RECENT BAPTISMS Daniel Christopher O’Donovan, 6 Connolly Street.
Maitiu Mare Requin, l9 Thorntields. Amanda Hong, Market Quay. Molly Fiona Keohane,
3 Upper Connolly Street.
SECOND COLLECTION A special collection will be taken up at all masses in the diocese
this weekend for The Lourdes Invalid Pilgrimage Fund.
SPRING STATIONS 2010 if you would like to host the Station for your area this Spring
contact Sheila Hayes - 023 884l473.
MINISTERS OF THE WORD & THE EUCHARIST The new rota for both of the above
is now available in the Sacristy. Please collect as soon as possible. The rotas come into
effect in February. The sacristy is open each morning Monday-Friday after 9.30 mass until
1 lam.
ST LUKE’S GOSPEL The gospel according to Luke has been called the loveliest book in
the world. His introduction in today’s Gospel is unique it is the only place where the author
steps out upon the stage and introduces himself as if he said I am writing the greatest story
in the world. The story of God reveal’s God’s insight into his people, what happens after
that encounter, some run away, some avoid, some waver, some fall on their knees. As you
read, it will become apparent how the Gospel is indeed good news how the Good News
applies to our life. Faith and community will show us how to transfer the inspired message
of the Gospel to our every day living. Sr. Alphonsus.
10 DAY PILGRIMAGE TO HOLYLAND from Cork to Tel Aviv. Dates 25th Sept to 4th
Oct halfboard €l200. Also 7 day pilgrimage to Medjugorje, 14th-21st May. Special offer
on Medjugorje book before l5th Feb. For all information to Gerald Madden. 086-36665 14.
SWIMMING Next l l week session begins week of Feb l5th. Lessons for adults and children,
beginners and improvers. Moming and evening. Grove Leisure Centre, Bandon. 023 884l643.
BANDON TOASTMASTERS We are now meeting in Scoil Eoin, Church Hill,
Innishannon. If you are interested in what Toastmasters is all about, please come to our next
meeting which is on Wednesday 10th February at 8.l5pm. At toastmasters we like to talk.
OPEN DAY at Colaiste Stiofain N aofa, College of Further Education, Tramore Road, Cork.
Friday Sth February, l0am-3pm. 40 full-time and part-time courses. Talk to students, meet
the tutors. Information meetings every hour. All welcome.
INDOOR HURLING for under 8 boys and girls, Tuesdays, 6pm-7pm, GAA pavilion.
Great fun and all are welcome. Contact: 086 3323 997 for further details or just come along
on the night with your hurling helmet.
VVEST CORK SIMON Ladies fund-raising lunch on 9/ l/2010 at Inchydoney Lodge & Spa
raised €l 1 5 l0.A sincere thank you to all those who helped make this event such a great success.
BANDON FLOVVER CLUB presents a Flower Arranging Demonstration by Maureen
O’Keeffe A_O.I.F.A. and A.G.M. in The Brogan Inn on Mon l5th February at 8pm. Annual
membership fee due on night. Visitors welcome.

There has to be something reassuring in today’s readings insofar as we are
reminded that God is not looking for perfection but rather willingness to
try to do better. Isaiah puts forward reasons why he’s not the one to speak
but his mouth is touched and a voice is found. Paul feels unworthy to be
even named apostle but accepts the name since he believes is trying and
rooting himself in the gospel he has heard. The fishermen gave what they
had to give, the use of their boat, in order for Jesus to speak to all gathered
and ready to listen. It’s all about making an effort, being willing to try and
hoping for the best.
To run the risk of labelling someone and to call him or her a ‘perfectionist’ is
generally not a flattering description. Neither is it an easy load to carry. The
perfectionist can wear him or herself out trying to have everything exactly as
it should be. This can include cooking a meal, decorating a house, cleaning a
car and all too often, enjoyment is lost. ‘It’s got to be perfect’ one song lyric
claims - but does it?
There isn’t much reference to perfection in today’s readings but there’s an
invitation to do our best. Even the Water that seemed to have no fish, found
itself giving a plentiful supply. The fisherman Peter fell to his knees but was
told to stand up - a walker, a doer was needed.
There was work to be done. There still is. Don’t ever underestimate the
difference we can make. It doesn’t have to be perfect but it has to be real.