Response to Pope Benedict’s Letter to the People of Ireland
The first anniversary of the publication of the Pastoral Letter of Pope Benedict XVI to the Catholics of Ireland occurs on 19th March. To mark this event the Irish bishops wish to bring the following three important initiatives to the attention of the faithful: the publication of their pastoral response Towards Healing and Renewal; the new Catholic counselling and support service for survivors of abuse; and, the progress of listening and consultation exercises which have been taking place.
To mark this anniversary the bishops have published the pastoral response Towards Healing and Renewal. This outlines different undertakings that the bishops are making on the journey emphasised by the survivors of abuse. These steps include:
prayer for the survivors of abuse, including a commitment on the part of bishops to dedicate each First Friday to prayer and fasting in reparation for abuse and the failure to address it adequately;
a commitment to listening with sensitivity and care to the experiences of those who suffered abuse;
spiritual support to survivors of abuse who wish to avail themselves of it, including the opportunity for spiritual direction;
an ongoing commitment to creating a safer future for children in the Church in accordance with Safeguarding Children;
a review of Dioceses, Religious Congregations and Societies by the National Board for Safeguarding Children; and
ongoing financial support for the work of safeguarding and care.
Towards Healing and Renewal also includes ways in which parish communities can play their part in assisting the process of healing for survivors of abuse.
In February 2011 bishops, the Conference of Religious of Ireland and the Irish Missionary Union launched a new Catholic counselling and support service. This counselling service, which continues the important work of Faoiseamh, supports survivors of abuse in a professional and caring environment by providing a wide range of services, including Helpline and face-to-face Counselling. Healing Meetings, Group Work, Practical Workshops and a Social Worker/Bridging service designed to link survivors of abuse to other services relevant to their needs, such as the health, local authority, educational and social welfare services.
Over the last year, and prompted by Pope Benedict’s Pastoral Letter, listening and consultation exercises have been taking place in dioceses. These are continuing and are an important step on the journey of healing and renewal for the Church in Ireland.
Copies of the Bishops’ Pastoral are available in Church this weekend.
Questions People Ask
Q. The transfiguration was an occasion of great light, but what is the significance of the cloud? Was it to foretell the future suffering of Jesus?
A. You are on the right track in associating the cloud with the darkness of suffering. It was a bright cloud, showing that God was the light and voice behind that darkness. The people of the Exodus were led by a flame at night and a cloud by day. In the journey of faith we receive enough light to carry us through the dark times, but the cloud indicates that our limited human minds cannot fully grasp the gloriously bright reality of God. Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
Bishop Freeman’s Pastoral Letter
Bishop Séamus Freeman has written a Pastoral Letter to the people of the Diocese of Ossory. Copies of the Letter are available at the doors of the church this weekend. Please take a copy to every household.
Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2011
The annual Ossory Diocesan Pilgrimage to the shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes takes place from 22nd to 27th May 2011. Booking is now ongoing. Telephone Eleanor on 051 880 414 between 10.30am and 2.30pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. This year’s fare is €720 which includes airport transfers.
Searching for a Way Forward
Our Church is sinful and broken – have we embraced this reality fully? What does this reality say about us? What impact does it, or should it have on us? Surely there must be hope but what is it? Why not join us for two evenings as we explore these and other questions. The evenings are presented by Ossory Adult Faith Development and were postponed because of the bad weather in December.
Deciding to Stay? Looking for a renewed vision of Church! Speaker: Ann Daly. St. Patrick’s Parish Centre on Thursday, 24th March at 8.00pm.
“The people who have walked in darkness have seen a great light”: our search for that light today. Speaker: Fr. Dan Bollard. St. Patrick’s Parish Centre on Thursday, 31st March at 8.00pm. All are welcome.
Lenten Pilgrimage
Journey and Pilgrimage are special parts of our faith tradition. This Lent Ossory Adult Faith Development is offering two pilgrimages. We invite you to join us.
The first: for all members of Parish Pastoral Councils, those involved in parishes and anyone else who would like to join us for the afternoon, will take place as a walk by the river Barrow from St. Mullins to Graiguenamanagh with Evening Prayer in the beautiful Duiske Abbey. Departing St Kieran’s College at 2.30pm on Sunday 27th March a bus will take us to St. Mullins and later collect us in Graiguenamanagh before returning us to St Kieran’s by about 6.30/7.00pm. A nominal payment of €5 to help towards the cost of the bus is suggested but not necessary.
The second: for all those in the 20s, 30s, 40s or above, will take place on Slievenamon on Sunday 3rd April. Departing (2.30pm) from the Cross at the at the base of Slievenamon the group will walk to the summit taking the opportunity to reflect on the scenery and the world we look upon.
Please indicate your interest by contacting Ossory Adult Faith Development 775 3624, email afd@ossory.ie or text 086 609 7483.
Pray for our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Tony McEvoy, Shellumsrath. Fr. Philip O’Brien, Hexham & Newcastle, Requiem Mass at 2.00pm on Sunday in Callan Parish Church. Judith Murphy, 30 Shandon Park. Fintan Dooley, Shinrone, Co Offaly. Nancy Jordan, Thurles. Margaret Fahey, England.
Months Mind: Philomena Somers (Sat 6.15)
Anniversaries: Chris Kenny (Sun 7.00), Kathleen Grace & Anastasia Fitzpatrick (Sun 9.30), Bridie Carroll (Sun 10.00), Pat Delahunty (Sun 10.30), Pat Mullins (Sun 11.00) Michael McInerney (Sun 12.00), Andy Henderson (Sun 12.30), Des Cullen (Fri 10.30), Billy Wallace (Sat 9.30), Johanna, Philip & John Larkin, Mary Hickey, Patrick Brennan, Padraig Costello, William Meehan, Lou McCarthy, Tommy Long, Michael & Mary Conway, Mary Hickey, Fintan Dooley, Patrick Brennan, Ted Cornally, Joan & Jim Shortall, Benny Grogan, Tom McGrath, Michael Drennan, Eamon O’Neill, Bessie Buckley, The Mulvin & Stafford Families, Tom Kehoe, Mai McCann.
Intentions for next weekend: Paddy Tomney (Sat 6.15), Oliver Kelly (Sat 7.00), Mary Lawler (Sun 9.30), Margaret Dunne (Sun 11.00), Jane, Henry & Paddy Glynn (Sun 12.00), Ursula Maher (Months Mind 12.30).
Lenten Masses
Don’t forget we have an extra Lenten Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church at 6.15pm on weekdays.
Trócaire Fast Boxes
Please take a Trócaire Box home with you today and remember the world’s poor this Lent. For more information visit www.trocaire.org/lent or call 1850 408 408.
Children’s Liturgy Group
The Children’s Sunday 10.30am Mass continues during Lent. All children are welcome especially new comers! Participation by parents will be required and we would particularly welcome new ideas, new songs, even new musicians! Practice will take place in St Fiacre’s Church on Wednesday next at around 6.40pm (after the 6.15pm Mass). Please come along.
Weekly Envelope Collection
Last week’s envelope collection: €1,832.00. The new envelope packs are being prepared for distribution at the moment. Please advise the parish office if you didn’t receive envelopes last year and would like to contribute. Thanks.
Lenten Stations
This collection towards the incomes of the priests and bishop is due to be taken up this weekend. Please use the envelope in your contribution pack or any envelope marked “Stations”. Thanks for your generous support.
Seniors’ Housing
A house has become vacant at St. Fiacre’s Gardens. Application forms at the Parish Office.
Loughboy Library
Free Chess Lessons for Teenagers will commence this Friday at 6.30pm.
Dublin writer Hugh Fitzgerald Ryan will meet with readers and writers at the library on Thursday at 2pm - all are welcome.
A new Traveller Culture Collection has been added to our stock - these lovely colourful storybooks are suited to children of all ages.
St. Vincent De Paul Collection
The monthly collection for the local conference of the Society of St. Vincent De Paul will be taken up at all Masses this weekend. Please support this worthy cause. Thank you.
Bible Study
Sr. De Lourdes Sheridan continues a bible study in the Parish Centre on Tuesdays. The theme is “Women in the Scriptures”. Time: 10.00am to 12.15pm including a cup of tea. Cost: €5.00. All are welcome.
Surviving your Adolescents
The Shane & Jim O’Neill Spring School continues next Tuesday, 22nd March at 8.00pm, with a presentation by Dr. Fergus Heffernan.
Adolescents don’t have to drive you crazy, Living with a teenage is no picnic. There are times when you must bite your tongue as they push towards independence or if you sense there is trouble - there are times when you must take charges. The evening will give you a step by step approach that will help end the hassles and offer concrete solutions. Village Business Centre, Patrick Street. Booking 087 927 7479 (essential). Cost €10.
Seize the Moment
‘Thanks for coming’. ‘Thanks for having me’. ‘It’s great to see you’. ‘Welcome home’. Life is full of little opportunities to acknowledge the importance of the presence of other people. Moments like these cause us to pause and do something that can be a rare occurrence in our busy lives – appreciate others at the very time we are in their presence. Often we appreciate the presence of others most when we haven’t had ‘quality’ or ‘one-on-one’ time with them for a while. When Jesus brings Peter, James and John up the mountain, Peter realises that he is in the midst of a great moment. Not only are these three ‘inner circle’ disciples getting some alone time with their friend and teacher, but all the signs point to a greater presence in Jesus – his face shines like the sun, his clothes become brilliant white, Moses and Elijah appear. Overcome with the enormity of the occasion, Peter exclaims ‘Lord, it is wonderful for us to be here’. Many belief systems, and happily also many writers on Christian spirituality, have emphasised the value of living in the present moment and being fully aware of it. Fr Ronald Ronheiser writes: ‘Too often we are not present to the beauty, love, and grace that brim within the ordinary moments of our lives… The secret to prayer is not to try to make God present, but to make ourselves present to God.’ Peter recognised the importance of this moment in the presence of God. How often can we say the same? Triona Doherty
Looking for a career in Elder/Child care?
FETAC Level 5 Courses running in March/April:
Care of the Older person
Occupational First Aid
Both modules will be held in Carlow from 10.00am to 4.00pm.
Contact 059 91 42208 or visit www.visiontraining.ie to book
Platform FETAC Training Programme
Are you in receipt of an Unemployment Payment? FREE PLACES on Platform FETAC Training programme in Career Development, IT and Communications begins on 14th March in Bagenalstown Family Resource Centre. For further details contact Aislinn at Vision Training 059 9142208.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Sunday, March 13, 2011
First Sunday of Lent, 13th March 2011
An Epic Battle
‘I can resist everything except temptation’: the often quoted words of Lord Darlington in Oscar Wilde’s play Lady Windermere’s Fan. Temptation is part of the human condition, a side effect of having free will. And as if to prove just how human Jesus was, the Gospel of Matthew sees him enticed with some very human temptations. It is a very human Jesus who fasts for 40 days and 40 nights, after which, naturally, ‘he was very hungry’. There is something quite dramatic about the encounter between Jesus and the devil in today’s Gospel. It has always made me imagine how the scene would play out on the big screen as part of a movie, as the ultimate epic battle between God and the devil, good and evil. There is the desperate hunger of Jesus after 40 days of fasting, the invitation to throw himself off the temple, the offer of unlimited power. Unusually for the Gospels, the devil himself appears as a character, with supporting roles from the angels who look after Jesus after the devil has left. The dialogue is sharp; it is a battle of wills, but also of wits, and we wonder who will win. But the devil is no match for Jesus. He refuses to entertain the suggestions, and is equipped both with the relevant passages from scripture and a sense of his own purpose to see off the devil’s advances. Like Jesus we are all tempted by easy pleasures and powers. Are we armed to ward off the temptations that come our way?
Triona Doherty
Cake Sale and Coffee Morning
Fr. Dan, and all associated with the Children’s Pilgrimage Trust, would like to thank all who helped make last weekend’s cake sale and coffee morning such a huge success. We say a sincere thanks to those who organised the event, those who baked and provided produce and donations and, of course, to all who purchased the cakes. The proceeds amounted to €2,478.00 and the money will be used to help send eleven children with special needs to Lourdes this Easter. Further information is available on www.irishpilgrimagetrust.com We will remember you in prayer at Lourdes.
The Season of Lent
This holy season of preparation for the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus at Easter continues. We are delighted with the number of people making use of the extra Lenten weekday Mass in our parish. All are welcome to join us at St. Fiacre’s Church on weekday evenings at 6.15pm. (However, note there will be no evening Mass on St. Patrick’s Day).
Parish “Evening of Prayer”
You are invited to join with your neighbours and friends from St. Patrick’s Parish for an evening of prayer on this Monday, 14th March at Peace in Christ Retreat House, Sion Road, Kilkenny. Time: 8.00pm - 10.30pm. Contact Retreat House on 772 1054, Rena on 776 2923 or Adeline on 772 1665. All welcome. Why not make this part of your Lenten programme.
Bible Study
Sr. De Lourdes Sheridan will hold a bible study in the Parish Centre starting on Tuesday 15th March and continuing for 6 weeks. The theme will be “Women in the Scriptures”. Time: 10.00am to 12.15pm including a cup of tea. Cost: €5.00 per session. All are welcome.
Invitation to Lenten Pilgrimage
Journey and pilgrimage are special parts of our faith tradition and this Lent Ossory Adult Faith Development is offering two pilgrimages.
The first, aimed at Parish Pastoral Councils, will act as an aid in encouraging people to reflect on their role within the parish and their serving on the Pastoral Council. This walk is by the River Barrow from St. Mullins to Graiguenamanagh with Evening Prayer in Duiske Abbey. Departing St Kieran's College by bus at 2.30pm on Sunday 27th March.
The second, aimed at people in their 20s, 30s and 40s, will be a chance to reflect on where we are going in life, our priorities and goals. This pilgrimage walk will be up Slievenamon on Sunday, 3rd April, departing from the Cross at the base of Slievenamon.
Those interested are asked to contact Ossory Adult Faith Development on 775 3624, email afd@ossory.ie or text 086 609 7483.
St. Patrick’s Day
This is the feast of our national and parish patron. Masses will follow the usual weekend schedule. The 11.00am Mass at St. Patrick’s Church will be bilingual.
Trócaire Fast Boxes
Please take a Trócaire Box home with you today and remember the world’s poor this Lent. For more information visit www.trocaire.org/lent or call 1850 408 408.
Children’s Liturgy Group
The Children’s Sunday 10.30am Mass will begin for Lent on Sunday 20th March. All children are welcome especially new comers! Participation by parents will be required and we would particularly welcome new ideas, new songs, even new musicians! Practice will take place in St Fiacre’s Church on Wednesday next at around 6.40pm (after the 6.15pm Mass).
Pray for the Deceased
Recently Deceased: Jimmy Brennan, 6 Loughboy Park. Margaret Conway, Sligo. Francie Donnelly, Fatima Place. Fr. Phil O'Brien Hexam & Newcastle Diocese and late of Kells, Co. Kilkenny
Months Mind: Kathleen Maher (Sun 10.30)
Anniversaries: Eamon O’Toole (Sat 6.15), Vincent Morrissey (Sat 7.00), Ciss Lafferty (Sun 9.30), Margaret McGrath (Sun 10.00), Mary & Michael Brannigan (Sun 11.00), John Dooley (Sun 12.00), Lizzy Ryan (Sun 12.30), Tom Manogue (Wed 9.30), Brigid Eardly (Thur 10.00), Gerry & Mary Coyne (Thur 12.00), Paddy Larkin, Eamon Muldowney, John Tynan.
Intentions for next weekend: Philomena Somers (Months Mind Sat 6.15), Chris Kenny (Sun 7.00), Kathleen Grace & Anastasia Fitzpatrick (Sun 9.30), Bridie Carroll (Sun 10.00), Pat Delahunty (Sun 10.30), Pat Mullins (Sun 11.00) Michael McInerney (Sun 12.00), Andy Henderson (Sun 12.30).
Seniors’ Housing
A house has become vacant at St. Fiacre’s Gardens. Application forms will be available at the Parish Office from Tuesday next.
Revenue Charity Refund Scheme
Thanks to all who have returned completed Chy2 Certificates to enable us to reclaim some of the tax you contributed to the Revenue Commissioners last year. We appeal to all to return the completed certificates as soon as possible to enable us to submit our claim for 2010. Your kind cooperation with this scheme raised €42,814.95 for the parish last year.
“Words for Loss”
Kilkenny Bereavement Support is offering three talks during Lent on the area of loss, how it affects individuals and communities, how the bereaved can best cope with their loss, and how family, friends and neighbours can provide support to someone following a death. The talks will take place at 8.00pm in St. Patricks Parish Centre, Loughboy. 23rd March: “Bereavement and Loss”. 30th March: “Difficult Losses”. 6th April: “Being comfortable around one’s own loss and how to support others.”
For further information, contact Kilkenny Bereavement Support at 056 775 6538.
Novena to St. Joseph
The annual Mill Hill Missionaries Novena to St. Joseph continues until Saturday, 19th March – the Feast of St. Joseph. Novena Mass and Prayers each evening at 8.00pm in the Mill Hill Missionaries Chapel, St. Joseph’s, Waterford Road, Kilkenny.
Weekly Envelope Collection
Last week’s envelop collection: €1,410.00. The new envelope contribution packs are being prepared for distribution at the moment. Please advise the parish office if you didn’t receive envelopes last year and would like to contribute in this way. Thanks for your support.
Lenten Stations
This collection towards the incomes of the priests and bishop is due to be taken up this weekend. Please use the envelope in your contribution pack or any envelope marked “Stations”. Thanks for your generous support.
Parenting from the Inside Out
The Shane and Jim O’Neill Spring School is ongoing with the presentation on Tuesday 15th March entitled “Parenting from the Inside Out” This is a presentation that is particularly geared towards parents of children from 3 to 11 years of age. With humour, keen insight and proven experience, Dr. Heffernan breaks down the task of parenting into three straightforward jobs: Controlling Obnoxious Behaviour, Encouraging Good Behaviour, Strengthening your relationships. Discover how your silence can speak louder than your words – and enjoy your children again. Venue: Village Business Centre, Patrick Street (Over McDonalds). Date: Tuesday 15th March at 8.00pm. Presenter: Dr. Fergus Heffernan, with additional input from Mr. Richard Marnell, Youth and Adolescence Alcohol and Drugs Counsellor. Cost: €10; Booking 087 9277479 (booking essential).
Siamsoirí Kilkenny
This Irish traditional music fundraiser will take place in the St. Patrick’s Parish Centre on St. Patrick’s Day after the 10.30am Mass. Adults: €5, Students/Children: €3.00. All welcome to come and share our heritage.
Latin Mass
Traditional Latin Mass in honour of St. Joseph, Duiske Abbey, Graignamanagh, 2.00pm, Saturday, 19th March. Organised by St. Conleth's
Catholic Heritage Association.
Kilkenny Leader Partnership
Home, Health and Well Being course in Archer Street Centre, Loughboy. This 10 week course will commence on 21st March from 10am to 12am. Classes include: Cookery, Environmental Awareness, Basic DIY, Fashion and Beauty and Grow Your Own Vegetables. Course is free. Basic Welding Course for anyone on Social Welfare Payments. For more information or to register contact Connie on 086 771 8040 or Olivia on 086 501 972.
Art Classes
Art Classes continue in St. Patrick’s Parish Centre. New Members Welcome. Contact Eamonn 086 334 5144.
Cabaret in Aid of Ceart
Come along to the Village Inn, Patrick Street, Kilkenny and be entertained by “Johnny Hillman” and Guests from 9.00pm, on March 16th
next. It promises to be a great night - Bring your family and friends to support Ceart, your local Rehabilitation Therapy Service. Tickets €5 - available at the door or 775 5757.
Loughboy Library
Chess Lessons for Teenagers will commence on Friday March 25th. Book your free place on 7794176. Exhibition Space now available due to cancellation. The Writers Circle are welcoming Dublin author Hugh Fitzgerald Ryan to their weekly meeting on Thursday march 24th at 2pm.
‘I can resist everything except temptation’: the often quoted words of Lord Darlington in Oscar Wilde’s play Lady Windermere’s Fan. Temptation is part of the human condition, a side effect of having free will. And as if to prove just how human Jesus was, the Gospel of Matthew sees him enticed with some very human temptations. It is a very human Jesus who fasts for 40 days and 40 nights, after which, naturally, ‘he was very hungry’. There is something quite dramatic about the encounter between Jesus and the devil in today’s Gospel. It has always made me imagine how the scene would play out on the big screen as part of a movie, as the ultimate epic battle between God and the devil, good and evil. There is the desperate hunger of Jesus after 40 days of fasting, the invitation to throw himself off the temple, the offer of unlimited power. Unusually for the Gospels, the devil himself appears as a character, with supporting roles from the angels who look after Jesus after the devil has left. The dialogue is sharp; it is a battle of wills, but also of wits, and we wonder who will win. But the devil is no match for Jesus. He refuses to entertain the suggestions, and is equipped both with the relevant passages from scripture and a sense of his own purpose to see off the devil’s advances. Like Jesus we are all tempted by easy pleasures and powers. Are we armed to ward off the temptations that come our way?
Triona Doherty
Cake Sale and Coffee Morning
Fr. Dan, and all associated with the Children’s Pilgrimage Trust, would like to thank all who helped make last weekend’s cake sale and coffee morning such a huge success. We say a sincere thanks to those who organised the event, those who baked and provided produce and donations and, of course, to all who purchased the cakes. The proceeds amounted to €2,478.00 and the money will be used to help send eleven children with special needs to Lourdes this Easter. Further information is available on www.irishpilgrimagetrust.com We will remember you in prayer at Lourdes.
The Season of Lent
This holy season of preparation for the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus at Easter continues. We are delighted with the number of people making use of the extra Lenten weekday Mass in our parish. All are welcome to join us at St. Fiacre’s Church on weekday evenings at 6.15pm. (However, note there will be no evening Mass on St. Patrick’s Day).
Parish “Evening of Prayer”
You are invited to join with your neighbours and friends from St. Patrick’s Parish for an evening of prayer on this Monday, 14th March at Peace in Christ Retreat House, Sion Road, Kilkenny. Time: 8.00pm - 10.30pm. Contact Retreat House on 772 1054, Rena on 776 2923 or Adeline on 772 1665. All welcome. Why not make this part of your Lenten programme.
Bible Study
Sr. De Lourdes Sheridan will hold a bible study in the Parish Centre starting on Tuesday 15th March and continuing for 6 weeks. The theme will be “Women in the Scriptures”. Time: 10.00am to 12.15pm including a cup of tea. Cost: €5.00 per session. All are welcome.
Invitation to Lenten Pilgrimage
Journey and pilgrimage are special parts of our faith tradition and this Lent Ossory Adult Faith Development is offering two pilgrimages.
The first, aimed at Parish Pastoral Councils, will act as an aid in encouraging people to reflect on their role within the parish and their serving on the Pastoral Council. This walk is by the River Barrow from St. Mullins to Graiguenamanagh with Evening Prayer in Duiske Abbey. Departing St Kieran's College by bus at 2.30pm on Sunday 27th March.
The second, aimed at people in their 20s, 30s and 40s, will be a chance to reflect on where we are going in life, our priorities and goals. This pilgrimage walk will be up Slievenamon on Sunday, 3rd April, departing from the Cross at the base of Slievenamon.
Those interested are asked to contact Ossory Adult Faith Development on 775 3624, email afd@ossory.ie or text 086 609 7483.
St. Patrick’s Day
This is the feast of our national and parish patron. Masses will follow the usual weekend schedule. The 11.00am Mass at St. Patrick’s Church will be bilingual.
Trócaire Fast Boxes
Please take a Trócaire Box home with you today and remember the world’s poor this Lent. For more information visit www.trocaire.org/lent or call 1850 408 408.
Children’s Liturgy Group
The Children’s Sunday 10.30am Mass will begin for Lent on Sunday 20th March. All children are welcome especially new comers! Participation by parents will be required and we would particularly welcome new ideas, new songs, even new musicians! Practice will take place in St Fiacre’s Church on Wednesday next at around 6.40pm (after the 6.15pm Mass).
Pray for the Deceased
Recently Deceased: Jimmy Brennan, 6 Loughboy Park. Margaret Conway, Sligo. Francie Donnelly, Fatima Place. Fr. Phil O'Brien Hexam & Newcastle Diocese and late of Kells, Co. Kilkenny
Months Mind: Kathleen Maher (Sun 10.30)
Anniversaries: Eamon O’Toole (Sat 6.15), Vincent Morrissey (Sat 7.00), Ciss Lafferty (Sun 9.30), Margaret McGrath (Sun 10.00), Mary & Michael Brannigan (Sun 11.00), John Dooley (Sun 12.00), Lizzy Ryan (Sun 12.30), Tom Manogue (Wed 9.30), Brigid Eardly (Thur 10.00), Gerry & Mary Coyne (Thur 12.00), Paddy Larkin, Eamon Muldowney, John Tynan.
Intentions for next weekend: Philomena Somers (Months Mind Sat 6.15), Chris Kenny (Sun 7.00), Kathleen Grace & Anastasia Fitzpatrick (Sun 9.30), Bridie Carroll (Sun 10.00), Pat Delahunty (Sun 10.30), Pat Mullins (Sun 11.00) Michael McInerney (Sun 12.00), Andy Henderson (Sun 12.30).
Seniors’ Housing
A house has become vacant at St. Fiacre’s Gardens. Application forms will be available at the Parish Office from Tuesday next.
Revenue Charity Refund Scheme
Thanks to all who have returned completed Chy2 Certificates to enable us to reclaim some of the tax you contributed to the Revenue Commissioners last year. We appeal to all to return the completed certificates as soon as possible to enable us to submit our claim for 2010. Your kind cooperation with this scheme raised €42,814.95 for the parish last year.
“Words for Loss”
Kilkenny Bereavement Support is offering three talks during Lent on the area of loss, how it affects individuals and communities, how the bereaved can best cope with their loss, and how family, friends and neighbours can provide support to someone following a death. The talks will take place at 8.00pm in St. Patricks Parish Centre, Loughboy. 23rd March: “Bereavement and Loss”. 30th March: “Difficult Losses”. 6th April: “Being comfortable around one’s own loss and how to support others.”
For further information, contact Kilkenny Bereavement Support at 056 775 6538.
Novena to St. Joseph
The annual Mill Hill Missionaries Novena to St. Joseph continues until Saturday, 19th March – the Feast of St. Joseph. Novena Mass and Prayers each evening at 8.00pm in the Mill Hill Missionaries Chapel, St. Joseph’s, Waterford Road, Kilkenny.
Weekly Envelope Collection
Last week’s envelop collection: €1,410.00. The new envelope contribution packs are being prepared for distribution at the moment. Please advise the parish office if you didn’t receive envelopes last year and would like to contribute in this way. Thanks for your support.
Lenten Stations
This collection towards the incomes of the priests and bishop is due to be taken up this weekend. Please use the envelope in your contribution pack or any envelope marked “Stations”. Thanks for your generous support.
Parenting from the Inside Out
The Shane and Jim O’Neill Spring School is ongoing with the presentation on Tuesday 15th March entitled “Parenting from the Inside Out” This is a presentation that is particularly geared towards parents of children from 3 to 11 years of age. With humour, keen insight and proven experience, Dr. Heffernan breaks down the task of parenting into three straightforward jobs: Controlling Obnoxious Behaviour, Encouraging Good Behaviour, Strengthening your relationships. Discover how your silence can speak louder than your words – and enjoy your children again. Venue: Village Business Centre, Patrick Street (Over McDonalds). Date: Tuesday 15th March at 8.00pm. Presenter: Dr. Fergus Heffernan, with additional input from Mr. Richard Marnell, Youth and Adolescence Alcohol and Drugs Counsellor. Cost: €10; Booking 087 9277479 (booking essential).
Siamsoirí Kilkenny
This Irish traditional music fundraiser will take place in the St. Patrick’s Parish Centre on St. Patrick’s Day after the 10.30am Mass. Adults: €5, Students/Children: €3.00. All welcome to come and share our heritage.
Latin Mass
Traditional Latin Mass in honour of St. Joseph, Duiske Abbey, Graignamanagh, 2.00pm, Saturday, 19th March. Organised by St. Conleth's
Catholic Heritage Association.
Kilkenny Leader Partnership
Home, Health and Well Being course in Archer Street Centre, Loughboy. This 10 week course will commence on 21st March from 10am to 12am. Classes include: Cookery, Environmental Awareness, Basic DIY, Fashion and Beauty and Grow Your Own Vegetables. Course is free. Basic Welding Course for anyone on Social Welfare Payments. For more information or to register contact Connie on 086 771 8040 or Olivia on 086 501 972.
Art Classes
Art Classes continue in St. Patrick’s Parish Centre. New Members Welcome. Contact Eamonn 086 334 5144.
Cabaret in Aid of Ceart
Come along to the Village Inn, Patrick Street, Kilkenny and be entertained by “Johnny Hillman” and Guests from 9.00pm, on March 16th
next. It promises to be a great night - Bring your family and friends to support Ceart, your local Rehabilitation Therapy Service. Tickets €5 - available at the door or 775 5757.
Loughboy Library
Chess Lessons for Teenagers will commence on Friday March 25th. Book your free place on 7794176. Exhibition Space now available due to cancellation. The Writers Circle are welcoming Dublin author Hugh Fitzgerald Ryan to their weekly meeting on Thursday march 24th at 2pm.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time 6th March 2011
Flimsy Foundations
What a fall it had, that house built on sand. On summer holidays as a child, the challenge was always choosing the right place on the beach to build your sandcastles. Too far up the beach and the sand was too dry to stick together. Too close to the water and the whole thing could be swept away with one big wave. It’s how I imagine the house in today’s Gospel, with its flimsy foundations, would fall.
There are times when we are called to reflect on the foundations on which we build our lives. We have recently enough had to come to terms with just how shaky the foundations of our ‘Celtic Tiger’ were, how easily economic and political forces could pull asunder the security we thought we had. But what about our faith?
I have always liked the quote commonly attributed to St Francis of Assisi (though it did not actually appear in his writings): ‘Preach the Gospel; if necessary use words.’ I don’t think it is an argument for foregoing the proclamation of the Gospel in favour of good deeds and social action. Jesus is clear in today’s Gospel that he wants people to listen to his words and to act on them. We are to proclaim Christ not only with our lips but with our actions; that is the rock solid foundation.
Triona Doherty
Questions People Ask
Q. What do you think of people who are always praying or reading holy books but never lift a hand to help somebody?
A. These people are said to be so heavenly minded that they are no earthly good. It is a false piety which is used as an escape from the harsh demands of practical charity.
In today’s Gospel Jesus touches on the point: ‘It is not those who say to me “Lord, Lord”, who will enter the kingdom of heaven but the person who does the will of my Father in heaven.’
Talk is cheap and actions speak more loudly than words. St John asked, how can you say you love God whom you’ve never seen if you don’t love the person whom you do see?
Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
Pray For Our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Helen Cornally, 22 St. Fiacre’s Place. Kathleen Dwyer, Greensbridge. Anne Lydon, Vancouver Canada. Fr. Joe Feely, Salford, Manchester.
Months Mind: Dympna O’Byrne (Sat 6.15), Ann Nolan (Sun 9.30), Tommy Hickey (Sun 10.00).
Anniversaries: Pat Adams (Sat 7.00), Eileen Hickey & Kieran Hickey (Sun 10.00), Margaret McGrath (Sun 10.30), Evelyn Herlihy & Christian Maher (Sun 11.00), Michael Brophy (Sun12.00), Lulu Lynch (Sun 12.30), TP McKenna (Mon 10.30), Bobby Brannigan (Fri 9.30), John Barry (Fri 10.30), Olive Malone (Fri 6.15), John & Kitty Cleere, Margaret Nyhan, Patrick Leahy, Noel Glynn, John Hodge, Dolly Blanch, Tom Manogue, Sr. Teresa Landy, Michael & Mary Tyrrell, Denis Gorey, Bishop Peter Birch.
Intentions for Next Weekend: Eamon O’Toole (Sat 6.15), Vincent Morrissey (Sat 7.00), Ciss Leahy (Sun 9.30), Margaret McGrath (Sun 10.00), Kathleen Maher (Months Mind Sun 10.30), Mary & Michael Brannigan (Sun 11.00), John Dooley (Sun 12.00), Lizzy Ryan (Sun 12.30).
Novena to St. Joseph
The annual Mill Hill Missionaries Novena to St. Joseph begins on Friday, 11th of March and finishes on Saturday, 19th March – the Feast of St. Joseph. Novena Mass and Prayers each evening at 8.00pm in the Mill Hill Missionaries Chapel, St. Joseph’s, Waterford Road, Kilkenny. Fr. Maurice McGill, MHM Regional Superior, will be celebrate the closing Mass on the Feast of St. Joseph -Saturday, 19th of March - at 8pm.
Westcourt News
The monthly Mass to pray for intercession of Blessed Edmund Rice and for his canonisation will be celebrated in Westcourt, Callan on Monday, 7th March at 7.30pm.
Church Gate Collection
The recent collection for the Senior Citizens of our Parish amounted to €1,025.07. Thanks
Ash Wednesday
Next Wednesday is Ash Wednesday and is the beginning of the Season of Lent. At our morning Masses we will bless ashes and begin our Lenten observance.
On Ash Wednesday (and for all the weekdays of Lent), there will be an evening Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church at 6.15pm.
There will be an extra Mass at Foulkstown at 7.00pm on Ash Wednesday which RTE will broadcast on LW 252. This is the first Ash Wednesday religious broadcast by RTE and all are welcome.
Extra Lenten Mass
As mentioned above, there will be an evening Mass on each weekday evening of Lent starting at 6.15pm. This is a very popular celebration for people wishing to make Mass a part of their Lenten observance. All are welcome to join us. Our morning Masses remain at the usual times: St. Patrick’s Church at 9.30am and St. Fiacre’s Church at 10.30am.
Evening of Prayer and Reflection
The sisters and staff at Peace in Christ Retreat House invite the people of St. Patrick’s Parish to an evening of Prayer and Reflection at Peace in Christ, Sion Road on Monday, 14th March. The sisters look forward to welcoming the people of our parish and to exploring the gospel in a creative, prayerful atmosphere. The evening starts at 8.00pm and concludes at about 10.30pm. All are welcome.
Bible Study
Sr. De Lourdes Sheridan will hold a bible study in the Parish Centre starting on Tuesday 15th March and continuing for 6 weeks. The theme will be “Women in the Scriptures”. Time: 10.00am to 12.15pm including a cup of tea. Cost: €5.00. All are welcome.
St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society
The monthly meeting of the St. Patrick’s Parish branch of the St. Joseph's Young Priests Society will take place on Friday, 11th March in the Parish Centre immediately after the 10.30am Mass. All are welcome.
Through Lent to Easter
The Adult Faith Development Group in our diocese has organised a short course during Lent for all involved in the liturgical, prayer and music ministries in the parishes of Ossory. It is a chance for us to come together to reflect on how we celebrate Lent as a personal journey and community experience.
These evenings are particularly aimed at Eucharistic ministers; lectors; baptismal teams; choirs; sacristans and indeed anyone who has an interest in the celebration of Lent as a time of preparation for Easter.
Fortunately for our parishioners the venue is St Patrick's Parish Centre, from 7.30 - 8.30pm on the following evenings:- Tuesday, 8th March: The liturgical history of Lent; Tuesday, 15th March: Celebrating Lent as a Parish Community; Tuesday, 22nd March: The Music of Lent; Tuesday, 29th March: Experiencing Reconciliation in Lent.
The course is presented by Fr Willie Purcell and we encourage all, especially those involved in parish liturgical ministry, to attend.
St. Patrick’s Church
During the week, engineers will begin work on the heating system in St. Patrick’s Church. This is to allow essential maintenance and we hope to keep disruption to a minimum. However, it may mean the church will be without heat on certain days and we hope this won’t inconvenience people.
This work is part of the ongoing maintenance carried out on all our churches. Recently the lighting system was upgraded at St. Joseph’s Church and a security system installed in St. Patrick’s Church.
Cake Sale and Coffee Morning
There will be a Cake Sale at the Parish Centre after all Masses at St. Fiacre’s Church this weekend. Coffees/Teas will also be served after the Sunday morning Masses. This is to help raise funds to enable young people with special needs to travel to Lourdes at Easter. The event is organised by Group 174 of the Irish Pilgrimage Trust. www.ihcpt.com
Building Resilience in Families
The Shane and Jim O’Neill Spring School presents an education programme focusing on building resilience in families. The presentation on Tuesday, 8th March at 8pm is “Understanding Mental Health” How to Understand and Protect your Families Mental Health. Presenter: Dr. Fergus Heffernan Psychologist. Venue: Village Business Centre (over McDonalds), Patricks Street. Kilkenny. Booking (essential) 087 927 7479. Cost €10. See poster in church for details.
The Year of the Hiker
Dawn Players present John B Kean’s The Year of the Hiker at the Watergate Theatre on this Saturday evening. Tickets at €12 are available at the door. This event is to raise money for Group 191 of the Irish Pilgrimage Trust.
Weekly Envelope Collection
Last week’s envelop collection: €1,060. The new envelope contribution packs are prepared for distribution. Please contact the parish office if you didn’t receive envelopes last year and would like to contribute to the parish in this way. Thank you for your support.
St. John of God
We celebrate St. John of God’s feast day on Tuesday. As we do we wish the sisters in our parish a very happy feast day.
Rosary
Monthly rosary at the statue of Our Lady of Kilkenny on Sunday 6th March at 3pm.
Church Gate Collection
The Annual Church Gate Collection for the School of the Holy Spirit will take place next weekend. Please support.
Siamsoirí Kilkenny
This Irish traditional music fundraiser will take place in the St. Patrick’s Parish Centre on St. Patrick’s Day after the 10.30am Mass. Adults: €5, Students/Children: €3.00. All welcome.
Journey to Freedom
John Pridmore’s new book, Journey to Freedom, is out now. John speaks bluntly about the deceptions of the world he was in and openly about the foundation of his new life. Price €12.50 on www.johnpridmore.com or any good bookshop.
What a fall it had, that house built on sand. On summer holidays as a child, the challenge was always choosing the right place on the beach to build your sandcastles. Too far up the beach and the sand was too dry to stick together. Too close to the water and the whole thing could be swept away with one big wave. It’s how I imagine the house in today’s Gospel, with its flimsy foundations, would fall.
There are times when we are called to reflect on the foundations on which we build our lives. We have recently enough had to come to terms with just how shaky the foundations of our ‘Celtic Tiger’ were, how easily economic and political forces could pull asunder the security we thought we had. But what about our faith?
I have always liked the quote commonly attributed to St Francis of Assisi (though it did not actually appear in his writings): ‘Preach the Gospel; if necessary use words.’ I don’t think it is an argument for foregoing the proclamation of the Gospel in favour of good deeds and social action. Jesus is clear in today’s Gospel that he wants people to listen to his words and to act on them. We are to proclaim Christ not only with our lips but with our actions; that is the rock solid foundation.
Triona Doherty
Questions People Ask
Q. What do you think of people who are always praying or reading holy books but never lift a hand to help somebody?
A. These people are said to be so heavenly minded that they are no earthly good. It is a false piety which is used as an escape from the harsh demands of practical charity.
In today’s Gospel Jesus touches on the point: ‘It is not those who say to me “Lord, Lord”, who will enter the kingdom of heaven but the person who does the will of my Father in heaven.’
Talk is cheap and actions speak more loudly than words. St John asked, how can you say you love God whom you’ve never seen if you don’t love the person whom you do see?
Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
Pray For Our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Helen Cornally, 22 St. Fiacre’s Place. Kathleen Dwyer, Greensbridge. Anne Lydon, Vancouver Canada. Fr. Joe Feely, Salford, Manchester.
Months Mind: Dympna O’Byrne (Sat 6.15), Ann Nolan (Sun 9.30), Tommy Hickey (Sun 10.00).
Anniversaries: Pat Adams (Sat 7.00), Eileen Hickey & Kieran Hickey (Sun 10.00), Margaret McGrath (Sun 10.30), Evelyn Herlihy & Christian Maher (Sun 11.00), Michael Brophy (Sun12.00), Lulu Lynch (Sun 12.30), TP McKenna (Mon 10.30), Bobby Brannigan (Fri 9.30), John Barry (Fri 10.30), Olive Malone (Fri 6.15), John & Kitty Cleere, Margaret Nyhan, Patrick Leahy, Noel Glynn, John Hodge, Dolly Blanch, Tom Manogue, Sr. Teresa Landy, Michael & Mary Tyrrell, Denis Gorey, Bishop Peter Birch.
Intentions for Next Weekend: Eamon O’Toole (Sat 6.15), Vincent Morrissey (Sat 7.00), Ciss Leahy (Sun 9.30), Margaret McGrath (Sun 10.00), Kathleen Maher (Months Mind Sun 10.30), Mary & Michael Brannigan (Sun 11.00), John Dooley (Sun 12.00), Lizzy Ryan (Sun 12.30).
Novena to St. Joseph
The annual Mill Hill Missionaries Novena to St. Joseph begins on Friday, 11th of March and finishes on Saturday, 19th March – the Feast of St. Joseph. Novena Mass and Prayers each evening at 8.00pm in the Mill Hill Missionaries Chapel, St. Joseph’s, Waterford Road, Kilkenny. Fr. Maurice McGill, MHM Regional Superior, will be celebrate the closing Mass on the Feast of St. Joseph -Saturday, 19th of March - at 8pm.
Westcourt News
The monthly Mass to pray for intercession of Blessed Edmund Rice and for his canonisation will be celebrated in Westcourt, Callan on Monday, 7th March at 7.30pm.
Church Gate Collection
The recent collection for the Senior Citizens of our Parish amounted to €1,025.07. Thanks
Ash Wednesday
Next Wednesday is Ash Wednesday and is the beginning of the Season of Lent. At our morning Masses we will bless ashes and begin our Lenten observance.
On Ash Wednesday (and for all the weekdays of Lent), there will be an evening Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church at 6.15pm.
There will be an extra Mass at Foulkstown at 7.00pm on Ash Wednesday which RTE will broadcast on LW 252. This is the first Ash Wednesday religious broadcast by RTE and all are welcome.
Extra Lenten Mass
As mentioned above, there will be an evening Mass on each weekday evening of Lent starting at 6.15pm. This is a very popular celebration for people wishing to make Mass a part of their Lenten observance. All are welcome to join us. Our morning Masses remain at the usual times: St. Patrick’s Church at 9.30am and St. Fiacre’s Church at 10.30am.
Evening of Prayer and Reflection
The sisters and staff at Peace in Christ Retreat House invite the people of St. Patrick’s Parish to an evening of Prayer and Reflection at Peace in Christ, Sion Road on Monday, 14th March. The sisters look forward to welcoming the people of our parish and to exploring the gospel in a creative, prayerful atmosphere. The evening starts at 8.00pm and concludes at about 10.30pm. All are welcome.
Bible Study
Sr. De Lourdes Sheridan will hold a bible study in the Parish Centre starting on Tuesday 15th March and continuing for 6 weeks. The theme will be “Women in the Scriptures”. Time: 10.00am to 12.15pm including a cup of tea. Cost: €5.00. All are welcome.
St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society
The monthly meeting of the St. Patrick’s Parish branch of the St. Joseph's Young Priests Society will take place on Friday, 11th March in the Parish Centre immediately after the 10.30am Mass. All are welcome.
Through Lent to Easter
The Adult Faith Development Group in our diocese has organised a short course during Lent for all involved in the liturgical, prayer and music ministries in the parishes of Ossory. It is a chance for us to come together to reflect on how we celebrate Lent as a personal journey and community experience.
These evenings are particularly aimed at Eucharistic ministers; lectors; baptismal teams; choirs; sacristans and indeed anyone who has an interest in the celebration of Lent as a time of preparation for Easter.
Fortunately for our parishioners the venue is St Patrick's Parish Centre, from 7.30 - 8.30pm on the following evenings:- Tuesday, 8th March: The liturgical history of Lent; Tuesday, 15th March: Celebrating Lent as a Parish Community; Tuesday, 22nd March: The Music of Lent; Tuesday, 29th March: Experiencing Reconciliation in Lent.
The course is presented by Fr Willie Purcell and we encourage all, especially those involved in parish liturgical ministry, to attend.
St. Patrick’s Church
During the week, engineers will begin work on the heating system in St. Patrick’s Church. This is to allow essential maintenance and we hope to keep disruption to a minimum. However, it may mean the church will be without heat on certain days and we hope this won’t inconvenience people.
This work is part of the ongoing maintenance carried out on all our churches. Recently the lighting system was upgraded at St. Joseph’s Church and a security system installed in St. Patrick’s Church.
Cake Sale and Coffee Morning
There will be a Cake Sale at the Parish Centre after all Masses at St. Fiacre’s Church this weekend. Coffees/Teas will also be served after the Sunday morning Masses. This is to help raise funds to enable young people with special needs to travel to Lourdes at Easter. The event is organised by Group 174 of the Irish Pilgrimage Trust. www.ihcpt.com
Building Resilience in Families
The Shane and Jim O’Neill Spring School presents an education programme focusing on building resilience in families. The presentation on Tuesday, 8th March at 8pm is “Understanding Mental Health” How to Understand and Protect your Families Mental Health. Presenter: Dr. Fergus Heffernan Psychologist. Venue: Village Business Centre (over McDonalds), Patricks Street. Kilkenny. Booking (essential) 087 927 7479. Cost €10. See poster in church for details.
The Year of the Hiker
Dawn Players present John B Kean’s The Year of the Hiker at the Watergate Theatre on this Saturday evening. Tickets at €12 are available at the door. This event is to raise money for Group 191 of the Irish Pilgrimage Trust.
Weekly Envelope Collection
Last week’s envelop collection: €1,060. The new envelope contribution packs are prepared for distribution. Please contact the parish office if you didn’t receive envelopes last year and would like to contribute to the parish in this way. Thank you for your support.
St. John of God
We celebrate St. John of God’s feast day on Tuesday. As we do we wish the sisters in our parish a very happy feast day.
Rosary
Monthly rosary at the statue of Our Lady of Kilkenny on Sunday 6th March at 3pm.
Church Gate Collection
The Annual Church Gate Collection for the School of the Holy Spirit will take place next weekend. Please support.
Siamsoirí Kilkenny
This Irish traditional music fundraiser will take place in the St. Patrick’s Parish Centre on St. Patrick’s Day after the 10.30am Mass. Adults: €5, Students/Children: €3.00. All welcome.
Journey to Freedom
John Pridmore’s new book, Journey to Freedom, is out now. John speaks bluntly about the deceptions of the world he was in and openly about the foundation of his new life. Price €12.50 on www.johnpridmore.com or any good bookshop.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, 27th February 2011
A Simple Life
Do not worry about your life, what you are to eat or what you are to wear. Do not worry about NAMA or the IMF. Do not worry about the banks, about negative equity, about death of a Tiger that never really existed for the majority of people. God will provide? Is HE serious? Today’s trouble is certainly enough for today as we are constantly led into situations where we can respond with anxiety or with trust. Whatever we set our hearts on will receive most of our time and energy and for sure, anxiety drains our energy. In today’s Second Reading Paul also gives us another reason not to be obsessed with material things – we have too much to do! We are stewards of a Kingdom. These messages are a mega challenge for all who live in the so-called ‘developed’ world. If a Kingdom of justice is our prime concern, then there is no storing up of things. There is instead a sharing, in such a way what we all have what is necessary to live. It is living simply, living sustainably, living in solidarity with all members of our society. Today we are asked to reflect on our life values: What is more important? What we have or who we are? Anthony de Mello said, ‘You have everything you need right now to be happy’. Do we really believe that? If we do, that is a great liberation and one that enables us to set out hearts on His Kingdom first.
Jane Mellett
Walking Group
A walking group will meet on Wednesday mornings at 9.45 at the track in the Watershed. This group will be led by a qualified walk leader and all abilities are welcome.
If you are retired, have dropped children to school, want to walk with your buggy or would simply like to walk with some company, come along any Wednesday from the 2nd of March! Contact Kilkenny Recreation and Sports Partnership on 056 7720870 or info@krsp.ie.
Our Website: www.patricksparish.com
Questions People Ask
How can a God of love condemn any soul to hell?
The Catholic Catechism calls hell’ the state of definitive self-exclusion from communion with God and the blessed.’ Notice the words self-exclusion, inferring that people exclude themselves from God’s invitation by deliberately rejecting God and the ways of justice and love. ‘And the judgement is this, though the light has come into the world people have preferred darkness to the light because their deeds were evil. And indeed, everybody who does wrong hates the light and avoids it, to prevent his actions from being shown up’ (John 3:19-20). Hell is self-inflicted.
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
Pray For Our Deceased FriendsRecently Deceased: Bernard Dowling, London. Mary Burke, Castlewarren. Seamus Burke, Assumption Place. Requiem mass Monday 2pm St. John’s. Margaret Fahy, 7 Haltigan Tce & England.
Month Mind: Maureen Barry (Sun 9.30), Ann O’Shea (Sun 11.00). Fr. Joe O’Shea, Washington (Mass Sat 12 noon St. Fiacre’s Church).
Anniversaries: Bridget & Tommy Casey (Sat 6.15), John Dinneen (Sat 7.00), David Maher (Sun 10.00), Tommy McCarthy (Sun 10.30), Brian Griffin (Sun 12.00), Joe Lawlor (Sun 12.30), Mikey Holland (Tues 9.30), Catherine Cullen (Wed 9.30), Michael McKane (Wed 10.30), Ann Mulhall, Johanna Fanning, Paddy Barry, Catherine McDonald, William Holland, Ann & Michael Purcell, Bridget O’Rourke, Mary Fitzpatrick.
Intentions for next weekend:
Dympna O’Byrne (Months Mind Sat 6.15), Pat Adams (Sat 7.00), Ann Nolan (Months Mind (Sun 9.30), Tommy Hickey (Months Mind) & Eileen & Kieran Hickey (Sun 10.00), Margaret McGrath (Sun 10.30), Evelyn Herlihy & Christian Maher (Sun 11.00), Michael Brophy (Sun 12.00), Lulu Lynch (Sun 12.30)
First Friday of March
The first Friday of March occurs this week. The Fr. Dan & Fr. Roderick will visit the sick and housebound as usual. Please note: Fr. Liam will make his calls on Thursday.
Youth Choir
If you attend the 12.30 Mass in St. Patrick's Church please consider joining the choir. We have a lot of musicians but we need singers. If you would like to join the choir please be at the Church for 12noon each Sunday.
Weekly Envelope Collection
The envelope collection last week amounted to € 1365.00. Sincere thanks to all. The new envelope contribution packs are being ordered and prepared for distribution. If you didn’t receive envelopes last year and would like to contribute to the parish in this way, then contact the parish office.
Church Gate Collection
The Annual Church Gate Collection for the School of the Holy Spirit will
take place on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th March. The monies raised will go
towards essential complimentary therapies for the pupils. Thank you so much
to the people of Kilkenny for their continued support.
Parish Shop
As well as the usual offerings of religious goods the Parish Shop now includes a selection of Confirmation items. The shop is located in the Parish Centre and is open during office hours each weekday.
Feast of St. Kieran
On the weekend 5th/6th March as the Diocese celebrates the feast of St. Kieran, our patron Saint, we will launch the forthcoming International Eucharistic Congress 2012 at our Weekend Masses.”
The congress takes place in Dublin in 2012 and will bring people from all over the world.
Cake Sale and Coffee Morning
Group 174 of the Irish Pilgrimage Trust (of which Fr. Dan is chaplain) takes 11 young people with special needs to Lourdes each Easter. In Lourdes Group 174 becomes part of a great international pilgrimage with visitors from other parts of Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales, Croatia, West Indies and the United States. Each adult helper pays his or her own fare and commits to help raise €13,500 to pay for the young people’s travel and accommodation. Group 174 plans a Cake Sale and Coffee Morning at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre after 10.30am and 12.00 noon Masses on Sunday, 6th March.
We appeal for your support on the day and anyone who can help with baking produce etc. beforehand you assistance is greatly appreciated.
Please give Ena or Rita a call on 056 776 4400 if you feel you can help. For more information visit www.irishpilgrimagetrust.com.
Loughboy Library
Exhibition Space—for 2011 is still available free of charge - please book at 7794176. Paula Holohan from Grovine is exhibiting a photographic collection of wildflowers until March 4th.
Toddler Hour will take place at 11.30am on Friday this week instead of Thursday.
World Book Day - Thursday March 3rd . Book club meeting at 10.30am or Writers Group at 2pm.
NALA Distance Learning Service - log onto www.writeon.ie. Free phone 1800202065 or text ‘Learn’ to 50050.
New Candelabra
A beautiful new candelabra has been placed in St. Patrick’s Church. By all accounts it is a welcome addition to the Parish Church. Candles will increase to 30c each on account of the increased cost. The new candelabras in both St. Patrick’s and St. Fiacre’s are more efficient, cut down on waste and use a wax which is more environmentally friendly while burning for the same length as a standard candle.
Security
Due to the relative quietness of the church during the day and for increased security, we have installed a CCTV system in St. Patrick’s Church. This discreet system will not be an intrusion on worshippers. There is already a system in operation in St. Fiacre’s church and in the parish centre.
World day of Prayer
On Friday 4th March 2011 at St. John’s Church of Ireland, John St, Kilkenny at 8pm. All are welcome.
Radio Masses
St. Patrick’s Parish has been invited to host three broadcast Masses on RTE Radio. We are honoured to accept the invitation and look forward to sharing our parish celebrations with a wider congregation. For technical and timing reasons the Masses will be broadcast from St. Joseph’s Church, Foulkstown.
The dates of these masses are: Sunday, 27th February and Sunday, 6th March. The third Mass will be broadcast at 7.00pm on Ash Wednesday, 9th March.
St. Patrick’s Day Televised Mass
St. Patrick’s Brass and Reed Band has accepted an invitation from RTE Television to provide the music for the televised Mass on St. Patrick’s Day. This will be the first time a band has provided the music and the members are currently rehearsing their programme. The band also intends to be back in Kilkenny to take part in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Some Important Dates in 2011
First Holy Communion will be celebrated in our parish on the following dates:-
St. Patrick N.S.: 11.00am on Saturday, 7th May 2011 at St. Patrick’s Church.
St. John of God N.S.: 11.00am on Saturday, 14th May 2011 at St. Patrick’s Church.
Kilkenny School Project.: 12 noon on Sunday, 15th May 2011 at St. Fiacre’s Church
Gaelscoil Osraí: 11.00am on Saturday, 28th May 2011 at St. Fiacre’s Church.
Bishop Seamus will celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation with young people from schools in our parish on the following dates:-
Gaelscoil Osraí: 11am on Saturday, 14th May 2011 at St. Mary’s Cathedral.
Other Schools in the Parish: 11am on Saturday, 9th April 2011 at St. Mary’s Cathedral.
Do not worry about your life, what you are to eat or what you are to wear. Do not worry about NAMA or the IMF. Do not worry about the banks, about negative equity, about death of a Tiger that never really existed for the majority of people. God will provide? Is HE serious? Today’s trouble is certainly enough for today as we are constantly led into situations where we can respond with anxiety or with trust. Whatever we set our hearts on will receive most of our time and energy and for sure, anxiety drains our energy. In today’s Second Reading Paul also gives us another reason not to be obsessed with material things – we have too much to do! We are stewards of a Kingdom. These messages are a mega challenge for all who live in the so-called ‘developed’ world. If a Kingdom of justice is our prime concern, then there is no storing up of things. There is instead a sharing, in such a way what we all have what is necessary to live. It is living simply, living sustainably, living in solidarity with all members of our society. Today we are asked to reflect on our life values: What is more important? What we have or who we are? Anthony de Mello said, ‘You have everything you need right now to be happy’. Do we really believe that? If we do, that is a great liberation and one that enables us to set out hearts on His Kingdom first.
Jane Mellett
Walking Group
A walking group will meet on Wednesday mornings at 9.45 at the track in the Watershed. This group will be led by a qualified walk leader and all abilities are welcome.
If you are retired, have dropped children to school, want to walk with your buggy or would simply like to walk with some company, come along any Wednesday from the 2nd of March! Contact Kilkenny Recreation and Sports Partnership on 056 7720870 or info@krsp.ie.
Our Website: www.patricksparish.com
Questions People Ask
How can a God of love condemn any soul to hell?
The Catholic Catechism calls hell’ the state of definitive self-exclusion from communion with God and the blessed.’ Notice the words self-exclusion, inferring that people exclude themselves from God’s invitation by deliberately rejecting God and the ways of justice and love. ‘And the judgement is this, though the light has come into the world people have preferred darkness to the light because their deeds were evil. And indeed, everybody who does wrong hates the light and avoids it, to prevent his actions from being shown up’ (John 3:19-20). Hell is self-inflicted.
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
Pray For Our Deceased FriendsRecently Deceased: Bernard Dowling, London. Mary Burke, Castlewarren. Seamus Burke, Assumption Place. Requiem mass Monday 2pm St. John’s. Margaret Fahy, 7 Haltigan Tce & England.
Month Mind: Maureen Barry (Sun 9.30), Ann O’Shea (Sun 11.00). Fr. Joe O’Shea, Washington (Mass Sat 12 noon St. Fiacre’s Church).
Anniversaries: Bridget & Tommy Casey (Sat 6.15), John Dinneen (Sat 7.00), David Maher (Sun 10.00), Tommy McCarthy (Sun 10.30), Brian Griffin (Sun 12.00), Joe Lawlor (Sun 12.30), Mikey Holland (Tues 9.30), Catherine Cullen (Wed 9.30), Michael McKane (Wed 10.30), Ann Mulhall, Johanna Fanning, Paddy Barry, Catherine McDonald, William Holland, Ann & Michael Purcell, Bridget O’Rourke, Mary Fitzpatrick.
Intentions for next weekend:
Dympna O’Byrne (Months Mind Sat 6.15), Pat Adams (Sat 7.00), Ann Nolan (Months Mind (Sun 9.30), Tommy Hickey (Months Mind) & Eileen & Kieran Hickey (Sun 10.00), Margaret McGrath (Sun 10.30), Evelyn Herlihy & Christian Maher (Sun 11.00), Michael Brophy (Sun 12.00), Lulu Lynch (Sun 12.30)
First Friday of March
The first Friday of March occurs this week. The Fr. Dan & Fr. Roderick will visit the sick and housebound as usual. Please note: Fr. Liam will make his calls on Thursday.
Youth Choir
If you attend the 12.30 Mass in St. Patrick's Church please consider joining the choir. We have a lot of musicians but we need singers. If you would like to join the choir please be at the Church for 12noon each Sunday.
Weekly Envelope Collection
The envelope collection last week amounted to € 1365.00. Sincere thanks to all. The new envelope contribution packs are being ordered and prepared for distribution. If you didn’t receive envelopes last year and would like to contribute to the parish in this way, then contact the parish office.
Church Gate Collection
The Annual Church Gate Collection for the School of the Holy Spirit will
take place on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th March. The monies raised will go
towards essential complimentary therapies for the pupils. Thank you so much
to the people of Kilkenny for their continued support.
Parish Shop
As well as the usual offerings of religious goods the Parish Shop now includes a selection of Confirmation items. The shop is located in the Parish Centre and is open during office hours each weekday.
Feast of St. Kieran
On the weekend 5th/6th March as the Diocese celebrates the feast of St. Kieran, our patron Saint, we will launch the forthcoming International Eucharistic Congress 2012 at our Weekend Masses.”
The congress takes place in Dublin in 2012 and will bring people from all over the world.
Cake Sale and Coffee Morning
Group 174 of the Irish Pilgrimage Trust (of which Fr. Dan is chaplain) takes 11 young people with special needs to Lourdes each Easter. In Lourdes Group 174 becomes part of a great international pilgrimage with visitors from other parts of Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales, Croatia, West Indies and the United States. Each adult helper pays his or her own fare and commits to help raise €13,500 to pay for the young people’s travel and accommodation. Group 174 plans a Cake Sale and Coffee Morning at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre after 10.30am and 12.00 noon Masses on Sunday, 6th March.
We appeal for your support on the day and anyone who can help with baking produce etc. beforehand you assistance is greatly appreciated.
Please give Ena or Rita a call on 056 776 4400 if you feel you can help. For more information visit www.irishpilgrimagetrust.com.
Loughboy Library
Exhibition Space—for 2011 is still available free of charge - please book at 7794176. Paula Holohan from Grovine is exhibiting a photographic collection of wildflowers until March 4th.
Toddler Hour will take place at 11.30am on Friday this week instead of Thursday.
World Book Day - Thursday March 3rd . Book club meeting at 10.30am or Writers Group at 2pm.
NALA Distance Learning Service - log onto www.writeon.ie. Free phone 1800202065 or text ‘Learn’ to 50050.
New Candelabra
A beautiful new candelabra has been placed in St. Patrick’s Church. By all accounts it is a welcome addition to the Parish Church. Candles will increase to 30c each on account of the increased cost. The new candelabras in both St. Patrick’s and St. Fiacre’s are more efficient, cut down on waste and use a wax which is more environmentally friendly while burning for the same length as a standard candle.
Security
Due to the relative quietness of the church during the day and for increased security, we have installed a CCTV system in St. Patrick’s Church. This discreet system will not be an intrusion on worshippers. There is already a system in operation in St. Fiacre’s church and in the parish centre.
World day of Prayer
On Friday 4th March 2011 at St. John’s Church of Ireland, John St, Kilkenny at 8pm. All are welcome.
Radio Masses
St. Patrick’s Parish has been invited to host three broadcast Masses on RTE Radio. We are honoured to accept the invitation and look forward to sharing our parish celebrations with a wider congregation. For technical and timing reasons the Masses will be broadcast from St. Joseph’s Church, Foulkstown.
The dates of these masses are: Sunday, 27th February and Sunday, 6th March. The third Mass will be broadcast at 7.00pm on Ash Wednesday, 9th March.
St. Patrick’s Day Televised Mass
St. Patrick’s Brass and Reed Band has accepted an invitation from RTE Television to provide the music for the televised Mass on St. Patrick’s Day. This will be the first time a band has provided the music and the members are currently rehearsing their programme. The band also intends to be back in Kilkenny to take part in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Some Important Dates in 2011
First Holy Communion will be celebrated in our parish on the following dates:-
St. Patrick N.S.: 11.00am on Saturday, 7th May 2011 at St. Patrick’s Church.
St. John of God N.S.: 11.00am on Saturday, 14th May 2011 at St. Patrick’s Church.
Kilkenny School Project.: 12 noon on Sunday, 15th May 2011 at St. Fiacre’s Church
Gaelscoil Osraí: 11.00am on Saturday, 28th May 2011 at St. Fiacre’s Church.
Bishop Seamus will celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation with young people from schools in our parish on the following dates:-
Gaelscoil Osraí: 11am on Saturday, 14th May 2011 at St. Mary’s Cathedral.
Other Schools in the Parish: 11am on Saturday, 9th April 2011 at St. Mary’s Cathedral.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Seventh Sunday in OrdinaryTime, 20th February 2011
Parish Masses on Radio
On next Sunday, 27th February and the following Sunday, 6th March the 10.00am Masses at St. Joseph’s Church, Foulkstown will be broadcast by RTE Radio. The 7.00pm Mass on Ash Wednesday, 9th March will also be broadcast. To receive the service you will need to retune your radio to Long Wave 252. Relatives and friends living abroad may pick up the service online on the Radio 1 Extra Stream at the RTE website. The broadcast will also be available on the Sky Radio satellite.
We are honoured to accept RTE’s invitation and look forward to sharing our parish celebrations with a wider congregation.
St. Vincent de Paul Collection
The second collection at all Masses this weekend will be for the local conference of the St. Vincent de Paul Society.
Parish Shop
As well as the usual offerings of religious goods the Parish Shop now includes a selection of Confirmation items. The shop is located in the Parish Centre and is open during office hours each weekday.
St. John’s Parish Novena
The annual Parish Novena at St. John’s Parish begins on this Monday, 21st February and runs until Tuesday, 1st March. Services each weekday at 7.30am, 10.30am and 7.30pm. Services on Sunday at 8.00am, 10.30am, 12.00 noon and 7.30pm. Sacrament of Reconciliation (without Mass) on Friday, 25th February at 7.30pm. Mass with Anointing of the Sick on Saturday, 26th February at 10.30am. Special Service of Blessing of Babies and Small Children on Sunday, 27th February at 3.30pm. Preparation for each service begins 15 minutes before the published times. All welcome.
Healing Service
A time of prayer for healing will take place in St. Fiacre’s Church on next Thursday evening at 7.30pm. All welcome.
Pray for our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Philomena Somers, Sheastown. Johanna (Joan) Tallis, Newpark Close. Mary Byrne, Clara and England. Requiem Mass and burial of ashes at St. Joseph’s Church, Foulkstown at 11.00am on Friday.
Months Mind: Mary Reynolds (Sun 11.00), Rose Walsh (Sun 12.30).
Anniversaries: Mary Lynch (Sat 6.15), Jenny Clancy (Sat 7.00), Molly Johnstone (Sun 9.30), John Walsh (Sun 10.00), Seamus (Dixie) Brennan (Sun 10.30), Peader Flanagan (Sun 12.00), Ann Somers (Mon 9.30), Margaret Fell (Tue 10.30), Patrick & Teresa Kennedy & Marjorie Foskin (Wed 9.30), Anne Kelly (Thur 10.30), John Millea (Fri 10.30) Janet Rooney, Ellen Bourke, Crissie Simons, Willie Maguire, Deirdre McGuinness, Ellen Doyle, Anne Kelly, Martin Dermody, Jack Leahy, Stan Landers, Terry Maher, John & Annie Free, Liam Bergin.
Intentions Next Weekend: Bridget & Tommy Casey (Sat 6.15), John Dinneen (Sat 7.00), Maureen Barry (Months Mind Sun 9.30), David Maher (Sun 10.00), Tommy McCarthy (Sun 10.30), Ann O’Shea (Months Mind Sun 11.00), Brian Griffin (Sun 12.00), Joe Lawlor (Sun 12.30).
Cake Sale and Coffee Morning
Group 174 of the Irish Pilgrimage Trust (of which Fr. Dan is chaplain) takes 11 young people with special needs to Lourdes each Easter. In Lourdes Group 174 becomes part of a great international pilgrimage with visitors from other parts of Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales, Croatia, West Indies and the United States. Each adult helper pays his or her own fare and commits to help raise €13,500 to pay for the young people’s travel and accommodation. Group 174 plans a Cake Sale and Coffee Morning at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre after 10.30am and 12.00 noon Masses on Sunday, 6th March. We appeal for your support on the day and with baking produce etc. beforehand. Please give Ena a call on 056 776 4400 if you feel you can help. For more information visit www.irishpilgrimagetrust.com.
Weekly Envelope Collection
The envelope collection last week amounted to €1,560.00. Sincere thanks to all.
Useful Phone Numbers
The following services are available locally for those with addiction issues and their families.
Counselling/Support for Alcohol/Drug Issues
Free Service Available on 1890 46 46 00
Family Support Group - Supporting Family members living with drug use. Contact: 056 772 3860 or 086 315 2246.
Church Gate Collection
The annual Church gate collection in aid of St Patrick Parish Seniors will take place on Sunday, 27th February. Please support.
Cura
If you are pregnant and distressed and would like to talk to someone in confidence. Phone 1850 622 626 or the local centre number 772 2739.
Playwrighting Workshops
Venue: Loughboy Library. Tutor: Shawn Sturnick. Commencing Monday, 7th March for 6 weeks. Time 5.30pm - 7.30pm. To secure a place please call the Arts Office on 779 4138 or email niamh.finn@kilkennycoco.ie. Closing Date Wednesday, 23rd February 2011.
Parenting Course
“Surviving your adolescents - how to manage and let go of your 13 to 18 year olds” is the title of a presentation to be made at the Village Business Centre, Patrick Street on next Tuesday evening at 8.00pm. The programme is intended for the parents of teenagers. Booking at 087 927 7479.
New Communication Service
James Stephens GAA club has launched a new sms/text communication service (provided your network is O2 or Vodafone). To subscribe to this service just text: follow VillageGAA to 51210.
Crucifix at St. Fiacre’s Church
The crucifix behind the altar at St. Fiacre’s Church was created by the late Oisin Kelly (1915 - 1981) who lived in our parish for a short while. He is also responsible for Jim Larkin’s statue in O’Connell Street and “The Children of Lir” in the Garden of Remembrance, Dublin.
Our crucifix shows the Glorified or Risen Christ and dispenses with the traditional nail holes and crucifixion marks.
The image inspired the following poem by parishioner Marie Marshall from Clongowan who has given us permission to share it with you.
CRUX
(St. Fiacre’s Church, Loughboy)
Looking up
a puzzle there
no thorny crown
or beads of blood
strong features
fatherly face
gazing down
alert, direct
no painful frown.
No bony frame
no pierced palms
cruel nails
or injured feet
but sturdy limbs
solid, secure
standing firm
what tale does
sculptor mean to tell
no visible wounds
are they cloaked
or overlaid by
overlord sublime
powerful hands
pouring out
a silent blessing.
M. Marshall
Volunteer Visitor Project
A new project is being run by the Mercer’s Institute for Research on Ageing, based in St James’ Hospital in Dublin, and funded by the Ageing Well Network. The project - the Social Connection Study - is aimed at people aged 65 or over who would like to get out and about more often than they do now. The visitors are also older people. They have been trained to visit people in their homes and support them to start getting out and about more. During the project, the volunteer makes ten weekly visits. At each visit, they help the person to make plans, deal with obstacles and build on progress. People taking part in the project will be asked to do an assessment before and after the project, to see if the volunteer visitor programme has made a difference. If you – or someone you know – might be interested, you can get more information about the project by calling - Maureen Tobin (Kilkenny Researcher) on 086 129 4353.
Thank You
Thanks to all who supported the collection for the Diocesan Lourdes Fund last weekend.
Have You Arthritis or Fibromyalgia?
Learn how to: decrease your pain, reduce your fatigue, introduce exercise and relaxation into your daily life, and much more. This award winning course costs just €20 for the 6 weekly sessions. Venue: St. Patrick’s Parish Centre; Thursdays 3rd,10th, 24th, 31st March & 7th, 14th April. All sessions 7pm - 9.30pm. To find out more and register please contact Arthritis Ireland on 01 647 0206, or email training@arthritisireland.ie. Visit our website at www.arthritisireland.ie.
Hearing Help/Lip-reading Classes
Classes will start Monday, 21st February between 8.00 and 10.00pm and Wednesday morning, 23rd February 10.30 - 12.30pm for 8 weeks. Venue: The Citizens Information Centre, The Parade. 086 809 4658. All are welcome.
South Leinster Champs
Congrats to Village under-age players Jake McDonald, Tadhg O'Dwyer, Conor Byrne, Brian Busher, Niall Brennan and Eoin Kelly who are part of the St. Kieran's College U14 football panel who beat Carnew in the final.
Careers in Elder/Child Care?
FETAC Level 5 Courses running in February: Safety & Health at Work Module, February 23rd, 24th, 28th and March 4th. Care of the Older Person: March dates TBC. Occupational First Aid: March/April Dates TBC Both modules will be held in Carlow from 10.00am to 4.00pm. Contact 059 914 2208 or visit www.visiontraining.ie to book.
You’ve got to be perfect!
If someone hits us on the right cheek, I’m pretty sure the last thing we would feel like doing is offering them the left one. Yet, Jesus calls people to a love that is perfect ‘as your heavenly Father is perfect.’ Surely this is too great a demand! Perfection here is a call to a love that is universal and knows no boundaries, an undiscriminating love. Agape love is love of those we do not know, even those we do not life and, as we hear today, a ‘love of enemy’ – the toughest kind of love, an all-inclusive love. This does not mean that we let people walk all over us; rather it is a love that exposes injustice. Mahatma Gandhi once said, ‘an eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind’. Gandhi apparently read from the Sermon on the Mount twice a day for the last 40 years of his life. He considered these texts to be the greatest writings on non-violence in the history of the world. Jesus encourages people to be pro-active when faced with injustice - through acts of resistance. Tables are turned on oppressors, causing them to stop and think about what they are doing. ‘Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you’ – probably the most radical words ever spoken, a total summation of Christianity, yet we’ve done our best to avoid them. Imagine a world where people respond to acts of violence, oppression and hatred with love and forgiveness. Dare we practice such love?
Jane Mellett
St. John’s Parish Novena
On next Sunday, 27th February and the following Sunday, 6th March the 10.00am Masses at St. Joseph’s Church, Foulkstown will be broadcast by RTE Radio. The 7.00pm Mass on Ash Wednesday, 9th March will also be broadcast. To receive the service you will need to retune your radio to Long Wave 252. Relatives and friends living abroad may pick up the service online on the Radio 1 Extra Stream at the RTE website. The broadcast will also be available on the Sky Radio satellite.
We are honoured to accept RTE’s invitation and look forward to sharing our parish celebrations with a wider congregation.
St. Vincent de Paul Collection
The second collection at all Masses this weekend will be for the local conference of the St. Vincent de Paul Society.
Parish Shop
As well as the usual offerings of religious goods the Parish Shop now includes a selection of Confirmation items. The shop is located in the Parish Centre and is open during office hours each weekday.
St. John’s Parish Novena
The annual Parish Novena at St. John’s Parish begins on this Monday, 21st February and runs until Tuesday, 1st March. Services each weekday at 7.30am, 10.30am and 7.30pm. Services on Sunday at 8.00am, 10.30am, 12.00 noon and 7.30pm. Sacrament of Reconciliation (without Mass) on Friday, 25th February at 7.30pm. Mass with Anointing of the Sick on Saturday, 26th February at 10.30am. Special Service of Blessing of Babies and Small Children on Sunday, 27th February at 3.30pm. Preparation for each service begins 15 minutes before the published times. All welcome.
Healing Service
A time of prayer for healing will take place in St. Fiacre’s Church on next Thursday evening at 7.30pm. All welcome.
Pray for our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Philomena Somers, Sheastown. Johanna (Joan) Tallis, Newpark Close. Mary Byrne, Clara and England. Requiem Mass and burial of ashes at St. Joseph’s Church, Foulkstown at 11.00am on Friday.
Months Mind: Mary Reynolds (Sun 11.00), Rose Walsh (Sun 12.30).
Anniversaries: Mary Lynch (Sat 6.15), Jenny Clancy (Sat 7.00), Molly Johnstone (Sun 9.30), John Walsh (Sun 10.00), Seamus (Dixie) Brennan (Sun 10.30), Peader Flanagan (Sun 12.00), Ann Somers (Mon 9.30), Margaret Fell (Tue 10.30), Patrick & Teresa Kennedy & Marjorie Foskin (Wed 9.30), Anne Kelly (Thur 10.30), John Millea (Fri 10.30) Janet Rooney, Ellen Bourke, Crissie Simons, Willie Maguire, Deirdre McGuinness, Ellen Doyle, Anne Kelly, Martin Dermody, Jack Leahy, Stan Landers, Terry Maher, John & Annie Free, Liam Bergin.
Intentions Next Weekend: Bridget & Tommy Casey (Sat 6.15), John Dinneen (Sat 7.00), Maureen Barry (Months Mind Sun 9.30), David Maher (Sun 10.00), Tommy McCarthy (Sun 10.30), Ann O’Shea (Months Mind Sun 11.00), Brian Griffin (Sun 12.00), Joe Lawlor (Sun 12.30).
Cake Sale and Coffee Morning
Group 174 of the Irish Pilgrimage Trust (of which Fr. Dan is chaplain) takes 11 young people with special needs to Lourdes each Easter. In Lourdes Group 174 becomes part of a great international pilgrimage with visitors from other parts of Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales, Croatia, West Indies and the United States. Each adult helper pays his or her own fare and commits to help raise €13,500 to pay for the young people’s travel and accommodation. Group 174 plans a Cake Sale and Coffee Morning at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre after 10.30am and 12.00 noon Masses on Sunday, 6th March. We appeal for your support on the day and with baking produce etc. beforehand. Please give Ena a call on 056 776 4400 if you feel you can help. For more information visit www.irishpilgrimagetrust.com.
Weekly Envelope Collection
The envelope collection last week amounted to €1,560.00. Sincere thanks to all.
Useful Phone Numbers
The following services are available locally for those with addiction issues and their families.
Counselling/Support for Alcohol/Drug Issues
Free Service Available on 1890 46 46 00
Family Support Group - Supporting Family members living with drug use. Contact: 056 772 3860 or 086 315 2246.
Church Gate Collection
The annual Church gate collection in aid of St Patrick Parish Seniors will take place on Sunday, 27th February. Please support.
Cura
If you are pregnant and distressed and would like to talk to someone in confidence. Phone 1850 622 626 or the local centre number 772 2739.
Playwrighting Workshops
Venue: Loughboy Library. Tutor: Shawn Sturnick. Commencing Monday, 7th March for 6 weeks. Time 5.30pm - 7.30pm. To secure a place please call the Arts Office on 779 4138 or email niamh.finn@kilkennycoco.ie. Closing Date Wednesday, 23rd February 2011.
Parenting Course
“Surviving your adolescents - how to manage and let go of your 13 to 18 year olds” is the title of a presentation to be made at the Village Business Centre, Patrick Street on next Tuesday evening at 8.00pm. The programme is intended for the parents of teenagers. Booking at 087 927 7479.
New Communication Service
James Stephens GAA club has launched a new sms/text communication service (provided your network is O2 or Vodafone). To subscribe to this service just text: follow VillageGAA to 51210.
Crucifix at St. Fiacre’s Church
The crucifix behind the altar at St. Fiacre’s Church was created by the late Oisin Kelly (1915 - 1981) who lived in our parish for a short while. He is also responsible for Jim Larkin’s statue in O’Connell Street and “The Children of Lir” in the Garden of Remembrance, Dublin.
Our crucifix shows the Glorified or Risen Christ and dispenses with the traditional nail holes and crucifixion marks.
The image inspired the following poem by parishioner Marie Marshall from Clongowan who has given us permission to share it with you.
CRUX
(St. Fiacre’s Church, Loughboy)
Looking up
a puzzle there
no thorny crown
or beads of blood
strong features
fatherly face
gazing down
alert, direct
no painful frown.
No bony frame
no pierced palms
cruel nails
or injured feet
but sturdy limbs
solid, secure
standing firm
what tale does
sculptor mean to tell
no visible wounds
are they cloaked
or overlaid by
overlord sublime
powerful hands
pouring out
a silent blessing.
M. Marshall
Volunteer Visitor Project
A new project is being run by the Mercer’s Institute for Research on Ageing, based in St James’ Hospital in Dublin, and funded by the Ageing Well Network. The project - the Social Connection Study - is aimed at people aged 65 or over who would like to get out and about more often than they do now. The visitors are also older people. They have been trained to visit people in their homes and support them to start getting out and about more. During the project, the volunteer makes ten weekly visits. At each visit, they help the person to make plans, deal with obstacles and build on progress. People taking part in the project will be asked to do an assessment before and after the project, to see if the volunteer visitor programme has made a difference. If you – or someone you know – might be interested, you can get more information about the project by calling - Maureen Tobin (Kilkenny Researcher) on 086 129 4353.
Thank You
Thanks to all who supported the collection for the Diocesan Lourdes Fund last weekend.
Have You Arthritis or Fibromyalgia?
Learn how to: decrease your pain, reduce your fatigue, introduce exercise and relaxation into your daily life, and much more. This award winning course costs just €20 for the 6 weekly sessions. Venue: St. Patrick’s Parish Centre; Thursdays 3rd,10th, 24th, 31st March & 7th, 14th April. All sessions 7pm - 9.30pm. To find out more and register please contact Arthritis Ireland on 01 647 0206, or email training@arthritisireland.ie. Visit our website at www.arthritisireland.ie.
Hearing Help/Lip-reading Classes
Classes will start Monday, 21st February between 8.00 and 10.00pm and Wednesday morning, 23rd February 10.30 - 12.30pm for 8 weeks. Venue: The Citizens Information Centre, The Parade. 086 809 4658. All are welcome.
South Leinster Champs
Congrats to Village under-age players Jake McDonald, Tadhg O'Dwyer, Conor Byrne, Brian Busher, Niall Brennan and Eoin Kelly who are part of the St. Kieran's College U14 football panel who beat Carnew in the final.
Careers in Elder/Child Care?
FETAC Level 5 Courses running in February: Safety & Health at Work Module, February 23rd, 24th, 28th and March 4th. Care of the Older Person: March dates TBC. Occupational First Aid: March/April Dates TBC Both modules will be held in Carlow from 10.00am to 4.00pm. Contact 059 914 2208 or visit www.visiontraining.ie to book.
You’ve got to be perfect!
If someone hits us on the right cheek, I’m pretty sure the last thing we would feel like doing is offering them the left one. Yet, Jesus calls people to a love that is perfect ‘as your heavenly Father is perfect.’ Surely this is too great a demand! Perfection here is a call to a love that is universal and knows no boundaries, an undiscriminating love. Agape love is love of those we do not know, even those we do not life and, as we hear today, a ‘love of enemy’ – the toughest kind of love, an all-inclusive love. This does not mean that we let people walk all over us; rather it is a love that exposes injustice. Mahatma Gandhi once said, ‘an eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind’. Gandhi apparently read from the Sermon on the Mount twice a day for the last 40 years of his life. He considered these texts to be the greatest writings on non-violence in the history of the world. Jesus encourages people to be pro-active when faced with injustice - through acts of resistance. Tables are turned on oppressors, causing them to stop and think about what they are doing. ‘Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you’ – probably the most radical words ever spoken, a total summation of Christianity, yet we’ve done our best to avoid them. Imagine a world where people respond to acts of violence, oppression and hatred with love and forgiveness. Dare we practice such love?
Jane Mellett
St. John’s Parish Novena
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, 13th February 2011
The Heart of Relationships
Through Moses and the Law God had given instructions for how people were to live together, to ensure that God’s people would not begin to oppress on another. In today’s Gospel, as we continue our reading of the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew presents Jesus at the new Moses, as Liberator. He presents God’s demands not by dispensing with the Law but by asking for a deeper observance, a more sincere fulfilment. True and loyal service of God begins in the heart. How we are and how we live is a choice. God’s law reveals our human potential and perhaps we should interpret these clauses as ‘verbal beacons’. In striving for that perfection we better ourselves. The entire Sermon on the Mount focuses on right relationships and the right kind of worship? If we offer gifts at the altar on Sunday but fail to be ‘Christian’ to the world on Monday, that is not worship. Action is key. Today’s scripture focuses on God’s view of who we are – in terms of who Jesus says we ought to be in our relationship with God, with family and friends, and with our world.
Jane Mellett
Senior Citizens’ Parish Party
By all accounts everybody had a wonderful evening at last Monday’s party for the senior citizens of St. Patrick’s Parish. Over one hundred and twenty people sat down to a wonderful four course meal followed by an excellent evening’s dancing to Marble City Sound. Well done to everybody involved.
Diocesan Lourdes Collection
The annual Diocesan Lourdes Collection will be taken up at all Masses this weekend. We invite you to contribute a little extra to the second collection and the money will be passed on to the Diocesan Office to help defray the costs of the Diocesan Pilgrimage.
The Irish Catholic
This excellent Catholic newspaper is available at the church doors. Cost €1.30.
Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2011
The annual Ossory Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes takes place from 22nd to 27th May 2011. Telephone Eleanor on 051 880 414 between 10.30am and 2.30pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
St. Patrick’s Lourdes Committee
This parish group raises funds to help a number of deserving parishioners travel to Lourdes with the annual Ossory Diocesan Pilgrimage in May. The Committee is currently accepting nominations for travellers with this year’s pilgrimage. Please contact any member of the committee or the Parish Office (776 4400) if you or someone known to you would like to be considered for travel.
Enrolments in Parish Schools
The St. John of God Girls’ School and the St. Patrick’s De La Salle Boys’ School are currently dealing with enrolment applications for September 2011. Please contact the schools immediately for further details.
St. John of God School: 056 772 1290
St. Patrick’s De La Salle School: 056 776 1081
Radio Masses
St. Patrick’s Parish has been invited to host three broadcast Masses on RTE Radio. We are honoured to accept the invitation and look forward to sharing our parish celebrations with a wider congregation. For technical and timing reasons the Masses will be broadcast from St. Joseph’s Church, Foulkstown on Sunday, 27th February and Sunday, 6th March. The third Mass will be broadcast at 7.00pm on Ash Wednesday, 9th March.
St. Patrick’s Day Televised Mass
St. Patrick’s Brass and Reed Band has accepted an invitation from RTE Television to provide the music for the televised Mass on St. Patrick’s Day. This will be the first time a band has provided the music and the members are currently rehearsing their programme. The band also intends to be back in Kilkenny to take part in the
St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Pray for the Deceased
Recently Deceased: Ursula Maher, 14 St. Fiacre’s Place. Funeral prayers at her home at 6.30pm on Sunday. Removal to St. Patrick’s Church. Requiem Mass at 11.00am on Monday. Burial at Foulkstown Cemetery. Mark Quigley, Rioch Street. Requiem Mass at 11.00am on Sunday at St. Mary’s Cathedral. Burial at Foulkstown Cemetery. Catherine Maher, Rathmore, Tennypark. Mark O’Grady, Bishop Birch Place. Mary Jo Tamosiunas (Thur 9.30).
Anniversaries: Nicholas Healy (Sat 6.15), Daphne Phelan (Sat 7.00), Sean O’Grady (Sun 10.00), Matt Gleeson (Sun 10.30), Eileen Cummins (Sun 11.00), Peter Quinn (Sun 12.00), Michael Walsh & Milo Bourke (Sun 12.30), Seamus Kelly (Wed 10.30), Paddy Burke, Eileen Cummins, Catherine Beckett, Jack Talbot, Tina O’Driscoll, Seamus Culleton, John & Bridget Dunne, Michael & Agnes Foley, Ellen Egan, Kieran Healy, Christopher Walsh.
Intentions Next Weekend: Mary Lynch (Sat 6.15), Jenny Clancy (Sat 7.00), Molly Johnstone (Sun 9.30), John Walsh (Sun 10.00), Seamus (Dixie) Brennan (Sun 10.30), Mary Reynolds (Sun 11.00 Months Mind), Peadar Flanagan (Sun 12.00), Rose Walsh (Sun 12.30 Months Mind).
Questions People Ask
Q. I was abused physically and emotionally be a very violent father during childhood. How can I be expected to regard God by the title of father?
A. You might use some other name such as Lord, or Maker or simply God. Since it was Jesus who instructed us to call God our Father, pray to Jesus to heal that unhappy association which inhibits you. Jesus never meant the Father to be understood in an authoritarian sense, much less in an abusive way, but as the loving source of life, the giver of talents, the merciful one who forgives the prodigal son with a celebratory banquet. Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
Weekly Envelope Collection
The envelope collection last week amounted to €1,989 and the monthly standing orders came to €4,751.20. Sincere thanks to all.
St. John’s Parish Novena
The annual Parish Novena at St. John’s Parish begins on Monday, 21st February and runs until Tuesday, 1st March. Services each weekday at 7.30am, 10.30am and 7.30pm. Services on Sunday at 8.00am, 10.30am, 12.00 noon and 7.30pm. Sacrament of Reconciliation (without Mass) on Friday, 25th February at 7.30pm. Mass with Anointing of the Sick on Saturday, 26th February at 10.30am. Special Service of Blessing of Babies and Small Children on Sunday, 27th February at 3.30pm. Preparation for each service begins 15 minutes before the published times. All welcome.
Divine Mercy Prayer/Conference
There will be an hour of adoration and prayer in the Capuchin Friary Church on Sunday, 13th February from 3.00 - 4.00pm. All welcome.
The annual conference will take place in the RDS, Ballsbridge, Dublin on Saturday, 19th February at 4.00pm. A bus will leave Butts Green, Kilkenny at 7.30am. For more details contact Peggy Kealy on 776 7857.
Medjugorje Prayer
An evening of prayer will take place on Monday, 14th February at the Mill Hill Church, Waterford Road, Kilkenny beginning at 8.00pm. Prayers include Rosary, Mass, Devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. All are welcome for prayer and later for a cup of tea.
Parish Shop
As well as the usual offerings of religious goods the Parish Shop now includes a selection of Confirmation items. The shop is located in the Parish Centre and is open during office hours each weekday.
LARC Parent and Toddler Group
The group has moved premises to the LARC Childcare Centre. It now takes place on Friday mornings from 10.00 to 11.30am in 54/55 Hollybank Lawn, Clongowan. If anyone would like to join please come along on Friday or contact Connie on 056 776 4700 for more information or directions.
Cake Sale and Coffee Morning
Group 174 of the Irish Pilgrimage Trust (of which Fr. Dan is chaplain) takes 11 young people with special needs to Lourdes each Easter. In Lourdes Group 174 becomes part of a great international pilgrimage with visitors from other parts of Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales, Croatia, West Indies and the United States. Each adult helper pays his or her own fare and commits to help raise €13,500 to pay for the young people’s travel and accommodation. Group 174 plans a Cake Sale and Coffee Morning at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre after 10.30am and 12.00 noon Masses on Sunday, 6th March. We appeal for your support on the day and with baking produce etc. beforehand. Please give Ena a call on 056 776 4400 if you feel you can help. For further information visit www.irishpilgrimagetrust.com.
Parenting Course
“Parenting from the inside out” is the title of a presentation to be made at the Village Business Centre, Patrick Street on next Tuesday evening at 8.00pm. The programme is intended for the parents of children aged 4 to 11 years. Booking at 087 927 7479.
Special Olympics Club
The AGM of the Kilkenny Kats Special Olympics Club (Junior Club 6yrs to 16yrs ), will take place at 8.00pm on Tuesday, 15th February in St Patrick’s Parish Centre, Loughboy. New athletes and new volunteers are welcome. The club takes place every Thursday between 5.45pm and 6.45pm in the Loreto P.E. Hall and we have lots of fun. Contact Therese Buckley 087 904 0208 for further information.
Loughboy Library
Creative Writing - A six week free course on playwriting will commence at Loughboy Library on Monday, 7th March at 5.30pm. Please forward names to The Arts Office, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny.
Exhibition - Ms Paula Holohan, is exhibiting a series of wildflowers called “Along the Hedgerow” at the library until 4th March.
Towards Healing
Earlier this week Towards Healing a new counselling and support service for survivors of clerical and religious abuse commenced providing services. Freephone 1 800 303 416 and email info@towardshealing.ie
Through Moses and the Law God had given instructions for how people were to live together, to ensure that God’s people would not begin to oppress on another. In today’s Gospel, as we continue our reading of the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew presents Jesus at the new Moses, as Liberator. He presents God’s demands not by dispensing with the Law but by asking for a deeper observance, a more sincere fulfilment. True and loyal service of God begins in the heart. How we are and how we live is a choice. God’s law reveals our human potential and perhaps we should interpret these clauses as ‘verbal beacons’. In striving for that perfection we better ourselves. The entire Sermon on the Mount focuses on right relationships and the right kind of worship? If we offer gifts at the altar on Sunday but fail to be ‘Christian’ to the world on Monday, that is not worship. Action is key. Today’s scripture focuses on God’s view of who we are – in terms of who Jesus says we ought to be in our relationship with God, with family and friends, and with our world.
Jane Mellett
Senior Citizens’ Parish Party
By all accounts everybody had a wonderful evening at last Monday’s party for the senior citizens of St. Patrick’s Parish. Over one hundred and twenty people sat down to a wonderful four course meal followed by an excellent evening’s dancing to Marble City Sound. Well done to everybody involved.
Diocesan Lourdes Collection
The annual Diocesan Lourdes Collection will be taken up at all Masses this weekend. We invite you to contribute a little extra to the second collection and the money will be passed on to the Diocesan Office to help defray the costs of the Diocesan Pilgrimage.
The Irish Catholic
This excellent Catholic newspaper is available at the church doors. Cost €1.30.
Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2011
The annual Ossory Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes takes place from 22nd to 27th May 2011. Telephone Eleanor on 051 880 414 between 10.30am and 2.30pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
St. Patrick’s Lourdes Committee
This parish group raises funds to help a number of deserving parishioners travel to Lourdes with the annual Ossory Diocesan Pilgrimage in May. The Committee is currently accepting nominations for travellers with this year’s pilgrimage. Please contact any member of the committee or the Parish Office (776 4400) if you or someone known to you would like to be considered for travel.
Enrolments in Parish Schools
The St. John of God Girls’ School and the St. Patrick’s De La Salle Boys’ School are currently dealing with enrolment applications for September 2011. Please contact the schools immediately for further details.
St. John of God School: 056 772 1290
St. Patrick’s De La Salle School: 056 776 1081
Radio Masses
St. Patrick’s Parish has been invited to host three broadcast Masses on RTE Radio. We are honoured to accept the invitation and look forward to sharing our parish celebrations with a wider congregation. For technical and timing reasons the Masses will be broadcast from St. Joseph’s Church, Foulkstown on Sunday, 27th February and Sunday, 6th March. The third Mass will be broadcast at 7.00pm on Ash Wednesday, 9th March.
St. Patrick’s Day Televised Mass
St. Patrick’s Brass and Reed Band has accepted an invitation from RTE Television to provide the music for the televised Mass on St. Patrick’s Day. This will be the first time a band has provided the music and the members are currently rehearsing their programme. The band also intends to be back in Kilkenny to take part in the
St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Pray for the Deceased
Recently Deceased: Ursula Maher, 14 St. Fiacre’s Place. Funeral prayers at her home at 6.30pm on Sunday. Removal to St. Patrick’s Church. Requiem Mass at 11.00am on Monday. Burial at Foulkstown Cemetery. Mark Quigley, Rioch Street. Requiem Mass at 11.00am on Sunday at St. Mary’s Cathedral. Burial at Foulkstown Cemetery. Catherine Maher, Rathmore, Tennypark. Mark O’Grady, Bishop Birch Place. Mary Jo Tamosiunas (Thur 9.30).
Anniversaries: Nicholas Healy (Sat 6.15), Daphne Phelan (Sat 7.00), Sean O’Grady (Sun 10.00), Matt Gleeson (Sun 10.30), Eileen Cummins (Sun 11.00), Peter Quinn (Sun 12.00), Michael Walsh & Milo Bourke (Sun 12.30), Seamus Kelly (Wed 10.30), Paddy Burke, Eileen Cummins, Catherine Beckett, Jack Talbot, Tina O’Driscoll, Seamus Culleton, John & Bridget Dunne, Michael & Agnes Foley, Ellen Egan, Kieran Healy, Christopher Walsh.
Intentions Next Weekend: Mary Lynch (Sat 6.15), Jenny Clancy (Sat 7.00), Molly Johnstone (Sun 9.30), John Walsh (Sun 10.00), Seamus (Dixie) Brennan (Sun 10.30), Mary Reynolds (Sun 11.00 Months Mind), Peadar Flanagan (Sun 12.00), Rose Walsh (Sun 12.30 Months Mind).
Questions People Ask
Q. I was abused physically and emotionally be a very violent father during childhood. How can I be expected to regard God by the title of father?
A. You might use some other name such as Lord, or Maker or simply God. Since it was Jesus who instructed us to call God our Father, pray to Jesus to heal that unhappy association which inhibits you. Jesus never meant the Father to be understood in an authoritarian sense, much less in an abusive way, but as the loving source of life, the giver of talents, the merciful one who forgives the prodigal son with a celebratory banquet. Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
Weekly Envelope Collection
The envelope collection last week amounted to €1,989 and the monthly standing orders came to €4,751.20. Sincere thanks to all.
St. John’s Parish Novena
The annual Parish Novena at St. John’s Parish begins on Monday, 21st February and runs until Tuesday, 1st March. Services each weekday at 7.30am, 10.30am and 7.30pm. Services on Sunday at 8.00am, 10.30am, 12.00 noon and 7.30pm. Sacrament of Reconciliation (without Mass) on Friday, 25th February at 7.30pm. Mass with Anointing of the Sick on Saturday, 26th February at 10.30am. Special Service of Blessing of Babies and Small Children on Sunday, 27th February at 3.30pm. Preparation for each service begins 15 minutes before the published times. All welcome.
Divine Mercy Prayer/Conference
There will be an hour of adoration and prayer in the Capuchin Friary Church on Sunday, 13th February from 3.00 - 4.00pm. All welcome.
The annual conference will take place in the RDS, Ballsbridge, Dublin on Saturday, 19th February at 4.00pm. A bus will leave Butts Green, Kilkenny at 7.30am. For more details contact Peggy Kealy on 776 7857.
Medjugorje Prayer
An evening of prayer will take place on Monday, 14th February at the Mill Hill Church, Waterford Road, Kilkenny beginning at 8.00pm. Prayers include Rosary, Mass, Devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. All are welcome for prayer and later for a cup of tea.
Parish Shop
As well as the usual offerings of religious goods the Parish Shop now includes a selection of Confirmation items. The shop is located in the Parish Centre and is open during office hours each weekday.
LARC Parent and Toddler Group
The group has moved premises to the LARC Childcare Centre. It now takes place on Friday mornings from 10.00 to 11.30am in 54/55 Hollybank Lawn, Clongowan. If anyone would like to join please come along on Friday or contact Connie on 056 776 4700 for more information or directions.
Cake Sale and Coffee Morning
Group 174 of the Irish Pilgrimage Trust (of which Fr. Dan is chaplain) takes 11 young people with special needs to Lourdes each Easter. In Lourdes Group 174 becomes part of a great international pilgrimage with visitors from other parts of Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales, Croatia, West Indies and the United States. Each adult helper pays his or her own fare and commits to help raise €13,500 to pay for the young people’s travel and accommodation. Group 174 plans a Cake Sale and Coffee Morning at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre after 10.30am and 12.00 noon Masses on Sunday, 6th March. We appeal for your support on the day and with baking produce etc. beforehand. Please give Ena a call on 056 776 4400 if you feel you can help. For further information visit www.irishpilgrimagetrust.com.
Parenting Course
“Parenting from the inside out” is the title of a presentation to be made at the Village Business Centre, Patrick Street on next Tuesday evening at 8.00pm. The programme is intended for the parents of children aged 4 to 11 years. Booking at 087 927 7479.
Special Olympics Club
The AGM of the Kilkenny Kats Special Olympics Club (Junior Club 6yrs to 16yrs ), will take place at 8.00pm on Tuesday, 15th February in St Patrick’s Parish Centre, Loughboy. New athletes and new volunteers are welcome. The club takes place every Thursday between 5.45pm and 6.45pm in the Loreto P.E. Hall and we have lots of fun. Contact Therese Buckley 087 904 0208 for further information.
Loughboy Library
Creative Writing - A six week free course on playwriting will commence at Loughboy Library on Monday, 7th March at 5.30pm. Please forward names to The Arts Office, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny.
Exhibition - Ms Paula Holohan, is exhibiting a series of wildflowers called “Along the Hedgerow” at the library until 4th March.
Towards Healing
Earlier this week Towards Healing a new counselling and support service for survivors of clerical and religious abuse commenced providing services. Freephone 1 800 303 416 and email info@towardshealing.ie
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, 6th February 2011
We Are Kingdom People
The Sermon on the Mount focuses on ‘Kingdom people’ as Jesus defines their role using two words: ‘salt’ and ‘light’. Salt served as a currency in ancient civilisations. It was essential for preserving foods, even for keeping wounds clean. Jesus calls us to be salt of the earth. He did not say, ‘you will be the salt of the earth’ but ‘you are. Therefore we are called to be witnesses to the presence of God active in our lives and in our world – an ongoing process, taking place in here and now. Both salt and light operate by associating with the thing that they want to change. Salt must go into the food to change it from within; therefore we must get up and get involved. The Kingdom of God is about this world. It is about politics; economics; our environment; it is about peace. How are we to fulfil our responsibility?
‘This is what we are about: We plant seeds that one day will grow. We water seeds already planted, Knowing that they hold future promise... We cannot do everything, and there is a sense of liberation in realizing that. This enables us to do something, and to do it very well… We may never see the end results, but that is the difference between the master builder and the worker. We are workers, not master builders, ministers, not messiahs. We are prophets of future not our own’ – Oscar Romero.
Jane Mellett
Questions People Ask
Q. Wouldn’t it be better if the main religions reached a common code of ideals and dropped the doctrines which divide them?
A. I would like to see the promotion of our shared ideals but I certainly would not favour settling for the lowest common denominator of belief. This would mean dropping many of the revealed truths such as the divinity of Jesus Christ, his unique position as saviour, his resurrection or the privilege of the Eucharist. Dialogue with other religions cannot mean any diminution of belief and I’m sure that the members of other religions think the same way.
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
Pray for our Deceased FriendsRecently Deceased: Shane Holland, 54 Dean’s Court. (Funeral arrangements to be announced). Ann Nolan, Crescentia, College Road. Margaret Foran, Vicar Street. John Lawlor, Upper John Street. Fr. Joseph O’Shea, Vancouver and Piltown. Peggy Cahill, Kerry.
Anniversaries: John O’Rourke (Sat 6.15), Joseph Kirwan (Sat 7.00), Eamon & Frances Costello (Sun 9.30), Noeline Flood (Sun 10.00), Pat Kearney, Waterford Road (Sun 10.30), Dr. Richard Purcell (Sun 11.00), Paddy Burke (Sun 12.00), Rory Quinn (Sun 12.30), Bridie Dunne (Thurs 10.30), Eleanor Mulvee (Fri 10.30), Breda Butler, Patrick O’Keeffe, Mary Pullman, Michael O’Dwyer, Patrick Walsh, Fintan Phelan, Liam Devlin, Patrick & Ellen Fewer, Ned Larkin, Michael Burke, John Ryan, James, Bridget & Gerald Leahy, Patrick Jordan, James Hayes, Bill Carroll, John Quigley, Michael Dargan.
Intentions for next weekend: Nicholas Healy (Sat 6.15), Daphne Phelan (Sat 7.00), Sean O’Grady (Sun 10.00), Matt Gleeson (Sun 10.30), Eileen Cummins (Sun 11.00), Peter Quinn (Sun 12.00), Michael Walsh & Milo Bourke (Sun 12.30).
To ensure publication names for inclusion in this section should be sent to the Parish Office as early as possible. Please try to include a contact telephone number as we sometimes have to check details before publication.
St. Patrick’s Lourdes Committee
This group raises funds to help a number of deserving parishioners travel to Lourdes with the annual diocesan pilgrimage. They are currently accepting nominations for travellers with this year’s pilgrimage. Please contact any member of the committee or the parish office (776 4400) if you or someone known to you would like to be considered for travel.
Latin Mass
There will be a sung Traditional Mass with Gregorian Chant in St. Patrick's Church at 5.00pm on this Sunday 6th February. All are welcome.
Senior Citizens’ Party
The annual dinner and party for the senior citizens of St. Patrick’s Parish will be held at the Parish Centre on this Monday evening, 7th February. Good food and a great evening’s entertainment is guaranteed. Tickets are only €10 at the Sacristies and Parish Office. It is essential to book to facilitate seating and catering. Transport can be arranged for those who find it difficult to attend. For details: 776 4400.
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, 11th February immediately after the 10.30am Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church. New members very welcome.
Westcourt News
The February Mass to pray for the canonisation of Blessed Edmund Rice will be celebrated in Westcourt, Callan on Monday, 7th February at 7.30pm. The Callan Historical Society will host the liturgy.
Enrolments in Parish Schools
The St. John of God Girls’ School and the St. Patrick’s De La Salle Boys’ School are currently dealing with enrolment applications for September 2011. Please contact the schools immediately for further details.
St. John of God School: 056 772 1290
St. Patrick’s De La Salle School: 056 776 1081
Rosary
The monthly rosary on the first Sunday in James Green at the statue of Our Lady of Kilkenny continues this Sunday, 6th February at 3.00pm.
First Saturday Devotion
Prayers and adoration ill begin after 6.15pm Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church on this Saturday evening. Come and pray for families and for our country.
Weekly Envelope Collection
The envelope collection last week amounted to €1,000. Sincere thanks to all who continue to support our parish and its priests.
Our Lady of Lourdes
Friday is the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. This day marks the anniversary of Our Lady’s first visit to Bernadette at the grotto in Lourdes, France. During her visits Our Lady invited people to come to the grotto in procession. Since then the shrine has become a place of intense prayer for healing.
World Day of Prayer for the Sick
Friday is also the World Day of Prayer for the Sick. We will include special prayers for the sick at all Masses in the parish. The Sacrament of the Sick will be celebrated during the 10.30am Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church. Those who are unwell are invited to receive the Sacrament of the Sick during the Mass.
The Pope’s message for World Day of the Sick is available at www.catholicbishops.ie
Diocesan Lourdes Collection
The annual Diocesan Lourdes Collection will be taken up at all Masses next weekend. We invite you to contribute a little extra to the second collection and the money will be passed on to the Diocesan Office to help defray the costs of the Diocesan Pilgrimage.
Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2011
The annual Ossory Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes takes place from 22nd to 27th May 2011. Telephone Eleanor on 051 880 414 between 10.30am and 2.30pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
Triduum in Honour of Our Lady
The annual Triduum will be held at the Black Abbey on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of this week. Rosary, Mass and Homily at 10.15am and 7.15pm each day. Preacher is Fr. Gabriel Harty, Ireland’s Rosary Priest.
Afternoon Prayer
The mark the 30th anniversary of the apparitions in Medjugorje there will be rosary, Mass and adoration at Mill Hill Fathers Chapel, Waterford Road between 2.30 and 5.00pm on this Sunday, 5th February.
Prayers for Healing
There will be a time of prayer for healing at St. Fiacre’s Church between 7.30 and 10.00pm on this Thursday, 10th February.
The Irish Catholic
This excellent Catholic newspaper is available at the church doors. Cost €1.30.
Understanding Mental Health
Due to public demand there will be a further presentation on Understanding Mental Health at Village Business Centre, Patrick Street, Kilkenny on Tuesday, 8th February at 8pm. Presenter: Dr. Fergus Heffernan. Cost: €10. Booking (Essential) on 087 927 7479.
Have You Time To Spare?
S.O.S., a voluntary organisation for adults with a mild/moderate intellectual disability, provides day services, respite and residential care. We are looking for families to provide breaks in their home for adults from our services. Nominal expenses are paid. We are also looking for volunteers to support us in providing extra social and recreational activities for people in S.O.S. Contact Kathleen at 776 4000 or email ksherry@soskilkenny.com.
Mass for those Affected by Suicide
The Augustinian Community invites you to join them in celebrating Mass for all who have died through suicide and the suicide bereaved on Sunday, 6th February, at 3.00pm in the Church of Good Counsel College, New Ross.
Art for Fun
Art Classes every Monday, 2.30 to 5.00pm in St. Patrick’s Parish Centre. Contact Eamonn on 086 334 5144 for details.
Nintendo Wii Training
This is the last chance for over 50s to sign up for Nintendo Wii Training at Loughboy Library. Phone 779 4176 for information.
Art Classes
Art Classes will start in the Bishop Birch Training Institute, Waterford Road on Friday, 18th February and will run for a six week period each Friday at 10:30am. Bookings and further information contact Sonja on 770 8155 or 083 394 1220.
Alzheimer's Day Care Centre
Day Care Centre for People Affected by Alzheimer’s now open in Kilkenny. Open: Monday to Friday 9.30am to 4.00pm. Further information on 777 1230.
James Stephens GAA News
U-14 Trial Games
The Village U14 A/B management teams will be taking panels to Dublin this Sunday to play Kilmacud Crokes and Na Fianna panels in competitive challenge games. The group will leave by bus this Sunday from Larchfield at 9am sharp.
Semple Stadium Clash
Kilkenny will clash with great rivals Tipperary on Saturday 12th February which is just around the corner. Kilkenny manager and Village man Brian Cody will lead his charges into Semple stadium for this mouth watering clash as it is the first time these sides will meet since the All-Ireland final last September. The game will be played under lights at 7.30pm so get along to support Brian, Eoin Larkin, Jackie Tyrrell and Matthew Ruth as hopes will be high Kilkenny can secure an important win in Tipperary's 'back yard' as the saying goes.
The Sermon on the Mount focuses on ‘Kingdom people’ as Jesus defines their role using two words: ‘salt’ and ‘light’. Salt served as a currency in ancient civilisations. It was essential for preserving foods, even for keeping wounds clean. Jesus calls us to be salt of the earth. He did not say, ‘you will be the salt of the earth’ but ‘you are. Therefore we are called to be witnesses to the presence of God active in our lives and in our world – an ongoing process, taking place in here and now. Both salt and light operate by associating with the thing that they want to change. Salt must go into the food to change it from within; therefore we must get up and get involved. The Kingdom of God is about this world. It is about politics; economics; our environment; it is about peace. How are we to fulfil our responsibility?
‘This is what we are about: We plant seeds that one day will grow. We water seeds already planted, Knowing that they hold future promise... We cannot do everything, and there is a sense of liberation in realizing that. This enables us to do something, and to do it very well… We may never see the end results, but that is the difference between the master builder and the worker. We are workers, not master builders, ministers, not messiahs. We are prophets of future not our own’ – Oscar Romero.
Jane Mellett
Questions People Ask
Q. Wouldn’t it be better if the main religions reached a common code of ideals and dropped the doctrines which divide them?
A. I would like to see the promotion of our shared ideals but I certainly would not favour settling for the lowest common denominator of belief. This would mean dropping many of the revealed truths such as the divinity of Jesus Christ, his unique position as saviour, his resurrection or the privilege of the Eucharist. Dialogue with other religions cannot mean any diminution of belief and I’m sure that the members of other religions think the same way.
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
Pray for our Deceased FriendsRecently Deceased: Shane Holland, 54 Dean’s Court. (Funeral arrangements to be announced). Ann Nolan, Crescentia, College Road. Margaret Foran, Vicar Street. John Lawlor, Upper John Street. Fr. Joseph O’Shea, Vancouver and Piltown. Peggy Cahill, Kerry.
Anniversaries: John O’Rourke (Sat 6.15), Joseph Kirwan (Sat 7.00), Eamon & Frances Costello (Sun 9.30), Noeline Flood (Sun 10.00), Pat Kearney, Waterford Road (Sun 10.30), Dr. Richard Purcell (Sun 11.00), Paddy Burke (Sun 12.00), Rory Quinn (Sun 12.30), Bridie Dunne (Thurs 10.30), Eleanor Mulvee (Fri 10.30), Breda Butler, Patrick O’Keeffe, Mary Pullman, Michael O’Dwyer, Patrick Walsh, Fintan Phelan, Liam Devlin, Patrick & Ellen Fewer, Ned Larkin, Michael Burke, John Ryan, James, Bridget & Gerald Leahy, Patrick Jordan, James Hayes, Bill Carroll, John Quigley, Michael Dargan.
Intentions for next weekend: Nicholas Healy (Sat 6.15), Daphne Phelan (Sat 7.00), Sean O’Grady (Sun 10.00), Matt Gleeson (Sun 10.30), Eileen Cummins (Sun 11.00), Peter Quinn (Sun 12.00), Michael Walsh & Milo Bourke (Sun 12.30).
To ensure publication names for inclusion in this section should be sent to the Parish Office as early as possible. Please try to include a contact telephone number as we sometimes have to check details before publication.
St. Patrick’s Lourdes Committee
This group raises funds to help a number of deserving parishioners travel to Lourdes with the annual diocesan pilgrimage. They are currently accepting nominations for travellers with this year’s pilgrimage. Please contact any member of the committee or the parish office (776 4400) if you or someone known to you would like to be considered for travel.
Latin Mass
There will be a sung Traditional Mass with Gregorian Chant in St. Patrick's Church at 5.00pm on this Sunday 6th February. All are welcome.
Senior Citizens’ Party
The annual dinner and party for the senior citizens of St. Patrick’s Parish will be held at the Parish Centre on this Monday evening, 7th February. Good food and a great evening’s entertainment is guaranteed. Tickets are only €10 at the Sacristies and Parish Office. It is essential to book to facilitate seating and catering. Transport can be arranged for those who find it difficult to attend. For details: 776 4400.
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, 11th February immediately after the 10.30am Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church. New members very welcome.
Westcourt News
The February Mass to pray for the canonisation of Blessed Edmund Rice will be celebrated in Westcourt, Callan on Monday, 7th February at 7.30pm. The Callan Historical Society will host the liturgy.
Enrolments in Parish Schools
The St. John of God Girls’ School and the St. Patrick’s De La Salle Boys’ School are currently dealing with enrolment applications for September 2011. Please contact the schools immediately for further details.
St. John of God School: 056 772 1290
St. Patrick’s De La Salle School: 056 776 1081
Rosary
The monthly rosary on the first Sunday in James Green at the statue of Our Lady of Kilkenny continues this Sunday, 6th February at 3.00pm.
First Saturday Devotion
Prayers and adoration ill begin after 6.15pm Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church on this Saturday evening. Come and pray for families and for our country.
Weekly Envelope Collection
The envelope collection last week amounted to €1,000. Sincere thanks to all who continue to support our parish and its priests.
Our Lady of Lourdes
Friday is the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. This day marks the anniversary of Our Lady’s first visit to Bernadette at the grotto in Lourdes, France. During her visits Our Lady invited people to come to the grotto in procession. Since then the shrine has become a place of intense prayer for healing.
World Day of Prayer for the Sick
Friday is also the World Day of Prayer for the Sick. We will include special prayers for the sick at all Masses in the parish. The Sacrament of the Sick will be celebrated during the 10.30am Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church. Those who are unwell are invited to receive the Sacrament of the Sick during the Mass.
The Pope’s message for World Day of the Sick is available at www.catholicbishops.ie
Diocesan Lourdes Collection
The annual Diocesan Lourdes Collection will be taken up at all Masses next weekend. We invite you to contribute a little extra to the second collection and the money will be passed on to the Diocesan Office to help defray the costs of the Diocesan Pilgrimage.
Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2011
The annual Ossory Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes takes place from 22nd to 27th May 2011. Telephone Eleanor on 051 880 414 between 10.30am and 2.30pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
Triduum in Honour of Our Lady
The annual Triduum will be held at the Black Abbey on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of this week. Rosary, Mass and Homily at 10.15am and 7.15pm each day. Preacher is Fr. Gabriel Harty, Ireland’s Rosary Priest.
Afternoon Prayer
The mark the 30th anniversary of the apparitions in Medjugorje there will be rosary, Mass and adoration at Mill Hill Fathers Chapel, Waterford Road between 2.30 and 5.00pm on this Sunday, 5th February.
Prayers for Healing
There will be a time of prayer for healing at St. Fiacre’s Church between 7.30 and 10.00pm on this Thursday, 10th February.
The Irish Catholic
This excellent Catholic newspaper is available at the church doors. Cost €1.30.
Understanding Mental Health
Due to public demand there will be a further presentation on Understanding Mental Health at Village Business Centre, Patrick Street, Kilkenny on Tuesday, 8th February at 8pm. Presenter: Dr. Fergus Heffernan. Cost: €10. Booking (Essential) on 087 927 7479.
Have You Time To Spare?
S.O.S., a voluntary organisation for adults with a mild/moderate intellectual disability, provides day services, respite and residential care. We are looking for families to provide breaks in their home for adults from our services. Nominal expenses are paid. We are also looking for volunteers to support us in providing extra social and recreational activities for people in S.O.S. Contact Kathleen at 776 4000 or email ksherry@soskilkenny.com.
Mass for those Affected by Suicide
The Augustinian Community invites you to join them in celebrating Mass for all who have died through suicide and the suicide bereaved on Sunday, 6th February, at 3.00pm in the Church of Good Counsel College, New Ross.
Art for Fun
Art Classes every Monday, 2.30 to 5.00pm in St. Patrick’s Parish Centre. Contact Eamonn on 086 334 5144 for details.
Nintendo Wii Training
This is the last chance for over 50s to sign up for Nintendo Wii Training at Loughboy Library. Phone 779 4176 for information.
Art Classes
Art Classes will start in the Bishop Birch Training Institute, Waterford Road on Friday, 18th February and will run for a six week period each Friday at 10:30am. Bookings and further information contact Sonja on 770 8155 or 083 394 1220.
Alzheimer's Day Care Centre
Day Care Centre for People Affected by Alzheimer’s now open in Kilkenny. Open: Monday to Friday 9.30am to 4.00pm. Further information on 777 1230.
James Stephens GAA News
U-14 Trial Games
The Village U14 A/B management teams will be taking panels to Dublin this Sunday to play Kilmacud Crokes and Na Fianna panels in competitive challenge games. The group will leave by bus this Sunday from Larchfield at 9am sharp.
Semple Stadium Clash
Kilkenny will clash with great rivals Tipperary on Saturday 12th February which is just around the corner. Kilkenny manager and Village man Brian Cody will lead his charges into Semple stadium for this mouth watering clash as it is the first time these sides will meet since the All-Ireland final last September. The game will be played under lights at 7.30pm so get along to support Brian, Eoin Larkin, Jackie Tyrrell and Matthew Ruth as hopes will be high Kilkenny can secure an important win in Tipperary's 'back yard' as the saying goes.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)