Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, 7th July 2013

The Light of Faith
Lumen Fidei is the title of a new encyclical letter from Pope Francis, his first since becoming Pope.  The encyclical on faith was begun by Pope Benedict XVI, before his resignation, and completed by Pope Francis, who referred to the document as the work of “four hands”, suggesting that the encyclical represented the work of both himself and his predecessor.  Following the usual Vatican practice, the encyclical takes its title from the opening words: Lumen Fidei, the light of faith. In its opening section the Pope remarks on how the gift of faith has always been associated with light, which enables believers to see things clearly.  Lumen Fidei cautions that no one should seek faith alone. In fact the Pope writes bluntly: “It is impossible to believe on our own.”
The encyclical is available at www.vatican.va and follow the link to encyclicals.
 
John Paul II to be Canonised
The Vatican has approved a second miracle through the intercession of Blessed Pope John Paul II clearing him to be made a saint, possibly later this year.  Pope Francis signed the decree on last Friday.  John Paul was Pope from 1978 until his death in 2005, and was the most travelled Pope in history, drawing vast crowds as he visited 129 countries including Ireland. The Polish-born Pope was proclaimed ‘Blessed’ after a first miracle was attributed to him. This was the inexplicable recovery of a French nun, Sister Marie Simon-Pierre, from Parkinson's Disease, which the Vatican ruled came through the intervention of John Paul.  The second miracle is said to have taken place on the night John Paul was beatified.
An earlier Pope is also to be canonised.  Pope John XXIII, Pope from 1958 until his death in 1963, was responsible for calling the Second Vatican Council (1962 - 65) and was made ‘Blessed’ in 2000.  He will be canonised on the same occasion as John Paul II.
 
Rosary
The monthly rosary on the first Sunday in James Green at the statue of Our Lady of Kilkenny continues this Sunday 7th July at 3.00pm.
 
Ad Multos Annos
This week Sr. Alphonsus Walsh and Sr. Mary Tighe of the local St. John of God Community celebrate seven decades as members of the congregation.  Well done and thanks for your ministry.  We pray for God’s continued blessing upon you both.
 
Cemetery Mass
Our annual Foulkstown Cemetery Mass will take place on Thursday, 25th July at 7.30pm.  Please remind your relatives and friends, especially those who are living away from home.
Perhaps it is also time to make a move to prepare family graves and the graves of those neighbours who have no able family members remaining.
 
Theological Studies Programme
This programme ran for the second time last year with a group of 25 participants. It was a resounding success and thoroughly enjoyed by all. The course aims at providing religious education, faith formation and spiritual enrichment for those actively engaged in parish life or in the pastoral care of people, young and old. The programme runs for 24 weeks, September – May, Mondays and Thursdays, 7.00 – 9.00pm, with modules in the Old and New Testament Scriptures, Church History, The Church, past and present, Moral Theology, Liturgy & Sacraments.
For further details apply to Declan Murphy, Course Director, St Kieran’s College 087 908 1470 or 056 775 3624; email declanmurphy@ossory.ie or theology@ossory.ie.  Alternatively forms may be downloaded from www.ossory.ie
 
Church Gate Collections
A church gate collection in aid of Concern will be held this weekend.  Please support.
Pray For Our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Brendan Lawless, Coach Road. Michael Butler, Johnswell. Jerry Dunne, Green Street. Tom McDonald, Golf Links Road.
Months Mind: Geraldine Gannon (Sun 10.30).
Anniversaries: Marie Manogue (Sat 6.15). Donal O’Neill (Sat 7.00). Michael Murphy (Sun 9.30). Pauline Kennedy (Sun 10.00). Lily Purcell (Sun 11.00). Lillian Beatty (Sun 12.00). Sean Hennessy (Sun 12.30). Patrick Roche (Tues 10.30). Bill & Gretta Delaney (Wed 9.30). Maurice (Mossie) Nagle (Wed 10.30). Paddy Bergin & Sr. Margaret Mary Bergin (Thur 10.30). Mary Lynch (Fri 10.30). Margaret (Peg) Horrigan, Catherine Dowling. Annie Cody. Mary Ann, Denis & Tommy Murray. Mary Fry. Mick Byrne. Mary Holland. Brigid Ward. Bridie Walsh. Felix Campbell. Denis Molloy. Austin Murphy.
Intentions for Next Weekend: Joan Coady (Sat 6.15). Jimmy Hackett (Sat 7.00). Catherine Roberts (Sun 9.30). Jimmy Byrne (Sun 10.00). Josie Kenny (Months Mind Sun 10.30). Dr. Paddy Boyd (Sun 11.00). Deceased Residents & Family Members of Dukesmeadows (Sun 12.00). Ger Doheny (Sun 12.30).  May they rest in peace.  Amen.
 
A Time for Clarity and Truth
“We value the skill and efforts of our doctors, nurses and others who have helped to earn Ireland’s place as one of the safest countries in the world for mothers and their babies during pregnancy.
Catholic Church teaching is clear: where a seriously ill pregnant woman needs medical treatment which may put the life of her baby at risk, such treatments are ethically permissible provided every effort is made to save both the mother and her baby.
This is different from abortion, which is the direct and intentional taking of the innocent life of the unborn.  … abortion is, and always will be, gravely wrong.”  
Catholic Bishops of Ireland, June 2013
High Mass with Gregorian Chant
There will be a High Mass, with Gregorian Chant sung by St.Patrick's Scola, in St. Patrick’s Church on Thursday 11th July at 7.00pm. Following the Mass, a first class relic of St. Oliver Plunkett will be publicly venerated and individual blessings with the relic will then take place.
 
Congratulations
We offer congratulations to the players and mentors from Kilkenny City U14 Ladies Gaelic Football team, who won Division 2 of Féile Peil na nÓg in Derry last weekend.  Well done!
Alzheimer Cafe
Are you worried about your memory? Are you looking after someone who is becoming more forgetful? If you would like to find out more about Alzheimer’s or dementia come along to our Alzheimer Café for information about dementia specific services in Kilkenny. The cafe is for people living with dementia and people who want to find out more about it. A Clinical Nurse Specialist in dementia will be there for question and answer session. Harry’s Bar Langton’s, 11.00am - 1.00pm on Wednesday 3rd July. Free tea and scones. For information: 056 777 1230.
 
Light Humour for a Sunny Day
An old nun who was living in a convent next to a construction site noticed the coarse language of the workers and decided to spend some time with them to correct their ways.  She decided she would take her lunch and sit with the workers.  She put her sandwich in a brown bag and walked over to the spot where the men were eating. Sporting a big smile, she walked up to the group and asked: “And do you men know Jesus Christ?”  They shook their heads and looked at each other, very confused. One of the workers looked up into the steelworks and yelled out, “Anybody up there know Jesus Christ: One of the steelworkers yelled down, “Why?” The worker yelled back, “Cause his mum’s here with his lunch.”
 
 

Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, 30th June 2013

All Ireland Rally for Life
Rise up for life!  Join the All Ireland Rally for Life at 2.00pm on next Saturday, 6th July at Parnell Square, Dublin.  This is the last opportunity to stand up for life and send a clear message to our Government not to legalise abortion. It is vital that there is a huge turnout on the day. Those who have not been able to attend before are asked to make a special effort to attend this time as their presence on the day could make the difference.
A bus will run from Loughboy Car Park at 10.00am on next Saturday, 6th July.  Please contact Ron at 086 669 6632 to book your seat.
Peter’s Pence Collection
The Annual Peter’s Pence Collection will be taken up at all Masses this weekend. This collection enables the Holy Father to respond with emergency financial assistance to requests to aid the most needy throughout the world––those who suffer as a result of war, oppression, and natural disasters.

 
Public Mass at Elm Green
The annual community Mass on the green at Elm Green will be celebrated on this Tuesday, 2nd July at 7.30pm.  Residents of Elm Green and local estates are invited to attend.
 
First Friday of July
The first Friday of July occurs this week.  The priests of the parish hope to visit the sick and home bound at the usual times.  Please inform the Parish Office (776 4400) if you would like to have a name added to the list.
 
St. Vincent de Paul Society
The parish conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul will meet every fortnight from the 1st July until 26th August 2013.  Normal weekly meetings will then resume.  Those who need financial help or advice may contact the conference on 087 681 0589.
Parish Shop
Our Parish Shop offers a wide range of religious items for sale at reasonable prices.  The shop is located in the foyer of our Parish Centre and is open during office hours.  Feel free to drop in and have a look without obligation.
 
Gala Evening of Sacred Music
The Dominican Brothers and Sisters of the Black Abbey Lay Chapter, in conjunction with Good Works Opera, are hosting a Gala Evening of Sacred Music in the Black Abbey, Kilkenny at 8.00pm on the Friday, 5th July to raise much needed funds. Tickets cost €15.00 and are available from Stone House Books, Kieran Street or the Black Abbey Priory, Kilkenny. Telephone 056 772 1279.

 
Local Cemetery Masses
The Cemetery Masses in Dunmore and Johnswell Cemeteries will be celebrated on Friday, 5th July at 7.30pm. 
Our annual Foulkstown Cemetery Mass will take place on Thursday 25th July at 7.30pm.  Please remind your relatives and friends, especially those who are living away from home.
 
Lough Derg Pilgrimages
Thinking of a way to celebrate this Year of Faith? Visit Lough Derg.  Traditional Three Day Pilgrimage continues every day from now until Tuesday 13th August.  Boats between 11.00am and 3.00pm daily. Public bus service and group organised pilgrimages available.  For further information contact Maureen on 071 986 1518.  www.loughderg.org.
 
Coffee Morning & Home Bakes
There will be a cake morning and home bake sale in aid of Ceart Rehabilitation Services Callan at St. Canice’s Community Centre (beside St. Vincent de Paul Shop), Butts Green, Kilkenny from  9.30am to 12.30pm on Thursday 4th July 2013. Please support.


Pray For Our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Odran Lucey, Killarney. Baby Jonathan Joseph Power, Bamford.
Months Mind: Mary Maher (Sun 10.30).
Anniversaries: John Joe Traynor (Sat 6.15). Ann Comerford (Sat 7.00). Sharon Galvin (Sun 9.30). Enda Cantwell (Sun 10.00). Martin Crotty (Sun 11.00). Teresa Howe & Mary Mullally (Sun 12.00). Maureen Walsh (Sun 12.30). Gay Doran (Tue 10.30). John & Margaret Johnson. (Wed 10.30). Sue Hogan (Thur 9:30).  Bridget Ryan (Fri 10.30). Mary (May) Savage. Joseph Daly. Phil Kavanagh. Bridget O’Farrell. Mary Bowe. John Phelan. Edward & Anne Whelan. Joe & Mollie Bergin. William Maher. Dr. Tom McIntyre.
Intentions for Next Weekend: Marie Manogue (Sat 6.15). Donal O’Neill (Sat 7.00). Michael Murphy (Sun 9.30). Pauline Kennedy (Sun 10.00). Geraldine Gannon (Months Mind Sun 10.30). Lily Purcell (Sun 11.00). Lillian Beatty (Sun 12.00). Sean Hennessy (Sun 12.30).

 
Theological Studies Programme
This programme ran for the second time last year with a group of 25 participants. It was a resounding success and thoroughly enjoyed by all. The course aims at providing religious education, faith formation and spiritual enrichment for those actively engaged in parish life or in the pastoral care of people, young and old. The programme runs for 24 weeks, September – May, Mondays and Thursdays, 7.00 – 9.00pm, with modules in the Old and New Testament Scriptures, Church History, The Church, past and present, Moral Theology, Liturgy & Sacraments.
For further details apply to Declan Murphy, Course Director, St Kieran’s College 087 908 1470 or 056 775 3624; email declanmurphy@ossory.ie or theology@ossory.ie.  Alternatively forms may be downloaded from www.ossory.ie or stkieranscollege.ie

 
Living with Suicide
As part of their Life’s Journey Series Lough Derg offers a one day workshop titled ‘Living With Suicide’ on Wednesday, 25th September.
This day is for adults who have been affected by suicide, either through personal loss or with suicidal ideation, for those ministering to the suicide bereaved or working in support services. For further information contact Maureen in the Lough Derg Office, Pettigo, Co Donegal. Tel: 071 986 1518; Email: info@loughderg.org.
 

Activities at Loughboy Library
Summer Reading Challenge: for children commences from 2nd July.  There will be prizes, stickers and a celebration party at the end!  Register at any library.
Responsible Dog Ownership Workshop: Friday 5th July at 11.00am - suitable for adults and children.
Teenagers Book Club: on Fridays at 11.00am.  All welcome.
Exhibitions: paintings and crafts always on display.  Free space available.
 
Ninja Typers
Typing classes for children at €10.00 per session.  Contact Keith 087 956 8497 or 059 917 3187.   St. Patrick’s Parish Centre, every Tuesday from 2.00 - 3.00pm.

 
Church Gate Collections
A church gate collection in aid of Concern will be held this weekend.  Please support.
PLEASE NOTE: Groups or individuals intending to hold collections at church gates should be aware that a permit from the Gardaí is needed before the collection can go ahead.  The Gardaí and NOT St. Patrick’s Parish have responsibility for issuing permits.  Collections should be taken up in compliance with the strict conditions laid down in the Garda permit.

 
Safeguarding Children
St. Patrick’s Parish fully complies with national and diocesan child safeguarding standards and procedures.  We ask all parishioners to take note of the guidelines etc that are placed in the porches of all churches.  These important documents list the guidelines and procedures that we follow in the event of a safeguarding concern.  We also ask parishioners to note the contact phone numbers and details that are printed on these same posters.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time, 23rd June 2013


Safeguarding Children
St. Patrick’s Parish fully complies with national and diocesan child safeguarding standards and procedures.  We ask all parishioners to take note of the guidelines etc that are placed in the porches of all churches.  These important documents list the guidelines and procedures that we follow in the event of a safeguarding concern.  We also ask parishioners to note the contact phone numbers and details that are printed on these same posters.
 
Parish Website
The Parish Website is undergoing a major overhaul and we ask people to bear with us during the reconstruction.  Please note to access our parish site you will need to type www.patricksparish.net directly into your browser (any  old ‘favourite button’ you may have placed on your browser no longer works). 
Comments and suggestions are welcome. 
 
Booking Baptisms & Weddings
At least two weeks notice must be given for baptisms in our parish.  Please contact the Parish Office for available dates and to register for the Sacrament.
Three months notice must be given to both Church and State for marriages (the State must be notified separately). Those applying to celebrate the Sacrament of Marriage in St. Patrick’s Parish will be asked to fill out a registration form and must make arrangements to meet a priest who will advise them on particular details. 
Before marriage all couples must complete a Pre-Nuptial Enquiry Form, and provide Baptismal and Confirmation certificates, both certificates to be not more than six months old.  Contact the Parish Office for details.
 

Lost and Found
A sum of money has been found in Ardnore.  Please contact the Parish Office on 056 776 4400.
 
Pray For Our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: John Alley, Durrow.  Bridget Rhatigan, Lacken Drive. Mick Smith, Bishop Birch Place.  John Dooley, Bennettsbridge.
Anniversaries: Marie Coyne (Sat 6.15). John Kenny (Sat 7.00).  William Costelloe (Sun 10.30). Thomas Sinnott (Sat 11.00). John McEvoy (Sun 12.00). Francis Ryan (Sun 12.30). Dick Martin (Fri 10.30). Bridie Conroy. Johanna O’Dwyer. Margaret & John McCarthy.  Dick O’Hara. John Fitzgerald. Molly Dwan. Richard McEvoy. Richard Dunne. Betty & Patrick O’Sullivan. John Hayes. Patrick & John Doheny.  Tom O’Donoghue, Seán Fitzpatrick, Patrick Banbrick
Intentions for next weekend: John Joe Traynor (Sat 6.15). Ann Comerford (Sat 7.00). Sharon Galvin (Sun 9.30). Enda Cantwell (Sun 10.00). Mary Maher (Months Mind Sun 10.30). Martin Crotty (Sun 11.00). Teresa Howe & Mary Mullally (Sun 12.00). Maureen Walsh (Sun 12.30)
Please have all requests for anniversary Masses at the Parish Office as early as possible to ensure publication on the week of your choice.
 
Trócaire and Syria
For two years the Syrian people have endured a vicious civil war. Now over seven million women, children and men are living in squalid camps, in desperate need of shelter, food and medicine. The impact on innocent people caught up in this conflict has been truly devastating. Trócaire is working through it local Caritas partners to provide urgent help in the form of food, blankets, clothes and medical treatment. To help with this urgent situation Trócaire has launched an emergency appeal for the people of Syria. Trócaire is hoping, through this emergency appeal, to provide an avenue for supporters of Trócaire to express their solidarity with the people of Syria who have been so badly affected by this conflict. See www.trocaire.org for more information.
Local Cemetery Masses
The annual Cemetery Mass in St. Kieran’s Cemetery will be celebrated on next Friday 28th June at 7.30pm. The Cemetery Mass in Dunmore and Johnswell Cemeteries will be celebrated on Friday 5th July at 7.30pm. 
Our annual Foulkstown Cemetery Mass will take place on Thursday 25th July at 7.30pm.  Please remind your relatives and friends, especially those who are living away from home.
 
First Saturday Devotion
This devotion will take place in St. Fiacre’s Church on Saturday, 6th July after 6.15pm Mass.  Prayers and adoration will end at 9.00pm.  All are welcome.
 
Pro Life Campaign
Information on the prolife campaign will be available after Mass if you wish to take it and inform yourself further on the proposed (and flawed) legislation currently being debated in the Dáil. 
In the pack are practical ways you can help the campaign to scrap this legislation by writing to your TD’s etc.  Those distributing the material have our blessing to do so and you are free to either accept or reject it. (They will not be outside the church at every Mass).
We ask those who do decide to take the material and plan to use it to do so in a responsible and respectful manner.
 
Lough Derg Pilgrimages
Thinking of a way to celebrate this Year of Faith? Visit Lough Derg.  Traditional Three Day Pilgrimage begins every day from now until Tuesday 13th August.  Boats between 11.00am and 3.00pm daily. Public bus service and group organised pilgrimages available.  For further information contact Maureen on 071 986 1518.  www.loughderg.org.
 

Al-Anon
A meeting of Al-Anon will discontinue from Friday 28th June.  Al-Anon will continue to meet on Tuesday at 8.30on at the Mill Hill Fathers and Wednesday 12.30pm in Social Services Centre, Waterford Road.
 
Parish Shop
We offer a wide variety of religious items for sale  in our small parish shop which is located in the foyer of our parish centre.  Drop in and have a look with no obligation to buy.