Refugee and Migrant Sunday
Today is Refugee and Migrant Sunday when we are reminded to celebrate with thanks the diversity of peoples in Ireland. Pope Benedict in his message for the World Day for Migrants and Refugees has chosen the theme “one family of brothers and sisters in societies that are becoming ever more multiethnic and intercultural, where also people of various religions are urged to take part in dialogue, so that a serene and fruitful coexistence with respect for legitimate differences may be found”.
“The World Day of Migrants and Refugees offers the whole Church an opportunity to reflect on a theme linked to the growing phenomenon of migration, to pray that hearts may open to Christian welcome and to the effort to increase in the world justice and charity, pillars on which to build an authentic and lasting peace,” wrote the Pontiff. “All,” he continued, “belong to one family, migrants and the local populations that welcome them, and all have the same right to enjoy the goods of the earth whose destination is universal, as the social doctrine of the Church teaches. It is here that solidarity and sharing are founded.”
Check out www.catholicbishops.ie for more information on this topic.
Questions People Ask
Q. It upsets me that none of my grown-up children go to Mass and have not brought their children for baptism. They say that it is only a matter of time before the Catholic Church in Ireland is extinct. How can I answer them?
A. The Catholic Church is far from extinct. My guess is that we probably have two million people at Mass on any Sunday. The Catholic Church has survived many crises over its 2,000 years. A famous writer said that there were five times in history when the Church had gone to the dogs but it was the dogs who died! Jesus promised: ‘You are Peter and on this rock I will build my church and the gates of the underworld can never overpower it.’ The words of Jesus contain the answer for your children.
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
Prayer for Christian Unity
The 2011 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity will be held from 18th to 25th January. The theme for this year is taken from Acts 2:42: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers” and reflects a call back to the origins of the first church in Jerusalem. It is a call for inspiration and renewal, a return to the essentials of the faith; it is a call to remember the time when the church was still one. Within this theme four elements are presented which were marks of the early Christian community, and which are essential to the life of the Christian Community wherever it exists. Firstly, the Word was passed on by the apostles. Secondly, fellowship (koinonia) was an important mark of the early believers whenever they met together. A third mark of the early Church was the celebration of the Eucharist (the ‘breaking of the bread’), remembering the New Covenant which Jesus has enacted in his suffering, death and resurrection. The fourth aspect is the offering of constant prayer. These four elements are the pillars of the life of the church, and of its unity.
More information on www.ossory.ie
Ecumenical Greetings
To mark the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity and to encourage prayer for this intention in our community the clergy from the four major Christian churches in Kilkenny will ‘exchange pulpits’ next weekend. In our parish we look forward to welcoming Rt. Rev. Cecil Weekes representing the Church of Ireland to St. Fiacre’s Church for the 6.15pm Mass on next Saturday. Later that evening we will welcome Rev. Dr. Sahr Yambasu of the Kilkenny Methodist Church to our 7.00pm Mass at St. Patrick’s Church. On Sunday morning Fr. Dan will bring our greetings to those who worship at the Kilkenny Presbyterian Church.
Cura Cares
Pregnant and distressed and would like to talk to someone in confidence. Telephone Cura at 1850 622 626 or 772 2739.
Pray for Our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Tom Hickey, Willow Close. Bridget Marchetti, Melville Heights. Mary Reynolds, Springmount & Carrick-on-Shannon. Tess Donnelly, Thomastown. Seamus Hennessy, Newpark Close.
Months Mind: Maeve Healy (Sun 10.30)
Anniversaries: Anna Campion (Sat 6.15), Maureen O’Shea (Sat 7.00), Michael Drennan (Sun 9.30), John Bradley (Sun 10.00), Oliver Mannion (Sun 11.00), Paul Prodromou (Sun 12.00), Beattie O’Connell (Sun 12.30), Maureen & Paddy Dwyer (Wed 10.30), John Phelan (Fri 10.30), Evelyn ‘Bobbi’ Leahy (Sat 9.30), Lorenzo Mahony, Patrick & Sally Mullally, Annie Bourke, Lily Power, William, Tess & Joan Murphy, Mary Leahy, Martin Coyne.
Intentions Next Weekend: Kathleen O’Neill (Sat 7.00), Bridget, Albert & Lily Downes (Sun 9.30), Christy McLoughlin (Sun 10.00), Jack Comerford (Sun 10.30), Nora Foley (Sun 11.00), John Collins (Sun 12.00), Margaret & Harry Roche (Sun 12.30).
‘Flu and the Sniffles
With the HSE announcing record increases in ‘flu cases we have re-introduced the hand cleaning dispensers in our churches. Please avail of this facility.
Likewise, for the foreseeable future the sign of peace will be discontinued at all Masses.
Society of St. Vincent de Paul
The second collection this weekend will include the monthly collection for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Please help.
Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2011
The annual Ossory diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes takes place from 22nd to 27th May 2011. Bookings can be made for ordinary pilgrims and the sick by telephoning Eleanor on 051 880 414 between 10.30am and 2.30pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. The cost is €720 per person sharing. The price includes insurance, full board, full pilgrimage programme, travel to and from Cork and Lourdes airport and the services of JWT staff.
Guitar Lessons
Guitar lessons resume at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre on Monday, 17th January at 7.00pm.
Pre-Marriage Courses 2011
ACCORD Pre-Marriage Courses will be held on the following dates in 2011: 28th January, 18th February, 25th March, 15th April, 13th May, 17th June, 1st July, 16th September, 14th October, 11th November. All who get married in a church in the Diocese of Ossory are expected to complete an approved pre-marriage course. To book a place on one of the above courses call 056 772 2674 or email accord@ossory.ie. Marriage is a big enough undertaking that only the most naive would think they don’t need some help to prepare for the big day and for the rest of their lives. Book early.
Your Family’s Mental Health
‘Understanding & Protecting You and Your Families Mental Health’ is the title of a talk to be given in Kilkenny shortly. Presenter: Dr. Fergus Heffernan. Venue: Village Business Centre (Over McDonald’s), Patrick Street. Date: Thursday, 20th January 2011. Cost: €10. Booking (essential): 087 927 7479.
Kilkenny Medjugorje Youth Group
Church gate collection will take place next weekend 22nd & 23rd January outside all Masses. Please support.
Coffee/Tea Morning
Drop-In Coffee/Tea and Chat every morning at St. Canice’s Neighbourhood Centre, Granges Road, Kilkenny. Informal painting group on Wednesday mornings and other craft activities. All welcome! Call Wendy on 775 1988 ext 7.
Want a Career in Elder/Child Care
FETAC Level 5 Courses running in February: Communications Module on 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 14th February. Safety & Health at Work Module on 16th, 17th, 18th and 21st February. Both modules will be held in Carlow from 10.00am to 4.00pm. Book on 059 914 2208 or visit www.visiontraining.ie
For Parents of 9 – 17 Year Olds
Family Communications and Self Esteem is an 8 week parenting course for parents of 9 – 17 year olds. The aim of the course is to support parents in building good relationships with their children. The course helps parents explore how they communicate with children and with each other, supports parents in the good job they are already doing, provides parents with an opportunity to talk with other parents. The following topics will be covered: Communication, peer pressure, self esteem, assertive parenting, problem solving and conflict resolution. The course is free and will be held at the following venues: The Drum Youth Centre, McDonagh Junction every Thursday morning 10.15am – 12.45 pm from 27th January and The Boardroom, HSE, Lacken, Dublin Road every Friday morning 10.00am – 12.30pm from 28th January. For further information or to book a place contact: The Health Promotion Dept on 056 776 1400. Closing date: 24th January 2011.
Do This In Memory
This programme for First Holy Communion candidates continues at 10.30am and 11.00am Masses on next Sunday.
Loughboy Library
Exhibitions: The Kilkenny Photographic Society is currently exhibiting a beautiful series of photos. Space still available for 2011 - telephone 779 4176 to book.
Wii Training: for over 55s commences shortly.
Free one-to-one computer lessons available every Tuesday and Wednesday from 10.00am - 1.00pm.
Toddler Hour continues on Thursdays at 11.30am.
Loughboy Library celebrates its 30th birthday this July - were you there from the beginning and would you like to share your recollections with us? Or have you a favourite library memory or event or book to tell us about? All entries will be displayed during our celebratory week in July.
Holiday in Europe
8 day holiday to Strasbourg, Paris and Munich includes flights, 4* accommodation, guided tours. Subsidised cost of €875.00. Travel at end of September. Information session at 11.00am on 26th January at St. Canice’s Neighbourhood Centre, Granges Road. Call Wendy on 775 1988 Ext 7. All welcome.
Some Important Dates in 2011
First Holy Communion will be celebrated in our parish on the following dates:-
St. Patrick N.S.: 11.00am on Saturday, 7th May 2011 at St. Patrick’s Church.
St. John of God N.S.: 11.00am on Saturday, 14th May 2011 at St. Patrick’s Church.
Kilkenny School Project.: 12 noon on Sunday, 15th May 2011 at St. Fiacre’s Church
Gaelscoil Osraí: 11.00am on Saturday, 28th May 2011 at St. Fiacre’s Church.
Bishop Seamus will celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation with young people from schools in our parish on the following dates:-
Gaelscoil Osraí: 11am on Saturday, 14th May 2011 at St. Mary’s Cathedral.
Other Schools in the Parish: 11am on Saturday, 9th April 2011 at St. Mary’s Cathedral.
Credible Witness
There are some people who have an instinct for recognising talent, whether it’s recruiting the perfect person for a job or discovering the next big thing in the world of entertainment. There have always been talent shows, but the past few years have seen our TV screens awash with public searches for the next big star, complete with celebrity judges whose endorsement can make or break a career. The right words from the right person can make all the difference. It all depends on the credibility of the witness. The theme of witness is central to the Gospel of John, and one of the most prominent witnesses is John the Baptist. He is the first to publicly reveal who Jesus is. And although he says he did not know Jesus when he preached about his coming, when he sees coming towards him he recognises immediately that there is something special about him; that he is the Chosen One.
John recognises him as the one of whom he himself said ‘A man is coming after me who ranks before me because he existed before me.’ He sees himself in the inferior position of a witness, nothing more and nothing less. His job is to point to Christ. He has laid the groundwork and more ‘made straight the path’, and he is the first credible witness to point to the enormity of the work Jesus has come to carry out.
Triona Doherty.
