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