RECENT BAPTISMS Jack Anthony O'Halloran, Roughgrove.  Donal George Stewart, 38 O'Mahony Avenue.  Michael Edwin Czaja, 33 Thornfields.

AUTUMN STATIONS 2008 If you would be willing to have the Station for your area this Autumn please contact Sheila Hayes (023-41473) before September 14th 2008.  Dangan, Cripple Hill and Danganmore; Lower Knockngurrane, Gurteenomahon, Cappa and Curravarahane, Tullyland, Curravreeda, Lissaphooca, Gurranebeg & Knockanrea, Old Chapel, Meelon and Roundhill, Ballylangley and Caffigcannon, Kilbrogan, Cuffaclough and Cullatrim, Derrycool and Carhue South, Clancoolmore and Clancoolbeg.

STATION MASS FOR Knockaveale, Upper Knocknagarrane and Mayfield on Saturday 30th August 2008 at Pat and Mary Canniffe's.

STUDY THEOLOGY FROM HOME!  The Dominicans are offering a full programme of theology through distance learning, supported by a network of centres around the country.  This programme is made up of 15-week modules which can be studied at your own pace, leading to either a certificate or a diploma or a degree in theology.  Please call us for further information: The Priory Institute, Tallaght Village, Dublin 24. 01-404 8127 or 404 8124.  Email: enquiriesC&prioryinstitute.com. www.prioryinstitute.com

THE CORK COLLEGE OF COMMERCE is now accepting enrolments for its Day and Evening courses which include Childcare, Accounting, Law, Complementary, Beauty, Fashion, Tourism, Marketing, Auctioneering, Computing, Secretarial, Teachers Diplomas, Business, Repeat for Honours and many more.  For free brochure, please contact 021-4222100 or email apply@ccoc.ie or visit our website www.corkcoflegeofcommerce.ie

BRIDGE LESSONS FOR BEGINNERS Bandon: St Brogan's VEC, Macroom Rd. Commencing Monday 22nd September.  Enrolment: Monday 15th September at the school from 7-8pm.  Accredited CBAI Teacher - Andy Rockett.  Contact Marion Roche on 087 230977 

BANDON OPINION September issue out on Thursday next, August 28th.

In our Gospel today Jesus asks the Disciples the most enduring question of Christianity: 'Who do you say I am?' Among all the wrong answers, Peter through divine inspiration answers 'You are the Christ the Son of the Living God'.  The question to the disciples is timeless and timely, who do you or I say Jesus is?  As a community of faith and as individuals we must answer this question, our answer is both personal and social.

In his book 'Jesus Through The Centuries'jaroslav Pelikan wrote: 'Regardless of what anyone may personally think or believe about him, Jesus of Nazareth has been the dominant figure in the history of the western culture for twenty centuries.  It is from his birth that most of the human race dates its calendars, it is by his name that millions curse and in his name that millions pray.

As believing Christians Jesus gives meaning to our lives.  Jesus is the answer to the problems of human existence and the meaning of life.  The heart's deepest longing and restlessness are answered in the person of Jesus.  As we travel the many streets of our daily lives Jesus is always asking each of us 'Who do you say I am'?  Our answer is not to be found on newspapers or in books or in any television documentary.  The answer can only come from a lived encounter with Jesus the one who gives meaning to our lives.

Fr.  Paul