Saturday, June 26, 2010

Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, 26th June, 2010

Testy Times
It used to be the terrible teens. Now it’s the terrible tots. Crèches in Britain are suspending up to fourteen young children a day, aged five and younger, for physical assault. Incidents where testy tots use violence against classmates and teachers rose six per cent in a year. I wonder what sort of tots the two disciples were in today’s Gospel reading (Luke 9:51-62). If they weren’t testy as adults. Inflated with importance they assume a power to ‘command fire to come down from heaven’ (v.54) and torch to death the inhabitants of a Samaritan village. Not very Christian that now, is it? Though close to Jesus physically as his followers they aren’t yet close enough to him spiritually to recognise what sort of person and what sort of messiah he is. It seems there’s baggage blocking the way: religious baggage that inflates their sense of election, of being God’s own people to the exclusion of others; political baggage that expects a freedom-fighter messiah to liberate the Jews from Roman tyranny; and social baggage that cultivates an elitist mentality that seduces them into thinking they can ride rough-shod over people like the Samaritans whom they despise.
Some ancient authorities add, ‘as Elijah did’ to v. 54 about commanding fire from heaven. In response to this hankering for former ways and attitudes Jesus rebukes them. I wonder does he have any such rebuke for us today as we carry out baggage, whether it be personal, social or institutional in these testy and testing times?
Fr. Tom Cahill SVD

St. Fiacre’s Well Annual Novena
The annual novena prayers begin at the well at 8.00pm on Sunday, 22nd August and continue each evening at the same time.
The novena will conclude with public prayers at the well at 3.00pm on Sunday, 29th August followed by the celebration of Mass.
All are encouraged to make this a special time of prayer in our parish and we especially invite those who are new to our parish to join us.

Questions people ask
Q. One of the corporal works of mercy is to bury the dead. Did Jesus contradict this when he said, ‘Leave the dead to bury the dead’? How can the dead bury the dead?
A. The context of this saying is important. Jesus is speaking of the undivided commitment required in those who are called to dedicate their lives to proclaiming the gospel in action or word. The person who receives this call is regarded as spiritually alive, whereas people lacking this enthusiasm are referred to as being dead. It is this undivided commitment which enables missionaries to leave home and family, painful thought it may be.
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

Cemetery Mass
The annual Foulkstown Cemetery Mass will take place on Thursday, 29th July at 7.30pm. Please remind your relatives and friends who may not see this notice. Thanks to all who participate in the annual event of remembering our deceased loved ones.

Rally for Life
The annual Rally for Life 2010 will be held at Belfast City Centre on Saturday, 3rd July 2010 at 2.00pm. Busses arranged from all over Ireland. Bus ex Kilkenny - to book please telephone 056 775 6024 or 056 776 5992. Bring family and friends and stand for life. Keep Ireland abortion free. Contact www.rallyforlife.net or 01 873 0463 for more information.

Loughboy Library
Friday night opening is now from 6 - 8pm. The Library Book Club meets this Thursday at 10.30am - the old classic “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee will be discussed. All are welcome. Free online access to the ECDL computer course is available to all through the library - enquiries to 779 4176. The Summer Reading Challenge for children kicks off on 6th July.

Pray for our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Fr. William Dineen, Cork. Danny White, Inistioge. Pauline Dunne, Tullamore.
Months Mind: Mary Deegan (Sun 12.00) Margaret Fay, England.
Anniversaries: Dick Martin (Sat 6.15), Anastasia Quirk (Sun 10.00), Ann Comerford (Sun 10.30), May & Paddy O’Neill (Sun 11.00), Lilian Beatty (Sun 12.30), Deceased Members of the Young at Heart Club (Wed 2.30), James Nugent (Sat 9.30), Martin Crotty, William Maher, Dixie Bateman, Joe Brennan, Dick O’Hara, Tommy Hayes, Paddy Doheny, Connor Doheny, John Fitzgerald, Michael Aylward, Fr. Andrew O’Dwyer, Richard Dunne, Richard McEvoy, Edward Beckett, Gabriel Doran, Seán Fitzpatrick, Mary Blunden, Patrick, Mary & John Kenny, Thomas Grace.
Intentions for next weekend: John Joe Traynor (Sat 6.15), Sean Hennessy (Sat 7.00), Pauline Kennedy (Sun 10.00), Sharon Galvin (Sun 10.30), Austin Murphy (Sun 12.00), Francis Ryan (Sun 12.30).

Child Protection
The training date for all volunteers (including priests) in St. Patrick’s Parish who work with children is Thursday, 1st July 2010 at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre from 7pm - 10pm. This is a compulsory course for all who work with children as sacristans, choirs, and children’s liturgy group members in St. Patrick’s Parish. All relevant people will be contacted by post.
We are grateful to those who volunteer and have agreed to help further our child protection policy in St. Patrick’s Parish.
 
Parish Centre
The Parish Centre remains open throughout the summer and is staffed by a dedicated group of receptionists who volunteer their time. We are grateful to them for their efforts in making the Parish Centre a welcoming place for parishioners and visitors. New volunteers are always welcome. If you think you’d like to help out, then let us know.

Young at Heart Club
The club members will hold their annual Mass for deceased members on Wednesday, 30th June in St. Fiacre’s Church at 2.30pm. All are welcome.

First Friday
Next Friday is the First Friday of July. The housebound and sick will be visited by the priests of the parish. If you or someone you know would like to be included on this sick list then please contact one of the priests. Due to a wedding commitment in Cork, Fr. Liam will not visit his sick list until the following Friday 9th July.

Schools Out
Our primary schools finish for the summer break this coming week. We wish all students, teachers and school staff a peaceful and restful summer break.

Parish Shop
On sale in the foyer of the St. Patrick’s Parish Centre is a wide selection of religious goods, anything from rosary beads to prayer books to statues. Come in and have a look. The volunteers at the desk will be happy to help.
Signed Mass cards are also available at reception. Suggested stipend for each Mass is €10 and an individual Mass is guaranteed. Masses are said by priests supported by Aid to the Church in Need (ACN).

Friday Adoration
Every Friday, special prayers are offered at parish Masses for the renewal of the Church in Ireland as requested by the Holy Father. The hour after each morning Mass is also dedicated to this renewal. If you would like to join in this Mass and adoration you are welcome.

Parish Website
We continue to update the parish website with new information, pictures and the weekly newsletter. Comments and suggestions are welcome. For those interested, the website is designed on an IMac computer.

New Book on Church Response to Abuse
Getting there firstest with the mostest is the way to win wars, according to Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest. A couple of Catholic journalists Gregory Erlandson and Matthew Bunson, have taken this to heart and rushed to press with a crisp, clear account of the recent turmoil in the Catholic Church. Pope Benedict XVI and the Sexual Abuse Crisis draws together the main threads of the debate without flinching from the misdeeds of the clergy or fulminating over the distortions of the media.
While the book does not pretend to give an exhaustive account of the major scandals and how they were addressed on a local and on a global level, it imposes an intelligible narrative on the rain of facts, smears, potted history, arcane terminology and revulsion which have filled the media since March.
The main focus of the book is to set the record straight about Pope Benedict’s record. Lunatic calls for his resignation seem to have subsided, but many people, even Catholics, harbour doubts about his commitment to cleansing the “filth” from the Church. This account, short as it is, should at least allay these fears. (From ‘Just B16’ Blog).

Light that Shines in the Darkness
Are you interested in priesthood in the Diocese of Ossory? For information on priesthood please contact Bishop Freeman on 056 776 2448 or Fr. Willie Purcell on 087 628 6858.

Catholic Dictionary
This week A-M
AMEN: The only part of a prayer that everyone knows.
BULLETIN: 1. Parish information, read only during the homily.
2. Catholic air conditioning.
3. Your receipt for attending Mass.
CHOIR: A group of people whose singing allows the rest of the congregation to lip-sync.
HOLY WATER: A liquid whose chemical formula is H2OLY.
HYMN: A song of praise, usually sung in a key three octaves higher than that of the congregation's range.
INCENSE: Holy Smoke!
JESUITS: An order of priests known for their ability to found colleges with good basketball teams.
JONAH: The original "Jaws" story.
JUSTICE: When kids have kids of their own.
KYRIE ELEISON: The only Greek words that most Catholics can recognize besides gyros and baklava.
MAGI: The most famous trio to attend a baby shower.
MANGER: 1. Where Mary gave birth to Jesus because Joseph wasn't covered by VHI.
2. The Bible's way of showing us that holiday travel has always been rough.
More next week...maybe

Anniversary Notices
Please get notices to the Parish Office early in the week. Thank you.

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time, 20th June 2010

Fathers’ Day
We join in wishing all the fathers in our parish a very happy and blessed day. Thanks for all you have done for us.

What Makes a Dad
God took the strength of a mountain,
The majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun,
The calm of a quiet sea,
The generous soul of nature,
The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages,
The power of the eagle's flight,
The joy of a morning in spring,
The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity,
The depth of a family need,
Then God combined these qualities,
When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so,
He called it ... Dad
Author Unknown

Questions People Ask
Q. What did Jesus mean in saying ‘Anyone who wants to save his life will lose it; but anyone who loses his life for my sake will save it’?
A. Here is a very important message for the people of our time. One of the fundamental errors of our age is the exaggerated focus on self-seeking as a disastrous programme for life. But self-denial in the service of love is the sure way to develop our human potential and reach deep fulfilment in life. It is in giving that we receive.
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

Cemetery Mass
The annual Foulkstown Cemetery Mass will take place on Thursday, 29th July at 7.30pm. St Kieran’s Cemetery Mass will take place on Friday, 25th June at 7.30pm. Please remind your relatives and friends who may not see this notice.

Crying Shame
It’s official: women cry more than men do. Researchers in Germany have discovered that while men shed tears six to 17 times a year women do so 30 to 64 times. And, whereas men go with the flow for two to four minutes, women’s tear ducts, once activated, stay in hyperdrive for up to six minutes. Furthermore, if a woman starts weeping she accelerates to full-blown sobbing in 65 percent of cases. For men, it’s six percent. Now to end this mini-deluge of drippy data: women cry when they feel inadequate, face dicey situations, or when remembering past events; men cry from empathy, or because of a failed relationship. That last bit makes me wonder how Peter feels in today’s Gospel reading (Luke 9: 18-24) when Jesus practically rebukes him for giving an honest answer to his question: ‘Who do people say I am?’ He doesn’t react when his disciples say John the Baptist, or Elijah, or a prophet, but he comes down heavily on them when Peter nails him as the Messiah. This is too close to the bone, Jesus’ hour for self-acceptance has not yet come. But it will. He journeys to self-knowledge and self-acceptance as we do: gradually. On that same journey our personal question is not about what others think of me but about what I think of myself. Has my ‘hour’ come for my discovery and acceptance of self as God’s son or daughter? If not, what a crying shame!
Fr. Tom Cahill SVD

Parish Pilgrimage to Knock
The annual parish pilgrimage to Knock takes place on next Thursday, 24th June. Coach departs St. Fiacre’s Church at 7.15am and St. Patrick’s Church at 7.20am. Fare €15 and tickets are only available at the reception desk at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre. Tickets must be purchased in advance. There are still a number of places on this pilgrimage. In order to finalize the necessary arrangements, tickets will only be available until Tuesday, 22nd June. This pilgrimage is open to anyone who is interested.

Pray for the Deceased
Recently Deceased: Fr. Michael Brennan SPS, Kiltegan. David Finnane, Talbot’s Inch. Danny White, Inistioge. Gerard Kelly, Aberdeen. David Murphy, 58 Old Newpark. Funeral after 12 noon Mass on Sunday to St. Kieran’s Cemetery.

Anniversaries: John Costigan (Sat 6.15), Joe Ayers (Month’s Mind, Sat 7.00 ), Catherine Roberts (Sun 9.30), Bill O’Neill (Sun 10.00), Johnny McEvoy (Sun 12.00), William Costelloe (Sun 12.30), Tom Sinnott (Wed 9.30), Johanna Leahy, Michael Larkin, Johanna O’Dwyer, Annie Murphy, John McMyler, Phil Kavanagh, Margaret McCarthy, Michael & Christina O’Driscoll, Anastasia Quirk, Bridie O’Neill, Kathy Purcell, Nicky Dullard.

Intentions for next weekend: Dick Martin (Sat 6.15), Anastasia Quirk (Sun 10.00), Ann Comerford (Sun 10.30), May & Paddy O’Neill (Sun 11.00), Mary Deegan (Months Mind Sun 12.00), Lilian Beatty (Sun 12.30).

Senior Citizens’ Collection
Many thanks to all who contributed to the recent St. Patrick’s Parish Senior Citizens’ Collection. The total raised was €1,219.43.

St. Vincent de Paul
The monthly collection for the St. Vincent de Paul Society will be taken up at all Masses this weekend. Please contribute generously.

Cemetery Committee
And while mentioning the upcoming cemetery Mass, we take this opportunity to say thanks to the cemetery committee who are doing Trojan work in maintaining the cemetery. This is an entirely voluntary group and each Monday they dedicate their time to looking after the grounds and graves. The latest work carried out is the upgrading of the centre walkway in the old cemetery and thanks to all involved.
St. Patrick’s Parish is committed to looking after our cemeteries and this can only be done with the generous goodwill of our parishioners. Please do all in your power to keep our cemeteries clean and tidy.

Child Protection
The training date for all volunteers (including priests) in St. Patrick’s Parish who work with children is 1st July 2010 at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre from 7pm - 10pm. This is a compulsory course for all who work with children as sacristans, choirs, and children's liturgy group members. All relevant people will be contacted by post.
We are grateful to those who volunteer and have agreed to help further our child protection policy in St. Patrick’s Parish.
 
Mass and the Witness of Charity
Speaking on the Eucharist and charity on Wednesday last, Pope Benedict XVI said “When we receive Christ the love of God expands inside us, radically modifying our hearts and making us capable of gestures which, by the contagious power of goodness, can transform the lives of people around us”.  “For the disciples of Jesus”, he went on, “witness of charity is not some passing sentiment; quite the contrary, it shapes their lives in all circumstances”…  The Eucharist “requires us to become, and at the same time makes us capable of becoming, the bread broken for our brothers and sisters, meeting their needs and giving of ourselves. For this reason, a Eucharist celebration that does not lead us towards men and women where they live, work and suffer, to bring them the love of God, fails to express the truth it contains”…
“In the present economic and social crisis, let us show solidarity with those who live in poverty, offering everyone the hope of a better tomorrow worthy of mankind”, the Holy Father concluded.

Concert for Haiti
Please support this week’s Gospel Choir concert to help build houses for the homeless in Haiti. The concert will feature Kilkenny Gospel Choir and the Dei Laudes Choir Tennessee, North Carolina at St. Fiacre's Church, Loughboy, Co. Kilkenny on Monday, 21st June 2010 at 8.00 pm. Admission by donation.

Adoration
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in St. Fiacre’s Church will conclude at 6pm on this Monday, 21st due to the concert for Haiti.

Clonmacnoise Youth Festival
The annual Clonmacnoise Youth Festival will be held from 12th - 15th August. The festival includes inspiring talks, live music and workshops. Those who attended in the past were greatly impressed. No cost - donation only. Bring a sleeping bag. This is a Catholic youth event for 16—35 year olds. The festival is organised by Youth 2000 event. See www.youth2000.ie for further information

St. Fiacre’s Well Annual Novena
The annual novena prayers begin at the well at 8.00pm on Sunday, 22nd August and continue each evening at the same time. The novena will conclude with public prayers at the well at 3.00pm on Sunday, 29th August followed by the celebration of Mass. All are encouraged to make this a special time of prayer in our parish.

Loughboy Library
From Tuesday the library will open at the earlier time of 10.00am. The summer reading challenge for children is called ‘Space Hop’ and commences on 1st July. Details from staff on 779 4176. The Writers Circle continues to meet each Thursday at 2.00pm and is growing in number. All writers are welcome. The Summer edition of “What’s on at Loughboy Library” is now available.

Knock Summer Youth Festival
This festival for youth takes place next weekend, 25th—27th June. Those who attend will have an opportunity to take part in workshops like dance, music, clay & pottery and drumming. For more information on the festival check out www.knock-shrine.ie/youthfestival or call (094) 938 8100 or 087692 7850.

Let’s Clean Up our City
We appeal to all to help in our city’s campaign to become the tidiest town in Ireland. Please dispose of your litter properly and, where necessary, pick up litter and bin it. As part of the national competition judges will visit our area in the very near future and every little effort helps. Please lend a hand and keep your area litter free. We will all benefit from a cleaner, tidier city.

Health Rally
A public rally will be held on Friday, 25th June at 2.00pm gathering at the Old Mart Site in protest against the 20 bed closure at Kilcreene Orthopaedic Hospital (reduction of surgeries by more than half) and downgrading of services in St. Luke’s Hospital and in other hospitals around the Carlow/Kilkenny area. Public support is needed as this will have a major impact on services required in an already over-stretched situation.

Gospel Choir
Advance notice, the Kilkenny Gospel Choir will provide music at St. Fiacre’s Church next Sunday at 12 noon Mass.

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, 13th June 2010

Soft Touch
A gribble is a sea worm, 1-4 mm long, and a pest. The scourge of seafarers, gribbles bore into ships’ planks and wreck them. Digesting their cellulose, they cause much destruction to marine timber structures such as jetties and piers. But, they’re peerless when it comes to recycling driftwood. Researchers have found that the enzymes gribbles use to break down woody cellulose and turn it into energy-rich sugars could convert wood and straw to liquid biofuel. So today’s pest may become tomorrow’s pet. By doing a-what-comes-naturally they help the environment.
The woman in today’s Gospel reading is also doing-a-what-comes-naturally (Luke 7:36-8:3). While it seems outrageous to the Pharisee that Jesus should be at ease with a woman of her type touching him, it really is a case of both her and Jesus doing a-what-comes-naturally: she, a sinner approaching him for forgiveness, and he, the Saviour, accepting the sinner graciously. The only one feeling discomfort is the Pharisee on the sideline. Despite any appearance to the contrary that can prove an uncomfortable place to be, at least for Christians, the self-righteous and hypocrites. Jesus is open to all people, particularly those to whom society is closed. But he’s more than open. He doesn’t wait in the wings for them to approach him. He seeks them out and brings them centre stage. Just as researchers have discovered that the grubby little gribble has something worthwhile to offer society, so too do we discover that those whom society considers grubby have much to offer when we regard them as Jesus does.
Fr Tom Cahill SVD

Questions people ask
Q. My faith in the Church as an institution has been totally shattered. How can I ever respect a corrupt Church?
A. Think of one way that an orange is different to a potato. One bad spot in the orange and the whole fruit is contaminated. But a black spot in a potato can be picked out and the remainder is grand. The Church, I suggest, is the potato rather than the orange. The regrettable behaviour of a small minority does not mean that the entire Church is corrupt. The behaviour of Judas or the lies told by Peter did not mean the apostles were entirely corrupt. The idea of an all perfect Church is a figment of romantic desire far removed from the kingdom of weeds and wheat.
Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

Pray for Our Deceased
Recently Deceased: Danny White, Inistioge. Paul O’Kane.
Months Mind: Billy O’Brien (Sun 12.00)
Anniversaries: Paddy Noonan (Sat 6.15), John Kenny (Sat 7.00), Aoife Rose Lanigan(Sun 9.30), Martin Brennan (Sun 10.00), Dan Maher (Sun 10.30), Joseph Murray (Sun 11.00), Jonathan Barry (Sun 12.30), Liam Drohan (Tues 9.30), Mary Deegan (Wed 10.30), Des Manning, Patrick Morris (Fri 9.30), Martin (Murt) Rowe, Annie Donnelly, Paddy & Martha Grace, Michael & John Barry.
Intentions for next weekend: John Costigan (Sat 6.15), Joe Ayers (Sat 7.00 Months Mind), Catherine Roberts (Sun 9.30), Bill O’Neill (Sun 10.00), Johnny McEvoy (Sun 12.00).

St. Patrick’s Senior Citizens
The gate collection this weekend is in aid of St. Patrick’s Parish Senior Citizens Party. Please support this worthy cause. The party is enjoyed every year by people from our parish.

De la Salle Field Day
The annual St. Patrick’s De la Salle Field Day takes place this Sunday, 13th June in the School Field in Coote’s Lane.
A fun day is promised for everyone and your support would be greatly appreciated.
The day will include: sports, bric-a-brac, book sale, cake sale, wheel of fortune and much more.

Child Protection
The training date for all volunteers (including priests) in St. Patrick’s Parish who work with children is 1st July 2010 at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre from 7pm - 10pm. This is a compulsory course for all who work with children as sacristans, choirs, and children's liturgy. All relevant people will be contacted by post.
We are grateful to those who volunteer and have agreed to help further our child protection policy in St. Patrick’s Parish.

Parish Pilgrimage to Knock
The annual parish pilgrimage to Knock takes place on Thursday, 24th June. Coach departs St. Fiacre’s Church at 7.15am and St. Patrick’s Church at 7.20am. Fare €15 and tickets are only available at the reception desk at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre. Tickets must be purchased in advance. In order to finalize the necessary arrangements, tickets will only be available until 22nd June. This pilgrimage is open to anyone who is interested.

St. Patrick's Special School
Congratulations to the pupils of St. Patrick’s Special School, Kells Road who received their First Holy Communion on Saturday in St. Fiacre’s Church . May God’s blessing through the Eucharist stay with them throughout their lives.

Kilkenny School Project
Congratulations to the pupils of the KSP who received their First Holy Communion this Sunday in St. Fiacre’s. We pray this experience of Eucharist will bring them closer to God and to each other.

Loughboy Library News
Wii Training for over 55’s, Tuesday’s. Free 7 week computer course available. Creative writing for teenagers at the Watershed, Friday 18th June. LARC exhibition of dress making and weaving on display until June 26th. Contact Library for details of above.

Parish Shop
On sale in the foyer of the Parish Centre is a wide selection of religious goods. Everything from rosary beads to prayer books to statues. Come in and have a look. The volunteers at the desk will be happy to help.
Signed Mass cards are also available at reception. Each card is an undertaking to have an individual Mass offered. Masses are said by priests supported by Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) which is mainly in third world countries. Stipends received from these Masses are the main source of income for many priests so, not only are you getting a Mass offered, you are also supporting priests in needy parts of the world.

Notices and Bookings
In order to help us help you, please note that:
At least three months notice is required for those getting married. This minimum three months applies equally to the State.
For baptisms: at least two weeks notice is required so that we can inform the baptism team.
Those wishing to book anniversary/months mind Masses are advised to book well in advance as bookings are on a first come first served basis.
Anyone wishing to book halls or rooms in the parish centre can do so through Mr Ted Byrne on 776 4400.

Shreddies Park Tennis
Lessons for beginners and improvers in July at Presentation Secondary School. No experience necessary and equipment is supplied. Lesson charges apply. Registration Saturday 19th June, 2-4pm at the Presentation school.


Light that Shines in the Darkness
Are you interested in priesthood in the Diocese of Ossory? For information on priesthood in the diocese please contact Bishop Séamus Freeman on 056 776 2448 or Fr. Willie Purcell on 087 628 6858.

Exam Time & Humour
We continue to keep in our prayers all who are sitting their Junior and Leaving Certificate exams. Please God, things are going well and do keep in mind that there’s life beyond exams.
An email was sent to me during the week which reminded me that there can also be some humour in exams, even if there is no marks. Here’s a sample.
Q. Who was Sir Walter Raleigh?
A. He was a noted figure in history because he invented cigarettes and started a craze for bikes.
Q. What did Mahatma Gandhi and Genghis Khan have in common?
A. Unusual Names .
Q. What was the Romans’ greatest achievement?
A. Learning to speak Latin.
Q. Where was the American Declaration of Independence signed?
A. At the bottom.
Q. Name six animals that live specifically in the Arctic.
A. Two polar bears and four seals.
Q. Where was Hadrian’s wall built?
A. Around his garden.
Q. What is a fibula?
A. A little lie.
Q. What is a stand-alone computer system?
A. One without a chair.
Any finally, my favourite...
Expand (a+b)n
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Cemetery Mass
The annual Foulkstown Cemetery Mass will take place on Thursday, 29th July at 7.30pm. Please remind your relatives and friends who may not see this notice.

Cemetery Committee
And while mentioning the upcoming cemetery mass, we take this opportunity to say thanks to the cemetery committee who are doing trojan work in maintaining the cemetery. This is an entirely voluntary group and each Monday they dedicate their time to looking after the grounds and graves.
The latest work carried out is the upgrading of the centre walkway in the old cemetery and thanks to all involved. St. Patrick’s Parish is committed to looking after our cemeteries and this can only be done with the generous goodwill of our parishioners.

Summer R & R
We say thanks to the choirs and other parish groups that will soon be taking a break for summer. Your efforts and commitment to our masses and other activities is greatly appreciated. Enjoy the summer and we look forward to seeing you back in September.

Training Day
A training in fire safety and procedure is being organised for all receptionist in the parish centre. Those who volunteer there time at the centre will be notified in the next few weeks.

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Corpus Christi 6th June 2010

The Body and Blood of Christ
Brainstorming is about to take on new meaning if research in brain science has its way. Already scientists can convert into crude video footage the brain’s activity from watching or even remembering something. In the US, security agencies are experimenting with brain scanners for interrogating prisoners. They’re also studying ways of scanning brains from a distance to probe a person’s thoughts and anxieties without their knowledge, for example at airports. The Eucharist also probes – but the hearts, and up close and personal – to share thoughts, feelings and anxieties. It doesn’t intrude into your privacy but invites you to a faith-filled encounter with God and friends. It eases life’s burdens through mutual support, affirmation and service. It does so through sharing time, talents and goodwill with others not just during Mass but also outside of it. We see this in today’s Gospel reading (Luke 9:11-17). Jesus tells his disciples to feed the crowd following him (v. 13). They say they don’t have enough food to go round. That doesn’t bother Jesus. So they just do what they’re told and start sharing the little they have. And, surprise, surprise, they have more than enough to feed everybody. This is why Jesus gave us the Eucharist. This is why we go to Mass. To become sharers with others. To give to, and accept from, another human being. I wonder if our brains were scanned as we celebrate the Eucharist what images would be reproduced: those of daze, flat-lined by consubstantiality, or those of vision pulsating from simple words of life?
Fr. Tom Cahill SVD

Exam Time
We wish all the very best to the many young people from our parish who will begin their Junior and Leaving Certificate examinations this coming week. After years of study, all the hard work and acquired knowledge will pay off, please God and give a good result to all.
We will continue to pray for those doing examinations at our daily Masses.
St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society
The monthly meeting of the St. Joseph’s Young Priests’ Society will take place in the St. Patrick’s Parish Centre immediately after the 10.30am Mass in St. Fiacre’s Church on Friday, 11th June 2010.

Questions People Ask
Q. In simple language, what is meant by transubstantiation?
A. The substance of something is its inner reality underneath the outward features such as appearance or taste (these are called its accidents). Transubstantiation means the changing of this substance or inner reality, although the outward appearances and taste remain unaltered. St Thomas Aquinas described how faith, based on God’s word, recognises the Lord’s presence in the Eucharist. ‘Sight, touch, taste in thee are each deceived, The ear alone most safely is believed.’ Belief in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Blessed Eucharist is not based on scientific analysis but on the words of Jesus: ‘This is my Body, this is my Blood.’
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

Child Protection
The training date for all volunteers (including priests) in St. Patrick’s Parish who work with children is 1st July 2010 at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre from 7pm - 10pm. This is a compulsory course for all who work with children as sacristans, choirs, and children's liturgy. All relevant people will be contacted by post.
We are grateful to those who volunteer and have agreed to help further our child protection policy in St. Patrick’s Parish.

Congratulations
We congratulate the students from the School of the Holy Spirit who received their First Holy Communion on Thursday. Our special good wishes go to Cian Buckley and Jake Morrissey and their families who are both from our parish. We welcome them to full communion with our Eucharistic Community.
50th Eucharistic Congress
The 50th International Eucharistic Congress will be held in Dublin in 2012. To help defray the costs of the event and to provide a programme of evangelisation, catechesis, solidarity and celebration in the two year period running up to the congress the Irish Episcopal Conference has agreed to the holding of a special collection in every church in Ireland on the Feast of Corpus Christi, which falls on this Sunday. Please support this national collection.

Bank Holiday Arrangements
We welcome all who have come to join us for this bank holiday weekend. Please God we will all enjoy a safe holiday. Mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick’s Church at 11.00am on Bank Holiday Monday. Please note: there will be no 9.30am Mass at St. Patrick’s Church and no 10.30am Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church.
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will be as usual in St. Fiacre’s Church from 12 noon until 10.00pm.

St. Patrick’s Parish Centre
The Parish Centre will be closed on Monday due to the bank holiday. It will reopen as usual on Tuesday.

Guitar Lessons
There will be no guitar lessons at the Parish Centre on Monday because of the bank holiday. Lessons will resume on Monday, 14th June. Contact the Parish Office for details.

Parish Pilgrimage to Knock
The annual parish pilgrimage to Knock takes place on Thursday, 24th June. Coach departs St. Fiacre’s Church at 7.15am and St. Patrick’s Church at 7.20am. Fare €15 and tickets are only available at the reception desk at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre. Tickets must be purchased in advance. In order to finalize the necessary arrangements, tickets will only be available until 22nd June. This pilgrimage is open to anyone who is interested.
Cemetery Mass
The annual Foulkstown Cemetery Mass will take place on Thursday, 29th July at 7.30pm. Please remind your relatives and friends who may not see this notice.

Mass at Westcourt
Due to ongoing renovations at Edmund Rice Centre, Westcourt, Callan there will be no Mass at Westcourt on the first Monday of June. The monthly Masses will resume in September.

Rosary
James Green at the statue of our Lady of Kilkenny, Sunday 6th June at 3pm. All are welcome.

Pray for our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Declan Dunne, Tullamore. Catherine Walsh, Kilmacow. Margaret Fey, England. Con Power, Cuffesgrange.
Months Mind: Joan Smithwick (Sun 10.00)
Anniversaries: Sarah Mullally (Sat 6.15), Gerry Keyes (Sun 7.00), Jim O’Brien (Sun 10.30), John & Ellen Ryan (Sun 11.00), Mary & Billy Butler (Sun 12.30), Bridget Brennan (Tues 10.30), Joseph Curry (Wed 9.30), Catherine Kirwan (Thurs 9.30), Patrick & Margaret Cantwell (Thurs 10.30), Bridget & Jack Leahy (Fri 10.30), Seamus Dowling, Monsignor Martin Campion, Anastasia Massey, Annie Carroll, Eamonn, Padraig & Seamus Costello, Patrick Lanigan, John Scott, Nelly Doyle, Pauline Dalton, Rose Ryan, Maura Kehoe.
Intentions Next Weekend: Paddy Noonan (Sat 6:15), John Kenny (Sat 7.00), Aoife Rose Lanigan (Sun 9.30), Martin Brennan (Sun 10.00), Dan Maher (Sun 10.30), Joseph Murray (Sun 11.00), Billy O’Brien (Months Mind Sun 12.00), Jonathan Barry (Sun 12.30).

Dochas Nasamu
The Irish Run Aids run orphanage in Nairobi, Kenya is holding a used clothing appeal on Thursday, 10th June, before 12 noon, at the Parish Centre Carpark. For further information, please contact Marie on 087 689 0995.

Parish Shop
On sale in the foyer of the Parish Centre is a wide selection of religious goods: anything from rosary beads to prayer books to statues. Come in and have a look. The volunteers at the desk will be happy to help.
Signed Mass cards are also available at reception. Each card is an undertaking to have an individual Mass offered. Masses are said by priests supported by Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) which is mainly in third world countries. Stipends received from these Masses are the main source of income for many priests so, not only are you getting a Mass offered, you are also supporting priests in needy parts of the world.

Notices and Bookings
In order to help us help you, please note that:
At least three months notice is required for those getting married. This minimum three months applies equally to the State.
For baptisms: at least two weeks notice is required so that we can inform the baptism team.
Those wishing to book anniversary/months mind Masses are advised to book well in advance as bookings are on a first come first served basis.
Anyone wishing to book halls or rooms in the parish centre can do so through Mr Ted Byrne on 776 4400.

Church Gate Collection
The Irish Red Cross will hold their Church Gate Collection this weekend.
Prayer and Healing Service
You are invited to a prayer service led by Janice and Moss Carrig, Holy Spirit Ministry, Limerick on Sunday, 13th June at 3.00pm in the Cathedral of the Assumption, Carlow. Experience the peace and power of the Holy Spirit and the loving touch of Jesus. This special afternoon will consist of prayer, praise, music, scripture, testimony, laying on of hands and prayer for healing for our Nation and Church.

Loughboy Library
From mid-June the library will open each morning at 10am and Friday evening opening will now be 6—8pm. Exhibition: The Loughboy Area Resource Centre will exhibit crafts and paintings at the library from June 8th - 26th. This is a free service open to all. Bookings: 779 4176.

Cat Laughs and Dog Flips
This being the Cat Laughs Festival Weekend and with the hurling season upon us...
A man was walking his dog one day and was stopped by a couple who complimented him on such a lovely animal. ‘That dog is very special,’ said the man, ‘since a pup I’ve brought him to every hurling match Kilkenny have played.’ ‘Really?’ replied the couple. ‘Yes,’ replied the man, ‘and that’s not all, he can keep score too. When Kilkenny score a point, he puts one paw up and barks. When they score a goal he puts both paws up and does a back flip. ‘And what does he do if Kilkenny loses?’ asked the couple. ‘I don’t know,’ replied the man, ‘I’ve only had him 5 years.’

Light that Shines in the Darkness
Are you interested in priesthood in the Diocese of Ossory? For information on priesthood in the diocese please contact Bishop Séamus Freeman on 056 776 2448 or Fr. Willie Purcell on 087 628 6858.