WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

Saint Mary’s, Saint Michael’s, & Ss John & Ailbe

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28 January 2024: The Fourth Sunday after The Epiphany
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COLLECTS AND READINGS

Collect: Creator God, who in the beginning commanded the light to shine out of darkness: We pray that
the light of the glorious gospel of Christ may dispel the darkness of ignorance and unbelief, shine into the
hearts of all your people, and reveal the knowledge of your glory in the face of Jesus Christ our Lord.

First Reading ~ Deuteronomy 18: 15-20

The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you shall heed
such a prophet. This is what you requested of the Lord your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly
when you said: ‘If I hear the voice of the Lord my God any more, or ever again see this great fire, I will
die.’ Then the Lord replied to me: ‘They are right in what they have said. I will raise up for them a
prophet like you from among their own people; I will put my words in the mouth of the prophet, who
shall speak to them everything that I command. Anyone who does not heed the words that the
prophet shall speak in my name, I myself will hold accountable. But any prophet who speaks in the name
of other gods, or who presumes to speak in my name a word that I have not commanded the prophet to
speak—that prophet shall die.’

Psalm 111 (BCP p. 725)

Alleluia. I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, ♦︎ in the company of the faithful and in the
congregation.
The works of the Lord are great, ♦︎ sought out by all who delight in them.
His work is full of majesty and honour ♦︎ and his righteousness endures for ever.
He appointed a memorial for his marvellous deeds; ♦︎ the Lord is gracious and full of compassion.
He gave food to those who feared him; ♦︎ he is ever mindful of his covenant.
He showed his people the power of his works ♦︎ in giving them the heritage of the nations.
The works of his hands are truth and justice; ♦︎ all his commandments are sure.
They stand fast for ever and ever; ♦︎ they are done in truth and equity.
He sent redemption to his people; he commanded his covenant for ever; ♦︎ holy and awesome is his
name.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have those who live by it; ♦︎
his praise endures for ever.

Epistle Reading – 1 Corinthians 8: 1-13

Now concerning food sacrificed to idols: we know that ‘all of us possess knowledge.’ Knowledge puffs up,
but love builds up. Anyone who claims to know something does not yet have the necessary knowledge; but
anyone who loves God is known by him. Hence, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that
‘no idol in the world really exists’, and that ‘there is no God but one.’ Indeed, even though there may be
so-called gods in heaven or on earth—as in fact there are many gods and many lords— yet for us there is
one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through
whom are all things and through whom we exist. It is not everyone, however, who has this knowledge.
Since some have become so accustomed to idols until now, they still think of the food they eat as food
offered to an idol; and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. ‘Food will not bring us close to God.’ We
are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. But take care that this liberty of yours does
not somehow become a stumbling-block to the weak. For if others see you, who possess knowledge,
eating in the temple of an idol, might they not, since their conscience is weak, be encouraged to the point
of eating food sacrificed to idols? So by your knowledge those weak believers for whom Christ died are
destroyed. But when you thus sin against members of your family, and wound their conscience when it is
weak, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food is a cause of their falling, I will never eat meat, so that I may
not cause one of them to fall.

Gospel/New Testament Reading ~ St Mark 1: 21-28

They went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. They were
astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Just then
there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, and he cried out, ‘What have you to do with
us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.’ But
Jesus rebuked him, saying, ‘Be silent, and come out of him!’ And the unclean spirit, throwing him into
convulsions and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. They were all amazed, and they kept on asking
one another, ‘What is this? A new teaching—with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and
they obey him.’ At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee.

Post-Communion Prayer: Generous Lord, in word and eucharist we have proclaimed the mystery
of your love. Help us so to live out our days that we may be signs of your wonders in the world; through
Jesus Christ our Saviour.
Hymns Saint Mary’s 104 (t. 349) 319 197 (omit v 4)
Saint Michael’s 462 535 427 94

Services will be recorded and may be viewed online on www.churchservices.tv/limerickstmarys and

www.saintmaryscathedral.ie within the following 90 days. After that time recordings will be destroyed; however, exceptions may
apply and recordings could last longer if the Cathedral requires it. Occasional services may be recorded and will be advertised on
www.churchservices.tv and www.saintmaryscathedral.ie/other Cathedral communication channels. If you would like further
information on a particular event, please contact the Cathedral office. If you do not wish to appear, please advise Churchwardens
who will guide you to an area which will not be filmed. NRSV (Anglicized Edition), copyright 1989, 1995 by the Division of
Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America; Material in this service
reproduced from BCP under licence © RCB 2004; One License Number: A-738650; Use QR code to donate to St Mary’s online

Services & Events

Date Time Event Venue
10.00 Morning Prayer Ss John & Ailbe, Abington
Sunday 28th
10.00 Holy Communion Saint Michael’s
4th after Epiphany
11.15 Morning Prayer The Cathedral
Monday 22nd 10.30 Morning Prayer The Cathedral
Tuesday 23rd 10.30 Morning Prayer The Cathedral
Wednesday 24th 10.30 Morning Prayer The Cathedral
Thursday 25th 10.30 Holy Communion The Cathedral
Friday 26th 10.30 Morning Prayer The Cathedral
Saturday 27th 10.30 Morning Prayer The Cathedral
Sunday 4th February NO SERVICE Ss John & Ailbe, Abington
Presentation in the 10.00 Holy Communion Saint Michael’s
Temple 11.15 Holy Communion The Cathedral

THIS WEEK’S NOTICES

Sympathies: we extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Maureen Bramwell on her death, and
we hold them in our prayers.
Sunday Club: will be held on the first and third Sundays of the month, in the Cathedral. It will include
Godly Play on the first Sundays.

Congratulations to Andrew Ellerker on a significant birthday!

The Evergreens: Thank you to Oliver Deegan for generously offering to show our members how to
make a St Brigid’s Cross for St Brigid’s Day! Some very fine crosses were made! Meanwhile two UL
students, Art O’Leary (Abington) and Bianca, kindly showed others how to use some of the options on
their smartphones. It was a very successful venture for our first meeting of 2024. Thank you to Catherine,
who uploaded the information to the various Facebook pages, as we had four new faces from two different
sources. Our next meeting will be on Tuesday, 27th February, 2024 at 2:30 pm in Saint Mary’s Cathedral.

Volunteer list for Cathedral: the Dean would be glad to hear from anyone who is available to be
included on a volunteer list for Cathedral events that require extra help at the door, in setting up chairs,
and other activities. Please let the Dean or the Cathedral office know if you’d be willing to be on this rota
and be contacted occasionally when large events are being held.

Whist Drives: A Whist Drive at St. Michael’s Hall will be held on Saturday 10th February @ 7.30
sharp along with a Raffle. The final Whist Drive at St. Michael’s Hall will be held on Saturday 9th March
@ 7.30. A Whist Drive at Villiers Sq. will be held on Saturday 24th February @ 7.15.

Accommodation wanted: a parishioner is looking for a house in the Limerick City area to rent. Please
contact Anna (087 6985439) with information.

Remembrance Book: Please remember those whose anniversaries occur at this time. Among
them: Elizabeth Gloster, Hubert Lyons, Margaret [Peggy] Carey, Beatrice [Baz] Irwin, Audrey Watts,
Kathleen Craig, Ellen Devlin, Maureen Mulcahy, Wally Battrick, Patrick Clayton, Rosslyn Faull and Bill
Topham.

Diocesan cycle of prayer: the Bishop writes: “As we prepare on February 1 to celebrate St. Brigid’s
tide, now also associated with a public holiday, we pray that we will find space to celebrate the rich heritage
of this land in terms of sanctity and holiness, and that we will continue the labours of our Christian
forebears worthily and courageously. We pray for the bishop and people of Kildare, and for the further
enhancement of the place of women in every aspect of the life, leadership and ministry of this church.”
Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Anglican Church of Southern Africa

Prayers for the Sick: Your prayers are asked for the sick in our community, especially, Emily; Mac; Alan
Kennedy; Zandra; Kathleen Leddin; Martha McDermott; Sandra Pragnell; Danny Stone; Josh Stone; Terry
Gibson; Sarah B; Cyril Foster; Frances (Kokie) Moore, Patrick Hastings; Patricia Bourke; Jim K, Marie M,
Gerry Grace, Mary Grace, Liz Kaldor, Trevor Richmond, Martin Hogan, Garrett Ryan, BO’D, Sue Gibson,
Denis O’Connell, John Moore, Baby Sloane O' Hanlon, Edel and Doris. NOTE: If you wish to place a name on the
list, please email it to limerickcityparishnews@gmail.com. Under GDPR please ensure you have the consent of the named person(s). For
confidentiality reasons the clergy would appreciate NOT being asked on the status of people. Whilst we appreciate people are showing
care and concern, it can compromise the relationship between pastor and parishioner. Thank you.
 Rota of Readers, Refreshments, and Flowers

28th Jan 4th Feb 11th Feb 18th Feb

REFRESHMENTS
Saint Michael’s Allens
The Cathedral Brian Sheppard Lillian Alyson McHugh Keith O’Neill
Okechukwu
READERS
Saint Michael’s Jeff McNamara Margaret Schutz Tracey Lyttle John Shier
The Cathedral Sarah Jane Lusk Catherine Smith John St George Keith O’Neill

CONTACT DETAILS
• The Very Rev’d Niall J.W. Sloane (Dean): The Deanery, 7 Kilbane, Castletroy
Email: dean@limerick.anglican.org; Tel: 061-338697. Day off: Friday
• The Rev’d Dr Leonard Madden (Curate-Assistant): The Curatage, 50 Ballinvoher, Fr Russell Rd
Email: curate@limerick.anglican.org; Tel: 061-302038. Day off: Monday
• Clergy Emergency Number: Tel: 087-3524046. (Strictly Emergency Calls Only).
• The Parish Office: Saint Mary’s Cathedral, Bridge Street, Limerick, V94 E068.
Email: cathedral@limerick.anglican.org; Tel: 061-310293. www.lcp.limerick.anglican.org
Limerick City Parish ~ Weekly Newsletter – Deadline for notices 12 noon every Wednesday.
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