Twenty Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time 13th September 2009

The Cross Section
We face the cross again in today’s Gospel (Mark 8:27-35). ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me’ (v.34). We’re not allowed to forget the cross for long, are we? I wonder, though, did Jesus actually use the expression ‘take up their cross’. If, as presented, he were talking directly to the crowd would he not have said ‘you’ instead of ‘any’, and ‘yourselves’ instead of ‘themselves’? But maybe that’s a translation issue. Maybe. Was the expression ‘take up your cross’ common coinage then? Is it not more likely to have been a later Christian expression in the light of Jesus’ death and resurrection? However, what is important is that Jesus – and consequently us his followers – was not a pain seeker. Suffering for suffering’s sake is sick. Suffering for a purpose is not. Jesus’ death on the cross is not a justification for us to seek pain. We’re not masochists. But neither do we avoid the cross when it blocks the path to follow Jesus.
Jesus links crosses with following him. To follow him is the reason for carrying them. But not just carrying them; using them, in fact, to serve his mission of bringing his good news to those who need to hear it. Part of that good news is that love is greater than fear, that the spirit to serve God’s kingdom is stronger than the urge to preserve vested interests.
We never have to go dial a cross. The true one is always with us.
Fr. Tom Cahill SVD.

Questions People Ask
Q. Recently there has been talk about a law against blasphemy. What exactly is blasphemy?
A. Blasphemy means to speak ill of God of sacred beliefs or objects in words of hatred, defiance, mockery or trivialisation. Not only is it seriously disrespectful to God but it is offensive to the religious sensibilities of believers. Profanity, which is close to blasphemy, means taking the sacred name of God or of the Saviour without proper respect. Am I correct in thinking that no other people came near the Irish in the matter of appalling disrespect for the name of Jesus Christ?
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

Pray for the Deceased
Recently Deceased: Sr. Mary Kavanagh, St. John of God Community, Ballyvaloo. Jim Kavanagh, England and late of Fatima Place. Liam Mullan, St. Fiacre's Place. Seán O’Keeffe, 71 Larchfield. Rosary at his home Sun 8pm. Funeral prayers Monday 10am at his home followed by removal to St. Patrick’s for mass at 11am. Interment in St. Kieran’s cemetery.
Michele Reynolds, Drumcondra & Glendine Road. Funeral arriving Sunday 6pm St. John’s. Mass Monday at 12 noon, Interment in Foulkstown.

Months Mind: Ray Bolger (Sun 12.30)

Anniversaries: Tom Byrne (Sat 6.15), Sharon McEvoy (Sat 7.00), Betty Furness (Sun 9,30), Ernie Harrington (Sun 10.00), Annastasia & Billy Ayres (Sun 10.30), Mary & Joan Bissett (Sun 11.00), Catherine (Kit) Grace (Sun 12.00), Patrick Morris (Fri 9.30). Ciss Holland (Fri 10.30)Rita McCarthy, Betty Furness, Billy & Statia Tallent, Paddy Ryan, Bridget Bateman, Michael & Brigid Slattery, Mary & Billy Brennan, Tom Little, Josephine Neary, Margaret Beehan, The Cassin Family.

Intentions for next weekend: Catherine & John Alley (Sat 6.15), Sr. Patrice Norman (Sat 7.00 Months Mind), Phil O’Neill (Sun 10.00 Months Mind), Margaret Jones (Sun 11.00), Stella O’Rourke (Sun 12.00), Paddy Johnston (Sun 12.30).

First Holy Communion 2010
The parents of next year’s First Holy Communion classes are invited to a meeting at the Parish Centre on Monday at 8pm. The Do This in Memory Programme for 2009 - 2010 will be introduced. At least one parent from each family is asked to attend.

Hearing Help and Lip-reading
Classes and support are available at Citizens' Information, The Parade Kilkenny. Classes begin on Monday 24th September from 8pm to 10 pm. All welcome. phone 776 5176 or 776 3508.

Congratulations to Hurlers
Well done on your outstanding performance to all involved with the Kilkenny Senior Hurlers Well done too to the minors and their mentors: while the cup evaded you the team and mentors did us proud. Special congratulations to those from our parish involved with the team.

Best Wishes
We join in wishing the Kilkenny Camogie team and the U-21 hurling team success in this weekend’s All Ireland Finals at Croke Park. We are of course proud of the involvement of a number of people from our parish. Enjoy the games.

In Honour of Divine Mercy
There will be an hour of prayer and adoration in St. Mary’s Cathedral on Sunday, 13th September between 3 and 4pm. All welcome.

Education Centre Courses
Helping Your Child with English
Tuesday 6th October 2009
Parents Communicating with Schools
Tuesday 13th October 2009
The What, Why and How of Children’s Learning in Primary School
Tuesday 20th October 2009
Helping Your Child with Irish
Wednesday 4th November 2009
Bebo: Social Networking. Information Night for Parents on Internet Safety
Thursday 12th November 2009
Venue is Kilkenny Education Centre, Callan Road. Times for all are 7-9pm
To book please contact Kilkenny Education Centre at 056 7760200

King of the Castle
‘King of the Castle’ fundraising events continue locally. Please support Mick Costello in his attempt to become “King of the Castle” by raising funds for your local GAA Club, Senior Citizens and St. Patrick’s Parish Centre.

End of Harvest Party & BBQ
Come to the Car Boot Sale venue on the Callan Road on this Saturday night, 12th September for a great End of Harvest Party and BBQ. Great craic and dancing ‘til late. Full bar. €10.

Vintage Tractor Run
Come and see vintage tractors and machinery at the Car Boot Sale, Callan Road on this Sunday13th. Some vehicles will travel into the city. Please support the bucket collection.

Golf Classic
This will take place at Callan Golf Club on Friday, 2nd October. Teams of four: €200 including meal. Time sheet: 8.30am—2.30pm. Telephone John on 087 217 1934 for tee time.

Field Day
Do you remember the classic Village Field Days of long ago? Relive the experience at the James Stephens’ GAA Grounds, Larchfield on Sunday, 20th September. This will be fun day for all the family. Events include: wheel of fortune, bottle stall, penalty shoot out, horse shoe throw, face painting, bric-a-brac, ‘slap the rat’ and much more. Bring the family and have a fun filled day out.
We are looking for items for our stalls: bric-a-brac, plants and flowers, bottles, cakes, toys, books. Please bring the above items to James Stephens’ Club House between 6.30 and 10pm on Thursday and Friday and between 3pm and 7.30pm on Saturday.
Volunteers are also needed to prepare the stalls on Saturday and Sunday. Contact Tadhg on 087 980 4783.

Your help is urgently needed. We require volunteers to assist with forthcoming events.
Contact the Parish Office at 056 776 4400.

Two Wolves
One evening an old man told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people.
He said, "My son, the battle is between two wolves inside us all. "One wolf is Evil - It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego."The other good is Good - It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith."The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: "Which wolf wins?"The old man simply replied, "The one you feed."

St. Patrick’s Volunteers
So far we have one willing soul to look after the grounds at St. Patrick’s Church and we say a sincere thanks for that. We could do with another so if you’re willing and able to cut a bit of grass and keep the church looking tidy, then please contact Fr. Liam

CBS Open Night
All 6th Class boys and their parents are invited to the annual Open Night at C.B.S. James’s Street on Wednesday next, 16th September. Tours will commence at 7pm with short talks at 8pm. All are welcome!

Volunteers Needed
Kilkenny Citizens’ Information Centre provides a free and confidential information service to anyone who needs it. We are currently seeking Volunteer Information Gives to help with this work. Contact our Development Manager at 056 775 2676 for further details.

Musicians Needed
St. Columba’s Hospital, Thomastown would like to invite musicians, dancers, and entertainers to share your talents with the residents in your free time. We are a welcome audience. Please contact Mary Hickey on 056 772 4178

Parish Centre Update
At last we are nearing the end of our development at St. Fiacre’s and I’m sure you’ll agree the centre and surrounding grounds are looking magnificent. Thanks to those who volunteer their time to looking after inside and out.
We hope to have details of our outstanding debt as well as the official opening day within the next couple of weeks.

Twenty Third Sunday Ordinary Time 6th September 2009

Come on the Cats!!!
We wish the Kilkenny Senior and Minor Hurling Teams the best of luck in this weekend’s All Ireland Hurling Finals. In particular we wish Brian Cody, Richard Mulrooney, the panel members and all from St. Patrick’s Parish who are involved with the teams the very best of luck in the big games.
Here we go for four in a row!

One for all
Today’s Gospel reading contains a string of strange things. For starters, how could someone deaf from birth, presumably, be able to speak at all, even with an impediment? There were no books then, no special-needs teaching. Nothing. So how did he pick up a language? No answer is given. Not one for theatricals, Jesus nevertheless uses gestures common at the time to Greek and Jewish healers. Why? No reason is given. Equally strange, he imposes silence on the crowd after the healing. Could he really expect them to keep quiet about such an extraordinary thing? No explanation is given. There are no answers to these questions. Yet, asking them helps us focus on the text to grasp its style and purpose. It’s penned not as a report for a newspaper, but for the purpose of teaching. It tells us that lots of good things happen when we’re close to Jesus. We become whole and free in a way we’ve never been before. Our damaged humanity is healed. It also tells us important things about Jesus in an indirect way. The crowds proclaim that he has ‘done everything well’. This is reminiscent of Gen 1:31: ‘God saw everything that he had made and indeed it was very good.’ There’s at least a linkage with God’s divine action here. And because the healing occurs in the Gentile region, east of Jordan, it tells us that the Gentiles previously deaf and dumb to God can now hear and respond to him. Jesus is for all, not just the chosen few.
Fr. Tom Cahill SVD

Questions People Ask
Q. Somewhere in the Bible it says ‘Vengeance is mine, says the Lord.’ How can a God of love harbour thoughts of revenge?
A. This saying dates from an early part of the Old Testament when morality was at a primitive stage of development, far short of the morality of love preached by Jesus, especially in the Sermon on the Mount. Old Testament morality advanced and we find Isaiah in today’s Mass speaking of God’s vengeance coming not with punishment, but with healing for the blind, deaf, lame etc. God wants the destruction of sin but the healing of the sinner. St. Paul tells people to let go of vengeance: ‘Do not be mastered by evil, but master evil with good’ (Rom 12:21).
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

Parish Finance Committee
There will be a meeting of the Finance Committee at the Parish Centre at 8.00pm on this Thursday. Members of the Parish Team and the Finance Committee are asked to attend.

Pray for the Deceased
Recently Deceased: Joan O’Connell, Riverview, Sr. Eileen Lennon, St. John of God Congregation.
Anniversaries: Brigid Kenny (Sat 6.15), William Lawlor (Sun 12.30), Bernard & Edmond McAvinia (Tues 9.30), Seamus Kelly (Tue 10.30), Eoin McDonagh (Fri 10.30), Kathleen Bolger, Edward & Christina O’Shaughnessy, Ciss Holland, Maureen Holden, Patrick O’Neill, Rosaleen Bridget Bull, PJ Sweeney.
Intentions for next weekend: Tom Byrne (Sat 6.15), Sharon McEvoy (Sat 7.00), Ernie Harrington (Sun 10.00), Annastasia & Billy Ayres (Sun 10.30), Mary & Joan Bissett (Sun 11.00) Catherine (Kit) Grace (Sun 12.00), Ray Bolger (Sun 12.30 Months Mind).

Rosary
The monthly rosary on the first Sunday in James Green at the statue of our Lady of Kilkenny continues this Sunday 6th September at 3pm. All are welcome.
Novena at St. Fiacre’s Well
Thanks to all who supported the recent annual novena and Mass at St. Fiacre’s Well. Good attendances were recorded each evening and, in spite of inclement weather, about 100 people gathered for the concluding open-air Mass last Sunday.
Well done to the Committee and thanks to all who facilitated this annual event.

St. Fiacre’s Gardens
Thanks to our team of volunteers and the builders the garden around our Parish Centre continues to take shape. Well done and thanks to those who have given of their time and energy to keep our parish property in top class condition.
This week saw the introduction of a new statue of St. Fiacre. Fiacre is the patron of gardeners and he is always depicted with garden implements and plants or seeds. Our statue carries a shovel and a flower.

Volunteer Gardeners
Those who have volunteered to help with the gardening are invited to a meeting at the Parish Centre on Wednesday, 9th September at 7.30pm. The horticulturalist who designed the garden will be present to help plan the season’s work. New members welcome.

St. Patrick’s Church
We are still in need of some people to form a team to look after the grounds at St. Patrick’s Church. Any volunteers willing to help look after these grounds? Please contact Fr. Liam.

Westcourt News
The September Mass for the blessings of Edmund Rice on our lives and for his canonisation will be celebrated in Westcourt on Monday, September 7th at 8pm. The Friendship Club are preparing the liturgy for this Mass.
At the conclusion of Mass, there will be a special blessing over a renovated statue of Edmund Rice and over a first class relic of Edmund Rice which will be on permanent display. All are welcome.

King of the Castle
The ‘King of the Castle’ event was officially launched at Kilkenny Castle on last Friday evening. James Stephen’s GAA Club and St. Patrick’s Parish have joined forces to ensure Michael Costello is elected King of the Castle thus defending our local bastion from invasion by ‘pretenders’ from O’Loughlin Gales and Dicksboro GAA Clubs.
Your help is urgently needed. We require volunteers to assist with forthcoming field days, tractor runs, BBQs, harvest celebrations, dog nights and ticket selling. Please help by giving your name to one of the priests or sacristans today. This campaign is part of a city wide event and will be a major fundraiser to help our parish and our local GAA club. Your parish and club needs your assistance right now. Please help.

Flag Day
Thanks to twelve people who have volunteered to represent the parish by selling flags in Kilkenny City on next Thursday. “Many hands make light work” as they say so we could do with a few more volunteers. Please give your name to the sacristans or one of the priests today or telephone the Parish Office (776 4400) on Monday. Thanks for your help.

Rock N Roll
live at Langton’s in aid of Michael Costello King of the Castle with O’Dwyer Brothers & Special Guests. 60’s, 70’s & 80’s Hits Friday, 11th September 2009 Late Bar Doors open at 9pm. Admission €10.00

Afternoon Bridge
Venue: St. Patrick’s Parish Centre.
Date: Tuesday, 8th September.
Time: 3pm - 5pm.
No competition, no partner required. Enjoy two hours bridge every Tuesday.
Contact: Reena 776 2923

Kilkenny Citizens’ Information Centre
If you are looking for something new to do this Autumn we might have just what you’re looking for. We need enthusiastic volunteers who would like to help other people. We need people who are in a position to commit to giving three hours per week and who are willing to commit for a period of at least two years. In return we will provide training to enable you to provide information and a challenging, but rewarding, opportunity to do voluntary work.
Contact 056 775 2676 for more details.

Ballet and Modern Dance Classes
The Kilkenny School of Ballet & Modern Dance offers the following classes:
Classes - Wednesday & Friday in Friary Hall, Kilkenny. Thursday in St. Patrick’s Parish Centre, Loughboy. Ages 3½ and upwards. Contact Grainne: 087 908 2873 or 059 915 8302

Kilkenny School of Music
The School of Music reopens on the Monday, 7th September. Anyone interested in singing, piano, cello or violin please telephone 776 7101 or 086 319 9374.

Flower Arranging
The Kilkenny Flower Club will return after the summer break on next Thursday, 10th September. Venue: Butler House, Patrick Street, Kilkenny. The demonstrator will be newly qualified Mary Johannas from Cahir. Members and non-members will be most welcome.

Suicide Awareness Day
The World Suicide Prevention Day will be marked on the 12th September in McDonagh Junction Shopping Centre, Kilkenny. The Lifeline network will host stalls from a number of support agencies. There will also be dance, music and art activities for all the family to enjoy. Time: 1.00pm to 5.30pm. All welcome.

World Community Grid
Here’s a worthwhile project. Donate the time your computer is turned on, but is idle, to projects that benefit humanity. Help cure muscular dystrophy, fight childhood cancer, feed the world, all through donating the idle time on your computer. Find out more about this project at www.worldcommunitygrid.org

Yoga
Yoga classes for beginners commence Thursday, 17th September from 10am and 11.15am at St. Patrick's Parish Centre. Gentle stretching and relaxation suitable for beginners of all ages and abilities. €65 for 6 classes. Wear loose comfortable clothes and bring a yoga or exercise mat if you have one. To book please contact Sadhbh O’Neill at 087 225 8599.

Twenty Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, 30th August 2009

Give-and-Take
To paraphrase Benjamin Disraeli: There are rules, damned rules and commandments. Whatever about the rules, damned or otherwise, the commandments must be observed diligently according to today’s First Reading. Doing so shows wisdom and discernment (v.6). What a pleasant and peaceful way at looking at someone else’s orders to you! Not characteristic of today’s ethos. I wonder what goes wrong to give the impression that God’s commandments are burdens to be borne, better yet ignored, rather than gifts to be cherished. Why do some people worship money, power and sex instead of the one true God? Why can’t they see the tyranny that servitude to these produces? Why can’t they see the freedom that having only the one true God in one’s life endows? And why can’t they see God’s commandments as guiding lights to help them travel life’s convoluted course in safety? There are so many ‘whys’. God created us to live in community. At family level community living calls for give and take: individually, collectively and nationally. God’s commandments wise us up to the need for justice, generosity, and respect for all people. They help us to adapt to life out there in the real world. They prevent us from expecting that life to adapt to us. That’s why many don’t life them. But, if we didn’t have them, would we not have to invent them?

Fr. Tom Cahill SVD

King of the Castle
St. Patrick’s Parish and James Stephens GAA Club have joined forces to ensure one of our own (Michael Costello) is elected King of the Castle. We cannot let a man from “The Continent” become king of our castle! Help put a Village Man on the throne! We need volunteers to assist with forthcoming field days, tractor runs, BBQs, harvest celebrations, flag days, dog nights and ticket selling. Please help by giving your name to one of the priests or sacristans today. This campaign is part of a city wide event and will be a major fundraiser to help our parish and our local GAA club. Your community needs your assistance right now. Please help.

Questions People Ask
Q. I used to have a regular prayer life but it’s a thing of the past. What would you advise me to do to get started again?
A. A humble and thorough confession would be a good start. Since there are so many ways of praying it is hard to give specific direction without knowing more about you. Can you find a wise spiritual director with whom you can talk? In general, make a workable plan regarding place and time. See what works for you – reading, adoration, petition, rosary; time alone or the support of others. One last bit of advice – pray the way you can and don’t worry about the way you can’t.
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

Pray for our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Michael Ruth, (Sun 11.00); Frank Roche, Blackwater, Wexford, who died in Canada; Tom Byrne, Kilkeely.
Anniversaries: Mary & Paul Cody, Bill Marnell (Sat 6.15), Patrick Mullen (Sat 7.00), Ben Delahunty (Sun 9.30), Jim Ryan (Sun 10.00), Patty Mulhall (Sun 10.30), James Bambrick (Sun 12.00), Jacqueline Rainey (Sun 12.30), Annmarie Manogue (Wed 10.30), Ann Power, Paddy & Kathleen Cooke, Joe Dunne, Bridget (Beezie) Slattery, John & Catherine Waldron, Peg & Dom Brennan (Mon 9.30) Christopher Kenny, Therese McDonald, Mary & Patrick Blanchfield, Elizabeth Carroll.
Intentions for next weekend: Brigid Kenny (Sat 6.15), Matthew Dwyer (Sat 7.00), William Lawlor (Sun 12.30).

Congratulations
Congratulations to Sr. Marietta Doran, St. John of God Community on the golden jubilee of her religious profession. From Carlow, Sr. Marietta has worked in Wales, Australia and Ireland. She is currently Assistant Leader of the community at College Road.

Lost and Found
A sum of money was found on the College Road during the week. Please contact the Parish Office on 056 776 4400 for details.

Annual Mass at St. Fiacre’s Well
Fiacre was a 7th century Irish saint but better known in France. Following some time spent on the banks of the Nore in our parish he went to Meaux, where the bishop, St. Faro, gave him as much land as he could turn up in a day for a hermitage. Fiacre did so with his staff. This and an earlier reputation of a skill with herbs made him a patron of gardeners. He is also patron of taxi drivers. The first coaches for hire were allowed near Hotel Saint-Fiacre in Paris and, indeed, fiacres is still a word used for taxis. The feast of St. Fiacre is 30th August in our national calendar.
Novena prayers have been recited at St. Fiacre’s Well in our parish each evening since Saturday, 22nd August. The novena will conclude with open-air Mass at the well on this Sunday afternoon: novena prayers at 3.00pm with Mass following immediately. All are welcome to come along and join in this centuries old local devotion. If you are joining us you may be able to offer a lift to someone who would also like to attend.

Toilets in St. Fiacre’s Church
We apologise because the toilets at St. Fiacre’s Church were out of order during the past week. This was due to a water flow problem related to recent building works. The problem has been temporarily rectified and we’re happy to announce that our facilities are now back in use.

St. Patrick’s Church Grounds
Compliments have been coming in from all quarters regarding how well the grounds at our new Parish Centre are looking. But the same can’t be said for St. Patrick’s Church where the grounds are getting into a state of disrepair. Any volunteers willing to help look after these grounds? Contact Fr. Liam if interested.

Ladies Friendship Club
Meetings of Kilkenny Ladies Friendship Club will resume on Wednesday, 9th September at 8pm at the Social Services Centre, Waterford Road. Old and new members will be most welcome.

Parish Website
Some people have complained about being unable to access the parish website while on holiday. This is because they were using the old .com address which no longer belongs to us. The website is now .net and people wishing to log on should use the following: www.patricksparish.net

Adoration
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and prayer for the needs of Ireland will take place in the Friary Church on Tuesday, 1st September at 8pm. All welcome.

Back to School
Best wishes to those returning to school this week and to those starting for the first time.

Aware
A confidential Aware Information & Support Group meeting for relatives of those with depression will take place on Wednesday, 2nd September at 8 pm in St. Mary's Centre, Haughney Green, Kilkenny. For more information contact Fran at Aware on 086 820 0938. Aware is looking for volunteers to help with their annual Daisy Day collection on the 10th, 11th and 12th September in the Carlow and Kilkenny area. If you have a few hours to spare on any of these days and would like to be involved you can contact Mick on mick@awaresoutheast.ie or 087 949 8100 or for further details.

Family Communications & Self Esteem
A 10 week parenting course for parents of 9-16 year olds begins soon. Its aim is to support parents in building good relationships with their children. Topics covered include: communication, self esteem, problem solving, peer pressure, drugs and alcohol, conflict resolution. The course is free. Venue: Dean Street, Kilkenny. Dates & Times: Every Monday 7.30pm - 9.30pm from 14th Sept to 23rd November 2009. For further information contact Bernie O’Brien, Health Promotion Dept, HSE 056 776 1400.

Tipperary Institute
Information Evenings for part-time and full-time programmes will take place at Clonmel Campus on Tuesday, 8th September from 6-8pm and at Thurles Campus on Wednesday, 9th September from 6-8pm. All welcome. www.tippinst.ie for details.

The Case Against Lisbon
Come and hear a presentation by Jens-Peter Bonde, MEP (retired) in the Club House Hotel on Thursday, 3rd September at 8pm.

Computer Classes
Computer night classes will begin in Castlecomer Community School in September Classes will be laid on for those wishing to pursue the Basic ECDL (using Microsoft Office 2007) and ECDL AutoCAD (both courses cost €350). Those who successfully complete either course will receive internationally recognised certification. Prices include all tests and notes. All classes run for two and a half hours per night, one night per week. Please contact (086) 823 0888 for booking and information.

St. Patrick’s Parish August Draw
Prize Winner Promoter
1st Prize - €1,000 Jimmy Hawe, Kilmoganny Ann Condon
2nd Prize - €200 Cyril Egan, Grovine Michael Costello
3rd Prize - €100 Ann Shortall, 4 Manor Walk Liam Holohan
4th Prize - €100 Brendan & K. Walsh, College Road Denis & Ann O’Shea
5th Prize - €100 Renee Power, 4 Hazel Grove Kathleen Grogan
6th Prize - €50 Mary Tyrell, c/o promoter Michael Costello
7th Prize - €50 Dermot Grogan, 7 Hazel Grove Kathleen Grogan
8th Prize - €50 Pat McEntee, c/o promoter Ena McEntee
9th Prize - €50 Hilda Jacob, 20 Mayfield Michael McLouglin
10th Prize - €50 John Walsh, c/o promoter John Comerford
11th Prize - €50 Phyllis Murphy, 25 Melville Heights Maureen McCormack
12th Prize - €50 Helen Renehan, Waterford Road Frank McKenna
13th prize - €50 Christine Jones, c/o promoter Lucy Ryan
Promoters’ Prizes Patty O’Neill, Grovine, Liam Holohan, Maiden Hill

21st Sunday in Ordinary Time, 23rd August 2009

Take It or Leave It
There’s very much a take-it-or-leave it approach evident in today’s Gospel (John 6:60-69). There’s no attempt at gentle persuasion. Jesus has just told the Jews that he is the living bread from heaven and that anyone who eats it will live forever. Does he think that the Jews will jump for joy at hearing this? Strangely, instead of laughing him to scorn, or just turning their back on him as a crackpot, as you might expect, they dispute among themselves what he means. Now why would they do that? Why would they take seriously someone who makes so outlandish a claim? Two reasons perhaps. First, there’s something about Jesus that demands he be taken seriously, no matter what. There’s an intensity of presence, charisma and power in him tat tells you he’s not the type to make nonsensical statements. Whatever about his statements being enigmatic, you know they can never be idiotic. Therefore, the Jews take him seriously and try to understand him. Second reason: his works. Jesus has publicly performed works of extraordinary power. Miracles we call them. Because we’ve not experienced directly such works ourselves we cannot fully appreciate their effect. Just imagine it you witnessed someone performing even one of the healings attributed to Jesus would you not be totally gobsmacked? Would you not take seriously every utterance of such a person? Jesus presents his followers with a take-it-or-leave-it claim. Why? Because if what he has done does not convince, then words won’t either. As St. Francis noted, we should preach the gospel at all times, using words when necessary.
Fr. Tom Cahill SVD

St. Fiacre’s Garden
There have been many complimentary comments about the recently planted gardens around the Parish Centre. We now need to keep it in condition and are dependant on volunteers for this task.
We appeal to those with an interest in gardening and with a little time to spare to attend an initial meeting at the Parish Centre on Monday evening at 7.30pm. All welcome.

Question People Ask
Q. How can anyone today take St. Paul seriously when he says that the husband is the head of his wife and wives should submit to their husbands in everything?
A. To be fair to Paul read the full passage in Ephesians 3:21-32. Paul makes even greater demands on the husband. ‘Husbands should love their wives just as Christ loved the Church and sacrificed himself for hoer to make her holy.’ In fact, Paul was a pioneer in advocating the equality of male and female because he recognised how Christ Jesus destroyed the inequalities between Jew and Gentile, between slave and free, between male and female, ‘for you are all one in Christ Jesus’ (Gal 3:28)
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

Costello for King of the Castle!
James Stephen’s GAA Club and St Patrick’s Parish have joined forces and are gearing up for a major fund raiser in the months of September and October. The three city GAA clubs, James Stephen’s, O’Loughlin Gaels and Dicksboro, have agreed on a novel ‘King of the Castle’ fund-raising drive, from which all money generated will be split 50:50 between the clubs and their nominated charities. Each club must nominate a candidate: Michael Costello of Wallslough will represent ‘The Village’, in this first ever King of the Castle competition. To be crowned King, Mr Costello must raise the most money, beating off rivals from O’Loughlin’s and Dicksboro. Michael (‘Mickie’ or ‘Coss’) is a well known, hugely respected and loved parishioner. He has worked tirelessly for over 50 years on numerous parish causes. He has always been first to put himself forward for hard work and has given many long hours with great drive and more importantly his roguish personality brings out the very best in others.
We are currently seeking volunteers to help with Michael’s campaign. Please contact one of the following Tadhg Donohoe 087 980 4783; Pat Millea 086 803 4258 or Fr. Dan 087 907 7769 and help make a Village man King of the Castle.

Pray for the Deceased
Recently Deceased: Noreen O’Halloran, Grangemocker: Requiem Mass at St. Mary’s Church, Grangemocker at 10am on Sunday. Michael Ruth, England. Catherine Brophy (nee Kennedy), James Green who died in Australia,
Anniversaries: Tom & Michael Casserly (Sat 6.15), Moscow Larkin (Sat 7.00), Michael White (Sun 9.30), James Rhatigan (Sun 10.30), Hugh McCorry (Sun 11.00), Della Harney (Sun 12.00), Enda Coady (Sun 12.30), James Delaney, (Tues 9.30), Catherine Marnell (Thurs 10.30), Jack Bolger, Joseph O’Shea, William & Mary Kingston, Ann Dwan, Kitty Mullins, Josephine McKenna, Phelim Arnold, Pat Murray Lavendar, Daisy Quinn, Richard & Anna De Loughry, Christopher & Mary Ryan, Evelyn Costello, Molly Browne, Sheila & George Mastino, Bob, Glenn & Margie Brady, Marie Kealy Carson, Martin Ward.
Intentions for Next Weekend: Mary & Paul Cody, Bill Marnell (Sat 6.15), Patrick Mullen (Sat 7.00), Ben Delahunty (Sun 9.30), Jim Ryan (Sun 10.00), Patty Mulhall (Sun 10.30), Michael Ruth (Sun 11.00); James Bambrick (Sun 12.00), Jacqueline Rainey (Sun 12.30).
May they their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen.

Parish Draw
The August Draw will be held at the Parish Centre at 8.30pm on Tuesday. All welcome to come along and watch the drawing of prizes - there will be a special draw for those in attendance. Promoters are asked to return tickets and money before the draw.

Parish Finance Committee
Members are asked to attend a short meeting at the Parish Centre on Tuesday evening at 8.00pm.

Photo Exhibition
Currently running in Kilkenny Castle is a photo exhibition entitled: ‘Kilkenny and the Great War.’ It features photos of Kilkenny people who fought in World War One. Well worth a look.

Golf Classic
The Annual St. Vincent de Paul Golf Classic will take place in Kilkenny Golf Club on Wednesday, 26th August 2009. Teams of three with entry of €25 per person. Bookings on www.kilkennygolf.com or telephone 056 776 5400. A great day assured for a worthy local cause. Please support.

Clothing Appeal
Dochas Nasamu – Our Irish Run orphanage which is situated in Ikumbi, Nairobi, Kenya is holding a used-clothing appeal for the orphans and their extended families. We are appealing for used ladies, gents and kids clothes, shoes, household lines i.e. towels, sheets, blankets etc. For collection on Wednesday, 26th August, at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre, before 12 noon. For further information. Please contact Marie at 087 689 0995.

Loughboy Library
1. “Blast Off with Books” - completed cards to be returned by August 31st to be invited to the landing party in mid-September.
2. “Loughboy Library Writers Circle” - meets on Thursdays at 2pm. All welcome.
3. Check out the “Starting School” book display for tips on first day blues!

Exposition of Blessed Sacrament
“I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.” (John 6: 35)
The Blessed Sacrament is exposed for worship at St. Fiacre’s Church on Mondays from 11am until 10pm and at St. Patrick’s Church on Fridays from 10am until 1pm and 4pm until 9pm.
Many parishioners have generously undertaken to sit and pray before the Blessed Sacrament for specific lengths of time during these hours. More volunteers are welcome: please contact the Parish Office if you could spare a particular hour during these times. Of course if you cannot commit to a particular time each week please feel free to drop in for some quiet prayer at any time.

St. Fiacre’s Well and Annual Novena
St. Fiacre’s Holy Well is situated a few kilometres out the Bennettsbridge Road. Tradition has it that St. Fiacre founded a hermitage in the area and lived there in the 6th century. Since that time people have been going to the site seeking God’s help through the intercession of the saint.
The annual novena prayers begin at the well at 8.00pm on Saturday, 22nd August and continue each evening at the same time.
The novena will conclude with public prayers at the well at 3.00pm on next Sunday followed by the celebration of Mass. All are encouraged to make this a special time of prayer in our parish.

Gluten Intolerance and Communion
People with gluten intolerance (coeliac condition) are invited to approach the altar at the same time as the Ministers of Holy Communion, i.e. before general distribution of Communion. Please stand with the Ministers of Holy Communion. You will then be offered Holy Communion from the chalice.
Otherwise, having approached the altar in the general line for Communion, bypass the priest/minister and receive from the chalice on the altar. We welcome your full participation in our Eucharistic celebrations.

S.O.S. Church Gate Collection
S.O.S. (Kilkenny) Ltd. will hold a church gate collection this weekend. S.O.S. is based in our parish and provides sheltered workshops and accommodation for people with an intellectual disability. Please support.

Prayer for Employment
God, our Father,
I turn to You seeking Your Divine help and
guidance as I look for suitable employment.
I need Your wisdom to guide my footsteps
along the right path, and to lead me to find
the proper things to say and do in this quest.

I wish to use the gifts and talents You have
given me, but I need the opportunity to do
so with gainful employment.

Do not abandon me, dear Father, in this
search, but rather grant me this favour I
seek so that I may return to You with praise
and thanksgiving for your gracious
assistance.

Grant this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Toothy Grin
While helping a social services group that delivers lunches to the elderly, I used to take my four-year-old daughter on my afternoon rounds. She was unfailingly intrigued by the various appliances of old age, particularly the canes, walkers and wheelchairs.
One day I found her staring at a pair of false teeth soaking in a glass. As I braced myself
for the inevitable barrage of questions, she merely turned and whispered, “The tooth fairy will never believe this!”

Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B 16th August 2009

Cop on or Cop out
The message on the church bulletin board reads: ‘Those who stand for nothing fall for everything.’ Wisdom is knowing what to stand for - and standing up for it. Wisdom is putting knowledge to good use. Today’s First Reading (Prov 9:1-6) urges us to ’lay aside immaturity, and live, and walk in the way of insight’ (v.6). Easier said than done. Someone who is immature is not ripe. Growth in one or more areas of their life slowed down or stopped completely at some stage. It’s scary enough that such a thing can happen, but to make matters worse it can happen without our realising it until it’s late in the day. Today’s reading also tells us to walk in the way of insight. Fine! But how do you do that? You can’t just decide to have an insight as you’d have a cup of tea. You can’t conjure one up, order one over the Internet, or go to a shop and buy one. No! They either come to you or they don’t. However, maybe it’s just one basic insight that the reading refers to. Once you’ve had that one others follow of their own accord as life presents them. But without the basic one you miss the others. And what is more basic to realise than that life has purpose, and consequences that extend beyond death. Once that sinks in we begin to see things differently. Wisdom has built her house, set her pillars, and prepared a meal for those who enter. So let’s put immaturity aside and live. Let’s cop on not cop out.
Fr. Tom Cahill

Questions people ask
How can anyone today take St. Paul seriously when he says that the husband is the head of his wife and wives should submit to their husbands in everything?
To be fair to Paul read the full passage in Ephesians 3:2`-32. Paul makes even greater demands on the husband. ‘Husbands should love their wives just as Christ loved the Church and sacrificed himself for her to make her holy.’ In fact, Paul was a pioneer in advocating the equality of male and female because he recognised how Christ Jesus destroyed the inequalities between Jew and Gentile, between slave and free, between male and female, ‘for you are all one in Christ Jesus’ (Gal 3:28).
Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM

Pray for the Deceased
Recently Deceased: Ray Bolger, Johns Quay, requiem mass 12.30 Sunday, Phil O’Neill, Old Callan Road, Sr. Patrice Norman, St. John of God Convent, Sr. Carmel Kelly, Religious Sisters of Charity, Kells Road, Kilkenny
Anniversaries: Patrick McDonald (Sat 6.15), Eddie Kelly (Sat 7.00), Jim Drohan (Sun 10.00), Evelyn Hughes (Sun 10.30), Fintan Wallace (Sun 11.00), Margaret Shanahan & Joe Maher (Sun 12.00), Patrick Morris (Tues 9.30), Peggy Rimmer & Bridget Doherty (Tues 10.30), John, Ellen & Pat Butler (Thurs 10.30), Peadar Blanchfield, Peggy Ryan, Daisy Ryan, Teresa Shortall, Christina Gargan, Dick Walsh.

Leaving Cert Results
Best wishes to all who received their Leaving Certificate results during the week. Well done and congratulations! As a community we pray God’s guidance for you as you make decisions about future courses and careers.

Our Lady’s Island, Wexford
Each day of the pilgrimage season, 15th August to 8th September: Mass at 3.00pm and 8.00pm. Pilgrims are invited to make their own way around the island reflecting on the mysteries of the Most Holy Rosary. For further information contact: Rev. Brendan Nolan P.P. Pilgrimage Director 053 9131167. Email: info@ourladysisland.ie.
Website: http://www.ourladysisland.ie/

The Sign of Peace
Some people have raised the issue of the sign of peace at Mass in the light of the fears are over the threat of swine flu. The current position of the HSE is that there is no need to suspend the practice. However, the HSE has expressed concerns as to the danger of all in terms of spreading the disease. We ask persons with symptoms of flu not to attend Church services during the illness. We also ask Church ministers to be conscious of the need for increased hygiene at the present time.

St. Fiacre’s Well Novena
The annual St. Fiacre's Well novena begins on Saturday 22nd August at 8pm each evening out at the well in Kilfera. The novena will end with mass on the 30th August at the well with mass at 3.30pm. All are welcome to participate both in the novena and in the mass which is always well attended . Prayer at the well is an ancient tradition for the people of St. Patrick’s and Kilkenny city. More details as the time draws nearer.

New Website
Our new website is up and running with just a few minor changes still to be made. In the coming weeks Fr. Liam will be adding a chat blog to the site. More details next week.
Please update your bookmarks to the new address: www.patricksparish.net (formerly .com). Any suggestions are welcome.

Counselling
Low cost counselling is available at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre. Contact Kate for further details 087 750 6815.

Our Parish Shop
In the foyer of our new centre St. Patrick’s Parish runs a small shop selling a variety of religious items. If you are looking for rosary beads, medals, religious books, candles etc. then drop in and have a look at what’s on offer. The shop is available on weekdays from 1am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm.

Anniversaries and Newsletter
Please, DO NOT leave anniversary notices or other items into our former house on Ormonde Road. We no longer have access to this premises. Items left at the Parish Office, the Priests’ Houses, St. Patrick’s or St. Fiacre’s Sacristies before Thursday will ensure publication.

Latin Mass
The traditional Latin Mass (permitted by Pope Benedict XVI in his Motu Proprio of July 2007) is celebrated at St. Patrick’s Church at 5pm on Sundays.

Psychotherapist/Counsellor
Experienced and fully qualified psychotherapist/counsellor available for evening appointments in the Parish Centre. For an appointment please call Robert at 086 878 6353.

Tax Refunds to Registered Charities
Thanks to all who returned their completed forms recently. There are still a few forms outstanding. If you were a tax payer and contributed at least €250 to the St. Patrick’s Parish and/or priests’ collections last year please sign and return the CHY2 Form to the Parish Office without delay. In this way we can recover from the Revenue Commissioners (at no extra cost to you) the tax paid on the money you contributed to the parish last year. Contact the Parish Office for clarification or further information.

St Vincent de Paul
The monthly collection for the St. Vincent de Paul is taken up this weekend. Your support of this local charity is greatly appreciated and especially in these harsh economic times.
If you are in financial difficulty, the society may be able to help. Leave your name and contact details in a sealed envelope and mark it for the attention of the St. Vincent de Paul. Drop in into the parish centre or to any of the priests houses. Alternatively, you can put it into another envelope and post it to us.
This is a confidential service and funded entirely by the generosity of parishioners.


Bible Questions & Answers
While we are congratulating those who recently sat exams, here’s something that might bring a smile:
The following statements about the Bible were written by children and have not been retouched or corrected (i.e., bad spelling has been left in).
In the first book of the Bible, Guinesses, God got tired of creating the world, so he took the Sabbath off.
Adam and Eve were created from an apple tree. The first commandment was when Eve told Adam to eat the apple.Noah's wife was called Joan of Ark because Noah built the ark, which the animals came to in pears.
Moses led the Hebrews to the Red Sea, where they made unleavened bread, which is bread without any ingredients. Afterward, Moses went up to Mount Cyanide to find the ten amendments. The seventh commandment is "Thou shalt not admit adultery."
Moses died before he ever reached Canada.
The greatest miracle in the Bible is when Joshua told his son to stand still and he obeyed him.
When Mary heard that she was the mother of Jesus, she sang the Magna Carta.
Then the three Wise Guys from the east arrived and found Jesus in the manager. Jesus was born because Mary had an Immaculate Contraption.
Jesus was baptised when St. John, the blacksmith, dumped water on his head.
Jesus enunciated the Golden Rule, which says do one to others before they do one to you.
It was a miracle when Jesus rose from the dead and managed to get the tombstone off the entrance.The people who followed Jesus were called the 12 decibels.
The epistles were the wives of the apostles.
One of the opossums was St. Matthew who was also a taxi man.
St. Paul cavorted to Christianity. He preached the holy acrimony, which is another name for marriage.
A Christian should have only one spouse. This is called monotony.

Our New Garden
I’m sure many of you have noticed the extensive landscaping that has been taking place at our new parish centre. This is the long awaited St. Fiacre’s Garden which will, when complete, feature a statue of St. Fiacre and a water feature. Work on the grounds is nearing completion and this is the final phase of our development.

Rota Mix-up
Last weeks newsletter had a slight mistake in that it listed some eucharistic ministers incorrectly. This was an oversight on our behalf so sorry. If in doubt always follow the rota you have been given at the beginning of the year.

Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, 9th August 2009

Difficult Word
Today we have another strange reading from Paul (Eph 4:30-5:2). He warns the Ephesians not ‘to grieve the Holy Spirit of God’ by bitterness, wrath, anger, wrangling, slander and malice. Instead they should be kind, tender-hearted and forgiving. That’s fine. But then he describes Christ’s giving himself up for us, i.e. surrendering to death, as a ‘fragrant offering and sacrifice to God’. I find it difficult to grasp that Paul should consider the Spirit upset by human malice yet the Father pleased by the Son’s death in facing up to that malice. Why does malice aggrieve the Holy Spirit if not because of the damage it does to both victim and perpetrator? Why then does the suffering it inflicts on God’s Son not aggrieve that Spirit too? At least, if it does, Paul doesn’t say so. Reading Paul one way gives the impression that the Father was pleased with both the suffering and the love that enable Jesus to face his suffering and death. Reading him another way gives the impression, intended or not, that the Father wanted his Son to suffer on our behalf – hence the fragrance of the sacrifice. However, this seriously compromises God’s compassionate nature as revealed in the parable of the prodigal son. Then reading Paul a third way gives the impression that the fragrance is in Paul’s nostrils not the Father’s. If true, this simplifies matters. It’s Paul’s view of Jesus’ suffering and death, not God’s. Scripture at times can be really difficult to understand, and the word of God it contains difficult to hear.
Fr. Tom Cahill SVD

Questions people ask
I did a weekend programme called the Enneagram which I found very helpful in understanding myself and others. But now somebody tells me it is against our religion as it comes from a non-Christian source.
I also found the Enneagram very enlightening. The fact that it originated among Sufi (Islamic) mystics does not make it bad or dangerous. The Old testament writers used pagan sources for their stories of creation and the flood. Jewish religious feasts were developed on the foundation of earlier pagan festivals. Similarly, Christians took the pagan celebration of mid-winter as the time to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Saint Patrick referred the pagan fire of Spring to the rising of Christ. God’s presence in not confined to Christians!
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn

Pray for the deceased
Recently Deceased: Eoin McDonagh, (Wed 10.30), Jimmy Reynolds (Tues 7.30pm Foulkstown), Jim Nolan, Joe Purcell, Dunmore
Months Mind: Joan Cody (Sat 7.00)
Anniversaries: Mary Coogan (Sat 6.15), Denis Treacy (Sun 10.00), Catherine Bourke (Sun 10.30), James & Mary Brennan (Sun 11.00), Gabriel Warde (Sun 12.00), Elizabeth Foley (Sun 12.30), Ellen McEvoy (Mon 9.30), Clare Mahon, Joe Delaney, Walter Kavanagh, Catherine Burke, Maurice Maher & Eileen Grace, (Thurs 10.30), Martin Doran,
Intentions for next weekend: Patrick McDonald (Sat 6.15), Eddie Kelly (Sat 7.00), Margaret Shanahan (Sun 12.00), Fintan Wallace (Sun 12.30), Patrick Morris (Tues 9.30), Daisy Quinn

Divine Mercy
There will be an hour of Prayer and Adoration in St. Mary’s Cathedral on Sunday August 9th from 3pm - 4pm.

Church Gate Collection
The annual church gate collection in aid of the Irish Cancer Society will take place next weekend the 15th & 16th Aug outside all massed.

Assumption of Our Lady
Next Saturday, 15th August is the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin into Heaven. This is a holy day of obligation for all able bodied Catholics. Beginning with the Vigil Masses on Friday evening masses in our parish will follow the usual weekend timetable.

Good Luck to the Cats!
We join in wishing the Kilkenny teams and hurlers all the best this weekend. We especially wish every success to those from our parish involved with the teams.

NUI Certificate in Philosophy
Kilkenny Campus has been offering undergraduate and postgraduate courses for adult students from Kilkenny and the south east for twelve years. The annual Conferring in November last year brought the number of awards granted by NUI Maynooth through its Kilkenny Campus to almost 800 since 1997. The Campus, which is situated at St. Kieran’s College, provides a friendly learning environment for the adult student with excellent library facilities, a new IT room, and plenty of support and encouragement from staff and students. This year we are delighted to offer an NUI Certificate in Philosophy under the auspices of the Dept. of Philosophy at NUI Maynooth. This course is designed to provide participants with the opportunity to develop an understanding of philosophy and to introduce the student to critical thinking in a number of foundational subjects in philosophy: logic, ethics and philosophy of religion. The course typically runs one evening per week over one year (September to May) and costs €1,100.
The closing date for receipt of applications is Tuesday, 1 September 2009.
For further information please contact Kilkenny Campus at:
Telephone: 056 7775910 / 086 2630999.
Email: Kilkenny.Campus@nuim.ie
Or visit or website at: http://kilkenny.nuim.ie

Our Lady’s Island, Wexford
Each day of the pilgrimage season, 15th August to 8th September: Mass at 3.00pm and 8.00pm. Pilgrims are invited to make their own way around the island reflecting on the mysteries of the Most Holy Rosary. For further information contact: Rev. Brendan Nolan P.P. Pilgrimage Director 053 9131167. Email: info@ourladysisland.ie. Website: http://www.ourladysisland.ie/

Mass Cards & ACN
When people purchase a mass card at our parish office, this is an undertaking that an individual mass will be offered for each card signed. This has proven to be a very popular service so much so that we have now enlisted the help of Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) . To date, ACN has received many of the mass intentions requested by parishioners and in turn they make sure that each mass is offered in a timely manner and by a priest in a developing or poor country.
ACN is a Papal Charity, founded by Fr. Werenfried van Straaten to support the Church throughout the world where it is in need or suffering persecution. Today ACN has offices in 17 countries and distributes aid to a further 138 countries around the globe. The charity assists in the support of priests and religious, the formation of novices and seminarians as well as building, education and other material needs of the churches poor.
We have left some leaflets about the work of ACN at the back of our churches and if you would like to support their work then the leaflet gives more information. Likewise you can find our more by visiting www.churchinneed.org.

St. Fiacre’s Well Novena
The annual St. Fiacre's Well novena begins on Saturday 22nd August at 8pm each evening out at the well in Kilfera. The novena will end with mass on the 30th August at the well with mass at 3.30pm. All are welcome to participate both in the novena and in the mass which is always well attended . Prayer at the well is an ancient tradition for the people of St. Patrick’s and Kilkenny city. More details as the time draws nearer.

New Website
Our new website is up and running with just a few minor changes to be made. Have you updated your bookmarks to the new address: www.patricksparish.net (formerly .com). Any suggestions are welcome.

Parish Registration Form
Yes, I would like to register as a parishioner of St. Patrick’s Parish

Name(s) :………………………………………………………………………………..
Address: ………………………………………………………………………………..
………………………………………………………………………………………….
Contact No: ……………………………………………………..
Email (if any): ……………………………………………………...

Would you like a priest to visit? Yes…….. No:……...
Please fill in the details above and drop it back to us.

New Parishioners
If you are new to our parish then you are welcome among us and we hope that you find St. Patrick’s Parish a happy place to be. If you would like to register with us as a parishioner then fill out the form above, and send it back to us.

Our Parish Shop
In the foyer of our new centre St. Patrick’s parish runs a small shop selling a variety of religious items. If you are looking for rosary beads, medals, religious books, candles etc. then drop in and have a look at what’s on offer. The shop is available on weekdays from 1am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm.

Getting Married Soon?
Please remember you must give at least three month’s notice to the Civil Registrar.

Anniversaries and Newsletter
Please, DO NOT leave anniversary notices or other items into our former house on Ormonde Road. We no longer have access to this premises
Items left at the Parish Office, the Priests’ Houses, St. Patrick’s or St. Fiacre’s Sacristies before Thursday will ensure publication. Thanks.

Latin Mass
The traditional Latin Mass (permitted by Pope Benedict XVI in his Motu Proprio of July 2007) is celebrated at St. Patrick’s Church at 5pm on Sundays.

Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, 2nd August 2009

The New Self
Thomas Merton wrote in Contemplation in a World of Action: ‘The new man is not just the old man in possession of a legal certificate entitling him to a reward.’ That’s not the ‘new self’ Paul refers to in today’s Second Reading (Eph 4:17, 20-24). So, what is it? First, what it isn’t. It isn’t living as the Gentiles live ‘in the futility of their minds’. In other words, it’s not living as if you only had your own mind to depend on. Using only that to comprehend life is futile. It’s a dead end trip. Removed from the light of God’s word the human mind becomes dark, the human heart becomes hard, and human behaviour degenerates into debauchery. Paul wasn’t warning about what might happen, he was describing what already had happened. Were we to think that reason reigns supreme – pristine and pure – and confine ourselves to its limits deprived of the light of God’s word, and the power of his Spirit, would our understanding and behaviour not deteriorate too? Could we even speak of deterioration of behaviour at all? For it nothing greater than a mind, not yours, sets my standards. As Hamlet says, ‘There is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so’ – my thinking, that is. The new self, however, recognises that God sets the standards and it lives by them ‘in true righteousness and holiness’. The new man, the new self, is the one who is righteous and holy before God. Fr. Tom Cahill SVD

Question people ask
What was the manna from heaven?
It was the good provided by God for the Israelites during the Exodus. The name means ‘What is this?’ It was described as white, powdery stuff, like hoarfrost. There were three important points about it. It was a gift from God: it demanded trusting God’s promise because people were instructed to gather only sufficient for each day: and it satisfied every taste as ‘it transformed itself into whatever each eater wished’ (Wis 16: 21). The Gospel of John regards the manna as foreshadowing the Bread of Life offered by Jesus – a wonderful gift of God, taken on trust in Jesus’ words, and responding to every need.
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

Pray for the deceased
Recently Deceased: John Brophy, Rathmore House, Goslingstown, Michael McPhilomy, Fr. Delehaunty Terrace, Mary Ramsbottom, 3 Connolly St, Martin Doheny, 1 Parnell St.
Months Mind: Ann Comerford (Sat 7.00),
Anniversaries: Eileen Grace (Sat 6.15), Martin Mulhall (Sun 10.00), Mary Millea (Sun 10.30), Jim Devlin (Sun 12.00), Margaret & Larry Langton (Sun 12.30), Mick Coonan, Paddy Hickey, Annie Campion, Michael Lawlor, Peter Wiltshire, Joseph Browne, Michael Browne, Joe Delahunty, Breda O’Hara, Chrissie Drennan, Mary Tynan, David, Jim & Peggy Gaffney.
Intentions next weekend: Mary Coogan (Sat 6:15), Joan Cody (Months Mind Sat 7.00pm), Denis Treacy (Sun 10.00), James & Mary Brennan (Sun 11.00), Gabriel Warde (Sun 12.00), Elizabeth Foley (Sun 12.30)

Cemetery Mass
Mass will be said in St. Rioch’s Cemetery on Thursday 6th August at 7.30pm. All are welcome to attend.

Rosary
The monthly rosary on the first Sunday in James Green at the Statue of Our Lady of Kilkenny continues this Sunday 2nd August at 3pm.

Baptism Training Workshop
Ms. Julie Kavanagh, Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin Pastoral Team, will conduct a Baptismal Training Workshop on Saturday, 5th September 2009 from 11.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and a follow up on Tuesday, 8th September 2009 in St Kieran’s College. Further information will follow.

Aware
A confidential Aware Information & Support group meeting for relatives of those with depression will take place on Wednesday August 5th, at 8 pm in St. Mary's Centre, Haughney Green, Kilkenny. For more information contact Fran at Aware on 086 8200938.

St. Dominic’s Day
Bishop Seamus Freeman will be the Principal Celebrant at the 10.30am Mass in the Black Abbey on Saturday next, August 8th, the Solemnity of St. Dominic. The Dominican Community invites you to celebrate this special feast day with them. The Dominicans came to the Black Abbey in 1225 - seven hundred and eighty four years age.

First Friday of July
The sick and housebound will be visited by the priests during the coming week. Please note Fr. Dan is away at the moment and will be unable to visit. Please contact any of the priests or the parish office if you or somebody known to you would like to be included on the list.

St. Patrick's Parish Bereavement Support Group
We offer one-to-one support to bereaved parishioners. Phone: 086-1629089 to make an appointment to meet members of the group. This is a free and confidential service.

International Youth Festival
On Wednesday morning last 18 young parishioners departed from St. Fiacre’s Church for the 20th International Youth Festival – Mladifest 20 – at Medjugorje. They will be joined for the duration of the pilgrimage by 29 other young people and 14 adult leaders from Kilkenny city and county. For many of the youth – all in their late teens and early twenties – it will be their second trip to the Annual Youth Festival at Medjugorje while a small number of them will be making the trip for the third time. The theme of this year’s festival, which will be attended by more than 50,000 young people and up to 500 priests, is “Do whatever he tells you!”

Psychotherapist/Counsellor
Experienced and fully qualified psychotherapist/counsellor available for evening appointments in the Parish Centre. For an appointment please call Robert at 086 878 6353.

Our Parish Website
St. Patrick’s Parish website is now up and running once again. It has a new look and will be undergoing some minor changes and additions in the coming weeks.
The website has new name: www.patricksparish.net (formerly .com). Please update your bookmarks and inform family and friends of the change in address.

Congratulations
Bishop Seamus Freeman has appointed Fr. Dermot Ryan, Curate, in the parish of Mooncoin, as and from 1st September 2009. Dermot has also agreed to serve the diocese in the area of Adult Faith Formation. Also, further congratulations are due to Fr. Dermot. He received the degree summa cum laude in defending his Thesis at the Pontifical Gregorian University on 25th June 2009, (Method to Mission: The ecclesial vocation of a theologian as exemplified in the works of Francis A. Sullivan SJ in the context of method at the Gregorian University). We congratulate Dermot on his achievement and wish him all the best in his new appointment.

Foulkstown Cemetery Mass
The weather didn’t dampen the faith of thousands of people who travelled to attend last Thursday’s annual cemetery mass. The occasion was a prayerful experience of gathering to remember our deceased loved ones.
Thanks to all who participated in the ceremony. Thanks to the gardaí for their help with traffic management and to the cemetery committee for their organisation of this event. Much appreciated.

Anniversaries and Newsletter
Please, DO NOT leave anniversary notices or other items into our former house on Ormonde Road. We no longer have access to this house and notices may not be delivered on time.
Items left at the Parish Office, the Priests’ Houses, St. Patrick’s or St. Fiacre’s Sacristies before Thursday will ensure publication. Thanks.

Prize Winner Promoter
1st Prize - €1,000 John O’Neill, 13 Archers Crescent Brigid Armstrong
2nd Prize - €200 Mary Neary, Derdimus Mary Parsons
3rd Prize - €100 Lil Dunne, Riverview Brigid Armstrong
4th Prize - €100 Rita McMyler, Sheestown Sean Manogue
5th Prize - €100 Catherine Kenny, 24 Loughboy Park Catherine Kinsella
6th Prize - €50 Patricia O’Connor, 16 Mayfield Catherine Kinsella
7th Prize - €50 Roy Barry, 38 Larchfield Kitty Byrne
8th Prize - €50 Bridie Hardiman, 39 Marble Crest Catherine Kinsella
9th Prize - €50 Ally Coughlan, Callan Road Kathleen Grogan
10th Prize - €50 Marie Coyne, 50 Larchfield Kitty Byrne
11th Prize - €50 Ann Healy, Maidenhill Liam Holohan
12th Prize - €50 Phyllis Murphy, 25 Melville Heights Maureen McCormack
13th prize - €50 Lorna McCormack, 77 Marble Crest Catherine Kinsella
Promoters’ Prizes
Paddy Ward, Castlegardens, Gretta Kelly, Ardnore