Life Giving
Many years ago I saw a Hollywood ‘religious’ film about Jesus of Nazareth. Jeffrey Hunter – he of the brilliant blue eyes, for those old enough to remember him – portrayed Jesus. In one scene, the raising of Lazarus to life (today’s Gospel reading), Hunter calls on him to come forth from his tomb. He does, wrapped in layers of loose cloth, except for his face, which would have been better wrapped too. He looked hideous. I thought that if that was what being raised to life meant, he’d have been better left as he was. In today’s first reading Yahweh says he will bring the house of Israel up from its grave and put his spirit within them so that they live. No ghoulish appearance there, no mummified creatures creaking around zombie-like as in a horror film. God gives his Spirit, beautiful, vibrant, and creative. Whoever opens up to that Spirit, in turn becomes beautiful, vibrant and creative. The body is often debased in today’s entertainment industry. Constant exposure to that debasement can degrade one’s respect for the beauty and sanctity of the human body – the dwelling place of God’s Holy Spirit. Nothing debased or second-grade ever comes from the hand of God.
Fr. Tom Cahill
New Life: New Creation
The resurrection of Christ is the beginning of a new creation. “In Him a new age has dawned, the long reign of sin is ended, a broken world has been renewed and human beings are once again made whole”. Our world is enduring another “brokenness” –despoiled, pillaged, polluted. It is surely time for another “New Creation”. Let us pray that the Spirit will inspire us to “renew the face of the earth” so that all who come after us “may have life and have it to the full.” Please support Trocaire this Lent.
St. Patrick’s Day 2008
This year’s liturgical celebration of St Patrick's Day will be held on next Saturday, 15th March as the traditional date falls in Holy Week which this year begins on Monday, 17th March. For the first time since 1913, and the last time until 2160, St Patrick's Day will fall in Holy Week this year. As the days of Holy Week and Easter Week rank above all others St Patrick's Day (and St Joseph's Day) must be transferred. The Vatican had intended transferring the celebrations to April, after Easter week, but at the request of the Irish bishops it agreed to the 15th March date as this would be closer to the civic celebrations of St Patrick's Day.
As a transferred feast the celebration of St Patrick's Day on next Saturday will not be a holy day of obligation. Next weekend Masses in our parish will be as follows:
St. Fiacre’s Church
Friday: 10.30am and 6.15pm
Saturday: 10.30am, 12 noon and 6.15pm
Sunday: 10.30am, 12 noon
Monday: No Mass
St. Patrick’s Church
Friday, 9.30am and 7.00pm
Saturday: 9.30, 11.00am (as gaeilge), 12.30pm & 7.00pm
Sunday: 9.30, 11.00am, 12.30pm
Monday: 11.00am
St. Joseph’s Church
Saturday: 10.00am
Sunday: 10.00am
As a matter of interest, Easter Sunday falls on 23rd March this year, the second earliest date it could be. The earliest date is March 22nd, as Easter Sunday - since the Council of Nicea in AD325 - always falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the Spring equinox. In 1940 an unusual coincidence took place when Palm Sunday occurred on the same day as St. Patrick’s Day. On that day the Irish were able to wear both the palm and the shamrock on the same day. If you were around at the time cherish the memory as this will not happen again until 2391!
Peace in Christ Retreat House
The annual Parish Evening for St. Patrick’s Parish will be held at the diocesan retreat house on Monday, 10th March beginning at 8.00pm. This is a highly recommended experience and we invite as many as possible to attend.
This evening for our parish community enables us to prepare together as we move towards Easter. Details on the notice boards.
Young Priests Society
The monthly meeting of the St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society will take place in St. Fiacre’s Church on Friday, 14th March immediately after 10.30am Mass. All welcome.
Divine Mercy
In honour of Divine Mercy, there will be an hour of prayer in St. Mary’s Cathedral on Sunday from 3-4pm. All are welcome.
Medjugorje
A pilgrimage to Medjugorje takes place on Saturday, 31st of May to Saturday, 7th June. Cost: €619 inclusive. Bookings Ann 776 5840 or 086 882 5622.
Heating at St. Fiacre’s Church
We again apologise for the lack of heating in St. Fiacre’s Church this weekend. The cause is connected to the building works and is beyond our control at the moment. It will be rectified as soon as possible.
Chernobyl Children’s Project
The local outreach group of the Chernobyl Children's Project are again bringing children from orphanages in Belarus to stay with host families for a month starting in mid-June. Four adults will accompany these children and we are looking for a vacant house in the city that will be free from approx 10th June to 15th July. We can assure you that the property will be well looked after. Contact Mags on 776 1551 / 086 605 0075 or Penny 086 171 3464.
Concert for Children’s Hospital
A benefit concert in aid of Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children will take place in The Parade Tower, Kilkenny Castle on Friday, 14th of March at 8pm featuring Quintessenz a brass quintet from the Black Forest, Alison Comerford Violin, In Caelo Choir and St. Patrick's Brass and Reed Band. A varied and enjoyable music programme to suit all tastes delivered in a light hearted manner. Tickets from Book Centre, High Street or at the door. Information from Liam on 087 212 0201.
Kilkenny Flower Club
Kilkenny Flower Club is pleased to announce that a talk on “Gardening at Home and Abroad” will be given by renowned gardener Frances Macdonald in Butler House at 8 p.m. next Thursday,13th March. Come early.
Happy Heart Weekend
A meeting will be held on Monday, 10th March in the Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel at 8.00 p.m. for all existing and new volunteers. Please come along and bring a friend or two. Volunteers are needed to help the Irish Heart Foundation in their work in helping to prevent heart disease and stroke. Your assistance can make a difference. Light refreshments available afterwards.
St Patrick’s Day Parade
We are delighted to inform you that the Kilkenny St. Patrick’s Day parade is going ahead on Monday, 17th March. The theme is built around people’s sense of Kilkenny, its history, heritage, place and sport. This year we are staging the traditional type of a marching parade including floats, dancers, bands and people having fun. The parade is due to assemble at the main castle gates at approximately 3pm and move off at 3.30pm. The route is as follows: Castle Road; High Street; Parliament Street. Please contact Brid or Martina for entry forms at 087 641 0214 or email stpatsdayparade@autooffice.ie.
Annual St. Joseph’s Novena
The annual Mill Hill Novena will take place from 6th - 14th March at St. Joseph’s, Mill Hill Missionaries, Waterford Road at 8.00pm each evening. Mass with homily and novena prayers. Please note the feast of St. Joseph will be celebrated on 14th March this year. All welcome.
Pray for the Deceased
Recently Deceased: Tommy O’Brien, Michael Street; Requiem Mass at St. John’s at noon on Sunday followed by burial at Foulkstown Cemetery. Jack Purcell, O’Loughlin Road. Eileen Hanton, Fr. Murphy Square. Melody Dwyer, Millennium Court.
Months Mind: John O’Rourke (Fri 6.15)
Anniversaries: Michael Tomney (Sat 6.15), Lulu Lynch (Sat 7.00), Bobbie Brannigan (Sun 9.30), Evelyn Herlihy (Sun 10.00), Bridie Carroll (Sun 10.30), Mai Brannigan (Sun 11.00), John Dooley (Sun 12.00), Elizabeth Ryan (Sun 12.30), John Barry (Tues 10.30), Bridget Eardly (Sat 10.00), John Cleere, Vincent Morrissey, Patrick Leahy, Kathleen Murphy, Jim Phelan, Rose Cantwell, Breda Butler, Mary Kennedy, Maureen Burke, James Nugent, Patrick Brennan, Michael O’Neill, Anastasia Wixted, Martin O’Shea, Paddy Dore.
Intentions for next weekend: Olive Malone (Sat 6.15), Brendan Reid (Sun 9.30), Clara & Patrick (Sun 10.30), Pat Mullins (Sun 11.00), Deirdre Quinn (Sun 12.00), Paddy Delahunty (Sun 12.30).
St. John of God Day
Congratulations and best wishes to the local sisters on their feast day this weekend.
Easter Craft Fair
All are invited to an Easter Craft Fair at Irish Wheelchair Association, College Road, on Wednesday, 12th March at 11am. Selection of Easter goods and cakes for sale. Teas available.
U-14 Medal Presentation
James Stephen’s GAA Club is holding a Medal Presentation night for the very successful U-14 Squads of 2007. Medals will be presented to the squads of the Football League, Championship, Hurling League and Lisdowney Sevens by a star guest on the night. The event will be on Thursday, 13th March at 8pm. All players, parents and club members are asked to attend and acknowledge the effort of this successful squad.
Widows’ Association
The monthly meeting of the Widows’ Association will take place on Tuesday, 11th March at 2.30pm in the Club House Hotel. All welcome.
Dochas Kilkenny
The Ossory Diocesan outreach support agency to migrants, refugees and asylum seekers is seeking volunteers for a Mentoring/Befriending Programme for immigrant families. Interested persons should contact Dochas Office, Social Services, Waterford Road on Monday or Tuesday or phone Theresa on 778 9916.
Questions people ask
Q. Lazarus was dead for three days before Jesus brought him back to life. Where was his spirit during that time? Did he face his final judgement or was it postponed for a while?
A. Normally a person is pronounced dead when the vital organs cease to function and are beyond repair. However, the departure of the spirit or soul on its journey into God’s revealing light may take longer, especially in the case of sudden death. On that basis the Church advised prayers of absolution or anointing over somebody who has been pronounced dead. The reason underlying the traditional wake is to accompany the departing spirit on its journey from his life. Perhaps we should say of Lazarus that he was dead but not yet departed.
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
Parish Calendar & Newsletter
sponsored by:
Patrick N. Meany & Sons
Funeral Directors
Greenridge, Johnswell Road, Kilkenny
056 775 1100 / 086 868 8868
Divine Mercy
Novena to Divine Mercy begins on Good Friday until Divine Mercy Sunday (Sunday after Easter). Leaflets available at door.
Afternoon of Prayer on Divine Mercy Sunday 30th March 2pm-5pm in the Friary. All are welcome
The sixth annual pilgrimage in honour of St Joseph will take place at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Knock. Fr John Harris OP will deliver the Reflection on St Joseph and Fatherhood. Stations, Mass, Blessing of Pilgrims & Benediction.
Assembly in the Basilica is at 1.45pm sharp on Friday 14th March 2008.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Fourth Sunday of Lent 2nd March 2008
Living with Ambivalence
In Confronting Power and Sex in the Catholic Church, Bishop Geoffrey Robinson writes: ‘In the First Book of Samuel there are two stories of the appointment of Saul as the first king of Israel’. One favours it; one doesn’t, thus indicating the Bible’s ambivalence towards kingly rule over Israel. He concludes, ‘The perfect religious organization, with the divine and human in total harmony, never has and never will exist.’ The same is true for any individual. Take David in today’s first reading. God shows no ambivalence in choosing him as king. But, later David grossly misuses his power to have Bathsheba’s husband, Uriah, killed so he can have her for himself. Yet, God does not disown him. God ‘does not see as mortals see’. He knows that with the evil there is also much good in David. We too must live with ambivalence – in ourselves and in others. Black and white may be easier on the eye than grey, but perhaps compassion is best of all. For, as Timothy Radcliffe OP claims in his book, Sing a New Song, ‘Compassion surely trains the eye to see the loveliness of God in unexpected places’.
Fr. Tom Cahill SVD
Rosary
The monthly rosary on the first Sunday of the month will be recited at the statue of Our Lady of Kilkenny, James Green on this Sunday, 2nd March at 3pm. All welcome.
First Friday
The first Friday of March occurs this week. The priests hope to visit the sick and house-bound at the usual times. We would love to hear from you if you would like a priest to call to your home.
World Day of Prayer
Friday, 7th, 8pm in Methodist Church, William Street.
Fourth Sunday in Lent: Blindness
Our inner blindness has, in the past, prevented us from seeing the damage we have been doing to creation. Nowadays the information we have on climate change and the devastating effect it is having on those who are least able to cope in the developing world surely means that we can no longer claim “blindness” as an excuse.
The question for each one of us is “What am I going to do with this gift of new sight and understanding? What can I do to help those most in need?” For more information on Trócaire’s Lenten campaign please log onto www.trocaire.org/lent
Pray for the Deceased
Recently deceased: Ann Somers, Patrick Street, Peggy McGrath, Lacken Drive.
Month’s Mind: Frances Costello (Sun 12.30).
Anniversaries: Frank O’Brien (Sat 6.15), Pat Adams (Sat 7.00), Mikey Holland (Sun 9.30), John Walsh (Sun 10.00), Michael McKane (Sun 11.00), Brian Griffin (Sun 12.00), Martin O’Shea (Mon 9.30), Eamon Muldowney (Tues 6.15), Bishop Peter Birch, Denis Gorey, James Ralph, William Holland.
Anniversaries Next Weekend: Michael Tomney (Sat 6.15), Lulu Lynch (Sat 7.00), Bobbie Brannigan (Sun 9.00), Evelyn Herlihy (Sun 10.00), Bridie Carroll (Sun 10.30), May Brannigan (Sun 11.00), John Dooley (Sun 12.00), Elizabeth Ryan (Sun 12.30).
Peace in Christ Retreat House
The annual Parish Evening for St. Patrick’s Parish will be held at the diocesan retreat house on Monday, 10th March beginning at 8.00pm. This is a highly recommended experience and we invite as many as possible to attend.
Peace in Christ offers an opportunity to relax and reflect in a prayerful atmosphere. This special evening for our parish community enables us to prepare together as we move towards Easter.
See notice boards for further details.
Heating at St. Fiacre’s Church
We apologise for the lack of heating in St. Fiacre’s Church this weekend. The cause is beyond our control and will be rectified as soon as possible.
Loreto Vocations Weekend
Our Loreto Life Weekend will be held on 5th - 6th April at the Dominican Retreat and Conference Centre, Montenotte, Cork. This weekend is open to women in their 20s and 30s who are interested in finding out more about the Loreto sisters and their way of life. You will have the opportunity to meet some sisters to find out more about us, to ask questions and to pray. We offer this time to help you in your exploration and discernment. We want you to feel free and comfortable in the welcome we offer while hoping that you will consider our way of life as a possible way for you. The weekend runs from Saturday afternoon to Sunday after lunch. Please contact Thérèse at loretonewmemberoffice@eircom.net or 01 495 8346 for further information.
Parish Calendar & Newsletter
sponsored by:
Patrick N. Meany & Sons
Funeral Directors
Greenridge, Johnswell Road, Kilkenny
056 775 1100 / 086 868 8868
Fitwalk Clinic
A Fitwalk Clinic will take place on Thursday, 6th March in O’Loughlin Gaels from 10am to 12.30pm and Callan Parish Hall from 7pm to 9.30pm.
The Fitwalk Clinic will teach you how to squeeze every ounce of fitness from your walks and will introduce you to the key techniques of Stride Walking, Power Walking and Nordic Walking. The cost of the clinic is €15 per person. This workshop is limited, so book early to avoid disappointment. Contact Kilkenny Recreation and Sports Partnership at 772 0870 for details.
Village GAA Club Golf Classic
James Stephens is organising a Fund Raising Golf Classic. This high profile event is going ahead in Gowran Golf Club on Friday, 13th June 2008.
We would ask companies or business and golf enthusiasts to enter a team of four. Contact Tony Scanlon at 087 262 2321 or John Byrne at 086 603 4987. Entry fee: €240. High profile Kilkenny hurlers are expected to participate. Musical entertainment at
Our Under 6 / 7 / 8 Hurling Structures have recommenced their Coaching and Games Programme every Sunday Morning in Cootes Lane Pitch starting at 11.30am.
Membership fee: €30 euro for the year.
Pilgrimages 2008
Full escorted, Half Board, includes Entry Fees and tips.
Poland - Krakow, Czestochowa, Auschwitz, Zakopane Salt Mines, Monday 7th July to Monday 14th July 2008. Cost per person €1265.00, single supplement €210, Coach from Callan to Dublin
Holy Land - Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Nazareth, Sea of Galilee, Jerico, Judea, Mount of Olives, Cana. Saturday 25th October to Sunday 2nd of November 2008. Cost €1,305 per person sharing, single supplement €210. Coach from Callan to the Airport and return.
Iona - Scotland, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Loch Lomond, Glencoe and Oban. Saturday 8th June to Saturday 14th 2008. Cost per person €990. Single supplement €210. Coach Tour. For details and Itinerary Phone Deirdre 086 3853989 or 0567755151 or Teresa 0868312537
First Holy Communion Dates
10th May: St. Patrick’s de la Salle at 11am at St. Patrick’s Church.
17th May: St. John of God at 11am at St. Patrick’s Church.
17th May: Gaelscoil Osraí at 10.30am at St. Mary’s Cathedral.
18th May: KSP at 12 noon at St. Fiacre’s Church.
“Happy Mothers’ Day”
“Happy Mothers’ Day” means more than have a happy day.Within those words lie lots of things we never get to say. It means I love you first of all, then thanks for all you do.It means you mean a lot to me,And that I honour you. But most of all, I guess it means
That I am thinking ofyour happiness on this, your day,with pleasure and with love
In Confronting Power and Sex in the Catholic Church, Bishop Geoffrey Robinson writes: ‘In the First Book of Samuel there are two stories of the appointment of Saul as the first king of Israel’. One favours it; one doesn’t, thus indicating the Bible’s ambivalence towards kingly rule over Israel. He concludes, ‘The perfect religious organization, with the divine and human in total harmony, never has and never will exist.’ The same is true for any individual. Take David in today’s first reading. God shows no ambivalence in choosing him as king. But, later David grossly misuses his power to have Bathsheba’s husband, Uriah, killed so he can have her for himself. Yet, God does not disown him. God ‘does not see as mortals see’. He knows that with the evil there is also much good in David. We too must live with ambivalence – in ourselves and in others. Black and white may be easier on the eye than grey, but perhaps compassion is best of all. For, as Timothy Radcliffe OP claims in his book, Sing a New Song, ‘Compassion surely trains the eye to see the loveliness of God in unexpected places’.
Fr. Tom Cahill SVD
Rosary
The monthly rosary on the first Sunday of the month will be recited at the statue of Our Lady of Kilkenny, James Green on this Sunday, 2nd March at 3pm. All welcome.
First Friday
The first Friday of March occurs this week. The priests hope to visit the sick and house-bound at the usual times. We would love to hear from you if you would like a priest to call to your home.
World Day of Prayer
Friday, 7th, 8pm in Methodist Church, William Street.
Fourth Sunday in Lent: Blindness
Our inner blindness has, in the past, prevented us from seeing the damage we have been doing to creation. Nowadays the information we have on climate change and the devastating effect it is having on those who are least able to cope in the developing world surely means that we can no longer claim “blindness” as an excuse.
The question for each one of us is “What am I going to do with this gift of new sight and understanding? What can I do to help those most in need?” For more information on Trócaire’s Lenten campaign please log onto www.trocaire.org/lent
Pray for the Deceased
Recently deceased: Ann Somers, Patrick Street, Peggy McGrath, Lacken Drive.
Month’s Mind: Frances Costello (Sun 12.30).
Anniversaries: Frank O’Brien (Sat 6.15), Pat Adams (Sat 7.00), Mikey Holland (Sun 9.30), John Walsh (Sun 10.00), Michael McKane (Sun 11.00), Brian Griffin (Sun 12.00), Martin O’Shea (Mon 9.30), Eamon Muldowney (Tues 6.15), Bishop Peter Birch, Denis Gorey, James Ralph, William Holland.
Anniversaries Next Weekend: Michael Tomney (Sat 6.15), Lulu Lynch (Sat 7.00), Bobbie Brannigan (Sun 9.00), Evelyn Herlihy (Sun 10.00), Bridie Carroll (Sun 10.30), May Brannigan (Sun 11.00), John Dooley (Sun 12.00), Elizabeth Ryan (Sun 12.30).
Peace in Christ Retreat House
The annual Parish Evening for St. Patrick’s Parish will be held at the diocesan retreat house on Monday, 10th March beginning at 8.00pm. This is a highly recommended experience and we invite as many as possible to attend.
Peace in Christ offers an opportunity to relax and reflect in a prayerful atmosphere. This special evening for our parish community enables us to prepare together as we move towards Easter.
See notice boards for further details.
Heating at St. Fiacre’s Church
We apologise for the lack of heating in St. Fiacre’s Church this weekend. The cause is beyond our control and will be rectified as soon as possible.
Loreto Vocations Weekend
Our Loreto Life Weekend will be held on 5th - 6th April at the Dominican Retreat and Conference Centre, Montenotte, Cork. This weekend is open to women in their 20s and 30s who are interested in finding out more about the Loreto sisters and their way of life. You will have the opportunity to meet some sisters to find out more about us, to ask questions and to pray. We offer this time to help you in your exploration and discernment. We want you to feel free and comfortable in the welcome we offer while hoping that you will consider our way of life as a possible way for you. The weekend runs from Saturday afternoon to Sunday after lunch. Please contact Thérèse at loretonewmemberoffice@eircom.net or 01 495 8346 for further information.
Parish Calendar & Newsletter
sponsored by:
Patrick N. Meany & Sons
Funeral Directors
Greenridge, Johnswell Road, Kilkenny
056 775 1100 / 086 868 8868
Fitwalk Clinic
A Fitwalk Clinic will take place on Thursday, 6th March in O’Loughlin Gaels from 10am to 12.30pm and Callan Parish Hall from 7pm to 9.30pm.
The Fitwalk Clinic will teach you how to squeeze every ounce of fitness from your walks and will introduce you to the key techniques of Stride Walking, Power Walking and Nordic Walking. The cost of the clinic is €15 per person. This workshop is limited, so book early to avoid disappointment. Contact Kilkenny Recreation and Sports Partnership at 772 0870 for details.
Village GAA Club Golf Classic
James Stephens is organising a Fund Raising Golf Classic. This high profile event is going ahead in Gowran Golf Club on Friday, 13th June 2008.
We would ask companies or business and golf enthusiasts to enter a team of four. Contact Tony Scanlon at 087 262 2321 or John Byrne at 086 603 4987. Entry fee: €240. High profile Kilkenny hurlers are expected to participate. Musical entertainment at
Our Under 6 / 7 / 8 Hurling Structures have recommenced their Coaching and Games Programme every Sunday Morning in Cootes Lane Pitch starting at 11.30am.
Membership fee: €30 euro for the year.
Pilgrimages 2008
Full escorted, Half Board, includes Entry Fees and tips.
Poland - Krakow, Czestochowa, Auschwitz, Zakopane Salt Mines, Monday 7th July to Monday 14th July 2008. Cost per person €1265.00, single supplement €210, Coach from Callan to Dublin
Holy Land - Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Nazareth, Sea of Galilee, Jerico, Judea, Mount of Olives, Cana. Saturday 25th October to Sunday 2nd of November 2008. Cost €1,305 per person sharing, single supplement €210. Coach from Callan to the Airport and return.
Iona - Scotland, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Loch Lomond, Glencoe and Oban. Saturday 8th June to Saturday 14th 2008. Cost per person €990. Single supplement €210. Coach Tour. For details and Itinerary Phone Deirdre 086 3853989 or 0567755151 or Teresa 0868312537
First Holy Communion Dates
10th May: St. Patrick’s de la Salle at 11am at St. Patrick’s Church.
17th May: St. John of God at 11am at St. Patrick’s Church.
17th May: Gaelscoil Osraí at 10.30am at St. Mary’s Cathedral.
18th May: KSP at 12 noon at St. Fiacre’s Church.
“Happy Mothers’ Day”
“Happy Mothers’ Day” means more than have a happy day.Within those words lie lots of things we never get to say. It means I love you first of all, then thanks for all you do.It means you mean a lot to me,And that I honour you. But most of all, I guess it means
That I am thinking ofyour happiness on this, your day,with pleasure and with love
Monday, February 25, 2008
Third Sunday of Lent, 24th February, 2008
Sophisticated Slavery
In his book Seeking Spirituality Ronald Rolheiser states that the incarnate God is found first and foremost in peoples’ homes. According to him ‘The God of the Incarnation is more domestic than monastic.’ The Israelites, in today’s First Reading didn’t see God that way. For them, he was external: present in a burning bush, in a pillar of cloud, in a pillar of cloud, in a pillar of fire and on a storm tossed mountaintop. So external was he that they doubted his presence at all in time of difficulty. For them, he was a fair-weather god.
When their basic needs were not met, they complained loudly. Forgetful of their recent past of slavery and misery, they bemoaned their perilous present and their uncertain future. They wanted sustenance, security and comfort. Otherwise they would resort to idols for what they wanted.
Are we, modern and sophisticated as we like to think, all that different? Don’t we too have our idols: consumerism, entertainment, fashion, popularity and image? Aren’t we enslaved by the shop-till-you-drop impulse, the must-have craving for the latest fashions and tends, and an insatiable appetite for praise and popularity?
Could we say that our God is not just domestic, but domesticated?
Fr. Tom Cahill SVD
Third Sunday in Lent: Water
Trócaire’s Lenten Campaign this year is focusing on climate change and the issue of water. The water that is around us today is the same water that formed when earth began. No more can be added. We drink the same water that dinosaurs once swam in – the same water that was in Jacob’s Well.
Please help Trócaire’s campaign by remembering to pick up a Trócaire Family Fast Box at the back of the church or go online to www.trocaire.org to see what else you can do.
Questions People Ask
Q. Why was there such enmity between the Samaritans and the Jews?
A. Samaritans were survivors of the ten northern tribes of Israel who broke away from the tribe of Juda (Jews) in 931 BC over the excessive taxes levied for the building of the temple in Jerusalem. Samaritans claimed Mount Gerism, in their territory, was a holy place long before any temple in Jerusalem. When the Assyrians conquered this northern kingdom they sent in five pagan tribes, each with their own religion. The Jews regarded the Samaritan religion as contaminated by these five streams of paganism. The Samaritan woman represented her race in her five marriages and her present relationship which did not merit the name of marriage.
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
Extra Mass for Lent
For your convenience we have introduced an extra Mass for the Season of Lent. Masses are now celebrated at 9.30am (St. Patrick’s Church) and 10.30am and 6.15pm (St. Fiacre’s Church).
Well done to those who continue to make the effort to attend daily Mass during Lent. Others are always welcome to join in our parish act of worship.
Peace in Christ Retreat House
The annual Parish Evening for St. Patrick’s Parish will be held at the diocesan retreat house on Monday, 10th March beginning at 8.00pm.
Peace in Christ offers an opportunity to relax and reflect in a prayerful atmosphere. This special evening for our parish community enables us to prepare together as we move towards Easter. See notice boards for further details.
Church Gate Collection
The School of the Holy Spirit will hold their church gate collection at all Masses this weekend. Please support.
Creidim Notice
Exploring the Scriptures, a Creidim course on sacred scripture with Sr. de Lourdes Sheridan, has been brought forward to begin next Tuesday, 26th February at 10.30am.
Pray for the Deceased
Recently Deceased: Paddy Nolan, Rath, Danesfort. Requiem Mass at Danesfort Church at 10.15am on Sunday.
Months Mind: Betty Oakes (Tue 10.30).
Anniversaries: Molly Johnstone (Sat 6.15), Anna Kelly (Sat 7.00), Davie Maher (Sun 10.00), Canice & Micheal Dunphy (Sun 12.00), Kathleen Grace (Sat 9.30), Patrick & Teresa Kennedy, Kathleen Morris, John Millea, Mary Kelly, Clare Kelly, Stan Landers, Tommy Casey, John Barry, Martin Dermody, Ann Mulhall, Michael Drennan, William McGuire, Marjorie Foskin, Paddy Barry, Tom Manogue, Bill O’Connor, John Beehan, Tony Comerford, Rita Hillman.
Parish Draw
The next drawing of prizes will take place at the Presbytery on Tuesday at 8.30pm. All are welcome to come along and join in the fun.
Promoters may return cards and monies to the Presbytery from 6.30pm on Monday and Tuesday. Good luck to all.
Promoting Vocations
The Annual General Meeting for the Diocesan St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society will be held at the Brother Rice Centre, Callan on Thursday evening. Proceedings begin with Mass for vocations to the priesthood and religious life at 7.30pm. Celebrant will be Bishop Séamus Freeman.
“The Church’s vocation crisis is reaching catastrophic levels as new figures show that as many as 160 priests have died in the last year, while only nine men were ordained, and 228 nuns died with only two taking final vows.” (The Irish Catholic).
Please join in the work of promoting vocations to the priesthood and religious life.
Pilgrimage to Lourdes
Reports indicate that flights to Lourdes for the 150th anniversary year are almost completely booked. There are still about 20 places left on our diocesan pilgrimage which will be led by Bishop Séamus Freeman.
Juvenile Coaching Returns
James Stephens GAA Club Juvenile Hurling Squads/Panels are returning to their Coaching Programme for 2008.
Our Under 6/7/8 structure is returning on Sunday, 2nd March in Cootes Lane at 11.30am sharp. Our Under 9/10 structure is returning on Tuesday, 25th March in Nuncio Road (Juvenile Pitch) at 6.45pm. Our Under 11/12 structure is returning on Thursday, 27th March in Nuncio Road (Juvenile Pitch) at 6.45pm.
We would like to encourage any youngsters that would like to start hurling or football to come up on the commencing night of coaching at the grade/age that suits them and sign up for what will be a fantastic year of great fun and enjoyment. Any enquiries please contact Mark Tyrrell (Juvenile Officer) at 056 770 8821.
Our Under 14 A & B Hurling/Football Squads have returned to start their coaching and they would like new players aged 13/14 interested in playing hurling or football to come up to the training and sign up. They train on Friday evenings in Scanlon Park at 6.30pm. Our U-16 Squad is also back into action and they train on Friday evenings at 8.30pm.
Heart Health Information Meeting
When: Monday, 25th February
Time: 7.30pm
Venue: Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel
Refreshments available from 7.00pmEveryone welcome. Admission free.
Family Liturgy
We continue to have our popular family liturgies at St. Fiacre’ Church at 10.30am on Sundays. Practice for young people at St. Fiacre’s Church on Thursday evening after 6.15pm Mass.
Families Celebrating Fatherhood
Pilgrimage to Knock on Friday, 14th March 2008 for the Solemnity of St. Joseph Protector of Families and Guardian of the Church.
Programme
1.45pm Assembly in Basilica
2.00pm Reflection on St. Joseph & Father- hood by Fr. John Harris O.P.
2.30pm Stations of the Cross
3.00pm Holy Mass followed by Benedic- tion and General Blessing
All are welcome.
Lap Dancing Club
A group of people opposed to this new development in our historic and beautiful city has organised a peaceful protest each Friday from 8.30pm - 10.30pm. This is a community effort to try and ensure the closure of this club which is demeaning to both men and women. More volunteers are needed to extend this peaceful protest to Saturday night also. If you are interested in helping out, please contact 087 785 3614 or 086 205 2488.
Thank You
Enable Ireland & The O’Neill Centre, would like to express a word of thanks to all who supported their recent church gate collection. The amount raised in our parish was €1,106.40.
Catholic Media
It is important that we take our news about the Church from a reliable, dependable and non-biased source. We continue to provide The Irish Catholic and The Word at the church sacristies each weekend. Why not purchase a copy and see what they have to offer?
All Hallows College
This Dublin College is offering a number of Post Graduate Programmes in 2008-2009
MA in Management: Community & Voluntary Services: A programme for managers, management teams and potential managers.
MA in Leadership & Pastoral Care: An interdisciplinary programme, where pastoral theory is applied to best practice.
MA in Social Justice & Public Policy: A programme designed to develop understanding of and engagement with the theoretical framework that underpins public policy today.
Master and Doctoral Degrees by Research: This research programme provides an opportunity to question, reflect about, build upon and practise the art of research in an interdisciplinary context on a topic of your own choosing, under the guidance of experts.
For further information and application forms: Post Graduate Office, All Hallows College, Grace Park Road, Drumcondra, Dublin 9. Tel: 01 852 0756. Email: postgrad@allhallows.ie
In his book Seeking Spirituality Ronald Rolheiser states that the incarnate God is found first and foremost in peoples’ homes. According to him ‘The God of the Incarnation is more domestic than monastic.’ The Israelites, in today’s First Reading didn’t see God that way. For them, he was external: present in a burning bush, in a pillar of cloud, in a pillar of cloud, in a pillar of fire and on a storm tossed mountaintop. So external was he that they doubted his presence at all in time of difficulty. For them, he was a fair-weather god.
When their basic needs were not met, they complained loudly. Forgetful of their recent past of slavery and misery, they bemoaned their perilous present and their uncertain future. They wanted sustenance, security and comfort. Otherwise they would resort to idols for what they wanted.
Are we, modern and sophisticated as we like to think, all that different? Don’t we too have our idols: consumerism, entertainment, fashion, popularity and image? Aren’t we enslaved by the shop-till-you-drop impulse, the must-have craving for the latest fashions and tends, and an insatiable appetite for praise and popularity?
Could we say that our God is not just domestic, but domesticated?
Fr. Tom Cahill SVD
Third Sunday in Lent: Water
Trócaire’s Lenten Campaign this year is focusing on climate change and the issue of water. The water that is around us today is the same water that formed when earth began. No more can be added. We drink the same water that dinosaurs once swam in – the same water that was in Jacob’s Well.
Please help Trócaire’s campaign by remembering to pick up a Trócaire Family Fast Box at the back of the church or go online to www.trocaire.org to see what else you can do.
Questions People Ask
Q. Why was there such enmity between the Samaritans and the Jews?
A. Samaritans were survivors of the ten northern tribes of Israel who broke away from the tribe of Juda (Jews) in 931 BC over the excessive taxes levied for the building of the temple in Jerusalem. Samaritans claimed Mount Gerism, in their territory, was a holy place long before any temple in Jerusalem. When the Assyrians conquered this northern kingdom they sent in five pagan tribes, each with their own religion. The Jews regarded the Samaritan religion as contaminated by these five streams of paganism. The Samaritan woman represented her race in her five marriages and her present relationship which did not merit the name of marriage.
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
Extra Mass for Lent
For your convenience we have introduced an extra Mass for the Season of Lent. Masses are now celebrated at 9.30am (St. Patrick’s Church) and 10.30am and 6.15pm (St. Fiacre’s Church).
Well done to those who continue to make the effort to attend daily Mass during Lent. Others are always welcome to join in our parish act of worship.
Peace in Christ Retreat House
The annual Parish Evening for St. Patrick’s Parish will be held at the diocesan retreat house on Monday, 10th March beginning at 8.00pm.
Peace in Christ offers an opportunity to relax and reflect in a prayerful atmosphere. This special evening for our parish community enables us to prepare together as we move towards Easter. See notice boards for further details.
Church Gate Collection
The School of the Holy Spirit will hold their church gate collection at all Masses this weekend. Please support.
Creidim Notice
Exploring the Scriptures, a Creidim course on sacred scripture with Sr. de Lourdes Sheridan, has been brought forward to begin next Tuesday, 26th February at 10.30am.
Pray for the Deceased
Recently Deceased: Paddy Nolan, Rath, Danesfort. Requiem Mass at Danesfort Church at 10.15am on Sunday.
Months Mind: Betty Oakes (Tue 10.30).
Anniversaries: Molly Johnstone (Sat 6.15), Anna Kelly (Sat 7.00), Davie Maher (Sun 10.00), Canice & Micheal Dunphy (Sun 12.00), Kathleen Grace (Sat 9.30), Patrick & Teresa Kennedy, Kathleen Morris, John Millea, Mary Kelly, Clare Kelly, Stan Landers, Tommy Casey, John Barry, Martin Dermody, Ann Mulhall, Michael Drennan, William McGuire, Marjorie Foskin, Paddy Barry, Tom Manogue, Bill O’Connor, John Beehan, Tony Comerford, Rita Hillman.
Parish Draw
The next drawing of prizes will take place at the Presbytery on Tuesday at 8.30pm. All are welcome to come along and join in the fun.
Promoters may return cards and monies to the Presbytery from 6.30pm on Monday and Tuesday. Good luck to all.
Promoting Vocations
The Annual General Meeting for the Diocesan St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society will be held at the Brother Rice Centre, Callan on Thursday evening. Proceedings begin with Mass for vocations to the priesthood and religious life at 7.30pm. Celebrant will be Bishop Séamus Freeman.
“The Church’s vocation crisis is reaching catastrophic levels as new figures show that as many as 160 priests have died in the last year, while only nine men were ordained, and 228 nuns died with only two taking final vows.” (The Irish Catholic).
Please join in the work of promoting vocations to the priesthood and religious life.
Pilgrimage to Lourdes
Reports indicate that flights to Lourdes for the 150th anniversary year are almost completely booked. There are still about 20 places left on our diocesan pilgrimage which will be led by Bishop Séamus Freeman.
Juvenile Coaching Returns
James Stephens GAA Club Juvenile Hurling Squads/Panels are returning to their Coaching Programme for 2008.
Our Under 6/7/8 structure is returning on Sunday, 2nd March in Cootes Lane at 11.30am sharp. Our Under 9/10 structure is returning on Tuesday, 25th March in Nuncio Road (Juvenile Pitch) at 6.45pm. Our Under 11/12 structure is returning on Thursday, 27th March in Nuncio Road (Juvenile Pitch) at 6.45pm.
We would like to encourage any youngsters that would like to start hurling or football to come up on the commencing night of coaching at the grade/age that suits them and sign up for what will be a fantastic year of great fun and enjoyment. Any enquiries please contact Mark Tyrrell (Juvenile Officer) at 056 770 8821.
Our Under 14 A & B Hurling/Football Squads have returned to start their coaching and they would like new players aged 13/14 interested in playing hurling or football to come up to the training and sign up. They train on Friday evenings in Scanlon Park at 6.30pm. Our U-16 Squad is also back into action and they train on Friday evenings at 8.30pm.
Heart Health Information Meeting
When: Monday, 25th February
Time: 7.30pm
Venue: Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel
Refreshments available from 7.00pmEveryone welcome. Admission free.
Family Liturgy
We continue to have our popular family liturgies at St. Fiacre’ Church at 10.30am on Sundays. Practice for young people at St. Fiacre’s Church on Thursday evening after 6.15pm Mass.
Families Celebrating Fatherhood
Pilgrimage to Knock on Friday, 14th March 2008 for the Solemnity of St. Joseph Protector of Families and Guardian of the Church.
Programme
1.45pm Assembly in Basilica
2.00pm Reflection on St. Joseph & Father- hood by Fr. John Harris O.P.
2.30pm Stations of the Cross
3.00pm Holy Mass followed by Benedic- tion and General Blessing
All are welcome.
Lap Dancing Club
A group of people opposed to this new development in our historic and beautiful city has organised a peaceful protest each Friday from 8.30pm - 10.30pm. This is a community effort to try and ensure the closure of this club which is demeaning to both men and women. More volunteers are needed to extend this peaceful protest to Saturday night also. If you are interested in helping out, please contact 087 785 3614 or 086 205 2488.
Thank You
Enable Ireland & The O’Neill Centre, would like to express a word of thanks to all who supported their recent church gate collection. The amount raised in our parish was €1,106.40.
Catholic Media
It is important that we take our news about the Church from a reliable, dependable and non-biased source. We continue to provide The Irish Catholic and The Word at the church sacristies each weekend. Why not purchase a copy and see what they have to offer?
All Hallows College
This Dublin College is offering a number of Post Graduate Programmes in 2008-2009
MA in Management: Community & Voluntary Services: A programme for managers, management teams and potential managers.
MA in Leadership & Pastoral Care: An interdisciplinary programme, where pastoral theory is applied to best practice.
MA in Social Justice & Public Policy: A programme designed to develop understanding of and engagement with the theoretical framework that underpins public policy today.
Master and Doctoral Degrees by Research: This research programme provides an opportunity to question, reflect about, build upon and practise the art of research in an interdisciplinary context on a topic of your own choosing, under the guidance of experts.
For further information and application forms: Post Graduate Office, All Hallows College, Grace Park Road, Drumcondra, Dublin 9. Tel: 01 852 0756. Email: postgrad@allhallows.ie
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Second Sunday of Lent, 17th February 2008
Rainy Sundays
British novelist Susan Ertz (1894-1985) once remarked that millions long for eternity who wouldn’t know what to do with themselves on a rainy Sunday afternoon. Nowadays, the lure of unreality and cyberspace, from television and the Internet, has eased that problem to some degree. Unfortunately, in so doing virtual reality increasingly substitutes for the real thing.
Our faith, however, carries us far beyond the confines of cyberspace. It propels us to the edge of eternity. It blows our mind with the promise of resurrection and a fullness of life beyond imagining. And, it does so while keeping our feet firmly fixed on mother earth.
The invitation to journey beyond cyberspace and unreality was issued a long time ago to Abraham (Genesis 12: 1-4). He was to leave his familiar surroundings and move without knowing his final destination. He would discover that along the way trust and commitment come first. Fulfillment of promise comes later.
Sunday afternoons were not a problem for Abraham. He had a mission in life to carry out, a future to face, a destiny to fulfil – hail, rain, or snow. May we use our Sunday afternoons wisely. This Lent may they be times to abstain from the self-indulgence of feeling bored.
Fr. Tom Cahill SVD
Second Sunday in Lent: Transformation
Trócaire's Lenten Campaign focuses on climate change and we have been reminded many times in recent years that human activity has changed, TRANSFORMED, our world until it is "sick unto death". Can we now, each of us, begin another TRANSFORMATION. To being to undo whatever part we may have played in that ruination, to begin to restore the planet to health and to ease our fears, anxieties and guilt.
Please remember to pick up a Trocaire box at the back of the church or go online to www.trocaire.org to see what else you can do.
Questions people ask
Why did Jesus tell the three apostles to tell nobody about the transfiguration until after his resurrection?
Surely it would have helped people to believe if they heard about the vision.
Maybe it would have generated excitement about setting Jesus up as a political, revolutionary leader, which would contradict his chosen way of humble service. The glory of the resurrection lay in the future, only after Jesus, the Suffering Servant, had gone through his passion and death. The message for us is that our hope of heavenly glory does not eliminate the struggles and crosses of this life. Yet this hope enables us to keep going.
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
Taize
Friday 25th April 2008, Dublin Pilgrimage of trust on earth.
Evening prayer and vigil in St. Mary’s Pro-Cathedral, Marlborough St, Dublin 1 at 8pm
An evening for young people aged 15-35 together with Br. Alois, prior of the Taize Community, brothers of the community and local church leaders. Song practice in the cathedral from 7pm.
Young people who would like to help prepare the Pro-cathedral please come at 5pm.
For further details, www.taizeireland.com, email: taizedublin@gmail.com. Text or phone 0858233681. Adults over 35 are welcome, but please bring people with you! If you plan to come with a group of young people on April 25th, or need simple overnight accommodation, please contact us at the e-mail/number above.
Parish Website
The parish website is in the process of being updated. Any suggestions or comments are most welcome. You can view our website at:
www.patricksparish.com
Pray for the deceased
Recently Deceased: John O’Rourke, 7 Laurel Court, Requiem mass Sunday 12.00 in St. Fiacre’s Church followed by burial in Foulkstown Cemetery.
Months Mind: Sarah Kelly (Sun 10.30)
Anniversaries: Nicholas Healy (Sat 6.15), Michael Walsh & Milo Bourke (Sat 7.00), Mick & Ellen Doyle (Sun 10.00), James & Gerard Leahy (Sun 11.00), Molly Johnstone (Sun 12.00), Ciss Lafferty (Sun 12.30), Patrick Morris (Mon 9.30), James Bolger, Catherine Hayden, Michael O’Grady, Catherine Keane, Patrick & Elizabeth Fry, John Corcoran, Seamus Culleton, Julia Anne Kealy, James Kealy Jnr, John Hanrahan, Richard & Harry Kealy, Elizabeth Kelly, Richard Kinsella, Anthony Francis Clifford, Josie Noonan, Christy Walsh, Kieran Healy, Billy Ayers.
Anniversaries next weekend: Anna Kelly Sat 7.00, Davie Maher Sun 10.00, Canice & Michael Dunphy, 12.00.
Lenten Station Envelope
The Lenten Station for the support of the priests of the parish and the bishop is due around now. This is one of the green envelopes in the parish contribution box many of your received last year. We are grateful for the support we receive from our parishioners. Many thanks.
Parish Envelopes
The parish envelopes for the coming year will soon be ordered and around Easter they will be delivered to those households who contribute to the parish in this manner. Those who contribute by standing order will receive a pack of 5 envelopes for the support of priests and bishop. These special collections are separate from parish contributions.
If you did not receive envelopes this past year then please let us know and we will update the system.
Bishop Freeman extends Diocesan Forum for one year
Bishop Seamus Freeman will address a special meeting of the Ossory Diocesan Forum at St Kieran’s College, Kilkenny on Tuesday night next (February 19) at 8pm.
The new Bishop, who has extended the term of the Forum for one year, will outline his vision for the diocesan organisation which includes representatives from each parish in the diocese.
The Forum was established three years ago to address the pastoral concerns of the diocese and plan for the future, following major consultation with priests, religious and laity of the diocese.
James Stephens GAA Club Juvenile Registration Night 2008
James Stephens Juvenile GAA are holding a Hurling Registration night for all returning and new young hurling enthusiasts in the James Stephens Clubrooms {Upstairs} on Friday 22nd February 2008 at 7.15p.m. Sharp. All New and existing Players are asked to come along to register for the year ahead.
The Various grades that we have in our Club are Under 6 / 7 / 8 : Under 9 /10 : Under 11 /12.
We would strongly encourage any kids that would like to start playing hurling to come to the registration night.
Vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life
Bishop Seamus Freeman will say a special mass for Vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life in the Brother Rice Centre, at Westcourt, Callan at 7.30pm on Thursday February 28th 08. The National President of the St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society will attend and a cup of tea will be served. Members and non-members are all welcome.
www.vocations.ie
Prayer for Vocations
O Jesus, send labourers into your fields, which are awaiting holy apostles, saintly priests, heroic missionaries and dedicated sisters and brothers.
Enkindle in the hearts of men and women the spark of a vocation.
And grant that Christian families may desire to give your Church, helpers in the work of tomorrow.
Amen.
Priesthood
Interested in finding out more about priesthood? Our vocations director is Fr. Paddy Carey. His address is: Fr. Paddy Carey, Errill, Co. Laois. Tel 0505 44973.
You can write to Fr. Paddy and request information by post or you can ring him and arrange an appointment. Alternatively you can contact any of the priests of the parish.
St. Vincent de Paul
The monthly St. Vincent de Paul collection is taken up this weekend. You support as always is appreciated.
Those who wish to contact members of the society can do so through the priests house on Ormonde Road. Just leave your name and number and these will be passed on to the members at their Monday night meeting.
St. John’s Novena
In this the centenary year of St John's Church Kilkenny the Parish Novena in honour of Our Lady of Perpetual Help continues concluding on Thursday 21st. There are three sessions each day: 7.30am; 10.30am and 7.30pm. On Monday the three services will be a celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. On Wednesday there is a special celebration for School children. On Sunday afternoon at 3.30pm there will be a service of blessing for babies and young children. All are welcome.
A Thought for Lent
At the close of life, the question is:
Not how much you have got, But how much you have given.
Not how much you have won, But how much you have done.
Not how much you have saved, But how much you have sacrificed.
Not how much you were honoured , But how much you have loved and served.
The best preparation for tomorrow is to do today’s work superbly well.
William Ostler
British novelist Susan Ertz (1894-1985) once remarked that millions long for eternity who wouldn’t know what to do with themselves on a rainy Sunday afternoon. Nowadays, the lure of unreality and cyberspace, from television and the Internet, has eased that problem to some degree. Unfortunately, in so doing virtual reality increasingly substitutes for the real thing.
Our faith, however, carries us far beyond the confines of cyberspace. It propels us to the edge of eternity. It blows our mind with the promise of resurrection and a fullness of life beyond imagining. And, it does so while keeping our feet firmly fixed on mother earth.
The invitation to journey beyond cyberspace and unreality was issued a long time ago to Abraham (Genesis 12: 1-4). He was to leave his familiar surroundings and move without knowing his final destination. He would discover that along the way trust and commitment come first. Fulfillment of promise comes later.
Sunday afternoons were not a problem for Abraham. He had a mission in life to carry out, a future to face, a destiny to fulfil – hail, rain, or snow. May we use our Sunday afternoons wisely. This Lent may they be times to abstain from the self-indulgence of feeling bored.
Fr. Tom Cahill SVD
Second Sunday in Lent: Transformation
Trócaire's Lenten Campaign focuses on climate change and we have been reminded many times in recent years that human activity has changed, TRANSFORMED, our world until it is "sick unto death". Can we now, each of us, begin another TRANSFORMATION. To being to undo whatever part we may have played in that ruination, to begin to restore the planet to health and to ease our fears, anxieties and guilt.
Please remember to pick up a Trocaire box at the back of the church or go online to www.trocaire.org to see what else you can do.
Questions people ask
Why did Jesus tell the three apostles to tell nobody about the transfiguration until after his resurrection?
Surely it would have helped people to believe if they heard about the vision.
Maybe it would have generated excitement about setting Jesus up as a political, revolutionary leader, which would contradict his chosen way of humble service. The glory of the resurrection lay in the future, only after Jesus, the Suffering Servant, had gone through his passion and death. The message for us is that our hope of heavenly glory does not eliminate the struggles and crosses of this life. Yet this hope enables us to keep going.
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
Taize
Friday 25th April 2008, Dublin Pilgrimage of trust on earth.
Evening prayer and vigil in St. Mary’s Pro-Cathedral, Marlborough St, Dublin 1 at 8pm
An evening for young people aged 15-35 together with Br. Alois, prior of the Taize Community, brothers of the community and local church leaders. Song practice in the cathedral from 7pm.
Young people who would like to help prepare the Pro-cathedral please come at 5pm.
For further details, www.taizeireland.com, email: taizedublin@gmail.com. Text or phone 0858233681. Adults over 35 are welcome, but please bring people with you! If you plan to come with a group of young people on April 25th, or need simple overnight accommodation, please contact us at the e-mail/number above.
Parish Website
The parish website is in the process of being updated. Any suggestions or comments are most welcome. You can view our website at:
www.patricksparish.com
Pray for the deceased
Recently Deceased: John O’Rourke, 7 Laurel Court, Requiem mass Sunday 12.00 in St. Fiacre’s Church followed by burial in Foulkstown Cemetery.
Months Mind: Sarah Kelly (Sun 10.30)
Anniversaries: Nicholas Healy (Sat 6.15), Michael Walsh & Milo Bourke (Sat 7.00), Mick & Ellen Doyle (Sun 10.00), James & Gerard Leahy (Sun 11.00), Molly Johnstone (Sun 12.00), Ciss Lafferty (Sun 12.30), Patrick Morris (Mon 9.30), James Bolger, Catherine Hayden, Michael O’Grady, Catherine Keane, Patrick & Elizabeth Fry, John Corcoran, Seamus Culleton, Julia Anne Kealy, James Kealy Jnr, John Hanrahan, Richard & Harry Kealy, Elizabeth Kelly, Richard Kinsella, Anthony Francis Clifford, Josie Noonan, Christy Walsh, Kieran Healy, Billy Ayers.
Anniversaries next weekend: Anna Kelly Sat 7.00, Davie Maher Sun 10.00, Canice & Michael Dunphy, 12.00.
Lenten Station Envelope
The Lenten Station for the support of the priests of the parish and the bishop is due around now. This is one of the green envelopes in the parish contribution box many of your received last year. We are grateful for the support we receive from our parishioners. Many thanks.
Parish Envelopes
The parish envelopes for the coming year will soon be ordered and around Easter they will be delivered to those households who contribute to the parish in this manner. Those who contribute by standing order will receive a pack of 5 envelopes for the support of priests and bishop. These special collections are separate from parish contributions.
If you did not receive envelopes this past year then please let us know and we will update the system.
Bishop Freeman extends Diocesan Forum for one year
Bishop Seamus Freeman will address a special meeting of the Ossory Diocesan Forum at St Kieran’s College, Kilkenny on Tuesday night next (February 19) at 8pm.
The new Bishop, who has extended the term of the Forum for one year, will outline his vision for the diocesan organisation which includes representatives from each parish in the diocese.
The Forum was established three years ago to address the pastoral concerns of the diocese and plan for the future, following major consultation with priests, religious and laity of the diocese.
James Stephens GAA Club Juvenile Registration Night 2008
James Stephens Juvenile GAA are holding a Hurling Registration night for all returning and new young hurling enthusiasts in the James Stephens Clubrooms {Upstairs} on Friday 22nd February 2008 at 7.15p.m. Sharp. All New and existing Players are asked to come along to register for the year ahead.
The Various grades that we have in our Club are Under 6 / 7 / 8 : Under 9 /10 : Under 11 /12.
We would strongly encourage any kids that would like to start playing hurling to come to the registration night.
Vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life
Bishop Seamus Freeman will say a special mass for Vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life in the Brother Rice Centre, at Westcourt, Callan at 7.30pm on Thursday February 28th 08. The National President of the St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society will attend and a cup of tea will be served. Members and non-members are all welcome.
www.vocations.ie
Prayer for Vocations
O Jesus, send labourers into your fields, which are awaiting holy apostles, saintly priests, heroic missionaries and dedicated sisters and brothers.
Enkindle in the hearts of men and women the spark of a vocation.
And grant that Christian families may desire to give your Church, helpers in the work of tomorrow.
Amen.
Priesthood
Interested in finding out more about priesthood? Our vocations director is Fr. Paddy Carey. His address is: Fr. Paddy Carey, Errill, Co. Laois. Tel 0505 44973.
You can write to Fr. Paddy and request information by post or you can ring him and arrange an appointment. Alternatively you can contact any of the priests of the parish.
St. Vincent de Paul
The monthly St. Vincent de Paul collection is taken up this weekend. You support as always is appreciated.
Those who wish to contact members of the society can do so through the priests house on Ormonde Road. Just leave your name and number and these will be passed on to the members at their Monday night meeting.
St. John’s Novena
In this the centenary year of St John's Church Kilkenny the Parish Novena in honour of Our Lady of Perpetual Help continues concluding on Thursday 21st. There are three sessions each day: 7.30am; 10.30am and 7.30pm. On Monday the three services will be a celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. On Wednesday there is a special celebration for School children. On Sunday afternoon at 3.30pm there will be a service of blessing for babies and young children. All are welcome.
A Thought for Lent
At the close of life, the question is:
Not how much you have got, But how much you have given.
Not how much you have won, But how much you have done.
Not how much you have saved, But how much you have sacrificed.
Not how much you were honoured , But how much you have loved and served.
The best preparation for tomorrow is to do today’s work superbly well.
William Ostler
Thursday, February 14, 2008
First Sunday of Lent 10th February 2008
Temptation
Oscar Wilde’s quip, that he could resist everything except temptation, contains a grain of wisdom. In a quirky way it is saying: careful how you fight temptation; you may not win. Oscar clearly didn’t. Neither did Adam or Eve.
Temptation trades in lies as today’s first reading shows (Genesis 2: 7-9, 3: 1-7). It is countered by truth, as today’s Gospel shows (Matthew 4: 1-11). When tempted to turn stones into bread Jesus doesn’t ‘engage’ with the temptation. He confronts it with truth: God’s word is the source of life, not bread. When Satan tempts him a second time, Jesus warns him not to tempt God. No fear, or indecision, there. Satan ignores the warning and tempts Jesus again. His offer of all the kingdoms on earth to Jesus if only he would worship him is so preposterous that Jesus summarily dismiss him. And he goes. Satan is not as powerful as he would like to be seen to be. While temptation to evil is a fact of life, so too is the victory of good over evil. Evil’s power has been definitively defeated. The Incarnation has seen to that.
Evil has a past, and a present, but no future. Neither do those who submit to it.
Fr Tom Cahill SVD
Questions people ask
Why do we take ashes at the start of Lent?
Ashes are a grimy reminder that our earthly bodies are destined for death and decomposition. ‘Remember that you are but dust and unto dust you shall return.’ An alternative formula at the imposition of ashes exhorts a person to repentance: ‘Turn away from sin and be faithful to the gospel.’ Taking the ashes is not a sort of lucky charm but it is meant to express a person’s intention to undertake some extra spiritual exercises during Lent.
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
Masses for Lent
Well done to those who have made an effort to attend daily Mass for Lent. We encourage you to continue the discipline. Even if you give up for a day or two try to start again.
For your convenience Masses in our parish are at 9.30am (St. Patrick’s Church), 10.30am and 6.15pm (St. Fiacre’s Church). All are welcome.
First Sunday in Lent
This Lent Trócaire’s campaign highlights how the developing world is struggling to cope with changes in the climate. Global warming impacts on every one of us, but the effects are not felt equally and people living in poverty are bearing the brunt. It’s time the world’s poorest people got the support they need to help them cope with global warming. To support Trócaire this Lent please take a Trócaire box home with you.
Family Liturgy
Practice for next Sunday’s 10.30am Family Liturgy will be held on Thursday, 14th February at 6.30pm in St. Fiacre’s Church. All are welcome.
Ossory AGM
The Ossory Diocesan Annual General Meeting of St. Joseph’s Young Priest’s Society takes place on Thursday, 28th February beginning at 7.30pm with Mass celebrated by Bishop Seamus Freeman. The venue is the Brother Rice Centre at Westcourt, Callan. The National President, Marie Hogan will also attend. You are cordially invited to attend this evening.
Solemn Novena
Fr. Scriven at St. John’s Church writes: “Please join us in St. John's for the Solemn Novena which will be given by the Redemptorists from Wednesday, 13th to Thursday, 21st (inclusive) in St John's Church on the Dublin Road. This novena is part of the centenary celebrations of St John's Church.”
Our Lady of Lourdes
On Thursday, 11th February in 1858 - one hundred and fifty years ago this year - Our Lady first appeared to the 14 year old Bernadette Soubirous. Later Bernadette was to learn that the mysterious lady was the Blessed Virgin and to hear from her lips, ‘I am the Immaculate Conception’.
In 1992 Pope John Paul II instituted the World Day of the Sick to be held on the commemoration of Our Lady of Lourdes. Don’t forget our special Mass for the sick at St. Fiacre’s Church at 10.30am on Monday. There will be special prayers for the sick and the Sacrament of the Sick will be celebrated with those who wish to receive the sacrament.
Meanwhile, at the Grotto
Fr. Anthony O’Connor - the Director of our Diocesan Pilgrimage - will be in Lourdes on 11th February. He has promised to remember the intentions of our parishioners at Mass at the Lourdes Grotto on the 150th anniversary of the apparitions. Also included will be the intentions of all benefactors who have contributed over the years to the collections in the parish for the support of the pilgrimage. Those who are sick will be specifically remembered and all intentions will be entrusted to God through the prayers and intercession of Mary, Our Mother.
Lourdes Pilgrimage
Each year St. Patrick’s Parish sends a number of people to Lourdes with the diocesan pilgrimage. Those interesting in travelling to Lourdes should contact any member of the St. Patrick’s Parish Lourdes Committee or leave their names at the Presbytery as soon as possible.
Black Abbey Triduum
A triduum in honour of Our Lady of Lourdes continues at the Black Abbey. Sunday: 12 noon and 6.10pm; Monday: 10.30am and 7.30pm. Anointing both sessions on Monday.
Eucharistic Ministers Course
The Eucharistic Ministers’ Course will begin on next Tuesday, 12th of February in Creidim at 8pm. The course will continue every Tuesday night for 4 weeks.
Lectors’ Course
The Diocese of Ossory has arranged a course for new readers and others who would like to brush up on their skills. Course will be run at St. Patrick’s Presbytery on Wednesdays, 27th February and 5th and 12th March. It is essential to book for this course. Contact 776 4400.
Pray for the Deceased
Recently Deceased: Sr. M. de Lourdes Murphy, Presentation Convent, Parnell Street: Requiem Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral at 11am on Sunday followed by burial at St. Kieran’s. Paddy Fitzpatrick, Greensbridge: Funeral prayers at Johnston’s Funeral Home at 6pm on Sunday followed by removal to St. John’s Church. Requiem Mass at 10.30am on Monday followed by burial at St. Kieran's. Bridie Henderson, Strabane. Dr. Tony Crowley, Leixlip.
Month’s Mind: Michael Fitzpatrick (Sat 7.00), Josephine McGrath (Sun 11.00), Maura Nolan (Sun 2.30, St. Fiacre’s).
Anniversaries: Frank Delaney (Sat 6.15), Dr. Richard Purcell (Sun 9.30), Mary Pullan (Sun 10.00), Peter Quinn (Sun 12.00), Michael Moore (Sun 12.30), Anastasia Fitzpatrick (Mon 9.30), Andrew Price (Tues 10.30), Jenny Clancy (Fri 6.15) Eileen Cooper, Bill Carroll, Elizabeth Geoghegan, Edward Geoghegan, Michael Kenneally, Jack Leahy, Catherine Dwyer, Eamon Tallent, Philly Grace, Ellen Egan, Eileen Cummins, Bridie Dunne, Charlie O’Reilly, Michael Dargan, Niall Godwin, Catherine Keane.
Intentions Next Weekend: Nicholas Healy (Sat 6.15), Michael Walsh & Milo Bourke (Sat 7.00), Mick & Ellen Doyle (Sun 10.00), Sarah Kelly (Sun 10.30 Month’s Mind), Jim Gerard Leahy (Sun 11.00), Molly Johnstone (Sun 12.00).
Legion of Mary
Would you like to give two hours a week to the Virgin Mary? The Legion of Mary meets every Thursday from 8.00-9.00pm at St. Joseph’s (Mill Hill Fathers) on the Waterford Road. Visitors are welcome.
Presbytery For Sale
St. Patrick’s Presbytery will be sold by public auction on Thursday, 13th March 2008. Further details later.
Creidim Adult Faith Education
Adult Perspectives in the Afternoon Years… how we can best exercise our role in passing the faith to young people. This session will explore some of the contours, challenges and joys of moving into our senior years.
Conall O’Cuinn SJ will present the course at Creidim. Date: 10am and 1pm on Thursday, 21st February at St Kieran’ s College. Cost €30. Contact Leona Connolly on 777 0261 or see leaflets at the back of the church.
Catholic Papers
Most media publish stories with a particular slant. As Catholics we should be anxious to get a Christian slant on what is happening in our world. At the moment The Irish Catholic and The Word magazines are available at the church doors. We encourage you to purchase a copy for your perusal and information.
Lost and Found
A large set of keys was misplaced at St. Fiacre’s Church one evening last week. Please contact the sacristan if you have knowledge of their whereabouts.
A game card for a Nintendo DS was found in St. Patrick’s Church. Please call to the sacristy with details if you have lost one.
Kilkenny Flower Club
On Thursday next, 14th February, Kilkenny Flower Club with hold it’s A.G.M. at Butler House, Time: 8.00pm. All are welcome. Eva Holmes will give a talk on gardening. We would love to see some new faces.
Thanks to Bag Packers
Thank you to all who gave of their time and energy to take part in the bag pack at SuperValu, Loughboy during the last few days. While all the proceeds have not been counted we estimate that you have helped the parish to the tune of about €5,000.
Thanks, also, to the management and staff at SuperValu for their permission, help and courtesy and, of course, to all who dropped a something into the buckets.
Divine Mercy
There will be an hour of prayer and adoration in honour of Divine Mercy in St. Mary’s Cathedral on Sunday, 10th February between 3-4pm. All are welcome.
Garage Sale
87 Larchfield on Saturday, 16th February from 9am to 9pm. Bargains in clothes, books and household items. 086 102 4592
Oscar Wilde’s quip, that he could resist everything except temptation, contains a grain of wisdom. In a quirky way it is saying: careful how you fight temptation; you may not win. Oscar clearly didn’t. Neither did Adam or Eve.
Temptation trades in lies as today’s first reading shows (Genesis 2: 7-9, 3: 1-7). It is countered by truth, as today’s Gospel shows (Matthew 4: 1-11). When tempted to turn stones into bread Jesus doesn’t ‘engage’ with the temptation. He confronts it with truth: God’s word is the source of life, not bread. When Satan tempts him a second time, Jesus warns him not to tempt God. No fear, or indecision, there. Satan ignores the warning and tempts Jesus again. His offer of all the kingdoms on earth to Jesus if only he would worship him is so preposterous that Jesus summarily dismiss him. And he goes. Satan is not as powerful as he would like to be seen to be. While temptation to evil is a fact of life, so too is the victory of good over evil. Evil’s power has been definitively defeated. The Incarnation has seen to that.
Evil has a past, and a present, but no future. Neither do those who submit to it.
Fr Tom Cahill SVD
Questions people ask
Why do we take ashes at the start of Lent?
Ashes are a grimy reminder that our earthly bodies are destined for death and decomposition. ‘Remember that you are but dust and unto dust you shall return.’ An alternative formula at the imposition of ashes exhorts a person to repentance: ‘Turn away from sin and be faithful to the gospel.’ Taking the ashes is not a sort of lucky charm but it is meant to express a person’s intention to undertake some extra spiritual exercises during Lent.
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
Masses for Lent
Well done to those who have made an effort to attend daily Mass for Lent. We encourage you to continue the discipline. Even if you give up for a day or two try to start again.
For your convenience Masses in our parish are at 9.30am (St. Patrick’s Church), 10.30am and 6.15pm (St. Fiacre’s Church). All are welcome.
First Sunday in Lent
This Lent Trócaire’s campaign highlights how the developing world is struggling to cope with changes in the climate. Global warming impacts on every one of us, but the effects are not felt equally and people living in poverty are bearing the brunt. It’s time the world’s poorest people got the support they need to help them cope with global warming. To support Trócaire this Lent please take a Trócaire box home with you.
Family Liturgy
Practice for next Sunday’s 10.30am Family Liturgy will be held on Thursday, 14th February at 6.30pm in St. Fiacre’s Church. All are welcome.
Ossory AGM
The Ossory Diocesan Annual General Meeting of St. Joseph’s Young Priest’s Society takes place on Thursday, 28th February beginning at 7.30pm with Mass celebrated by Bishop Seamus Freeman. The venue is the Brother Rice Centre at Westcourt, Callan. The National President, Marie Hogan will also attend. You are cordially invited to attend this evening.
Solemn Novena
Fr. Scriven at St. John’s Church writes: “Please join us in St. John's for the Solemn Novena which will be given by the Redemptorists from Wednesday, 13th to Thursday, 21st (inclusive) in St John's Church on the Dublin Road. This novena is part of the centenary celebrations of St John's Church.”
Our Lady of Lourdes
On Thursday, 11th February in 1858 - one hundred and fifty years ago this year - Our Lady first appeared to the 14 year old Bernadette Soubirous. Later Bernadette was to learn that the mysterious lady was the Blessed Virgin and to hear from her lips, ‘I am the Immaculate Conception’.
In 1992 Pope John Paul II instituted the World Day of the Sick to be held on the commemoration of Our Lady of Lourdes. Don’t forget our special Mass for the sick at St. Fiacre’s Church at 10.30am on Monday. There will be special prayers for the sick and the Sacrament of the Sick will be celebrated with those who wish to receive the sacrament.
Meanwhile, at the Grotto
Fr. Anthony O’Connor - the Director of our Diocesan Pilgrimage - will be in Lourdes on 11th February. He has promised to remember the intentions of our parishioners at Mass at the Lourdes Grotto on the 150th anniversary of the apparitions. Also included will be the intentions of all benefactors who have contributed over the years to the collections in the parish for the support of the pilgrimage. Those who are sick will be specifically remembered and all intentions will be entrusted to God through the prayers and intercession of Mary, Our Mother.
Lourdes Pilgrimage
Each year St. Patrick’s Parish sends a number of people to Lourdes with the diocesan pilgrimage. Those interesting in travelling to Lourdes should contact any member of the St. Patrick’s Parish Lourdes Committee or leave their names at the Presbytery as soon as possible.
Black Abbey Triduum
A triduum in honour of Our Lady of Lourdes continues at the Black Abbey. Sunday: 12 noon and 6.10pm; Monday: 10.30am and 7.30pm. Anointing both sessions on Monday.
Eucharistic Ministers Course
The Eucharistic Ministers’ Course will begin on next Tuesday, 12th of February in Creidim at 8pm. The course will continue every Tuesday night for 4 weeks.
Lectors’ Course
The Diocese of Ossory has arranged a course for new readers and others who would like to brush up on their skills. Course will be run at St. Patrick’s Presbytery on Wednesdays, 27th February and 5th and 12th March. It is essential to book for this course. Contact 776 4400.
Pray for the Deceased
Recently Deceased: Sr. M. de Lourdes Murphy, Presentation Convent, Parnell Street: Requiem Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral at 11am on Sunday followed by burial at St. Kieran’s. Paddy Fitzpatrick, Greensbridge: Funeral prayers at Johnston’s Funeral Home at 6pm on Sunday followed by removal to St. John’s Church. Requiem Mass at 10.30am on Monday followed by burial at St. Kieran's. Bridie Henderson, Strabane. Dr. Tony Crowley, Leixlip.
Month’s Mind: Michael Fitzpatrick (Sat 7.00), Josephine McGrath (Sun 11.00), Maura Nolan (Sun 2.30, St. Fiacre’s).
Anniversaries: Frank Delaney (Sat 6.15), Dr. Richard Purcell (Sun 9.30), Mary Pullan (Sun 10.00), Peter Quinn (Sun 12.00), Michael Moore (Sun 12.30), Anastasia Fitzpatrick (Mon 9.30), Andrew Price (Tues 10.30), Jenny Clancy (Fri 6.15) Eileen Cooper, Bill Carroll, Elizabeth Geoghegan, Edward Geoghegan, Michael Kenneally, Jack Leahy, Catherine Dwyer, Eamon Tallent, Philly Grace, Ellen Egan, Eileen Cummins, Bridie Dunne, Charlie O’Reilly, Michael Dargan, Niall Godwin, Catherine Keane.
Intentions Next Weekend: Nicholas Healy (Sat 6.15), Michael Walsh & Milo Bourke (Sat 7.00), Mick & Ellen Doyle (Sun 10.00), Sarah Kelly (Sun 10.30 Month’s Mind), Jim Gerard Leahy (Sun 11.00), Molly Johnstone (Sun 12.00).
Legion of Mary
Would you like to give two hours a week to the Virgin Mary? The Legion of Mary meets every Thursday from 8.00-9.00pm at St. Joseph’s (Mill Hill Fathers) on the Waterford Road. Visitors are welcome.
Presbytery For Sale
St. Patrick’s Presbytery will be sold by public auction on Thursday, 13th March 2008. Further details later.
Creidim Adult Faith Education
Adult Perspectives in the Afternoon Years… how we can best exercise our role in passing the faith to young people. This session will explore some of the contours, challenges and joys of moving into our senior years.
Conall O’Cuinn SJ will present the course at Creidim. Date: 10am and 1pm on Thursday, 21st February at St Kieran’ s College. Cost €30. Contact Leona Connolly on 777 0261 or see leaflets at the back of the church.
Catholic Papers
Most media publish stories with a particular slant. As Catholics we should be anxious to get a Christian slant on what is happening in our world. At the moment The Irish Catholic and The Word magazines are available at the church doors. We encourage you to purchase a copy for your perusal and information.
Lost and Found
A large set of keys was misplaced at St. Fiacre’s Church one evening last week. Please contact the sacristan if you have knowledge of their whereabouts.
A game card for a Nintendo DS was found in St. Patrick’s Church. Please call to the sacristy with details if you have lost one.
Kilkenny Flower Club
On Thursday next, 14th February, Kilkenny Flower Club with hold it’s A.G.M. at Butler House, Time: 8.00pm. All are welcome. Eva Holmes will give a talk on gardening. We would love to see some new faces.
Thanks to Bag Packers
Thank you to all who gave of their time and energy to take part in the bag pack at SuperValu, Loughboy during the last few days. While all the proceeds have not been counted we estimate that you have helped the parish to the tune of about €5,000.
Thanks, also, to the management and staff at SuperValu for their permission, help and courtesy and, of course, to all who dropped a something into the buckets.
Divine Mercy
There will be an hour of prayer and adoration in honour of Divine Mercy in St. Mary’s Cathedral on Sunday, 10th February between 3-4pm. All are welcome.
Garage Sale
87 Larchfield on Saturday, 16th February from 9am to 9pm. Bargains in clothes, books and household items. 086 102 4592
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, 27th January 2008
All for One?
M. Scott Peck wrote in The Different Drum: “Pseudo community is conflict-avoiding; true community is conflict resolving”. In today’s reading Paul would seem to hold a similar view. He appeals to the Corinthians to remember in whose name they were baptised. Respecting their common baptism in Jesus’ name creates unity. As Paul asks them collectively and not individually about their baptism, they must answer collectively. They can do that only by talking constructively together first. Respect for Jesus name is the springboard to that desired exchange. Two things are clear here: baptism unifies; it’s not automatic. Those baptised have to work with their baptism to allow it to have its effect. This doesn’t mean that as soon as we recall our common baptism in Jesus name everything is hunky dory. No more bickering, self-interest or breaking up into groups, gangs or factions. Call them what you will.
But what it does mean is that we’ll have to do some thinking about why we want to be called Christian in the first place and follow with behaviour that shows that why.
Today more than ever conflict resolution, at all levels, is direly needed today being Holocaust Memorial Day.
Fr. Tom Cahill SVD
Questions People Ask
What are the synoptic gospels? Are these a short synopsis of the other gospels?
A. The name ‘Synoptic’ is misleading for us today because it suggests a shorter or abbreviated version of something. But when applied to the gospels it has its original, Greek meaning of writers looking at something from the same point of view. Since the gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke have the same outline plan and more or less the same material, they are known as the Synoptic Gospels. Each of the writers puts his own stamp on the story. Matthew, our Sunday evangelist this year, emphasises the teaching of Jesus about the Kingdom of God on earth.
Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes
The annual Ossory diocesan pilgrimage will travel to Lourdes between 22nd and 27th May. This is the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the apparitions and millions from around the world will flock to the Marian Shrine this year. Our diocesan pilgrimage will be led by Bishop Séamus Freeman. Cost is €685 pps or €710 for those aged between 85-95years.
Further details and application forms from Glenmore Parish Office on 051 880 414 or St. Patrick’s Presbytery.
First Friday
The first Friday of February occurs this week. Frs. Dan and Roderick hope to visit the housebound at the usual times. Fr. Liam will visit on Friday, 8th February. Please contact the Presbytery if you, or someone known to you, would like to be included on the list.
Pray For The Deceased
Recently Deceased: Elizabeth Oakes, 2 Cloonbeg, Larchfield Court. Requiem Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church at 10.30am on Monday. Margaret (Peg) Grace, Tullaroan Road, Nancy McEvoy, Carlow.
Months Mind: Edward Taylor (Sun 9.30).
Anniversaries: Pauline English (Sat 6.15), Kathleen Hickey (Sat 7.00), Orla Roche (Sun 10.00), John Maher (Sun 11.00), Jack Comerford (Sun 12.00), Thomas Walton (Sun 12.30), Con Noonan (Tues 9.30), Kathleen Kelly (Tue 10.30), Catherine Brett, Billy Culleton, Annie Delaney, Brendan McKenna, Derek De Loughry, Rev. John Nyhan, Martin Coyne, Tom Walshe, Margaret Fanning, Delia Hennessy, John Hennessy, Ned Larkin, John & Catherine Curry,
Intentions next weekend: Mary Lynch (Sat 6.15), Breda Butler (Sat 7.00), Billy, Eamon & Lil Costello (Sun 10.00), Pat Kearney, Waterford Road (Sun 10.30), James Loughlin (Sun 11.00), John Hennessy (Sun 12.00), Jimmy McGrath (Sun 12.30).
Parish Draw
The Parish Draw for January takes place at the Presbytery on this Tuesday evening at 8.30pm. All welcome. Promoters and subscribers are asked to have their tickets and money in before the draw. Thanks for your ongoing generous support.
Thanks for Generous Donations
Thanks to those who have contributed as a result of our recent appeal for funds. Since our last report over €25,000 has come in - a more detailed report will follow our next committee meeting.
In the meantime great progress is being by the builder and the development is still on target. Some photographs will be available on www.patricksparish.com from Sunday.
Fund Raising Bag Pack
The management of Supervalu Supermarket, Loughboy has kindly agreed to allow us have a fundraising bag-pack for our new parish centre on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 7th, 8th and 9th February. To reap maximum benefit from this opportunity we need a lot of adult volunteers to help during shopping hours on these days. Please contact the Presbytery on 776 4400 if you can offer any time at all to avail of this excellent opportunity to help our parish raise essential funds for our development. The organising committee continues to develop a rota for the days in question. Thanks to those who have already volunteered - more, many more, are needed. In this case it is genuinely a case of Many hands make light work — all help will be gratefully received.
Education in Faith Sunday
We celebrate Education in Faith Sunday this weekend. Education in Faith Sunday has been celebrated during the month of February since 2003. However, because Lent is early this year, it is being celebrated on Sunday, 27th January and the chosen theme is “Living Faith Fully”.
Boards of Management
The recently appointed Boards of Management of St. John of God Girls’ NS, St. Patrick’s De La Salle Boys’ NS, St. Patrick’s Special School and Gaelscoil Osrai will be commissioned at 11am Mass on this Sunday. The board members will be commissioned to manage our schools on behalf of the parish community, to nurture and develop the Catholic ethos of our school communities, and to ensure that each child is given the opportunity to reach their full potential as a child of God. May their work facilitate the growth and development of the children who are the future of our community.
St. Brigid
Brigid, whose feast is celebrated on Friday, is renowned for her hospitality, almsgiving and care of the sick. She was born c. 454. When she was young her father wished to make a very suitable marriage for her but she insisted in consecrating her virginity to God. She received the veil and spiritual formation probably from St. Mel and stayed for a period under his direction in Ardagh. Others followed her example and this led her to found a double monastery in Kildare with the assistance of Bishop Conleth. She died in 524 and her cult is widespread not only throughout Ireland but in several European lands.
Presentation of the Lord
This feast, celebrated on Saturday, ‘is a combined remembrance of the Son and the Mother… on this day Christ’s faithful people, with candles in their hands, go out to meet the Lord and to acclaim him with Simeon, who recognised Christ as “a light to reveal God to the nations”. They should therefore be taught to walk as children of the light in their entire way of life, because they have a duty to show the light of Christ to all by acting in the works that they do as lighted lamps.’ Ceremonial of Bishops
Candles will be blessed at 9.30am Mass at St. Patrick’s Church on Saturday morning.
Do This in Memory...
We welcome the candidates for First Holy Communion and their families to our parish Masses this weekend. Candidates from Gaelscoil Osrai and KSP will attend 10.30am Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church while those from St. Patrick's De La Salle Boys’ School and St. John of God Girls’ School will be at 11am Mass at St. Patrick’s Church.
As an Eucharistic Community we join in prayer for these young people who are preparing to join our ranks. Our prayers and good example should be a great influence in handing on the faith to this future generation.
Ash Wednesday
The first day of Lent, a day of fast and abstinence, is celebrated on Wednesday week, 6th February. Masses in our parish will be at 9.30am and 7pm (St. Patrick’s Church) and 10.30am and 6.15pm (St. Fiacre’s Church). We encourage all to consider making an extra effort at renewal in our lives this Lent.
Hearing Help/Lipreading Classes
Classes begin on Monday, 28th and Tuesday, 29th (beginners) at Comhairle, The Parade. Phone 776 5176 / 776 3508.
Church Gate Collection
Ossory Youth will hold their Church Gate Collection at all Masses this weekend Saturday, 26th & Sunday, 27th January.
Healing Prayer
Join the Kilkenny Gospel Choir at St. Fiacre’s Church at 8.00pm on Friday for the annual St. Brigid’s Day healing service for those whose lives have been touched by cancer. Traditional red flannel and water from St. Brigid’s Well will be blessed.
Ministers of Communion
We will shortly revise the rosters for Ministers of Communion. Please contact Frank Murphy or any of the Sacristans if you would like a change to your schedule.
Our Lady of Lourdes Triduum
At the Black Abbey on 9th, 10th and 11th February. More details next week.
Fountain of Knowledge...
Offers a comprehensive Educational Assessment to identify your child’s strengths and weakness (ages 7 to 15), a personalised blended learning programme designed by qualified teachers. Classes each Saturday in Kilkenny. For assessment and information call 087 927 7488.
M. Scott Peck wrote in The Different Drum: “Pseudo community is conflict-avoiding; true community is conflict resolving”. In today’s reading Paul would seem to hold a similar view. He appeals to the Corinthians to remember in whose name they were baptised. Respecting their common baptism in Jesus’ name creates unity. As Paul asks them collectively and not individually about their baptism, they must answer collectively. They can do that only by talking constructively together first. Respect for Jesus name is the springboard to that desired exchange. Two things are clear here: baptism unifies; it’s not automatic. Those baptised have to work with their baptism to allow it to have its effect. This doesn’t mean that as soon as we recall our common baptism in Jesus name everything is hunky dory. No more bickering, self-interest or breaking up into groups, gangs or factions. Call them what you will.
But what it does mean is that we’ll have to do some thinking about why we want to be called Christian in the first place and follow with behaviour that shows that why.
Today more than ever conflict resolution, at all levels, is direly needed today being Holocaust Memorial Day.
Fr. Tom Cahill SVD
Questions People Ask
What are the synoptic gospels? Are these a short synopsis of the other gospels?
A. The name ‘Synoptic’ is misleading for us today because it suggests a shorter or abbreviated version of something. But when applied to the gospels it has its original, Greek meaning of writers looking at something from the same point of view. Since the gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke have the same outline plan and more or less the same material, they are known as the Synoptic Gospels. Each of the writers puts his own stamp on the story. Matthew, our Sunday evangelist this year, emphasises the teaching of Jesus about the Kingdom of God on earth.
Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes
The annual Ossory diocesan pilgrimage will travel to Lourdes between 22nd and 27th May. This is the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the apparitions and millions from around the world will flock to the Marian Shrine this year. Our diocesan pilgrimage will be led by Bishop Séamus Freeman. Cost is €685 pps or €710 for those aged between 85-95years.
Further details and application forms from Glenmore Parish Office on 051 880 414 or St. Patrick’s Presbytery.
First Friday
The first Friday of February occurs this week. Frs. Dan and Roderick hope to visit the housebound at the usual times. Fr. Liam will visit on Friday, 8th February. Please contact the Presbytery if you, or someone known to you, would like to be included on the list.
Pray For The Deceased
Recently Deceased: Elizabeth Oakes, 2 Cloonbeg, Larchfield Court. Requiem Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church at 10.30am on Monday. Margaret (Peg) Grace, Tullaroan Road, Nancy McEvoy, Carlow.
Months Mind: Edward Taylor (Sun 9.30).
Anniversaries: Pauline English (Sat 6.15), Kathleen Hickey (Sat 7.00), Orla Roche (Sun 10.00), John Maher (Sun 11.00), Jack Comerford (Sun 12.00), Thomas Walton (Sun 12.30), Con Noonan (Tues 9.30), Kathleen Kelly (Tue 10.30), Catherine Brett, Billy Culleton, Annie Delaney, Brendan McKenna, Derek De Loughry, Rev. John Nyhan, Martin Coyne, Tom Walshe, Margaret Fanning, Delia Hennessy, John Hennessy, Ned Larkin, John & Catherine Curry,
Intentions next weekend: Mary Lynch (Sat 6.15), Breda Butler (Sat 7.00), Billy, Eamon & Lil Costello (Sun 10.00), Pat Kearney, Waterford Road (Sun 10.30), James Loughlin (Sun 11.00), John Hennessy (Sun 12.00), Jimmy McGrath (Sun 12.30).
Parish Draw
The Parish Draw for January takes place at the Presbytery on this Tuesday evening at 8.30pm. All welcome. Promoters and subscribers are asked to have their tickets and money in before the draw. Thanks for your ongoing generous support.
Thanks for Generous Donations
Thanks to those who have contributed as a result of our recent appeal for funds. Since our last report over €25,000 has come in - a more detailed report will follow our next committee meeting.
In the meantime great progress is being by the builder and the development is still on target. Some photographs will be available on www.patricksparish.com from Sunday.
Fund Raising Bag Pack
The management of Supervalu Supermarket, Loughboy has kindly agreed to allow us have a fundraising bag-pack for our new parish centre on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 7th, 8th and 9th February. To reap maximum benefit from this opportunity we need a lot of adult volunteers to help during shopping hours on these days. Please contact the Presbytery on 776 4400 if you can offer any time at all to avail of this excellent opportunity to help our parish raise essential funds for our development. The organising committee continues to develop a rota for the days in question. Thanks to those who have already volunteered - more, many more, are needed. In this case it is genuinely a case of Many hands make light work — all help will be gratefully received.
Education in Faith Sunday
We celebrate Education in Faith Sunday this weekend. Education in Faith Sunday has been celebrated during the month of February since 2003. However, because Lent is early this year, it is being celebrated on Sunday, 27th January and the chosen theme is “Living Faith Fully”.
Boards of Management
The recently appointed Boards of Management of St. John of God Girls’ NS, St. Patrick’s De La Salle Boys’ NS, St. Patrick’s Special School and Gaelscoil Osrai will be commissioned at 11am Mass on this Sunday. The board members will be commissioned to manage our schools on behalf of the parish community, to nurture and develop the Catholic ethos of our school communities, and to ensure that each child is given the opportunity to reach their full potential as a child of God. May their work facilitate the growth and development of the children who are the future of our community.
St. Brigid
Brigid, whose feast is celebrated on Friday, is renowned for her hospitality, almsgiving and care of the sick. She was born c. 454. When she was young her father wished to make a very suitable marriage for her but she insisted in consecrating her virginity to God. She received the veil and spiritual formation probably from St. Mel and stayed for a period under his direction in Ardagh. Others followed her example and this led her to found a double monastery in Kildare with the assistance of Bishop Conleth. She died in 524 and her cult is widespread not only throughout Ireland but in several European lands.
Presentation of the Lord
This feast, celebrated on Saturday, ‘is a combined remembrance of the Son and the Mother… on this day Christ’s faithful people, with candles in their hands, go out to meet the Lord and to acclaim him with Simeon, who recognised Christ as “a light to reveal God to the nations”. They should therefore be taught to walk as children of the light in their entire way of life, because they have a duty to show the light of Christ to all by acting in the works that they do as lighted lamps.’ Ceremonial of Bishops
Candles will be blessed at 9.30am Mass at St. Patrick’s Church on Saturday morning.
Do This in Memory...
We welcome the candidates for First Holy Communion and their families to our parish Masses this weekend. Candidates from Gaelscoil Osrai and KSP will attend 10.30am Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church while those from St. Patrick's De La Salle Boys’ School and St. John of God Girls’ School will be at 11am Mass at St. Patrick’s Church.
As an Eucharistic Community we join in prayer for these young people who are preparing to join our ranks. Our prayers and good example should be a great influence in handing on the faith to this future generation.
Ash Wednesday
The first day of Lent, a day of fast and abstinence, is celebrated on Wednesday week, 6th February. Masses in our parish will be at 9.30am and 7pm (St. Patrick’s Church) and 10.30am and 6.15pm (St. Fiacre’s Church). We encourage all to consider making an extra effort at renewal in our lives this Lent.
Hearing Help/Lipreading Classes
Classes begin on Monday, 28th and Tuesday, 29th (beginners) at Comhairle, The Parade. Phone 776 5176 / 776 3508.
Church Gate Collection
Ossory Youth will hold their Church Gate Collection at all Masses this weekend Saturday, 26th & Sunday, 27th January.
Healing Prayer
Join the Kilkenny Gospel Choir at St. Fiacre’s Church at 8.00pm on Friday for the annual St. Brigid’s Day healing service for those whose lives have been touched by cancer. Traditional red flannel and water from St. Brigid’s Well will be blessed.
Ministers of Communion
We will shortly revise the rosters for Ministers of Communion. Please contact Frank Murphy or any of the Sacristans if you would like a change to your schedule.
Our Lady of Lourdes Triduum
At the Black Abbey on 9th, 10th and 11th February. More details next week.
Fountain of Knowledge...
Offers a comprehensive Educational Assessment to identify your child’s strengths and weakness (ages 7 to 15), a personalised blended learning programme designed by qualified teachers. Classes each Saturday in Kilkenny. For assessment and information call 087 927 7488.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, 20th January 2008
The Good Way
Charm: you have it, until you know it. It’s the same with humility. Better that others be pleased with us for having it than we draw their attention to it in ourselves. If it’s there, it will out as will God’s purpose in human affairs.
Take, for example, the reading for the fourth Sunday of last November: “It is you who shall be shepherd of my people Israel, you shall be ruler over Israel” (2 Sam 5:2). Here we have God’s will for King David as ruler of his people Israel. He must act like a shepherd! Not the first model that springs to mind nowadays for civil power.
That same inscrutable intent is evident in today’s gospel reading (Jn 1: 29-34). God wants his Son to be like a lamb! How humble can you get? God really does things in strange ways. You want a ruler. You get a shepherd! Someone comes on a world-changing mission and he is to act like a lamb! Doesn’t make sense. But then it’s not supposed to, at least not by human reckoning. God uses the lowly to confound the great. He always has, and always will. The ball is in our court.
Fr. Tom Cahill.
New Vicar General
Bishop Séamus Freeman has appointed Monsignor Michael Ryan PP, Castlecomer as Vicar General of the Diocese of Ossory. Msgr. Ryan served as Vicar General under former Bishop Laurence Forristal.
A Vicar General (VG) is the principal deputy of the bishop for the exercise of administrative authority. As vicar of the bishop, the vicar general exercises the bishop's ordinary executive power over the entire diocese.
Senior Citizens’ Party
Congratulations to all involved in last Monday party for our senior citizens. About 80 people enjoyed dinner and a wonderful evening’s entertainment at Springhill Court Hotel. Well done and thanks to the organisers, band, sponsors and all who attended.
Prayer for Christian Unity
The 100th annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity began on Friday, 18th and continues until 25th January, the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul. The annual Week of Prayer has become one of the most symbolic and active signs of Christian unity among Christians around the world. The theme chosen for this year, taken from the First Letter of Paul to the Thessalonians, is "Pray Without Ceasing."
One hundred years ago, Father Paul Watson, Episcopal (Anglican) priest and co-founder of the Friars and Sisters of the Atonement at Graymoor (Garrison, USA), introduced a Prayer Octave for Christian Unity that was first celebrated from 18 to 25 January 1908. Soon after, Catholic and Protestant groups around the world took up this practice. In 1965, the tradition was formally endorsed and promoted by the leaders of the major Christian Churches when the World Council of Churches Commission on Faith and Order and the Roman Catholic Secretariat for Promoting Christian Unity (now known as the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity) began official joint preparation of materials for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.
This weekend we welcome some guests from neighbouring Christian Churches to our parish. The Rev. Cecil Weekes will speak to the congregation at the 6.15 p.m. Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church and the Rev. Ian Coulter will address the congregation at our 7.00 p.m. Mass at St. Patrick’s Church on Saturday evening. Representing the local Church of Ireland community these men will share a few thoughts with us on this year’s theme and join us in prayer for the success of the week’s events.
Bishop Séamus Freeman will speak at St. Canice’s Cathedral on Sunday while Bishop Michael Burrows will address the congregation at St. Mary’s Cathedral. Members of our clergy will make similar visits to other Protestant churches in the city.
Questions People Ask
Q. Jesus was called the Lamb of God. Does this just refer to his innocence and gentleness or has it some deeper meaning?
A. John the Baptist identified Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Before the time of Jesus there were multiple sacrifices of animals to make atonement for sin. The perfect sacrifice of Jesus replaced all these sin offerings.
The lamb of sacrifice, standing over the altar, is at the centre of the apparition at Knock. For a beautiful book on this, read Reflecting at Knock by Fr. Tom Lane.
Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
Pray for the Deceased
Recently Deceased: Sarah Kelly, Garden Villas; Michael Fitzpatrick, Goslingstown; Judy Carpenter, Fatima Place; Fr. Martin Farragher, Knocklyon, Lily Power, Johnstown.
Anniversaries: John Bradley (Sat 6.15), Paul Prodromou (Sat 7.00), Norah Foley (Sun 9.30), Kathleen O’Neill (Sun 10.00), Ann & John Waldron (Sun 10.30), Bobbi Leahy (Sun 11.00), Oliver Mannion (Sun 12.00), John Phelan (Tues 10.30), Albert & Bridget Downes (Thurs 10.30), Margaret & Michael Muldowney, Billy Burke, Michael McDonald, Jimmy O’Connell, Richard Brennan, Daniel (Algie) Lanigan, Frank Moran, Richard & Maureen Free, Margaret Knox, Mary Leahy, Maureen & Paddy Dwyer, Michael Gleeson, May McKenna, William, Tess & Joan Murphy, Denis Parsons,
Intentions for Next Weekend: Pauline English (Sat 6.15), Kathleen Hickey (Sat 7.00), Edward Taylor (Sun 9.30 Month’s Mind), Orla Roche (Sun 10.00), John Maher (Sun 11.00), Jack Comerford (Sun 12.00), Thomas Walton (Sun 12.30).
St. Vincent De Paul Collection
The monthly collection for this parish charity will be taken up at all Masses this weekend. Please support.
Fund Raising Bag Pack
The management of Supervalu Supermarket, Loughboy has kindly agreed to allow us have a fundraising bag-pack for our new parish centre on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 7th, 8th and 9th February. To reap maximum benefit from this opportunity we need a lot of adult volunteers to help during shopping hours on these days. Please contact the Presbytery on 776 4400 if you can offer any time at all to avail of this excellent opportunity to help our parish raise essential funds for our development. The organising committee is meeting on this Monday evening and would appreciate offers of help as soon as possible. Many hands make light work — all help will be gratefully received.
Education in Faith Sunday
Next Sunday is Education in Faith Sunday. Education in Faith Sunday has been celebrated during the month of February since 2003. However, because Lent is early this year, it is being celebrated on Sunday, 27th January and the chosen theme is “Living Faith Fully”. More details on next Sunday.
Recently new Boards of Management have been put in place in our primary schools. The members of the new boards of our parish schools will be commissioned at a short service during 11 a.m. Mass at St. Patrick’s Church on next Sunday.
Do This in Memory...
The next event in the preparation programme for candidates for First Holy Communion and their families will take place on next Sunday. Candidates from Gaelscoil Osrai and KSP are asked to attend 10.30am Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church while those from St. Patrick's De La Salle Boys’ School and St. John of God Girls’ School are asked to attend 11am Mass at St. Patrick’s Church.
We look forward to celebrating with you on next Sunday.
Parish Website
Our parish website will be undergoing some changes over the coming weeks so watch out for the ‘new look’ Any suggestion or comments are welcome. We publish the newsletter every week on the parish website site. Also pictures of the building work at Loughboy in progress. Visit: www.patricksparish.com
Helping to Defeat Depression
Aware will hold a panel discussion on depression in Kilkenny next week.
Depression
More Questions than Answers?
The Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel, Ormonde Street on Wednesday, 23rd January at 8pm.
Panel: Sue Nunn, KCLR96fm (Chair); Dr. John Cuddihy G.P.; Two individuals speaking of their own experience of depression and Fran Gleeson, Aware. Admission is free, all are welcome.
Empower Training
Diploma in Life & Personal Coaching
Would you like to be a highly qualified coach in Ireland? Are you a person who sees no limits in people? Do people come to you to help? If you listen well, inspire others and like helping to change their lives, you could create life fulfilling and lucrative work for yourself!
Call Empower Training on 775 6736
“God Bless You”
According to the ancient author Pliny (ca. A.D. 77), the custom of saluting someone who sneezes was well-established by the time of Tiberius Caesar, the Roman emperor during the earthly life of Jesus. However, the particular formula, ‘God bless you’ (or Gesundheit in German) may have begun during the time of Pope St. Gregory the Great (A.D. 600) in response to a plague sweeping Rome, the initial symptom of which was a sneeze. A similar explanation has been given for covering one’s mouth when one yawns, which initially began as the sign of the cross over one’s mouth.
Why Do Catholics Eat Fish on Friday?; Michael P. Foley
Some Ecumenical Humour
A rabbi and minister decided to invite the new Catholic PP on a fishing trip. While out on the lake, the rabbi announced ‘We forgot the bait, I’ll go get it’. He jumped out of the boat, walked across the water to the shore, collected the bait and walked back. The PP was amazed. An hour later they started to get hungry. The minister volunteered to go get some food. He jumped out of the boat, walked across the water, collected the food and walked back again. The PP was astounded. A little later they ran out of drinking water. The PP announced that he would go get some. The PP jumped out of the boat... and sank straight to the bottom. Upon surfacing he heard the rabbi say to the minister, ‘I suppose we should have shown him where the stepping stones are.’
First Holy Communion Dates
10th May: St. Patrick’s de la Salle at 11am at St. Patrick’s Church.
17th May: St. John of God at 11am at St. Patrick’s Church.
17th May: Gaelscoil Osraí at 10.30am at St. Mary’s Cathedral.
18th May: KSP at 12 noon at St. Fiacre’s Church.
Charm: you have it, until you know it. It’s the same with humility. Better that others be pleased with us for having it than we draw their attention to it in ourselves. If it’s there, it will out as will God’s purpose in human affairs.
Take, for example, the reading for the fourth Sunday of last November: “It is you who shall be shepherd of my people Israel, you shall be ruler over Israel” (2 Sam 5:2). Here we have God’s will for King David as ruler of his people Israel. He must act like a shepherd! Not the first model that springs to mind nowadays for civil power.
That same inscrutable intent is evident in today’s gospel reading (Jn 1: 29-34). God wants his Son to be like a lamb! How humble can you get? God really does things in strange ways. You want a ruler. You get a shepherd! Someone comes on a world-changing mission and he is to act like a lamb! Doesn’t make sense. But then it’s not supposed to, at least not by human reckoning. God uses the lowly to confound the great. He always has, and always will. The ball is in our court.
Fr. Tom Cahill.
New Vicar General
Bishop Séamus Freeman has appointed Monsignor Michael Ryan PP, Castlecomer as Vicar General of the Diocese of Ossory. Msgr. Ryan served as Vicar General under former Bishop Laurence Forristal.
A Vicar General (VG) is the principal deputy of the bishop for the exercise of administrative authority. As vicar of the bishop, the vicar general exercises the bishop's ordinary executive power over the entire diocese.
Senior Citizens’ Party
Congratulations to all involved in last Monday party for our senior citizens. About 80 people enjoyed dinner and a wonderful evening’s entertainment at Springhill Court Hotel. Well done and thanks to the organisers, band, sponsors and all who attended.
Prayer for Christian Unity
The 100th annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity began on Friday, 18th and continues until 25th January, the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul. The annual Week of Prayer has become one of the most symbolic and active signs of Christian unity among Christians around the world. The theme chosen for this year, taken from the First Letter of Paul to the Thessalonians, is "Pray Without Ceasing."
One hundred years ago, Father Paul Watson, Episcopal (Anglican) priest and co-founder of the Friars and Sisters of the Atonement at Graymoor (Garrison, USA), introduced a Prayer Octave for Christian Unity that was first celebrated from 18 to 25 January 1908. Soon after, Catholic and Protestant groups around the world took up this practice. In 1965, the tradition was formally endorsed and promoted by the leaders of the major Christian Churches when the World Council of Churches Commission on Faith and Order and the Roman Catholic Secretariat for Promoting Christian Unity (now known as the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity) began official joint preparation of materials for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.
This weekend we welcome some guests from neighbouring Christian Churches to our parish. The Rev. Cecil Weekes will speak to the congregation at the 6.15 p.m. Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church and the Rev. Ian Coulter will address the congregation at our 7.00 p.m. Mass at St. Patrick’s Church on Saturday evening. Representing the local Church of Ireland community these men will share a few thoughts with us on this year’s theme and join us in prayer for the success of the week’s events.
Bishop Séamus Freeman will speak at St. Canice’s Cathedral on Sunday while Bishop Michael Burrows will address the congregation at St. Mary’s Cathedral. Members of our clergy will make similar visits to other Protestant churches in the city.
Questions People Ask
Q. Jesus was called the Lamb of God. Does this just refer to his innocence and gentleness or has it some deeper meaning?
A. John the Baptist identified Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Before the time of Jesus there were multiple sacrifices of animals to make atonement for sin. The perfect sacrifice of Jesus replaced all these sin offerings.
The lamb of sacrifice, standing over the altar, is at the centre of the apparition at Knock. For a beautiful book on this, read Reflecting at Knock by Fr. Tom Lane.
Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
Pray for the Deceased
Recently Deceased: Sarah Kelly, Garden Villas; Michael Fitzpatrick, Goslingstown; Judy Carpenter, Fatima Place; Fr. Martin Farragher, Knocklyon, Lily Power, Johnstown.
Anniversaries: John Bradley (Sat 6.15), Paul Prodromou (Sat 7.00), Norah Foley (Sun 9.30), Kathleen O’Neill (Sun 10.00), Ann & John Waldron (Sun 10.30), Bobbi Leahy (Sun 11.00), Oliver Mannion (Sun 12.00), John Phelan (Tues 10.30), Albert & Bridget Downes (Thurs 10.30), Margaret & Michael Muldowney, Billy Burke, Michael McDonald, Jimmy O’Connell, Richard Brennan, Daniel (Algie) Lanigan, Frank Moran, Richard & Maureen Free, Margaret Knox, Mary Leahy, Maureen & Paddy Dwyer, Michael Gleeson, May McKenna, William, Tess & Joan Murphy, Denis Parsons,
Intentions for Next Weekend: Pauline English (Sat 6.15), Kathleen Hickey (Sat 7.00), Edward Taylor (Sun 9.30 Month’s Mind), Orla Roche (Sun 10.00), John Maher (Sun 11.00), Jack Comerford (Sun 12.00), Thomas Walton (Sun 12.30).
St. Vincent De Paul Collection
The monthly collection for this parish charity will be taken up at all Masses this weekend. Please support.
Fund Raising Bag Pack
The management of Supervalu Supermarket, Loughboy has kindly agreed to allow us have a fundraising bag-pack for our new parish centre on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 7th, 8th and 9th February. To reap maximum benefit from this opportunity we need a lot of adult volunteers to help during shopping hours on these days. Please contact the Presbytery on 776 4400 if you can offer any time at all to avail of this excellent opportunity to help our parish raise essential funds for our development. The organising committee is meeting on this Monday evening and would appreciate offers of help as soon as possible. Many hands make light work — all help will be gratefully received.
Education in Faith Sunday
Next Sunday is Education in Faith Sunday. Education in Faith Sunday has been celebrated during the month of February since 2003. However, because Lent is early this year, it is being celebrated on Sunday, 27th January and the chosen theme is “Living Faith Fully”. More details on next Sunday.
Recently new Boards of Management have been put in place in our primary schools. The members of the new boards of our parish schools will be commissioned at a short service during 11 a.m. Mass at St. Patrick’s Church on next Sunday.
Do This in Memory...
The next event in the preparation programme for candidates for First Holy Communion and their families will take place on next Sunday. Candidates from Gaelscoil Osrai and KSP are asked to attend 10.30am Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church while those from St. Patrick's De La Salle Boys’ School and St. John of God Girls’ School are asked to attend 11am Mass at St. Patrick’s Church.
We look forward to celebrating with you on next Sunday.
Parish Website
Our parish website will be undergoing some changes over the coming weeks so watch out for the ‘new look’ Any suggestion or comments are welcome. We publish the newsletter every week on the parish website site. Also pictures of the building work at Loughboy in progress. Visit: www.patricksparish.com
Helping to Defeat Depression
Aware will hold a panel discussion on depression in Kilkenny next week.
Depression
More Questions than Answers?
The Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel, Ormonde Street on Wednesday, 23rd January at 8pm.
Panel: Sue Nunn, KCLR96fm (Chair); Dr. John Cuddihy G.P.; Two individuals speaking of their own experience of depression and Fran Gleeson, Aware. Admission is free, all are welcome.
Empower Training
Diploma in Life & Personal Coaching
Would you like to be a highly qualified coach in Ireland? Are you a person who sees no limits in people? Do people come to you to help? If you listen well, inspire others and like helping to change their lives, you could create life fulfilling and lucrative work for yourself!
Call Empower Training on 775 6736
“God Bless You”
According to the ancient author Pliny (ca. A.D. 77), the custom of saluting someone who sneezes was well-established by the time of Tiberius Caesar, the Roman emperor during the earthly life of Jesus. However, the particular formula, ‘God bless you’ (or Gesundheit in German) may have begun during the time of Pope St. Gregory the Great (A.D. 600) in response to a plague sweeping Rome, the initial symptom of which was a sneeze. A similar explanation has been given for covering one’s mouth when one yawns, which initially began as the sign of the cross over one’s mouth.
Why Do Catholics Eat Fish on Friday?; Michael P. Foley
Some Ecumenical Humour
A rabbi and minister decided to invite the new Catholic PP on a fishing trip. While out on the lake, the rabbi announced ‘We forgot the bait, I’ll go get it’. He jumped out of the boat, walked across the water to the shore, collected the bait and walked back. The PP was amazed. An hour later they started to get hungry. The minister volunteered to go get some food. He jumped out of the boat, walked across the water, collected the food and walked back again. The PP was astounded. A little later they ran out of drinking water. The PP announced that he would go get some. The PP jumped out of the boat... and sank straight to the bottom. Upon surfacing he heard the rabbi say to the minister, ‘I suppose we should have shown him where the stepping stones are.’
First Holy Communion Dates
10th May: St. Patrick’s de la Salle at 11am at St. Patrick’s Church.
17th May: St. John of God at 11am at St. Patrick’s Church.
17th May: Gaelscoil Osraí at 10.30am at St. Mary’s Cathedral.
18th May: KSP at 12 noon at St. Fiacre’s Church.
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