Monday, May 23, 2016

The Most Holy Trinity, 22nd May 2016

Most Holy Trinity
Today we celebrate the central mystery of our Faith. The mystery of the Trinity, that our God shows himself in three different ways as Father, Son and Spirit.  This sense of wonder that enables us to recognise our God, is the same sense of wonder that enables the poet to see daffodils dancing, or to recognise God in a rose.  We are made in the image of God and loved unconditionally.  At our Baptism, the sign of the Cross was traced on our foreheads - we were marked with the Trinity.  As we grew into adulthood, Jesus became our friend and companion.  He became real in our world.  His powerful Spirit continues to help, inspire and guide us, as we try to do our best and make a difference in family and community.
Holy God, Holy Strong One,
Holy Immortal One,
have mercy on us.
To you be praise, To you be glory,
To you be thanksgiving
Through endless ages,
O Blessed Trinity.
Amen.

Thank you for you generosity
Many thanks for your support for the recent collections held in the Parish.  The amount collected for each were are follows Holy Shrines €800, Emigrants €800 and Ukraine €1779.

Congratulations
Congratulations  the boys from St. Patrick’s De La Salle  who received their First Holy Communion on  Saturday at St. Patrick’s Church. 

Welcome to our Faith Community
The following children were baptised into our faith community last weekend.  Welcome, Henry, James, Jack & Paul. 

St. Mary’s Cathedral Draw
Its not too late to join the draw. Subscription €10 per month. Please contact the Parish Office 0567764400. 

Pray for Our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Nan Bateman, Fr. Hayden Road. Jarlath Casserly, Cedarwood Avenue. June Dunne, Old Callan Road & Richview.  Joan Phelan, Granges Road. Richard O’Dwyer, Leggestrath. Martin Noonan, Kilmoganny. John Lennon, Las Vegas.
Months Mind: Ellen Costello (Sun 10.30), Martin Coyne (Sun 11.00).
Anniversaries: Kathleen King (Sat 7.00). Jackie Maher (Sun 9.30). Lar Doyle (Sun 10.00). Billy Costelloe (Sun 10.30). Jack Carroll (Sun 12.00). Bridget Lawlor (Sun 12.30). Bridget Barry (Mon 9.30). Tom & Oliver Kennedy (Tues 9.30). Martin Neylon (Tues 10.30). Richard Conway (Wed 10.30). Deceased Members of Kilkenny Active Retirement (Thurs 10.30) . Molly Owens. Annie Bourke. Michael Smyth.  Jerry Keyes.  Noreen McDonald.  Sean  & Kitty Ryan.  Peg & Peter Swift
Intentions for Next Weekend:  Patrick Downes (Months Mind Sat 6.15).  William Doheny (Sat 7.00). Blanaid Cleere Manning (Sun 10.00). Ellen & Denis Garrehy, Teresa Hawkes, Ann Conway, Mary O’Meara  (Sun 10.30). Tommy, Kitty & Martin Phelan (Sun 12.00). Maureen Butler (Months Mind Sun 12.30). 

Foulkstown
The groundwork surrounding the bell will hopefully be complete within the next couple of weeks. When this is finished, we will then look at options for ringing the bell on special occasions etc.  It is hoped that the bell will be blessed and officially rang at the Foulkstown Cemetery Mass.  The cemetery committee are busy maintaining and looking after our cemetery.  Thanks to all involved.  We offer congratulations and prayerful good wishes to Mr. Billy Mullally who celebrates his 90th birthday this coming week.  Billy has been a driving force in the maintenance and running of Foulkstown Cemetery for many years.  We are grateful to Billy for his many years of dedication to Foulkstown and the Parish. 

Parish Office Opening Hours
The parish office opens Mon, Tues, Thurs & Friday from 9am to 1pm  and from 2pm - 4pm. Closed for lunch from 1pm—2pm. Closed on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. See banner above for phone number and email address. 

Kilkenny Alerts
Kilkenny County Council has launched Kilkenny Alerts which is available online at www.kilkennycoco.ie.  The service is free of charge to the public and once registered Kilkenny residents will receive alerts on any Water Outages, Flood Alerts, Road Closures etc that are relevant to them based on their home and work locations. 

Coeliacs
Those who suffer due to coeliac disease are invited to receive from the chalice if they so wish.  Please come forward with the regular Eucharistic Ministers.  Those who do not wish to receive from the chalice, with some notice we can provide gluten free hosts. 

Family Carers Ireland
Family Carers Ireland are currently looking for staff in Carlow & Kilkenny who hold a full cert in FETAC / QQI Level 5 Healthcare Support.  We are especially looking for staff in Kilkenny city, Thomastown, Graiguenamanagh, Stoneyford, Freshford & Carlow town and county.  Send your CV by email to mwalsh@familycarers.ie or by post to Family Carers Ireland, Springhill Clinic, Waterford Rd, Kilkenny.

Plant Sale
Rothe House & Garden are holding their annual plant sale on Saturday May 28th between 10.30am and 5pm.  There will be a large selection of plants available to purchase in the historic garden.  Admission Free. guided tour at 11am, 1pm or 3pm. 

Be security conscious
We ask parishioners to be security conscious while attending Masses  in our Parish. Make sure to remove all valuables from cars before locking them. Also please do not leave handbags unattended in the churches. 

Parish Pilgrimage to Knock
The Parish Pilgrimage to Knock will take place on Thursday 23rd June.  More details later. 

Celebrate the 8th
A national pro-life gathering to celebrate the 8th Amendment, Ireland’s constitutional protection for unborn babies will take place on Saturday 4th June from 3-4pm on Molesworth St, Dublin. The Celebrate the 8th event will be a positive and hugely important expression of all that is great about Ireland’s Right to Life Amendment. Your presence at this event is vital. www.prolifecampaign.ie. 01 662 9275.

The Rosary
Will be recited each Sunday in month of May at 3pm in the Grotto on the Callan Rd.

Gospel Festival Concert
A free Gospel Festival concert of music for Healing and Hope will take place in the Black Abbey Church on Sat evening May 28th at 7.30 pm with Mark Anthony Henry, The Kilkenny Gospel Choir, In Caelo choir and Angus McNally.  The festival mass takes place in St. Fiacres Church on Sunday May 29th @ 12 noon.

Camp Veritas
Camp Veritas is a one week 'play and pray' sleep away summer camp for teens 12 to 18 years old.  It is being held in Maynooth University Campus from the 26th June to July 1st this year.  Cost is €450   Volunteers are also needed and can be aged 18 and upwards (free for volunteers).   www.campveritas.ie.

Loughboy Library
Knitting Club on Wednesdays at 10am. Exercise As You Age Class with Kilkenny Sport & Recreation Partnership on Thursday at 11am.  Irish Circle Walk (Siúlóid as Gaeilge) May 31st-meet in Bennettsbridge at 10.15am to walk by the river back to Kilkenny.

Dates For Your Diary
Cemetery Mass at Foulkstown:  Thurs 28th July, 7.30pm.
St. Fiacre’s Well Mass:  Sheestown: 28th Aug, 3pm.

Parish Centre Bookings
St. Patrick’s Parish Centre is available for meetings and social groups etc.  All bookings for the Centre to be made through Mr. Ted Byrne.  056 776 4400.

Church Notice Boards
Due to limited space, church notice boards can only be used for Parish and Diocesan notices.  Please ensure that no poster covers the child safe guarding notices, such posters will be removed. 

Baptisms
Two weeks notice is required for a baptism in the parish.  Baptisms take place on the 2nd (St. Patrick’s)& 4th (St. Fiacre’s) Saturdays and the 3rd (St. Patrick’s) Sunday of each month.  Please contact the parish office 056 776 4400. 

Our Parish Shop
There are lots of items of a religious nature available at reasonable prices in our Parish Shop which is located in the foyer of the Parish Centre.  Papal blessing parchments to mark weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, jubilees and some other occasions are available through the Parish Shop.

Al-Anon
Every Wednesday at the Parish Centre from 11.30am - 1pm.

Thinking of Getting Married Soon?
Couples wishing to be married in our parish are asked to note the following: 
Contact the Parish Office (776 4400) as early as possible to book your preferred date.  Bookings are on a first-come-first-served basis. 
· Please note that it is a civil requirement to inform the Registrar of Births, Marriages and Deaths of your intention to marry at least three months before the date - see www.gro.ie for more information about this.
· Contact the parish where you now reside where pre-marriage papers will be prepared for forwarding to the place of marriage.

Mass Cards
Individual & Shared Mass cards signed by the priests of the Parish are available at the Parish Centre.  The shared Mass is offered every Thursday at St. Patrick’s Church at 9.30am.  Individual Masses are offered by Aid to the Church in Need. 

Eucharistic Ministers & Readers
If you did not get a copy of the new Eucharistic Ministers rota, they are available in the Sacristies. Readers should have received their rotas by now, if you have not please contact the Parish Office. 056 776 4400.  If you are unable to minister at  a particular assigned Mass please arrange a substitute or contact the Parish Office.

Candle Shrines
We have candle shrines in all 3 churches of the Parish.  Candles cost 30c each.  We ask people to be careful when lighting candles.

Starburst Summer Camp
Art, Drama, Games and much more 4th,5th & 6th July, 10-1pm daily. The Scout's Den, Kilkenny. Suitable for children 4+ years. Contact Kate on 0851142686 or Roisin on 0857360864 or email starburstspeechanddrama@gmail.com for queries and bookings.

Pentecost Sunday, 15th May 2016

Pentecost Sunday
When the Holy Ghost descended on the Apostles it was the birth of the Church. Jesus compared the work of the Holy Spirit to wind. It is heard but not seen. That is how the Holy Spirit works. He works quietly in our lives. He gives us peace, courage and patience which helps us in our daily lives and enables us to live according to our Faith. On this Sunday let us remember that we are Christians and that we belong to Jesus Christ. Everybody knows the following prayer :-
“In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit” Amen.
Lord, we pray for the Government of the country: You said “the heart of the king is in your hand and you will turn it whatever way you choose” (Proverbs 21:1). We ask You Lord to direct the hearts and the minds of the leaders of this nation to make decisions that will lead this country in your ways and according to your Word. Amen

Congratulations
Congratulations to the girls from St. John of God School who received their First Holy Communion in St. Fiacre’ s Church on Saturday.  We look forward to welcoming the boys from St. Patrick’s De La Salle  who will receive the sacrament next Saturday at St. Patrick’s Church. 

St. Mary’s Cathedral Draw
Its not too late to join the draw. Subscription €10 per month. Please contact the Parish Office 0567764400. 

First Holy Communion Gifts
Looking for First Holy Communion gifts?  The Parish Shop has been stocked with many items for First Holy Communion.  Medals, rosaries, prayer books, cards etc. and a wide range is available.

Dates For Your Diary
St. Patrick’s de la Salle, First Holy Communion: Saturday, 21st May, 11am St. Patrick’s.
Cemetery Mass at Foulkstown:  Thurs 28th July, 7.30pm.
St. Fiacre’s Well Mass:  Sheestown: 28th Aug, 3pm.


Pray for Our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Sr. Gabriel Dolores Cummins, Religious Sisters of Charity, St. Patrick’s Convent, Kells Road. Aoife Doyle, Graignamanagh. Nicholas O’Donnell, Castlehill. Ann Corridan, Castlerea.  Pearl Coady, Knocktopher.  Tom Skehan, Shellumsrath.
Months Mind: Martin (Buddy) Roche (Sat 6.15). Jackie Byrne (Sun 10.30).
Anniversaries: Patrick O’Neill (Sat 7.00). Eileen Byrne (Sun 10.00). Patrick O’Connell (Sun 12.00). John Coppinger (Sun 12.30). Jim Lanigan (Tues 10.30).
 Gabriel (Gabby) Doran Wed 10.30). Kathleen Tobin (Thurs 10.30). Margaret (Peggy) Lawlor. Peg & Joe Fleming. Dave McGrath. Jim Thornton. Pat Murphy. Eileen Culleton. Margaret Thompson.  Brigid Lambert. John Doheny.
Intentions for Next Weekend:  Kathleen King (Sat 7.00). Lar Doyle (Sun 10.00).Eileen Costello (Months Mind) & Billy Costelloe ( Sun 11.00). Martin Coyne (Months Mind Sun 11.00). Jack Carroll (Sun 12.00). Bridget Lawlor (Sun 12.30). 

The Rosary
Will be recited each Sunday in month of May at 3pm in the Grotto on the Callan Rd.

Summer Concert
St. Patrick’s Brass and Reed Band would like to invite you a Variety Musical Concert in St. Patrick’s Parish Church, College Road on Thursday 19th of May at  8pm. A wonderful evenings entertainment is assured. Admission is FREE and a retirement collection will be take place on departure.

Plant Sale
Rothe House & Garden are holding their annual plant sale on Saturday May 28th between 10.30am and 5pm.  There will be a large selection of plants available to purchase in the historic garden.  Admission Free. guided tour at 11am, 1pm or 3pm.  All most welcome

Parish Centre Bookings
St. Patrick’s Parish Centre is available for meetings and social groups etc.  All bookings for the Centre to be made through Mr. Ted Byrne.  056 776 4400.

Camp Veritas
Camp Veritas is a one week 'play and pray' sleep away summer camp for teens 12 to 18 years old.  It is being held in Maynooth University Campus from the 26th June to July 1st this year.  Cost is €450 with an early bird reduction for early registration.  Volunteers are also needed and can be aged 18 and upwards... (free for volunteers).  Lots of fun and lifelong friendships to be made and a chance to deepen your relationship with Christ Our Lord.  or more information and registration log on to www.campveritas.ie.

South Kilkenny Historical Society
1916 Commemoration Conference and Exhibitions
Friday, May 20th - 7.30pm - Official opening, announcement of Primary Schools' Competition winner and keynote lecture by Mr Patrick Mannix.
Saturday, May 21st - 10am - 3pm - Panel discussions. Session 1 - Easter 1916 - The case For and Against; Session 2 - 1916 to 2016 - Was it 'For this that all that blood was shed'; Session 3 - 2016 to 2116 - The ideals of 1916 - Their relevance for a new century. Panellists include: Mr David Begg, Mr Eamon O Cuiv, Mr Noel Whelan and Mr Padraig Yeates. Venue: The Rising Sun, Mullinavat.

Loughboy Library
Knitting for Charities- Sarah Kingston will be at Loughboy library on Wednesday at 10am AND Thursday at 11am. She will bring wool, needles and patterns to help you get started on knitting simple pieces for various charities. Please support.

Baptisms
Two weeks notice is required for a baptism in the parish.  Baptisms take place on the 2nd (St. Patrick’s)& 4th (St. Fiacre’s) Saturdays and the 3rd (St. Patrick’s) Sunday of each month.  Please contact the parish office 056 776 4400.

Rejoice! Nothing can separate you from the Love of God.    Romans 8

Our Parish Shop
There are lots of items of a religious nature available at reasonable prices in our Parish Shop which is located in the foyer of the Parish Centre.  Papal blessing parchments to mark weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, jubilees and some other occasions are available through the Parish Shop.

Al-Anon
Meetings take place every Wednesday at the Parish Centre from 11.30am - 1pm.

Thinking of Getting Married Soon?
Couples wishing to be married in our parish are asked to note the following: 
Contact the Parish Office (776 4400) as early as possible to book your preferred date.  Bookings are on a first-come-first-served basis. 
· Please note that it is a civil requirement to inform the Registrar of Births, Marriages and Deaths of your intention to marry at least three months before the date - see www.gro.ie for more information about this.
· Contact the parish where you now reside where pre-marriage papers will be prepared for forwarding to the place of marriage.

Mass Cards
Individual & Shared Mass cards signed by the priests of the Parish are available at the Parish Centre.  The shared Mass is offered every Thursday at St. Patrick’s Church at 9.30am.  Individual Masses are offered by Aid to the Church in Need. 



The Ascension of the Lord, 8th May 2016

The Ascension of the Lord
Today we celebrate the Feast of the Ascension. For forty days after His Resurrection Jesus appeared to the Apostles at different times. We see the power of God at work in the Resurrection and Ascension. Jesus was taken body and soul into Heaven. The apostles were frightened and downcast. Jesus asked them to continue His mission on earth. He told them to stay in Jerusalem and promised to send them the Holy Ghost as His work on earth was completed. Jesus is now in Heaven interceding for us and for the
whole church.
Today is World Communications Day. We live in the technological age. Every year it is celebrated by the Church on the Sunday before Pentecost Sunday. It emphasises how the media can promote Gospel values. The day was established by Pope Paul V1 in 1967. We are invited to reflect on the opportunities and challenges of the media. The media has an obligation to promote the truth at all times. This is a prayer for today:
God of truth who enlightens us, guide the media. May they endeavour to support the dignity of the person through words and images. Give them discernment. May the Holy Spirit come to us and give us the courage to be witnesses to the Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Congratulations
Congratulations to the pupils from the School of the Holy Spirit and St. Patrick’s School, Kells Road who received their First Holy Communion in St. Fiacre’ s Church this week.  We look forward to welcoming the girls from St. John of God School  who will receive the sacrament next Saturday at St. Fiacre’s.

The Kilkenny Novena
St John’s Church, May 3 – 11
The Kilkenny Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Hope continues  in St John’s Church, Kilkenny until Wednesday 11th May. The theme of this year’s Novena is Mercy, incorporating issues such as Family, Conflict, Sacredness of Life, Forgiveness and Prayer. There will be three sessions on each weekday at 7.30am, 10.30am and 7.30pm.

Pray for Our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased:  Maria Lee, Kells Road. Thomas Roche, Newpark. Richard Bourke, Killumney, Cork. Joe Brassil Snr, Co. Cork.  (Sat 6.15). Kathleen Hall, Howth.
Months Mind: Eileen Harrington (Sat 6.15). Jim O’Dwyer (Sun 11.00). Jim Doyle (Wed 10.30).
Anniversaries:  Fintan Brennan (Sat 7.00). Rose Lawless (Sun 10.00). Paddy Ryan (Sun 10.30). William O’Brien Snr, William O’Brien Jnr, Billy, Ann & Martin O’Brien (Sun 12.00).  Gerard Carolan (Sun 12.30).  Michael Deegan (Thurs 10.30). Liam Meehan.
Intentions for Next Weekend:  Martin (Buddy) Roche (Months Mind Sat 6.15). Patrick O’Neill (Sat 7.00). Eileen Byrne (Sun 10.00). Jackie Byrne (Months Mind Sun 10.30). Bridget Lawlor (Sun 11.00). Patrick O’Connell (Sun 12.00). John Coppinger (Sun 12.30).

Ossory Vocations Information Day
Saturday May 14th, The Chapter Room, St. Mary’s Cathedral at 10.30am.  Contact Fr. Willie Purcell for further information. ossoryvocdir@gmail.com. Tel: 087 628 6858. Facebook: ossoryvocdir.
''Priests of the country and city, with their anointing, have given strength to the people, have passed on the teaching of the faith, have given the sacraments; and in a word given holiness."     Pope Francis

St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society
A meeting of the society will take place in the Parish Centre on Friday 13th May after 10.30am Mass.

The Rosary
Will be recited each Sunday in month of May at 3pm in the Grotto on the Callan Rd.

St. Mary’s Cathedral Draw
Its not too late to join the draw. Subscription €10 per month. Please contact the Parish Office 0567764400. 

First Holy Communion Gifts
Looking for First Holy Communion gifts?  The Parish Shop has been stocked with many items for First Holy Communion.  Medals, rosaries, prayer books, cards etc. and a wide range is available.

Concert
The Kilkenny Choir will present a concert in St. Canice’s Cathedral, Kilkenny on Saturday 14th May at 8pm.  Conducted by Philip Edmondson. We will perform Haydn’s Missa in Tempore Belli and Te Deum along with Mozart’s Litaniae Lauretanae, Sancta Maria, Mater Dei K273 and Alma Dei Creatoris K 277. Tickets €20/€15 at the door.

Go for Life Games Day
Kilkenny Recreation & Sports Partnership are organising a County Go for Life Games Day for Over 50’s on the 9th May 16 from 10.30am to 1.00pm in The Watershed. It is FREE and scones, tea & coffee shall be provided. Open to ALL Over 50’s.  To register, email Michelle with your name and contact information to michelle@krsp.ie or text 087 0650983. 

Dates For Your Diary
St. John of God First Holy Communion: Saturday, 14th May, 11am, St.  Fiacre’s, Loughboy
St. Patrick’s de la Salle, First Holy Communion: Saturday, 21st May, 11am St. Patrick’s.
Cemetery Mass at Foulkstown:  Thurs 28th July, 7.30pm.
St. Fiacre’s Well Mass:  Sheestown: 28th Aug, 3pm.

Kilkenny Flower Club
Members are looking forward to a demonstration by Lamber de Bie on Thursday, 12th May at 8 p.m. in Butler House. Visitors will be most welcome (€10)

Summer Concert
St. Patrick’s Brass & Reed Band will play a Summer Concert in St. Patrick’s Church on Thursday, 19th  May. The band will be playing a whole new programme. No cover charge. 

Plant Sale
Rothe House & Garden are holding their annual plant sale on Saturday May 28th between 10.30am and 5pm.  There will be a large selection of plants available to purchase in the historic garden.  Admission Free. guided tour at 11am, 1pm or 3pm.  All most welcome.

Camp Veritas
Camp Veritas is a one week 'play and pray' sleep away summer camp for teens 12 to 18 years old.  It is being held in Maynooth University Campus from the 26th June to July 1st this year.  Cost is €450 with an early bird reduction for early registration.  Volunteers are also needed and can be aged 18 and upwards... (free for volunteers).  Lots of fun and lifelong friendships to be made and a chance to deepen your relationship with Christ Our Lord.  or more information and registration log on to www.campveritas.ie.

South Kilkenny Historical Society
1916 Commemoration Conference and Exhibitions
Friday, May 20th - 7.30pm - Official opening, announcement of Primary Schools' Competition winner and keynote lecture by Mr Patrick Mannix.
Saturday, May 21st - 10am - 3pm - Panel discussions. Session 1 - Easter 1916 - The case For and Against; Session 2 - 1916 to 2016 - Was it 'For this that all that blood was shed'; Session 3 - 2016 to 2116 - The ideals of 1916 - Their relevance for a new century. Panellists include: Mr David Begg, Mr Eamon O Cuiv, Mr Noel Whelan and Mr Padraig Yeates. Venue: The Rising Sun, Mullinavat.

Al-Anon
Meetings take place every Wednesday at the Parish Centre from 11.30am - 1pm.

Loughboy Library
Alzheimers Tea Day-thanks to all who donated money. We raised €600.00 for our local branch.
The Voices of Hope Choir will perform at the library next Thurs May 12th at 11am. All welcome.

Our Parish Shop
There are lots of items of a religious nature available at reasonable prices in our Parish Shop which is located in the foyer of the Parish Centre.  Papal blessing parchments to mark weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, jubilees and some other occasions are available through the Parish Shop.

Baptisms
Two weeks notice is required for a baptism in the parish.  Baptisms take place on the 2nd (St. Patrick’s)& 4th (St. Fiacre’s) Saturdays and the 3rd (St. Patrick’s) Sunday of each month.  Please contact the parish office 056 776 4400.

Thinking of Getting Married Soon?
Couples wishing to be married in our parish are asked to note the following: 
Contact the Parish Office (776 4400) as early as possible to book your preferred date.  Bookings are on a first-come-first-served basis. 
· Please note that it is a civil requirement to inform the Registrar of Births, Marriages and Deaths of your intention to marry at least three months before the date - see www.gro.ie for more information about this.
· Contact the parish where you now reside where pre-marriage papers will be prepared for forwarding to the place of marriage.

Parish Centre Bookings
St. Patrick’s Parish Centre is available for meetings and social groups etc.  All bookings for the Centre to be made through Mr. Ted Byrne.  056 776 4400.

Tuesday, May 3, 2016

Sixth Sunday of Easter, 1st May 2016

May
Today is May day. It was one of four festivals celebrated by the ancient Celts. Month of May,  month of Our Lady, of flowers, of the cuckoo, the key to Summer. In the month of May, be with us O Lord.
The Pope’s intentions for this month are:
That in every country of the world, women may be  honoured and respected and that their essential contribution to society may be highly esteemed. That families, communities, and groups may pray the Holy Rosary for evangelization and peace. It is still a custom to have a May altar in homes and recite the rosary daily during the month of May. This custom is kept in many schools. It is good to continue such customs as we pray:
Virgin Mary, you are queen of heaven, protector of the weak, sea of kindliness, pacifier of the complainer, fount of virtue, fullness of grace, the Cliodhna wave of mercy.
Amen.

Congratulations
Congratulations to the pupils from Kilkenny School Project will receive their First Holy Communion at 12noon Mass in St. Fiacre’s Church today.  We look forward to welcoming the girls from St. John of God School  who will receive the sacrament next Saturday at St. Fiacre’s.

Bank Holiday Weekend
As this is a bank holiday weekend the only public Mass in our parish on Monday will be at St. Patrick’s Church at 11.00am.  There will be no exposition of the Blessed Sacrament at St. Fiacre’s Church on Monday.

The Kilkenny Novena
St John’s Church, May 3 – 11
The Kilkenny Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Hope begins on May 3rd in St John’s Church, Kilkenny. The theme of this year’s Novena is Mercy, incorporating issues such as Family, Conflict, Sacredness of Life, Forgiveness and Prayer. There will be three sessions on each weekday at 7.30am, 10.30am and 7.30pm.
 
Pray for Our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased:  Patrick Downes, Jacob St.  Edward (Ned) Buggy, Doonane, Crettyyard, Laois. Michael Bergin, Lower Dunmore. Gabrielle O’Brien, Clonmel, Tipperary.
Months Mind: Christy Leahy (Sun 10.30). Marian Fitzpatrick (Sun 11.00). Michael Leahy (Mon 11.00).
Anniversaries: Ted O’Dwyer & Paddy Dorney (Sat 6.15). Maureen & Jimmy Kelly (Sat 7.00). Kitty & Billy Roberts (Sun 9.30). John Byrne (Sun 10.00).  Luke Bateman (Sun 12.30). Mary Glennon (Tues 10.30), Helen Renehan. Bridget Maher. John & Mary Twomey. Patrick & Ellen Moran. 
Intentions for Next Weekend:  Eileen Harrington (Months Mind Sat 6.15). Fintan Brennan (Sat 7.00). Rose Lawless (Sun 10.00). Paddy Ryan (Sun 10.30). Jim O’Dwyer (Months Mind Sun 11.00). William O’Brien Snr, William O’Brien Jnr, Billy, Ann & Martin O’Brien (Sun 12.00).  Gerard Carolan (Sun 12.30). 

Ossory Vocations Information Day
Saturday May 14th, The Chapter Room, St. Mary’s Cathedral at 10.30am.  Contact Fr. Willie Purcell for further information. ossoryvocdir@gmail.com. Tel: 087 628 6858. Facebook: ossoryvocdir.
''Priests of the country and city, with their anointing, have given strength to the people, have passed on the teaching of the faith, have given the sacraments; and in a word given holiness."     Pope Francis

Parish Centre Bookings
St. Patrick’s Parish Centre is available for meetings and social groups etc.  All bookings for the Centre to be made through Mr. Ted Byrne.  056 776 4400

Rosary
The monthly rosary on the first Sunday of the month in James Green at the statue of Our Lady of Kilkenny continues this Sunday 1st May at 3pm.  All are welcome. 

May Rosary Vigil 2016
Sunday 1st May 2016 4.15pm.  Dominican Black Abbey, Kilkenny.  The Most Holy Rosary. Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious & Luminous Mysteries.

Legion of Mary
There will be rosary at the Grotto on the Callan Road at 3pm every Sunday during May in honour of Our  Lady. Everybody welcome. 

St. Mary’s Cathedral Draw
April Draw Results - 1st: Mem Dunphy, Ballyragget. 2nd: Monica Murray, St. Mary’s. 3rd: Fr. Noel Maher, Aghaboe. 4th: Cardinal C. Murphy O’Connor, St. Mary’s. 5th: Mary Sullivan, Mooncoin. 6th: Michael & Mary O’Connor, Muckalee. 7th: Kate Morris, Callan. 8th: Michael Hyland, Aghaboe. 9th: Brendan Walshe, Ballyragget. 10th: Sr. Imelda, St. Mary’s. Its not too late to join the draw. Subscription €10 per month. Please contact the Parish Office 0567764400.  10 draws left in this years draw.

Westcourt News
To mark the Feast of Blessed Edmund Rice on Thursday, 5th May 2016, mass will be celebrated in Westcourt on Thursday, 5th May 2016 at 7.30pm. All are welcome.

First Holy Communion Gifts
Looking for First Holy Communion gifts?  The Parish Shop has been stocked with many items for First Holy Communion.  Medals, rosaries, prayer books, cards etc and a wide range is available.

Concert
The Kilkenny Choir will present a concert in St. Canice’s Cathedral, Kilkenny on Saturday 14 May at 8pm.  Conducted by Philip Edmondson. We will perform Haydn’s Missa in Tempore Belli and Te Deum along with Mozart’s Litaniae Lauretanae, Sancta Maria, Mater Dei K273 and Alma Dei Creatoris K 277. Tickets €20/€15 at the door.

Trócaire Family Fast Boxes
We are about to close the Trócaire Parish Account for this year.  Outstanding boxes should be returned to the Parish Office before next Sunday.  Thank you.

Irish Catholic Nurses Guild
Pilgrimage to Knock Shrine on Saturday 7th May 2016. Depart from the Butts Green at 7.30am.  Bookings - contact Ann Kennedy 056 772 2204 or 087 932 9561.

Loughboy Library
 Alzheimer’s Tea Day-takes place on Thursday (May 5th) from 10am-1pm. Your support for this very worthy cause is appreciated.  A selection of knitted confectionary from Sarah in Knit Wits can be purchased on the day. All monies raised will help those in our community who are living with Alzheimers.
Knitters Wanted-meet Sarah, who knits for charities, at the library on Wednesdays at 10am.

Go for Life Games Day
Kilkenny Recreation & Sports Partnership are organising a County Go for Life Games Day for Over 50’s on the 09.05.16 from 10.30am to 1.00pm in The Watershed. It is FREE and scones, tea & coffee shall be provided. Open to ALL Over 50’s. You don’t have to be involved in any club or have any experience of sports.    To register, email Michelle with your name and contact information to michelle@krsp.ie or text 087 0650983. 

Dates For Your Diary
School of the Holy Spirit: Friday 6th May, 11.30am,  St. Fiacre’s, Loughboy.
St. Patrick’s School, Kells Road: Saturday 7th May, 11am, St. Fiacre’s, Loughboy.
St. John of God First Holy Communion: Saturday, 14th May, 11am, St.  Fiacre’s, Loughboy
St. Patrick’s de la Salle, First Holy Communion: Saturday, 21st May, 11am St. Patrick’s.
Cemetery Mass at Foulkstown:  Thurs 28th July, 7.30pm.
St. Fiacre’s Well Mass:  Sheestown: 28th Aug, 3pm.

Al-Anon
Meetings take place every Wednesday at the Parish Centre from 11.30am - 1pm. 

Success is Yours!
Workshop with Jo Flood, Life Coach, Saturday May 7th in the Ormonde Hotel in Kilkenny.  It’s a day of fun and exploration and relates to personal development and motivation techniques and tools to help you stay in a positive mental space.  It’s also an opportunity to take a day out for yourself and connect with like-minded people.  Maybe have a girl’s day out!  The Hotel is very central and parking is free in the car park opposite the entrance.  Early Bird €50 or Pay on the day €60.  Bookings call 087 2240135

Our Parish Shop
There are lots of items of a religious nature available at reasonable prices in our Parish Shop which is located in the foyer of the Parish Centre.  Papal blessing parchments to mark weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, jubilees and some other occasions are available through the Parish Shop.

Baptisms
Two weeks notice is required for a baptism in the parish.  Baptisms take place on the 2nd (St. Patrick’s)& 4th (St. Fiacre’s) Saturdays and the 3rd (St. Patrick’s) Sunday of each month.  Please contact the parish office 056 776 4400.

Thinking of Getting Married Soon?
Couples wishing to be married in our parish are asked to note the following: 
Contact the Parish Office (776 4400) as early as possible to book your preferred date.  Bookings are on a first-come-first-served basis. 
· Please note that it is a civil requirement to inform the Registrar of Births, Marriages and Deaths of your intention to marry at least three months before the date - see www.gro.ie for more information about this.
· Contact the parish where you now reside where pre-marriage papers will be prepared for forwarding to the place of marriage.