29th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 16th October, 2011

Focus on what matters

Jesus’ opponents in today’s Gospel challenge Jesus as if they were asking for friendly advice on their taxes.  It is a dangerous question because if Jesus gives a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer he risks losing popularity or being reported to the authorities.  Jesus sees through these guts and delivers a brilliant response: ‘Give back to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.’  This text has sometimes been used to argue that religion should stay out of politics, economics or culture but building a Kingdom of justice requires that we are actively involved in those things.  The world we live in is one that often falls short of the values of the Kingdom that Jesus preached.  To be a witness to Jesus means that all aspects of our lives should be Kingdom focused and this includes whatever political, economical or cultural issues we are confronted with.  The focus in this passage is getting out priorities straight.  Give Caesar his taxes but do not forget what belongs to God i.e. things that are so important we cannot compromise them – family, friends, compassion, justice...

Jane Mellett

Questions people ask

I am a reader at Mass.  Will the changes at Mass involve new readings?  Do I need a new book to practise the readings at home?

There are two books for Mass, the Lectionary (containing the Scripture Readings) and the Missal or Sacramentary, used at the altar, containing the prayers of the Mass.  There are no changes in the Lectionary so you don’t need to get a new book for your readings.

Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

Scripture Reflection Group

Each Monday evening at 7.30 a small group meet in the St. John of God House on College Road. The Gospel for the Mass on the following Sunday is explored and reflected upon.  Contact Sr. Helen Maher at 087 648 0131.

Pray for the Deceased

Recently Deceased: John (Sean) Murray, died in England, late of Pearse St. Maisie Brennan, 25 Green St. Kathleen Murphy, 25 O’Loughlin Road. Bridget Costello (Reade), died in Manchester formerly of 149 Walkin Street. Liam O’Dwyer, Clara.

Months Mind: Maura Coonan (Sat 6.15)

Anniversaries: Gerard Cleere (Sun 9.30), Richard Kelly (Sun 10.00), Judy O’Brien (Sun 10.30), John Frawley (Sun 11.00), Bernadette Delaney (Sun 12.30), David Doran (Tues 9.30), Doris Americas (Sat 9.30),  Patrick Tynan, John Cantwell, Jimmy Bateman., Lily Spiers, Justine Kavanagh, Julie Burke.

Intentions for next weekend

Anniversaries: Neddy & Anthona Bourke (Sat 6.15), Ned Nolan (Sat 7.00), Angela Prendergast (Sun 9.30), Joseph Eardly (Sun 10.00), Paddy Cullen (Sun 11.00), Mary McCormack (Sun 12.00), Eithne O’Connor (Sun 12.30).

Weekly Envelope Collection

The weekly envelope collection amounted to €1830.  Many thanks for your continued support.

Church Gate Collection

The Irish Heart Foundation will hold their annual church gate collection this weekend the 15th & 16th October.

Dates For Your Diary

Our Confirmation and First Holy Communion dates are:

Confirmation in St. Patrick’s Parish will be February 25th.

First Holy Communion dates are: Gaelscoil, Sat 5th May, St. John of God, Sat 12th May, St. Patrick’s de la Salle, Sat 19th May. KSP  Sun 20th May.

Cabaret

In aid of St. Patrick’s Lourdes Fund in the Village Inn on Saturday 22nd October.  Music by Uptown Band - Guest Artist - Eugene Dewberry.  Doors Open at 9pm.  €5.

Parish Centre Volunteers

The reception desk at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre is staffed entirely by a group of dedicated volunteers.   These volunteers are there to help people with enquiries, and answer the phone and take messages.  We are grateful to these men and women who give their time free to the Parish.

The New Mass

We are slowly come to terms with using the new Mass and its responses, we are aware that some people are finding it difficult with the responses and we ask them to use the leaflets supplied.  It may be helpful to know that the most common response in the Mass (used 5 times ) is : “...and with your spirit”

St. Patrick’s Brass & Reed Band

On Sunday November 6th St. Patrick’s Brass and Reed Band will play a concert in St. Fiacre’s Church.  The band has been given permission to play a varied programme of music to suit all tastes.   The concert is free of charge and will commence at 3pm. 

Fundraising Concert

In aid of the Susie Long Hospice & Building of Hope Project.  Following their sold out debut performance in 2009.  Direct from Wales, the Morristown Orpheus Choir at St. John’s Church, Kilkenny on Saturday 5th November 2011 at 8pm.

Kilkenny Age Friendly Forum

Public meeting of Kilkenny Age Friendly County Forum will be held in the Ormonde Hotel on Monday 17^th October at 10.30am, where an update of progress to date will be presented.  All over 50’s especially welcome!

Parish Shop

Available in the foyer of the Parish Centre is a wide selection of religious goods.  The Parish Centre is open from 10am - 5pm Monday to Friday.  Items not on display can be ordered by contacting Kitty Byrne.

New Collection Methods

Following new regulations from the diocese regarding the first and second offering collections at all Masses, we have begun to implement some changes.  Most noticeable is in St. Fiacre’s Church where the collection plates are now placed in a basket at the altar and brought to the sacristy after Mass where it is bagged and deposited in a secure safe.  This is being done to address a security concern where the sacristy is located at the back of the church and is vulnerable to intrusion and attack during Mass.  We do not want to see a situation where a sacristan or collector is injured by some individual who might see an opportunity to steal money.  We are thankful to our collectors and sacristans who are willing to take on these new changes and their faithful work is appreciated.

Adults Bereaved by Suicide

Kilkenny Bereavement Support holds an open support group for adults bereaved by suicide.  It as held in Villa Maria, Talbots Inch, Freshford Road, Kilkenny at 8.00pm on the first Thursday of every month.  It is facilitated by two experienced volunteers from Kilkenny Bereavement Support.  The group is open to anyone who has lost a family member, friend, or co-worker to suicide.  The aim of the group is to provide a safe place where the bereaved can drop in and stay with the group for as long as they think is necessary for them.  The bereaved can share their feelings about their losses, be supported by other participants, get information regarding their experiences or just listen in silence.  Discussions within the group will be held in confidence.  For further information, please contact 056 775 6538.

October Stations

Thanks to all who have contributed to the support of the priests and the bishop through the October station, this is the orange envelope in the envelope pack you have received earlier in the year.  We are grateful for all of the support shown to us in  difficult times.

St. Fiacre’s Church

This year St. Fiacre’s Church celebrates its  twentieth year.   To commemorate this we have placed a collage of the building of the church and its dedication in the hallway joining the Church.  Please feel free to come in and take a look.

St. Vincent de Paul

This weekend is the monthly St. Vincent de Paul collection and we are grateful to all who generously support this local collection.  All monies collected in St. Patrick’s Parish stays in the parish.  Those wishing to contact the society may do so in the strictest of confidence by writing to the St. Vincent de Paul, St. Patrick’s Parish Centre, Loughboy, Kilkenny or by telephoning 087 681 0589. 

For Your Information

Marriages: At least 3 months notice must be given in order  to book your wedding in any of the Parish Churches. 

Baptisms: At least 2 weeks notice must be given in order to book a baptism.  Contact the parish office for bookings.

Altar Servers

This weekend is the last weekend for applications for those who wish to become or continue as altar servers.  The new rotas will be available next weekend and depending on how many new servers there are, we will organise training for new candidates.

Please note that parental permission is essential.  St. Patrick’s Parish strictly adheres to diocesan child protection policy.

Rockfall Table Quiz

This coming Monday night the 17th October in Ryan’s Pub, Friary Street. Commencing at 8.30pm.

All proceeds to the O’Neill Centre, Kilkenny.

Parish Website

Our parish  runs a website which brings information from our parish to people worldwide who have internet access. Find us on www.patricksparish.com(or.net).  The weekly newsletter is printed on this site.  Tell those who are away from home about this free service.

28th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 9th October, 2011

A Real Royal Wedding

Today’s Gospel is difficult. Stories of judgement, weeping and gnashing of teeth just don’t appeal to most people.  Failure to turn up to a dinner party was of course bad manners.  To refuse an invite to a royal wedding was even more serious.  To kill the servants or messengers who came to you with the invite...well that is pushing things a bit far.  As with all parables, there is more to this than meets the eye.  God wants to be in a relationship with each of us.  We are all invited to his banquet.  We exclude ourselves from being in fellowship with him, from his hospitality, when we give God the brush-off.  We sometimes do our best to put ourselves outside of his presence.  So what host would not be offended?  And what about that poor chap who did come but was not suitably dressed?  If we accept the invitation we should be ready for change and not just change of an outer garment.  The issue for Matthew is the replacement of the unworthy in the community with those who have responded to Jesus’ demands for his kingdom.  And as usual, they are not the people you would expect!

Jane Mellett

Questions People Ask

Do you expect great problems when the changes come into the Mass?

It will be difficult for people who find it hard to read the new translation on leaflets or missalettes.  But once people get familiar with the new translation there should be no problem.  People adapted very quickly to the Euro currency and to the ban on smoking in public places.  And the Lord won’t be one bit upset if, through years of habit, some people say the old responses.

Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

Adoration & Prayer

Divine Mercy hour of adoration and prayer will take place in the Friary Church on Sunday Oct 9th.  3 –4pm.  All welcome.

Pray for Our Deceased

Recently Deceased: Kathleen Roche, 13 Cypress Grove, Sr. Elizabeth Butler, late of California & Ferbane, Co. Offaly, Fr. Nicholas Phelan

Anniversaries:  Eddie Dean (Sat 6.15), Tom Foley (Sun 10.30), Joanie Waters (Sun 11.00), Evelyn Coppinger (Sun 12.00), Nicola Conway & Paddy Johnston (Sun 12.30), John & Mary O’Connell (Mon 9.30), Gary & Nora Dunne (Tues 10.30), The Dullard Family, Kitty Lucas, Billy & Patty Reinhardt, John & Mary O’Connell, Margaret McNamara, Mary Dunne, Mark Nugent, Patrick Ryan, Billy Maher, Brian O’Reilly, Paul Grace, Garry & Norah Dunne, Breda Hehir, Mary & Joe Hurley, Carmel Casserly, Patrick, Elizabeth & Paddy Power.

Intentions for next weekend

Anniversaries: Maura Coonan (Months Mind Sat 6.15), Richie Delaney (Sat 7.00), Gerard Cleere (Sun 9.30), Richard Kelly (Sun 10.00), Judy O’Brien (Sun 10.30), John Frawley (Sun 11.00), Bernadette Delaney (Sun 12.30).

Kilkenny Horticultural Society

Lecture by Eva Holmes Horticulturalist

“Putting the Garden to Bed in Winter”

On Wednesday 12th October 2011 at 8pm in the Club House Hotel, Kilkenny.  Raffle and Plant Sale.  Admission €5.  All welcome.

St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society

The monthly meeting of the St. Joseph’s Young Priest’ Society will take place on Friday October 14th in the Parish Centre, immediately after the 10.30am Mass.  All are welcome.

Scripture Reflection Group

Each Monday evening at 7.30 a small group meet in the St. John of God House on College Road. The Gospel for the Mass on the following Sunday is explored and reflected upon.  Contact Sr. Helen Maher at 087 648 0131.

James Stephens Senior Hurlers

We wish the Village hurlers all the best against Muckalee this weekend. 

Dominican Nuns - Monastic Contemplative Life

Vocation Discernment Weekends

14^th – 16^th October 2011,  11^th – 13^th November 2011, ( Friday evening to Sunday after lunch) and at other times by arrangement.  Young women, interested in learning about our contemplative way of life, are invited to a weekend of prayer and reflection - with sung liturgy, Eucharistic Adoration, conferences and opportunity to meet with sisters.  Contact: Sr Mairéad OP, Monastery of St Catherine of Siena, The Twenties,  Drogheda, Co. Louth.   Tel: 041 9838524; e-mail siena3@eircom.net www.dominicannuns.ie

http://dominicannunsireland.blogspot.com

Ceart Patient Wise 

Find ways to deal with pain, exhaustion, depression, anxiety and other problems caused by ill health.  Learn new skills: problem solving, goal setting, better breathing,
relaxation, exercise, healthy eating and communication. Meet other people with similar challenges. Make your life better.
Places still available on the course in the Pembroke Hotel, Patrick Street, beginning Monday 10th Oct 7.00-9.30 pm. and every Monday for 6 weeks.  For further information or to book a place call Anne Cody 087-9028534

Altar Servers Recruitment

Application forms  are available in the sacristies of the churches for all those who  are current altar servers and for those who would like to become altar servers.  Mass-goers from 4th Class upwards are welcome to apply.

Please note that parental consent is required for ALL servers.  St. Patrick’s Parish strictly adheres to the Diocese of Ossory Policy on Safeguarding Children.   Next Sunday, 16th is the closing date.

Envelope Collection

The parish envelope collection amounted to €1390.  Many thanks for your support.

Kilkenny Flower Club

Kilkenny Flower Club will meet in Butler House on Thursday, October 13th at 8 p.m. Richard Delmer will be the demonstrator.

All welcome.

Adults Bereaved by Suicide

Kilkenny Bereavement Support holds an open support group for adults bereaved by suicide.  It as held in Villa Maria, Talbots Inch, Freshford Road, Kilkenny at 8.00pm on the first Thursday of every month.  It is facilitated by two experienced volunteers from Kilkenny Bereavement Support.  The group is open to anyone who has lost a family member, friend, or co-worker to suicide.  The aim of the group is to provide a safe place where the bereaved can drop in and stay with the group for as long as they think is necessary for them.  The bereaved can share their feelings about their losses, be supported by other participants, get information regarding their experiences or just listen in silence.  Discussions within the group will be held in confidence.  For further information, please contact 056-7756538.

Youth Choir

The 12.30  Youth Choir is back.  Practice from 12 noon in St. Patrick’s Church.  Anyone interested in joining should be in church at 12 noon. 

Loughboy Library

Digital Photography Classes: will commence shortly at Loughboy Library.  Book your free place today.

Scrabble & Nintendo Wii - for the over 55s returns for Autumn - book your group in for a few hours of fun.

Writers Circle - join our small group of enthusiastic writers for some support, encouragement and feedback every Thursday at 2pm.  

Heavenly Humour

“Mummy,” asked a little girl, “do men ever go to heaven?”  “Why, yes, of course, my dear,” answered the mother.  “Why do you ask?” “Because I have never seen angels with moustache, whiskers or beard.”  “Well,” replied the mother, “some men do go to heaven, but they get there only by a close shave!”

Dates For Your Diary

Our Confirmation and First Holy Communion dates are now known.

Confirmation in St. Patrick’s Parish will be February 25th, 2012.

First Holy Communion dates are: Gaelscoil, Sat 5th May, St. John of God, Sat 12th May, St. Patrick’s de la Salle, Sat 19th May. KSP  Sun 20th May.

Trocaire

We would like to thank you for the incredible response from your diocese (Ossory) , to the crisis in east Africa. Ossory raised €74,252.46, all of which will go directly to saving lives and protecting communities in east Africa.

Since declaring an emergency appeal on July 5th, Trócaire has raised a remarkable €8.9m for relief projects in the region. Over half of this money - a massive €5.1m - was donated through the church collection. The Catholic Church in Ireland can be extremely proud of its efforts to save lives in east Africa.
Thanks to the generosity of the public, we have been able to target 450,000 people across Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia for life-saving interventions. The money has made a massive impact, including:

Recreation & Sports Partnership

The Kilkenny Recreation and Sports Partnership is providing Child Welfare & Protection in Sport Training Courses: This is a 3 hour basic awareness course, looking at how we can keep adults and young people safe and happy within the club environment. This course is open to sports leaders, coaches, parents, children's officers and other adults involved in the organisation of sport for young people. Must be over 18 years of age.

Monday 14^th November: St. Patricks Parish Centre, Kilkenny City, 6.00pm - 9.00pm.  €20

27th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 2nd October 2011.

Finding My Role in God’s plan

Today, designated by the Church as the ‘Day for Life’, celebrates the dignity of life from conception to natural death.  These words by Blessed John Henry Newman remind us that regardless of whatever situations we may find ourselves in, we are all part of God’s plan for this world:  ‘God has created me to do Him some definite service.  He has committed some work to me which He has not committed to another.  I have my mission. I may never know it in this life, but I shall be told it in the next.  I am a link in a chain, a bond of connection between persons.  He has not created me for naught.  I shall do good; I shall do His work.  I shall be an angel of peace, a preacher of truth in my own place, while not intending it if I do but keep his commandments.  Therefore , I will trust Him, whatever I am, I can never be thrown away.  If I am in sickness, my sickness may serve Him, in perplexity, my perplexity may serve Him.  If I am in sorrow, my sorrow may serve Him.  He does nothing in vain.  He knows what He is about.  He may take away my friends. He may throw me among strangers.  He may make me feel desolate, make my spirits sink, hide my future from me. Still, He knows what He is about.’

Jane Mellett

Questions People Ask

Q.  I hear there are to be changes in the Mass.  Are these major changes and what will they involve?

A.  There are no changes to the structure of the Mass but only to the translation of various prayers and responses.  The prayers and responses which have been in use for nearly 40 years have not been changed in the official Latin version but the translations into all the different languages have been revised so as to make them more accurate and reverential.  The Our Father has not been changed but some of the familiar responses will have to be relearned.  See it in a positive way as a chance to wake us up from rattling off these prayers to pray them in a fresh way..

Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

Pray For Our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased: Mary Barry, 33 Millennium Court. Jim Long, Connolly Street.  Bill Fitzgerald, Ballingarry. Edward Russell, Richview.  Funeral prayers at 5.00pm on Sunday followed by removal to St. John’s Church.  Requiem Mass on Monday at 10.30am followed by burial in Foulkstown Cemetery.  Michael Reade, Stockport & William Street.  Requiem Mass on Tuesday at 11.00 at St. Joseph’s Church, Foulkstown followed by interment of ashes in the adjoining cemetery.

Months Mind: Patsy Ryan (Sat 6.15), Tony Madden (Sun 11.00)

Anniversaries:  Patrick Traynor (Sat 7.00), Fr. John Lennon (Sun 9.30), Peter Gaule (Sun 12.00), Anne Roche (Sun 12.30),  Tom O’Neill (Fri 10.30),  Helen Lynch, Bridget McKenna, Nora Hogan, Sr. Gregory Ryan,  Mick & Mai Brennan, Eileen Barry, Martin (Murt) Grace, Fr. Jim Forristal.

Intentions for Next Weekend: Eddie Dean (Sat 6.15), Joanie Waters (Sun 11.00), Evelyn Coppinger (Sun 12.00), Nicola Conway & Paddy Johnston (Sun 12.30).

First Saturday Devotion

Will take place in St. Fiacre’s Church, on Saturday October 1st after 6.15pm Mass, prayers and adoration will end at 9pm.  All are welcome.

Our Lady of Kilkenny Rosary

The monthly rosary on the First Sunday in James Green at the statue of Our Lady of Kilkenny continues this Sunday, 2nd October at 3.00pm.  All are welcome to attend this devotion to Our Lady.

Liturgy Committee Meeting

It is planned to hold another Liturgy Committee meeting in three weeks time, Thursday 13th October.  Anyone interested in helping to make our liturgies more meaningful as well a planning for upcoming events such as November Remembrance of the Dead and the Children's Liturgies is welcome to attend. 

8pm, St. Patrick’s  Parish Centre, 13th October.

Holy Communion Abuse

Last week, one of our faithful cleaners found a communion wafer (host) under a seat in the main body of St. Patrick’s Church.  This host had, more than likely, been received at one of the previous Sunday Masses and then brought back to the seat by some person where they either dropped it or discarded it.  Either way, such misuse of the Body of Christ is totally unacceptable and is tantamount to sacrilege.

We remind those receiving Holy Communion that they must consume the host the moment they receive it at the altar.  They MUST NOT take the sacred host back to their seat.

We appeal to Eucharistic Ministers to keep a watchful eye on those who are receiving Holy Communion and if they notice someone walking away with a host, note where the person goes and inform the priest.

A further reminder to Ministers: if approached by someone with a pyx and looking for an extra host, send them to the priest.  Thanks for your cooperation.

Altar Servers Recruitment

Application forms  are available in the sacristies of the churches for all those who  are current altar servers and for those who would like to become altar servers.  Mass-goers from 4th Class upwards are welcome to apply.

Please note that parental consent is required for ALL servers.  St. Patrick’s Parish strictly adheres to the Diocese of Ossory Policy on Safeguarding Children. 

Envelope Collections

Thank you for €1,475.00 received in the envelope collection last weekend.  Please contact the office if you require an envelope pack.

Westcourt News

The monthly Mass to pray for the intercession and blessings of Blessed Edmund Rice in our lives and for his canonisation will take place in Westcourt on Monday, 3rd October 2011 at 7.30pm.  Kilkenny Nurses’ Guild will organise the liturgy for this Mass. All are welcome.

Day for Life 2011

The Church celebrates the annual Day for Life on this Sunday, 2nd October 2011.  This year’s theme is “A call to solidarity and hope in difficult times”.

The Irish Bishops’ Conference has issued a Pastoral Letter for the occasions and some copies are available at the church doors.  Further reading and resources are available on www.dayforlife.org and on  www.catholicbishops.ie

First Friday

The first Friday of October occurs this week.  Frs. Roderick and Liam will visit the sick and housebound as usual.  Fr. Dan will visit on Thursday of this week.

Call 776 4400 to be added to the priests’ list.

October Stations

The October collection (October Stations) for the support of the priests of the parish and the bishop is due this month.  Please use the special envelope in the contribution pack you received earlier this year or any envelope marked with your name and address. 

We are grateful to all who support us and the parish and particularly so in these difficult economic times.  If you haven't received parish envelopes this year, or you are new to the parish and would like to start contributing, then please contact the Parish Office with your details.  Many thanks.

Mental Health and Teenagers

The C.B.S. Parents’ Council is organising a talk by Karl Reilly from Aware on “Understanding Mental Health and Teenagers” on Thursday, 6th October at 8.00pm in  C.B.S. Secondary School, Kilkenny.  All welcome.

Loreto Secondary School

1st Year Enrolment September 2012

Enrolment for Loreto Secondary School will take place from 3rd to 17th October.  Application forms and Admission Policy can be obtained from the website www.loretokk.ie or the school office.

 

Scripture Reflection Group

Each Monday evening at 7.30 a small group meet in the St. John of God House on College Road. The Gospel for the Mass on the following Sunday is explored and reflected upon. The meeting lasts for approximately an hour after which there is a cup of tea. Contact Sr. Helen Maher at 087 648 0131.

Youth Choir

The 12.30  Youth Choir is back.  Practice from 12 noon in St. Patrick’s Church.  Anyone interested in joining should be in church at 12 noon. 

Hearing Help & Lip Reading Classes

Hearing Help and Lip Reading morning classes will start Wednesday, 5th October from 10.30 to 12.30 for 8 weeks.  Venue: Citizens Information Office, The Parade.  086 809 4658.  All welcome.

The Stones: The Alice Kytler Musical

Watergate Theatre from Wednesday, 5th to Saturday, 8th October 8.00pm.  Tickets €15/€10 at the Watergate Theatre box office 056 776 1674.  Your support appreciated.

Appeal for Donations

We are desperately short of donations of clothing etc in Mrs Quinn’s Charity Shop for the Blind in Irishtown.  Call 087 139 4345.

Recreation & Sports Partnership

The Kilkenny Recreation and Sports Partnership is providing Child Welfare & Protection in Sport Training Courses: This is a 3 hour basic awareness course, looking at how we can keep adults and young people safe and happy within the club environment. This course is open to sports leaders, coaches, parents, children's officers and other adults involved in the organisation of sport for young people. Must be over 18 years of age.

Monday 14^th November: St. Patricks Parish Centre, Kilkenny City, 6.00pm - 9.00pm.  €20

Kilkenny Recreation and Sports Partnership is hosting Meet and Train Sessions at 9.30am at the Watershed Track. The sessions are starting on the 4th October and will run every Tuesday and Friday until Mid December. €2 per session or €10 until mid December. Walk/Run at your own pace! Buggys are welcome!

Kilkenny Recreation and Sports Partnership is hosting a Festival of Activities for Older Adults!  10.00am to 1.00pm, Registration from 9.45am on Thursday, 13th October at the Watershed.  Activities Include Fit Walk, Pilates, Badminton, Dance. Everyone is Welcome – Bring a friend!  To register call 056 772 0870.