Saturday, July 31, 2010

Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, 1st August 2010

Bank Holiday Arrangements
We welcome all who have come to join us for this bank holiday weekend. Please God we will enjoy a safe and restful 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 begin at St. Fiacre’s Church at 12 noon.

Questions People Ask
Q. Where are the original manuscripts of the Gospels and letters of St Paul?
A. There are no surviving original manuscripts of any part of the Bible, just as there are no original fragments of any of the famous Greek or Roman writers of that period such as Virgil or Cicero. We depend on copies of all these writings and copies of copies. Copyists were far from perfect and there are thousands of variations among the documents. The oldest surviving fragments of New Testament texts date from about 150 AD. The oldest complete New Testament dates from the fourth century. Some of the oldest fragments, dating from 250 AD are lodged in the Chester Beatty Library in Dublin.
Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

Pray for Our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased: Baby Rokas Sinkevicius, College Avenue. Mass of the Angels at St. Patrick’s Church at 11.00am on Tuesday.

Months Mind: May Egan (Fri 10.30).

Anniversaries: Eileen Grace (Sat 6.15), Larry & Margaret Langton (Sat 7.00), Denis Treacy (Sun 10.00), Peter Keenan (Sun 12.00), Peggy Marnell (Tues 9.30), Martin Doheny, Joseph Browne, Michael Browne, Mary Holland, Mary Tynan, Chrissie Drennan, Jim Devlin, Edward Kirwan, Breda O’Hara, David, Jim and Peggy Gaffney.

Intentions for next weekend: Sr. Patrick Norman (Sat 7.00), Phil O’Neill (Sun 10.00), Martin Mulhall (Sun 11.00).
May they rest in peace. Amen.

Community’s Heartbreak
All in our parish are heartbroken at the news of the tragic death of nineteen month old Rokas Sinkevicius. The Sinkevicius Family is part of our small Lithuanian Community and has opted to hold the funeral at St. Patrick’s Church at 11.00am on Tuesday. Please pray for Rokas’ parents, twin brother and sister at this painful time in their lives.

Mrs. Nichola Lynas
An ecumenical service in thanksgiving for the life of Mrs. Nichola Lynas will be held at St. Canice’s Cathedral at 3.00pm on this Sunday. The late Mrs. Lynas taught in the St. John of God Girls’ School for 17 years until she resigned to go live in Bermuda last year. May she rest in peace.

Foulkstown Cemetery Mass
Thanks and well done to all involved in the preparation and celebration of the annual Cemetery Mass at Foulkstown. Blessed with ideal weather conditions we enjoyed a wonderful celebration on Thursday evening. Thanks to all who attended and thanks too for the generous donations to the cemetery fund.

RTE Masses
St. Patrick’s Parish continues to broadcast on the national airwaves. Today Fr. Roderick and the Kilkenny Gospel Choir will celebrate televised Mass from the RTE Studios in Dublin while Fr. Dan and the St. Patrick’s Adult Folk Choir will broadcast radio Mass from Foulkstown at 10.00am. The Masses will be on RTE 1 Television at 11.15am and RTE Radio Longwave 252 at 10.00am. Good luck to all.

Medjugorge
A group of about thirty Kilkenny people in their late teens and early twenties travelled on pilgrimage to the International Youth Festival in Medjugorge on last Friday. Included were six members of St Patrick’s Parish. They have promised to pray for us while in Medjugorge. We wish them well and hope they returned renewed.

Rosary
The monthly rosary on the first Sunday in James Green at the statue of our Lady of Kilkenny continues this Sunday, 1st August at 3pm. All are welcome.

First Friday
Next Friday is the first Friday of the month and the priests of the parish will visit the sick and housebound at the usual times.

St. Rioch’s Cemetery Mass
Annual cemetery Mass in St. Rioch’s Cemetery, Walkin Street will take place at 7.30pm on Thursday, 5th August. All welcome.

Cleaners and Collectors
We currently need the talents of cleaners and collectors, particularly in St. Patrick’s Church. Please contact the Parish Office if you think you can help.

Trócaire
Trócaire representatives will visit houses within Kilkenny City during the first week of August looking for support from the public as part of their door-to-door fundraising campaign. This support consists of asking the public if they would consider signing up to a direct debit and making ongoing regular monthly contribution to this work. The decision to continue with door-to-door fundraising has not been taken lightly and has been greatly influenced by a reduction in income to Trócaire of €7 million institutional funding from Irish Aid and a recent downturn in Lenten returns. Since November 2008 this campaign has been very successful with 22,000 people nationwide committing to make a regular donation securing a new income of €2.7 million to Trócaire.

Bus to All-Ireland Semi Final
James Stephens GAA Club will be running a bus to the Kilkenny v Cork All-Ireland Senior Hurling Semi-Final in Croke Park on Sunday, 8th August. Anybody interested in booking a place must contact club bar manager Martin Murray at 086 161 0146.

A Wholesome Soccer Story
The coach of Spain’s world champion soccer team, Vicente del Bosque, is a man of few words and gestures.  However, last week he experienced one of the most emotional moments of his life when he fulfilled the dream of his 21 year-old son Alvaro, who suffers from Down’s Syndrome, by allowing him to hold up the World Cup trophy to the applause of the team. “My son changed my life,” Del Bosque has said on more than one occasion.  Alvaro is his second son, and Del Bosque learned that he had Down’s syndrome several weeks after his birth.  “At first we cried a lot,” he told author Gemma Herrero for her book, “39 Stories of Solidarity Surrounding Sports,” but he added, “Now when I look back I think, we were so foolish.” Del Bosque has been married to his wife Trini for 30 years, and they have three children: Vicente, 23, Alvaro, 21 and Gemma, 17.  Having a son with Down’s syndrome was a trial that prepared the soccer coach to face any difficult challenge, including the last minutes of the World Cup final.
Alvaro has inherited the love of soccer from his father. He is a huge fan and has even questioned his dad’s coaching decisions. He welcomed his victorious father home from South Africa with the rest of the team.  A few months ago, he made his dad promise that he would let him be in the victory parade in Madrid if the team won. Del Bosque kept his promise.

Clonmacnois Youth Festival
Youth 2000 invites you to join them for their Summer Festival from 12—15 August 2010 in Clonmacnois, Co. Offaly.  The dynamic programme for 16 - 35 year olds includes music, drama, prayer, talks, workshops, reconciliation and healing service, games and chill time.
It is a donation only weekend, all you need to bring is a sleeping bag. There will be free transport available, for pick-up points near you and for more information check out www.youth2000.ie or contact the National Office 01 675 3690.

Notices and Bookings
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. Those wishing to book rooms in the Parish Centre should phone Mr Ted Byrne on 776 4400.

Ballykeeffe Amphitheatre
Legendary Tír na nÓg play Ballykeeffe Amphitheatre at the Bank Holiday Mini Fest. A fantastic evening of Irish folk rock music in its purest form mixed with the mystical setting of the Ballykeeffe Amphitheatre is a recipe for one of the best evenings out this summer. Tír na nÓg will play on Saturday 31st July at 8.00pm. Beethoven to Beatles on Sunday, 1st August from 3.00pm. Ballykeeffe Amphitheatre will host a wonderful afternoon of live music and light-hearted fun for all the family and all ages.  Bring along a picnic or enjoy some of the refreshments available. To add to the wonders of the afternoon the Alpha Quartet will play their beautiful music.  Tickets: Kilkenny Book Centre, High Street; O’Connor’s Shop, Kilmanagh; Ticketmaster.ie and at the venue. For more details visit www.ballykeeffe.com.

Loughboy Library
“Having Fun” is the title of the photographic exhibition from Drakelands Nursing Home which will be on display at Loughboy Library until 14th August. ECDL and other computer courses are free through the library service and FAS.

Meals on Wheels Volunteers
Voluntary drivers are urgently needed for Kilkenny Social Services “Meals on Wheels” service. If you are a car owner and could spare one hour per week - we would like to hear from you. Our meals need wheels for this much needed service for those in our care and the elderly who are house bound. Please contact Kitty or Kay on 772 1685.

Moving On Overcoming Depression
A group for relatives of those experiencing depression meets on the first Wednesday of every month at 8.00pm in St. Mary’s Centre, Haughney Green, Kilkenny. Next meetings: 4th August and 1st September. The meetings are confidential and offer an opportunity for relatives/friends to get information and support.


Vanity of Vanities
Brain scans are revealing. Take the ones done on teenagers listening to music. These show that insecurity and not personal preference dictates what songs they call ‘cool’. In one study they listened to tracks and rated how much they liked them. After a break, they listened to them again some having been shown a popularity rating based on how many times a track had been downloaded. While 12 per cent of those who didn’t know whether others liked a track or not changed their ratings, 22 per cent of those who knew that a tune was a hit changed theirs. Of those, three quarters moved in tune with the song’s popularity rating. Now for the interesting bit: the first time they heard a track their reward and pleasure zones lit up; but on listening again their anxiety and pain centres glowed. This suggested that fear made them change their views. Today’s first reading (Eccles 1:2, 2:21-23) is tailor-made for that sort of thing. ‘Vanity of vanities!’ it proclaims. ‘All is vanity.’ Human toil it sees as an annoyance, and notes that even at night our minds don’t rest. Worry persists. We don’t like truth packaged in pessimism. Yet, truth made one researcher remark that many people who think they’re individuals with free choice actually are slaves to what others think. Those words on vanity from the third century BC, could just as easily be from today so accurately do they hit the spot. If we have to be slaves to what another thinks, then let that other be the Other.
Fr Tom Cahill SVD

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, 25th July 2010

Foulkstown Cemetery Mass
The annual cemetery Mass takes place this coming Thursday 29th at 7.30pm. Those travelling by car please make sure to give yourself plenty of time to get parking. Please also obey the instructions of the stewards regarding parking as safety is paramount.
The main celebrant of the Mass will be Fr. Liam.
As with every year, there will be a gate collection which goes entirely to the running and upkeep of the cemetery so your support is greatly appreciated.
We are hoping the weather will be fine but do bring an umbrella with you just in case. For the elderly consider bringing some seating.
Thanks to all who are involved in preparing the cemetery for this Mass. The large congregation that has attended in the past is a testament to how popular this annual event is.

Relic of St. Oliver Plunkett
A first class relic of St. Oliver Plunkett has been brought to St. Patrick’s Church for public veneration. There will be solemn high Mass at St. Patrick’s Church in honour of St. Oliver at 5.00pm on this Sunday during which the relic will be exposed for public veneration.
St. Oliver Plunkett was executed at Tyburn on 1st July 1681. This year marks the 90th anniversary of his beatification.
Further information is available at www.societyofstoliverplunkett.blogspot.com

Questions People Ask
Q. Years ago a priest told me I was scrupulous and gave me a general formula for confession. But this never leaves me satisfied. Should I drop it and tell every sin in detail?
A. If you suffer from scrupulosity which is an obsessive-compulsive condition, even the most detailed confession would not satisfy you. Stay with the general formula. God already knows every detail and wants you to experience the sacrament, not as a torture, but as a celebration of his mercy.
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

Hardwired for God
I don’t know if our genes are, but according to scientists our brains are: hardwired to God. They’re programmed to discover supernatural reasons for life’s mysteries. Our brain organises the information, our senses send it to discover cause and effect. Since babies only 12-months old can do this, it seems to be innate rather than acquired. So, the findings of or researchers at Bristol University studying the development and workings of children’s brains are not surprising. They indicate that belief systems offer a possible evolutionary benefit to people. An itch to ask the question ‘why’ is not the only thing that’s innate to us. There’s the universal hope, expectation even, that good will conquer evil. Just read your novels, watch your films. Don’t you feel more satisfied when the good guy wins? Even books and films with ambiguous endings aren’t as emotionally satisfying as those with a clear-cut victory where the one who is good wins out against all the odds. That feel-good factor when good conquers all comes with the job, so to speak, of being human. It’s this faith in goodness, more specifically in God, that’s the basis for what today’s Gospel reading (Luke 11:1-30 tells us: Ask, and it will be given you; search and you will find… Scripture is telling us that God doesn’t take us for a ride. He’s not a messer, if you’ll pardon the slang. He’s consistent and we can trust him. That’s the God we’re hardwired to believe in, the one who gives the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.
Fr. Tom Cahill SVD

Meals on Wheels Volunteers
Voluntary drivers are urgently needed for Kilkenny Social Services “Meals on Wheels” service. If you are a car owner and could spare one hour per week - we would like to hear from you. Our meals need wheels for this much needed service for those in our care and the elderly who are house bound. Please contact Kitty or Kay at social services 056 772 1685.

Pray for our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: John Joe Dowling, St. John’s Terrace. Requiem Mass in St. John’s at 10.30am on Monday. Liam Butler, Newpark. Eamonn Reidy, Newpark. Billy Conway, 23 Dominic Street. Kevin O’Beirne, Roscommon.

Anniversaries: Vera Brannigan (Sat 7.00), Davina Crosby (Sun 10.00), Joe Cody (Sun 12.30), Jimmy Bourke & Billy Bourke (Tues 9.30), Thomas McGuire (Thurs 9.30), Geoff Brennan (Thurs 10.30), Tony Henderson (Fri 10.30), Nancy Larkin, Delia O’Hara, Bridget Ward, Bridie Walsh, Jimmy Carroll, Doreen Tallent, Gordon Duffy, Angela Tiernan.

Intentions for next weekend: Eileen Grace (Sat 6.15), Denis Treacy (Sun 10.00).

Mrs Nichola Lynas
A memorial service will be held in St Canice’s Cathedral at 3.30pm on Sunday, 1st August for the late Mrs Nichola Lynas. Nichola worked as a speech and drama teacher at the St. John of God Girls’ School in our parish and is fondly remembered by all associated with the school during the past 17 years. Last November she moved to Bermuda with her husband Norman who was the former Church of Ireland Dean of Ossory. The St. John of God School will hold a service when class resumes in September. May she rest in peace.

Broadcast Masses
RTÉ Radio 1 will broadcast the 10.00am Mass from St. Joseph’s Church, Foulkstown on Sundays, 25th July and 1st and 8th August. We are delighted to be associated with the broadcasts and hope our parish community will be heard in good fettle as we join in prayer and praise on these Sundays. The broadcasts will be on RTÉ Radio 1 Long Wave 252 and online on the Radio 1 Extra Stream.
We welcome Fr. Richard Scriven, St. John’s Parish as celebrant this weekend. He will be joined by a folk choir from St. John’s Church.
In the meantime Fr. Roderick is preparing for Mass on RTÉ television at 11.15am on next Sunday. He will be joined by the Kilkenny Gospel Choir which has strong associations with our parish.

Knock Shrine
There will be a pilgrimage to Knock shrine on Thursday, 29th July leaving EBS, Patrick Street, Kilkenny at 7.30am sharp. Fare on Booking is €20. See poster in church.

Cleaners and Collectors
According to St. Paul, there are many gifts given to us and we are urged to use our talents in whatever ways we can. We currently need the talents of cleaners and collectors, particularly in St. Patrick’s Church. Think you can help? Contact the parish office for details.

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.

This May Bring a Tear
As a bagpiper, I play many gigs. Recently I was asked by a funeral director to play at a graveside service for a homeless man. He had no family or friends, so the service was to be at a pauper’s cemetery in the Kentucky back country. As I was not familiar with the backwoods, I got lost and, being a typical man, I didn’t stop for directions I finally arrived an hour late and saw the funeral guy had evidently gone and the hearse was nowhere in sight.  There were only the diggers and crew left and they were eating lunch. I apologized to the men for being late. I went to the side of the grave and looked down and the vault lid was already in place. I didn’t know what else to do, so I started to play.  The workers put down their lunches and began to gather around. I played out my heart and soul for this man with no family and friends. I played like I’ve never played before for this homeless man. And as I played ‘Amazing Grace,’ the workers began to weep. They wept, I wept, we all wept together. When I finished I packed up my bagpipes and started for my car.  Though my head hung low, my heart was full. As I opened the door to my car, I heard one of the workers say, “I never seen nothin’ like that before and I’ve been putting in septic tanks for twenty years.”
Apparently I’m still lost…

August at The Drum Youth Centre
The Drum Youth Centre provides a space where young people can be involved in groups, access relevant information, attend the Youth Café and for music lovers there is an acoustic room where you can get some practise time in. During August The Drum will be running a number for activities for young people aged 12 to 18 years e.g. Three Day Film Making Programme, Jogging Group, “Chill Out”, “Brunch”, “Write & Record” Song Group, Baking and there will be Drop In Café on Wednesdays from 5 – 6.30pm for 12 – 14 year olds and on Thursdays from 5 – 7pm for 14 – 18 year olds. There will also be a fun/sports afternoon in the Castle Park on Friday 20th August. More information from Kate Carroll on 086 773 6975 or check out www.facebook.ie/drumyouthcentre All are welcome!!!

Parish Website
We have now included a page where we link to YouTube and show videos of various charities in action. So far we include the charities, Trócaire, Facing the World and Aid to the Church in Need. See www.patricksparish.net

Moving On Overcoming Depression
A group for relatives of those experiencing depression meets on the first Wednesday of every month at 8.00pm in St Mary’s Centre, Haughney Green, Kilkenny. Next meetings: 4th August and 1st September. The meetings are confidential and offer an opportunity for relatives/friends to get information and support.
MOOD is a voluntary organisation that receives no funding for its operation in the southeast region so if you would like to sponsor a group, make a donation, become a volunteer or get more information contact Michael on 087 949 8100 or email mickosborne1@gmail.com
Group Meetings for those suffering with depression are held at:- St Marys Centre, Haughney Green, Kilkenny; Mondays 8.00pm (except Bank Holidays). Cathedral Parish Centre, Carlow; Tuesdays 8.00pm and Resource Centre, Kickham Street, Clonmel; Mondays 8.00pm.

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, 18th July 2010

Clutter
Laptops are turning lecture halls into private cinemas and even online casinos. Once considered valuable aides to learning, they’re no longer the apple of a teacher’s eye. An increasing number of lecturers just don’t want them in the classroom anymore. The reason? Students use them less for learning and more for entertaining. Themselves, that is. Not only are those who use them distracted, but so too are those nearby them. Not surprising when laptop use in class becomes networking in Facebook, watching movies, waging World War III virtually and playing poker actually, online. Instead of focusing on teacher talking, students focus on their laptop calling. So, the teacher strikes back, banning them from the classroom. This is a clear example of how something good: the amazing laptop, can get in the way of something better: the desired education.
Today’s Gospel reading (Luke 10:38-42) gives another example of the same thing. Jesus visits Martha and Mary. The good here – Martha’s attention to guests – gets in the way of something better: her attention to God’s word. Mary, on the other hand, just sits absorbed by what Jesus is saying. She’s free of clutter in her life and so can focus on what’s important. Activity is fine, but it shouldn’t push contemplation from our lives. A Buddhist monk once told Thomas Merton, a famous American Trappist, that you can’t contemplate properly until you can close doors quietly. Closing doors quietly on clutter – mental, emotional, and social – is what today’s Gospel is about. You may lap that up, but you won’t top it!
Fr Tom Cahill SVD

St. Fiacre’s Well Annual Novena
The annual novena prayers begin at St. Fiacre’s Well, Kilfera 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.

Questions People Ask
Q. I talk to God and regularly apologise for my sins. I believe God forgives me. Why should I have to go to confession?
A. Your private chat with God is very important. However, since we are not isolated individuals but members of the one body, every sin is an offence against the Church. The sacrament celebrates reconciliation with the body of the Church. If there has been serious sin, the Sacrament of Reconciliation is necessary before receiving the Eucharist. The father of the prodigal might have accepted his son’s apology privately but he preferred to make it a family celebration. Since God already knows your sins, regard the sacrament as a celebration of God’s forgiveness within the family of the Church
Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

Broadcast Masses
St. Patrick’s Parish is delighted to be associated with a number of Masses to be broadcast by RTE Radio and Television during the next few weeks. On this Sunday, 18th July the televised Mass on RTE 1 will be celebrated by Fr. Dan and will feature the St. Patrick’s Adult Choir. The broadcast will be at 11.15am.
On Sunday, 1st August Fr. Roderick will be the celebrant of the televised Mass and, at RTE’s request, the music and hymns will be provided by the Kilkenny Gospel Choir.
Fr. Richard Scriven, St. John’s Parish and Director of Sacred Music for the Diocese of Ossory, was invited by RTE to arrange three Masses at St. John’s Church to be broadcast on radio. To facilitate the broadcast time, and at Richard’s suggestion, we made St. Joseph’s Church, Foulkstown available. As it turns out St. John’s Parish is providing the music and celebrant for only one of the Masses. It fell to St. Patrick’s Parish to provide music and celebrants for the other Masses. We are happy to do this and we hope all will support the broadcasts during the next few weeks.
The Masses will be broadcast on RTE Radio One (MW and 252 Long Wave) at 10.00am on Sunday, 25th July and Sundays, 1st and 8th August. Anyone who wishes may attend.

Pray for the Deceased
Recently Deceased: Mary Slattery (nee Brennan), Willow Close. Funeral Prayers at her home at 11.00am on Sunday 11am followed by removal to St. Fiacre’s Church for 12 noon Mass. Interment in St. Kieran’s Cemetery. Rosary at her home on Saturday at 9.00pm. Very Rev. Edward Rhatigan, Castletown.

Anniversaries: James Hackett (Sat 7.00), Patrick Morris (Sun 9.30), Jimmy Byrne (Sun 10.00), Mary Norris (Sun 10.30), Catherine Dowling (Sun 12.00), Tesa Delahunty (Sun 12.30), Mick Coonan (Tues 10.30), Jim
Bolger (Fri 10.30), John Grogan, Tony Henderson, Danny Galvin, Jimmy Fahy, Christy & Bridget Murray, John Leahy

Intentions for next weekend: Vera Brannigan (Sat 7.00), Davina Crosby (Sun 10.00), Joe Cody (Sun 12.30).

Notices and Bookings
In order to help us help you, please note:
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. Bookings are taken on the understanding that funerals always take precedence. From time to time errors do occur so please be patient if we may make an error. Anyone wishing to book halls or rooms in the Parish Centre should do so through Mr Ted Byrne on 776 4400.

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.
Kilkenny - Age Friendly County
Invitation to the Public Consultation Active Listening Workshop. A chance to have your say in shaping Kilkenny as an Age Friendly County. Tuesday 20th July, The Ormonde Hotel, 11-2pm. A light lunch provided. MC for the day is Nicky Brennan. Presentation by Dr. Emer Ahern Community Consultant, Geriatrician, St. Luke's Hospital.
You are also invited to attend: 2pm - 3.30pm. Hotel Kilkenny. The Garda Band will play.

St. Oliver Plunkett
To celebrate the 90th Anniversary of his Beatification a first class relic of St. Oliver Plunkett will be arriving at St. Patrick's Church, Kilkenny on next Saturday, 24th July.  Vespers and Benediction will follow at 3.30 pm with public veneration of the relic.
There will be a Solemn High Mass (in Latin) in honour of St. Oliver at St. Patrick's Church on Sunday, 25th July at 5.00 pm.  All welcome.

Knock Shrine
There will be a pilgrimage to Knock shrine on Thursday, 9th July leaving EBS (Patrick Street) at 7.30am sharp. Fare on Booking €20. See poster in church.

Fundraising for Bóthar.
Fr. Gerard Byrne from Corby in England will cycle through the 32 counties of Ireland in support of the development aid agency, Bóthar. Fr. Gerard will cover the route around Ireland in a counter clockwise direction starting in Wicklow on 16th July. He will clock up 1,100 miles over the following 10 day period before crossing his finish line in Dublin.
Bóthar use livestock to help poor families to reach and maintain better living conditions. You can support Fr. Gerard’s efforts by donating to the following bank account; Ulster Bank Limerick. Sort Code 98-60-20. A/c Number 28225049. Mark donation ‘32 County Cycle’. Alternatively, donations can be mailed to Bóthar, Fundraising Projects Office, Tubbercurry, Co Sligo.

A Cook’s Prayer
I’m sure this prayer was inspired by this Sunday’s Gospel story of Martha and Mary:
‘Lord of all pots and pans, since I've no time to be
A saint by doing lovely things, or watching late with Thee
Or dreaming in the dawning light, or storming heaven's gates
Make me a saint by getting meals and washing up the plates.’ (Br. Laurence)

More on Foulkstown Cemetery
Sincere thanks to the hard working cemetery committee who are working flat out to make sure the cemetery is in top shape for the upcoming cemetery Mass. We ask you to assist their work by making sure any waste such as wreaths, dead flowers etc. are properly disposed of in the area provided. Please note, this waste facility is only for waste items from graves. It is NOT a dumping facility for household rubbish and is closely monitored to ensure there is no such illegal dumping. Thanks for your cooperation.

Foulkstown Cemetery Mass
By now, the phones are starting to hop with people asking the following question, ‘When’s the Foulkstown Cemetery Mass?’ The answer is: Thursday, 29th July at 7.30pm. Tell your friends and save them a phone call.

Resource Offered on Abuse Crisis
VATICAN CITY, JULY 16, 2010. (Zenit.org). The Vatican has gathered all the pertinent documents on the Church’s response to the sexual abuse crisis and posted them together on it’s web site.
The revisions are an update to the 2001 apostolic letter “Sacramentorum Sanctitatis Tutela,” which outlined the norms for addressing cases of serious offenses.
Called “Abuse of Minors. The Church's Response”, the page offers the revisions published on last Thursday, addresses given by Benedict XVI and John Paul II on the topic, as well as other related documents. This interesting and official site is available at the following address:
www.vatican.va/resources/index_en.htm

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordainary Time, 11th July 2010

On the Run
If you run, take note. Running barefoot is best. Results from a Harvard University study show that people are born to run without shoes. For two million years we ran barefoot, landing untutored, on the sides or balls of our feet thus letting our heels down lightly. However, since the 1970s when running shoes took off we have begun to develop a new gait. Now comfortably shod, we land heavily on our heels with every stride we take – with about three times the impact of barefoot running. This increases the likelihood of suffering stress-related injuries. So if you don’t want to put your foot in it, go au naturel. Today’s First Reading (Deut 30:10-14) and Gospel (Luke 10:25-37) are about doing-a-what-comes-naturally. The First Reading tells us that it’s easy to find God’s word. It’s in our mouth and in our heart. Could anything be more natural than to listen to what’s so close to us? The Gospel describes the coldness of two types of law-observant people: a priest and a Levite. Both served the great symbol of established Judaism: the Temple, one in liturgy, the other in administration. Both feared contamination from a seemingly dead person. Both obeyed the rules – but betrayed their humanity. Both sacrificed the greater good for the lesser. Both put symbol before substance: the symbol of God’s presence in stone before the reality of that presence in flesh. They ran their race wrongly. They ran from, because of law, instead of running to, because of compassion. Well shod, no doubt, they didn’t run barefoot.
Fr Tom Cahill SVD

Parish Centre Opening Hours
Mon to Fri 10am - 1pm. 2pm - 5pm..

Questions people ask
Who was St Swithin and why is his feast day associated with prediction of the weather?
Swithin was Bishop of Winchester, England, in the ninth century. He was a great lover of nature and wished to be buried outdoors where the light of the sun and the sweet rain of heaven might fall on his grave. However, contrary to his wishes, he was buried inside the cathedral. Guess what. It rained cats and dogs for forty days until they decided to transfer his remains outdoors. It may be a nice story but weather records don’t back up the myth.
Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

Pray for the deceased
Recently Deceased: Mary Egan, Parkmore, Callan Road, Roisín Fahy, Archers Avenue.

Anniversaries: Joan Cody (Sat 7.00), Dr. Patrick Boyd (Sun 11.00), Gerard Doheny (Sun 12.30), Maurice Nagle (Thurs 10.30), Patrick O’Neill (Fri 10.30). Nuala Bourke, Mary Power, Katie, Dennis, Mary Ann & Thomas Murray.

Intentions for next weekend: James Hackett (Sat 7.00), Patrick Morris (Sun 9.30), Jimmy Byrne (Sun 10.00), Catherine Dowling (Sun 10.00), Tesa Delahunty (Sun 12.30).

Parish Office Opening Hours
Tuesday & Fri 9am - 12.30pm, 2pm to 4pm, Thursday 9am - 12.30pm, 2pm - 3.30pm.

Loughboy Library
Space Hop-the Summer Reading Challenge for children is now in full swing but there is still ample time to register. Open to all from 6th class down. You can do the ECDL and other online courses FREE through Loughboy Library and FAS. All eligible please book at 7794176. Beautiful art works from the children of the Kilkenny Early Years Project located at the Bishop Birch Institute is on display in the library until this Friday.

Trocaire
This Monday, July 12th, marks six months since Haiti was devastated by a massive earthquake. Immediately after the disaster, parishes across Ireland answered Haiti’s call for help and held collections for Trocaire’s emergency response. As part of Caritas Internationalis, the world's second biggest humanitarian network, we can rapidly access communities in disaster-stricken countries.  These close links make sure your donations reach suffering people immediately and that, together, we can save lives.
Parishes like ours helped raised €4,681,168, which is now rebuilding shattered lives across Haiti. Thanks to your generosity, Trocaire has provided:
Shelter to 900,000 people
Life-saving healthcare to one million people
Food to one and a half million people
Help rebuilding schools and hospitals
School-feeding programmes
Safe places for children in five main temporary camps
Trauma counselling and education for affected children
We are now planning a major five-year rebuilding and reconstruction programme. Your support at this crucial time has helped the country take its first steps towards a new future. Thank you from Trócaire and most importantly, the people of Haiti. For more information visit www.trocaire.org.    
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Broadcast Masses
Our parish has been asked by RTE to host a number of broadcast Masses during the coming weeks. Details to hand are as follows:
Sunday, 18th July: Televised Mass on RTE 1 featuring the St. Patrick’s Adult Choir. Celebrant: Fr. Dan.
Sunday, 1st August: Televised Mass on RTE 1 featuring the Kilkenny Gospel Choir. Celebrant: Fr. Roderick.
Both these Masses will be broadcast from RTE studios in Dublin.
Sunday, 25th July: Mass on RTE Radio 1 Long Wave 252 at 10.00am. St. John’s Parish Folk Choir. Celebrant: Fr. Richard Scriven.
Sunday, 1st August: Mass on RTE Radio 1 Long Wave 252 at 10.00am. St. Patrick’s Folk Choir. Celebrant: Fr. Dan.
Sunday, 8th August: Mass on RTE Radio 1 Long Wave 252 at 10.00am. St. Fiacre’s Folk Choir. Celebrant: Fr. Roderick.
These three Masses will be broadcast live from St. Joseph’s Church, Foulkstown.

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.

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.

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.

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. From time to time errors do occur so please be patient if we may make an error.
Anyone wishing to book halls or rooms in the parish centre can do so through Mr Ted Byrne on 776 4400.
 

Sunday, July 4, 2010

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, 4th July 2010

Cross Purpose
Parents can be pushy, a study has found. Not satisfied with their kids’ long school day, many parents muscle their munchkins into an assortment of after-school activities. Counting the hours of a regular school day, of heaped homework, of club commitments and of pursing hobbies, shows that children can average up to 53 hours of work a week. And all in the name of achievement! Well, for Paul in today’s Second Reading (Gal 6:14-18) nothing short of becoming a new creation fits the bill for achievement. As he says, ‘a new creation is everything’ (v 15). However, his formula for success is not the No 1 of most people. His is an attitude of boasting of nothing other than the cross of Jesus Christ. Does he mean that physical, cross-beamed implement of torture used to kill him? Let’s hope not. The cross as a piece of wood has no special significance. What is significant is Jesus’ loving faithfulness to his Father, and his integrity in witnessing to what he believed in, that enabled him to face the horror of the cross. This same love of God and uncompromising commitment to his mission is what fastens Paul to the world and the world to him. Far from being a catalyst for depression, or the trigger for a spirituality of gloom, the cross – though stark and uncompromising – nevertheless reveals a heart warm with love for God and his creation. Our ‘cross’ will weigh us down if borne with gripe, but will raise us up if borne with grace.
Fr Tom Cahill SVD

Thank You
The St. Patrick’s Parish Conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul would like to thank sincerely the pupils and teachers of the Confirmation Classes at St. Patrick’s De La Salle Boys’ School, St. John of God Girls’ School and the Kilkenny School Project for their recent generous donations to the local conference. The pupils made the contributions from the money received on the occasion of their recent confirmation.

Questions People Ask
Q. How can I answer somebody who claims that the beast known by the number 666 (Apoc. 13:18) refers to the Pope’s title as the Vicar of Christ?
A. The Apocalypse is not a book foretelling future historical people, although people of every age have fancifully applied it that way. It was written for Christians of the First Century AD who were being persecuted by the Roman Emperor to assure them of God’s ultimate triumph over evil. Six is one short of seven, the number of perfection, but near enough to deceive people for a while. Three sixes represent the triple invocation of a false god. It is a coded reference to worship of the Emperor as a god.
Sylvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

Pray for Our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Mick Byrne, Kennyswell Road. Funeral prayers at Hehir’s Funeral Home at 7.00pm on Sunday followed by removal to St. Mary’s Cathedral. Requiem Mass at 11am on Monday. Burial at Foulkstown Cemetery. Michael Wall, Dublin Road. Requiem Mass at St. John’s Church at 12.00 noon on Sunday Burial at St. Kieran’s Cemetery. Eamonn Wallace, Lord Edward Street. Maisie McDonald.

Anniversaries: John Joe Traynor (Sat 6.15), Sean Hennessy (Sat 7.00), Pauline Kennedy (Sun 10.00), Sharon Galvin (Sun 10.30), Dr Tom McIntyre (Sun 11.00), Austin Murphy (Sun 12.00), Francis Ryan (Sun 12.30), Noreen Llewellyn (Tues 10.30), Martin Crotty (Wed 9.30), Sr. Margaret Mary Bergin & Paddy Bergin (Fri 10.30), Annie Cody, Sean & Kitty Ryan, John Phelan, Edward & Anne Whelan, Michael McGrath, Denis Molloy, Anna Nolan, Mary Fry, Mary Norris.

Intentions for next weekend: Joan Cody (Sat 7.00), Dr. Patrick Boyd (Sun 11.00), Gerard Doheny (Sun 12.30).

Society of St. Vincent De Paul
The next meeting of the local conference will be at the Parish Centre on Monday, 12th July at 8.00pm. During the summer the conference will meet every two weeks. At other times the members can be contacted on 087 681 0589.
St. Oliver Plunkett
Last Thursday marked the 419th anniversary of the martyrdom of St. Oliver Plunkett at Tyburn on 1st July 1681 (he was also the last Catholic martyr to die in England).  To mark the 90th anniversary of his beatification Cardinal Sean Brady will lead the 2010 Festival Day of St. Oliver Plunkett in Drogheda, Co. Louth on this Sunday, 4th July. The theme for this year’s festival is ‘The Young Church’.  Speaking ahead of the Festival Day, Cardinal Brady said “At the age of 22 years Oliver Plunkett left his native Meath to sail from Waterford for Flanders in February 1647 en route to Rome to study for the priesthood.  It was a hazardous journey for many reasons and it was May 1647 when Oliver Plunkett reached the Eternal City.  He spent the next 22 years in Rome studying and teaching until in 1669 he was appointed Archbishop of Armagh.  As he left Rome a Polish friend said prophetically: “You are now going to shed your blood for the Catholic faith.” A new website dedicated to the life and times of St Oliver Plunkett has been launched to coincide with this year’s Festival Day by St Peter’s Parish, Drogheda.  The newly developed website may be viewed at www.saintoliverplunkett.com

Latin Mass
The Society of St. Oliver Plunkett, which organises the weekly Latin Mass at St. Patrick’s Church, has acquired a 1st class relic of St. Oliver Plunkett which will be available for public veneration at St. Patrick’s Church during Vespers and Benediction on Saturday, 24th July at 3.30pm.  The votive Mass of St. Oliver Plunkett will be celebrated at St. Patrick’s Church on the Sunday, 25th July.  Mass time and further details will be available in future newsletters.  See http://societyofstoliverplunkett.blogspot.com/ for details.

Good Luck to the Cats
We wish all from our parish the very best in this weekend’s hurling final.

Broadcast Masses
Our parish has been asked by RTE to host a number of broadcast Masses during the coming weeks. Details to hand are as follows:
Sunday, 18th July: Televised Mass on RTE 1 featuring the St. Patrick’s Adult Choir. Celebrant: Fr. Dan.
Sunday, 1st August: Televised Mass on RTE 1 featuring the Kilkenny Gospel Choir. Celebrant: Fr. Roderick.
Both these Masses will be broadcast from RTE studios in Dublin.
Sunday, 25th July: Mass on RTE Radio 1 Long Wave 252 at 10.00am. St. John’s Parish Folk Choir. Celebrant: Fr. Richard Scriven.
Sunday, 1st August: Mass on RTE Radio 1 Long Wave 252 at 10.00am. St. Patrick’s Folk Choir. Celebrant: Fr. Dan.
Sunday, 8th August: Mass on RTE Radio 1 Long Wave 252 at 10.00am. St. Fiacre’s Folk Choir. Celebrant: Fr. Roderick.
These three Masses will be broadcast live from St. Joseph’s Church, Foulkstown.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel
The annual Triduum in honour of Our Lady of Mount Carmel will be held in the Carmelite Friary, Knocktopher later this month.
On Thursday, 15th July there will be a Eucharistic Procession, Rosary and Benediction at the shrine at 7.30pm.
On the feast day itself, Friday, 16th July, there will be Mass for the Sick and Anointing at the Abbey at 7.30pm.
The Tridium will end with the Cemetery Mass in Knocktopher Abbey on Saturday, 17th at 7.30pm.

Loughboy Area Resource Centre
There will be a consultation group held for older people of Loughboy and surrounding environs in the Loughboy Area Resource Centre in Thursday 15th July at 11am. The consultation group is a great opportunity for older people to get their views across about what they would or would not like to see in Kilkenny. Topics such as transportation, access to services, safety etc will be covered.

Book Launch
The launch of St. John's Parish History - "A Church Centenary" - by Mr. Micheal O Muircheartaigh and Bishop Séamus Freeman, SAC, will take place on Wednesday, 7th July 2010 at 8.00 p.m at The Set Theatre, Langton's, Kilkenny. All are welcome to attend the launch.

Loughboy Library
Next Tuesday is registration day for the Summer Reading Challenge for children which is called ‘Space Hop’ this year. Children are encouraged to read 6 books over the holidays and will receive stickers and novelty prizes along the way. There will be a celebration party in September for all who completer the challenge. So come on in and get ready for “blast off”.

Rosary
The monthly rosary on the first Sunday in James Green at the statue of our Lady of Kilkenny continues this Sunday July 4th at 3pm. Our Lady of Kilkenny pray for us. All are welcome to attend.

More Catholic Dictionary
This week: P - U
PEW: A medieval torture device resembling a seat that is still found in Catholic Churches.
PROCESSION: The ceremonial formation at the beginning of Mass, consisting of altar servers, the celebrant, and late parishioners looking for seats.
RECESSIONAL: The ceremonial procession at the conclusion of Mass - led by parishioners trying to beat the crowd to the car park.
RECESSIONAL HYMN: The last song at Mass, often sung a little more quietly, since most of the people have already left.
RELICS: People who have been going to Mass for so long, they actually know when to sit, kneel, and stand.
TEN COMMANDMENTS: The most important Top Ten list not given by David Letterman.
USHERS: The only people in the parish who don't know the seating capacity of a pew.

Safeguarding Children
Please note our policy on reporting allegations listed below.

Safeguarding Children
If you or anyone you know has a child protection concern or wishes to report an allegation of child abuse in relation to any member of Church personnel directly to Church authorities, please contact either of the Diocesan Delegated persons: Fr. Daniel Bollard on 056 772 4279 or Fr. Daniel Cavanagh on 051 421 515.
Alternatively you can report to the statutory authorities: Kilkenny Gardaí on 056 777 5042 or HSE Social Work Department on 056 784 532/778 4600.
The Ossory Diocesan Policy on Safeguarding Children is available on www.ossory.ie