Saturday, December 25, 2010

Feast of the Holy Family, 26th December 2010

Happy Christmas
Frs. Dan, Roderick and Liam join in wishing all associated with St. Patrick’s Parish a holy, peaceful and happy Christmas. May God to bless and protect us in this holy season. May all travellers be safe and may patience and Christian love and goodwill mark this holiday time.
We take this opportunity to thank everyone who help out in any way to make this wonderful parish function so well. We won’t name names, because there are so many people who help in prayer, action and support. People help out so quietly and generously that all runs so smoothly. To everyone, we offer a sincere and heartfelt thank you.
We also say thanks to all for your generous support this Christmas and indeed throughout the year. We appreciate your prayers, kind words and material support. We pray that the New Year will be filled with every grace and blessing for you.
We hope those who join us for Christmas - either as visitors or former parishioners returning for the festivities - will have a wonderful time among us.

Mass Schedule in the Parish
Our parish Mass schedule for Christmas Day follows the usual Sunday pattern (See front of this newsletter).
There will be no Saturday evening vigil Masses on Christmas Day. Masses on Sunday are at the usual times.
There will be but one public Mass in our parish each day during the week after Christmas: St. Patrick’s Church at 11.00am each morning.

Parish Office
The Parish Office will be closed all next week. However, if you need to contact one of the priests or conduct parish business you may call 056 776 4400 and follow the computerised prompts. If the person you require is not available immediately you may be invited to leave a message.
In urgent cases you can contact the priest on duty by dialling 056 776 4400 and pressing Option 2.

Clothed for Christ
How often do we judge people by what they wear? In recent times teenagers wearing hoodies have been banned from shopping centres out of fear they will steal or cause bother to other shoppers. Others mark themselves out by the clothes they wear, for example ‘Goths’ who wear black, football fans who dress in the colours of their favourite team, or those who wore orange in 2004 in protest to what they saw as the unfair running of the Ukrainian elections.
In today’s Second Reading St. Paul speaks about Christian fashion. The clothes of the Christian are not dictated by the latest fashion trends. No, what Christian should wear never changes: ‘you should be clothed in sincere compassion, in kindness and humility, gentleness and patience, and even that is not enough, ‘over all these clothes, to keep them together and complete them, put on love’ (Col 3:12, 14). It is not the outer garments which are the garb of Christians. It is the way we act towards our brothers and sisters that defines who we are. By clothing ourselves in the values of Christ we can go out into the world confident that we are dressed appropriately to meet any situation.
Francis Cousins.

Bishop’s Christmas Message
Bishop Freeman’s Christmas message to the people of the Diocese of Ossory is available on the diocesan website: www.ossory.ie

Questions People Ask
Q. Was it foretold in the Old Testament that the messiah would live in Nazareth?
A. It wasn’t foretold. In fact Nazareth is never mentioned in the Old Testament. It was a good place for Joseph to get a job as it was close to the new town of Sephoris which Herod was constructing. The Gospel of Matthew has an outrageous pun on the word nazir which means somebody consecrated to God. People were so gobsmacked at the notion that the Messiah might come from Nazareth that it was remarked, ‘Can anything good come from Nazareth.’
Fr. Silvester Flynn OFM Cap

Pray for our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased: Sammy Johnston, Hebron Road. Joozef Kolodzief, Poland. Ned Nugent, Cuffesgrange. John Walton, Tullaroan. Fr. Stephen Hawe, Australia (Sat 9.30).
Anniversaries: Jim & Bernie Cadogan (Sat 10.30), Betty Furniss (Sun 9.30), Thomas Drohan (Sun 10.00), Josephine McGrath (Sun 10.30), Vale Vaikutiene (Sun 11.00), Geraldine Cody (Sun 12.00), Eddie Taylor & Delia Taylor (Sun 12.30), James Kearney (Tues. 11.00), Jim King (Wed 11.00), Nick Dunphy (Sun 11.00), John & Mary Rhatigan, Peggy Blanchfield, Roseanna Smyth, Nora Bartholomew, Ted Kenny, Francis, Samuel, James & Margaret Dunlop, Michael & Bridget Kenny, Tom & Bridget Casey, John Condon, Ted Carroll, Liam Costello, Christy Bateman, Kathleen Fahey, Martin Doheny, Mary Doheny, Martin Browne, Peg Browne, Brendan Doheny,

Christmas Thanks
Sincere thanks to all who are helping to make our Christmas celebrations more meaningful and prayerful. We are grateful to all in our choirs, sacristies, those who read and distribute the Eucharist, those who collect and who clean; sometimes thankless tasks but we are grateful. Thanks too to all help run and maintain our Parish Centre.

Fundraising Bag Pack
Thanks to the many volunteers who raised invaluable funds for the parish by bag packing at Supervalu on the Thursday, Friday and Saturday of last week. The amount raised was €4,605. Many thanks to the Supervalu Management Team, the coordinators and all who gave freely of their time to help.

Trócaire Says Thanks
Trócaire has expressed sincere thanks to everyone in the parish and throughout the diocese for their support in 2010 - not just during their Christmas Global Gift campaign but during Lent and following the recent disasters in Haiti and Pakistan. Trócaire wishes you and your families a happy and peaceful new year.

Exposition of Blessed Sacrament
Being Christmas week where most of our adorers will be spending time with family, there will be no exposition in St. Fiacre’s on Monday. Neither will there be exposition on Friday next. Exposition will recommence in the New Year. Thanks to all who dedicate time to adoring the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament.

Christmas Collection for Priests
Thanks to all who supported our Christmas collection for the priests of the parish and the bishop. We are extremely grateful to all who continue to support us especially in these tough economic times.

Parish Calendars
We are delighted to offer parish calendars again this year. Calendars may be picked up at the back of all our parish churches. Thanks to Paula Raggett at Kilkenny Cards for the design and printing of this year’s calendar.

Monthly E-Newsletter
James Stephens GAA has recently launched a new monthly e-newsletter which will be sent by e-mail to all players, selectors, members and supporters of the Village in St.Patrick’s parish and abroad. This e-newsletter will be a strong and informative communications tool for the club to keep everybody up to date on all games, reports, events, news, club development and issues relating to the club. If you wish to be included on the e-mail circulation list please send your e-mail address to news@james-stephens.com

The Carer’s Association
The Carer’s Association will hold a Church Gate Collection on Saturday, 1st January and Sunday, 2nd January 2011. We are appealing to people in the various parishes in Kilkenny to assist us by manning the table before and after Mass. Any time you can give is appreciated. Funds raised go towards providing respite, training, day trips and other supports and services in the locality of local Family Carers. Please call Gina or Carmel on 056 772 1424.

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Fourth Sunday of Advent, 19th December

Parish Christmas Programme
Next Saturday is Christmas Day. The following parish Mass schedule will apply.
St. Fiacre’s Church:
Christmas Eve: Vigil Mass at 9.00pm
Christmas Day: Mass of Midnight (Latin) 10.30am, 12.00 noon
St. Patrick’s Church:
Christmas Day: Midnight Mass
9.30am, 11.00am, 12.30pm
St. Joseph’s Church:
Christmas Day: 10.00am
Please note there will not be evening Vigil Masses on Saturday, 25th December (Christmas Day).
Masses on Sunday, 26th December will follow the usual Sunday Mass schedule.
During the week after Christmas the only public Mass in our parish will be at St. Patrick’s Church at 11.00am each day.
Come and celebrate the birth of our Saviour.

Christmas Penitential Service
The St. Patrick’s Parish Christmas Penitential Service will be held at St. Patrick’s Church at 7.30pm on Monday, 20th December. Visiting priests will attend. Please use this opportunity to prepare for Christmas.

Midnight Mass Choirs
Practice for all choirs involved in Midnight Mass will take place on Wednesday 22nd December at 7.30pm in St. Patrick’s Church.

Parish Centre
The St. Patrick’s Parish Centre will be closed for the Christmas Holidays from Thursday, 23rd December and will reopen on Tuesday, 4th January.

St. Patrick’s Brass & Reed Band
Don’t forget the Annual Christmas Concert in St. Patrick’s Church on Tuesday, 21st December at 8pm. A great evening’s entertainment is promised. Guests include: Audrey Larkin, Kevin O’Dwyer, Rory Broderick, Billy Carrigan & Friends, Jimmy Larkin, Eugene Dewberry. MC: Noel Power.

Emmanuel
In both the First Reading and the Gospel we hear the name of the son to be born of a virgin – Emmanuel, which means ‘God-is-with-us’. Throughout the history of Judaism the people of Israel felt a special relationship with the Lord. They were unique among ancient civilisations in having on God who created the heavens and the earth and most importantly freed the people of Israel from slavery in Egypt before leading them to the Promised Land. The relationship between the Lord and his people was sealed in the Sinai covenant , also known as the Ten Commandments. Such was the link between people and God that the divine presence was held to reside in the Ark of the Covenant and later in the Holy of Holies in the Temple at Jerusalem. The birth of Jesus takes things a step further. Jesus is the very incarnation of God, having taken on human form and lived as one of us. This divine presence does not end with the death of Jesus. Rather in the last verse of the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells us, ‘ I am with us always, to the end of time’ (Matt 28:20). This is the God we are preparing to welcome this Christmas, the one who remains with us no matter what.
Francis Cousins

SVP Annual Appeal
Thanks to all who contributed to last weekend’s annual Christmas collection for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Thanks also to those businesses, groups and individuals who made private contributions. SVP continues to help individuals and families in the area who are struggling to cope, often to ensure that there is light in the home and food on the table.
The members of the Society meet at the Parish Centre on Monday evenings from 8.00pm. In urgent cases the member on duty may be contacted on 087 681 0589.

Fundraising Bag Pack
Thanks to all who helped with bag pack at Caulfield’s Supervalu over the past few days. We appreciate your time given to the parish. Money raised will help defray the parish debt.

Pray for our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Sean Hennessey, Castlecomer Road,
Months Mind: John Seaver (Wed 10.30)Anniversaries: Elizabeth Comerford (Sat 6.15), Christopher & Mary Coogan (Sat 7.00), John Carroll (Sun 9.30), Joe & Nan Mulhall (Sun 10.00), Patricia Fitzpatrick (Sun 10.30), George Byrne (Sun 11.00), Dick Lynch (Sun 12.00), Mary Blanchfield (Sun 12.30), Susan Daly, Anthony Gorski and Michael Kenny (Mon 9.30), Thomas Saunders (Tues 10.30), Tommy Clooney, Kitty Clooney & Margaret Fox (Wed 9.30), May & Felix Campbell (Thurs 9.30), Margaret & Paddy Cantwell (Thurs 10.30), Paddy & Lar Carroll (Fri 10.30), Phyllis Doran, Jimmy Bergin, Eric & Mary McGrath., Peggy Quinlan, Richard & Maureen Free, Mick & Bess Delaney, Jim Dollard, Mary O’Neill, Ann Holohan, Richard Gaule.
Intentions Next Weekend: Betty Furniss (9.30), Thomas Doran (10.00), Josephine McGrath (10.30), Vale Vaikutiene (11.00), Geraldine Cody (12.00), Eddie Taylor & Delia Taylor (12.30).

Christmas Concert
Each Easter the Irish Pilgrimage Trust brings young people with special needs to Lourdes.  Fr. Dan is chaplain to Group 174 which is Kilkenny based. The helpers pay their own fares but it falls on the groups to provide for the fares and costs of providing the pilgrimage, holiday and respite for the young people. To help offset the cost Group 174 presents a concert at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre on this Sunday, 19th December at 3.30pm.  Artistes include: D-force, Nicky McCullagh, Tom Bolger, Noel Power, Trish Carroll, Jimmy Byrne, Peter Prendergast and the St. Fiacre’s Church Choir.  A wonderful afternoon of Christmas and contemporary music is promised.  Get in the mood for Christmas while helping to send a young person with special needs to Lourdes next Easter.  Tickets: €5 at the door.

Weekly Envelope Collection
The envelope collection last week amounted to €1,510.00. Sincere thanks to all who continue to support our parish and its priests.

Eucharistic Adoration
There will be no adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in St. Patrick’s Church on Friday, 24th December (Christmas Eve). Thank you to the many parishioners who regularly spend time in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.

Christmas Midnight Mass in Latin
The members of the Society of St. Oliver Plunkett who organise the Mass in the ‘Usus Antiquior’ in St. Patrick’s Church at 5.00pm on Sunday afternoons, has organised Christmas Midnight Mass in Latin at St. Fiacre’s Church at midnight on Christmas Eve. Further information: http:societyofstoliverplunkett.blogspot.com/

Questions People Ask
Q. I’ve struggled for years with an addiction. I keep on falling. Is there any hope for me?
A. There is always hope for the simple reason that God’s love for you never ceases, no matter how often you fall. God’s help comes in many ways such as medical help, addiction counselling, prayer, pilgrimage to a holy place and especially through the understanding and support of fellow strugglers in an addiction fellowship. Advent is the season of hope. Come, Lord Jesus, into our desert areas and places of darkness.
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

Toastmasters
Do butterflies attack your stomach whenever you’re asked to speak before a group? Have you a wedding coming up? Are you the father of the bride, the bestman or the groom? If so, Toastmasters can help. Visit your local Toastmasters Club and begin improving your communication skills today. For information: 085 810 8790 or kilkennytoastmasters@gmail.com.

Keep Christ in Christmas
There is still time to visit our parish shop before Christmas. There you will find a range of Advent calendars, candles, cribs, Christmas candles, children’s Christmas books and religious gifts. Come in a browse during the next few days and select items with a Christian theme for Christmas. Shop closes for the holidays on Thursday.

Why Not Study Theology
The Dominicans are offering a programme of theology, leading up to a degree (BTh) in the distance learning format. People are enabled to study from home, with occasional study days, and with the on-line support of tutors. Already hundreds have completed the programme to some level, and in November 2010, there were 37 who received their full degree. Maybe you’d like to know more? Contact us at: The Priory Institute, Tallaght Village, Dublin 24 Tel: 01 404 8124 or 01 404 8127. Send an email to: enquiries@prioryinstitute.com

Parish Office
The Parish Office will close for the Christmas Holidays on Wednesday, 22nd December and reopen on Tuesday, 4th January. Happy Christmas to all!

Loughboy Library
The Loughboy Library will close at 2pm on Thursday, 23rd December and will re-open at 1.00pm on Thursday, 30th December. Also closing at 5pm on Friday, 31st December (New Year’s Eve).

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Third Sunday of Advent, 12th December 2010

Annual Christmas Carol Service
The annual St. Patrick’s Parish Carol Service takes place on this Sunday, 12th December at 4pm in St. Joseph’s Church, Foulkstown. For many this has become a must-attend event in the lead up to Christmas and all are welcome. Seasonal refreshments will be served in the St. Patrick’s Parish Centre after the service.

Do This In Memory
We welcome the candidates for First Holy Communion and their families who have joined us for the Do This In Memory programme this weekend.
We continue to support the young people and their families as they prepare to celebrate the sacrament next year.

Parish Christmas Programme
Christmas Day falls on a Saturday this year. The following parish Mass schedule will apply.
St. Fiacre’s Church: Vigil Mass at 9.00pm
Mass of Midnight (Latin)
10.30am, 12.00 noon
St. Patrick’s Church: Midnight Mass
9.30am, 11.00am, 12.30pm
St. Joseph’s Church: 10.00am
Please note there will not be evening Vigil Masses on Saturday, 25th December (Christmas Day).
Masses on Sunday, 26th December will follow the usual Sunday Mass schedule.
During the week after Christmas the only public Mass in our parish will be at St. Patrick’s Church at 11.00am each day.
Come and celebrate the birth of our Saviour.

Christmas Penitential Service
The St. Patrick’s Parish Christmas Penitential Service will be held at St. Patrick’s Church at 7.30pm on Monday, 20th December. Visiting priests will attend. Please use this opportunity to prepare for Christmas.

Weekly Envelope Collection
The envelope collection last week amounted to €1,545.00. Standing Order contributions during November came to €4,456.00. Thanks.

SVP Annual Appeal
The annual Christmas collection for the St. Patrick’s Parish Conference of the Society of St. Vincent De Paul takes place at the church doors this weekend.
SVP helps individuals and families in the area who are struggling to cope, often to ensure that there is light in the home and food on the table. About 9,500 volunteers in 1,200 local groups across the country give their time freely so that the donations you make can go straight to the people who need help the most in your locality.
Make a donation and give hope to a local person in need this Christmas.
The members of the Society meet at the Parish Centre on Monday evening from 8.00pm. In urgent cases the member on duty may be contacted on 087 681 0589.

Fundraising Bag Pack
A fundraising bag pack for the parish will take place in Supervalu, Loughboy on Thursday, Friday and Saturday of this week. Some of our parishioners will pack your shopping to raise money towards the cost of our new Parish Centre. If you have a couple of hours to spare on any of the days and would like to help out, please contact the Parish Office on 056 776 4400. Many hands make light work!

Keep Christ in Christmas
Our parish shop, located in the foyer of St. Patrick’s Parish Centre, has a range of Advent calendars, candles, cribs, Christmas candles, children’s Christmas books and religious gifts available. Come in a browse during the next few days and select items with a Christian theme for Christmas.

Trocaire
This Advent Trócaire is asking us to remember children in Somalia. Somalia is desperately dangerous with only 30% of children able to attend school and many are forced to become child soldiers. This Christmas through its Global Gifts Trócaire is hoping to keep 15 primary schools open giving 3,500 children the chance to go to school for a year and stay safe. www.trocaire.org/globalgift.

Pray for our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Christina Walsh, Haltigan Terrace. Maeve Healy, Laurel Green. Fr. Benjamin O’Connell OFM Cap, Rochestown and late of Capuchin Friary, Kilkenny (Mass will be offered at the Capuchin Friary when the weather improves).
Months Mind: Peggy Costigan (Fri 7.30 Foulkstown).
Anniversaries: Florrie Cleere (Sat 6.15), Pat Kearney (Sat 7.00), Michael Hynes (Sun 9.30), Jeff & Jane Power (Sun 10.00), Kathleen Redpath (Sun 10.30), Eddie Slattery (Sun 11.00), Podge Butler Jnr (Sun 12.00), Michael Dollard (Sun 12.30), Peggy Quinlan (Tues 10.30), Mary O’Neill (Wed 10.30), James Hogan (Thurs 10.30), Patrick Morris (Sat 9.30), Peter & Diana Keenan, Anna & Larry Quinn, Paddy Griffin, John O’Rourke, Tommy Fahey, Margaret Larkin, John Egan, John & Ann Fogarty.
Intentions for next weekend: Elizabeth Comerford (Sat 6.15), Christopher & Mary Coogan (Sat 7.00), John Carroll (Sun 9.30), Joe & Nan Mulhall (Sun 10.00), Patricia Fitzpatrick (Sun 10.30), George Byrne (Sun 11.00), Dick Lynch (Sun 12.00), Mary Blanchfield (Sun 12.30).
May they rest in peace. Amen.

Divine Mercy
In honour of Divine Mercy there will be an hour of adoration and prayer in the Capuchin Friary Church on this Sunday, 12th December from 3 - 4pm. All welcome.

Questions people ask
Q. I’ve struggled for years with an addiction. I keep on falling. Is there any hope for me?
A. There is always hope for the simple reason that God’s love for you never ceases, no matter how often you fall. God’s help comes in many ways such as medical help, addiction counselling, prayer, pilgrimage to a holy place and especially through the understanding and support of fellow strugglers in an addiction fellowship. Advent is the season of hope. Come, Lord Jesus, into our desert areas and places of darkness.
Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

KSP Christmas Fair
KSP Annual Christmas Fayre is on this Sunday 12th from 12 noon until 2pm. Fab Food Stall with lots of Christmas goodies, Wheel of Fortune, Raffle, Café and fun Kid’s Stalls. All are very welcome!

SOS
SOS Callan Road will hold their Christmas Craft Fair and Coffee Afternoon on this Sunday, 12th December from 2pm - 5pm. Everyone is welcome. Admission free. The workshop will reopen on Monday, 13th December.

Imprisonment
What is always most striking about Advent is the liturgy’s lack of reference to Christmas itself. My awareness of this may easily be a consequence of growing up in a time when Christmas became highly delineated by seasonal imagery; religious, commercial, religiously commercial and commercially religious. Either way, the image of John imprisoned is yet another telling reminder that Advent is more than preparing for turkey or, indeed, a sentimental manger scene. As we draw ever closer to Christmas, a noticeable thrust emerges from the liturgy of the word. Namely, the exasperated longing for God encapsulated in Isaiah’s urge to hope, James’ call to patience, and Jesus’ request for faith.
John is impatient in his questioning. Fearful of dying without knowing, he sends his disciples to ask the young prophet about his intentions. Jesus urges them to believe and sends them on their way. But his response is no impatient dismissal; instead, it is full of the real emotion which is evident in the absence of friends. Just as John misses Jesus, so Jesus misses John. The Baptist is not imprisoned by the walls of a cell; rather, it is his sense of detachment from the coming which he has heralded that dominates his concern. Jesus’ call to believe is the key which frees both us and John from our cells. Christ came to preach to those in prison. John, then, is closer to his esteemed rabbi than he knows. And it is most certainly the same for us who read. (Paul Clogher)

Attention Parish Readers
The first talk for Ministers of the Word which was held on last Thursday evening was a great success despite the weather conditions. The second evening will follow on this Thursday, 16th December in St. Patrick's Centre, Kilkenny, also, with guest speaker Olivia Maher. Talk starts at 7.30pm.

Advent Series of Talks
The series of Advent talks organised by the Diocese of Ossory entitled Look not on our sins but on the faith of Your Church has been postponed because of the inclement weather.

Loughboy Library
Exhibition of art works by local artist Kristina Dragoman until Christmas.
Exhibition space is still available for 2011 - please book at 779 4176.
Toddler Hour - Christmas crafts and stories are on the agenda on Thursday, 16th December at 11.30am. All toddlers and minders are welcome.
Computers - a tutor will be in the library every Tuesday and Wednesday 10am - 1pm to give you tips for free.
Family Liturgy
The 10.30am Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church on Sundays continues to be family focused. Practice takes place on Wednesday evenings between 6.30pm and 7.15pm. Young people and parents are welcome.

Cookery Demonstration
Ann Neary and Edward Hayden will give a cookery demonstration in Coláiste Éamann Rís, Callan at 8.00pm on Thursday, 16th December. A great night’s entertainment guaranteed. Tickets are €20 and all proceeds are in aid of the school. Tickets available from the school at 056 772 5340 or members of the Parents’ Council.

Charity Christmas Concert
The local group of the Irish Pilgrimage Trust is holding a fundraising concert at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre on Sunday, 19th December at 3.30pm. Acts include D-tour, Tom Bolger & Sons, Trish Carroll, Jimmy Byrne, St. Fiacre’s Church Choir, Nicky McCullagh, Peter Prendergast and Noel Power. Tickets €5 from the Sacristies, Parish Centre and Fr. Dan. Proceeds to help children with special needs pilgrimage to Lourdes at Easter. Please support.

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Second Sunday of Advent, 5th December 2010

The Immaculate Conception
Wednesday next is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Masses will follow the usual Saturday/Sunday timetable in our parish.

Family Liturgy and Choir
It’s that time of year again! - the Children's Liturgy and Choir will start for the Advent Season on Sunday, 5th December. We will be meeting for practise on Wednesday evening between 6.30 and 7.15pm and all our young people and their parents are welcome. We would especially welcome new comers and musicians be they young or old.

Annual Christmas Carol Service
The annual St. Patrick’s Parish Carol Service takes place on next Sunday, 12th December at 4pm in St. Joseph’s Church, Foulkstown. For many this has become a must-attend event in the lead up to Christmas and all are welcome. Seasonal refreshments will be served in the St. Patrick’s Parish Centre after the service.

Kermit High School Choir
We welcome the Honor Choir from Kermit High School, Texas, USA to our parish this weekend. The choir will provide sacred music during the 6.15pm Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church on Saturday and present a short concert after the Mass.

St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society
The monthly meeting of the St. Joseph's Young Priests Society will take place in the Parish Centre on Friday, 10th December immediately after the 10.30am Mass. New members are always very welcome in the ministry of promoting and praying for vocations. (Weather permitting.)

Candlelight Rosary Procession
Annual Candlelight Rosary Procession will leave The Parade, Kilkenny, at 8.00pm for Benediction in the Black Abbey, on Wednesday, 8th December, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.  All welcome.

Attention All Parish Readers
“Go teach all nations”: How we can best Communicate the Word of God in our World Today is the title of a two week course for readers of the Word of God in the Diocese of Ossory. In a world where technology has made communication instant, communicating a message is ever more challenging. There is a tremendous competition in our world to hear and to be heard. In order for us to communicate more effectively we need to do two things well: understand the message and improve how it is that we share it with others. To help achieve this we encourage all those who read the scriptures in our parish to attend two evening presentations to reflect on these issues.
On next Thursday, 9th December at 7.30pm at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre, Caroline Murphy (RTE) will explore what is happening when we communicate and how we might do this more effectively. On the following Thursday Olivia Maher (Ossory Faith Development) will help us to explore the background to and the importance of the scriptures that we read each weekend. St. Patrick’s Parish is honoured to host these presentations which are for all readers in the diocese. We strongly encourage our parish readers to make an effort to attend.

Parish Christmas Programme
Christmas Day falls on a Saturday this year. The following parish Mass schedule will apply.
St. Fiacre’s Church: Vigil Mass at 9.00pm
Mass of Midnight (Latin)
10.30am, 12.00 noon
St. Patrick’s Church: Midnight Mass
9.30am, 11.00am, 12.30pm
St. Joseph’s Church: 10.00am
Please note there will not be evening Vigil Masses on Saturday, 25th December (Christmas Day).
Masses on Sunday, 26th December will follow the usual Sunday Mass schedule.
During the week after Christmas the only public Mass in our parish will be at St. Patrick’s Church at 11.00am each day.
Come and celebrate the birth of our Saviour with the people of St. Patrick’s Parish.

Advent Series of Talks
The Diocese of Ossory has organised a series of talks for Advent entitled Look not on our sins but on the faith of Your Church. The programme consists of three reflections exploring what it is to be Church today. Our Church is sinful and broken – have we embraced this reality fully?  What does this reality say about us?  What impact does it, or should it have on us?  Surely there must be hope but what is it?  
Why not join us for the series as we explore these and other questions?
Tuesday, 7th December: “Deciding to stay? Looking for a renewed vision of Church”. Speaker: Ms. Ann Daly.
Tuesday, 14th December: “The people who have walked in darkness have seen a great light”: Our search for that light today”. Speaker: Fr. Dan Bollard
The talks will take place at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre and the format of each evening will be a short reflection for about 30 minutes and then the opportunity for discussion and questions.  Time: 8.00 – 9.00pm each evening.

Pray for our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased: Margaret Roche, Lavistown, Honor Flannery (Wed 11.00), Jim Martin, Canada. Billy Maher, late of Stephen Street and London. Funeral arrangements later.
Months Mind: Sr. Sheila Lynch (Sat 7.00), Breda Phelan.
Anniversaries: Tom O’Dowd (Sat 6.15), Julia O’Carroll (Sat 7.00), Angela Murphy (Sun 10.00), Laurence Healy (Sun 10.30), Elaine Kelly (Sun 11.00), Michael Dwyer (Sun 12.00), Michael Fitzmaurice (Sun 12.30), Michael Hickey (Tues 6.15), Myra Treacy (Wed 10.00), John and Ann Fogarty (Fri 10.30), Christy Galvin, Margaret Guilfoyle, Hugh Tiernan, John & Annie Free, Liam Bergin, Sean & Kitty Ryan, Annie Wall.
Intentions for next weekend: Florrie Cleere (Sat 6.15), Pat Kearney (Sat 7.00), Michael Hynes (Sun 9.30), Jane & Jeff Power (Sun 10.00), Kathleen Redpath (Sun 10.30), Eddie Slattery (Sun 11.00), Podge Butler Jnr (Sun 12.00), Michael Dollard (Sun 12.30).

SVP Annual Appeal
St. Vincent de Paul Week takes place from 5th - 12th December, culminating with SVP Sunday on 12th December. The annual Christmas collection for the St. Patrick’s Parish Conference of the Society will be held at the church doors next weekend, 11th and 12th December. (The collections inside the church will not be for the society on this occasion.)
SVP helps individuals and families who are struggling to cope, often to ensure that there is light in the home and food on the table. About 9,500 volunteers in 1,200 local groups across the country give their time freely so that the donations you make can go straight to the people who need help the most in your locality.
The SVP Annual Appeal; make a donation and give hope to a local person in need.

Do This In Memory
The next Mass in the Do This In Memory programme for First Holy Communion Candidates will be celebrated next weekend.

Rosary
Monthly Rosary at the stature of our lady of Kilkenny on Sunday 5th December at 3pm.

Weekly Envelope Collection
The envelope collection last week amounted to €1,300. Thanks for your continued generosity.

Westcourt News
The Mass for the blessings of Blessed Edmund Rice on our lives and for his canonisation will be celebrated in Westcourt on Monday, December 6th 2010 at 7.30pm.
The St Joseph’s Young Priest’s Society will organise the Liturgy.

Christmas Concert
Sunday 12th December at 4.30pm in St. John’s Church, Dublin Road, Kilkenny, The Kilkenny Choir and Carlow Choral Society present Vaughan Williams -  Mass in G Minor for Two Choirs, accompanied by Brass Ensemble.  The Kilkenny Choir will also sing Bruckner Motets.   Adm. €10/€8.

School of the Holy Spirit - Thanks
All at the School of the Holy Spirit wish to say “thank you” to all those who attended our Coffee Morning and Sale of Work. In spite of the snow many supported the fundraiser. Thanks for your support to raise much needed funds for our special pupils.

Village Crafts
Christmas Exhibition and Sale at Ormonde College, Saturday & Sunday, 4th and 5th December. Woodturning: Mick Morrissey, Canice Ryan, Ciaran Walsh. Painting: Pat Holland. Come and have a look.

Kilkenny Lions Club
Hamper and Charity Appeal Kilkenny Schools’ Concert featuring: CBS Boys’ Choir, Kilkenny College Senior Jazz Band and Junior Choir and Chamber Choir, St. John’s Senior School Choir and Chamber ensemble. St. Canice’s Co-Ed Recorder Ensemble and Jazz Band, Gaelscoil Osraí Choirs, Castlecomer Community School Choir, St. Patrick’s Boys’ Choir. All at St. Canice’s Cathedral on Thursday, 9th December at 7.30pm. Admission: Adults €10, Children €4 (Payable at the door).

Opportunities for Advent Prayer
Advent Scripture Reflection: An opportunity for a group to come together to reflect on the scriptures. Booklets are available to guide people through a simple method of scripture reflection. They contain all the Advent Sunday readings thereby encouraging people to explore them each week. The booklets also contains some very simple questions to help animate discussion and reflection. Booklets cost €3.
Praying the Psalms: Provides an opportunity for a group to come together during Advent to pray the psalms together. There are two booklets with this programme: the first contains hymns, psalms and prayers from the Prayer of the Church and is designed so as to be used by groups for a number of years. The second booklet contains the Gospels of Advent and some reflections. The cost of these booklets is €5 for the pair. Tel: 056 775 3624 for copies.

Blessing of the Crib
Blessing of the Crib at Workhouse Square, MacDonagh Junction on Wednesday, 8th December at 5.30pm by Fr Frank Purcell. The Kilkenny Gospel Choir will provide the sacred music during the ceremony.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

First Sunday of Advent, 28th November 2010

Advent Series of Talks
The Diocese of Ossory has organised a series of talks for Advent entitled Look not on our sins but on the faith of Your Church. The programme consists of three reflections exploring what it is to be Church today. Our Church is sinful and broken – have we embraced this reality fully?  What does this reality say about us?  What impact does it, or should it have on us?  Surely there must be hope but what is it?  
Why not join us for the series as we explore these and other questions?
Tuesday, 30th November: “One of you is about to betray me: Acknowledging the Judas’ among us”. Speaker: Fr. Dermot Ryan.
Tuesday, 7th December: “Deciding to stay? Looking for a renewed vision of Church”. Speaker: Ms. Ann Daly.
Tuesday, 14th December: “The people who have walked in darkness have seen a great light”: Our search for that light today”. Speaker: Fr. Dan Bollard
The talks will take place at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre and the format of each evening will be a short reflection for about 30 minutes and then the opportunity for discussion and questions.  Time: 8.00 – 9.00pm each evening.
The same talks will be presented in Ballyragget (29th November, 6th and 13th December) and Mullinavat (1st, 8th and 15th December).

Family Liturgy and Choir
It’s that time of year again! - the Children's Liturgy and Choir will start for the Advent Season on Sunday, 5th December. We will be meeting for practise on Wednesday evening between 6.30 and 7.15pm and all our young people and their parents are welcome. We would especially welcome new comers and musicians be they young or old.

Is Priesthood for You?
“They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks…” If you think that God is calling you to serve the Lord of the Harvest as a priest call Fr. Willie Purcell, Vocations Director @ the Vocations Office 056 777 0261 or ossoryvocdir@gmail.com.

Questions People Ask
Isn’t Advent a season of preparing for Christmas? Why is there never any reference to this on the First Sunday of Advent?
Advent is certainly a preparation for Christmas but is has other dimensions too. Advent prepares for the coming of Christ, past, present and future. Christmas celebrates Christ’s coming once upon a time in past history. But it also includes the coming of Christ to us each present day. And its future dimension is a reminder to be ready for the coming of Christ at the end of life, a date we do not know. The future coming of Christ is the focus of attention in the liturgy of Advent’s first Sunday.
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

Weekly Envelope Collection
The envelope collection last week amounted to €1,140. Thanks for your continued generosity.

Pray for our Deceased FriendsRecently Deceased: Sr. Catherine Mary (Stephen) Begadon, Presentation Convent, Parnell Street. Requiem Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral at 11.00am on Sunday followed by burial in Durrow Cemetery. Brigid Gilligan, 19 Cypress Grove. Margaret Delaney/Snype, Shandon Park. Nora Mahony, Keatingstown, John Seaver.
Months Mind: Mamie Shortiss (Sun 10.30). Johnny Delaney (Tues 9.30).
Anniversaries: Una Heffernan (Sat 6.15), James Fox (Sat 7.00), Mairead & Ger Carmody, John & Nora Mullan (Sun 9.30), Kathleen Brown (Sun 10.00), Thomas Dowling (Sun 10.30), Kitty McMyler (Sun 12.00), Raymond & Breda Dowling, Marie, Phyllis & Thomas Dowling (Sun 12.30), Jeremiah Mullally (Wed 10.30), John McCarthy, Ollie Bergin, Maureen Nolan, Joe McKane, Eileen Barry, Rory McPhillips, Thomas & Margaret Beehan, John O’Shea.
Intentions for next weekend: Tom O’Dowd (Sat 6.15), Julia O’Carroll (Sat 7.00), Angela Murphy (Sun 10.00), Laurence Healy (Sun 10.30), Elaine Kelly (Sun 11.00), Michael Dwyer (Sun 12.00), Michael Fitzmaurice (Sun 12.30).
Kermit High School Choir
The Honor Choir from Kermit High School, Texas, USA sing during the 6.15pm Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church on next Saturday. The choir will give a short concert after the Mass.

The Knights of St. Columbanus?
Who are the Knights of St. Columbanus? They are not a bunch of elite, conservative Catholics who belong to a secret organisation and who oppose all attempts to bring the Catholic Church into the modern world. So who or what are the Knights? They are an organization of Catholic men who have come to know a God of love and want to share that love with others through helping those who need help. They organise events such as a Christmas party for the less well off and provide funding for drug education for school children. You know, the practical things which help to make life better for others. Interested? Call Peter 087 237 3043 or Brian 086 085 3242.

Dochas Nasamu
Used clothing appeal for Irish run orphanage in Nairobi, Kenya. Place bags inside gates of St. Patrick’s Parish Centre before noon on Monday. Contact Marie on 087 689 0995.
Cookery Demonstration
Ann Neary will give a cookery demonstration in Coláiste Éamann Rís, Callan at 8.00pm on Thursday, 2nd December. A great nights entertainment guaranteed. Tickets are €20 and all proceeds are in aid of the school. Tickets available from the school at 056 772 5340 or any member of the Parent's Council.

Village Crafts
Christmas Exhibition and Sale
Ormonde College, Saturday & Sunday, 4th and 5th December. Woodturning: Mick Morrissey, Canice Ryan, Ciaran Walsh. Painting: Pat Holland. Come and have a look.

Trinity Singers and Boydell Singers
Choral Concert, Saturday, 4th December, 8.00pm, St. John the Evangelist Church, Dublin Road, Kilkenny. Adm €5/€3. The Boydell Singers, conducted by Patrick Barrett, perform pieces by Britten, Liszt and Kodály plus Christmas favourites. Trinity Singers, conducted by Róisín Blunnie, present works by Bruckner, Mendelssohn, Rheinberger, Gorecki, Whitacre, Orbán and Pärt.

Buket List
The 2007 film ‘The Bucket List’ starred Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson as two terminally ill men who put together a wishlist of things to do before they ‘kick the bucket’. They do a skydive, get tattoos, visit the pyramids. Several of the items on the to-do list are more abstract – witness something truly majestic; help a complete stranger for the good; find the joy in your life. We often hear the advice that we should live each day as if it’s our last. Of course we would live very differently if we knew our own days are numbered, or if it was our last day on earth. Likewise we would treat a family member, friend, or colleague differently if we knew they were to be struck by illness or accident. Sometimes it is only when the fragility of life is laid bare that we manage to get our priorities in order. Yet living differently is exactly what today’s readings demand of us. They set the tone for the period of preparation that is Advent. The Gospel of Matthew uses the metaphor of the thief in the night to highlight of the unexpected nature of the second coming of Jesus. Naturally we would be well prepared if we knew when a burglar would strike our home! The flood took Noah’s contemporaries by surprise as they went about day to day life – eating, drinking, and marrying. ‘So too will be the coming of the Son of Man’. St. Paul gives us a lovely image in today’s Second reading: ‘Put on the armour of light’. Live differently. Stay awake. Be prepared.
Triona Doherty


U-12 panel qualify for final
The Village U12 panel scored a tremendous 1 point win over a very strong St. Mary's (Clonmel) in the semi-final of the Carrigeen floodlight winter hurling tournament.

Loughboy library
Exhibitions- currently o display are works fromt eh Traveller Community—please come in and have a look. Artists—please book your FREE space for 2011/
Toddler Hour continues next Thursday at 11.30am - all welcome.
Christmas - we have a large stock of cookery and craft books.

Saturday, November 20, 2010

OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, UNIVERSAL KING, 21st November 2010

In memory of…These few words, and the symbols we use to recall departed loved ones, give us great comfort. It is important that we cherish the memory of those who have been truly significant and part of each one of us. The gift of memory brings us great consolation and healing. The more we invite memory the more we are gifted with healing.
This Thursday we invite you to gather at St. Fiacre’s Church to remember in a prayerful way your departed loved ones. We ask you to join with us as we recall those who have died, give thanks to God for blessings received through their presence in our lives and seek healing for our broken hearts and minds.
Our annual service begins at 7.30pm and will conclude with refreshments in the Parish Centre.
Special prayers will be offered during the ceremony for those from our parish who died during the past twelve months. Please come and join with us.

Pray for our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Peggy Costigan, Grovine. Kathy Larkin-McCall, Philadelphia. Thomas Doran, Florida and Drakelands Middle (Wed 9.30).
Anniversaries: Maura Leahy (Sat 6.15), Mark Butler (Sat 7.00), Joan Taggart (Sun 9.30), Bill Keogh (Sun 10.00), John Hand (Sun 10.30), Madge O’Brien (Sun 11.00), Eva Renehan (Sun 12.00), Deceased Members of St. Patrick’s Brass & Reed Band (Sun 12.30), Paul O’Dwyer (Tues 9.30), Paddy Murphy, Frank & Mary Purcell, Peg & Jack Robinson, Michael Beale, Joan Meehan, Michael Gibbons, Thomas & Owen Beehan, Patrick J. Crotty, Breda Walsh, Peter Blanchfield.
Intentions for Next Weekend: Una Heffernan (Sat 6.15), James Fox (Sat 7.00), Mairead & Ger Carmody and John & Nora Mullan (sun 9.30), Kathleen Brown (Sun 10.00), Thomas Dowling (Sun 10.30), Mamie Shortiss (Months Mind Sun 11.00), Kitty McMyler (Sun 12.00), Raymond & Breda Dowling (Sun 12.30).

Go Cosmic for Christ
Bye, bye ‘ordinary’ time. Welcome cosmic. The Church’s liturgical year ends this week – and with a bang by celebrating Jesus Christ as King of the Universe. And what a universe it is! Its sheer size, astonishing age and confounding complexity are beyond anything our minds can grasp. The more we see of it through the Very Large Telescope in Chile, or the Hubble and Kepler space telescopes, the more awesome it appears. From data obtained 22,000 light years distant, astronomers have lit upon a new class of star so colossal it shatters current theoretical limits as to how large a star can be. Then, last June in just one download of information the Kepler telescope doubled the number of known planets outside our solar system to 700. Just as scientists realise through their impressive discoveries how little they know compared to what can be known, so too should we as people of faith realise the same as far as our faith is concerned. Dogmas don’t close doors. They ensure that the right doors are opened. The door to the cosmic Christ is clearly marked in today’s Second Reading (Col 1:12-20). There we have the risen Christ described as the one in whom ‘all things in heaven and on earth were created’ – even these newly discovered colossal stars, and all things as yet undetected by human technology. There’s more to faith than morals. There’s the breathtaking, visionary, near cockeyed, mind-stretching promise of a fullness of life beyond death that no telescope could ever reveal. That’s what faith is for. Fr Tom Cahill SVD

Kermit High School Choir
The Honor Choir from Kermit High School, Texas, USA is touring Ireland at the moment. The choir will sing during the 6.15pm Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church on Saturday, 4th December. The choir will give a short concert for Advent and Christmas following the Mass. All welcome.

Weekly Envelope Collection
The envelope collection last week amounted to €1,990. Many thanks for your generosity.

Do this in memory…
We again welcome to our Masses those who will receive Holy Communion for the first time next Spring. They have come, along with their parents and guardians, to 10.30am and 11.00am Mass on this Sunday to continue their preparation for their First Holy Communion. We welcome them and continue our promise to pray for and with them during their time of preparation.

Questions People Ask
Q. Jesus said to the repentant thief, ‘I promise you, today you will be with me in paradise.’ Doesn’t that mean there is no purgatory?
A. Hold on a second, it’s not so simple. The text is not clear whether today refers to the day when the promise was made or to the time when the promise would be fulfilled. It depends on where the translator puts the comma. Then again, what does today mean? Scripture tells us that with the Lord a thousand years is like a single day. Furthermore, the promise made to one man does not necessarily refer to everybody, especially since not everybody is as repentant as that dying man beside Jesus on Calvary.
Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

St. Vincent De Paul Collection
The monthly collection for the local conference of the St. Vincent De Paul Society will be taken up at all Masses this weekend. We ask that you be as generous as possible in supporting this parish charity.

St. Vincent De Paul Bag Pack
The St. Vincent De Paul Society, Kilkenny is holding a bag pack in Dunne’s Stores Kilkenny from Thursday, 25th to Saturday, 27th of November and is appealing for volunteers to assist in raising vital funds for the Christmas and winter period. If you can spare an hour or two to help in this rewarding work please contact any member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society or telephone Liam 087 212 0201.  Thank you.

Presentation Secondary School
Because of the feast of Christ the King the feast of the Presentation of our Lady is not celebrated on this Sunday. Presentation Secondary School, Loughboy pre-empted the event with a special Mass at St. Patrick’s Church on last Friday morning. In doing so the school community marked 210 years of Presentation education in Kilkenny and 25 years in their present school in our parish. A banner to mark the event remains in St. Patrick’s Church over the weekend. We join in congratulating all involved with the Presentation tradition in our city and parish.

Voices of Hope
St. Canice’s Parish presents a series called Voices of Hope – Reflections for November. The final event in this series will be a Service of Reconciliation and Healing which will take place on this Wednesday, 24th November at 7.30pm. Fr. Michael Drumm will speak.

Volunteer Appeal
Enable Ireland urgently needs volunteers to help with the running of their Charity Shop on High Street, Kilkenny. If you can spare two to three hours a week please drop into the shop or call (056) 776 1045 for more information. Thank you for taking action on disability.

Village E-Newsletter
James Stephens GAA has recently launched a new monthly e-newsletter which is being sent to all members, players, selectors and supporters of ‘The Village’. We wish to invite all people living in St. Patrick’s Parish and abroad to sign up to receive the monthly e-newsletter which will keep them up to date on all games, news, events and club development in James Stephens. To sign up, simply send your e-mail address to villageEnewsletter@gmail.com.

Coffee Morning
The School of the Holy Spirit coffee morning and sale of work will be held on Saturday, 27th of November in the school in Seville Lodge between 10.30am and 12.30pm. All welcome.

The Irish Catholic
The Irish Catholic newspaper is available each week at St. Patrick’s Church and St. Fiacre’s Church. Cost €1.30.

Peace in Christ
The Sisters gratefully acknowledge €758.00 from our parish at their recent gate collection.

Gala Concert
Please support a Gala concert in aid of Amber Women’s Refuge (Carlow/Kilkenny) on  Saturday, 27th November in St. Canice’s Cathedral at 8.00pm. Guests  include: Nóirín Ní Riain and AMEN; Soprano, Eve O'Connor (accompanied by Malcolm Proud); Alan Hayes, Size2Shoes and the Unity Singers.  MC: John Murray (RTE). Tickets: €20.00 (including raffle) from Shortis-Wong Delicatessen, John’s Street or Ryan’s Electrical, High Street and at the door. Doors open at 7.30pm.

Loughboy Library
Register of Electors - check the draft register by 25th November at Loughboy Library.
Toddler Hour - join in the fun of Storytime and Make & Do every Thursday at 11.30am. Free.

Advent Series of Talks
The Diocese of Ossory has organised a series of talks for Advent entitled Look not on our sins but on the faith of Your Church. It consists of three reflections exploring what it is to be Church today. Our Church is sinful and broken – have we embraced this reality fully?  What does this reality say about us?  What impact does it, or should it have on us?  Surely there must be hope but what is it?  
Why not join us for the series as we explore these and other questions?
Tuesday, 30th November: “One of you is about to betray me: Acknowledging the Judas’ among us”. Speaker: Fr. Dermot Ryan.
Tuesday, 7th December: “Deciding to stay? Looking for a renewed vision of Church”. Speaker: Ms. Ann Daly.
Tuesday, 14th December: “The people who have walked in darkness have seen a great light”: Our search for that light today”. Speaker: Fr. Dan Bollard
The talks will take place at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre and the format of each evening will be a short reflection for about 30 minutes and then the opportunity for discussion and questions.  Time: 8.00 – 9.00pm each evening.

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Thirty Third Sundy in Ordinary Time, 14th November 2010

Leaps But No Bounds
Social isolation can damage your health as much as smoking can. According to new research it can be as bad for you as smoking fifteen cigarettes a day, or daily binge drinking. It’s twice as harmful as being obese. Good relationships are crucial for physical and mental health. This is true not just for the elderly as previously thought but for people of all ages. Those with strong bonds to others are 50 per cent less likely to die over a seven-year period, for example, than those lacking quality relationships. One researcher explains that having a sense of meaning in life helps people to take better care of themselves. Today’s Second Reading (2 Thess 3:7-12) agrees. There, Paul says that we need to earn our bread. In other words, we must pull our weight in working with others for the common good. We don’t isolate ourselves emotionally or physically from others. We don’t become loafers, spongers or gossips. We remain active, and contribute to the common good. In that way, we remain in good shape – in every sense of the word. It also means looking out for those who because of circumstances may find themselves either in, or slipping into, social isolation. It means being on the watch so that we never lose our sense of meaning, or because of indifference allow another to lose theirs. In that way we revere God’s name in those he created and, as the First Reading (Mal 3:19-20) so charmingly puts it, we go out to face life ‘leaping like calves from the stall’.
Fr Tom Cahill SVD

Christ the King - Adoration
40 hours of adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will take place over the weekend of 19th to 21st November in St. Mary’s Cathedral to honour Christ Our King. St. Patrick’s Parish has been asked to cover 4 hours on Friday, 19th from 7pm to 11pm and also on Saturday, 20th November from 9pm to midnight. If you would like to do an hour of adoration during these times please contact the Sacristan.

Questions People Ask
Q. All these floods, tsunamis, earthquakes and disasters of recent years, are they a sign that God is angry with the world and that the end of this world is near? So I have been told.
A. Jesus in today’s Gospel tells us not to be misled by false, self-appointed prophets. He also tells us not to be frightened. At the time of the terrible Black Death plague, the mystic Julian of Norwich was granted a vision of God holding all that is like a little hazelnut in the palm of his hand. She was assured that God makes all things well. The God of love tells us not to be afraid.
Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

Pray for the Deceased

Recently Deceased: Patricia (Pat) O’Hara, Greensbridge, Agnes O’Shea, Drakelands. Johnny Delaney, Whitesbridge and London.

Anniversaries: John Glynn (Sat 6.15), Sr. Mary Clifford (Sat 7.00), Gerald & Patricia Moore (Sun 9.30), John Brennan (Sun 10.00), May Muldowney (Sun 10.30), Rena Brett (Sun 11.00), John Byrne (Sun 12.00), Mary & Anne O’Shea (Sun 12.30), Tommy & Barbara Rhatigan (Mon 9.30), Statia Grace (Tues 10.30), May O’Connell (Wed 9.30), Retired Nurses & deceased nurses (Wed 10.30), Patrick Morris (Thurs 9.30), Tommy & Barbara Rhatigan, James & Margaret Cantwell, Diana McCague, Joe Meehan, Dymphna Condon, Richie Delaney, Kathleen McCormack, Henry Tiernan, Tom Murphy, John & Mary Doyle, James Leahy.

Intentions for next weekend: Maura Leahy (Sat 6.15), Mark Butler (Sat 7.00), Joan Taggart (9.30), Bill Keogh (Sun 10.00), John Hand (Sun 10.30), Madge O’Brien (Sun 11.00), Eva Renehan (Sun 12.00), Deceased Members of St. Patrick’s Brass Band (Sun 12.30).

Divine Mercy
In honour of Divine Mercy, there will be an hour of adoration and prayer in the Capuchin Friary Church, Kilkenny on Sunday, 14th November from 3.00 to 4.00pm.

Retired Nurses' Association
On Wednesday, 17th November Mass will be celebrated for retired nurses, deceased nurses and their relatives and friends in St. Fiacre's Church, Loughboy at 10.30am. After Mass morning coffee/tea will be served in the parish centre adjacent to the church. A fundraiser for the Carlow/Kilkenny Home Care Team will take place. Please inform your colleagues and friends of this annual event.

St. Luke’s Hospital Annual Mass
St. Luke’s Hospital Annual Mass for deceased patients of Carlow/Kilkenny will take place on Wednesday, 17th November 2010 at 7.30pm in St. Fiacre’s Church, Loughboy. All welcome.

St. Patrick’s Brass & Reed Band
Mass for the deceased members of St. Patrick’s Brass and Reed Band will be held on Sunday, 21st November at 12.30pm in St. Patrick’s Church. All are welcome.

November Remembrance Service
The annual Remembrance Service takes place on Thursday, 25th November at 7.30pm in St. Fiacre’s Church. During this service we will remember all those who have died, especially those who have died during the past year.

Voices of Hope
During November St. Canice’s Parish presents a series called Voices of Hope – Reflections for November. Against the backdrop of continuing difficulties in our Church and in our country we hope that this time of reflection will offer some light and guidance in dark and confusing days. The series continues on this Monday, 15th November when Sr. Helena O’Donoghue, a Sister of Mercy, former secondary teacher and principal, speaks at the 7.30pm Mass.

Weekly Envelope Collection
The envelope collection last week amounted to €1,440. Contributions by standing orders amounted to €3,239.02 during October. Thanks for your continued generosity.

Bible Stories
Sr. Mairead Murphy invites you to a series of reflections on Bible Stories from 8.00pm to 9.00pm on the five Tuesdays of November. Venue: 33 Newpark Close. Contact 779 6123.

Re-launched Diocesan Website
The Diocese of Ossory has re-launched a completely revamped website at www.ossory.ie. It contains Catholic news and information from around the world in written and video format. It also provides information about all parishes in the diocese including Mass times and directions and maps to the churches.

Improving Social Connection
Kilkenny has been selected by the Ageing Well Network as an Ageing Well County. One important part of ageing well is keeping up contact with friends and family, and playing a part in the community. The Mercer’s Institute for Research on Ageing in St James’s Hospital Dublin, and the Ageing Well Network in Kilkenny, are conducting a research study in Kilkenny City and County, which aims to improve older people’s social connection. The study will involve a short term volunteer visiting programme whereby volunteers (over 55 years of age) will be asked to visit older people in their homes. The overall aim of the study is to determine whether a short term volunteer visiting programme can improve older people’s social connection and their physical and mental health. If you would like more information or to get involved in the study please contact Ms Maureen Tobin on 086 129 4353.

Coffee Morning
The School of the Holy Spirit Annual Coffee Morning and Sale of Work will
take place on Saturday, 27th November between 10.30am and 12.30pm in the new school in Seville Lodge, Callan Road, Kilkenny. There is something for everyone. All welcome. Contact Therese Buckley at 087 904 0208.

W.O.W
St. John of God Girls’ School is launching its W.O.W. Day (walk once a week) on Tuesday, 16th November. This is a part of their fourth Green Flag Initiative (travel). Children and their parents are encouraged to walk to school, particularly on a Tuesday.

The Irish Catholic
Copies of the Irish Catholic are on sale here every week. Be informed - be aware: get your copy here today. Price €1.30. 
(This paper featured St. Patrick’s Parish last weekend and was available free in our parish. Some free copies may still be available in the sacristies.)

Loughboy Library
Nintendo Wii training - this is your last chance to get in on the act! Come to Loughboy Library on Wednesday at 10.30am or 11.45am and the trainer will take you through the basics of rallying, boxing, bowling and many other exciting sports in the comfort of a warm, dry venue. Suitable for over 50s, there is no charge and lots of fun is guaranteed. Tel: 779 4176.

Young at Heart Club
The club will hold a church gate collection on 13th/14th November. Please support.

Our Families’ Mental Health
Due to the huge demand for our talk “Understanding and Protecting our Families’ Mental Health” by Dr. Fergus Heffernan, the talk will take place again at the Village Business Centre, Patrick Street on Wednesday, 24th November from 8.00 to 10pm. Cost €10. Booking is essential at 087 927 7479. Please notify interested friends and family.

Christmas Food & Craft Fair
The Carlow Christmas Food and Craft Fair will be held at the Dolmen Hotel, Kilkenny Road, Carlow on Sunday, 21st November. Dolmen Hotel, Kilkenny Road, Carlow. 11.00am to 5.00pm.

Parish Shop
A new range of Advent and Christmas stock such as cribs, Advent calendars and prayer books is now available to buy at the Parish Shop in the Parish Centre.

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Thirty Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, 7th November, 2010

Christ the King - Adoration
40 hours of adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will take place over the weekend of 19th to 21st November in St. Mary’s Cathedral to honour Christ Our King. St. Patrick’s Parish has been asked to cover 4 hours on Friday, 19th from 7pm to 11pm and also on Saturday, 20th November from 9pm to midnight. If you would like to do an hour of adoration during these times please contact the Sacristan.

First Saturday Devotion
This devotion will take place in St. Fiacre’s Church, Loughboy on Saturday, 6th November 6th after 6.15pm Mass. Prayers and adoration will end at 9pm. All are welcome.

Monthly Rosary
The monthly rosary on the first Sunday in James Green at the Statue of Our Lady of Kilkenny continues on this Sunday, 7th November at 3pm. All welcome.

Bible Stories
Sr. Mairead Murphy invites you to a series of reflections on Bible Stories from 8.00pm to 9.00pm on the five Tuesdays of November. Venue: 33 Newpark Close. Contact 779 6123.

Peace in Christ
The annual collection in aid of Peace in Christ Retreat House will take place this weekend. Peace in Christ is our diocesan retreat house and the sisters and staff provide an excellent service to all. We ask that you support this worthy church gate collection this weekend.

Voices of Hope
During the month of November St. Canice’s Parish presents a series called Voices of Hope – Reflections for November. Against the backdrop of continuing difficulties in our Church and in our country we hope that this time of reflection will offer some light and guidance in dark and confusing days. The series continues on this Wednesday, 10th November when Irish Times columnist Breda O’Brien speaks at the 7.30pm Mass.

Re-launched Diocesan Website
The Diocese of Ossory has re-launched a completely revamped website at www.ossory.ie. It contains Catholic news and information from around the world in written and video format. It also provides information about all parishes in the diocese including Mass times and directions and maps to the churches.

Westcourt News
The November Mass for the blessings of Edmund Rice on our lives and for his canonisation will be celebrated in Westcourt on Monday, 8th November at 7.30pm. All welcome.

Improving Social Connection
Kilkenny has been selected by the Ageing Well Network as an Ageing Well County. One important part of ageing well is keeping up contact with friends and family, and playing a part in the community. The Mercer’s Institute for Research on Ageing in St James’s Hospital Dublin, and the Ageing Well Network in Kilkenny, are conducting a research study in Kilkenny City and County, which aims to improve older people’s social connection. The study will involve a short term volunteer visiting programme whereby volunteers (over 55 years of age) will be asked to visit older people in their homes. The overall aim of the study is to determine whether a short term volunteer visiting programme can improve older people’s social connection and their physical and mental health. If you would like more information or to get involved in the study please contact Ms Maureen Tobin on 086 129 4353.

Retired Nurses' Association
On Wednesday, 17th November Mass will be celebrated for retired nurses, deceased nurses and their relatives and friends in St. Fiacre's Church, Loughboy at 10.30am. After Mass morning coffee/tea will be served in the parish centre adjacent to the church. A fundraiser for the Carlow/Kilkenny Home Care Team will take place. Please inform your colleagues and friends of this annual event.

Pray for the Deceased
Recently Deceased: Sr. Sheila Lynch, St. John of God Community, College Road. Breda Phelan, Clongowan. Funeral prayers at her home at 11.00am on Monday morning followed by removal to St. Patrick’s Church for Requiem Mass at 12 noon. Burial afterwards at Foulkstown Cemetery. Patrick Maher, Paulstown. John Moore, Dean Kavanagh Place. Agnes Byrne, Greensbridge.

Anniversaries: Mary Millea, (Sat 6.15), Richie Delaney (Sat 7.00), James Rafter (Sun 9.30), Charles Carroll (Sun 10.00), Mary & James Mulrooney (Sun 10.30), Margaret Moore (Sun 11.00), John Cullen (Sun 12.00), Henrietta Hyland (Sun 12.30), Bill Quinlan (Mon 9.30), Deceased Residents of Larchfield (Tues 10.30), Dominic Coll (Wed 10.30), Pat Fahy (Thurs 10.30), Eugene & Nora Curley (Fri 10.30), James & Margaret Purcell, Richard & Julia Ryan, Jack Wellford., Andy Egan, Margaret Shiels, Ellen Hickey, James Maher.

Intentions for next weekend: John Glynn (Sat 6.15), Sr. Mary Clifford (Sat 7.00), Gerald & Patricia Moore (Sun 9.30), John Brennan (Sun 10.00), May Muldowney (Sun 10.30), Rena Brett (Sun 11.00), John Byrne (Sun 12.00), Mary & Anne O’Shea (Sun 12.30).

Parish Bereavement Support
We offer one to one support to bereaved parishioners. Phone 086 162 9089 to make an appointment to meet members of the group, in the Parish Centre. This is a free and confidential service.

St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society
The monthly meeting of the society will take place after the 10.30am Mass in St. Fiacre’s Church on Friday, 12th November in the Parish Centre. New members very welcome.

Envelope Collection
The total for last week’s envelope collection was €2,262.00 Many thanks.

Cura
If you are pregnant and distressed and would like to talk to someone in confidence. Telephone 1850 622 626 or 772 2739.

The Irish Catholic
The Church in Kilkenny, especially St. Patrick’s Parish, is highlighted in a number of articles in this weekend’s The Irish Catholic. There is a FREE copy for every family in the parish. Please take one home and enjoy this paper which is one of the few Catholic publications available in this country. If you would like to receive a copy of The Irish Catholic each week, it costs €1.30. Please contact the Parish Office 056 776 4400.

On Sale at the Parish Shop
DVD showing Historic Video Footage of the Diocese of Ossory 1956 – 2007 (Featuring the construction and blessing of the Collier Wing, St. Kieran’s College, the granting of the Freedom of the City to Bishop Peter Birch, the Pastoral Renewal Conference in 1977 and the Ceremonial Installation of three Ossory Bishops). €10 each.

Altar Servers
Have you collected your rotas yet. Remember you must have parental consent to become a server. Rotas available at sacristies.

Young at Heart Club
The club will hold a church gate collection on 13th/14th November. Please support.

November Remembrance Service
The annual Remembrance Service takes place on Thursday, 25th November at 7.30pm in St. Fiacre’s Church. During this service we will remember all those who have died, especially those who have died during the past year.

November Offering
The November offering in support of the priests of the parish and the bishop is due this month. This is one of 5 collections and we are grateful for people’s continued support. During this month the priests of the parish offer a novena of Masses for the faithful departed of the parish. Once again, sincere thanks.

Parish Shop
A range of Advent & Christmas stock such as cribs, Advent calendars and prayer books are now available to buy at the Parish Centre.

IWA Angel Campaign
Angel Pins and Pencils go on sale from early November to raise vital funds for the Irish Wheelchair Association. When you support the Angel Campaign you are supporting services in your local community. IWA Centre is based at Claddagh Court, College Road, Kilkenny and provides a range of supports to individuals and families.

Village GAA News
The Village U12 panel got off to a flying start in the Carrigeen GAA U12 Floodlight Hurling Tournament last Friday with a 7-11 to 5-4 win over De La Salle (Waterford).
Our U-11/12 panel had a great end of season fun day trip to Dublin last Saturday. The players and coaches had a fantastic day out. Well done to Tadhg Donohoe and his coaches for organising this event.
U-14 League Champions: Heartiest congratulations to the Tim Butler managed Village U-14 No. 2 Panel on beating Dunnamaggin in the U-14 Roinn C Hurling League Final.

Weddings Bookings
At least 3 months notice is required for weddings. Contact the Parish Office.

Gospel Concert
David Worth Hinton, Gospel singer in concert at St. Fiacre’s Church on Tuesday, 9th November at 7.30pm.
Be touched by the powerful story and songs of ex-convict, alcoholic and drug user whose life was transformed. He now lives to see other’s lives touched and set free. You will be inspired and have a great evening. Admission free.

Loughboy Library
Naxos Music Library: Visit out website at www.kilkennylibrary.ie, click on the Naxos logo and listen to thousands of music tracks including classical, jazz and opera from the comfort of your home.
Toddler Hour - continues on Thursdays at 11.30am - children listen to and interact with the storyteller and also make some simple crafts to take home. All are welcome to this free fun morning.

Anniversary Masses
To book an anniversary Mass please contact the Parish Office on 056 776 4400. Names to be included in the anniversary list must be received in the Parish Office by Friday morning.

Loughboy Library...
New Books in Store - biographies of Tony Blair, Liam Hayes, Fr Brian Darcy & Beverly Callard.

Gut-Feeling
One thing can be said about life: it never ceases to amaze. Take, for example, a decade-long ocean census completed early this year. It uncovered a whole new world of a billion marine microbes. That’s an incredible 50,000 times more microbes than were known to exist before the census. How much more of life’s largesse do we short-change, I wonder.
Do we short-change life’s extravagance even in the case of human beings, particularly when a person’s earthly life has come to an end? How many are tempted to think, ‘Well that’s that! Finito!’ The Jewish sect in today’s Gospel reading (Luke 20:27-38) holds such a view. The Sadducees don’t believe in life after death. For them there is no such thing as bodily resurrection. Today, lots of people think that way too, or would claim they do. But that’s such a bleak outlook to have! Even were it true, I’d still crave some comfort – even that of delusion – to face the abyss of oblivion. Let delusion cushion the icy impact of eternal emptiness and the sickening thrust of a risible freedom that leads nowhere and to nothing. In such a case one might as well be a robot as a human being. So much of what we experience each day tells us that life is not a trickster. It tells us that we are players in a drama, not a farce. We can trust our intuitions, our insights and our feelings. There’s more ways to truth than through scientific observation and logical reasoning. Let’s never forget our gut.
Fr Tom Cahill SVD

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Thirty First Sunday in Ordinary Time, 31st October 2010

Holy Days in November
The Feast of All Saints is celebrated on Monday, 1st November. Holy Day Masses in our parish will follow the usual weekend schedule: St. Fiacre’s 6.15pm on Sunday, 10.30am and 12.00 noon on Monday; St. Patrick’s 7.00pm on Saturday, 9.30am, 11.00am and 12.30pm on Monday; St. Joseph’s 10.00am on Monday.
Staff and Service Users at the S.O.S. will attend the 10.00am Mass on Monday.
The Commemoration of the Faithful Departed is celebrated on Tuesday. Masses in St. Patrick’s at 9.30am and St. Fiacre’s at 10.30am.

Proclaiming the Word of God
We are currently recruiting people to proclaim the Word of God at Sunday Mass. Please contact any of the priests or a sacristan if you would consider fulfilling this role. Volunteers will be put on a roster and asked to read every few weeks.

An Evening of Prayer for Vocations
St. Patrick’s Parish Conference of the St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society will hold an evening of Prayer for Vocations on this Thursday, 4th November at St. Fiacre’s Church, at 7.30pm. The evening will consist of Holy Hour, Rosary and Mass. A cup of tea will be served afterwards in St. Patrick’s Parish Centre. All are welcome to come along and join in prayer for vocations to the priesthood and religious life in our diocese.

Bible Stories
Sr. Mairead Murphy invites you to a series of reflections on Bible Stories from 8.00pm to 9.00pm on the five Tuesdays of November. Venue: 33 Newpark Close. Contact 779 6123.

Peace in Christ
The annual collection in aid of Peace in Christ Retreat House will take place on Saturday, 6th and Sunday, 7th November.  Peace in Christ is our diocesan retreat house and the sisters and staff provide an excellent service to all. We ask that you support this worthy church gate collection next weekend.

Questions People Ask
Q. Recently at a wedding in another church everybody was invited to take communion. But at a Catholic wedding the priest at the start said that only practising Catholics should receive. Isn’t this rather narrow-minded and hurtful?
A. Catholic belief is that receiving the Lord in the Blessed Eucharist is the greatest privilege of our religion. The Catholic Church will not water down this doctrine and safeguards it with certain regulations: the recipient must be baptised and not in the state of mortal sin. A period of fasting is recommended as a mark of respect. By upholding these regulations we let others know how sacred the Blessed Eucharist is in our religion.
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM

Pray for the DeceasedRecently Deceased: Liam Brett, Inch Mills, Sion Road. Paddy Clancy, Red House, Kilmanagh.

Anniversaries: Birute Poskaite (Sat 6.15), Ann Shortall (Sat 7.00 Months Mind), Madge McIntyre (Sun 9.30), Jennifer Mulhall (Sun 10.00), Mary Byrne (Sun 10.30 Months Mind), Michael Phelan (Sun 11.00), Tom Shanahan (Sun 12.00), John Joe Kealy (Sun 12.30), Jack Garrehy (Sun 6.15), Paddy Wallace (Months Mind), Margaret Wallace (Sun 7.00), P.J. Marrinan (Mon 10.30), Henrietta Hyland (Fri 9.30), Anastasia Muldowney, Mary Kate Morris, John Drennan, Michael Mullins, Margaret Dunlop, Tess O’Neill, Anna, Michael, Mary & Paddy Bowe, Joe Gargan, Diane Keenan, Michael & Mary Lawlor, Patrick Cantwell, Margaret Skehan, Thomas Tynan.

First Holy Communion
We are delighted to welcome Andrea and Aidan Casey to receive the Eucharist for the first time at the 12.00 noon Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church on this Sunday. Andrea and Aidan have prepared well for this important event in their lives. We welcome them into full participation in our Eucharistic Community and look forward to sharing the Eucharist with them on a regular basis.

Credit Union Stamps Found
A number of Credit Union saving stamps were found in the offertory collection last weekend. If these were intended as a donation we will put them to good use - thanks. On the other hand, if they were dropped in by accident we would like to return them to the saver. Please contact the sacristan at St. Fiacre’s Church for further information.

St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society
A special meeting of the Society will take place on Wednesday, 3rd November after the 10.30am Mass in St. Fiacre’s Church. This meeting, which will take place in the Parish Centre, will be brief and it is hoped that as many members as possible will attend.

Envelope Collection
The total for last week’s envelope collection was €1,495.00. Many thanks.

Latin Mass
There will be a Traditional Sung Mass in St. Patrick’s Church on this Sunday, 31st October at 5pm. All welcome.

Altar Servers
The new altar servers rota is now available. Please collect at the sacristies.

Newsletter Extra
Items that do not fit in the printed newsletter are available on our parish website. Surf to www.patricksparish.net for particulars.

Re-launched Diocesan Website
The Diocese of Ossory has re-launched a completely revamped website at www.ossory.ie. It contains Catholic news and information from around the world in written and video format. It also provides information about all parishes in the diocese including Mass times and directions and maps to the churches. The site also hosts parish newsletters from around the diocese which subscribers can have emailed directly to their inbox. The site is a fount of information and help for locals and visitors alike.

Parish Feature in The Irish Catholic
St. Patrick’s Parish is among a number of Kilkenny parishes to be featured in next week’s The Irish Catholic newspaper. We look forward to reading the articles about life here in our parish. To mark the occasion (and let you get a ‘feel’ for the paper) the publisher is providing complementary copies next weekend. Make sure you pick up a copy at church.

Voices of Hope
During the month of November St. Canice’s Parish presents a series called Voices of Hope – Reflections for November. Against the backdrop of continuing difficulties in our Church and in our country we hope that this time of reflection will offer some light and guidance in dark and confusing days.
Series begins on this Thursday, 4th November when Baroness Nuala O’Loan will speak at 7.30pm Mass.

Westcourt News
The November Mass for the blessings of Edmund Rice on our lives and for his canonisation will be celebrated in Westcourt on Monday, 8th November at 7.30pm. Please note the change of date. All welcome.

James Stephens GAA
Mass for the deceased members of James Stephens GAA Club will be celebrated at the clubrooms at 8pm on Monday, 8th November.

Do This In Memory
We welcome this weekend those preparing for First Holy Communion in our parish’s primary schools. Those from Gaelscoil Osraí and Kilkenny School Project will attend 10.30am at St. Fiacre’s Church while those who attend St. Patrick’s De La Salle and St. John of God will be at 11.00am at St. Patrick’s Church. We welcome their parents and guardians and other family members who have come along.

The Kilkenny Gospel Choir
We welcome the choir to 12.00 noon Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church.
St. John’s De La Salle Reunion
50th Anniversary Reunion of 5th/6th Class St John’s De La Salle will take place at St John’s Senior School on Thursday, 4th November at 6.30pm. Mass at 7.00pm followed by refreshments. Please confirm intention to attend with Pat Gray (086 838 0658), Jim Kavanagh (087 280 5059) or Donie Butler (087 315 6359).

Illness or Health Care Issues?
Is chronic illness part of your life? Are you a carer or do you have a chronic health condition? Would a Self-Management Programme help? Self-management is about using simple skills to take control of the way you think and feel about your health condition/your caring situation and how you cope in everyday life. Six week course begins on Thursday, 4th November in the Castlecomer Community Hall from 10.00am to 12.30pm. For further information contact Anne Cody 087 902 8534 or check the website www.ceartpatientwise.ie

Church Gate Collection
Annual collection for Susie Long Foundation this weekend.

Loughboy Area Resource Centre
The following courses are available at the Bishop Birch Training Institute, Nuncio Road:
Women’s Fashion & Beauty starts on Wednesday, 3rd November from 7.00 - 9.00pm. 7 week class. Cost: €5 per class.
Older Persons Exercise through Dance Movement: dance/movement classes for over 50s.
Parents Exercise Class: Do you want to get in shape for Christmas? L.A.R.C are offering a fun aerobic class specifically for parents one morning a week at a low cost. Childcare may be provided. For details: Connie 056 776 4700.

H.Q - (HEADQUARTERS)
H.Q. (HEADQUARTERS) is a new space for young people in 6th Class who would like somewhere to go to hang out with other young people of their age. The club will be open every Tuesday evening from 5.00pm - 6.30pm in the refurbished Youth Centre, Desart Hall, New Street. It will be staffed by youth workers, volunteers and Transition Year/5th Year Student Leaders. It is a place for young people to meet new people, make friends, take part in activities. Membership fee of €2 per week.

On Sale at the Parish Shop
DVD showing Historic Video Footage of the Diocese of Ossory 1956 – 2007 (Featuring the construction and blessing of the Collier Wing, St. Kieran’s College, the granting of the Freedom of the City to Bishop Peter Birch, the Pastoral Renewal Conference in 1977 and the Ceremonial Installation of three Ossory Bishops).
DVD showing the Official Opening and Blessing of St. Patrick’s Parish Centre
in January 2010. €10 each

Home Alone
If there are little green men out there, why haven’t we seen any sign of them? They could be big instead of small and blue instead of green, like the Na’vi on Pandora in the sci-fi file Avatar. Size and colour don’t matter. What does matter is that to date we seem to be the only intelligent life form in this or any neck of the universe. According to recent scientific investigations complex life is rare even in our own galaxy and probably even rarer in other parts of the universe. Like it or not, it seems we’re home alone. That’s a scare scenario for some – and would be for all did God not exist. His word in today’s First Reading (Wis 11: 22-12:2) expands our min. It asks us to think big, to embrace the universe and allow the inevitable feeling of wonder to work its magic in our spirit. It tells us that God hates nothing he has made. What exists is here because he want s it here. As we’re still relatively new to the universe we’re still finding these things out. Therefore, an open mind is essential both towards little green men and God alike. The crowd in today’s Gospel (Luke 19:1-10) don’t have an open mind towards Jesus eating with Zacchaeus, a tax collector and, in their eyes, a sinner. Because of that, they miss out on an important truth: Jesus comes to seek out and save the lost. What truths do we need to open our minds to so as not to lose out?
Fr. Tom Cahill SVD

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, 24th October 2010

MISSION SUNDAY
Together in Mission - Mission Sunday 2010
The theme for World Mission Sunday in Ireland this year is Together in Mission. This togetherness found a deep resonance during Mission Month last year when we were praying for the safety and speedy release of Fr Michael Sinnott, the Columban Missionary who had been kidnapped in the Philippines. His plight and the response to it was a fitting tribute to how we are truly together in mission - each of us involved according to our circumstances, contributing our gifts of prayer, the offering of our sufferings and whatever financial contribution we can make to bring about the Lord's kingdom of justice and peace.
“The out-pouring of prayers, Masses, vigils, Holy Hours and other religious services offered for me while I was in captivity are an example of what lay people can do to support the missionary work,” wrote Fr Mick.
In his letter for Mission Sunday this year, Pope Benedict XVI wrote, “Please support the Younger Churches by your prayers. In spite of present economic difficulties, please also give them material support. The Mission Sunday collection organised by the Pontifical Mission Societies, to whom I express my gratitude, will go towards the support of priests, seminarians, religious and catechists in distant missionary lands.”

Mission Sunday Collection
Please give generously to the Mission Sunday collection this weekend and the proceeds will be forwarded to the Society for the Propagation. The collection will be taken up after Holy Communion at all Masses.
The Society for the Propagation of the Faith currently supports 1,096 mission dioceses. It works continually to increase public awareness of sharing the good news throughout the world and raise financial aid to assist Catholic missions. At present, more than 1,900 Irish missionaries are serving in 80 countries. Financial aid from this Society supports: formation of laity, building of mission churches, construction and support of pastoral centres, and provision of essential transport and equipment.
The Diocese of Ossory contributed €38,594 last year. Let’s keep up the good work. Thanks for your support and prayers.

Mission Sunday Posters
This year’s posters - see church porches - feature 79 year old Columban Missionary Fr. Michael Sinnott from Clonard in Wexford. Fr. Mick was captured last year and held for 31 long days. Following his release and some recovery time at home Fr. Mick returned to his mission in Pagadian in the Philippians. “It seemed the natural thing to return as I had worked here most of my life,” he said recently.

Ossory Listens
During May 2010 Bishop Freeman attended ten ‘Listening Sessions’ during which the people of the Diocese of Ossory had an opportunity to express their views about the current state of the Church in Ireland. The results were quickly compiled and published on the diocesan website and made available on photocopied pages in most parishes. The complete text has now been professionally printed in booklet form and copies are available in the church porches this weekend. Please ensure each household receives a copy.

Congratulations to our Gardeners
Well done to the dedicated team of volunteer gardeners and grass cutters who helped develop and maintain St. Fiacre’s Gardens surrounding our Parish Centre. While you may not always receive the recognition you deserve your work is not unappreciated. We are delighted with the news that the garden has been awarded 1st Prize in the Environmental Category of the Keep Kilkenny Beautiful Awards 2010. Well done to those involved. Keep up the work.

Please Return Chy 2 Certs
We appeal to those with outstanding Chy 2 Certs to complete and return them to the Parish Office immediately as we are about to make a submission to the Revenue Commissioners.
Readers in Church
We are currently recruiting people to proclaim the Word of God at Sunday Mass. Please contact any of the priests or a sacristan if you would consider fulfilling this role. Volunteers will be put on a roster and asked to read every few weeks.

Coffee with the Bishop
Bishop Freeman invites you to a Coffee Morning at his home, Blessed Felix House, Tilbury Place, Kilkenny, on next Friday, 29th October from 10.30am – 12.30pm in aid of the Special Olympics. Please come along for a cuppa and support this very worthy cause. All welcome. (Tilbury Place is just off James Street and a few metres from St. Mary’s Cathedral).

Weekly Envelope Collection
The envelope collection last week amounted to: €1,820. Thank you very much.

Altar Servers
Boys and girls in 4th Class and above who are interested in becoming Altar Servers should return their application forms this week. New rotas will be issued next weekend.

Get to Know Your Bible
‘An introduction to the Bible - The Bible in its Context’ continues at the St. Patrick’s Parish Centre on this Tuesday, 26th October from 10am to 12.30pm. We are delighted that about 25 people have enrolled to learn more about the Word of God. Costs €5 per session.

October Rosary
Members of the Legion of Mary will recite the rosary at the Seville Lodge Grotto, Callan Road each Sunday during October at 3pm.

Lost & Found
Two sums of money found between Lidl and St. Fiacre’s Church. For further information contact the Sacristan at St. Fiacre’s Church.
There is a lot of ‘found’ property in all our churches - eg. four spectacles in St. Patrick’s Church. Call in if you have mislaid something.

Bank Holiday Weekend
We welcome all who have joined us for the bank holiday weekend. We hope you enjoy your visit and return to your homes refreshed.
The only public Mass in our parish on Bank Holiday Monday will be at St. Patrick’s Church at 11.00am. Exposition of Blessed Sacrament at St. Fiacre’s Church from 12.00 noon.

Pray for our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased: Albert Bolger, Shandon Park. Mamie Shortis, Margaret’s Field..
Months Mind: Chrissie Scott (Sun 9.30)
Anniversaries: Nancy Coyne (Sat 6.15), Ned Nolan (Sat 7.00), Anthona & Neddy Burke (Sun 10.00), John Frawley (Sun 10.30), Paddy Cullen (Sun 11.00), Mary McCormack (Sun 12.00), Bernadette Delaney (Sun 12.30), Ann O’Shaughnessy (Tue 10.30), Bill Cody, John Drennan, Ned Mahon, Alfie Sheehy, John Cantwell, Patrick Cantwell, Anna, Mary, Michael & Patrick Bowe, Maura Crowley, Joe Dowling, Margaret Skehan.
Intentions Next Week: Birute Poskaite Sat 6.15), Ann Shortall (Sat 7.00 Month’s Mind), Madge McIntyre (Sun 9.30), Jennifer Mulhall (Sun 10.00), Mary Byrne (Sun 10.30 Month’s Mind), Michael Phelan (Sun 11.00), Tom Shanahan (Sun 12.00), John Joe Kealy (Sun 12.30).

Career Day
Meet employers from your community and have an opportunity to ask questions about different types of work at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre on next Friday, 29th October from 10.45am. All are welcome.

Federation for Victim Assistance
Interested in helping Victims of Crime? The Federation for Victim Assistance is setting up a branch in Kilkenny. This will provide a free and confidential service to all victims of crime and traumatic incidents.
If you are interested in volunteering or would like to know more you are invited to an information night at: Hotel Kilkenny on Wednesday, 27th October at 8pm. Contact the National Office on 066 7119830 or email to fedva@eircom.net for further information.

Interesting Local Courses
‘Child Welfare and Protection in Sport’ is a 4 hour basic awareness course looking at how we can keep adults and young people safe and happy within the club environment. Open to sports leaders, children's officers and other adults involved in the organization of sport for young people. St. Patrick’s Parish Centre on Wednesday, 10th November from 6.00pm. €20 per person - limited to 16 people per night.
‘Basic First Aid’ will take place in Desart Hall, New Street for four Monday nights, from 6.30pm to 9.30pm starting on 8th November. €80 per person to complete the course – limited to 16 people.
Provided by Kilkenny Recreation & Sports Partnership, Desart Hall, Kilkenny. Tel:  056 772 0870 for more information.

Kilkenny City Macra
Kilkenny City Macra will hold its next meeting on Monday, 8th of November in Glendine Inn, Kilkenny at 9.30pm. Macra na Feirme is a voluntary organisation for young people between the ages of 17 and 35. New members welcome. Please contact Mary at 085 283 9023 for further details.

Just for Fun
The Parish Priest was preoccupied with thoughts of how he was going to ask the congregation to come up with more money than they were expecting for repairs to the church building. Just before Mass, he asked the organist to think of something to play after he made the announcement about the finances.
During the service, the priest paused and said, “Brothers and sisters, we are in great difficulty; the church repairs cost twice as much as we expected and we need €20,000 more. Any of you who can donate €100 or more, please stand up.” At that moment, the organist started to play “Amhrán na bhFiann.”

Loughboy Library
Nintendo Wii Training for over 55s continues on Wednesday mornings at 10.30am and 11.45am. This is a wonderful fun way of getting some light exercise and meeting new like-minded friends. Tel 779 4176.

GAA Monthly Newsletter
James Stephen’s GAA Club is launching a monthly e-newsletter. To be included send an email to villageEnewsletter@gmail.com.

Trócaire - Pakistan Appeal
It is now three months since devastating floods hit Pakistan and Trócaire has expressed sincere thanks to everyone that supported its emergency appeal. Over the past few months people have generously donated over €5.5 million to help survivors of the disaster. Almost half of this, €2.5 million was raised as a result of the church collections that were held around the country in August. This figure is expected to increase to €4 million in the coming weeks. Thanks to the generosity of clergy and parishioners Trócaire was able to rescue over 20,000 people from the floodwaters in the first weeks of the disaster and provide more than 100,000 people with food, water, hygiene kits and other essentials. Trócaire is now providing seeds, tools and other essentials so that families can begin to recover and rebuild their livelihoods. Trócaire would like to thank dioceses and parishes for their extraordinary response to the Pakistan crisis. For more information about how your support has changed lives log onto www.trocaire.org or call 1850 408 408.

Questions People Ask
Every year I have this problem on Mission Sunday. Who gave Christians or any other religion the right to impose their beliefs on other people?
It was Jesus Christ who sent out his followers to proclaim his message by lifestyles and word to people of every nation and time. If your concern is about people’s rights, then remember that people have the right to know the truth about Jesus Christ who came to teach and save all people. Anybody who appreciates God’s love and mercy as revealed in Jesus Christ would want all people to share his belief and hope.
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM

U9 Tourney
Well done to the Village U9 panel who played outstanding hurling in the Kilmacud Crokes Cup hurling tournament. This group has made great strides under the guidance of Village coaches Liam Trant and Bryan Phelan. A big thank you must go to the players and coaches for your super effort in 2010. This panel will move onto the U10 grade in the new season.

Floodlight Tourney
The Village U12 A squad will be taking part in the annual Carrigeen floodlight hurling tournament throughout the next few weeks. The games will be played under flood lights in the fantastic astro-turf pitch in Carrigeen GAA. Best of luck to the players and mentors.

Irish Conker Championship Festival
The 11th Irish Conker Championship Festival takes place in the Village Square, Freshford this weekend; 22nd - 24th October.  Art, Craft and Book Stalls, a range of Halloween games and activities, Story telling, Pumpkin Carving and Penalty Soccer Shoot Out's - all in addition to the Irish Conker Championships which takes place today, Sunday, from 12 noon onwards. Art in the Annex Viewing of Championships is absolutely free, so come and join the fun!

The Race
The legendary Greek, Pheidippides, ran the first ‘marathon’ in 490 BC. Running 40 km from Marathon to Athens, he brought the good news of Persian defeat. Unfortunately he overdid it and dropped dead. Besides his good-news message, he brought another too – albeit unintended: if you run a marathon, prepare for it. You have to train a lot. You have to sacrifice time and comfort. And you must be able to cope with physical stress and endure pain. Yet each year more than 800 marathons are held worldwide. That means that several hundreds of thousands of people run 42.195 km in what is considered to be recreational running. In today’s Second Reading (2 Tim 4:6-8) Paul says that he has fought the good fight and finished the race. Neither is recreational. The distance he covers is not measured in kilometres, miles or any such units. It’s measured in terms of spiritual maturity. The ‘units’ used to measure this ‘distance’ are: faith, witness and proclamation. His, as ours, is not a race that covers distance. It covers time, and life’s experiences both good and bad. It covers advances and retreats, ups and downs, and the about turns we make in life. It covers the ‘walls’ we face that block our progress to God. It has its highs too: the exhilaration of insight, the thrill of hope’s promises, the calm of a clear conscience, the peace of mind from goodness shown and the security of God’s love. This good news is worth dying for. Paul did so. This is not Greek legend.
Fr. Tom Cahill SVD