could you help in this ministry? You do not have to be an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion for Masses to undertake this ministry.
Reader: Proclaim the Word of God at Mass and Liturgies in the Church. A person needs to be 16 and Confirmed for this ministry.
Join the Cleaning Group for the Church. Due to the generosity of a number of people’s time given to cleaning the Church on a weekly basis, the Parish has been able to reduce the cost of hiring a cleaning company to do this. It involves 2 hours over five weeks, the more people involved the less time for each person. Due to some people having to step down from this group at present there is need for new people.
Safeguarding: the Parish has a Safeguarding Committee, to ensure that the Parish complies with Safeguarding Policies and Procedures. It is a vital and important role in the Parish. There may be people who work in this area and or are interested in this who would step forward to join this Committee.
If you are interested in any of these roles or in other roles in the Parish, please contact Parish Office for more information. Other roles, choir members, musicians, extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, etc
Parish Pilgrimage to Fatima 7th to 14th September 2026 – Seats limited. Flight Cork to Faro, return, full board at Steyler hotel Fatima, Cost €1,045, single room supplement, limited single rooms, Contact Fr. Winkle if interested. If paid in full by23rd December, €100 off.
Details and booking
https://joewalshtours.ie/private-tours/carrigtwohill-parish-fatima-pilgrimage/
Koinonia Cloyne
Koinonia Cloyne is a two-year in-person course for adults who wish to explore questions of theology, liturgy, spirituality and pastoral ministry. Participants grow in their understanding of the Catholic faith and become more capable participants in their local parish. At present there is one member of the Parish partaking in this course, preparing for the future, more people will be needed to help in parishes. Anyone interested in this Course and wishes to hear more about it or to apply for it contact Fr. Winkle. Read more on https://cloynediocese.ie/mission-and-ministry/koinonia-cloyne
The Priesthood
‘Take the Risk for Christ’, Called to the Priesthood?. Thinking of becoming a priest contact Vocations Director: V. Rev. John McCarthy SP, Tel: 086 8212101 Email: priesthood@cloynediocese.ie
Lord grant discernment and courage to those you have called to be priestss, that they may hear and answer your call. Through Christ our Lord
Mass in St. Mary’s Cemetery Carrigtwohill on 25th July 2025
150th Anniversary of the Arrival of the Poor Servants of the Mother of God Sisters to the Parish in 1875. On the 21st of June 2025 a reenactment of that first moment the Sisters arrived to the Parish took place. Fr. Winkle P.P. welcomed the actors and the real sisters of today to the Church, it was a ‘Back to the Future’ moment.
Pope Leo XIV’s prayer for discernment
Holy Spirit, you, light of our understanding, gentle breath that guides our decisions,
grant me the grace to listen attentively to your voice and to discern the hidden paths of my heart, so that I may grasp what truly matters to you, and free my heart from its troubles.
I ask you for the grace to learn how to pause, to become aware of the way I act,
of the feelings that dwell within me, and of the thoughts that overwhelm me which, so often, I fail to notice.
I long for my choices to lead me to the joy of the Gospel. Even if I must go through moments of doubt and fatigue, even if I must struggle, reflect, search, and begin again. Because, at the end of the journey, your consolation is the fruit of the right decision.
Grant me a deeper understanding of what moves me, so that I may reject what draws me away from Christ, and love him and serve him more fully. Amen.
Families of Light
Baptised in Christ we share in the light of Christ. Families are particularly endowed with the responsibility to share the Light of Christ within the family and among others. In an ever-changing environment Families of Faith need the support one another. The idea of Families Supporting one another through coming together once a month or so for prayer, food, support is put forward to families in the Parish today. If a family would like to explore this further or express interest in it, please contact Fr. Winkle.
Catholic Schools in the Parish
Primary – Scoil Clochair Mhuire, Scoil Mhuire Naofa
Secondary – St. Aloysius College
Catholic Ethos – Carrigtwohill Community College
Care for housebound and older people: The Parish has formed a group of people who will be available to visit people who are housebound or older and wish for a visit. This group will also be able to Bring Holy Communion to the Sick and housebound. If a person would be interested in this ministry please contact Fr. Winkle or Parish Office. Garda Vetting will be required and Training will be given in Adults at Risk Policy.
Carrigtwohill Catholic Parish Primary Schools
Catholic Schools offer an all-rounded education with Catholic Faith explored and preparation and celebration of the Sacraments celebrated along with the curriculum outlined by the Department of Education. Right throughout the school years, prayer and faith are intertwined within the School community. Schools welcome all pupils and respect the faith of each person while teaching that Jesus Christ is Lord.
Scoil Chlochair Mhuire: Scoil Mhuire Naofa:
Second Level Schools
Catholic Ethos School
Carrigtwohill Community College: Co educational:
Catholic Secondary All Girls School – St. Aloysius:
