Saturday, February 26, 2011

Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, 27th February 2011

A Simple Life
Do not worry about your life, what you are to eat or what you are to wear. Do not worry about NAMA or the IMF. Do not worry about the banks, about negative equity, about death of a Tiger that never really existed for the majority of people. God will provide? Is HE serious? Today’s trouble is certainly enough for today as we are constantly led into situations where we can respond with anxiety or with trust. Whatever we set our hearts on will receive most of our time and energy and for sure, anxiety drains our energy. In today’s Second Reading Paul also gives us another reason not to be obsessed with material things – we have too much to do! We are stewards of a Kingdom. These messages are a mega challenge for all who live in the so-called ‘developed’ world. If a Kingdom of justice is our prime concern, then there is no storing up of things. There is instead a sharing, in such a way what we all have what is necessary to live. It is living simply, living sustainably, living in solidarity with all members of our society. Today we are asked to reflect on our life values: What is more important? What we have or who we are? Anthony de Mello said, ‘You have everything you need right now to be happy’. Do we really believe that? If we do, that is a great liberation and one that enables us to set out hearts on His Kingdom first.
Jane Mellett

Walking Group
A walking group will meet on Wednesday mornings at 9.45 at the track in the Watershed. This group will be led by a qualified walk leader and all abilities are welcome. 
If you are retired, have dropped children to school, want to walk with your buggy or would simply like to walk with some company, come along any Wednesday from the 2nd of March! Contact Kilkenny Recreation and Sports Partnership on 056 7720870 or info@krsp.ie.

Our Website: www.patricksparish.com

Questions People Ask
How can a God of love condemn any soul to hell?
The Catholic Catechism calls hell’ the state of definitive self-exclusion from communion with God and the blessed.’ Notice the words self-exclusion, inferring that people exclude themselves from God’s invitation by deliberately rejecting God and the ways of justice and love. ‘And the judgement is this, though the light has come into the world people have preferred darkness to the light because their deeds were evil. And indeed, everybody who does wrong hates the light and avoids it, to prevent his actions from being shown up’ (John 3:19-20). Hell is self-inflicted.
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

Pray For Our Deceased FriendsRecently Deceased: Bernard Dowling, London. Mary Burke, Castlewarren. Seamus Burke, Assumption Place. Requiem mass Monday 2pm St. John’s. Margaret Fahy, 7 Haltigan Tce & England.
Month Mind: Maureen Barry (Sun 9.30), Ann O’Shea (Sun 11.00). Fr. Joe O’Shea, Washington (Mass Sat 12 noon St. Fiacre’s Church).
Anniversaries: Bridget & Tommy Casey (Sat 6.15), John Dinneen (Sat 7.00), David Maher (Sun 10.00), Tommy McCarthy (Sun 10.30), Brian Griffin (Sun 12.00), Joe Lawlor (Sun 12.30), Mikey Holland (Tues 9.30), Catherine Cullen (Wed 9.30), Michael McKane (Wed 10.30), Ann Mulhall, Johanna Fanning, Paddy Barry, Catherine McDonald, William Holland, Ann & Michael Purcell, Bridget O’Rourke, Mary Fitzpatrick.

Intentions for next weekend:
Dympna O’Byrne (Months Mind Sat 6.15), Pat Adams (Sat 7.00), Ann Nolan (Months Mind (Sun 9.30), Tommy Hickey (Months Mind) & Eileen & Kieran Hickey (Sun 10.00), Margaret McGrath (Sun 10.30), Evelyn Herlihy & Christian Maher (Sun 11.00), Michael Brophy (Sun 12.00), Lulu Lynch (Sun 12.30)
First Friday of March
The first Friday of March occurs this week. The Fr. Dan & Fr. Roderick will visit the sick and housebound as usual. Please note: Fr. Liam will make his calls on Thursday.

Youth Choir
If you attend the 12.30 Mass in St. Patrick's Church please consider joining the choir. We have a lot of musicians but we need singers. If you would like to join the choir please be at the Church for 12noon each Sunday.

Weekly Envelope Collection
The envelope collection last week amounted to € 1365.00. Sincere thanks to all. The new envelope contribution packs are being ordered and prepared for distribution. If you didn’t receive envelopes last year and would like to contribute to the parish in this way, then contact the parish office.

Church Gate Collection
The Annual Church Gate Collection for the School of the Holy Spirit will
take place on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th March. The monies raised will go
towards essential complimentary therapies for the pupils. Thank you so much
to the people of Kilkenny for their continued support.          

Parish Shop
As well as the usual offerings of religious goods the Parish Shop now includes a selection of Confirmation items. The shop is located in the Parish Centre and is open during office hours each weekday.

Feast of St. Kieran
On the weekend 5th/6th March as the Diocese celebrates the feast of St. Kieran, our patron Saint, we will launch the forthcoming International Eucharistic Congress 2012 at our Weekend Masses.”
The congress takes place in Dublin in 2012 and will bring people from all over the world.

Cake Sale and Coffee Morning
Group 174 of the Irish Pilgrimage Trust (of which Fr. Dan is chaplain) takes 11 young people with special needs to Lourdes each Easter. In Lourdes Group 174 becomes part of a great international pilgrimage with visitors from other parts of Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales, Croatia, West Indies and the United States. Each adult helper pays his or her own fare and commits to help raise €13,500 to pay for the young people’s travel and accommodation. Group 174 plans a Cake Sale and Coffee Morning at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre after 10.30am and 12.00 noon Masses on Sunday, 6th March.
We appeal for your support on the day and anyone who can help with baking produce etc. beforehand you assistance is greatly appreciated.
Please give Ena or Rita a call on 056 776 4400 if you feel you can help. For more information visit www.irishpilgrimagetrust.com.

Loughboy Library
Exhibition Space—for 2011 is still available free of charge - please book at 7794176. Paula Holohan from Grovine is exhibiting a photographic collection of wildflowers until March 4th.
Toddler Hour will take place at 11.30am on Friday this week instead of Thursday.
World Book Day - Thursday March 3rd . Book club meeting at 10.30am or Writers Group at 2pm.
NALA Distance Learning Service - log onto www.writeon.ie. Free phone 1800202065 or text ‘Learn’ to 50050.

New Candelabra
A beautiful new candelabra has been placed in St. Patrick’s Church. By all accounts it is a welcome addition to the Parish Church. Candles will increase to 30c each on account of the increased cost. The new candelabras in both St. Patrick’s and St. Fiacre’s are more efficient, cut down on waste and use a wax which is more environmentally friendly while burning for the same length as a standard candle.

Security
Due to the relative quietness of the church during the day and for increased security, we have installed a CCTV system in St. Patrick’s Church. This discreet system will not be an intrusion on worshippers. There is already a system in operation in St. Fiacre’s church and in the parish centre.

World day of Prayer
On Friday 4th March 2011 at St. John’s Church of Ireland, John St, Kilkenny at 8pm. All are welcome.

Radio Masses
St. Patrick’s Parish has been invited to host three broadcast Masses on RTE Radio. We are honoured to accept the invitation and look forward to sharing our parish celebrations with a wider congregation. For technical and timing reasons the Masses will be broadcast from St. Joseph’s Church, Foulkstown.
The dates of these masses are: Sunday, 27th February and Sunday, 6th March. The third Mass will be broadcast at 7.00pm on Ash Wednesday, 9th March.

St. Patrick’s Day Televised Mass
St. Patrick’s Brass and Reed Band has accepted an invitation from RTE Television to provide the music for the televised Mass on St. Patrick’s Day. This will be the first time a band has provided the music and the members are currently rehearsing their programme. The band also intends to be back in Kilkenny to take part in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

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 OsraĆ­: 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 OsraĆ­: 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.

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Seventh Sunday in OrdinaryTime, 20th February 2011

Parish Masses on Radio
On next Sunday, 27th February and the following Sunday, 6th March the 10.00am Masses at St. Joseph’s Church, Foulkstown will be broadcast by RTE Radio. The 7.00pm Mass on Ash Wednesday, 9th March will also be broadcast. To receive the service you will need to retune your radio to Long Wave 252. Relatives and friends living abroad may pick up the service online on the Radio 1 Extra Stream at the RTE website. The broadcast will also be available on the Sky Radio satellite.
We are honoured to accept RTE’s invitation and look forward to sharing our parish celebrations with a wider congregation.

St. Vincent de Paul Collection
The second collection at all Masses this weekend will be for the local conference of the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

Parish Shop
As well as the usual offerings of religious goods the Parish Shop now includes a selection of Confirmation items. The shop is located in the Parish Centre and is open during office hours each weekday.

St. John’s Parish Novena
The annual Parish Novena at St. John’s Parish begins on this Monday, 21st February and runs until Tuesday, 1st March. Services each weekday at 7.30am, 10.30am and 7.30pm. Services on Sunday at 8.00am, 10.30am, 12.00 noon and 7.30pm. Sacrament of Reconciliation (without Mass) on Friday, 25th February at 7.30pm. Mass with Anointing of the Sick on Saturday, 26th February at 10.30am. Special Service of Blessing of Babies and Small Children on Sunday, 27th February at 3.30pm. Preparation for each service begins 15 minutes before the published times. All welcome.

Healing Service
A time of prayer for healing will take place in St. Fiacre’s Church on next Thursday evening at 7.30pm. All welcome.

Pray for our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Philomena Somers, Sheastown. Johanna (Joan) Tallis, Newpark Close. Mary Byrne, Clara and England. Requiem Mass and burial of ashes at St. Joseph’s Church, Foulkstown at 11.00am on Friday.

Months Mind: Mary Reynolds (Sun 11.00), Rose Walsh (Sun 12.30).

Anniversaries: Mary Lynch (Sat 6.15), Jenny Clancy (Sat 7.00), Molly Johnstone (Sun 9.30), John Walsh (Sun 10.00), Seamus (Dixie) Brennan (Sun 10.30), Peader Flanagan (Sun 12.00), Ann Somers (Mon 9.30), Margaret Fell (Tue 10.30), Patrick & Teresa Kennedy & Marjorie Foskin (Wed 9.30), Anne Kelly (Thur 10.30), John Millea (Fri 10.30) Janet Rooney, Ellen Bourke, Crissie Simons, Willie Maguire, Deirdre McGuinness, Ellen Doyle, Anne Kelly, Martin Dermody, Jack Leahy, Stan Landers, Terry Maher, John & Annie Free, Liam Bergin.

Intentions Next Weekend: Bridget & Tommy Casey (Sat 6.15), John Dinneen (Sat 7.00), Maureen Barry (Months Mind Sun 9.30), David Maher (Sun 10.00), Tommy McCarthy (Sun 10.30), Ann O’Shea (Months Mind Sun 11.00), Brian Griffin (Sun 12.00), Joe Lawlor (Sun 12.30).

Cake Sale and Coffee Morning
Group 174 of the Irish Pilgrimage Trust (of which Fr. Dan is chaplain) takes 11 young people with special needs to Lourdes each Easter. In Lourdes Group 174 becomes part of a great international pilgrimage with visitors from other parts of Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales, Croatia, West Indies and the United States. Each adult helper pays his or her own fare and commits to help raise €13,500 to pay for the young people’s travel and accommodation. Group 174 plans a Cake Sale and Coffee Morning at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre after 10.30am and 12.00 noon Masses on Sunday, 6th March. We appeal for your support on the day and with baking produce etc. beforehand. Please give Ena a call on 056 776 4400 if you feel you can help. For more information visit www.irishpilgrimagetrust.com.
Weekly Envelope Collection
The envelope collection last week amounted to €1,560.00. Sincere thanks to all.

Useful Phone Numbers
The following services are available locally for those with addiction issues and their families.
Counselling/Support for Alcohol/Drug Issues
Free Service Available on 1890 46 46 00
Family Support Group - Supporting Family members living with drug use. Contact: 056 772 3860 or 086 315 2246.

Church Gate Collection
The annual Church gate collection in aid of St Patrick Parish Seniors will take place on Sunday, 27th February. Please support.

Cura
If you are pregnant and distressed and would like to talk to someone in confidence. Phone 1850 622 626 or the local centre number 772 2739.

Playwrighting Workshops
Venue: Loughboy Library. Tutor: Shawn Sturnick. Commencing Monday, 7th March for 6 weeks. Time 5.30pm - 7.30pm. To secure a place please call the Arts Office on 779 4138 or email niamh.finn@kilkennycoco.ie. Closing Date Wednesday, 23rd February 2011.

Parenting Course
“Surviving your adolescents - how to manage and let go of your 13 to 18 year olds” is the title of a presentation to be made at the Village Business Centre, Patrick Street on next Tuesday evening at 8.00pm. The programme is intended for the parents of teenagers. Booking at 087 927 7479.

New Communication Service
James Stephens GAA club has launched a new sms/text communication service (provided your network is O2 or Vodafone). To subscribe to this service just text: follow VillageGAA to 51210.

Crucifix at St. Fiacre’s Church
The crucifix behind the altar at St. Fiacre’s Church was created by the late Oisin Kelly (1915 - 1981) who lived in our parish for a short while. He is also responsible for Jim Larkin’s statue in O’Connell Street and “The Children of Lir” in the Garden of Remembrance, Dublin.
Our crucifix shows the Glorified or Risen Christ and dispenses with the traditional nail holes and crucifixion marks.
The image inspired the following poem by parishioner Marie Marshall from Clongowan who has given us permission to share it with you.

CRUX
(St. Fiacre’s Church, Loughboy)

Looking up
a puzzle there
no thorny crown
or beads of blood
strong features
fatherly face
gazing down
alert, direct
no painful frown.

No bony frame
no pierced palms
cruel nails
or injured feet
but sturdy limbs
solid, secure
standing firm

what tale does
sculptor mean to tell
no visible wounds
are they cloaked
or overlaid by
overlord sublime
powerful hands
pouring out
a silent blessing.

M. Marshall

Volunteer Visitor Project
A new project is being run by the Mercer’s Institute for Research on Ageing, based in St James’ Hospital in Dublin, and funded by the Ageing Well Network. The project - the Social Connection Study - is aimed at people aged 65 or over who would like to get out and about more often than they do now. The visitors are also older people. They have been trained to visit people in their homes and support them to start getting out and about more. During the project, the volunteer makes ten weekly visits. At each visit, they help the person to make plans, deal with obstacles and build on progress. People taking part in the project will be asked to do an assessment before and after the project, to see if the volunteer visitor programme has made a difference. If you – or someone you know – might be interested, you can get more information about the project by calling - Maureen Tobin (Kilkenny Researcher) on 086 129 4353.

Thank You
Thanks to all who supported the collection for the Diocesan Lourdes Fund last weekend.

Have You Arthritis or Fibromyalgia?
Learn how to: decrease your pain, reduce your fatigue, introduce exercise and relaxation into your daily life, and much more. This award winning course costs just €20 for the 6 weekly sessions. Venue: St. Patrick’s Parish Centre; Thursdays 3rd,10th, 24th, 31st March & 7th, 14th April. All sessions 7pm - 9.30pm. To find out more and register please contact Arthritis Ireland on 01 647 0206, or email training@arthritisireland.ie. Visit our website at www.arthritisireland.ie.

Hearing Help/Lip-reading Classes
Classes will start Monday, 21st February between 8.00 and 10.00pm and Wednesday morning, 23rd February 10.30 - 12.30pm for 8 weeks.  Venue: The Citizens Information Centre, The Parade.  086 809 4658. All are welcome.

South Leinster Champs
Congrats to Village under-age players Jake McDonald, Tadhg O'Dwyer, Conor Byrne, Brian Busher, Niall Brennan and Eoin Kelly who are part of the St. Kieran's College U14 football panel who beat Carnew in the final.

Careers in Elder/Child Care?
FETAC Level 5 Courses running in February: Safety & Health at Work Module, February 23rd, 24th, 28th and March 4th. Care of the Older Person: March dates TBC. Occupational First Aid: March/April Dates TBC Both modules will be held in Carlow from 10.00am to 4.00pm. Contact 059 914 2208 or visit www.visiontraining.ie to book.

You’ve got to be perfect!
If someone hits us on the right cheek, I’m pretty sure the last thing we would feel like doing is offering them the left one. Yet, Jesus calls people to a love that is perfect ‘as your heavenly Father is perfect.’ Surely this is too great a demand! Perfection here is a call to a love that is universal and knows no boundaries, an undiscriminating love. Agape love is love of those we do not know, even those we do not life and, as we hear today, a ‘love of enemy’ – the toughest kind of love, an all-inclusive love. This does not mean that we let people walk all over us; rather it is a love that exposes injustice. Mahatma Gandhi once said, ‘an eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind’. Gandhi apparently read from the Sermon on the Mount twice a day for the last 40 years of his life. He considered these texts to be the greatest writings on non-violence in the history of the world. Jesus encourages people to be pro-active when faced with injustice - through acts of resistance. Tables are turned on oppressors, causing them to stop and think about what they are doing. ‘Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you’ – probably the most radical words ever spoken, a total summation of Christianity, yet we’ve done our best to avoid them. Imagine a world where people respond to acts of violence, oppression and hatred with love and forgiveness. Dare we practice such love?
Jane Mellett

St. John’s Parish Novena

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, 13th February 2011

The Heart of Relationships
Through Moses and the Law God had given instructions for how people were to live together, to ensure that God’s people would not begin to oppress on another. In today’s Gospel, as we continue our reading of the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew presents Jesus at the new Moses, as Liberator. He presents God’s demands not by dispensing with the Law but by asking for a deeper observance, a more sincere fulfilment. True and loyal service of God begins in the heart. How we are and how we live is a choice. God’s law reveals our human potential and perhaps we should interpret these clauses as ‘verbal beacons’. In striving for that perfection we better ourselves. The entire Sermon on the Mount focuses on right relationships and the right kind of worship? If we offer gifts at the altar on Sunday but fail to be ‘Christian’ to the world on Monday, that is not worship. Action is key. Today’s scripture focuses on God’s view of who we are – in terms of who Jesus says we ought to be in our relationship with God, with family and friends, and with our world.
Jane Mellett

Senior Citizens’ Parish Party
By all accounts everybody had a wonderful evening at last Monday’s party for the senior citizens of St. Patrick’s Parish. Over one hundred and twenty people sat down to a wonderful four course meal followed by an excellent evening’s dancing to Marble City Sound. Well done to everybody involved.

Diocesan Lourdes Collection
The annual Diocesan Lourdes Collection will be taken up at all Masses this weekend. We invite you to contribute a little extra to the second collection and the money will be passed on to the Diocesan Office to help defray the costs of the Diocesan Pilgrimage.

The Irish Catholic
This excellent Catholic newspaper is available at the church doors. Cost €1.30.
Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2011
The annual Ossory Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes takes place from 22nd to 27th May 2011. Telephone Eleanor on 051 880 414 between 10.30am and 2.30pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

St. Patrick’s Lourdes Committee
This parish group raises funds to help a number of deserving parishioners travel to Lourdes with the annual Ossory Diocesan Pilgrimage in May. The Committee is currently accepting nominations for travellers with this year’s pilgrimage. Please contact any member of the committee or the Parish Office (776 4400) if you or someone known to you would like to be considered for travel.

Enrolments in Parish Schools
The St. John of God Girls’ School and the St. Patrick’s De La Salle Boys’ School are currently dealing with enrolment applications for September 2011. Please contact the schools immediately for further details.
St. John of God School: 056 772 1290
St. Patrick’s De La Salle School: 056 776 1081

Radio Masses
St. Patrick’s Parish has been invited to host three broadcast Masses on RTE Radio. We are honoured to accept the invitation and look forward to sharing our parish celebrations with a wider congregation. For technical and timing reasons the Masses will be broadcast from St. Joseph’s Church, Foulkstown on Sunday, 27th February and Sunday, 6th March. The third Mass will be broadcast at 7.00pm on Ash Wednesday, 9th March.

St. Patrick’s Day Televised Mass
St. Patrick’s Brass and Reed Band has accepted an invitation from RTE Television to provide the music for the televised Mass on St. Patrick’s Day. This will be the first time a band has provided the music and the members are currently rehearsing their programme. The band also intends to be back in Kilkenny to take part in the
St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Pray for the Deceased
Recently Deceased: Ursula Maher, 14 St. Fiacre’s Place. Funeral prayers at her home at 6.30pm on Sunday. Removal to St. Patrick’s Church. Requiem Mass at 11.00am on Monday. Burial at Foulkstown Cemetery. Mark Quigley, Rioch Street. Requiem Mass at 11.00am on Sunday at St. Mary’s Cathedral. Burial at Foulkstown Cemetery. Catherine Maher, Rathmore, Tennypark. Mark O’Grady, Bishop Birch Place. Mary Jo Tamosiunas (Thur 9.30).

Anniversaries: Nicholas Healy (Sat 6.15), Daphne Phelan (Sat 7.00), Sean O’Grady (Sun 10.00), Matt Gleeson (Sun 10.30), Eileen Cummins (Sun 11.00), Peter Quinn (Sun 12.00), Michael Walsh & Milo Bourke (Sun 12.30), Seamus Kelly (Wed 10.30), Paddy Burke, Eileen Cummins, Catherine Beckett, Jack Talbot, Tina O’Driscoll, Seamus Culleton, John & Bridget Dunne, Michael & Agnes Foley, Ellen Egan, Kieran Healy, Christopher Walsh.

Intentions Next Weekend: Mary Lynch (Sat 6.15), Jenny Clancy (Sat 7.00), Molly Johnstone (Sun 9.30), John Walsh (Sun 10.00), Seamus (Dixie) Brennan (Sun 10.30), Mary Reynolds (Sun 11.00 Months Mind), Peadar Flanagan (Sun 12.00), Rose Walsh (Sun 12.30 Months Mind).

Questions People Ask
Q. I was abused physically and emotionally be a very violent father during childhood. How can I be expected to regard God by the title of father?
A. You might use some other name such as Lord, or Maker or simply God. Since it was Jesus who instructed us to call God our Father, pray to Jesus to heal that unhappy association which inhibits you. Jesus never meant the Father to be understood in an authoritarian sense, much less in an abusive way, but as the loving source of life, the giver of talents, the merciful one who forgives the prodigal son with a celebratory banquet. Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

Weekly Envelope Collection
The envelope collection last week amounted to €1,989 and the monthly standing orders came to €4,751.20. Sincere thanks to all.

St. John’s Parish Novena
The annual Parish Novena at St. John’s Parish begins on Monday, 21st February and runs until Tuesday, 1st March. Services each weekday at 7.30am, 10.30am and 7.30pm. Services on Sunday at 8.00am, 10.30am, 12.00 noon and 7.30pm. Sacrament of Reconciliation (without Mass) on Friday, 25th February at 7.30pm. Mass with Anointing of the Sick on Saturday, 26th February at 10.30am. Special Service of Blessing of Babies and Small Children on Sunday, 27th February at 3.30pm. Preparation for each service begins 15 minutes before the published times. All welcome.

Divine Mercy Prayer/Conference
There will be an hour of adoration and prayer in the Capuchin Friary Church on Sunday, 13th February from 3.00 - 4.00pm. All welcome.
The annual conference will take place in the RDS, Ballsbridge, Dublin on Saturday, 19th February at 4.00pm. A bus will leave Butts Green, Kilkenny at 7.30am. For more details contact Peggy Kealy on 776 7857.

Medjugorje Prayer
An evening of prayer will take place on Monday, 14th February at the Mill Hill Church, Waterford Road, Kilkenny beginning at 8.00pm. Prayers include Rosary, Mass, Devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. All are welcome for prayer and later for a cup of tea.

Parish Shop
As well as the usual offerings of religious goods the Parish Shop now includes a selection of Confirmation items. The shop is located in the Parish Centre and is open during office hours each weekday.

LARC Parent and Toddler Group
The group has moved premises to the LARC Childcare Centre. It now takes place on Friday mornings from 10.00 to 11.30am in 54/55 Hollybank Lawn, Clongowan. If anyone would like to join please come along on Friday or contact Connie on 056 776 4700 for more information or directions.

Cake Sale and Coffee Morning
Group 174 of the Irish Pilgrimage Trust (of which Fr. Dan is chaplain) takes 11 young people with special needs to Lourdes each Easter. In Lourdes Group 174 becomes part of a great international pilgrimage with visitors from other parts of Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales, Croatia, West Indies and the United States. Each adult helper pays his or her own fare and commits to help raise €13,500 to pay for the young people’s travel and accommodation. Group 174 plans a Cake Sale and Coffee Morning at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre after 10.30am and 12.00 noon Masses on Sunday, 6th March. We appeal for your support on the day and with baking produce etc. beforehand. Please give Ena a call on 056 776 4400 if you feel you can help. For further information visit www.irishpilgrimagetrust.com.

Parenting Course
“Parenting from the inside out” is the title of a presentation to be made at the Village Business Centre, Patrick Street on next Tuesday evening at 8.00pm. The programme is intended for the parents of children aged 4 to 11 years. Booking at 087 927 7479.

Special Olympics Club
The AGM of the Kilkenny Kats Special Olympics Club (Junior Club 6yrs to 16yrs ), will take place at 8.00pm on Tuesday, 15th February in St Patrick’s Parish Centre, Loughboy. New athletes and new volunteers are welcome. The club takes place every Thursday between 5.45pm and 6.45pm in the Loreto P.E. Hall and we have lots of fun. Contact Therese Buckley 087 904 0208 for further information.

Loughboy Library
Creative Writing - A six week free course on playwriting will commence at Loughboy Library on Monday, 7th March at 5.30pm. Please forward names to The Arts Office, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny.
Exhibition - Ms Paula Holohan, is exhibiting a series of wildflowers called “Along the Hedgerow” at the library until 4th March.

Towards Healing
Earlier this week Towards Healing a new counselling and support service for survivors of clerical and religious abuse commenced providing services. Freephone 1 800 303 416 and email info@towardshealing.ie

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, 6th February 2011

We Are Kingdom People
The Sermon on the Mount focuses on ‘Kingdom people’ as Jesus defines their role using two words: ‘salt’ and ‘light’. Salt served as a currency in ancient civilisations. It was essential for preserving foods, even for keeping wounds clean. Jesus calls us to be salt of the earth. He did not say, ‘you will be the salt of the earth’ but ‘you are. Therefore we are called to be witnesses to the presence of God active in our lives and in our world – an ongoing process, taking place in here and now. Both salt and light operate by associating with the thing that they want to change. Salt must go into the food to change it from within; therefore we must get up and get involved. The Kingdom of God is about this world. It is about politics; economics; our environment; it is about peace. How are we to fulfil our responsibility?
‘This is what we are about: We plant seeds that one day will grow. We water seeds already planted, Knowing that they hold future promise... We cannot do everything, and there is a sense of liberation in realizing that. This enables us to do something, and to do it very well… We may never see the end results, but that is the difference between the master builder and the worker. We are workers, not master builders, ministers, not messiahs. We are prophets of future not our own’ – Oscar Romero.
Jane Mellett

Questions People Ask
Q. Wouldn’t it be better if the main religions reached a common code of ideals and dropped the doctrines which divide them?
A. I would like to see the promotion of our shared ideals but I certainly would not favour settling for the lowest common denominator of belief. This would mean dropping many of the revealed truths such as the divinity of Jesus Christ, his unique position as saviour, his resurrection or the privilege of the Eucharist. Dialogue with other religions cannot mean any diminution of belief and I’m sure that the members of other religions think the same way.
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

Pray for our Deceased FriendsRecently Deceased: Shane Holland, 54 Dean’s Court. (Funeral arrangements to be announced). Ann Nolan, Crescentia, College Road. Margaret Foran, Vicar Street. John Lawlor, Upper John Street. Fr. Joseph O’Shea, Vancouver and Piltown. Peggy Cahill, Kerry.

Anniversaries: John O’Rourke (Sat 6.15), Joseph Kirwan (Sat 7.00), Eamon & Frances Costello (Sun 9.30), Noeline Flood (Sun 10.00), Pat Kearney, Waterford Road (Sun 10.30), Dr. Richard Purcell (Sun 11.00), Paddy Burke (Sun 12.00), Rory Quinn (Sun 12.30), Bridie Dunne (Thurs 10.30), Eleanor Mulvee (Fri 10.30), Breda Butler, Patrick O’Keeffe, Mary Pullman, Michael O’Dwyer, Patrick Walsh, Fintan Phelan, Liam Devlin, Patrick & Ellen Fewer, Ned Larkin, Michael Burke, John Ryan, James, Bridget & Gerald Leahy, Patrick Jordan, James Hayes, Bill Carroll, John Quigley, Michael Dargan.

Intentions for next weekend: Nicholas Healy (Sat 6.15), Daphne Phelan (Sat 7.00), Sean O’Grady (Sun 10.00), Matt Gleeson (Sun 10.30), Eileen Cummins (Sun 11.00), Peter Quinn (Sun 12.00), Michael Walsh & Milo Bourke (Sun 12.30).
To ensure publication names for inclusion in this section should be sent to the Parish Office as early as possible. Please try to include a contact telephone number as we sometimes have to check details before publication.

St. Patrick’s Lourdes Committee
This group raises funds to help a number of deserving parishioners travel to Lourdes with the annual diocesan pilgrimage. They are currently accepting nominations for travellers with this year’s pilgrimage. Please contact any member of the committee or the parish office (776 4400) if you or someone known to you would like to be considered for travel.

Latin Mass
There will be a sung Traditional Mass with Gregorian Chant in St. Patrick's Church at 5.00pm on this Sunday 6th February. All are welcome.

Senior Citizens’ Party
The annual dinner and party for the senior citizens of St. Patrick’s Parish will be held at the Parish Centre on this Monday evening, 7th February. Good food and a great evening’s entertainment is guaranteed. Tickets are only €10 at the Sacristies and Parish Office. It is essential to book to facilitate seating and catering. Transport can be arranged for those who find it difficult to attend. For details: 776 4400.

St Joseph’s Young Priests Society
The monthly meeting of the St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society will take place in the Parish Centre on Friday, 11th February immediately after the 10.30am Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church. New members very welcome.

Westcourt News
The February Mass to pray for the canonisation of Blessed Edmund Rice will be celebrated in Westcourt, Callan on Monday, 7th February at 7.30pm. The Callan Historical Society will host the liturgy.

Enrolments in Parish Schools
The St. John of God Girls’ School and the St. Patrick’s De La Salle Boys’ School are currently dealing with enrolment applications for September 2011. Please contact the schools immediately for further details.
St. John of God School: 056 772 1290
St. Patrick’s De La Salle School: 056 776 1081

Rosary
The monthly rosary on the first Sunday in James Green at the statue of Our Lady of Kilkenny continues this Sunday, 6th February at 3.00pm.

First Saturday Devotion
Prayers and adoration ill begin after 6.15pm Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church on this Saturday evening. Come and pray for families and for our country.

Weekly Envelope Collection
The envelope collection last week amounted to €1,000. Sincere thanks to all who continue to support our parish and its priests.

Our Lady of Lourdes
Friday is the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. This day marks the anniversary of Our Lady’s first visit to Bernadette at the grotto in Lourdes, France. During her visits Our Lady invited people to come to the grotto in procession. Since then the shrine has become a place of intense prayer for healing.

World Day of Prayer for the Sick
Friday is also the World Day of Prayer for the Sick. We will include special prayers for the sick at all Masses in the parish. The Sacrament of the Sick will be celebrated during the 10.30am Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church. Those who are unwell are invited to receive the Sacrament of the Sick during the Mass.
The Pope’s message for World Day of the Sick is available at www.catholicbishops.ie

Diocesan Lourdes Collection
The annual Diocesan Lourdes Collection will be taken up at all Masses next weekend. We invite you to contribute a little extra to the second collection and the money will be passed on to the Diocesan Office to help defray the costs of the Diocesan Pilgrimage.

Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2011
The annual Ossory Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes takes place from 22nd to 27th May 2011. Telephone Eleanor on 051 880 414 between 10.30am and 2.30pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

Triduum in Honour of Our Lady
The annual Triduum will be held at the Black Abbey on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of this week. Rosary, Mass and Homily at 10.15am and 7.15pm each day. Preacher is Fr. Gabriel Harty, Ireland’s Rosary Priest.

Afternoon Prayer
The mark the 30th anniversary of the apparitions in Medjugorje there will be rosary, Mass and adoration at Mill Hill Fathers Chapel, Waterford Road between 2.30 and 5.00pm on this Sunday, 5th February.
Prayers for Healing
There will be a time of prayer for healing at St. Fiacre’s Church between 7.30 and 10.00pm on this Thursday, 10th February.

The Irish Catholic
This excellent Catholic newspaper is available at the church doors. Cost €1.30.

Understanding Mental Health
Due to public demand there will be a further presentation on Understanding Mental Health at Village Business Centre, Patrick Street, Kilkenny on Tuesday, 8th February at 8pm. Presenter: Dr. Fergus Heffernan. Cost: €10. Booking (Essential) on 087 927 7479.

Have You Time To Spare?
S.O.S., a voluntary organisation for adults with a mild/moderate intellectual disability, provides day services, respite and residential care. We are looking for families to provide breaks in their home for adults from our services. Nominal expenses are paid. We are also looking for volunteers to support us in providing extra social and recreational activities for people in S.O.S. Contact Kathleen at 776 4000 or email ksherry@soskilkenny.com.

Mass for those Affected by Suicide
The Augustinian Community invites you to join them in celebrating Mass for all who have died through suicide and the suicide bereaved on Sunday, 6th February, at 3.00pm in the Church of Good Counsel College, New Ross.

Art for Fun
Art Classes every Monday, 2.30 to 5.00pm in St. Patrick’s Parish Centre. Contact Eamonn on 086 334 5144 for details.

Nintendo Wii Training
This is the last chance for over 50s to sign up for Nintendo Wii Training at Loughboy Library. Phone 779 4176 for information.

Art Classes
Art Classes will start in the Bishop Birch Training Institute, Waterford Road on Friday, 18th February and will run for a six week period each Friday at 10:30am. Bookings and further information contact Sonja on 770 8155 or 083 394 1220.

Alzheimer's Day Care Centre
Day Care Centre for People Affected by Alzheimer’s now open in Kilkenny. Open: Monday to Friday 9.30am to 4.00pm. Further information on 777 1230.

James Stephens GAA News
U-14 Trial Games
The Village U14 A/B management teams will be taking panels to Dublin this Sunday to play Kilmacud Crokes and Na Fianna panels in competitive challenge games. The group will leave by bus this Sunday from Larchfield at 9am sharp.

Semple Stadium Clash
Kilkenny will clash with great rivals Tipperary on Saturday 12th February which is just around the corner. Kilkenny manager and Village man Brian Cody will lead his charges into Semple stadium for this mouth watering clash as it is the first time these sides will meet since the All-Ireland final last September. The game will be played under lights at 7.30pm so get along to support Brian, Eoin Larkin, Jackie Tyrrell and Matthew Ruth as hopes will be high Kilkenny can secure an important win in Tipperary's 'back yard' as the saying goes.