Monday, February 23, 2015

1st Sunday of Lent, 22nd February 2015

First Sunday of Lent
Today’s Gospel tells us briefly of Jesus temptation by Satan in the wilderness, a time which seems to set him up for his public ministry.  The account is at the very start of the Gospel of Mark, which was written for the early Christians who had been through a painful experience of persecution.  Perhaps these followers of Jesus would have been comforted to know that Jesus too had been through harrowing times.
Around the world there are many who still suffer for their faith.  In many parts of the world, admitting to one’s faith as a Christian can lead to persecution, homelessness, torture, imprisonment or even death.  Yet there are brave men, women and children who continue to profess their faith and to meet together for worship, in spite of the dangers facing them.  Pope Francis has continually called for an end to Christian persecution, particularly in the Middle East where over 250,000 Iraqi Christians have been forced to flee their own country.
This Lent, why not make a special effort to remember and pray for those who are suffering for their faith in different parts of the world?
The news coming from Iraq pains me. Lord, teach us to live in solidarity with all those who suffer... An appeal to all families: when you say your prayers, remember all those forced from their homes in Iraq. Pope Francis.

Lenten Text Message
Those who would like to receive a free daily inspirational text to a mobile phone should simply send the number to Ossory Adult Faith Development Group at 085 831 3100 or email afd@ossory.ie or telephone 056 775 3624.

Medugorje Pilgrimage
Pilgrimage travels from 12th - 19th of April. Cost is €599. Full religious programme included.  Contact: Sean Hickey on 086 371 5882.

Ossory Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2015
The diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes takes place from 22nd  to 27th May.  Cost is  €755pps.  All bookings at Glenmore Parish Office on 051 880 414.
Extra Parish Mass for Lent
Each weekday, Monday to Friday, we have an evening Mass for Lent at St. Fiacre’s Church.  This is provided as a way of helping people in their Lenten journey.  You are welcome to join us.

A Parish Evening of Prayer
You are invited to join with neighbours and friends from St. Patrick’s Parish for an Evening of Prayer at Peace in Christ Retreat House, Sion Road on this Tuesday 24th February.  Peace in Christ has provided guided prayer, retreats, vigils, parish evenings and other spiritual direction since its inception in 1967. Sadly the retreat house is to close this summer so this may be our last opportunity to enjoy the welcome provided by the sisters and staff. Please join in this parish celebration on Tuesday. The evening starts at 8.00pm and concludes at 10.30pm. Booking is important: please contact the Parish Centre on 056 776 4400.

St. Mary’s Cathedral Restoration
Bishop Séamus recently launched the St. Mary’s Cathedral Restoration Fund Draw with the first draw taking place on 25th March. Subscription is €10 per month with an annual prize fund of €60,000.
St. Mary’s Cathedral is the ‘mother church’ of Ossory and it is expected that each parish community will play its part in restoring our magnificent cathedral. Your support is needed. To subscribe please contact the Parish Office, the sacristies or one of the priests.  We are also in need of promoters to take cards and recruit subscribers.  Please contact one of the priests or the Parish Office if you can help in this regard.

Meet Others Bereaved by Suicide
Kilkenny Bereavement Support will host six nights of Group Support for Adults Bereaved by Suicide.  It will begin on this Tuesday at 8.00pm at Villa Maria, Talbot’s Inch, Freshford Road.
The group will provide the bereaved with the experience of a safe and comforting place where they will receive the support of fellow bereaved.   For information please call 056 775 6538 or 087 961 0334.


Pray For Our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Sadie McGrath, 54 St. Fiacre’s Place.  Rosary on Wednesday at 8.00pm in Johnston’s Funeral Home. Funeral Prayers on Thursday at 10.00am followed by removal to St. Patrick’s Church for Requiem Mass at 11.00am. Interment afterwards in Foulkstown Cemetery. Eileen Goss, St. Francis Terrace. Lar Foley, Waterford Road. Lydia White, Dundalk. Nora Glavey, Knock. Maureen Dowling, Dominic Street. Joanie Morrissey, Muckalee.
Months Mind: Julia Phelan (Sun 10.30). 
Anniversaries: Nicky Healy (Sat 6.15). Stephen Bennett (Sat 7.00). Kitty Morris (Sun 9.30). John Walsh (Sun 10.00).  Mollie Johnston (Sun 11.00). Rita & Patrick O’Rourke (Sun 12.00). John Collins (Sun 12.30). Eileen Connolly (Mon 9.30). Roger & Agnes Harty (Tue 9.30). Michael & Ann Purcell (Tues 10.30). Ann & Michael Kelly (Tues 6.15). Michael Murphy (Wed 9.30). Michael & Mary Muldowney (Wed 10.30). Tom & Rita McCarthy (Thurs 10.30). John & Bridget O’Rourke (Fri 10.30). Jimmy Gahan. Stan Landers. Michael Drennan. Ellen Doyle.  Catherine Cullen. Patrick & Elizabeth Fry. Margaret Rowe. Paddy Barry.  Anne & Martin Mulhall. Deirdre McGuinness. Mary Fitzpatrick.
Intentions for Next Weekend: Bridget & Tommy Casey (Sat 6.15). Joseph Lawlor (Sat 7.00). Mary O’Brien (Sun 9.30). David Maher (Sun 10.00). Pat Adams (Sun 10.30). Derek Tyrrell (Months Mind Sun 11.00). John & Ann Waldron (Sun 12.00). Canice & Michael Dunphy (Sun 12.30).

Ossory Pilgrimage to Lourdes
St. Patrick’s Parish Lourdes Committee is inviting applications from parishioners for a sponsored place on this year’s Ossory Pilgrimage to Lourdes.  Please contact the Parish Office on 056 776 4400 if you know somebody who is ill, elderly or going through a difficult time and who would be interested.

Kilkenny SPCA Cake and Book Sale
A cake and book sale will take place in St. Patrick’s Parish Centre on this Sunday from 11.00am to 1.00pm.  Please support.


Youth Pilgrimage to Knock
Pope John Paul II Youth Pilgrimage to Knock: Young people aged 16 – 20 are invited to participate in a Pilgrimage to Knock Shrine on Saturday, 14th March 2015. Cost €20 payable to John Paul II Account, c/o St. Mary’s Parish Office, James’ Street, Kilkenny. Leaving Kilkenny: 7.30am sharp. Pick up points can be arranged.  Director: Fr Willie Purcell.

Brass and Reed Band Concert
St. Patrick’s Brass and Reed Band will appear in concert in the Watergate Theatre on Wednesday, 11th March at 8.00pm. Admission €10.  The band will be joined by “Tweed” who are currently enjoying a successful tour of Ireland.

School of the Holy Spirit
There will be a church gate collection for the School of the Holy Spirit (Special Education School) at all Masses next weekend.  We would very much appreciate any help you can give.  Thank you.

IPT Cake Sale
The Irish Pilgrimage Trust will hold a cake sale in the Parish Centre after all St. Fiacre’s Church Masses next weekend.  Please help send a young person with special needs to Lourdes at Easter.

Debt Worries Wearing You Down?
Kilkenny Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) is concerned with difficulties being faced by many people with mortgage and debt issues. MABS is now offering a free intermediary service to assess people for Debt Relief Notices - one of the options for dealing with debt under the Personal Insolvency Act 2012. Staff at Kilkenny MABS have a new role under the act as Approved Intermediaries with The Insolvency Service of Ireland and can administer these DRNs. The Insolvency Service of Ireland has waived any fee for a DRN.
Kilkenny MABS is a Free, Confidential and Independent Service funded through CIB.  MABS, 8 William Street, Kilkenny 076 107 2610 or Kilkenny@mabs.ie

Alzheimer’s Society
Family carer training for family carers of people living with Alzheimer's disease/Dementia. 5 week Course. Held in The Village Day Centre Kilkenny each Tuesday from 6.00pm-8.30pm, Starting Tuesday 24th February. Course covers information on dementia and caring for the person with dementia. For more information and to sign up please contact Ruth on 056 7771230.

Go for Life
Go for Life is the national programme for sport and physical activity for older people in Ireland. It is run by over 1,200 volunteers who we call PALs. A PAL is a Physical Activity Leader who is already part of a group or club and is willing to lead activities.  The training is a 5hr workshop, run over 8wks which starts in March. Costs €20 and includes lunch. If you would like to become a leader contact Michelle, at Kilkenny Sports Partnership at 056 7794990 or click www.iregister/krsp for more information.

Starburst Easter Camp
30th, 31st March & 1st April. Art, Drama, Music & Games. Suitable for children aged 4-12 years. Contact Kate on 0851142686 for more details. 

Koemba Parenting
Beginning at 7:30pm on Tuesday, 24th February in St Patrick’s Parish Centre: Connecting and Communicating With Your Child. Facilitated by parenting expert and author Val Mullally.  www.koemba.com  or  087 760 9355.