Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, 27th July 2008

No Shortcuts
The Manual of Zen Buddhism by Cheng-tao ke tells us that the sage:
Walks always by himself, goes about always by himself;
Every perfect one saunters along one and the same passage of Nirvana;
His tone is classical, his spirit is transparent, his airs are naturally elevated,
His features are rather gaunt, his bones are firm, he pays no attention to others.
Compare that Buddhist sage to the Biblical one found in today’s First Reading. There, Solomon prays for a discerning mind – one that can distinguish between good and evil, to enable him to govern God’s people fairly. No elitism there. No focus on a lean and hungry look. Outward appearance means nothing to God. And, there’s no aloofness either. No indifference to other people’s plight. Quite the opposite, in fact.
Biblical wisdom is geared to engagement, to service, to responsibility.
The wise one is he, or she, who knows how to live well with others. Biblical wisdom is outward looking. While it comes from on high it’s found at the coalface. It’s found in those who don’t settle for the sidelines, who are not afraid to make the journey to authentic self. As Robert Jingen Gunn puts it in Journeys into Emptiness (p.7): ‘Yet we remain deeply ambivalent about becoming ourselves. Afraid of the anxiety that attends self-knowledge, afraid of the possible demands of authentic life, we run away, hiding in false selves, or smaller selves, avoiding the challenge of our true self.’
Solomon faced God, God’s people and himself to acquire wisdom. There are no shortcuts.
Fr. Tom Cahill SVD

First Friday
The first Friday of August occurs this week. The priests will visit the sick at the usual times. Contact the Parish Office if you or a friend would like to be added to the list.

Questions People Ask
Q. Jesus had many parables about the kingdom of heaven. Do these parables refer to the next life or to present reality?
A. At the beginning of his preaching Jesus announced that his mission this world would be about the kingdom or reign of God. Its perfection would be in the next life but its growth would begin in this life. The kingdom on earth means what life would be like if everybody lived according to the ideals of the gospel. A beautiful prospect indeed, involving repentance and believing. Jesus said it is a treasure waiting to be discovered, a precious pearl to be sought by every means at our disposal.
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

Ossory Pilgrims Return Home
World Youth Day came to an end last weekend in Sydney. An all-night vigil was spent on Saturday night in Randwick Stadium finishing with an open air Mass celebrated by Pope Benedict XVI in Randwick Stadium on Sunday morning. At the conclusion of the Mass the Holy Father did not say goodbye but rather arrivederci to the international group of pilgrims as he announced that the next WYD would take place in Madrid in 2011. Following the Mass on Sunday morning 450,000 pilgrims made the walk back into Sydney and gradually left the host city on their journey home.
The Ossory Pilgrims enjoyed three days in Sydney before their departure on Thursday arriving back in Dublin on Friday morning. Accompanied by Bishop Freeman all were delighted with the three weeks spent ‘down under with Pope Benedict’ and spoke of the experience that was deeply religious.
Congratulations to all who raised the Ossory flag in Australia renewing many links through meetings with the Irish Christian Brothers in Sydney, the Sisters of Mercy in Parramatta, the St. John of God Sisters in Ballarat and the home of Count O'Loughlin in Bungaree and Dunstown and the Kilkenny Association in Sydney.

Our Youth Head for Medjugorje
Almost sixty young people from the diocese of Ossory - including fourteen from St. Patrick’s Parish - head to Medjugorje this weekend. During the next two weeks over 40,000 young people and 400 hundred priests from all over the world will assemble at the Croatian shrine for the annual youth festival of prayer, testimonies, music, procession, adoration, concert and dance.
This is the 19th International Youth Festival or ‘Mladifest 19’ as it is called. The theme of the encounter is, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses” (Acts 1:8). This theme is in harmony with the theme of the 23rd World Youth Day, which has just ended in Sydney. The Holy Father is addressing his word to young people: “My dear young friends, the Holy Spirit continues today to act with power in the Church, and the fruits of the Spirit are abundant in the measure in which we are ready to open up to this power that makes all things new. For this reason it is important that each one of us know the Spirit, establish a relationship with Him and allow ourselves to be guided by Him.
I know very well that you young people hold in your hearts great appreciation and love for Jesus, and that you desire to meet Him and speak with Him. Indeed, remember that it is precisely the presence of the Spirit within us that confirms, constitutes and builds our person on the very Person of Jesus crucified and risen. So let us become familiar with the Holy Spirit in order to be familiar with Jesus.
May Mary, united in prayer with the Apostles in the Upper Room, accompany you throughout these months and obtain for all young Christians a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit to set their hearts on fire. Remember: the Church has confidence in you! We pastors, especially, pray that you may love and lead others to love Jesus more and more and that you may follow Him faithfully. With these sentiments I bless you all with deep affection.”

Pray For the Deceased
Recently Deceased: Joe Cody, 11 Noremount. Funeral prayers on Sunday morning at 11.15am followed by removal to St. Patrick's Church for requiem Mass at 12.30pm. Interment afterwards in St. Kieran’s Cemetery. Rosary at his home on Saturday evening at 9pm. Edward Kirwan, Wexford and formerly Gregara, Jenkinstown. Tommy Byrne, Blanchfields Park, Gowran.
Anniversaries: Thomas McGuire (Sat 6.15), Devina Crosby (Sun 10.00), Ann Quirke, Peter Wiltshire, Mary Guiry, Annie Campion, Delia O’Hara, Jimmy Bourke, Billy Bourke, Catherine Manogue, Nancy Larkin, Mary Tynan, Mary Holland.
Intentions for Next Weekend: Angela Tiernan (Sun 10.00), Martin Mulhall (Sun 11.00), Tom Burns (Sun 12.00), Ger Dooley & P.J. O’Neill (Sun 12.30).

Foulkstown Cemetery Mass
The annual Mass at Foulkstown Cemetery will take place at 7.30pm on next Thursday. All are encouraged to assist our hard-working Cemetery Committee by attending to family graves before the event. Christian virtue insists that we help those who are unable to care for their family plots. Please do the best you can to help neighbours and friends who are unable to attend to their family plots.
Recalling the heavy traffic which accumulates in the area on the occasion of the Mass we ask that people come as early as possible and be patient on leaving the area.

Clonmacnois Youth Festival
Want a different kind of Summer festival? The Clonmacnois Youth Festival is a lively 4 day festival with workshops, concert, inspiring talks, great music and prayer. And plenty of time for relaxing, chilling out and meeting new people. Age 16 - 35. No cost/free bus from Kilkenny. Bring a sleeping bag. Further information is available on www.youth2000.ie or 01 675 3690.

Croagh Patrick
For the first time the national “Reek Sunday” pilgrimage to Croagh Patrick will be televised live on RTÉ1. The annual pilgrimage, which takes place on this Sunday 27th July, will be led by Archbishop Michael Neary, Archbishop of Tuam. Television coverage will begin at 10.45am and include Mass from the summit at 11.00am.
In keeping with this specially dedicated Year of Vocation for the Catholic Church in Ireland, the theme for the 2008 Croagh Patrick pilgrimage is ‘Vocation’.

St. Fiacre’s Well Novena
The annual novena at St. Fiacre’s Well begins at 8.00pm on Saturday, 23rd and concludes with Mass on Sunday, 31st August. Bishop Freeman has accepted our invitation to be principal celebrant at this year’s Mass.

Our Lady’s Island
The annual pilgrimage season is from 15th August to 8th September. The Opening Ceremony will be on the Feast of the Assumption, Friday, 15th August: Assembly on the Island at 2.45pm; Mass at 3pm; Eucharistic Procession at 3.45pm concluding with benediction. Mass will be celebrated at 3pm each day of the pilgrimage season. Further information on our church notice boards.

Parish Draw
The July Draw will be held at the Sacristy of St. Fiacre’s Church on this Tuesday, 29th July at 8.30pm. All welcome. Monies and tickets may be returned directly to Ted Byrne or to St. Fiacre’s Sacristy from 6.30pm on Tuesday evening.

Lectors at Weekend Masses
Readers are asked to call to the sacristy before Mass. This will ensure that the celebrant can be confident of the lector’s presence and any last minute arrangements can be communicated. Thanks.

Ballykeeffe Amphitheatre
Coming up during August:
August 2: Summer sounds from the best loved classical and popular pieces with Tanya Sewell and choir. Admission €12.
August 16: A tri-cophany of sound from Moonlight, the Garda Band and Kilkenny Gospel Choir. Admission €12.
Tickets for all the summer events can be obtained from O'Connor's Shop, Kilmanagh and The Book Centre, High Street, Kilkenny.

Life Coaching Course
Beginning in September Empower Training is offering a course leading to a Diploma in Life and Personal Coaching in Kilkenny. Further information from Colette at Empower Training on 777 6736 or 087 988 8575.

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, 13th July 2008

World Youth Day 2008
World Youth Day (WYD) will be held in Sydney from this Tuesday, 15th to Sunday, 20th July. WYD, the largest single mobilisation of young people in the world, is a week-long series of events attended by the Pope and up to 500,000 youth from all over the globe. More people will attend the event than attended the Sydney Summer Olympics in 2000. It is indeed ironic that the biggest regular event in the Church is World Youth Day at a time when perception dictates that young people are no longer interested in the Church. The week culminates in a final all night vigil and Mass celebrated by the Pope on next Saturday night and Sunday morning (the actual World Youth Day).

The WYD08 theme, received from Pope Benedict XVI is: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses.” (Acts 1:8).
More than 800 young Irish people accompanied by Cardinal Sean Brady and eight bishops have made the trip to Sydney for the celebrations. Twenty six pilgrims from our diocese, led by Bishop Freeman, left Kilkenny for Australia last weekend. They are now in the Diocese of Ballarat participating in the preparatory activities and catechesis leading up the celebrations next weekend. We have been asked to pray for and with the Ossory pilgrims during their journey. As they left Kilkenny each pilgrim received a lighted candle to be kept burning for the duration of the pilgrimage in their local parish church. Sadly there are no pilgrims from St. Patrick’s Parish. However, two of the leaders work with Ossory Youth which is based in our parish and one pilgrim has joined the group from Newry, Co. Down. We will keep their candles lighting at St. Patrick’s Church until the end of the pilgrimage. Please remember Maureen Brennan, Charles Digney and Ann O’Brien in your prayers.
The Irish bishops have informative web pages at www.catholiccommunications.ie where you will find lots of information.

World Youth Day on Television
World Youth Day ceremonies will be broadcast on satellite EWTN channel as follows:
15th July: Opening Ceremony with Cardinal Pell @ 7.30am and repeated at 6.00pm.
17th July: Arrival and welcome of Pope Benedict @ 5.30am and 7.00pm.
18th July: Stations of the Cross @ 5.30am and 6.30pm.
19th July: Evening Vigil with the Holy Father @ 9.00am and 3.00pm.
20th July: Closing Mass @ 12.00midnight and repeated @ 8.00am and 7.00pm.
Please check www.ewtn.com for up-to-date information.

Guest Speakers from “Youth 2K”
Representatives from Youth 2000 will speak at many of the Masses in our parish this weekend. Please welcome our guests.
Youth 2000 is an international movement of young people called to spread the Good News of the Catholic faith and share this experience with other young people. They have around 40 weekly prayer groups around the country, 18 to 20 weekend retreats throughout the year, a summer festival, an annual ball and various other social events - all organised by young people, for young people. Our motto is “Youth leading youth to the heart of the Church.” We have experienced the love of God in our lives, and come to know how joyful and fulfilling it is to live out the Catholic faith. We want to share this with others, and lead our peers to Jesus Christ, the source of all love, joy and happiness. You will find more information on www.youth2000.ie

Kilkenny Pilgrimage to Knock
A coach will leave for Our Lady’s Shrine at Knock on Thursday, 24th July 2008 at 7.30am from the Parade via Ballyragget and Durrow. Fare: €20, payment required when booking. For details contact: Eileen 056 776 3259, Marian 056 776 2247 or Pauline 056 776 5540.

Questions People Ask
Q. My son upsets me when he accused the Catholic Church of causing psychiatric problems through creating guilty consciences. He calls it Catholic guilt. How can I answer him?
A. He has a point because some over-the-top preaching, especially on sexual matters, has caused great grief for people. Some writers today seem to think that any feeling of guilt is harmful and should be pushed aside. However, guilt is the proper response to wrong-doing. An important step in any recovery programme is the humble acceptance of responsibility for the harm done to others. The Church asks us to admit our guilt and then leads us beyond guilt to the healing power of God’s mercy.
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

Pray for the Deceased
Months Mind: Kathleen O’Carroll (Sun 11.00)
Anniversaries: Catherine Dowling (Sun 12.00), Ger Doheny (Sun 12.30), Patrick Morris (Fri 9.30), Michael & Margaret Power, Joe Delahunty, Nuala Bourke, Katie Murray, Denis Murray, Mary Ann Murray, Tommy Murray, Bridget & Christy Murray, David, Jim & Peggy Gaffney, Mary Power, Br. Konrad Boyle OP, Paddy Hennessy.
Intentions for Next Weekend: Jimmy Byrne (Sun 10.00), Vera Brannigan (Sun 11.00), Hugh McCorry (Sun 12.00), Nicholas Comerford (Sun 12.30).

Jubilee Celebration
Fr. James Hurley was born and reared in Foulkstown. He was ordained to the priesthood forty years ago and works in England. His friends in the locality have arranged to have Mass of Thanksgiving offered at Foulkstown on this Sunday at 10.00am.

Divine Mercy
There will be an hour of adoration and prayer in honour of Divine Mercy in St. Mary’s Cathedral on Sunday, 13th July from 3-4pm.

We’re Moving Soon
As soon as the Parish Centre is ready the Parish Office will move to our new premises adjacent to St. Fiacre’s Church. In the meantime the Parish Office will continue to operate from 7 Ormonde Road. Tel: 776 4400.
Fr. Liam has moved to the new presbytery adjacent to St. Fiacre’s Church. Frs. Dan and Roderick will follow shortly.

A Different Summer Festival
Not fulfilled at Oxygen? Want a different kind of Summer Festival? The Clonmacnois Youth Festival is a lively 4 day festival with workshops, concert, inspiring talks, great music and prayer. And plenty of time for relaxing, chilling out and meeting new people. Age 16-35. No cost. Free buses. Bring a sleeping bag. Info: 01 675 3690 or www.youth2000.ie

Christian Youth Centre
“The Rock” Christian Youth Club continues from Tuesday to Saturday of this week. The club meets at St. Mary’s Hall, High Street between 2.30 and 5.30pm and 7.30 and 10.00pm on these days and young people are invited to drop in for a while. All welcome.

“The Rock” Youth Project"
Kilkenny Christian Centre is bag-filling at Supervalu, Loughboy, on Thursday, Friday and Saturday 24-26th July to raise funds for “The Rock” Youth project. Bag packers are urgently required. Anyone willing to help, please telephone Maria Marshall as soon as possible on 087 618 8054.

Knock Youth Festival
Beginning Thursday 24th July, featuring music, drama, guest speakers and workshops covering important topics in young people’s lives. Cost €55 includes all meals and marquee accommodation; just bring your sleeping bag! Ages: 18 – 35 years. For details and to make a booking visit www.knock-shrine.ie/youthministry or phone 094 938 8100 or 087 692 7850.

Grandparents’ Pilgrimage
This year’s National Grandparents’ Pilgrimage will take place at Our Lady of Knock Shrine on Sunday, 14th September. 2.00pm - Anointing of the Sick; 3.00pm Pilgrimage Mass followed by Rosary Procession. Chief Celebrant is Bishop John Fleming, Killala and guest singer is Fr. Liam Lawton.

Foulkstown Cemetery Mass
The annual Mass at Foulkstown Cemetery will be celebrated at 7.30pm on Thursday, 31st July. As the occasion approaches we ask all to assist the dedicated local committee by attending to your family plots at the cemetery. Please help those who may not be able to attend to their family graves.

Drakelands Garden Party
Thanks to all who supported last weekend’s garden party. The proceeds will be given to St. Patrick’s Parish.

Thank You from Concern
The recent Church gate Collection in aid of Concern raised €1,324.98. Thank you.

Jesus - Social Revolutionary?
Peter McVerry SJ will be at The Book Centre, High Street on at 7.00pm on Thursday, 24th July to discuss and sign copies of his new book ‘Jesus - Social Revolutionary?’. Please come along and join in the discussion.

Protest
A number of Kilkenny citizens and others, concerned about the presence of a lap dancing club opposite Kilkenny’s Watergate Theatre, have been protesting outside the club since January. Kilkenny people are requested to join in this protest to keep our city free from such activity. Please come along on Friday or Saturday evenings from 9pm and protect Kilkenny.

Year of Vocation
The focus of the Year of Vocation for the month of July is young people - thosewho have travelled to Sydney for the World Youth Day event as well as those who were unable to travel. During the month of July Irish Catholics are being encouraged to pray for our young people.

Receiving the Word
The Word of God is to the human heartwhat a seed is to the earth.However, just as a seed needs soil,so the Word of God needs a receptive heart.The earth responds to rain and sunso that even the desert blooms.But the arid human heart has the power to resist so it remains barren.Lord, soften our hearts with your grace,open them with your love,so that the precious seed of your Wordmay take root in our hearts,and bear fruit in our lives.

One Word Only
Dionysius the Elder, tyrant of Syracuse, (430-367 BC) wasn’t called ‘the Elder’ for nothing. Cunning, if not wisdom, lurked in his depths. His testy tongue once snapped, ‘Let thy speech be better than silence, or be silent!’ A guaranteed conversation-stopper at any party! Clearly, he wasn’t into small talk.
Neither is God. Today’s First Reading, with near-poetic elegance, pictures the power of the word that emanates from God. Note the singular. One word is sufficient for God’s purpose – uttered only once. God does not repeat himself. God doesn’t need dry runs. God utters his word and it goes forth, returning always but only after it fulfils its mission. We need to hear that today. When bad things happen people still ask indignantly why God allows it. Why, in other words, doesn’t God override human freedom, take back one of God’s greatest gifts? Why doesn’t God turn the perpetrators of the bad things into robots? Hard-wire them so they wouldn’t do evil? Put like that, such questions don’t make such sense.
We may need convincing that despite the evil that occurs in our beautiful world, God’s word is still active and potent. It operates in ways we just can’t fathom. Brings results in most unexpected ways. It’s a word spoken softly that breaks no silence, yet is far more powerful than silence could ever be.
It’s a word we need to train to listen for – in any place, at any time, from anyone. It’s a word that speaks not to the ear, but to the heart.
Fr. Tom Cahill SVD


Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, 6th July 2008

In the Arms of God
One way of knowing that it’s God’s word we’re hearing when listening to scripture is when it disturbs us. When we try to convince ourselves that we haven’t heard what we know we have. When we feel its challenge and flee it. But when it catches up with us, all doubt should go.
Today’s Gospel reading carries that word, guaranteed to deflate any overblown egos within hearing range. It’s that bit about the Father hiding certain ‘things’ from the wise and the learned and revealing them to mere infants. How odd of God to choose that ruse! – to paraphrase British journalist William Norman Ewer (1885 – 1976).
It must be to put us in our place: the place for ‘infants’, for the ‘little ones’, the disciples of Jesus who had no learning as the scribes and Pharisees had, and who had no social standing either. The ‘things’ kept hidden were the signs Jesus worked as pointers to God’s kingdom already present among us. Those best trained to recognize them were the very ones who couldn’t. Book learning stands for zilch.
Personal effort can’t propel us into the mind of God. Merely pouring over the scriptures is a useless exercise. The more we pour, the more we bore. Now there’s a thorny thought for bible-belters and pulpit-thumpers!
Better to be a little one in the eyes of God than a learned one in the eyes of man. Better to know your place as an infant: in the loving arms of God.
Fr. Tom Cahill SVD.

Eucharistic Adoration
“Could you not watch with me one hour?”
Matthew 26:40
The Blessed Sacrament is exposed for Adoration at St. Patrick’s Church each Friday. Adorers are needed especially for the hours from 11.00am to 12 noon, and from 12 noon to 1.00pm. If you could spare an hour please ring 777 0472 or contact any of the priests of the parish at 776 4400. Please consider offering your help in continuing this essential ministry in our parish.

Ossory Lift Off!
Ossory pilgrims to the World Youth day departed from Peace in Christ, Kilkenny on Saturday at 3pm. A group of 23 with their families gathered in the diocesan retreat house for a prayer service and blessing by Bishop Freeman and then bid adieu to the northern hemisphere to say G’day to the land down under. Bishop Freeman and Fr. Scriven will join them in Melbourne on Tuesday.

World Youth Day will welcome over 125,000 young people from around the world and over 300,000 from the Australian continent. The week of prayer, faith discussion and reflection will culminate in an all night vigil that will conclude with Mass celebrated by Pope Benedict. Ossory pilgrims will participate in all the activities of the week. During their time in Australia they will renew links with the Christian Brothers and Sisters of Mercy. On Sunday, 20th July there will be a reception and “meet and greet” time hosted by the Kilkenny Association at the Celtic Club from 5pm. All welcome – please pass on word to Kilkenny people in Sydney. Please remember the pilgrims in your prayers during the next few weeks.

Drakelands Garden Party
Each year, Drakelands Nursing Home host a very enjoyable and successful garden party and this year’s party takes place today (Sunday, 6th July) from 11am to 6pm. This is a wonderful event for family, neighbours and friends of those resident in the home and the wider community.
As part of the day’s events, Mass will be celebrated at 3pm. Weather permitting this will take place on the lawn.
This year, Drakelands Nursing Home has agreed to donate the proceeds of their Garden Party to our new parish centre. We are extremely grateful to them for their generosity.
If you would like to attend this event, meet the residents and support the parish you are welcome. Suggested donation is €5 but any amount is welcome.

Elm Green Mass
In the gentle rain, about 40 hardy souls from Ardnore and vicinity joined in the annual Elm Green Mass. It was great to see such a turn out given the weather and well done to all who organised the event.

Pray for the Deceased
Recently Deceased: Bridget Gleeson, Cork. Josie Brennan, 296 Newpark Upper. Kieran Fanning, 53 Newpark Close. Sr. Marie Therese Saunders, Convent of Mercy, Callan.
Anniversaries: Anna Nolan (Sat 6.15), Dr. Paddy Boyd (Sat 7.00), Pauline Kennedy (Sun 10.00), Maurice Nagle (Sun 12.00), Annie Cody (Mon 9.30), Sean Hennessy (Tues 9.30), Paddy Bergin & Sr Margaret Mary Bergin (Fri 10.30), Michael Larkin, Mary Hayes, Tommy Hayes, Thomas Grace, Denis Molloy, William Maher, Mary Fry, Dermot Delaney, Edward Beckett, Bridget Ward & Bridie Walsh, James Dwyer.
Mass Intentions next weekend: Fr. James Hurley (Sun 10:00). Kathleen O’Carroll (Sun 11.00 Months Mind). Catherine Dowling (Sun 12.00), Ger Doheny (Sun 12.30). May the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen.

Kilkenny Pilgrimage to Knock
Coach will leave for Knock Shrine on Thursday, 24th July 2008 at 7.30am from the Parade via Ballyragget and Durrow. Fare: €20, payment required when booking. For details contact: Eileen 056 776 3259, Marian 056 776 2247, Pauline 056 776 5540.

Donations to the Parish
Sincere thanks to Gaelscoil Osraí for a generous donation of €2,000 to our Building Fund. We enjoy a wonderful relationship with our Irish speaking school and their support is much appreciated.
Thanks also to the parishioner who donated €360 in spare change. Both donations go towards the cost of our new Parish Centre. Míle Buíochas.

Public Rosary
The monthly rosary on the First Sunday in James Green at the statue of our Lady of Kilkenny continues this Sunday, 6th July at 3pm. All are welcome.

Medjugorje Irish Centre
The Medjugorje Irish Centre, located beside St. James Church, owned and managed by the Mullan Family from Omagh, is the meeting place for all of Medjugorje’s Irish Pilgrims. The Centre provides, information, restaurant, laundry, phone, internet & foot massage. Apartment accommodation from as little as €20 per night. They can arrange apartments, flights, airport transfers to and from Split or Dubrovnik. Contact: www.medjugorje-properties.com. Email: Darren@medjugorje-properties.com Phone: Noelle ROI: 048 8224 1888.

CHY 2 Forms
Some CHY 2 Forms remain unreturned. We appeal to taxpayers who received such forms to complete and return them to the parish office as soon as possible. We ask those who got forms but who are not liable for tax to let us know so that we can amend our records and begin to close the file for this year.

Good Luck
All in St. Patrick’s Parish wish our parishioners Brian Cody, the Team Manager, and players Jackie Tyrell, Eoin Larkin and Donnacha Cody the best of luck in their Leinster Senior Hurling Final encounter with Wexford at Croke Park on this Sunday. Go on the Cats!!

Broadcast Mass at St. John’s
RTE 1 Television will broadcast Mass from St. John’s Church, Kilkenny at 11.10am on this Sunday, 6th July. Bishop Freeman will be the principal celebrant. There will be no 10.30am or 12.00 noon Mass at St. John’s Church on this Sunday.

The Houses for the Elderly
Nine homes for the elderly have been built as part of our development at Loughboy. As the development nears completion it is timely to explain how the houses will be allocated. The houses were built in partnership with the Kilkenny Local Housing Authority. The Housing Authority provided the majority of the funding for these houses (€1.3 million) and consequently has a say in the allocation of 75% of the houses. The parish can nominate residents to 25% of the houses.
A committee will be put in place to oversee this procedure. Our policy is quite clear. The committee will be obliged to take into consideration the terms of the government’s Safe Home Programme. We will give priority to those living in St. Patrick’s Parish who have no home and who are on the local authority housing list. If there is no one suitable from the parish we may consider applications from the rest of Kilkenny City and County, again from those on the housing list. Applicants should be on the local authority housing list which ensures that the successful applicants are really in need of housing. Incidentally, those who receive houses will be expected to pay a rental for the accommodation. Application forms will be available later in the summer.
We hope this clarifies some questions in relation to these houses. Any further questions are welcome.

Disruption at St. Fiacre’s Church
Due to works being carried out in St. Fiacre’s Church it will be necessary to postpone exposition on Monday, 7th July and keep the church closed after Mass until at least the middle of the week. We apologise for the inconvenience and the builder assures us he will be finished by next week. The next scheduled disruption will be for the painting and re-carpeting of St. Fiacre’s Church. We will give you ample notice before this occurs. Thanks for your patience.

Golf Classic
Thanks to all who organised and supported our very successful golf classic on Friday last. In spite of the weather all enjoyed a good day.

Ladies Mini Marathon
Some sponsorship cards are still outstanding. Please contact Fr. Roderick as soon as possible if you still have a card.

Know your Neighbour Weekend
“People don’t even know their own neighbours.” Macra na Feirme’s solution is the ‘Know Your Neighbour Weekend’, which will take place for the third year on July 12th & 13th next. This campaign encourages people to organise an activity over this weekend and invite their neighbours along. Info at www.knowyourneighbour.ie
What will you do for Know your Neighbour Weekend? For more information or to request an organiser’s pack

Clonmacnois Youth Festival
Youth 2000 Summer Festival will be held at Clonmacnois, Co. Offaly from Thursday, 14th until Sunday, 17th August. For young people age 16—35, an opportunity not to be missed to experience the Catholic faith and meet many new friends. Donation only. Free buses available from around the country. For information please contact 01 675 3690 or check our websites at www.youth2000.ie or xx-youth-xx.bebo.com

Questions People Ask
Q. What is meant by ‘shoulder my yoke’?
A. A yoke was a piece of wood laid across the shoulders of animals to harness them together and hitch them to a plough or cart. In the Bible it was a symbol of oppression and slavery; or it referred to any painful burden such as suffering. Jesus, coming from a carpentry background knew about fitting a yoke to the contours of particular animals to make it less burdensome. As carpenter-turned-saviour, he promised that our burdens would be lighter if we would imitate his gentleness and humility of heart.
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap