Parish Draw
The monthly draw for March will take place on Tuesday next, 31st March, in our Parish Centre at 8.30pm. This is the final draw in the April 2008 to March 2009 series and it has been a huge success due, once again, to the hard work of promoters and the generosity of our subscribers.
The eleven monthly draws held to date have raised €114,000.00 for our Parish Centre and the total for the full year will be close to €120,000.00. In the same period we paid out €22,000.00 in prize money. This is a remarkable achievement for all concerned and is a tribute to our parishioners who give so willingly in difficult times.
All are welcome to attend the draw on Tuesday evening where some finger food will be served and you might win an Easter Egg! We look forward to seeing you there.
As already explained to our subscribers the draw continues each month and the first draw in the April 2009 to March 2010 series will take place at the Parish Centre on the last Tuesday in April.
As a final note, the Parish Team and the Finance Committee say a sincere thanks to Ted Byrne who continues to organise and run the parish draw in such a successful manner. We greatly appreciate his work.
Questions People Ask
Q. I’ve always wondered what is meant by the line in the Apostles Creed, ‘He descended into hell’.
A. A more recent translation of this creed states that Jesus descended to the dead. This makes it more clear that it wasn’t into the hell of the damned that he descended, but that his death was real and brought him to all the dead who were waiting on the Redeemer. To quote the Catechism of the Catholic Church: ‘Jesus did not descend into hell to deliver the damned, nor to destroy the hell of damnation, but to free the just who had gone before him.’
Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
The monthly draw for March will take place on Tuesday next, 31st March, in our Parish Centre at 8.30pm. This is the final draw in the April 2008 to March 2009 series and it has been a huge success due, once again, to the hard work of promoters and the generosity of our subscribers.
The eleven monthly draws held to date have raised €114,000.00 for our Parish Centre and the total for the full year will be close to €120,000.00. In the same period we paid out €22,000.00 in prize money. This is a remarkable achievement for all concerned and is a tribute to our parishioners who give so willingly in difficult times.
All are welcome to attend the draw on Tuesday evening where some finger food will be served and you might win an Easter Egg! We look forward to seeing you there.
As already explained to our subscribers the draw continues each month and the first draw in the April 2009 to March 2010 series will take place at the Parish Centre on the last Tuesday in April.
As a final note, the Parish Team and the Finance Committee say a sincere thanks to Ted Byrne who continues to organise and run the parish draw in such a successful manner. We greatly appreciate his work.
Questions People Ask
Q. I’ve always wondered what is meant by the line in the Apostles Creed, ‘He descended into hell’.
A. A more recent translation of this creed states that Jesus descended to the dead. This makes it more clear that it wasn’t into the hell of the damned that he descended, but that his death was real and brought him to all the dead who were waiting on the Redeemer. To quote the Catechism of the Catholic Church: ‘Jesus did not descend into hell to deliver the damned, nor to destroy the hell of damnation, but to free the just who had gone before him.’
Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
Pray for the Deceased
Recently Deceased: Maria O’Shea (nee Millea) Iowa & Warrington (Sun 10.00). Sheila O’Beirne, Carrick-on-Shannon (Sun 10.30). Oliver Brady, Bennettsbridge. Millie Smith, Castlecomer. Susie Cairns, England.
Months Mind: Mick Brophy (Fri 7pm Foulkstown).
Anniversary: Paddy Tomney (Sat 6.15), Chris Kenny (Sat 7.00), Jane Glynn (Sun 12.00), Billy Wallace (Sun 12.30), Christy Grace (Mon 6.15), Mary Delaney & Sheila Ramsbottom (Tue 9.30), Margaret Nolan (Tues 10.30), Michael Slattery (Wed 6.15), Shane O’Neill, Elizabeth Kavanagh, Peg McEvoy, Helen Quill, Eamon O’Neill, Edward & Mary Teresa McDonald, Rose Kenny, Brigid Della Maher, Eileen Quigley, Mary Nugent, Michael Massey, Paddy Slattery, John Jack Dowling, Elizabeth Kavanagh, Patrick Brennan, Martin O’Shea, John Curran, Ted Cornally, Annie & Dick Burke, Ann & Joe Walsh, Michael McGrath, Maureen Burke, Paddy Dore, Rose Cantwell.
Intentions Next Weekend: Oliver Kelly (Sat 6.15), Denis Kavanagh (Sat 7.00), Daisy & Dr. WJ Phelan & Moya Bligh (Sun 11.00), Johanna Fanning (Month’s Mind Sun 12.30).
We Have Moved
A number of anniversary notices were recently placed in the letter box at the former presbytery on the Ormonde Road. The parish has no further access to this building. We apologise that these notices were not received in time for inclusion in the newsletter on the requested date. Please note, all notices for the newsletter should be sent to The Parish Office, St. Patrick’s Parish Centre, Bohernatounish Road, Loughboy. Alternatively you may telephone 056 776 4400 or email stpatricksparish@ossory.ie Thank you.
First Friday
The first Friday of April occurs this week. The priests will visit the sick and housebound at the usual times.
St. Vincent De Paul Fundraiser
A fundraiser for the local Conference of the St Vincent de Paul will take place in James Stephens GAA Club on Thursday, 2nd April. Music: Queer Hawks and Friends. Adm. €5.
Holy Week Liturgies
Those who will proclaim the Word of God at Masses on Palm Sunday are invited to a practice at St. Fiacre’s Church at 7.00pm on Friday, 3rd April.
Family Liturgy
All young people and parents are invited to a practice for the family liturgy at St. Fiacre’s Church at 6.45pm on Wednesday. Mass at 10.30am on next Sunday.
Parish Shop
One of the features of our new Parish Centre is a small shop which sells religious goods and articles. These include books, rosaries, booklets, statues, cards, candles and many other items as well as gifts suitable for First Holy Communion and Confirmation.
The shop is located in the foyer area as you enter the red doors of the centre. The person on reception will be happy to help you with any enquiries you may have.
Comboni Mission Appeal
Fr. Pat Burns and Fr. Rinaldo Ronzani of the Comboni Fathers joined us two weeks ago to make an appeal on behalf of their congregation. They reminded us that almost four thousand Comboni Missionaries work world-wide bringing the Good News of the Gospel to the poorest and most abandoned of the earth. Founded in 1867 by Saint Daniel Comboni the order’s priests, sisters and brothers live in communities and practice the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience.
In response to their appeal the members our congregations contributed an astounding €4,373.00 to help spread the Good News throughout the world. Well done and thanks for your generosity in this time of recession.
Work in St. Patrick’s Church
The new pipe organ for St. Patrick’s Church is nearing completion. It has taken longer than anticipated due to the delicate nature of this wonderful machine. However we hope to have it in use for Easter.
The carpet in the sanctuary of St. Patrick’s Church is also being replaced. As the old one is quite worn it was time to change this and also carry our some minor repairs. Again, we hope to have this completed in time for Easter.
Young at Heart Club
The St. Patrick’s Parish Young at Heart Club is made up of people from a number of local parishes who are young at heart. If you are over fifty and still young at heart you are welcome to come along to the St. Patrick’s Parish Centre from 2.30 to 4.00pm on Wednesday afternoons. Members participate in many and varied activities including crafts, entertainment, line dancing and bingo, to name but a few. The main characteristic of the afternoon is companionship, fun and enjoyment. Contact Maura Huntley, Chairperson on 085 165 1661 for further information or just drop in on Wednesday afternoon. Men and women welcome.
Monster Easter Egg Raffle
A Monster Easter Egg Raffle in aid of the St. Vincent de Paul Society will be held on Easter Saturday in the charity shop Fred's Fashions, Butts Green, Kilkenny. Tickets on sale from the shop at €2 a strip or 3 for €5. Telephone 056 770 2637. If you are not in you can't win. Happy Easter.
Special Olympics
If you have an idea for a fundraiser or would like to help Special Olympics in any way, please phone Katharine on 085 162 7033. Katharine Blake, Kilkenny Fundraising Co-ordinator, Market Cross Shopping Centre, Kilkenny.
New Parish Envelopes
The new parish envelopes are almost ready to be delivered to those who contribute through the weekly and monthly envelope. Those contributing by standing order will receive a packet with 5 envelopes for the support of the priests and bishop (these are already included in the other packs).
If you are not currently receiving envelopes and would like to support your parish in this constructive way then please contact the Parish Office or any of the priests. Many thanks to all who support us.
Advance Notice
The Parish Centre and Office will be closed on Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Weekend including the Bank Holiday. Groups that use our facilities on these days are asked to take note.
Kilkenny Flower Club
Kilkenny Flower Club will host a lovely evening of Flowers and Music in The Parade Tower, Kilkenny Castle next Thursday, 2nd April at 7.30. All welcome.
Church Gate Collection
Rehab will hold their church gate collection at all Masses this weekend.
Palm Sunday
Next Sunday is Palm (Passion Sunday). Palms will be blessed at all Masses.
Kilkenny Medugorje Pilgrimage
Saturday, 30th May to Saturday, 6th June. Spiritual Director with group. Coach to airport. Cost €669 inclusive, less €30 if deposit is paid before end of March. Bookings: 056 776 5840, 086 882 5622.
Vocations Year Pilgrimage 2009
You are invited to join a pilgrimage to Ars, Taize, La Salette, Paray Le Monial and Lyon from Monday, 7th September to Monday, 14th September 2009. Flights, hotel and tours at an all in price of €775. Priest Directors: Fr. Willie Purcell, Fr. Ray Dempsey and Fr. Tom Corcoran. Booking: Manning Travel Kilkenny, High Street Kilkenny. Telephone: 056 772 2950 or 056 772 1096.
FETAC Level 5 Courses
Courses available at St. Brigid’s College Callan. These courses equip students with skills for employment or to gain access to third level institutions. There are no tuition /course fees and course texts are available in the local library - so it facilitates access for all. Interested applicants can enrol now for September 2009 start. Telephone the school on 056 772 5189 for information pack.
Trócaire Lenten Campaign
Perhaps in our world today there is no group of people more marginalised than those who have been displaced as a result of conflict. www.trocaire.org
In standing in solidarity with the displaced in our world we show ourselves to be followers of Christ.
In the Gospel today Jesus gives us a very simple message. He tells us that, “Whoever serves me must follow me”. This means we are called in to total and compassionate solidarity with those whom Christ especially loved; the sick, the lonely, the dispossessed, those on the margins. Perhaps in our world today there is no group of people more marginalised that those who have been displaced as a result of conflict. In standing in solidarity with the displaced in our world we show ourselves to be followers of Christ.
The violence, deprivation and suffering in Darfur continues unabated. Conflict in the region has meant around 300,000 people may have died, forced nearly 2.7 million people from their homes and left over 4 million people dependent on humanitarian food aid. Over the last three years, Trócaire has spent over €1.6 million meeting the needs of people forced from their homes by the conflict. Trócaire is also providing support to communities hosting those who have lost their homes. Working in a joint programme with other international faith-based agencies, Trócaire provides life-saving support to over 40,000 families. In the Gospel today Jesus gives us a very simple message. He tells us that, “Whoever serves me must follow me”. This means we are called in to total and compassionate solidarity with those whom Christ especially loved; the sick, the lonely, the dispossessed, those on the margins. Perhaps in our world today there is no group of people more marginalised that those who have been displaced as a result of conflict. In standing in solidarity with the displaced in our world we show ourselves to be followers of Christ.
As You Like It
Usually I pick the bits of scripture that I like. But not now. Verse 8 in today’s Second Reading (Heb 5:7-9) grabs my attention and won’t let go. The reason? It makes no sense: Jesus learning obedience through suffering! Does that mean that had he not suffered he would have been disobedient? If so, to whom? His Father? Unthinkable! So, what is the author saying? Thank God for academics! Even though Richard Rohr in Things Hidden writes, ‘In fact none of the Bible appears to be written out of or for academic settings’ nevertheless thanks to someone’s academic study of scripture a person like me can discover that in Greek there’s a play on words here. The Greek for ‘learned’ is emathen, while the Greek for ‘suffered’ is epathen. The purpose of this wordplay may be to convey the close relationship between faithfulness to God and ability to face the suffering that results from such faithfulness in a sinful world So instead of verse 8 being a conundrum, pessimistic and negative in tone, it’s now a positive and upbeat statement. It tells us that obedience (better still ‘faithfulness’) to God’s will and suffering go hand-in-hand to some degree. But most important of all: the suffering doesn’t harm the faithfulness. It can even perfect it. Furthermore, it tells us that faithfulness to God permeates all of life. Faith does not dwell in compartments, but apartments. There are no God-free zones. Facing God means facing life with all its joys and sorrows. Perhaps I should pay more attention to the bits I don’t like.
Fr Tom Cahill SVD
Saturday, 30th May to Saturday, 6th June. Spiritual Director with group. Coach to airport. Cost €669 inclusive, less €30 if deposit is paid before end of March. Bookings: 056 776 5840, 086 882 5622.
Vocations Year Pilgrimage 2009
You are invited to join a pilgrimage to Ars, Taize, La Salette, Paray Le Monial and Lyon from Monday, 7th September to Monday, 14th September 2009. Flights, hotel and tours at an all in price of €775. Priest Directors: Fr. Willie Purcell, Fr. Ray Dempsey and Fr. Tom Corcoran. Booking: Manning Travel Kilkenny, High Street Kilkenny. Telephone: 056 772 2950 or 056 772 1096.
FETAC Level 5 Courses
Courses available at St. Brigid’s College Callan. These courses equip students with skills for employment or to gain access to third level institutions. There are no tuition /course fees and course texts are available in the local library - so it facilitates access for all. Interested applicants can enrol now for September 2009 start. Telephone the school on 056 772 5189 for information pack.
Trócaire Lenten Campaign
Perhaps in our world today there is no group of people more marginalised than those who have been displaced as a result of conflict. www.trocaire.org
In standing in solidarity with the displaced in our world we show ourselves to be followers of Christ.
In the Gospel today Jesus gives us a very simple message. He tells us that, “Whoever serves me must follow me”. This means we are called in to total and compassionate solidarity with those whom Christ especially loved; the sick, the lonely, the dispossessed, those on the margins. Perhaps in our world today there is no group of people more marginalised that those who have been displaced as a result of conflict. In standing in solidarity with the displaced in our world we show ourselves to be followers of Christ.
The violence, deprivation and suffering in Darfur continues unabated. Conflict in the region has meant around 300,000 people may have died, forced nearly 2.7 million people from their homes and left over 4 million people dependent on humanitarian food aid. Over the last three years, Trócaire has spent over €1.6 million meeting the needs of people forced from their homes by the conflict. Trócaire is also providing support to communities hosting those who have lost their homes. Working in a joint programme with other international faith-based agencies, Trócaire provides life-saving support to over 40,000 families. In the Gospel today Jesus gives us a very simple message. He tells us that, “Whoever serves me must follow me”. This means we are called in to total and compassionate solidarity with those whom Christ especially loved; the sick, the lonely, the dispossessed, those on the margins. Perhaps in our world today there is no group of people more marginalised that those who have been displaced as a result of conflict. In standing in solidarity with the displaced in our world we show ourselves to be followers of Christ.
As You Like It
Usually I pick the bits of scripture that I like. But not now. Verse 8 in today’s Second Reading (Heb 5:7-9) grabs my attention and won’t let go. The reason? It makes no sense: Jesus learning obedience through suffering! Does that mean that had he not suffered he would have been disobedient? If so, to whom? His Father? Unthinkable! So, what is the author saying? Thank God for academics! Even though Richard Rohr in Things Hidden writes, ‘In fact none of the Bible appears to be written out of or for academic settings’ nevertheless thanks to someone’s academic study of scripture a person like me can discover that in Greek there’s a play on words here. The Greek for ‘learned’ is emathen, while the Greek for ‘suffered’ is epathen. The purpose of this wordplay may be to convey the close relationship between faithfulness to God and ability to face the suffering that results from such faithfulness in a sinful world So instead of verse 8 being a conundrum, pessimistic and negative in tone, it’s now a positive and upbeat statement. It tells us that obedience (better still ‘faithfulness’) to God’s will and suffering go hand-in-hand to some degree. But most important of all: the suffering doesn’t harm the faithfulness. It can even perfect it. Furthermore, it tells us that faithfulness to God permeates all of life. Faith does not dwell in compartments, but apartments. There are no God-free zones. Facing God means facing life with all its joys and sorrows. Perhaps I should pay more attention to the bits I don’t like.
Fr Tom Cahill SVD
