Pentecost Sunday, 23rd May 2010

The Feast of Pentecost - Birthday of the Church

This weekend we celebrate Pentecost Sunday. The Feast of Pentecost, originally the Jewish Feast of Weeks commemorating the gift of the Law to Moses on Mount Sinai 50 days after the Exodus, was the day when the Holy Spirit was poured out in the Upper Room upon the apostles and other disciples in the form of tongues of fire and a strong wind. Pentecost occurred fifty days after Easter Sunday, the day marking the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. Pentecost is seen as the birthday of the Church.

Sadly, we celebrate this feast every year but lots of us miss its powerful message. If we were to realise the full meaning of Pentecost we would be bold instead of timid, energetic instead of anaemic, fascinated instead of bored. Compare the apostles before and after Pentecost and you’ll see the difference the Spirit makes.

The gospel is Good News not just because we’re going to heaven, but because we’ve been empowered to become new people, here and now. The Second Vatican Council insisted that each of us is called to the heights of holiness. Not by will-power, mind you. But by Holy Spirit power. Holiness consists in faith, hope, and especially divine love. These are “virtues,” literally “powers,” given by the Spirit. To top it off, the Spirit gives us seven further gifts which perfect faith, hope, and love, making it possible for us to live a supernatural, charismatic life. Some think this is only for the chosen few, “the mystics.” St. Thomas Aquinas taught to the contrary that the gifts listed in Isaiah (wisdom, knowledge, understanding, counsel, piety, fortitude, and fear of the Lord) are standard equipment given in baptism, that all are called to be “mystics.”

Vatican II also taught that every Christian has a vocation to serve. We need power for this too. And so the Spirit distributes other gifts, called “charisms.” These, teaches St. Thomas, are not so much for our own sanctification as for service to others. There is no exhaustive list of charisms, though St. Paul mentions a few ranging from tongues to Christian marriage (I Corinthians 12:7-10, Romans 12:6-8). Charisms are not doled out by the priests or bishops; but are given directly by the Spirit through baptism and confirmation, even sometimes outside of the sacraments.

We actually did get the Spirit and his gifts. The problem is we don’t recognise them at times and we don’t use them often enough.

Marcellino D’Ambrosio

Ossory Listens

Over 180 people attended last Monday's listening session which was for the parishes of St. Patrick’s, St. Mary’s and Danesfort. Thanks to all who attended and to those who were kind enough to help with logistics on the evening. In all about 850 people gathered in the different venues throughout the diocese and shared their opinions with the bishop. People’s opinions were listened to, concerns were aired and information gathered and all this will go forward to plan for the future of the Diocese of Ossory. As soon as the information gathered is collated we will make this available to parishioners.

Bishop Séamus is grateful to all who took time out to meet with him and promises the information gathered will not be allowed to gather dust.

A Note about Child Protection.

As part of our diocesan and parochial response to child protection all adults who are working with children in our parish have been put forward for vetting by the statutory authorities (An Garda Siochana). It is also considered best practice that all priests should be vetted by the same statutory authorities. This is currently taking place. If anyone has any concerns regarding child protection in the church/parish contact details of the relevant authorities are posted in all of our churches.

Parish Envelopes

Due to an error some people may have received the wrong envelope number. Could the person/family who have envelope numbers 12 & 236 please contact the Parish Office next week.

Pray for the Deceased

Recently Deceased: Jim Lanigan, St. Fiacre’s Place. Mary Deegan, Archers Court. Maureen Bourke, Vicar Street.

Anniversaries: John & Catherine Alley (Sat 6.15), Joe Davy (Sat 7.00), Tony Martin (Sun 9.30), Eileen Hickey, Kieran Hickey & Kevin & Nancy Grogan (Sun 10.00), Bridget Barry (Sun 10.30), Doreen McCabe (Sun 11.00), Nellie Garrehy (Sun 12.00), Tom & Oliver Kennedy (Sun 12.30), Rev Richard Conway (Mon 9.30), Kathleen King (Wed 10.30) Jack Carroll, Harry Kelly, Annie Bourke, Molly Owens, Kathleen O’Carroll, Mary Drennan, Michael Smyth, Tom & Sean Brett, Tommy Jordan, Noreen McDonald, Maurice Nolan, Sean Monahan, Jimmy Hogan, Mary Walsh.

Intentions for next weekend: Tommy & Kitty Phelan (Sat 6.15); John Cleere (Sat 7.00); Patrick Banahan (Sun 9.30); Blanaid Cleere Manning (Sun 10.00); John Edward Kirwan Malone (Months Mind Sun 10.30); William Doheny (Sun 12.30).

First Holy Communion

Congratulations to all involved with this year’s First Holy Communion Class at St. Patrick’s De La Salle School. The boys received the Eucharist for the first time on Saturday. We also congratulate all the teachers from all of our schools who were involved in any way with this year’s First Holy Communion classes.

We continue our prayers for the boys and girls from our other schools within our pairhs who will receive the sacrament during the coming weeks.

Parish Pilgrimage to Knock

The popular annual parish pilgrimage to Knock takes place on Thursday, 24th June. Coach leaves St. Fiacre’s Church at 7.15am and St. Patrick’s Church at 7.20am. Fare €15 and tickets are only available at the reception desk at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre. Tickets must be purchased in advance. In order to finalize the necessary arrangements, tickets will only be available until 22nd June.

Mill Hill Missionaries Pilgrimage

This year’s annual Mill Hill Missionaries Pilgrimage to Knock will take place on Saturday, 14th June. Fr. Donal Harney MHM will lead the pilgrimage. Coach will leave Prague House, Freshford at 8.00am with a pick up at Mill Hill Missionaries, Waterford Road, Kilkenny at 8.30am.

Main Celebrant and preacher Rev. Fr. Anthony Murphy. Fare: Adults €20, children €10. Contact 056 772 1482 to book your seat.

M.S. Society

The M.S. Society of Ireland cordially invites you to the official launch of the new S.E. Directory of Services for people with M.S. and a celebration of world M.S. Day by Kilkenny Hurling Manager Brian Cody. Date 28th May 2010, Time 8.00pm. Venue The Set Theatre, Langtons, John's Street, Kilkenny. Speakers include Mayor Malcolm Noonan and Ian Coulter CIB. All welcome.

Questions People Ask

Q. What is the divine indwelling?

A. Many people have favourite places of pilgrimage where they feel close to God. Perhaps the most important pilgrimage is the journey inwards to recognise the presence of God with us and within us.

St. Paul told the Romans, ‘the Spirit of God has made his home in you’. He added that when we do not know how to pray, the Holy Spirit prays within us in ways beyond the scope of words. The indwelling of God is like a secret room. Jesus said that when we pray we should go into that secret room, close the door and be attentive to God within us.

Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

Loughboy Library

The Library will host its final celebration of Bealtaine 2010 this Friday, 28th May at 11am with a writing workshop. The recently formed Writers Circle will facilitate and they are encouraging new and more established writers to attend this free event. So book your place on 779 4176 and explore the possibilities of this new hobby...

Pentecost Sunday - Latin Mass

A traditional High Mass (1962 rite) will be celebrated in St. Patrick’s Church on this Sunday, 23rd May at 5.00pm.

Coffee Morning

You are invited to a coffee morning in St. Mary’s Day Care Centre on Friday, 28th May 10.30am to 12 noon hosted by the Presentation Associates. All proceeds will go to The Presentation Sisters in Pakistan. Lots of prizes, all are welcome, see you there.

Charity Walk

A Family Fun Charity Walk led by the Liam McCarthy Cup to the top of Slievenamon in aid of Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children
Crumlin will take place on Sunday 30th of May departing the village of Kilcash at 1pm. All Welcome. Contact Liam on 087 212 0201.

Pilgrimage to Lourdes

On Saturday over 400 people from the Diocese of Ossory departed for Lourdes on the annual pilgrimage. We wish them well on their journey and pray for them while they are in France.

Adoration and Prayer

A vigil of adoration and prayer for the suffering Church in Ireland will be held at St. Fiacre’s Church, Loughboy on Friday/Saturday, 4th/5th June between 7.00pm and 4.00am. Mass will be celebrated at 7.00pm and midnight. All are welcome to this night of prayer and you may come and go as you please.

Melville Heights Mass

Outdoor Mass will be celebrated at Melville Heights on Friday, 28th May at 7.30pm. All are welcome to come along.

Senior Citizens’ Mass

The annual Ossory Senior Citizens’ Mass will be held at St. Joseph’s Church, Mill Hill Missionaries House, Waterford Road on Wednesday, 26th May at 3.00pm. All welcome.

Light that Shines in the Darkness

Are you interested in priesthood in the Diocese of Ossory? For information on priesthood in the diocese please contact Bishop Séamus Freeman on 056 776 2448 or Fr. Willie Purcell on 087 628 6858.

Tidy Towns

Judging in the national tidy towns competition will take place very soon. Kilkenny missed out on a national title by only a couple of points last year. Even a little effort from you and your family could help this year. Please keep our city and environs clean and tidy and help bring another national title to the banks of the Nore.

Dance Classes

The Loughboy Area Resource Centre is commencing a 6 week dance class. The classes will consist of various dances from samba to waltz. The classes commence on Wednesday, 26th May at the Loughboy Area Resource Centre. The fee for the 6 week session is €50. For further information contact 056 776 4700.

Parish Centre Shop

Come and browse our Confirmation and First Communion range at the Parish Centre Shop. Open during office hours.

Ascension Sunday, 16th May 2010

Listening Sessions – Ossory May 2010
The Listening Sessions continue during this coming week. Six sessions have taken place and have been a very positive experience for all who participated. Bishop Freeman will attend each meeting and parishioners are invited to come along to speak and listen. The schedule for this coming week is as follows: Monday 17th May: St Patrick’s Parish Centre, Loughboy at 8.00pm for the parishes of St Patrick’s, St Mary’s and Danesfort; Tuesday 18th May: Callan Parish Hall at 8.00pm for the parishes of Callan, Ballycallan and Tullaroan; Thursday 20th May: Canon Malone Hall at 8.00pm for the parishes of Lisdowney, Ballyragget and Conahy; Friday 21st May: Castlecomer Community Hall at 8.00pm for the parishes of Clogh, Muckalee and Castlecomer.
There is an open invitation to all to attend whichever meeting suits.

Questions people ask
What is the divine indwelling?
Many people have favourites places of pilgrimage where they feel close to God. Perhaps the most important pilgrimage is the journey inwards to recognise the presence of God with us and within us. St. Paul told the Romans, ‘the Spirit of God has made his home in you’. He added that when we don not know how to pray, the Holy Spirit prays within us in ways beyond the scope of words. The indwelling of God is like a secret room. Jesus said that when we pray we should go into that secret room, close the door, and be attentive to God within us.
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

Come and Worship
Castlecomer Parish has launched a CD “Come and Worship” in conjunction with the Life in the Spirit seminars. The CD is a collection of songs of praise that were sung at the healing Masses. It is available at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre and at the Capuchin Friary. Cost €10.

High Minded
A recent survey conducted by researchers at Durham University, England, on people’s attitude to sermons came up with some surprises: 96.6% if those surveyed said they liked the Sunday sermon, and 60% said it gave them a sense of God’s love. Attitudes differed according to faith groupings. Evangelicals liked sermons most, Catholics wanted ones that educated rather than challenged. Baptists and Catholics favoured use of the Bible in sermons more than Anglicans and Methodists did. And, while Baptists wanted sermons to span an hour and then some, Catholics wanted them short. Ten minutes max. So, that to say about the Ascension of the Lord that may be educative, and, yes, challenging too, yet brief? Its description in the first and third readings today (Acts 1:1-11 and Luke 24:46-53) takes only seconds to read. To focus the mind, then, let me ask you which you think is weirder: to believe that the Ascension was real, or to believe that the value of a 6ft bronze sculpture by Alberto Giacometti, sold recently in Sotheby’s, is really worth the £65 million paid for it. The fact of the Ascension is of immeasurably more value than any worked on piece of metal could possibly be. It has the power to stir the imagination, to engage the heart and to intrigue the mind with its promise. And, unlike artfully pressed and pounded metal, faith in the Ascension has the power to effect change. Belief in God’s Word ascending can raise even hearts of stone with money to burn to hearts of flesh burning with love for those who suffer.
Fr. Tom Cox

Loughboy Library
The Library will host a flower arranging workshop this Friday May 21st at 11am. Ring to book your place and to find out what you need to bring. This is a free event and is part of the Bealtaine festival celebrating creativity in older age. Phone 056 779 4176

Outdoor Mass
Mass will be celebrated at Melville Heights on Friday 28th May at 7.30pm. All are welcome.

Pray for the Deceased
Recently Deceased: Paddy O’Brien, Assumption Place, Maura Mahony Nee Kennedy, Clara & Kerry, Gavin McBride, Old Golf Links Road, Rene McCauley, Meadow Hill, Billy O’Brien, Hazel Grove.
Months Mind: Charlie Blackmore (Sat 7.00), Pat Horan (Sun 9.30), William Brennan (Sun 11.00)
Birthday Remembrance: Anthona Burke (Sat 6.15)
Anniversaries: Ciaran Flood (Sun 10.00), Patrick O’Connell (Sun 12.00), John Coppinger (Sun 12.30), Patrick Morris (Tues 9.30), Luke Daly (Wed 9.30), Nicholas Dunphy (Wed 10.30), Sarah Kelly (Thurs .9.30), Kilkenny Active Retirement Group (Thurs 10.30), Jack Carroll (Fri. 10.30), Jimmy Hogan (Sat 9.30), Eileen Culleton, Kathleen Coyne, John Doheny.
Intentions for next weekend: John & Catherine Alley (Sat 6.15), Joe Davy (Sat 7.00), Tony Martin (Sun 9.30), Eileen Hickey, Kieran Hickey, Kevin & Nancy Grogan, John Grogan, Nellie Garrehy (Sun 12.00), Tom & Oliver Kennedy (Sun 12.30)

Society of St. Vincent de Paul
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is the largest, voluntary, charitable organisation in Ireland. Its membership of 9,500 volunteers throughout the country are supported by professional staff, working for social justice and the creation of a more just, caring nation. This unique network of social concern also gives practical support to those experiencing poverty and social exclusion, by providing a wide range of services to people in need. Thankfully we have energetic and hardworking members of the Society in St. Patrick’s Parish.
The members of the St. Patrick’s Conference wish to thank you for your continued generous support to our local fundraising efforts. While extra demands have been made on our resources in recent times they continue to meet local needs and assist all who approach them for help. Your voluntary donations are used prudently in the local community.
Mary, who lost her job twelve months ago, recently approached the Society for help. She explains how she feels now: More than anything, I know that someone cares, that I’m not totally alone and that’s been the biggest help to me. I can see that it won’t always be like this and that we will get back on our feet, I feel hope for the future and for my kids.
The members of St. Patrick’s Conference may be contacted by calling to the Parish Centre at 8.00pm on Monday evenings or by telephone on 087 681 0589.

First Holy Communion
Congratulations to all involved with this year’s First Holy Communion Class at St. John of God School. The girls received the Eucharist for the first time on Saturday.
We continue our prayers for the boys and girls from our other schools who will receive the sacrament during the coming weeks.

Lourdes
There are still a few seats available on the Ossory Pilgrimage to Lourdes which leaves Kilkenny on next Saturday, 22nd May. Seats are being offered at a special price of €550 (usually €720). To book Tel. 087 251 7766 (No single rooms available)

Famine Memorial
MacDonagh Junction is pleased to announce that a multi-denominational religious ceremony to commemorate the re-interment of the Famine Skeletal remains (discovered during excavation work at the site in 2005) will take place at the Famine Memorial Garden at Goods Shed Square, MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre on Wednesday 19th May at 5.30pm sharp. The ceremony will be jointly performed by Fr Frank Purcell, St John’s, Elaine Murray Church of Ireland, David Moore Kilkenny Presbyterian Church and Mark Forsyth Kilkenny Methodist Church. Kilkenny Gospel Choir will perform during the ceremony and they will be joined by a Colour Party drawn from the 3rd Infantry Battalion based at James Stephens Military Barracks, Kilkenny as well as a Trumpeter from St Patrick’s Brass & Reed Band.”

Pentecost Sunday
A Traditional High Mass will be celebrated on Pentecost Sunday, May 23rd in St. Patrick's Church, Kilkenny at 5.00 pm.

Parish Team Meeting
A meeting of all members of the Parish Team Meeting will take place in the Parish Centre on Thursday next. Members are asked to attend.

Mendelssohn’s Elijah
The Kilkenny Choir presents the magnificent and dramatic Mendelssohn’s Elijah with Taitis Grigalis singing Elijah, soloists Roisin O’Grady, Madeline Shaw, Eamonn Mulhall, Malcolm Proud—organ. Full symphony orchestra, leader Cldagh Vedres and Kilkenny College Chamber Choir and Kilkenny Youth Choir as the heavenly hosts. Conducted by Philip Emondson. Adm €20/€15

Garden Fair
S.O.S. Callan Road, will hold a Garden Fair & Coffee afternoon on Sunday May 16th from 2pm to 5pm. Everyone is welcome. Admission is free.

Field Day
Last weeks field day was a great success, Sincere thanks to all who attended and especially those who took the time to organise and run the event. Both the Village hurling club and the parish benefited from this event.

Rubbish in Foulkstown
Some callous individual(s) decided to dump their trash in our cemetery recently, the resting place of our families and friends. They obviously have no respect for the dead but they might have some fear of the law as dumping in our cemetery is illegal.
If anyone notices anything suspicious, please take the registration details of any car and we will follow it up. A CCTV system is now in place to help deter such dumpers.

Sick Calls
If you know of someone, a family member or neighbour or friend who is currently in hospital or housebound and would like a priest to call to them, then please let us know. We are happy to visit when requested .

Parish Centre
Those wishing to book the Parish Centre can contact Mr. Ted Byrne at the parish centre.
Don’t forget, we have a religious goods shop available in the foyer of the centre and the range of goods available is extensive.

St. Patrick’s Listening Session
Please join us on Monday 17th May: St Patrick’s Parish Centre, Loughboy at 8.00pm, We join with St Mary’s and Danesfort to voice our concerns about the church in these difficult times. All are welcome to speak and to listen.

6th Sunday of Easter, 9th May 2010

Diocesan Listening Sessions
The first two meetings have taken place during this past week. The group work on each night was followed by an open forum. Many people spoke from the heart about their feelings about the Church at this present time.
During this coming week Listening Sessions will take place in Castletown ICA Hall on the 10th May at 8.00pm; Ferrybank Parish Hall on 11th May at 7.30pm; Newpark Hotel on 13th May at 8.00pm and Johnstown Community Centre on 14th May at 8.00pm. The remaining four meetings will be the following week in St Patrick’s Parish Centre on 17th May at 8.00pm; Callan Parish Hall on 18th May at 8.00pm.Canon Malone Hall Ballyragget on May 20th at 8.00pm; Castlecomer Community Hall on the 21st at 8.00pm.
Parishioners are invited to attend the venue for their parish but are welcome to attend one of the other gatherings if the date or venue is more convenient. St Patrick’s Parishioners are invited to join with the people of St. Mary’s Parish and Danesfort Parish at the meeting at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre on Monday, 17th May at 8.00pm.
These meetings will enable people to reflect upon the situation in the Church at this time, to speak with one another about the past and to reflect upon the present. Bishop Freeman will attend all of these meetings. It will be an opportunity for our bishop to hear the views and opinions from all parishes around the diocese.

An Chéad Chomaoineach Naofa
Comhghairdeas leis na buachaillí agus cailíní ó Rang II, Gaelscoil Osraí, Ranganna Múinteoirí Méabh agus Maria Bríd a ghlac an Chéad Chomaoineach ar an Satharn i Séipéal Naomh Fiacra.
Congratulations to all involved with this year’s First Holy Communion Class at Gaelscoil Osrai. The boys and girls received the Eucharist for the first time on Saturday.
We continue our prayers for the boys and girls from our other schools who will receive the sacrament during the coming weeks.

Local Field Day
St. Patrick’s Parish in conjunction with James Stephens GAA Club is holding a field day in Larchfield on this Sunday, 9th May between 1.30pm and 5.30pm. Stands will include: Wheel of Fortune, Cake Stall, Bottle Stall, Bric-a-Brac, Book Stall. Fun events including Baby Show, Dog Show, Penalty Shoot Out, Kill the Rat and many more. All proceeds going to James Stephens GAA Club and St. Patrick’s Parish. Please support your local community.

St. Joseph's Young Priests Society
The monthly meeting of the St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society will take place in the Parish Centre on Friday, 14th May immediately after the 10.30am Mass in St. Fiacre’s Church. All are welcome to attend.

Pray for Our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Billy O’Brien, 22 Hazel Grove. Rosary at his home at 8.00pm on Sunday. Funeral prayers at his home at 11.15pm on Monday followed by removal to St. Fiacre’s Church for Requiem Mass at noon. Burial at Foulkstown Cemetery. Sr. Carmel Minnock
Anniversaries: Michael Maher (Sat 6.15), Mary Carroll (Sat 7.00), Lar Doyle (Sun 10.00), William O’Brien Snr, & William O’Brien Jnr & Ann O’Brien (Sun 11.00), Pat Murphy (Sun 12.00), Martin Ryan (Sun 12.30), Patrick O’Neill (Wed 9.30), Michael Deegan (Wed 10.30), Patrick White (Fri 10.30), Moira Bergin, Canice Downes, Liam Meehan, Jim Kelly.
Intentions for next weekend: Anthona Burke (Sat 6.15), Charlie Blackmore (Months Mind Sat 7.00), Pat Horan (Sun 9.30), Ciaran Flood (Sun 10.00), William Brennan (Sun 11.00), Patrick O’Connell (Sun 12.00), John Coppinger (Sun 12.30).

Eucharistic Ministers
A new rota has been compiled for those who serve at the 7.00pm Mass on Saturday evenings and the 9.30am Mass on Sunday mornings. These rotas are available at the Sacristy. Previous rotas for this group are void.

Questions People Ask
What did Jesus mean by speaking of his peace in contrast to the peace that the world can give?
The beautiful Hebrew greeting, Shalom, includes union with God, harmony with all people and the inner strength of tranquillity. Jesus bestows this divine peace through his victory over sin which repairs the damage done by sin and by the gift of the Holy Spirit. It is significant that Jesus spoke of peace on the very eve of his passion. God’s peace resides in the depths of the soul, undisturbed by storms on the surface.
Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

Coláiste Eamann Rís
The Governor of Mountjoy, John Lonergan, has accepted an invitation from the Parent's Council of Coláiste Eamann Rís Callan to speak in the school on Monday, 10th May at 7.30pm. Members of the public are welcome.
The Parent’s Council of Coláiste Eamann Rís is holding a Buster Draw in Kilkenny Greyhound Track on Friday, 14th May. Tickets are €10 and available from the school or any member of the Parent’s Council . All support is very welcome. If people are available join us at the track as it is a great night’s entertainment.

Attention All Choirs
Tom Kendzia is a liturgical composer and musician working in Kingston, Rhode Island, USA. He writes wonderful music and there is a strong Irish influence in his most recent compositions. Tom has presented his music at many church gatherings in America and in recent years has come to Ireland. Tom will present his music and give input about the place of music in the liturgy at a special workshop at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre on this Monday, 10th May at 7.30pm.
All members of our parish choirs and any other individuals or groups interested in quality liturgical music are welcome.
We apologise for the short notice but this not-to-be-missed opportunity only became available during the past few days.

Trócaire Family Fast Boxes
Please return your outstanding family fast boxes as we intend closing the 2010 account this week. All monies contributed to the parish will be sent to the Diocesan Office for forwarding to Trócaire. Thank you for your generous contributions to date.

Feeling like a Human Being
There’s a memorable scene in The Shawshank Redemption. Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) plays Duettino-Sull’aria from Mozart’s ‘The Marriage of Figaro’ over the prison loudspeaker system. Prisoners stop what they’re doing enthralled by the operatic duet. As you watch their rapt features, ‘Red’ Reddings (Morgan Freeman) background commentary tells you that for a few minutes these prisoners feel like human beings again. The beauty of the music blocks out the ugliness of their surroundings and transports them to another place where refinement, beauty and spirit reign. It’s a powerful, touching scene. Now another scene. This time in Suffolk, England. A 5ft by 7ft dilapidated beach hut. Its window is broken. Its paint is peeling. It lacks a door, gar, electricity and water. A local council regulation forbids overnight use of it. For sale at a whopping £40,000, its estate agent says it’ll be snapped up. Other huts similar in size but in better condition have sold even more ‘whoppingly’ for £100,000. Why? Location, location, location. They command a spectacular view of the sea. Again, a place of beauty – and for people of faith, a sense of Presence therein. Out third and last scene is in today’s Second Reading: the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God (Apoc 21:10) Refinement, beauty and Spirit reign there. No need for gas or electricity – not even for the Sun. The glory of God is its light, God’s presence its air. Like the Shawshank prisoners we too need our moments of rapture whether it be from love, nature, art or faith. For without a peek into eternity human nature just cannot peak.
Fr. Tom Cahill SVD

Blessed Sacrament Adoration
In honour of Divine Mercy, there will be an hour of adoration and prayer in the Capuchin Friary Church on this Sunday, 9th May between 3.00 and 4.00pm. All welcome.

Be the Change
Date: 29th May at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre
Time: 10am - 3.30pm.
Charge: €10 for waged; €5 for the unwaged.
Who should attend? Anyone who is interested in where we are as a society - how we got here - what to do if we want to be an ecologically sustainable, socially just, spiritually fulfilling, human presence on this planet
To book: Stella 086 391 8793 or Maeve 086 887 4581 before 21st May.
Lunch: Bring a packed lunch - tea, coffee provided.

Give Blood
Local blood donation clinics are as follows:
Sunday, 9th May from 11.45am to 3.15pm. Monday 10th, Tuesday 11th, Wednesday 12th & Thursday 13th May from 4.30pm to 8pm at Rivercourt Hotel, Kilkenny.

Concert
Carlow Choral Society presents Haydn’s ‘The Seasons’ at 8pm Sunday 16th May in the Cathedral of the Assumption Carlow. Tickets are available at the following locations: Empire Records, Roxy Records and the Carlow Tourist Office.

Healing Prayer Service
There will be a prayer service for healing at St. Fiacre’s Church on this Thursday evening between 7.30 and 10.00pm.

Parish Shop
The Parish Shop located in the Parish Centre is the ideal place to purchase quality religious goods, candles and cards. The shop is currently stocking a range of First Holy Communion and Confirmation goods.

Pilgrimage to Oberammergau
A group from St. Patrick’s Parish has joined together to plan a pilgrimage/holiday around a trip to this year’s Passion Play at Oberammergau. The group will be led by Ted Byrne and Fr. Dan and to date numbers about twelve people. Cost will be €1,675 and travel dates are 20th to 27th August inclusive. There is room for more travellers. Please contact the Parish Office at 056 776 4400, Ted Byrne or Fr. Dan for further details or booking forms.

A Talk Not to be Missed.
Tanguy de Toulgoet will give a talk at Kilkenny Flower Club on next Thursday in Butler House at 8.00pm. It will be interesting and informative as he grows vegetables and flowers organically in his garden in Durrow and will tell us how to keep weeding to a minimum. Tanguy is a gifted teacher and will give a prize of a gardening course to a lucky winner. More details are available on www.dunmorecountryschool.ie

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, 24th April 2010

LISTENING SESSIONS
Bishop Freeman is initiating a series of “Listening Sessions” throughout the Diocese. These meetings will enable him to listen to what people are feeling about the Church in the aftermath of the Ryan and Murphy Reports, He writes “I am now asking the three Deanery Pastoral Councils to organise listening sessions that will give an opportunity to all the people of the Diocese to express their feelings and have them heard. This will be the beginning of a process of reflective speaking, listening and discernment that will, I hope, be very fruitful as we move forward.”
All are welcome to attend these meetings. A facilitator will be present and a full report of each meeting will be recorded. Parishioners are invited to attend the venue for their parish but are welcome to attend another gathering if the date or venue is more convenient.

Loughboy Library
Join us to celebrate Bealtaine Festival 2010. Leave Friday mornings at 11am free to participate in card-making, flower-arranging, composting and creative writing workshops at Loughboy Library. More details and bookings at 7794176.
The Kilkenny Active Retirement Association are exhibiting their works from may 17th to 21st.

Eucharistic Ministers
Please collect your new rota which is available in the sacristies. Those who have already collected their rota from the 7pm mass and the 11am mass please note that a newer rota is available to take account of an omission.

Knitting Circle
Every Monday night 7.30pm to 9.30pm in the Parish Centre. All are welcome.
Pray For Our Deceased

Recently Deceased: Joan Smithwick, Birchfield, Kells Road, Nathaniel Burke.
Anniversaries: Mary Glennon (Sat 7.00),Joe Brennan (Sun 10.00), Michael Gaule (Sun 10.30), Pierce Grace (Sun 11.00), John Hennessy (Sun 12.30), Des Hehir (Mon 9.30), Mary & Eddie O’Keeffe (Tues 10.30), Tobias Butler (Wed 10.30), Michael & Catherine Doherty, Eileen Hickey, Noel O’Dwyer, Mary Brennan, Patrick Skehan, Bridget Cantwell, Sr. Marguerite Cantwell, Stephen (Noel) O’Dwyer, William Leahy, James Morris, Johnny Murphy, Patrick Browne, Mary Brennan, Joe & Austin Kelly, Martin Browne
Intentions for next weekend: Months Mind: Billy Morris (Sun 11.00), Paddy Bourke (Sun 12.30), Patrick Dorney (Sat 6.15), Fintan Brennan (Sat 7.00), John Byrne (Sun 10.00)

Questions people ask
In the light of clerical scandals do you ever regret being a priest?
The vast majority of priests are faithful, dedicated people. Sure, none of them is perfect, but the majority are dedicated to the worship of God and loyal in the service of people. It is a privileged calling, but, in the words of an advertising slogan, nobody said it would be easy. Regret it? Not for one second. Rather, I am deeply grateful for the call of God and for the goodness of all who trust me and support me in many ways. It’s a great calling, thank God.
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

Field Day
To celebrate La na gClub on 9th May, James Stephens GAA Club and St. Patrick’s Parish are holding a field day in the GAA grounds in Larchfield. Activities will include Cake and book stalls, Wheel of Fortune, BBQ, dog show, children’s events and schools painting competition plus many more fun events. You can help by letting us have your old books, baking a cake and passing on any unwanted toys etc. In good order. More details next week. All proceeds will be divided between club and parish. Please support your local community.

Is chronic illness part of your life?
Are you a carer or do you have a chronic health condition?
Would a Self-Management Programme help? Self management is about using simple skills to take control of the way you think and feel about your health condition/your caring situation and how you cope in everyday life. Six week courses will begin:
Tues 27th April, 10.00-12.30. The Core Clinic, Clonturbrid, Freshford.
For further information contact Anne Cody 0879028534, annecody@ceart.ie,or check the website www.ceartpatientwise.ie

Blessed Edmund Rice House, Westcourt, Callan
May week Masses for the blessings of Blessed Edmund Rice on our lives and for his canonisation.
MONDAY, 3rd May
Liturgy prepared by: Winegap Parish Community. Theme: Vocations
TUESDAY, 4th May
Liturgy prepared by: Dunamaggin Parish Community. Theme: Family
WEDNESDAY, 5th May
Feast Day of Blessed Edmund
Liturgy prepared by: Ballycallan, Kilmanagh & Killaloe Parish Community
Theme: Reconciliation
Celebrant: Most Rev. Seamus Freeman, Bishop of Ossory
THURSDAY, 6th May
Liturgy prepared by: Danesfort & Cuffesgrange Parish Community. Theme: Hope
FRIDAY, 7th May
Liturgy prepared by: Callan Parish Community. Theme: Suffering
N.B. Anointing of the sick will take place during this Mass

Trocaire
Trócaire has extended its sincere thanks to all of those who gave to their Haiti Emergency Appeal after the earthquake on January 12. Thursday marked 100 days since the disaster and Trócaire's work continues thanks to the kind donations of parishes all over the country. In all over €6million was given to Trócaire and already, working with the Caritas network, 900,000 people have been provided with shelter. Over one million have been given health care. Over one-and-a-half million have been given regular food supplies or hot meals. Over 200,000 people have already been given access to clean water or have been provided with hygiene kits. None of this could have been possible without your help. Go to www.trocaire.org to find out more about where your money is being spent. Go raibh míle maith agaibh!

Congratulations
We wish to extend hearty congratulations to St. Patrick’s Adult Folk Choir on their 20th anniversary of giving song and music at 7 o’clock mass. Keep up the good work. Best wishes from St. Fiacre’s Folk Choir.

More congratulations
Well done to all the young people from our parish schools who received this Sacrament of Confirmation this weekend. We pray that God’s Holy Spirit will light and guide their journey through this life an into the next.

Third Sunday of Easter, 18th April 2010

Jack-of-all-trades
Jack has been the most popular name for baby boys in Britain for 13 years running. In Ireland for a number of years it was the second most popular name to… yes, Seán. No playmate leapfrogging from John to Jack. It was up front, plain and simple, in-your-face-from-the-start, Jack. So what, you may ask. Well, it might indicate that the poetry of life has gone out the door for many parents and that a pedestrian prose has replaces it. If so, what a pity! With due apologies to the Jacks of all shades, the name does have its yawn factor. The equally soporific Charles, on the other hand, can be an intoxicant when followed by the name Dickens for collectors of curious. Proof? Well, a 150-year-old wine bottle of his sold for £1,500. Just the bottle, empty! But then, it did have part of a label on the outside and dried sediment on the inside. But it was the owner’s name that counted. Joe Blogg wouldn’t have got a look in.
Today’s First Reading refers to a name: As they left the council they rejoiced that they were considered worthy to suffer dishonour for the sake of the name. (Acts 5: 27-32, 40-41) If a famous name can add so much value to an otherwise worthless object how much more so the name of Jesus when branded by baptism on a human heart! It’s important that the ‘brand’ name ‘Christian’ be recognised through its bearer becoming ‘all things to all men’, and not just a Jack-of-all-trades to the few.
Fr. Tom Cahill SVD

Bereavement Support Group
The St. Patrick’s Parish Bereavement Support Group offers one-to-one support to bereaved parishioners. Telephone 086 162 9089 to make an appointment to meet members of the group, in the Parish Centre. This is a free and confidential service. Appointments necessary.

Happy Birthdays!
Congratulations and best wishes to Sr. Marie Joseph Fleming, St. John of God Convent who was 101 on Friday and to Margaret Cantwell, Drakelands Nursing Home (formerly St. Fiacre’s Place) who was 100 on Saturday!

Questions People Ask
Q. What do you think people who are officially signing themselves out of the Church?
A. I feel sorry for people who would deprive themselves of the privilege of participating with Jesus in the Eucharistic worship of the Father, and turn their backs on the astounding invitation to receive Jesus as the Bread of Life. The Lord’s presence in the Eucharist is not conditional on the holiness or sinfulness of the priest at the altar. It is a divine gift, not something of human making. The first person to say count-me-out was Judas as he left the Last Supper. The Gospel says that he went into the dark. Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

Pray for Our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Bill Brennan, Bodalmore. Dan Bolger, Bennettsbridge.
Anniversaries: Michael & Mary Burke (Sat 6.15), Margaret Banahan (Sat 7.00), Patrick Morris (Sun 9.30), Eileen Byrne (Sun 10.00), Billy & Ken Dunphy, Betty Byrne (Sun 12.00), Dick Keating (Sun 12.30), Johnny Cullen (Thurs 9.30), Andrew O’Neill (Thurs 10.30), Margaret Layton (Fri 10.30), Andrew O’Neill, Wendy Curly, Geraldine Carroll, Mary Muldowney, Eileen Mullins, Peggy & Michael Bourke, Patrick & Tom Delaney, Johnny Delaney, Mary Crotty, William Maher, Mary, Kate Coyne.
Intentions Next Weekend: Joe Brennan ( Sun 10.00), Michael Gaule (Sun 10.30), Pierce Grace (Sun 11.00), John Hennessy (Sun 12.30).

Spring Gardens
A meeting of volunteer gardeners for St. Patrick’s Parish Centre will take place in the Parish Centre on Thursday next, 22nd April at 7.30pm. More volunteers are needed and anyone interested will be most welcome.

Another Birthday!
Pope Benedict celebrated his birthday on Friday last and Monday, 19th April will be the 5th anniversary of his election as Pope.

St. Patrick’s Folk Choir
The very popular Folk Choir which provides music at the 7.00pm Mass on Saturdays celebrates its 20th birthday this year. To mark the occasion the choir will celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving in St. Patrick’s Church at 7.00pm on next Saturday evening. All former members are invited to attend and join in the singing.
A reception will be held in Delaney’s Bar, Patrick Street following the Mass. All past members and supporters welcome.

Polish Tragedy
MultiCity, the Polish Association in Kilkenny, has written: It is our great honour to invite you to attend the Mass which is going to take place on 18th April at 5.00pm on Sunday at St. John’s Church, Dublin Road. We would like to pay tribute to the victims of the tragedy which deeply affected our nation. The Mass is on the same day of their burial, let’s say a prayer all together along with participants of the ceremony in Krakow.

St. Vincent de Paul Society
The monthly collection for the local conference of the St. Vincent de Paul Society will be taken up at all Masses this weekend. Please support the local conference in these difficult times.
The local conference can be contacted at the Parish Centre on Monday evenings from 8.00pm or by telephone on 087 681 0589. All enquires are dealt with in strictest confidence.

Computer Classes
We will soon restart computer classes in the parish centre. The dates are: Monday 19th April, Friday 23rd April from 10am to 12 noon. If you are interested then contact Debbie on 087 968 5901. Beginners and more advanced are welcome. St. Patrick’s Parish Centre maintains a dedicated computer room for use in training and other computer related work.

Children with Special Needs
The annual diocesan church gate collection for children with special educational needs will take place this weekend. Please be generous.

Parish Confirmation
Almost 100 young people from schools within our parish will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation on next Saturday morning. Bishop Seamus will be on hand to confirm pupils from St. John of God Girls’ School, St. Patrick’s De La Salle Boys’ School, the School of the Holy Spirit and Kilkenny School Project. The ceremony will take place at St. Mary’s Cathedral and is timed to begin at 11.00am.

Parish Team
The members of the Parish Team are asked to attend a meeting at the Parish Centre on Thursday evening at 8.00pm.

Ossory Pilgrimage to Lourdes
The annual pilgrimage will be held from 22nd to 27th May inclusive. Insurance, flights, transfers, full board and pilgrimage programme costs €720. Contact Eleanor on 051 880 414 or email glenmore@ossory.ie weekdays, 10.30am to 2.30pm except Wednesdays.

Pilgrimage to Oberammergau
Gripped by war, poverty and plague, the villagers of Oberammergau, in Bavaria, southern Germany vowed to put on a ‘passion play’ every ten years… That was back in 1633. They survived, and performed the first Oberammergau Passion Play in 1634. Ever since, their descendants have carried out that pledge. For the past four centuries the tradition has continued, every ten years. Only villagers have been allowed to take part. And that is what will happen yet again in 2010
A small group parishioners from St. Patrick’s Parish has joined together to plan a pilgrimage/holiday around a trip to this year’s Passion Play. The group will be led by Ted Byrne and Fr. Dan Carroll and to date numbers about twelve people. Cost will be €1,675 and travel dates are 20th to 27th August inclusive. There is room for more travellers. Please contact the Parish Office at 056 776 4400, Ted Byrne or Fr. Dan for further details or booking forms. Non parishioners are also welcome.

Diamond Jubilee
We congratulate Sr. Agnes O’Dwyer of the St. John of God Community on her diamond jubilee of religious profession which she celebrated on last Thursday. Ad multos annos!

Listening Sessions
To enable him to listen to what people are feeling about the Church in the aftermath of the Ryan and Murphy Reports, Bishop Seamus Freeman is initiating a series of “Listening Sessions” throughout the diocese of Ossory. He writes: I am now asking the three Deanery Pastoral Councils to organise listening sessions that will give an opportunity to all the people of the diocese to express their feelings and have them heard. This will be the beginning of a process of reflective speaking, listening and discernment that will, I hope, be very fruitful as we move forward.
Dates and venues for people from our area will be announced very shortly.

Pilgrimage to Rome
Mooncoin Parish is organising a pilgrimage to Rome between 25th July and the 1st August.
Led by Fr. Eamonn O’Gorman PP, Mooncoin. Pilgrimage will include as the major sights of Rome. Trips to Assisi, Subiaco and Castelgandolfo will be included. Audience/Angelus with the Holy Father. Cost €1,195 (including taxes).
Places are limited so if you are interested in traveling please contact the Mooncoin Parish Office at 051 895 123. (Monday to Friday 9am - 12.30pm).

Come & See
Painting, flowers and portraits in pastel by Mary O’Brien, showing at Loughboy Library 12th to 26th April 2010. All welcome.

Parent and Toddler Group
The Loughboy Area Resource Centre Parent and Toddler Group runs every Wednesday morning from 10.30am to 12.30pm in the Resource Centre, Bishop Birch Training Institute, Nuncio Road. The group welcomes all parents and love to see you there. Contact Connie at 056 776 4700 for more information.

LARC Book Club
The book club is a new group which meets the second Monday of every month from 11.30am in Loughboy Area Resource Centre, Bishop Birch Training Institute, Nuncio Road. If you would like to take part contact Connie at 056 776 4700 to find out what book the group is currently reading.

Making a difference… in just a day
Happy Heart Weekend 13th - 15th May 2010
The Irish Heart Foundation is looking for volunteers who will come on board and help keep hearts beating this Happy Heart Weekend. With just one day of your time, or even less - volunteers can directly have an impact on saving a life - maybe even the life of someone they know. Make a difference - sign up today. Contact Ciara Mealy on 01 668 5001 or email cmeally@irishheart.ie or visit our website at www.happyheartweekend.ie.


Novena to the Sacred Heart
3—11 June 2010
We are all invited to make this Novena in our own homes, with friends and family in the Parish. This Novena is available in leaflet form (30c) or is published in the June issue of The Sacred Heart Messenger. Order you leaflets from: Messenger Publications, 37 Lower Leeson St, Dublin 2. Phone 01 676 7491. Email: sales @messenger.ie, www.messenger.ie

Holy Souls Crusade Pilgrimages
Divine Mercy, Krakow - 22nd - 29th August, 7 nights half - board. Visiting Czestochowa, Wadowice, Kalwaria & Zakopane. €640 - €250 deposit. Garbandal - 9th-16th October 7 nights (6 at full-board). Visiting Potes, Picos de Europa, Santo Toribio, Covadonga, Oviedo & Limpias, €630 - €250 deposit. Holy Land 2011 - assessing interest. Dates & costs to be arranged. Details: Mary Mullins 091 798407/0872255739

2nd Sunday of Easter, 11th April 2010

Gno your Genome
If you had $70,000 to spare you might want to buy the latest status symbol: a USB drive on a black velvet tray. But it’s not any old finger file. It contains a digital version of your genome; sequenced, decoded and ready for use. So far, fewer than one hundred of the world’s wealthiest individuals have succeeded in getting one. There were only three personalised genomes on the planet in 2007. Since then the waiting list has increased steadily, world recession not withstanding. The urge to splurge springs not from scientific interest but from self-interest. The file’s information may soon be able to tell its owner what he or she will die of. Consequently, they may be able to do something about it; thus thwarting the Grim Reaper’s unwelcome embrace – at least for a time.
That’s not the sort of healing we hear about, however, in today’s First Reading. (Acts 5:12-16) It’s completely unscientific and Spirit driven. Significantly, it’s more a case of seeking health than of thwarting death. As resurrection people we don’t fear death, whatever about the business of dying. At least, we shouldn’t. There is such a thing as a healthy acceptance of death as there is an unhealthy fear of it. Let’s go further. For people of faith death is never followed by a full stop. In our thoughts, however, sometimes it is. That’s why we need the Easter season – to remind us that death is not an ending of life but a beginning of resurrection. After all, we were born not for death but for eternal life.
Fr. Tom Cahill SVD

Computer Classes
We will soon restart computer classes in the parish centre.
The dates are: Monday 19th April, Friday 23rd April. If you are interested then contact Debbie on 087 9685901. Beginners and more advanced are welcome.
St. Patrick’s Parish Centre maintains a dedicated computer room for use in training and other computer related work.

Questions people ask
In the Gospel of John the Holy Spirit came on the Apostles on Easter Sunday whereas Luke, in Acts, says it was on Pentecost, fifty days later. Which date is correct?
First day of fiftieth? Both days are correct because the Holy Spirit comes every day. John highlights Easter Day as the beginning of a new age and mission. The mission of Jesus, sent by the Father, was completed on Good Friday. Now the mission of the Church begins….’so I am sending you’. The Holy Spirit is bestowed on the Apostles. As Luke emphasises the world-wide dimension of the mission, he selects Pentecost, a harvest festival, when people of far flung lands and different languages were gathered in Jerusalem.
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

Pray for Our Deceased
Recently Deceased: William Morris, Fr. Albert Place. Charles Blackmore, Rathleek, Rosemary Harrington, Edenvale Close. Matthew Keyes, England
Months Mind: Paddy Burke (Sat 7.00), Andy Henderson (Sun 12.30)
Anniversaries: Martin Hoyne (Sat 6.15), Sheila Keaney (Sun 10.30), Paddy McGrath (Sun 11.00), Denis Kavanagh (Sun 12.00), Michael O’Reilly (Mon 9.30), Eileen Mullins (Tues 10.30), Nancy Webster & Charlotte Lee (Wed 10.30), Michael & Mary Conway, Kate & Mary Mullally, Patrick Cahill, Kathleen Esmonde, William Nugent, Johnny Cullen, Patrick & Tom Delaney, Christina Walsh, Martin O’Driscoll, Peggy Beckett, Hannah Delaney, Michael Malone.
Intentions for next weekend
Anniversaries: Michael & Mary Burke (Sat 6.15, Margaret Banahan (Sat 7.00), Patrick Morris (Sun 9.30), Eileen Byrne (Sun 10.00), Dick Keating (Sun 12.30),

Get Out Your Knitting Needles
Knitting classes take place in the parish centre on Monday nights starting at 7.30pm. All are welcome to ‘Cast’ on.

Afternoon Bridge
Afternoon Bridge takes place in the Parish Centre every Tuesday from 3pm to 5pm. Everyone is welcome. No partner required and no competition, just come and play!

Parish Confirmation
Our Parish Confirmation will be held on the 24th April in St. Mary’s Cathedral. We keep in our prayers all who are about to receive this important sacrament.

Young at Heart
The Young at Heart Club will hold their usual meeting in the Parish Centre on Wednesday 14th of April. New members welcome.

St. Patrick’s Adult Folk Choir
The adult folk choir is celebrating its 20th year. To mark the occasion the choir will sing at a celebratory mass on Saturday, 24th April at 7pm in St. Patrick’s Church. They would love all former members to come and join them on this special evening. All are welcome. There will be a ‘get together’ after mass in Delaney’s, Patrick Street.

James Stephens GAA Club
The club will launch their development draw next Thursday 15th April at 8.30 pm in their club rooms in Larchfield. All are welcome to attend.
A Field Day will be held in Larchfield grounds on May 9th—Lá na gClub—details to follow.

Life in the Spirit Novena
The Novena takes place in Castlecomer Church every Tuesday starting at 7:45pm. Dates are: April 13th, 20th , 27th, May 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th. Mass of Thanksgiving on Monday May 30th at 7:45pm.
Speakers are Eddie Stones, Fr. Cathal Price, Fr. Thady Doyle, Bishop Freeman, Fr. Damien Ryan, Mgr. Pat Lynch, Miriam McGee and Don Devaney. All are welcome to attend and take part.

Springtime
A meeting of the voluntary gardeners for the Parish Centre Gardens will take place on Wednesday 14th April at 7.30pm in the Parish Centre. Current volunteers and those who would like to be involved in maintaining the gardens are very welcome to attend.

Horticultural Society
The society is holding a lecture on ‘Planting Roses, Garden and Herbivorous Plant Maintenance’ Lecture by Patrick Comerford. Raffle and plant sale. Venue is Club House Hotel and admission is €5.

Divine Mercy Sunday
This Sunday is Divine Mercy Sunday. A celebration in honour of the Divine Mercy will place in the Friary Church this Sunday 11th from 2pm to 5pm. All are welcome.
St. Patrick’s Church recently received a lovely picture of the Divine Mercy from two parishioners and we are grateful to them. It is placed next to our Lady at the sacristy door.

Loughboy Library News
Read Yourself Well—A Bibliotherapy Collection for the family.
A stock of self-help books to assist with a variety of mental health issues that may affect families has been introduced to Loughboy Library.
These books have been recommended by psychologists, counsellors and psychotherapists working in Ireland. Titles available can be accessed online at www.kilkennylibrary.ie under the Family Reading List or by calling into the library and asking for the Bibliotherapy Collection.
Remember, library membership is free if you are unwaged.
Well done to the library for their excellent service to the public.

Parish Website
Suggestions? Comments? Please let us know: www.patricksparish.com

The Popes Pastoral Letter
Following the recent publication of Pope Benedict's Pastoral Letter to the Catholics of Ireland which was positively received by most people, it is now time to implement some of the requests our Holy Father has made of us.
‘I now invite all of you to devote your Friday penances, for a period of one year, between now and Easter 2011, to this intention. I ask you to offer up your fasting, your prayer, your reading of Scripture and your works of mercy in order to obtain the grace of healing and renewal for the Church in Ireland. I encourage you to discover anew the sacrament of Reconciliation and to avail yourselves more frequently of the transforming power of its grace.
Particular attention should also be given to Eucharistic adoration, and in every diocese there should be churches or chapels specifically devoted to this purpose.’
(Section 14 of Pastoral Letter).
Starting next Friday, we plan to hold an hour’s exposition in St. Patrick’s and St. Fiacre’s Church. At the masses on Friday, the Pope’s prayer will be read and then after mass, exposition will take place.
There is already exposition taking place in St. Patrick’s Church every Friday.
In addition we will begin an hour’s exposition every Friday in St. Fiacre’s Church from 11am to 12noon for the grace of healing and renewal in our Church in Ireland. We invite all who would like to be part of this special prayer to attend either Church on the Friday and offer this holy hour.
If this is not possible due to other commitments, we can still offer up our fasting, scripture reading and works of mercy for this intention. Keep in mind that fasting doesn’t have to be food, it could be giving up some special treat or something you enjoy on Friday’s instead.
This is the beginning of our pastoral response to healing the hurt which scandals and cover-ups have caused. It’s a small but important beginning. Do join us if you can.
For those who haven’t yet read the Pope’s letter there are copies available in the porches of all our church’s and the letter is available on our website.

Parish Centre Shop
Our parish shop is proving to be a great success with a wide variety of religious goods on sale.
There are many items available for Confirmations and First Communions. Feel free to have a look and see.

Parish Envelopes
Virtually all the new parish envelopes have been distributed by now and we’re grateful to all who took the time to distribute these. Thanks also to everyone who contributes using these envelopes and by standing order. We greatly appreciate your support. Didn’t receive any? Contact the parish office.

Easter Sunday 4th April 2010

Happy Easter
The priests and members of the St. Patrick’s Parish Team wish all in our community a very happy Easter. May the blessings of the Lord’s resurrection give us new hope and strengthen our faith.

Holy Week Liturgies
Thanks to all who helped celebrate our Holy Week Liturgies. Many people worked away in the background while others came forward to help in the sanctuary. Thanks to one and all.
Thanks also to all who attended our Holy Week Liturgies. It was uplifting to join in prayer with so many like-minded people from within our community and beyond.

Easter Week in our Parish
Mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick’s Church at 11.00am each morning during the coming week. Please note: there will be no 9.30am Mass at St. Patrick’s Church and no 10.30am Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church.

Blessed Sacrament Exposition
All are invited to come to St. Fiacre’s Church at any time between 11.00am and 10.00pm on Monday to spend some time in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.

Parish Envelopes
New sets of parish contribution envelopes are being distributed at the moment. Distributers who have not yet received their envelopes from the Parish Office are asked to contact Fr. Liam during the week (776 4400).
Parishioners who do not receive an envelope pack within the next few weeks are asked to contact the Parish Office (776 4400). Those who have not received contribution envelopes in the past and wish to contribute to the parish and priests in this way should contact the Parish Office and request a pack.
We take this opportunity to thank those who contribute to the parish and priests through the envelope pack and/or standing orders.

Surfing in the Highest
According to The Times newspaper (14/12/2009) millions of young people in Britain are lonely despite having hundreds of so-called ‘friends’ on social networking sites. Presumably Britain is not alone in this. Those who seek friends at arms-length are bound to be unhappy. Friendship is intended to be right up close and personal. Virtual reality can’t substitute for the real thing. Surfing the Net may seem cool, bright and breezy, even exciting; but it’s well to remember that it’s not called ‘the net’ for nothing. Being trapped by virtual friendships that may well be just illusionary, if not downright predatory, won’t fill the void within an individual. The survey of more than 2,000 adults found that loneliness was a major worry for 21 per cent of people aged 18-24, compared with only 8 per cent of those aged 55 and over. Easter Sunday is the Church’s most important celebration. It may seen a bit of virtual reality to some, but not to those of faith. Jesus came right up close and personal to bring us resurrection. Today’s Second Reading (Col 3:1-4) tells us what we should be ‘surfing’ for: the things that are above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. The ‘catch’, if you want to call it that, is that resurrection can’t be found in virtual reality. You won’t find it outside daily living with those who like and dislike. Resurrection is rising through reality – even because of reality – to the glory God has in store for those who value real friends in real life.
Fr. Tom Cahill SVD

St. Patrick’s Adult Folk Choir
The Adult Folk Choir is celebrating its 20th year since formation. To mark the occasion the choir will sing at a celebratory Mass on Saturday, 24th April at 7pm in St. Patrick’s Church. They would love all former members to come and join them on this special evening. All are welcome.
There will be a ‘get together’ after Mass in Delaney’s, Patrick Street.

Questions People Ask
Q. Why isn’t there a set date for Easter as for Christmas? Wouldn’t it be much more practical for arranging school terms, holidays, etc?
A. We celebrate Easter on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the Spring Equinox, that is, 21st March. This ancient tradition developed from the Jewish Passover. By taking account of the cycle of the sun and the phase of the moon, the resurrection is connected to the entire universe. It points to the exalted position of Jesus Christ, the Beginning and the End, to whom all the time belongs and all creation. Having a set date for Easter might be practical, but we need reminders that there is more to life and religion than practical planning. Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

Pray for Our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Eileen Martin, late of Newpark, Kilkenny. Requiem Mass at St. John’s Church at 12.00 noon on Sunday followed by burial at St. Kieran’s Cemetery. Patrick Burke, Kells Road. Michael (Mick) Grace, Palmerstown.

Months Mind: Matthew Gleeson (Sun 12.00)

Anniversaries: Josephine O’Neill (Sun 10.00); Sheila Ramsbottom (Thur 11.00), Pope John Paul II; Martin & Elizabeth Brennan; Edward, Mary & Theresa McDonald; Mary Lawlor; Paddy Slattery; Neil Cooke; Paddy & Billy Cleere; Ellen Kelly; Alan Kelly.

Intentions for next weekend: Martin Hoyne (Sat 6.15); Paddy Burke (Sat 7.00 Months Mind); Sheila Keaney (Sun 10.30); Paddy McGrath (Sun 11.00); Denis Kavanagh (Sun 12.00); Andy Henderson (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, 4th April at 3pm. Come and celebrate the Risen Christ.

A Walk on the White Side
An exhibition of Paintings by Pat Holland now showing at Loughboy Library. The exhibition runs until 10th April.

St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society
The April meeting of the St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society will take place on Friday 16th April (not on the second Friday) due to the Easter Break. New members always welcome.

Healing Service
A healing service will take place in St. Fiacre’s church on Thursday, 15th April at 7.30pm. Healing service and Mass in St. Fiacre’s Church on Thurs 29th April at 7.30pm.

IHCPT Lourdes Pilgrimage
Fr. Dan and a number of local volunteers head to Lourdes with the Irish Children’s Pilgrimage Trust very early on this Easter Sunday morning. The Trust raises money and brings young people with special needs to Lourdes each Easter. Adult helpers pay for themselves but agree to raise funds to provide for the young people. Funds were particularly low this year and the members of the local group would like to say a special thank you to those who supported our fundraisers so generously. Your generosity enabled us to reach our target once again.
A special Trust Mass will be celebrated in Lourdes on Thursday morning next at 9.00am (Irish time). The Trust group will also be at the grotto for Mass on Friday morning at 7.30am (Irish time). Both of these celebrations will be broadcast live on the internet at www.lourdes-france.com

Fundraiser
The Irish Professional Photographers Association are fundraising for the Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland. The money raised in Kilkenny will go to providing isolation facilitates for people living with CF in the area should they need hospitalisation. The local participating photographer is Maria of Kilkenny (Oliver’s) on High St. For a donation €25 to CFAI we will provide a mini portrait session and desk portrait. 100% of all monies raised will go to the charity. This is the 5th year of the event and we have raised €180,000 so far.

Trócaire Family Fast Boxes
Thanks to all who contributed to Trócaire during Lent by using the Family Fast Boxes. Please return the contents to our church as soon as possible and the money will be forwarded to Trócaire on your behalf. It is possible to write a cheque for the amount collected and forward it directly to Trócaire - details on the boxes.

Westcourt News
The Mass for the blessings of Edmund Rice on our lives and for his canonisation will be celebrated in Westcourt on Monday, 5th April 2010 at 7.30pm. All are welcome.

Pilgrimage to Knock
There will be a pilgrimage to Knock Shrine on Sunday next the 11th April for Divine Mercy Sunday. A bus will run from the Parade, Kilkenny at 8am. Booking Murphy’s Boutique, 11 High Street, Kilkenny. Tel 056 772 1495.

Daffodil Day Thanks
A huge thank you to everyone who came out to support us on Daffodil Day Friday, 26th March! Whether you took to the streets and sold Daffodil Day merchandise or bought some on the day, please know we simply could not do it without you!
Every daffodil, keyring or pin sold allows the Irish Cancer Society to continue to provide information services and free cancer patient care.

Nursing Homes Support Scheme
A new scheme of financial support for long-term nursing home care has recently been introduced by the HSE. If you or a loved one is in need of nursing home care, or if you would simply like to find out more about the new scheme, please call the HSE Infoline on 1850 24 1850 and ask for information on the Nursing Homes Support Scheme, A Fair Deal. Alternatively, log on to www.dohc.ie/issues/fair_deal.

Eucharistic Ministers
A number of parishioners were commissioned as Ministers of the Eucharist on Holy Thursday evening and some more were recommissioned having served the parish for three and six years. Thanks to all who provide this wonderful service to the local community.

More on Envelope Distributors
We need distributors for the following areas:
Beechpark, Archers Avenue, and Castle Gardens. If you think you can help please contact Fr. Liam. Thanks once again.

Parish Office
The Parish Office will be closed this coming week. Notices can be left into the Parish Centre and to Fr. Liam (Green Door) or Fr. Roderick’s house (Red Door). Please do not leave notices into Fr. Dan’s.
Notices for the newsletter must be in by Thursday at the latest in order to guarantee publication. Thanks for your cooperation.