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Date Topic Resource Person/Speaker Sun, 12th Oct Launching of the Catechetical week celebration. Mrs. Antoinette Appiah Adu Wed. 15th Oct

Our Call to Holiness, Mission, Community and Ministry.

A Priest

Fri, 17th Oct. Arousing the love that comes from the sacraments of Christian initiation.

Mr. Peter O. Addae

Sun, 19th Oct Feeding ourselves spiritually on the word of faith and of the true teaching (1 Tim. 4:6).

Very Rev. Fr. John Lewis/ Rev. Fr. Philip Bempong

Wed. 22ndOct Celebrating our Blessings today. Mr. Amanor-Ofori Fri, 24th Oct Being an example for others in speech, conduct and

love (1 Tim. 4:11). Mrs. Maria Ankomah

Charity works (Visit to the Sisters of Charity, Ashiaman)

Contributions of Items from Day Groups

Sat, 25th Oct West Deanery Marian Rally and Penitential Service. Requires full participation of Parishioners

Sun, 26th Oct Thanksgiving Collection. Parish Priest

First Reading: Exodus 32:7-11, 13-14Responsorial Psalm 51: I will arise and go to my Father.

Second Reading: 1 Timothy 1:12-17Gospel: Luke 15:1-32

Twenty fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time 15th September, 2019

Vol. 14 No. 038Weekly Newsletter

The

Parish Administration

2019 Parish Theme“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity.”

Psalm 133:1

Reflections(continued from page 1)

what little we had. How long did we keep our distance from God? Were we afraid that God would never forgive us? Perhaps we thought we did not deserve to be forgiven. And yet, God is always on the lookout for us, yearning for us, waiting for us to return home. God will never stop loving us!

Today take a few moments and thank God for the steadfast love, care and blessings that God has bestowed on you in your life. Bask for a few moments in this reality. There is no greater gift. God will never leave us! And if (and when) we do leave God for a period of time, God patiently will look for us and wait for us until we return home! Then the celebration for us begins!

And never let the thought that, your failings are above God's mercy. Like our psalmist today proclaims, “arise today and come to God, our father!”

Acting Editor: 020 635 0734 Email: bulletin@corpuschristichurchgh.org

By Jennifer Owusuwaa Mensah (A Parishioner)e find many problems in the Gospel today – a sheep got lost, a Wcoin was mislaid, and a son left home. Yet the main theme is to Rejoice. Jesus rejoices at the repentance of a sinner more

than remembers the sin. Not just because the sinner has said sorry, but because his turning to God makes God happy. He seems to want to give the best of himself – his mercy.

It is worth noting the unexpected actions of the parable characters. A shepherd cares so much for one lost sheep that he leaves ninety-nine behind in the wilderness. A woman expends significant energy to find her lost coin, and then hosts a party that likely costs her more than the coin is worth. A father showers gifts upon his disrespectful, wasteful son, simply because the kid shows up. Such are the ways of God. His mercy abounds and there is rejoicing in heaven at the repentance of just one sinner.

Receiving and opening ourselves up to mercy is our destiny as Christians. We are at our best in receiving the mercy of God and the forgiveness of another. We belong to the community of mercy. Our God's mercy towards us is unconditional, non-calculating and benevolent. The return of the prodigal son is a model of true repentance and conversion. God has blessed us with the gift of freedom to stray away from his love and also the freedom to stay in or return to His love. The choice is ours. God welcomes us when we decide to return. He rejoices and celebrates the return of His prodigal children. With the mercy of God we are back where we belong – in the love of God. We rejoice in this and God rejoices in our happiness with him.

If we can be grateful for mercy in our lives, then we will rejoice for mercy shown to others. Mercy heals desires for revenge and lessening anger. Then we are sharing in the joy of Jesus. 'It is the beating heart of the gospel (Pope Francis).

Today is a good day to place ourselves in the shoes of the prodigal son or the prodigal daughter. At times in our lives, we also have left the home of our God. We have wandered away and perhaps we also have squandered

Cardinal Dery Pledge Redemption Quite a number of us who who made pledges during the fund-raising activity to support the beatification of Peter Cardinal Dery have not yet made our redemptions.

You can redeem your pledge at the Accounts Office after Mass and during the week. Alternatively, you can redeem using the MoMo number 024 441 2904. God richly bless you.

“If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” - Matthew 21:22

Admissions! Admissions!!The Catholic Institute of Business & Technology, CIBT, (a University College of the Archdiocese of Accra) invites applications from suitably qualified candidates to enrol for the 2019/2020 academic year for the following Degree Programmes: Ÿ Procurement & Supply Chain Management, Ÿ Information Technology, Ÿ Public Administration, Ÿ Religious Studies & Church Administration Ÿ Business Administration

Admission forms are available at EMS offices of Ghana Post or pay into CIBT account at any UBA branch and pick form from campus. Cost of form is GHC 100.00.CIBT is located adjacent GNAT/Teachers Hall.

Choose CIBT for quality education, competitive fees with payment options in a Catholic academic environment.

Quality Life Assurance Company LtdQuality Life Assurance Company Ltd (QLAC) has

vacancies for Sales leaders and Collectors.Requirements: A minimum of WASSCE.The individual should be results oriented. Good communication skills.Willingness to work in a team

Interested applicants should contact 057 550 2474 and forward their CV to ghanson@qlac.com

Agro MentorsAre You Seeking For Agro Mentors?

Worry no more. Contact Skylife, a budding agriculture and industrialization partnership company to be coached and

mentored by experts and steady hands in farming. Call Mawuli on 024 084 5694.

TM Cakes(Cakes, Pastries and more)

We bake cakes with love for all occasions – wedding cakes, cupcakes, cake pops.

special event custom cakes, and your cake.

Our recipes are created in hearts, and baked with love. Call us on 024 162 3279 or 026 449 4939.

A cake in hand, makes your day. Call us...

Sickle Cell Awareness MonthHave you finally met that handsome gentleman or beautiful lady who takes your breath away?

September is sickle cell awareness month. Kindly check your genotype before taking that bold step into marriage.

Contact Dr. Delasy on 026 161 0599 for more details.

Prostate Cancer ScreeningAre you a male aged 40 years and above? Have you screened for prostate cancer?

Kindly contact Dr. Delasy 026 161 0599 for more details.

Fearless Men and Women Our generation should be as fearless as the people portrayed in Scripture like Ruth, Moses and many more. We are children of God and should not live in fear. That is what Fearless Men and Women is about.

Come let’s learn about God's word and what made those people fearless as the Emily Ackerson Ministries in conjunction with the PYC, invite us to the Fearless Women and Men: Ghana Edition.Date: Sunday, 22nd September, 2019Time: 3pm Venue: Corpus Christi Parish. Admission is free and open to all.

There is a special scholarship package for Parishioners who apply to study at CIBT.

Apply today and access this offer...

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PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL/OFFERTORY (Sunday, 22nd September, 2019)1st Mass – Christian Daughters 2nd Mass – Christian Mothers

(Sunday, 29th September, 2019)1st Mass – Charismatic Renewal 2nd Mass – Ushers COMMUNION ROUNDS (Every Sunday)Contact Rev. Fr. Januarius Akpabli on 024 004 2042, or any of the Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharistic, if you or any parishioner is home-bound and wishes to receive Holy Communion. READINGS FOR THE WEEKMon – 1 Timothy 2:1-8/Luke 7:1-10Tues – 1 Timothy 3:1-13/Luke 7:11-17Wed – 1 Timothy 3:14-16/Luke 7:31-35Thurs – 1 Timothy 4:12-16/Luke 7:36-50Fri – 1 Timothy 6:2c-12/Luke 8:1-3Sat – Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-13/Matthew 9:9-13Sun – Amos 8:4-7/1 Timothy 2:1-8/Luke 16:1-13

“Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.” - St. Jerome. Let us ask the Holy Spirit to enlighten us as we read the Holy Scriptures.

Kindly call 050 410 0205 / 024 472 2380 / 054 547 9220.

Youth MassThe PYC invites all parishioners to Youth Mass this and every Wednesday at 6:30pm. Come and be energised to live like a true disciple of Christ.

Education Endowment Fund1. Beneficiaries of the Corpus Christi Education Endowment Fund are kindly reminded to re-apply and attach terminal reports in the case of pre-tertiary pupils/students and transcript for those in tertiary institutions as well as other relevant documents as stated in the application form.

2. Fresh applications are also welcome. Application forms can be obtained from the Secretary's office. Thank you.

Corpus Christi Marshallan AssociationThe September meeting of CCMA is scheduled as follows:Date: Sunday 22nd September 2019Venue: Shed near the Grotto, Corpus Christi ParishTime: After 1st MassAll members should endeavour to attend and on time.

FuneralThe funeral arrangements for Mrs. Gertrude Ocansey Vormawah (Tuesday Group) wife of Mr. Atsu Vormawah are as follows:Saturday, 21st September, 2019: Filing past and Burial Mass at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Sakumono from 7:00am. Internment would be at Community 9 Cemetery, Tema. Funeral rites follow at the Corpus Christi Car Park. Sunday, 22nd September, 2019: Memorial and Thanksgiving Mass at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Sakumono at 9:00am. Final funeral rites at St. Anthony Catholic Church Car Park, Nungua.All Parishioners are entreated to attend both Masses.

The funeral arrangements for Mr. Joseph Kingsley Kojo Ennin, father of Agatha Lucy Ennin (Sunday Group) are as follows: Friday, 20th September, 2019: Family wake–keeping at his residence, LC/ A1 Captain Street, Sakumono at 8:00pm.Saturday, 21st September 2019: Filing past and Burial Mass at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, Community One, Tema from 7:00am. Internment at his hometown, Breman Brakwa. Funeral rites will be held at his residence, LC/A1 Captain Street Sakumono.Sunday, 22nd September 2019: Thanksgiving Mass at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, Community One, Tema, at 9:00am. Final funeral rites continue at his residence, LC/A1 Captain Street Sakumono after Mass.Parish Representation: Sunday Group five members all other Day Groups a member each. Names of Selected Parishioners should reach the Co-Welfare Chairman by 16th September, 2019. Bus leaves for Community One at 6:30am.

Dues & Levies for 2019Adults – GHS 42.00, Tertiary students above 21 years – GHS 24.00, Tertiary & SHS students below 21 years – GHS 12.00,Primary & JHS students – GHS 6.00

Cathedral Restoration Project - GHS100.00. Children and the unemployed – GHS 10.00.

St. Anthony GuildSt. Anthony's Guild has devotions every Tuesday from 7:00am in the St. Monica's Meeting Room.

Dues CardsParishioners who have their dues cards in the Parish Administrator's office are kindly requested to pick them up to prevent it from being misplaced.

Legion of Mary Calling!

We invite you to join the Corpus Christi Legion of Mary family. We have three presidia in the Parish that you can choose from: Saturday Group meets after Saturday morning Mass at the Grotto/chapel; Sunday 1st Mass Group meets after 1st Mass near the Grotto; and Sunday 2nd Mass Group meets after 2nd Mass in the St Augustine's meeting room.

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Health WalkThe Health Committee invites all parishioners to the next health walk, dubbed Be Healthy for Ghana. Date: Monday 23rd September 2019 Time: 6:30am (After morning Mass) Walk Duration: 6km

There will be aerobics session after the walk. Don't be left out and remember “No pain No gain”

French MassThere would be French Mass today and every third Sunday of the month at 1:00pm here at the Parish. All Francophone parishioners are cordially entreated to partake in this celebration.

Anniversary TalkAs part of activities marking the 98th Anniversary of the Legion of Mary Society, there will be a talk on “Idolatry - What is it, what it is not and why Catholics have images in places of worship” at Corpus Christi Church this Friday, 20th September during evening Mass at 6:30pm. The speaker is Rev. Fr. Januarius Akpabli. You are welcome to listen to this important talk.

Branded Parish BooksThe branded St. Augustine's stationery items (books, pens, maths set, rulers, etc) are still on sale. Please buy stationery for yourself, your wards, colleagues and friends. They come in packages of GHS 100.00 and GHS 50.00.

Society of St. Vincent de Paul CallingDo you have a passion of alleviating the plight of the poor, needy and marginalised and putting genuine smiles on the faces of this category of people you encounter every day?

If your answer is Yes and/or desire to answer “Yes” to this preamble, then take a bold step by joining the Society of St. Vincent De Paul. You will find great fulfilment in the work of this Society. Our regular and weekly visits to cell inmates, sick, aged friends are so fulfilling and refreshing as we are able to see Christ in our fellow neighbour. This will make you become generous with your time, your possessions and yourself which are the very essence of Christianity and life.

We look forward to welcoming you to our weekly meetings every Sunday after first Mass adjacent the Grotto.You can generously donate to support our charitable activities. Donations can be sent to Mathilda Opoku Agyarkwa on MTN mobile money 024 471 2764.

CIBTThe Catholic Institute of Business &Technology (CIBT), invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for the 2019/2020 academic year for the degree and certificate courses. Interested candidates should see the Parish Priest. The certificates courses are tailored for church and societal leaders.

Some Hindrances to Effective PrayerBy Eric Boateng (a parishioner)

One of the greatest benefits afforded to every Christian is the privilege of answered prayers. In the Bible, Jesus made this tremendous promise, “And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive” (Matt. 21:22). However, despite the Lord's willingness to answer prayer, it is obvious that some prayers have gone unanswered. Why is that? The following are the most common reasons why some prayers do not get expected results:

The most obvious hindrance to effective prayer is the presence of unconfessed sins in the heart of the one who is praying. Because our God is holy, there is a barrier that exists between Him and us when we come to Him with unconfessed sin in our lives (Isaiah 59:2). David concurred, knowing from experience that God is far from those who try to hide their sin: “If I had cherished sin in my heart, the LORD would not have listened” (Psalm 66:18).

The Bible refers to several areas of sin that are hindrances to effective prayer. First, when we are living according to the flesh, rather than in the Spirit, our desire to pray and our ability to effectively communicate with God are hindered. The flesh can gain control of our actions, attitudes, and motives unless we are diligent to “put to death the deeds of the body” (Rom. 8:13) and be led by the Spirit in a right relationship with God. Only then will we be able to pray in close communion with Him.

Another hindrance to effective prayer is selfishness. When our prayers are selfishly motivated, when we ask God for what we want rather than for what He wants, when it is only “I, me and myself,” our motives hinder our prayers (1 John 5:14). As in all things, Jesus is to be our example in prayer. He always prayed in the will of His Father: “Yet not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). Selfish prayers are always those that are intended to gratify our own selfish desires, and we should not expect God to respond to such prayers as James 4:3 teaches.

When we go to God in prayer, our first concern should be His will. The second should be the needs of others. This stems from the understanding that we are to consider others better than ourselves and be concerned about their interests over and above our own (Phil. 2:3-4). Stay tuned for more reasons.

Reflection: “I do believe, help my unbelief ” (Mark 9:24).

Send comments to boateng316@gmail.com