Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, 29th October 2007

Home Fires Burning
If imitation is the highest form of flattery, then how other organisations have seized the word ‘mission’ from the churches that originated the term is high praise indeed. Even in ordinary conversation we talk about a woman or man ‘with a mission’ indicating someone who has a strong single-minded commitment to some worthwhile project. So many places display their ‘mission statement’ or charter; advertising their commitment to quality of service.
The classic understanding is that mission stems from an individual Christian’s desire to share his or her faith with others. It is the spark that continues to lead many to make huge sacrifices, leave home and everything familiar to share the message they learned at home as children. Ordinary people who are prepared to lead extraordinary lives. Today, Irish faith tends to be far more ‘shy.’ The blaze of faith seems more a flickering ember today. Even the modern missionary lives in different times. Questions of justice and environment loom large; a positive attitude towards other religions is also needed teamed with an awareness of how culture-bound our own vision of Christianity is. A missionary is one above all who thirsts for God and God’s people.
Fr Tom Cox, St Mel’s Cathedral, Longford

Readers
We are currently recruiting new readers to proclaim the Word of God at all weekend Masses. Please contact one of the priests without delay if you are interested in helping with this important ministry.

Knock Marriage Introductions
The aim of the Knock Marriage Introductions Bureau is to introduce people considering marriage to a suitable marriage partner. For further information contact the Bureau at Knock, Co. Mayo. Phone 094 937 5960 or visit our website at
www.knockmarriagebureau.com.

Questions People Ask
Q. Why do we stand up at Mass when the gospel is read? I find it easier to listen and reflect while sitting. Furthermore, in most churches the seats are so close that standing is very uncomfortable.
A. I appreciate your discomfort. Standing is a mark of respect which we show for the National Anthem, the entry of an important personage like the President, or in a standing ovation to honour a great speech or accomplishment. Standing is a mark of respect for the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and for reciting the Our Father, which is a prayer from the gospel. During the Divine Office we stand for the Benedictus and the Magnificat as these are from the gospel.
Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

Dominican Novena
The Novena in honour of St. Martin De Porres in the Black Abbey continues until next Saturday, 3rd November. Daily rosary at 10.15am and 7.15pm with Mass at 10.30am and 7.30pm. Anointing of the Sick at 3.30pm Mass on this Sunday, 28th November. Mass on Saturday, 3rd November at 6.10pm. Preacher: Fr. Gerard Dunne O.P. Confession available daily.

First Friday
The first Friday of November occurs this week. The priests will visit those on their lists at the usual times. Please contact the Presbytery if you would like a visit.

All Saints
Thursday, 1st November is the Feast of All Saints. It is a holy day of obligation. Beginning with the vigil Masses on Wednesday evening our Mass schedule will follow the usual weekend timetable.

All Souls
Friday, 2nd November is the Feast of All Souls. Masses at 9.30am and 7.00pm (St. Patrick’s) and 10.30am (St. Fiacre’s).

Bank Holiday Arrangements
As Monday is a bank holiday Mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick’s Church at 11am. Mass will not be celebrated at 9.30am or 10.30am. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will take place at St. Fiacre’s Church from 11.00am to 10.00pm. All welcome.

Pray for the Deceased
Recent Deaths: Margaret Tynan, High Hayes Terrace. Anna Morrissey, Tramore. Maura Crowley, White’s Cross, Cork.

Anniversaries: Breda Hehir (Sat 6:15), Laurence O’Donohue (Sun 9.30), Anthona Burke (Sun 10:00), Patrick Cantwell (Sun 10.30), Denise Kemple (Month’s Mind, Sun 11:00), Madge McIntyre (Sun 12.00), Tom Shanahan (Sun 12:30), Thomas O’Neill (Mon 11.00), Jack Garrahy (Wed 7.00), Anthony Culleton (Fri 10.30), Margaret Wallace (Sat 9.30), Margaret Dunlop, Ned Mahon, Margaret Skehan, Joe Gargan, Tess O’Neill, Michael Mullins, Laurence Tynan.

Anniversaries Next Weekend: PJ Marrinan (Sat 6.15), Michael Phelan (Sat 7.00), James Rafter (Sun 10.00), Margaret Moore (Sun 10.30), Jennifer Mulhall Sun 11.00), Tom & Kathleen Cody (Sun 12.00), Dominic Coll (Sun 12.00).

Remembrance Service
Our annual Remembrance Service for our beloved dead (especially those who died during the past twelve months) will be at St. Patrick’s Church at 7.30pm on Thursday, 29th November. More details later.

Life After Loss
This is a series of talks given by members of Kilkenny Bereavement Support. Venue: CREIDIM, St. Kieran’s College, Kilkenny. Cost: €30. Time: 8.00pm each evening. Tuesday, 6th November: Understanding loss in the context of bereavement. 13th November: A child’s reaction to loss – supporting children in their grief. 20th November: Sudden and unexpected deaths.

Parish Fundraiser
Some members of our parish will compete in the Dublin City Marathon this weekend to raise funds for the houses for the elderly adjacent to St. Fiacre’s Church. We appeal to parishioners to sponsor these volunteers in their efforts to raise some much needed cash for our parish projects. Sponsorship cards are available in all the sacristies.
Thanks to those involved and good luck on Monday. We’ll be shouting for you.

Parish Draw
The next round of our Parish Draw will take place at the Presbytery at 8.30pm on Tuesday, 30th October. Tickets available from promoters and at the sacristies. Cards may be handed into the Presbytery from 6.30 on Monday. Be in to win!

S.O.S. Guests
The staff and service users from S.O.S., Callan Road will join the community at the 10am Mass at Foulkstown on Thursday morning.

Exploring the Scriptures
A continuation course on Sacred Scripture which is also open to new members. Director: Sr. de Lourdes Sheridan will explore the gospel of Luke in its historical, cultural and religious context. Venue: CREIDIM, St. Kieran’s College, Kilkenny. Cost: €30. Time: 10.30am – 12.30pm on Tuesdays, 13th, 20th and 27th November and 4th, 11th and 18th December.

Ordination of Bishop Freeman
Plans continue to be put in place for the ordination of our new bishop on Sunday, 2nd December. While much of the cathedral will be reserved for ticket holders we have been advised that there will be some accommodation on the day. We will keep you updated on the situation.
In the meantime you are asked to pray for our bishop-elect as he prepares to take up the leadership of our diocese.

Presentation Secondary School
The Presentation Secondary School Parents’ A.G.M. is on 8th November at 7.30pm in the school. Roly Mulvey from Student Enrichment Service Ltd will talk about various aspects of study and provide some guidelines for parents. Ms Geraldine Harrison who has experience of working with third level students will highlight areas in which parents can help children who are starting college. All parents are encouraged to attend.

Your life is unique… do not squander it
“These years of your life are the years which will prepare you for your future. Your “tomorrow” depends much on how you are living the “today” of your youth. Stretching out in front of you, my dear young friends, is a fife that all of us hope will be long; yet it is only one life, it is unique: do not let it pass in vain; do not squander it. Live it with enthusiasm and with joy, but most of all, with a sense of responsibility.”
Pope Benedict to the Youth of Brazil (2007)

World Youth Day Pilgrimage
As we approach the closing date for applications for the diocesan World Youth Day pilgrimage to Sydney next July we are still seeking volunteers from our parish to travel with the pilgrimage group. Please contact one of the priests without delay if you are interested in participating.

November Remembers our Dead
Sheets for writing the names of deceased loved ones for inclusion in November Masses are available at all the churches. Please inscribe the names of loved ones and place in baskets before the altar.

Confirmation Date
The Diocesan Office has announced that our parish confirmation will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Cathedral on Saturday, 5th April 2008 beginning at 11am.

Holy Souls Crusade
An afternoon of prayer for the Holy Souls will be held in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, Knock Shrine, Knock, Co. Mayo on Sunday November 4th 2007. Starting at 2pm with the Stations of the Cross, followed by Eucharistic Adoration and closing with Mass at 5pm.Contact Aidan Bond at 091-876737

Monday, October 22, 2007

Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time,Mission Sunday, 21st October 2007

You're Our Father
A story is told about an Irish missionary priest who lived for a long time in a remote part of Tanzania. He lived alone, a single white man among his African flock. One day a British government official arrived on a tour of the area. All the African children ran out to welcome the visitor. They clapped and danced. After the official left, the children excitedly told the missionary priest, "We saw a white man! We saw a white man!" A few children said that the visitor was the first foreigner they had ever seen. The priest was amazed and exclaimed, "But I'm a white man. I'm a foreigner. I've been living here with you all these years." One of the children said, "You're not a white man; you're our Father." Joseph G. Healey, M.M.

Questions people ask
Q. I often wonder why do we have to use words when we pray. God can read our secret thoughts and emotions. Words are for human communication and God is different.
A. True enough, God does not need our words. But it’s we who need words to focus our attention and to clarify our thoughts. Prayerfulness reaches beyond words into eloquent silence. Words are like the shell surrounding the inner kernel of God’s presence. Sometimes we can arrive at the kernel with the minimum of peeling at the shell. But other times, because we are so distracted or unclear, we have to be content with picking away at the shell. Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

Meals on Wheels
Voluntary drivers are urgently needed for our “Meals on Wheels” service. We would like to hear from you if you are a car owner and could spare one hour per week!
If you can help, please contact Kitty or Kay at Kilkenny Social Services. Their number is: 056 772 1685.

Mission Sunday
This Sunday is Mission Sunday. Missionaries reflect God’s love by their commitment to the development of the spiritual and material needs of those they serve.People are invited on Mission Sunday to assist them by prayer and a financial gift which will be sent in its entirety to a Mission Church.
Some give to the missions by going; others go to the missions by giving

October Station
The October collection for the support of the priests of the parish and the bishop is due this month. It’s the green coloured envelope in your parish contribution pack. Those who pay by standing order will have received a box with this envelope in it.
If you haven’t done so already, you can drop your envelope into any of the churches or to the priests house.
We are grateful to all who support us financially and through prayer.

Black Abbey Novena
The annual novena in honour of St. Martin De Porres in the Black Abbey will be held on Friday, 26th October to Saturday, 3rd November. Daily Devotions. Rosary each weekday at 10.15am and 7.15am. Mass at 10.30am and 7.30pm. On the Saturdays Mass will be at 6.10pm. Sunday, 28th October will be a special Novena Day for the Sick. Mass at 3.30pm with Anointing of the Sick. Confession will be available daily. Preacher: Fr. Gerard Dunne O.P.

Dublin City Marathon
Some members of our parish have kindly agreed to either run or walk in this year’s Dublin City Marathon to raise funds for the houses for the elderly adjacent to St. Fiacre’s Church.
We appeal to people to take a sponsorship card (available in the sacristies), and raise sponsorship for the marathon runners/walkers. Even if you only collect among your family and friends, every little helps.

Ordination of Bishop Freeman
Due to the elevation of Archbishop Seán Brady to the title of Cardinal on November 24th in Rome, Mgr. Freeman’s Episcopal Ordination as Bishop of Ossory will now take place at St. Mary’s Cathedral on Sunday, 2nd December 2007 at 3.00pm.
We have drawn three people from a list of applicants and three are on standby.
As mentioned last week, numbers are severely limited due to the huge number of people from all over the country who will be attending this special occasion. We are aware that some people are upset at not being able to attend but there is little choice available to us. The committee is presently exploring different options to try and cater for the huge number of requests from people wanting to attend.

World Youth Day Pilgrimage
Sydney will host the 10th World Youth Day from 15th to 20th July next year. We are looking for a few young people (18 – 35 year olds) from our parish to attend with the Diocesan Group. The cost of this pilgrimage is €3,000 approx per pilgrim. Each pilgrim will be asked to commit to fundraising and will be asked to make a personal contribution. We will make a significant contribution to help a number of people from our parish attend.
Further information is available in leaflets and posters at the back of the church, from Fr. Richard Scriven who is coordinator of the pilgrimage and at www.ossory.ie
To date twelve people from the diocese have signed up – the closing date is approaching.

Pray for the Deceased
Recently Deceased: Jimmy O’Leary, 53 Larchfield. Funeral Mass Sunday 21st at 2.30pm in St. Patrick’s Church. Frank O’Hara, 26 St. Francis Terrace. Funeral Mass, Sunday at 11.00 St. Mary’s Cathedral. Sharon Maynard, Amershin, England.
Months Mind: Rita McCarthy, (Sun 10.30)
Anniversaries: Maura Leahy (Sat 6:15), Ned Nolan (Sat 7:00), Joseph Eardly (Sun 10:00), Nancy Coyne (Sun 11:00), Mary McCormack (Sun 12:00), Eithne O’Connor (12:30). Ciss Holland, David Doran, Brigid Butler (Tues 10:30), Bill Cody, Gerard Cleere, Tommy Hackett, Michael & Mary Lawlor, Doris Americas, John Drennan.
Anniversaries Next Weekend: Breda Hehir (Sat 6:15), Anthona Burke (Sun 10:00), Denise Kemple (Month’s Mind Sun 11:00), Tom Shanahan (Sun 12:30),

Adult Guidance Service
Kilkenny VEC provides information, advice and guidance on education, training and careers enabling adults to make informed decisions for future learning and/or career progression. The service is used by individuals and groups who are interested in returning to learning, feel they need a second chance at education, attending educational classes in their local community, looking at career transition, considering options for further education and training, seeking further qualifications to gain employment. Contact Bernadette or Rose on 776 4448 or kilkennyadultguidance@eircom.net for further information. Address: 9 Ormonde Road, Kilkenny.

Readers
We are currently recruiting new readers to assist at weekend Masses. Please leave your name and Mass preference to the Presbytery before 1st November if you are willing to help in this way. A commitment to reading the Word of God at Mass is a commitment to spreading the Good News. Please consider allowing your name to go forward.
Sincere thanks to all who are already involved in this ministry. Your attendance and help is appreciated.

S.O.S Church Gate Collection
Church Gates in aid of the S.O.S. takes place this weekend 20th and 21st of October
S. O. S is a voluntary, non profit making organization working in and for the people of Diocese of Ossory.
We currently cater for over 135 people with an intellectual disability in our Day Services in Castlecomer and Kilkenny and over 70 adults in our residential services.

New Altar Servers’ Rota
The Altar Servers’ rota for new and existing altar servers is available in the sacristies this weekend. We are grateful to the young people who volunteered for this important ministry. Names of those who applied after the deadline will be included soon.

St. Vincent De Paul
The monthly collection for the St. Patrick’s Parish Conference will be taken up at all Masses this weekend. Please support.
Members meet at the Presbytery on Mondays at 8pm.

Presentation A.G.M
The Presentation Secondary School A.G.M is on November 8th at 7:30pm in the school. Rory Mulvey from Student Enrichment Services will talk about various aspects of study and provide some guidelines for parents. Ms. Geraldine Harrison who has experience of working with third level students will highlight areas in which parents can help children who are starting college. All parents are encouraged to attend.

Do this in Memory
This Sunday sees the beginning of the First Holy Communion programme: ‘Do this in memory of me’. The boys and girls from our schools who are preparing for First Holy Communion will formally be enrolled this Sunday at the 10:30am mass and the 11:00am mass.
Each month, from now until May, there will be a special mass for these young people. We invite all our parishioners to pray for these young people and we encourage those preparing for Communion to attend these (and every Sunday) special Masses.

Saturday, October 6, 2007

Twenty Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, 7th October 2007

Floating Mulberry Trees
Were we to believe some of the Energy drink advertisements – toppling power comes in a can. So if you need to get through that exam, perform at work after a night out, tackle that big project – their product (Red Bull et alia) is your man. Producers will claim improved performance, increased concentration and reaction speed, vigilance, stimulated metabolism. It used to be Coffee for stimulant, and an adrenaline buzz. Now it seems people are happy to pay obscene prices for a dubious result.So, when the disciples ask ‘Increase our faith’ – it sounds a bit like the 21st Century cry ‘give us the energy boost’. Jesus’ response is to give some advice. The answer isn’t more faith or a souped-up type; it’s simply embracing the faith you have – even if it’s only a little bit. We all know that a mulberry tree does not plant, never mind grow well in the sea – and that’s an understatement. A mustard seed is very small – like our faith. But without our faith, nothing happens. With our faith, all things become possible. The disciples wanted more faith, presumably because they had grandiose schemes in mind. Jesus told them that the world can be transformed one person at a time, one mustard seed at a time. There is hope for the broken world. ‘Fan into a flame the gift God gave you…’
Fr Tom Cox

St. Mary’s Cathedral Anniversary
This weekend, St. Mary’s celebrates 150 years of the Cathedral. An invitation has been extended by the priests and people of St. Mary’s Parish to all at St. Patrick’s Parish to join with them in celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Cathedral on Sunday, 7th October at 3pm. Followed by refreshments at the Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel.

Website of the Week
www.themass.com
Live mass each day via the internet

Questions People Ask
Q. ‘Were your faith the size of a mustard seed you could say to this mulberry tree, “Be uprooted and planted in the sea”, and it would obey you.’ Sounds a bit crazy to me. How are we to understand these words of the Lord?
A. The background is important. Jesus has just spoken about putting no limit on how often one should forgive, an impossible demand without faith which enables a person to share in a love which goes beyond any injustice or injury. In that context the apostles ask Jesus, ‘Increase our faith.’ Planting a tree in the sea is an image of the impossible. Here it refers to uprooting the roots of anger and the growing tree of hatred so as to cast them from us forever. It becomes possible with faith.
Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

Dublin City Marathon
One of the fundraisers for our new parish development is this years Dublin city marathon.
Members from our parish have kindly agreed to either run or walk in the marathon to support the houses for the elderly part of our development.
To support their generous initiative, we now need sponsorship.
We appeal to people to take a sponsorship card (available in the sacristies), and raise sponsorship for the marathon runners/walkers. Even if you only collect among your family and friends, every little helps.
When you take a card, please remember to leave your name and how many cards you take.

New Altar Servers Rota
The new Altar Servers rota for new and existing altar servers is available this weekend. They are available in the sacristy of each Church. We are grateful to these young people for giving their time to this ministry. Late application forms will be added later.

Pray for the Deceased
Recently Deceased: Paul Doheny, Weir View; Una Breen, Borris; Kathleen Hogan, Assumption Place; Catherine Mulhare, Cork; Ber Malone, England; Nuala Corcoran, Dublin; Mary McDonald, Chapel Ave & England (Tues 9.30)

Months Mind: Sr. Presentation, St. John of God (Sat 13th 9:30)

Anniversaries: Patsy Walsh (Sat 6:15),
Joannie Waters (Sat 7:00pm), Pa Carter (Sun 11:00), Evelyn Coppinger (Sun 12:00), Eddy Dean (Wed 10:30), Anne Conway, Kitty Lucas, Margaret McNamara, Tom O’Neill, Ellen O’Neill, Margaret Reid, Bridget O’Brien, Mark Nugent, Mary Delaney, John & Mary O’Connell, Paul Grace, Billy Tallent, Billy Maher, Paddy Ryan, Mary Dunne, Martin Grace, Garry& Norah Dunne.

Anniversaries Next Weekend: Paul & Mary Cody & Bill Marnell (Sat 6:15), John Frawley (Sat 7:00), Gerard Moynihan (Sun 9:30), Tom Foley (Sun 10:30), Judy O’Brien (Sun 11:00), Deceased member of the Curley Family (Sun 12:00), Richard Kelly (12:30).

World Youth Day Pilgrimage
World Youth Day is the Catholic Church’s week of events for youth gathering thousands of young people from around the world to celebrate and learn about the Catholic faith and to build bridges of friendship and hope between continents, peoples and cultures. Begun by Pope John Paul II Sydney will host the 10th international WYD from 15 – 20 July 2008. The invitation is to young people between the age of 18 and 35 years.
The cost of this unique pilgrimage is €3,000 approx per pilgrim. Each pilgrim will be asked to commit to fundraising and will be asked to make a personal contribution. Parishes will be invited to make a commitment to the cost also.
Further information is available at the back of the church, from Fr Scriven who is coordinator of the pilgrimage and from www.ossory.ie

Rosary Rally
A Rosary Rally for the renewal of Catholic Education and the Faith in Ireland will take place in Dublin at the Phoenix Park Papal Cross, Sunday, Oct 7th (Feast of the Holy Rosary) at 4pm. Bus from Kilkenny leaves at 11.30am. Booking at Murphy’s Boutique. Tel 056 7721495

A Day for Life
This weekend marks ‘A Day for Life’ The Church has a consistent and clear message on the sacredness of human life. Day for life is our annual celebration of this message.
This year’s campaign for life is available at the back of the Church. Please take one.

Prayer for Day for Life
We thank you Lord, for the gift of life. Every human life is your gift to the world. Each person is unique, with a task you have entrusted to them alone.
Help us always to promote the basic rights of all, and to recognise that we are all parts of one body, dependant on one another, and called to share a common life.
Amen

An October Saint
St Canice 11 October St Canice was born in Co Derry around 527 and died in 603. Though his people were poor he studied at Clonard under Finnian and at Glasnevin under Mobhi. A deep friendship developed between himself and Colum Cille, with whom he worked for a time in Scotland, where he set up a number of churches. In Ireland his principal foundation was in Aghaboe in Ossory, but this was replaced centuries later by his church in Kilkenny.

Rosary
Monthly Rosary at James Green at statue of Our Lady this Sunday (7th), at 3pm

St. Joseph’s Young Priest’s
The monthly meeting of the St. Joseph’s Young Priest’s Society will take place next Friday Oct 12th after the 10:30am mass. In St. Fiacre’s Church. New members always welcome. The society prays for and supports those who are studying for the priesthood, a worthy initiative.

First Aid Course
Kilkenny Recreation and Sports Partnership are offering an Order of Malta, Basic First Aid Training Course. The course will run for 6 weeks starting on Thursday the 11th of October, in Kilkenny City Vocational School from 8 to 10pm.For more information on either of these courses, contact KRSP for more details. 056 7720870

Kilkenny Job Club
Kilkenny Job Club runs a free four week training programme, which aims to help people find work. We examine your skills, interests and abilities and assist you in improving your job-seeking and interview skills. All facilities - newspapers, stationery, telephone, internet access etc. are provided free of charge. The Job Club is open to anybody actively seeking work, and a weekly allowance is payable to all participants. Social Welfare payments are not affected. If you are interested, or you would like more information contact the Kilkenny Job Club , 5 Johns Quay, Kilkenny Tel: 056 7756043

Kilkenny Archaeological Soc.
‘The Black Abbey & The Dominican’s’ Saturday 13th October at Rothe House, 10am to 1pm. At the Black Abbey 2.30 to 4pm (same date) Adm €20. All are welcome to attend.


Learning in Primary School
Has your child started primary school this year? Or have you a child already in Primary School who has moved to a new class this year? If so, you will be interested in learning more about what your child is learning and doing throughout his/her primary school years. This course focuses on the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA’s) recently launched DVD for parents.
Venue: Kilkenny Education Centre, Tuesday 16th October 2007 7-9pm, Facilitator: Margaret Maxwell.

Loreto Parent’s Association
The A.G.M. of Loreto Secondary School Parents Association will be held on Monday 15th Oct at 7:30pm sharp. Mr. Tony O’Carroll will address the meeting on drug & alcohol awareness for students and parents. All welcome

Ossory Social Services
The annual Church Door Collection for Ossory Social Services is next weekend, 13th & 14th Oct. Please Support this worthy cause.
Meals on Wheels are in urgent need of drivers. Have you a car and an hour a week to spare? If so, please contact Kitty or Kay at Social Services 7721685