Monday, March 24, 2014

3rd Sunday of Lent, 23rd March 2014

Do This in Memory
We welcome to our 10.30am and 11.00am Masses the boys and girls who are preparing to receive their first Holy Communion next May.  We also welcome the parents, siblings and grandparents who have come along to these special Masses.  We remind ourselves again of the important role to be played by parents, family members, the local parish community and teachers in preparing our young people for this sacrament.
 
Half Way Review Point!
We are midway through Lent and we may need to renew our Lenten resolutions.  It is time to ask ourselves if we are using this season well as we prepare for Easter.  Even if we have failed it is not too late to start again or even to begin for the first time.  We suggest attending daily Mass for Lent.  For your convenience we have an extra Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church each weekday at 6.15pm.
 
Lent: Time for Enjoying God’s Mercy
It is easy to discourage, and far too easy to criticise, complain, rebuke. Let us try to be quicker to see even a small amount of good in a person and concentrate on that.                                             (Desmond Tutu).
 
TrĂ³caire Boxes
TrĂ³caire Family Fast Boxes are available in all our churches this weekend.  Please do take one and use it during Lent. www.trocaire.org for more information.
 
Cake and Craft Sale
Some local parishioners are hosting a Cake and Craft Sale for the Irish Pilgrimage Trust at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre after Masses at St. Fiacre’s Church at 6.15pm on this Saturday, 10.30am and 12.00noon on this Sunday. 
A variety of cakes, tarts, breads and dainties will be available.  There will also be tables with knits, crafts, hand-made cards, costume jewellery, handbags, pashminas and, of course, a raffle.  The proceeds will help send young people with special needs to Lourdes at Easter.
 
 
Parish Contribution Envelopes
We are currently preparing this year’s parish contribution envelopes for use from the first weekend of April.  A few things come to mind. 
1)  First and foremost we offer our grateful thanks to those who contribute to our parish through envelopes, standing orders and annual contributions.   In doing so you enable us to trace and account for the money contributed to the parish.  In cases where your contribution to the parish and ‘stations’ averages 5 per week we can increase the value of your contribution (at no extra cost or bother to you) by reclaiming from the Revenue the tax you have already paid on your contributions.
2)  Some people have not registered in our parish or taken envelopes and others have lapsed over the years.  We appeal to all to take seriously your responsibility as members of St. Patrick’s Parish and register as members of our parish community and take and use a pack of envelopes.  In this way you will continue to support the many fine services provided by the parish and used by so many.
3)   The packs of envelopes are distributed to the various streets, estates and town lands by volunteers.  We are currently recruiting helpers for this task in many areas.  We would love to hear from you in the Parish Office (056 776 4400) if you feel you could drop a pack in letterboxes in your neighbourhood.
 
Taking Control of Our Lives Again
This is the title of a talk by Dr. Fergus Heffernan to be held at St. Fiacre’s Church, Loughboy, Kilkenny at 8.00pm on Thursday, 3rd April.  Cost 10.  Creating resilience in challenging times teaches how to:-
· Build self-confidence
· How your diet affects your mood
· Take positive control of yourself and your future
· Have fulfilling relationships with family, friends and co-workers
· Free yourself from persistent fears and worries
· How to manage what goes on in your mind
For further information call 087 335 6738
 
 
Pray For Our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Tess Burke, Kilmacow.  Dinny Brennan, Ballybought Street. Eileen O’Carroll, The Railyard.  Reposing at her son Billy’s home at Shellumsrath.  Funeral prayers at 12.30pm on Sunday followed by removal to Moneenroe Church for Requiem Mass at 2.00pm. Burial in Moneenroe.
Anniversaries: Jack & John Ryan (Sat 6.15). Chris Kenny (Sat 7.00). Rusty Scanlon (Sun 10.30). Pat Mullins (Sun 11.00). Margaret Dunne (Sun 12.00). Paddy Walsh (Sun 12.30). Baby Jessica Harper Brennan & Denis Kavanagh (Tues 6.15). Des Cullen (Wed 10.30). Tommy Byrne  (Fri 6.15).  Richard & Billy Brennan. Dan & Peggy Kennedy. Philip, Johanna & John Larkin. Rose Keany. Elizabeth Kavanagh. Eileen Quigley. Lou McCarthy. Michael & Mary Conway.  Adrian Bligh.
Intentions for next weekend: Paddy Tomney (Sat 6.15). Oliver Kelly (Sat 7.00). Mary Lawlor (Sun 9.30). Michael Whelan (Sun 11.00). Marie Phelan (Sun 12.00). Con & Patsy Kenealy (Sun 12.30).
 
Service for those Touched by Cancer
A service for those whose lives have been touched by cancer will take place in St. Mary's Cathedral on Friday, 28th March at 7.30pm.  The Relic of St. Peregrine will be available for those who wish to be blessed. St Peregrine is the patron saint of those whose lives have been touched by cancer.  
 
Dochas Nasamu
An Irish run Aids orphanage in Nairobi, Kenya, is holding a used clothing appeal of ladies, gents and children’s clothes, shoes, household linens  i.e.  towels, sheets, blankets, soft toys, handbags  etc.  Friday, 28th March, from 9.00am to 10.30am in St. Patrick’s Parish Centre car park.  For further information, contact Marie on 087 689 0995.
 
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2014
The annual Ossory Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes will take place between 22nd and 27th May.  Places: €745 pps.  Please contact Eleanor, Glenmore Parish Office on 051 880 414.
 
 
The Integritas Centre
On Wednesday, 26th  March at 8.00pm, Peter Hannan S.J. will give a personal and audio-visual presentation at The Integritas Centre, Ennisnag entitled How can I be transformed by the love experienced in relationships through prayer and reflection? 
Explore how we can be transformed through praying with and reflecting upon the experience of significant relationships in the history of our lives.  Integritas Centre: 056 772 8902 and enquiries@integritas.ie
 
Loughboy Library
A new Book Club will start on Tuesday, 1st April at 10.30am.  Names to Eoghan Murphy on 086 059 2070 or Library on 056 779 4176.
Computer Tips with TY students continue on Fridays at 3.45pm.  Craft Club takes place every Wednesday at 2.00pm. 
Exhibition Space is still available for crafts, photography, art, etc.  Please contact the Library on 056 779 4176.
 
Computer Course
Kilkenny Leader Partnership is taking registrations for a Benefit 4 Computer Class which they will be delivering shortly. The course is a good basic computer course covering topics such as using the internet, emails, digital photography, Skype and using social media such as Facebook and Twitter. The course is for 5 weeks commencing on Monday, 24th March in Kilkenny City. Fee for the course is 10.00. For more information or to register for course contact Connie McGee on 086 771 8040.
 
Who Will be My Witnesses?
The Samaritan woman, whose story is told in today’s gospel, was the first and only person in the public life of Jesus through whose word of witness, a group of people is brought “to come and see and to believe in Jesus”.
The fields are still white for the harvest. Who will come to Jesus and believe in him, because of my word of witness?
 
Lenten Stations
The Lenten Station envelope for the support of the priests of the parish and the bishop is taken up around this time.  It is the next white envelope in your pack of contribution envelopes which you received last year.  We say a sincere thanks to all who support us through these contributions.  We are conscious that many people are finding these time tough and it makes us all the more grateful for your generosity and prayerful support.
 
 
 

2nd Sunday of Lent, 16th March 2014

The Sacrament of Confirmation
We congratulate one young lady and twelve young men from the School of the Holy Spirit who received their Confirmation at St. Fiacre’s Church on last Thursday.  Congratulations to all the parents, teachers and school staff members who helped prepare these young adults to become full members of our Christian Community. 
These young people join 72 others who received the Sacrament of Confirmation the previous weekend.  We wish the young people involved God’s blessing as they put the fruits of the Holy Spirit into action in their lives.
 
St. Patrick’s Day
CeiliĂºraimid LĂ¡ FhĂ©ile Naomh PĂ¡draig Éarlaimh na hÉireann ar an Luan seo chugainn, nĂ­ hamhĂ¡in in Éirinn ach ar fud an domhain mhĂ³r. TĂ³gadh mar sclĂ¡bhaĂ­ Ă© go hAontroim Ă¡it ar chaith sĂ©, sĂ© bliana ag aoireacht muc. BhĂ­ sĂ© mar nĂ³s aige guĂ­ chun DĂ© cĂ©ad uair sa lĂ³ agus cĂ©ad uair san oĂ­che. D’Ă©alaigh sĂ© go dtĂ­ an Fhrainc agus oirnĂ­odh ina shagart Ă© agus ina dhiaidh sin rinneadh easpag de. D’fhill sĂ© ar Éirinn agus chraobhscaoil sĂ© SoiscĂ©al na CrĂ­ostaĂ­ochta.
Tugann an fhĂ©ile deis dĂºinn buĂ­ochas a ghabhĂ¡il le Dia as an tseoid luachmhar seo a bhronn Naomh PĂ¡draig orainn. Gabhaimid buĂ­ochas chomh maith dĂ³ibh siĂºd idir chlĂ©ir agus tuath a scaip an Creideamh ar fud an domhain. BhĂ­ PĂ¡draig umhal de shĂ­or i lĂ¡thair DĂ©. Ins an Confessio cuireann sĂ© Ă© fĂ©in in aithne dĂºinn mar seo Mise PĂ¡draig, peacach rĂ³thĂºtach, an tĂ© is lĂº de na fĂ­rĂ©in go lĂ©ir agus an tĂ© is mĂ³ a bhfuil dĂ­mheas ag a lĂ¡n.” Tugaimis Ă³mĂ³s dĂ³ mar ba chĂ³ir.
BeannachtaĂ­ na FĂ©ile PĂ¡draig ar chlann mhĂ³r dhomhanda na nGael, sa bhaile agus ar fud na cruinne, ar Ă¡r lĂ¡ nĂ¡isiĂºnta ceiliĂºrtha fĂ©in.
 
Evening of Reflection
Thanks to 49 people who attended the parish evening of Reflection at Peace in Christ Retreat House on last Wednesday.  By all accounts a worthwhile evening was enjoyed by all.
 
 
Message from the Irish Bishops
As we approach St. Patrick’s Day the bishops of Ireland have issues the following message:
“We pray through the intercession of our national patron, St. Patrick, for the faith and well-being of the people of Ireland.  Saint Patrick was called to serve and bring God to a people far from his homeland.  As Saint Patrick’s Day is a holy day of obligation for Catholics in Ireland, the best way to honour him is to attend Mass.
In 2014 we celebrate our national saint’s day in the midst of an ongoing economic recession which has resulted in domestic heartbreak throughout Ireland for many individuals and families due to the pressure of unemployment and emigration.  As the plight of Patrick, himself a migrant, has been faced by many Irish people who have struggled to live and integrate into new cultures, we encourage all the faithful to pray for migrants at home and abroad as many face the challenges arising from displacement and poverty.”        (For more see: www.catholicbishops.ie)
 
Pray For Our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Joe O’Neill, Archers Avenue. Bernadette Fitzgerald, Circular Road. Kevin Foley, Ossory  Park. Edmund Gaynor (Sun 10.00). Josephien Feeney, New York.
Anniversaries: Eamon O’Toole (Sat 6.15). James & Maureen Kelly (Sat 7.00). Jim & Bernie Cadogan (Sun 10.30). Jimmy Waters (Sun 11.00). Sean Egan (Sun 12.00). Michael McInerney (Sun 12.30). Bridget Eardly (Mon 10.00). Thomas Donnelly (Tue 9.30). Gerry & Mary Coyne (Mon 12.00). Jane & Henry Glynn (Thurs 10.30). Jack & Kitty Murphy (Fri 10.30). Edel Bolger Cullen. Sean Murray.  Billy Connick. Paddy Larkin. Mary Hickey. James Doheny Mary Browne. Ellen & Sheila Audoire. William Meehan. Catherine & Elizabeth Nolan. Tom & Eamonn O’Neill. Michael Purcell
Intentions for next weekend: Jack & John Ryan (Sat 6.15). Chris Kenny (Sat 7.00). Pat Mullins (Sun 11.00). Margaret Dunne (Sun 12.00). Paddy Walsh (Sun 12.30).
 
 
Holy Day Mass Times
Sunday Evening: St. Fiacre’s Church (6.15pm).  St. Patrick’s Church (7.00pm).
Monday: St. Patrick’s Church (9.30am, 11.00am and 12.30pm). St. Joseph’s Church (10.00am). St. Fiacre’s Church (10.30am and 12.00noon).  No parish Masses on Monday evening.
 
Sung High Mass
There will be a sung high Mass in Latin at St. Patrick’s Church at 5.00pm on St. Patrick’s Day. 
 
Extra Weekday Mass for Lent
Thanks to all who attend our extra Lenten Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church.  Mass is at 6.15pm each weekday and all are welcome.
 
St. Vincent De Paul Collection
The monthly collection for the local conference of the St. Vincent De Paul will be taken up at all Masses this Saturday and Sunday.  Please support.
 
Cake and Craft Sale
Local parishioners are hosting a Cake and Craft Sale for the Irish Pilgrimage Trust at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre next weekend. The sales will take place after Masses at St. Fiacre’s Church at 6.15pm on Saturday, 10.30am and 12.00noon on Sunday.  A wide variety of cakes, tarts, breads and dainties will be available on the day.  There will also be tables with various knits, crafts, hand-made cards, costume jewellery, handbags and pashminas.  The proceeds will help send young people with special needs to Lourdes at Easter.
 
St. Patrick's Community Games
Thank you to everyone who supported last week’s church gate collection.  It was lovely to hear past stories of National Finals in Mosney and thanks to all who wished us well for the future of the games.
 
TrĂ³caire Boxes
Trocaire Family Fast Boxes are available in all our churches this weekend.  Please do take one and use it during Lent. www.trocaire.org for more information.
 
 
Danger of Drug and Alcohol Abuse
The Irish Bishops’ Drugs Initiative wishes everyone a happy and healthy Saint Patrick’s Day and encourages individuals and families to celebrate the national holiday without an over reliance on alcohol. Bishop Eamonn Walsh said, “Parents are the most important influence on children in terms of alcohol use, and the example set by parents will have a major effect on the relationship young people will have with alcohol.  Although we tend to underestimate our influence on the behavior of children towards alcohol, national and international research indicates that parental influence is much more significant than peer influence.  Pastoral experience in parishes highlights the value of talking to our young people about alcohol use in a calm context.”  (irishbishopsdrugsinitiative.com)
 
GAA 30km Family Fun & 80km Get Fit
On Saturday, 22nd March at James Stephen's Clubrooms, Larchfield. Registration: 9.30am to 10.40am. Cycle start time: 11.00am. Entry Fee: €20 single adult (entry + ticket for prize draw); Family €30 (2) €40 (3). U16a €10. Prize draw and refreshments will be served after the cycle. Information: Liam Power (085 724 0012) or Tim Butler (087 676 4747).
 
Multiple Sclerosis Society
The Kilkenny Branch of this society will hold a Church Gate collection next weekend.
 
Computer Course
Kilkenny Leader Partnership is taking registrations for a Benefit 4 Computer Class which they will be delivering shortly. The course is a good basic computer course covering topics such as using the internet, emails, digital photography, Skype and using social media such as Facebook and Twitter. The course is for 5 weeks commencing on Monday, 24th March in Kilkenny City. Fee for the course is €10.00. For more information or to register for course please contact Connie McGee on 086 771 8040.
 
 
Lenten Stations
The Lenten Station envelope for the support of the priests of the parish and the bishop is taken up around this time.  It is the next white envelope in your pack of contribution envelopes that you received last year.  Sincere thanks to all who support us through these contributions.  We are conscious that many people are finding these time tough and it makes us all the more grateful for your generosity and prayerful support.
 
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2014
The annual Ossory Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes will take place between 22nd and 27th May.  Places: €745 pps.  For bookings please contact Eleanor, Glenmore Parish Office on 051 880 414.