Saturday, July 28, 2007

Newsletter for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 29th July, 2007

Praying Out
What would you do if you were given divine information about the impending destruction of a city? Contact the TV stations? Telephone someone? Raise the alarm? Abraham however chose to ‘…[remain] standing before the Lord’. You could say that he chose to remain in prayer. He stayed in the presence of God.
This Sunday we are told a few things about prayer. They seem almost contradictory at first sight, but they aren’t. Prayer is not be long-winded as God already knows our needs. It is also to be persistent. At times, there seems no answer to our prayer. It may be that we need to demonstrate our resolve, or that the time to grant our request is not yet right, or that we are asking for the wrong thing. Whatever the reason, we are not to lose heart; still less to worry that God might grow impatient with us. It also seems that God seeks intercessors in the mould of Abraham when there are situations of sin and injustice [First Reading.] Have you raised your voice for a good cause? Ever?
Someone once said that God answers prayer in one of four ways: Yes, No, Wait, and Are you joking? Somewhat glib, but there is some truth to it. Sometimes the heart must be ready, that inner house swept clean before the visitor can truly enter within.
Fr Tom Cox

Welcome Visitors
This weekend we welcome members of the Spiritans’ (formerly known as the Holy Ghost Fathers) Mission Team to our parish. Frs. Des Arigho and Noel Murphy will preach at all Masses and greet as many people as possible afterwards. They are here to tell us about the work of the Spiritans, encourage our prayers and tell us about some practical ways we can help the congregation. Please give them a warm welcome and come up and say hello after Mass.

Questions People Ask
Q. Why is Luke’s version of the Our Father different to Matthew’s version, which we normally use? Which one is the authentic teaching of Jesus?
A. As Jesus travelled from place to place, he must have taught this prayer many times, probably with slight variations. You may regard both versions as authentic. Luke’s version is shorter than Matthew’s but essentially the same. This prayer is a summary of the new relationship with God which Jesus brought to us and of the work of Jesus establishing the kingdom of God in place of the reign of Satan. As a prayer, it takes a minute to learn the words but a lifetime to know it by heart.
Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

Saints This Week
St Ignatius Loyola (1491-1556) is celebrated on Tuesday, 31st July. He was a native of Northern Spain, a soldier who experienced a new personal calling as he recovered from injury. He founded the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), whose influence throughout the world continues to grow. By the time of his death the Society had more than a thousand members. His great theme was Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam – to the greater glory of God. The experience of his conversion led to his writing of The Spiritual Exercises.
St John Vianney (1786-1859) is celebrated on Saturday, 4th August. He had to contend with poverty and learning difficulties before becoming a priest. Sent to the small obscure village of Ars, he ministered there as pastor and confessor. He became known and loved as the Cure d’Ars. St. John Vianney is the patron saint of priests.

First Friday
The first Friday of August occurs this week. The priests will visit the sick and housebound at the usual times on Friday. Please contact the presbytery on 776 4400 if you, or someone known to you, would like to be added to the list.

Pray for the Deceased
Recently Deceased: Milo Butler, 3 Parnell Street. Funeral Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral at 11am on Sunday followed by burial at Johnswell Cemetery. Eileen Hogan, Troy’s Court and late of Friar’s Bridge. Funeral prayers at St. Luke’s Hospital at 7pm on Sunday followed by removal to St. Canice’s Church. Requiem Mass at 11am on Monday followed by burial at Foulkstown Cemetery. Eileen Hogan, Emmet Street. Funeral prayers at Hehir’s Funeral Home at 6.30pm on Sunday followed by removal to St. Mary’s Cathedral. Requiem Mass at 11am on Monday followed by burial at Foulkstown Cemetery. Tommy McGlynn, Edenderry (brother of Killian McGlynn, St. Patrick’s De La Salle School). Eleanor Loucher, Clontarf & Jenkinstown. Eileen Hogan, St. Canice’s Parish
Months Mind: Fran Ryan (Sun 12.30).
Anniversaries: Larry & Margaret Langton (Sat 7.00), Mick Coonan (Tue 10.30), David & Peggy Gaffney, Jimmy Bourke, Billy Bourke, Nancy Bourke, Angela Tiernan, Mary Tynan, Chrissie Drennan, Peter Wiltshire, Felix Campbell, Catherine Manogue, William Deegan, Jack & Eileen Langton, Mary O’Carroll.
Anniversaries Next Weekend: Rita Thompson (Sat 7.00), Angela Tiernan (Sun 10.00), Martin Mulhall (Sun 11.00).

Monthly Parish Draw
If you don’t win on the National Lottery this weekend you might have a better chance in our parish draw. The July Draw will be held at the Presbytery at 8.30pm on Tuesday, 31st July. All are welcome to come along.
Promoters and subscribers are reminded to have their returns made by draw time on Tuesday. Tickets €10 at the Sacristies.

Kilkenny Medjugorje Pilgrimage
There will be a pilgrimage from Kilkenny from Friday, 7th to Friday 14th September. Day flight, house near church. Price €639 inclusive. Bookings on 056 776 5840 or 086 882 5622.

St. Rioch’s Cemetery
The annual cemetery Mass will be celebrated at St. Rioch’s Cemetery, Walkin Street at 7.30pm on Thursday, 2nd August. All are encouraged to come along to this ancient cemetery to pray for those who are interred there.

Cemetery Mass at Foulkstown
Thanks to all who participated in the annual Mass at Foulkstown on last Thursday evening. In spite of earlier indications to the contrary God blessed us with a wonderfully and everyone enjoyed a wonderful, prayerful evening. Special thanks goes to the dedicated people on the Cemetery Committee who had the area looking resplendent as usual.

World Youth Day 2008
We are currently recruiting young people (between 18 and 30 years of age) from our parish to travel to the World Youth Day celebrations in Sydney in July 2008. Contact one of the priests if you are interested in going to Sydney to celebrate your faith with hundreds of thousands of other young people from all over the world.
Application forms are available from the Sacristy in each of our churches. More information: Fr. Richard Scriven, Diocesan Coordinator, St. John’s Presbytery, Dublin Road, Kilkenny. Tel: 087 242 0033.

Grandparents’ Knock Pilgrimage
Saturday, 22nd September is the date of the first-ever National Grandparents’ Pilgrimage in Knock Shrine, Co. Mayo. In the build-up to the pilgrimage the organisers have launched an appeal for 10,000 prayers, written by grandchildren, in honour of their grandmothers and grandfathers. Grandchildren can post their prayers on www.nationalgrandparentspilgrimage.com or post them to National Grandparents’ Pilgrimage, Horizon House, North Mall, Westport, Co. Mayo. Further information available on the website.


Catholic Newspapers/Periodicals
Copies of the Irish Catholic and The Word magazine are available in the porch at St. Fiacre’s Church. These publications may be purchased at our other churches by order only.

Patrick Malluzzo Campaign
Patrick Malluzzo, whose mother is originally from Callan, has been accused of drug trafficking in India and sentenced to 10 years. Patrick maintains his innocence and now finds himself confined in the most appalling and inhumane conditions.Patrick’s family have started a campaign to clear their son’s name and have him released. They are appealing for people to sign a petition which will be given to the British Prime Minister, Gordon Browne.If you would like to sign this petition, sheets are available at the back of all our churches.

Our Lady’s Island
The pilgrimage season is about to begin on Our Lady’s Island in Co. Wexford. The Opening Ceremony will be at 3pm Wednesday, 15th August, the Feast of the Assumption. The Closing Ceremony will take place at 7pm on Friday, 7th September (note change of time and day from previous years). See posters at church doors for further details or telephone 053 913 1167 or visit www.ourladysisland.com.

Parish Competition
And finally, the competition you’ve all been waiting for.
To pass the summer, and to encourage and develop your poetry and writing skills, we are holding a small parish competition.
Hanging on the wall in St. Fiacre’s Church, above the priest’s chair, there is a rather colourful picture. The scene is based on the gospel of Mark, Chapter 4, verses 35 to 41. (The calming of the storm).
Using the picture as your inspiration, we invite you to write a short poem or a short story. Your entry should have a religious theme and contain the words: ‘Be Calm’
This competition is open to all ages and there are three prizes in all. Two winners over 16 will receive a copy of Pope Benedict’s new Book: ‘Jesus of Nazareth’ (which is an excellent and well worth while read). A winner under 16 will receive a book voucher.
The closing date for entries is August 5th and winners will be announced the following week with the winning entries posted here on the newsletter.
Please include you name, address and contact number. (Those under 16 should include their age and let your parents know you are taking part in this competition). You can drop your entry into the presbytery or into any of the sacristies.
We look forward to receiving your entries.

Saturday, July 21, 2007

Newsletter for the 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 22nd July 2007

The Right Attitude
It’s strange, but people who tell you that ‘who you are’ is more important than ‘what you do’ – are usually themselves great achievers. Achieving indeed, or getting things done seems to be the focus in the early part of life. In later years we consider what was done and how. During the second half of life, success loses its importance. Being fulfilled is more important than being successful in later years. The reason for all this is that if you need something external like success and acclaim to feel good about yourself- it becomes ultimately a prison.
So, what one thing do you need in life? After all, that was exactly what Jesus told Martha ‘one thing is needed’. So, name it in your life. Are your needs really wants? Is that one thing ‘living in the presence of the Lord’ (Psalm)? Most of us know what we need to do, but lack ‘will ‘ or ‘won’t ‘ power. We make bad choices, or let them be made for us and the Lord gets short shrift. We feel bad about it, make occasional stirrings to do better but it’s a case of the same repeat offender syndrome. It can often be among those who do ‘the work of the Lord’ that there can be a seething resentment that they are under-paid (if at all), over-worked and unappreciated. What gets lost in all this our attitude. The ‘why’ and ‘who ‘ of what we are at. Who is it for? After all as Martha learned, God is as much interested in attitude as service. Fr Tom Cox

Patrick Malluzzo Campaign
Patrick Malluzzo, whose mother is originally from Callan has been accused of drug trafficking in India and sentenced to 10 years. Patrick maintains his innocence and now finds himself confined in the most appalling and inhumane conditions.
Patrick’s family have started a campaign to clear their son’s name and have him released. They are appealing for people to sign a petition which will be given to the British Prime Minister, Gordon Browne.
If you would like to sign this petition, sheets are available at the back of all our churches. Details of Patrick’s case were highlighted in last week’s Kilkenny People and on KCLR.

Questions people ask
I made a deliberate choice to leave my paid job to be a mother and homemaker, two unpaid jobs, and I feel hurt in the way Martha was made feel inferior to her sister, Mary. Have you any helpful insight?
A. I’m sure you’d agree that the busier you are the more you need moments to chill-out. I’d prefer to say “warm up”. This gospel story encourages us to find the quiet moment to sit with God and warm up our relationship. And remember, Martha is honoured with a saint’s feastday on July 29th, whereas we do not have such a celebration for her sister, Mary of Bethany. Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

Cemetery Mass at Foulkstown
Our annual Cemetery mass will be held at Foulkstown Cemetery this coming Thursday, 26th July at 7.30pm. Please tell your families, neighbours and friends about this event and date.
The cemetery committee have been working flat out these past few weeks, and have our cemetery looking magnificent, a fitting tribute to all our deceased loved ones. Please support their gate collection on the night of the cemetery mass. This is their only source of funding throughout the year. And perhaps while your at it, a word of thanks to them for their work would no doubt be appreciated.
If you are driving to the cemetery mass, please come early and obey the instructions of the attendants. Please be careful crossing the main road. And bring an umbrella, just in case.

Pray for the Deceased
Recently Deceased: Joseph Walsh, Troyswood. James Gilmartin, Glendine Heights. Mary Lonergan, Paulstown. Vanessa McGarry, Gowran.

Anniversaries: Nicholas Comerford (Sat 7.00pm), Vera Brannigan (Sun 11:00), Hugh McCorry (Sun 12.30), Ellen & Margaret Fogarty, Danny Galvin, Doreen Tallent, John & Esther Loughman, Tom Davis.

Anniversaries Next Weekend: Months Mind: Fran Ryan, Archers Crescent (Sun 12.30).

World Youth Day 2008
We are currently recruiting young people (between 18 and 30 years of age) from our parish to travel to the World Youth Day celebrations in Sydney in July 2008. Contact one of the priests if you are interested in going to Sydney to celebrate your faith with hundreds of thousands of other young people from all over the world.
Application forms are available from the sacristy in each of our churches. More information: Fr. Richard Scriven, Diocesan Coordinator, St. John’s Presbytery, Dublin Road, Kilkenny. Tel: 087 242 0033.

Knock Youth Festival
The Knock Youth Festival takes place from the 26th to the 29th of July.
www.youthtwothousand.ie
A FREE buss will be leaving from the Parade next Thursday 26th July at 1:45pm.
If you are interested in going then contact Helen at 086 1678027

Ballykeeffe Amphitheatre
The Kilkenny Gospel Choir will join the Garda Band in concert at Ballykeeffe Quarry on Saturday 28th July at 8.00pm. Tickets €10 available in Kilkenny Book Centre and locally.

Our Parish Centre
As the builders get ready to take their well deserved holidays, we can all see the great progress that’s been made on the building of our new parish centre, elderly house and presbytery. Even the rain couldn't halt progress and the buildings start to lift from the ground.
But while the work stops for the holidays, the work at raising money to pay for the building does not.
We appeal to all our parishioners to continue your support for our work and building. You contribution to the parish, be it big or small is greatly appreciated and every cent helps.
Our main source of funding for the new centre is through the parish envelopes system and from those who pay by direct debit. We are grateful to all who use these methods of contributing. If you do not currently receive envelopes and would like to support your parish, or if you would like a direct debit form then please contact any of the priests or the parish office.
With your generous support we will meet our commitments now and in the future.

Parish Draw
Another major source of income for our building project is the monthly Parish Draw. This is well supported and new members can join any time. Just contact any of the promoters, the priests or the sacristans who will be happy to give you all the details
The next draw is on Tuesday week, the 31st July and 8:30pm in the presbytery. Please contact your promoter in plenty of time.

Donations
Many thanks also to those who have made donations big and small to our building fund. If you would like to make a donation, public or private, then we would love to hear from you.


St. Vincent DePaul Society
Meeting at the Presbytery, 1st and 3rd Mondays of July and August.

Benedictine Retreat House
St. Benedict’s Priory Retreat House, The Mount, Cobh, Co. Cork is available for individual or group retreats and day retreats. Retreatants are welcome to share in the liturgical life of the Benedictine Community. Suggested offering is €40 per night including all meals. Contact 021 481 1354 for further information.

Craft Sale at St. Fiacre’s Church
Your support would be very much appreciated in the sale of handcrafted goods made by the group known as ''Partnership of the Sick'' in the Kibera slum, Nairobi, Kenya.
The conditions there are frightening; no running water, no electricity, no garbage disposal and only shacks for accommodation.
By purchasing these goods you ar giving these ladies the dignity of earning a living and enabling them to put food on the table for their children. Sale of crafts will take place at St. Fiacre’s Church after Mass on Saturday, 21st and Sunday, 22nd July.

Coach to Knock
Coach to Knock on Thursday, 26th July at 7.30am from the Parade via Ballyragget and Durrow. Contact Eileen on 776 3259.

Parish Competition
And finally, the competition you’ve all been waiting for.
To pass the summer, and to encourage and develop your poetry and writing skills, we are holding a small parish competition.
Hanging on the wall in St. Fiacre’s Church, above the priest’s chair, there is a rather colourful picture. The scene is based on the gospel of Mark, Chapter 4, verses 35 to 41. (The calming of the storm).
Using the picture as your inspiration, we invite you to write a short poem or a short story. Your entry should have a religious theme and contain the words: ‘Be Calm’
This competition is open to all ages and there are three prizes in all. Two winners over 16 will receive a copy of Pope Benedict’s new Book: ‘Jesus of Nazareth’ (which is an excellent and well worth while read). A winner under 16 will receive a book voucher.
The closing date for entries is August 5th and winners will be announced the following week with the winning entries posted here on the newsletter.
Please include you name, address and contact number. (Those under 16 should include their age and let your parents know you are taking part in this competition). You can drop your entry into the presbytery or into any of the sacristies.
We look forward to receiving your entries

Saturday, July 14, 2007

Newsletter for the 15th Sunday, Ordinary C, 15th July 2007

Reordering Priorities
In many ways, if you develop the knack of looking at things the right way, you will find both people and world endlessly fascinating. The opposite is also true, if you gain the habit of looking at it the wrong way, then the whole world is horrible and tedious and boring. And that fundamentally is the battle – to keep looking at the world in the right way.
Both Levite & Priest were of course good men, but for their own reasons, while they saw the injured man, perceived him more as a threat to their plans that day. Broken lives rarely shoehorn themselves into our agendas. The Samaritan also had his tasks in mind for that day, but he saw the person before his personal projects. He saw things the right way round. The needs of the many do not justify the ignoring of the few.
Think back, how many of your most rewarding experiences came from unexpected circumstances and people? In many ways our journey is like that of the scriptures set before people. It is to take the law of God from the pages (First Reading) out onto the streets. Are we here to see through people or to see each other through?
Fr. Tom Cox

Questions People Ask
Q. I try to pray and meditate but sometimes, the more I do so, I run into questions about the faith. What would you advise me to do?
A. I think God sometimes leads us into areas of questioning to shake us up and to lead us to a deeper faith. Cardinal Newman once remarked that ten thousand difficulties do not make one doubt. One can have a solid certainty about God while at the same time wrestling with questions and problems beyond our answers. The Catholic Catechism is very helpful on this combination of certainty and obscurity in faith. A mature faith retains certainty while coping with obscurity or darkness.
Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

Mass at Foulkstown
The annual Mass at Foulkstown Cemetery will be celebrated at 7.30pm on Thursday, 26th July. Many relatives, friends and former parishioners like to attend this celebration and we encourage you to publicise the date and time wherever possible.
We also appeal to those who are in a position to do so to tidy up family graves and other neglected graves in the vicinity of your family grave in preparation for Mass.

Pray for the Deceased
Recently Deceased: Very Rev. Canon Sean Collier, retired parish priest of Borris-in-Ossory, Jim Walsh, Cypress Ave., Liam Sheil, Kilmore.
Month’s Mind: Dan Maher (Sat 6.15), Statia Quirke (Sun 11.00).
Anniversaries: Jimmy Byrne (Sun 10.00), Jimmy Carroll, Mary Fry, Mary Power, Bridget Murray, Tony Henderson, Ann Quirke, Joe Delahunty, Paddy Hennessy.

Anniversaries Next Weekend: Vera Brannigan (Sun 11.00), Hugh McCorry (Sun 12.30)

Mass at Elm Green
Thanks to all involved with the celebration of Mass at Elm Green on last Thursday evening. The Lord looked kindly on us and we had a very pleasant community celebration.

World Youth Day 2008
We are currently recruiting young people (between 18 and 30 years of age) from our parish to travel to the World Youth Day celebrations in Sydney in July 2008. Contact one of the priests if you are interested in going to Sydney to celebrate your faith with hundreds of thousands of other young people from all over the world.
Application forms are available from the sacristy in each of our churches. More information: Fr. Richard Scriven, Diocesan Coordinator, St. John’s Presbytery, Dublin Road, Kilkenny. Tel: 087 242 0033.

St. Oliver Plunkett’s Shrine
There will be a pilgrimage to St. Oliver Plunkett’s Shrine in Drogheda on Saturday, 21st July. The traditional Latin Mass will be celebrated with the permission of His Grace Dr. Sean Brady, Archbishop of Armagh. There will also be veneration of St. Oliver Plunkett’s relics.
The bus will leave from the Parade, Kilkenny at 9am. Booking is through Murphy’s Boutique, 11 High street. Telephone: 056 772 1495 (Daytime).

Organ Recital at Cathedral
St. Mary’s Cathedral, our diocesan cathedral, is celebrating 150 years this year. To mark the occasion world renowned organist Thomas Heywood will play at the Cathedral on Saturday, 11th Aug 2007 at 1p.m. Tickets are €15. Don't miss this opportunity to experience St. Mary's Organ in the hands of one of the worlds finest organists.

Benedictine Retreat House
St. Benedict’s Priory Retreat House, The Mount, Cobh, Co. Cork is available for individual or group retreats and day retreats. Retreatants are welcome to share in the liturgical life of the Benedictine Community. Suggested offering is €40 per night including all meals. Contact 021 481 1354 for further information.

Ballykeeffe Amphitheatre
The Kilkenny Gospel Choir will join the Garda Band in concert at Ballykeeffe Quarry on Saturday 28th July at 8.00pm. Tickets €10 available in Kilkenny Book Centre and locally.

Coach to Knock
A coach will leave for Our Lady’s Shrine at Knock on Thursday, 26th July at 7.30am from the Parade via Ballyragget and Durrow. For particulars contact Eileen on 776 3259.

St. Vincent DePaul Society
The local conference of the St. Vincent DePaul Society will meet at the Presbytery, 7 Ormonde Road on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of July and August.

Lough Derg
A coach departs the Parade, Kilkenny for Lough Derg at 7.00am on Friday 20th July and returns on Sunday, 22nd July. Booking before 19th July to 056 444 1264 or 087 253 5989. This coach is run by Buggy’s Coaches, Castlecomer and marks the 55th Anniversary Lough Derg Pilgrimage.

Know Your Neighbours
This is Macra na Feirme’s ‘Know Your Neighbour Weekend’. Even if you are not involved in a formal Macra na Feirme programme this weekend it might be a good opportunity to say hello to your neighbours, especially any who have recently arrived in the area.

“Come Watch With Me…”
There is exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in our parish on two days each week: St. Fiacre’s Church on Mondays between 11am and 10pm and St. Patrick’s Church on Fridays between 10am and 1pm and 4pm and 9pm.
All are welcome to come and spend some time with Jesus.

Religious Books Needed
The Adorers of the Sacred Heart of Jesus of Montmartre (The Tyburn Nuns) is a cloistered order of nuns with a house at Cobh, Co. Cork. They are currently starting a free lending library of religious books as a service for the people of Cobh. They would be grateful for any surplus books that you could donate for this purpose. Contact: The Prioress, St. Benedict’s Priory, The Mount, Cobh, Co. Cork on 021 481 1354.


Craft Sale at St. Fiacre’s Church
Your support would be very much appreciated in the sale of handcrafted goods made by the group known as ''Partnership of the Sick'' in the Kibera slum, Nairobi, Kenya.
The conditions there are frightening; no running water, no electricity, no garbage disposal and only shacks for accommodation.
By purchasing these goods you ar giving these ladies the dignity of earning a living and enabling them to put food on the table for their children. Sale of crafts will take place at St. Fiacre’s Church after Mass on Saturday, 21st and Sunday, 22nd July.

Rain , and Prayer to God
With the unnatural amount of wet weather we’ve been having of late, a few people have asked us to pray for some fine weather. This we have been doing and it may please you to know we have had a reply from God himself. He asks us to let you all know, He’s working on producing some good weather but He wants us to help Him out by playing our part. If we are to avoid such weather we need to start looking after our planet. Switch off those unnecessary lights, turn the heating down a notch, leave the car at home and start walking those short journeys, recycle and avoid polluting the atmosphere. Who can argue with that... or the Almighty?

Upcoming Parish Competition
Next week, we will announce details of a parish poetry/writing competition that will be open to all ages. Up for grabs will be copies of Pope Benedict’s new book, ‘Jesus of Nazareth’, a wonderful and insightful read. The winning entries will also be published here. Details in next week’s newsletter

Parish Website
Our new parish website is now up and running. We’re still making some adjustments and any comments are welcome.
If you have difficulty accessing our www.patricksparish.com address, try dropping the ‘www’ from the address.

Thank You
During the week we received two donations: €300 and €100 towards the cost of parish developments. Thanks. Every cent helps.

Words of Wisdom
Do more than exist, Live
Do more than touch, Feel
Do more than look, Observe
Do more than read, Absorb
Do more than hear, Listen
Do more than listen, Understand
Do more than think, Ponder
Do more than talk, Say Something!

Saturday, July 7, 2007

Newsletter for the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 8th July 2007


Following His Footsteps
It’s interesting to note how many sons or daughters follow their parent’s political allegiances in Ireland. Not to mention those who take up the same profession as their father or mother. Is it instinctive, genetic or just chance? It’s funny how the same dynamic doesn’t seem to apply in the case of faith. Some of our children will practice, others will not. There are many saints born of atheists and many atheists born of saints. Yes, you have better housing, almost full employment, lower taxes, SSIA lolly, a vastly wider variety of food, the rising tide of prosperity having raised all boats.
Still, the problem is not that the world isn’t spiritually hungry, it’s that the church has a tremendous lack of sold-out, unselfish Christians, committed to being a disciple for others. While people can be very willing to help out in practical parish projects, if you really want to get the back up of parishioners, all a priest has to do is to suggest anything that involves sharing their faith. The response can be in marked contrast to the Gospels’ , more on the lines of; ‘Who am I to tell my neighbour what to believe? ‘ Not so? Well, just think on this; what we are afraid to do is a clear indicator of the next thing you need to do. What do you need to act upon?
Fr Tom Cox

Cemetery Masses
The annual cemetery Mass at Foulkstown will be celebrated at 7.30pm on Thursday, 26th July. Many relatives, friends and former parishioners like to attend this celebration and we encourage you to publicise the date and time wherever possible.
We also appeal to those who are in a position to do so to tidy up family graves and other neglected graves in the vicinity of your family grave in preparation for Mass.
Thanks to those who prepared for an attended the annual Mass at St. Patrick’s Cemetery on last Tuesday evening.
Questions People Ask
Q. I have a neighbour who makes life very difficult. I don’t want to be bitter but it’s hard. Have you any advice?
A. Yes, it is very difficult not to allow the wrongdoing of another to poison our reactions. The ability to move beyond the hurt doesn’t come naturally, so we need super-natural help, namely the grace of the Holy Spirit. Anybody who acts like your neighbour is really a person sick in mind and soul. The Holy Spirit lifts us up to give us a broader picture of the problem. There we understand the sick personality and we move from bitterness towards compassion. So, my advice is to constantly hand it over to the Holy Spirit.
Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

Pray for the Deceased
Recently Deceased: Fran Ryan, 22 Archers Crescent. Gay Doran Snr, late of 60 Larchfield. Christina Brereton, Offaly.
Month’s Mind: Jim O’Brien (Sun 10.30)
Anniversaries: Annie Cody (Sat 7.00), Dr. Patrick Boyd (Sun 9.30), Pauline Kennedy (Sun 10.00), Catherine Dowling (Sun 11.00), Ger Doheny (Sun 12.30), Margaret Barry (Mon 9.30), Paddy Bergin (Wed 10.30), Frank Clohosey, John Delaney, Mary Hayes, Sean Hennessy, Mary Holland, Peg Hourigan, Denis Murray, Mary Murray, Thomas Murray, Thomas Wall, Edward Whelan.
Anniversaries Next Weekend: Dan Maher (Sat 6.15 Month’s Mind), Jimmy Byrne (Sun 10.00), Statia Quirke (Sun 11.00 Month’s Mind).

Mass at Elm Green
The annual outdoor Mass will be held on the green at Elm Green on next Thursday evening at 7.30. This is now a well-established annual event and all in the general vicinity are invited to join in the celebration of the Mass and the get together which follows.

World Youth Day 2008
We are currently recruiting young people (between 18 and 30 years of age) from our parish to travel to the World Youth Day celebrations in Sydney in July 2008. Contact one of the priests if you are interested in going to Sydney to celebrate your faith with hundreds of thousands of other young people from all over the world.
Application forms are available from the sacristy in each of our churches. More information: Fr. Richard Scriven, Diocesan Coordinator, St. John’s Presbytery, Dublin Road, Kilkenny. Tel: 087 242 0033.

Cabaret
There will be a cabaret in aid of Bone Marrow and Leukaemia Trust, St. James’ Hospital at a Larchfield Venue on Friday, 13th July 2007. Music by Marble City Swingers and admission is €3. Please support.

Pope’s Collection
Thanks to all who contributed to last weekend’s collection for the Holy Father (Peter’s Pence). The money will be used by the Pope in supporting Church charities.

Integritas
This is the name of a centre for Christian prayer and reflection situated at Ennisnag, Stoneyford. It is based in a family home where a married couple and their children live. This centre seeks to provide:
· Christian meditation and contemplative prayer
· A programme of Christian spirituality
· A domestic model of the Church
· An integral vision and practice of the Christian faith.
Further information about the centre and its programme for September 2007 to July 2008 is available in brochures at the back of the churches.
More details on the centre may be found at www.integritas.ie or by telephoning 056 772 8902.

Our Lady’s School of Evangelisation
· If you are between 18—35 and wish to receive solid Catholic faith formation
· If you want to be trained in effective evangelisation
· If you want to experience residential community life
Our Lady’s School of Evangelisation may be the answer to your needs. OLSE is a Catholic Faith Formation Programme of nine months approved by the Archdiocese of Tuam and is run on a residential basis from September until May. For further information contact OLSE, St. Michael’s House, Kilkelly Road, Knock, Co. Mayo. Tel: 094 938 8245 or email olseireland@eircom.net

Parish Golf Classic
Thanks to all who supported our annual Parish Golf Classic on last Friday. It was our best ever classic and the proceeds will go to the development of the parish centre.
Well done to the hard working and dedicated committee who organised and executed a wonderful day for all.

Housing Grant
We received news from local politicians during the week that the Department of the Environment has accepted our application for a grant to help build the homes for the elderly adjacent to St. Fiacre’s Church. While we have not yet received official written confirmation we understand we have been awarded our full application of almost €1.4 million.

Ladies Mini Marathon
Thanks to the ladies who raised money for the Homes for the Elderly by running in the recent mini marathon. The event added over €800 to the fund. Well done.

Concern Church Gate Collection
Concern has a Garda permit for a church gate collection this weekend. Please support.

Ballykeeffe Amphitheatre
The Kilkenny Gospel Choir will join the Garda Band in concert at Ballykeeffe Quarry on Saturday 28th July at 8.00pm. Tickets €10 available in Kilkenny Book Centre and locally.

Coach to Knock
A coach will leave for Our Lady’s Shrine at Knock on Thursday, 26th July at 7.30am from the Parade via Ballyragget and Durrow. For particulars contact Eileen on 776 3259.

Prayer to the Divine Mercy
There will be an hour of adoration and prayer in honour of Divine Mercy in St. Mary’s Cathedral on Sunday, 8th July from 3 - 4pm. All are welcome.

Church Painting
The walls of St. Patrick’s Church are looking well following their recent redecoration. Thanks for your patience while the work was in progress.
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, which was suspended for two weeks while the work was in progress, will recommence at the church on next Friday.

St. Vincent DePaul Society
The local conference of the St. Vincent DePaul Society will meet at the Presbytery, 7 Ormonde Road on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of July and August.

Lough Derg
A coach departs the Parade, Kilkenny for Lough Derg at 7.00am on Friday 20th July and returns on Sunday, 22nd July. Booking before 19th July to 056 444 1264 or 087 253 5989. This coach is run by Buggy’s Coaches, Castlecomer and marks the 55th Anniversary Lough Derg Pilgrimage.

Know Your Neighbours
Macra na Feirme is rising to the challenge of helping people get to know their neighbours with an initiative called “Know You Neighbour Weekend” which will take place on 14th and 15th July. This campaign is encouraging people to organise an activity over this weekend and invite their neighbours. What will you do for “Know Your Neighbour Weekend”? For more information or to request an organisers pack visit www.knowyourneighbour.ie or text KYN followed by a space and your name and address to 51444.

“Come Watch With Me…”

There is exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in our parish on two days each week: St. Fiacre’s Church on Mondays between 11am and 10pm and St. Patrick’s Church on Fridays between 10am and 1pm and 4pm and 9pm.
All are welcome to come and spend some time with Jesus.