Rainy Sundays
British novelist Susan Ertz (1894-1985) once remarked that millions long for eternity who wouldn’t know what to do with themselves on a rainy Sunday afternoon. Nowadays, the lure of unreality and cyberspace, from television and the Internet, has eased that problem to some degree. Unfortunately, in so doing virtual reality increasingly substitutes for the real thing.
Our faith, however, carries us far beyond the confines of cyberspace. It propels us to the edge of eternity. It blows our mind with the promise of resurrection and a fullness of life beyond imagining. And, it does so while keeping our feet firmly fixed on mother earth.
The invitation to journey beyond cyberspace and unreality was issued a long time ago to Abraham (Genesis 12: 1-4). He was to leave his familiar surroundings and move without knowing his final destination. He would discover that along the way trust and commitment come first. Fulfillment of promise comes later.
Sunday afternoons were not a problem for Abraham. He had a mission in life to carry out, a future to face, a destiny to fulfil – hail, rain, or snow. May we use our Sunday afternoons wisely. This Lent may they be times to abstain from the self-indulgence of feeling bored.
Fr. Tom Cahill SVD
Second Sunday in Lent: Transformation
Trócaire's Lenten Campaign focuses on climate change and we have been reminded many times in recent years that human activity has changed, TRANSFORMED, our world until it is "sick unto death". Can we now, each of us, begin another TRANSFORMATION. To being to undo whatever part we may have played in that ruination, to begin to restore the planet to health and to ease our fears, anxieties and guilt.
Please remember to pick up a Trocaire box at the back of the church or go online to www.trocaire.org to see what else you can do.
Questions people ask
Why did Jesus tell the three apostles to tell nobody about the transfiguration until after his resurrection?
Surely it would have helped people to believe if they heard about the vision.
Maybe it would have generated excitement about setting Jesus up as a political, revolutionary leader, which would contradict his chosen way of humble service. The glory of the resurrection lay in the future, only after Jesus, the Suffering Servant, had gone through his passion and death. The message for us is that our hope of heavenly glory does not eliminate the struggles and crosses of this life. Yet this hope enables us to keep going.
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
Taize
Friday 25th April 2008, Dublin Pilgrimage of trust on earth.
Evening prayer and vigil in St. Mary’s Pro-Cathedral, Marlborough St, Dublin 1 at 8pm
An evening for young people aged 15-35 together with Br. Alois, prior of the Taize Community, brothers of the community and local church leaders. Song practice in the cathedral from 7pm.
Young people who would like to help prepare the Pro-cathedral please come at 5pm.
For further details, www.taizeireland.com, email: taizedublin@gmail.com. Text or phone 0858233681. Adults over 35 are welcome, but please bring people with you! If you plan to come with a group of young people on April 25th, or need simple overnight accommodation, please contact us at the e-mail/number above.
Parish Website
The parish website is in the process of being updated. Any suggestions or comments are most welcome. You can view our website at:
www.patricksparish.com
Pray for the deceased
Recently Deceased: John O’Rourke, 7 Laurel Court, Requiem mass Sunday 12.00 in St. Fiacre’s Church followed by burial in Foulkstown Cemetery.
Months Mind: Sarah Kelly (Sun 10.30)
Anniversaries: Nicholas Healy (Sat 6.15), Michael Walsh & Milo Bourke (Sat 7.00), Mick & Ellen Doyle (Sun 10.00), James & Gerard Leahy (Sun 11.00), Molly Johnstone (Sun 12.00), Ciss Lafferty (Sun 12.30), Patrick Morris (Mon 9.30), James Bolger, Catherine Hayden, Michael O’Grady, Catherine Keane, Patrick & Elizabeth Fry, John Corcoran, Seamus Culleton, Julia Anne Kealy, James Kealy Jnr, John Hanrahan, Richard & Harry Kealy, Elizabeth Kelly, Richard Kinsella, Anthony Francis Clifford, Josie Noonan, Christy Walsh, Kieran Healy, Billy Ayers.
Anniversaries next weekend: Anna Kelly Sat 7.00, Davie Maher Sun 10.00, Canice & Michael Dunphy, 12.00.
Lenten Station Envelope
The Lenten Station for the support of the priests of the parish and the bishop is due around now. This is one of the green envelopes in the parish contribution box many of your received last year. We are grateful for the support we receive from our parishioners. Many thanks.
Parish Envelopes
The parish envelopes for the coming year will soon be ordered and around Easter they will be delivered to those households who contribute to the parish in this manner. Those who contribute by standing order will receive a pack of 5 envelopes for the support of priests and bishop. These special collections are separate from parish contributions.
If you did not receive envelopes this past year then please let us know and we will update the system.
Bishop Freeman extends Diocesan Forum for one year
Bishop Seamus Freeman will address a special meeting of the Ossory Diocesan Forum at St Kieran’s College, Kilkenny on Tuesday night next (February 19) at 8pm.
The new Bishop, who has extended the term of the Forum for one year, will outline his vision for the diocesan organisation which includes representatives from each parish in the diocese.
The Forum was established three years ago to address the pastoral concerns of the diocese and plan for the future, following major consultation with priests, religious and laity of the diocese.
James Stephens GAA Club Juvenile Registration Night 2008
James Stephens Juvenile GAA are holding a Hurling Registration night for all returning and new young hurling enthusiasts in the James Stephens Clubrooms {Upstairs} on Friday 22nd February 2008 at 7.15p.m. Sharp. All New and existing Players are asked to come along to register for the year ahead.
The Various grades that we have in our Club are Under 6 / 7 / 8 : Under 9 /10 : Under 11 /12.
We would strongly encourage any kids that would like to start playing hurling to come to the registration night.
Vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life
Bishop Seamus Freeman will say a special mass for Vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life in the Brother Rice Centre, at Westcourt, Callan at 7.30pm on Thursday February 28th 08. The National President of the St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society will attend and a cup of tea will be served. Members and non-members are all welcome.
www.vocations.ie
Prayer for Vocations
O Jesus, send labourers into your fields, which are awaiting holy apostles, saintly priests, heroic missionaries and dedicated sisters and brothers.
Enkindle in the hearts of men and women the spark of a vocation.
And grant that Christian families may desire to give your Church, helpers in the work of tomorrow.
Amen.
Priesthood
Interested in finding out more about priesthood? Our vocations director is Fr. Paddy Carey. His address is: Fr. Paddy Carey, Errill, Co. Laois. Tel 0505 44973.
You can write to Fr. Paddy and request information by post or you can ring him and arrange an appointment. Alternatively you can contact any of the priests of the parish.
St. Vincent de Paul
The monthly St. Vincent de Paul collection is taken up this weekend. You support as always is appreciated.
Those who wish to contact members of the society can do so through the priests house on Ormonde Road. Just leave your name and number and these will be passed on to the members at their Monday night meeting.
St. John’s Novena
In this the centenary year of St John's Church Kilkenny the Parish Novena in honour of Our Lady of Perpetual Help continues concluding on Thursday 21st. There are three sessions each day: 7.30am; 10.30am and 7.30pm. On Monday the three services will be a celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. On Wednesday there is a special celebration for School children. On Sunday afternoon at 3.30pm there will be a service of blessing for babies and young children. All are welcome.
A Thought for Lent
At the close of life, the question is:
Not how much you have got, But how much you have given.
Not how much you have won, But how much you have done.
Not how much you have saved, But how much you have sacrificed.
Not how much you were honoured , But how much you have loved and served.
The best preparation for tomorrow is to do today’s work superbly well.
William Ostler
