Fifth Sunday in Ordinary TIme, 8th February 2015

World Day of Prayer for the Sick

Wednesday, 11^th February is World Day of the Sick, an observation started by Pope John Paul II as a way for believers to offer prayers for those suffering from illnesses of any kind.  The day coincides with the commemoration of Our Lady of Lourdes.  On this day people around the world take the time to pray for the sick and for those who work very hard to alleviate the sufferings of the sick.  Here in our parish we will include special prayers for the sick at all Masses.

The Kilkenny Solemn Novena

The annual Kilkenny Solemn Novena continues in St. John’s Parish until Wednesday, 11th February.  Services at usual Mass times on Sundays and on weekdays at 7.30am, 10.30am and 7.30pm each day.  There is a space and a place for all.  All welcome.

St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society

A meeting of the St. Patrick’s Parish branch of the society will be held in the Parish Centre on this Friday, 13^th February at 11.00am following the 10.30am Mass in St. Fiacre’s Church.  All welcome.

The Ossory meeting of the St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society will take place in the Chapter House, St. Mary’s Cathedral on Thursday, 12^th February beginning with Mass in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel at 7.30pm. Mass will be celebrated by Fr. Willie Purcell.  All members are welcome to attend.

Journey into Freedom

Giving God Another Chance: For the six Thursdays of Lent starting 19^th February in the Capuchin Friary in Kilkenny we will be holding the “Journey into Freedom” course. The course comprises of talks, testimonies, discussions, songs and prayer leading towards greater meaning and peace in your life.  Each evening starts at 7.30pm and finishes at 9.00pm. The course is hosted by the Parish Cells in Ossory.

Al-Anon

The Wednesday meeting has moved from Kilkenny Social Service Centre to St. Patrick’s Parish Centre from 12.30 - 2.00pm.

Pray For Our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased:  Pat Langton, Dunamaggin and Kilkenny.  Requiem Mass at St. Leonard’s Church, Dunamaggin at 12 noon on Monday. Burial afterwards in Clara.  Stephanie O’Meara, St. Patrick’s Centre, Kells Road and Waterford.  Funeral prayers at St. Patrick’s Centre, Kells Road at 5.00pm on Monday followed by removal to the Holy Family Church, Waterford.  Requiem Mass at 11.00am on Tuesday.  Josephine Morrison, Bishop Birch Place and Callan.  Joe Lambe, Castlecomer Road.  Elizabeth Dunne, Ballacolla, Co. Laois. Bridget Freeman, Callan.  Jimmy Bradley, St. Francis Terrace. Jack Moran, Texas and formerly 3 Chapel Avenue.  John Andrews, Bishops Hill. Dr. Maura Walsh, Rathdowney and formerly Woodlawn.

Months Mind: Jack Byrne (Wed 10.30).

Anniversaries: Teresa Howe, William & Margaret Howe & Mary Mullally (Sat 6.15). Noeleen Flood (Sat 7.00). Rory Quinn (Sun 10.00). Pat Kearney (Sun 10.30). Kathleen O’Neill (Sun 11.00). Peter Quinn (Sun 12.00). Mary McHugh (Sun 12.30).  Philly & Statia Grace (Tues 10.30). Daniel Cody (Fri 10.30).  John & Annie Free. Liam Bergin. John O’Keeffe.  Dr. Richard Purcell. Ellen Egan. Paddy Burke.  Patrick Walsh. Fintan Phelan.  Kathleen Maher. Bill Carroll. Tom & Gretta Phelan, Kit Carroll. Christopher Walsh.  Moya Bligh.  Thomas & Elizabeth Hayes.

Intentions for Next Weekend:  Tom Kavanagh (Sat 6.15). Michael Walsh & Milo Burke (Sat 7.00). Peggy Shanahan (Sun 9.30). Mickey, Mary & Liam Costelloe (Sun 10.00). Fr. Joe O’Shea (Sun 10.30). Eileen Cummins (Sun 11.00). Paddy Burke (Sun 12.00). Ursula Maher (Sun 12.30).

 

Our Lady of Lourdes Triduum

Wednesday, 11th February is the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes.  See www.lourdes-france.org.

The annual Triduum in honour of Our Lady of Lourdes will take place at the Black Abbey from Wednesday, 11^th to Friday, 13^th February at 10.15am and 7.15pm daily.  Preacher is Fr. Tim Mulcahy OP.  All welcome.  Details: www.blackabbey.ie/triduum.

 

St. Mary’s Cathedral Restoration

To help finance the restoration of St. Mary’s Cathedral, the Mother Church of our Diocese, Bishop Séamus Freeman has announced the Diocese of Ossory Cathedral Restoration Draw.  This monthly draw will be launched at the Chapter Room, St. Mary’s Cathedral at 8.00pm on Tuesday, 10^th February.  Tickets will cost €10 per month or €120 per annum.  The prize fund will be €6,000 per month.  In a letter this week Bishop Séamus has invited priests and people of St. Patrick’s Parish to the launch of the draw on Tuesday.  Draw tickets will be available at St. Patrick’s Parish Office following the launch. We encourage your support for our diocesan cathedral.

Meet Others Bereaved by Suicide

Kilkenny Bereavement Support will host six nights of Group Support for Adults Bereaved by Suicide in recent times or in the past.  It will take place on Tuesday nights commencing on 24^th February at 8.00pm at Villa Maria, Talbot’s Inch, Freshford Road, Kilkenny.

The Group will provide the bereaved with the experience of a safe and comforting place where they will receive the support of fellow bereaved.  The group experience will help participants to understand the grieving process, remember the deceased and discuss coping strategies for difficult times, e.g., special dates and events.  For more information please call 056 775 6538 or 087 961 0334.

Taizé Diocesan Youth Pilgrimage

The third youth pilgrimage to Taizé in France organised by Ossory Youth and under the patronage of the Bishop of Ossory will take place from 16^th to 23^th August 2015.

The pilgrimage is open to TY, 5^th Year and LC students.  Closing date for applications is Friday, 13^th February. For information, including application forms: Joseph Mguni, at 056 776 1200  or 087 937 9546.

Kilkenny Flower Club

Kilkenny Flower Club will resume meetings on Thursday 12^th February in Butler House at 8.00pm. €8 for visitors who will be welcome to attend.

Ossory Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2015

The annual diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes under the Patronage of Bishop Séamus Freeman takes place from 22^nd  to 27^th May.  Cost is  €755pps.  All bookings for both regular and assisted pilgrims please contact: Glenmore Parish Office on 051 880 414 or email glenmore@ossory.ie Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 10.00am - 2.30pm & Friday 9.15am – 12.15pm (closed Wednesday).

Medugorje Pilgrimage

Pilgrimage travels from 12^th - 19^th of April 2015. Cost is €599 inclusive of flights, transfers, accommodation, bed, breakfast, dinner, and the facilities of local guides. Full religious programme included.  For further information contact: Sean Hickey on 086 371 5882.

Koemba Parenting

Beginning at 7:30pm on Tuesday, 24^th February in St Patrick’s Parish Centre: Connecting and Communicating With Your Child. Facilitated by parenting expert and author Val Mullally.  www.koemba.com  or  087 760 9355. 

Spanish Teacher

Available for beginners, medium or advance. Please email: sandzel@hotmail.com or contact 086 441 1605 or 056 780 5564 or  visit www.espansanz.wordpress.com

Spring Literature Course

Part 2 of our evening course exploring the work of Seamus Heaney and William Trevor begins on Thursday, 19^th February.  Newcomers welcome. Classes from 7.00 to 9.00pm at Kilkenny Campus, located at St. Kieran’s College.  Six-week course fee €100. To book, please email margaret.irish@nuim.ie or call 086 393 5513.

Kilkenny Search and Recovery

KSAR would like to sincerely thank you for your financial support and your kind words of appreciation during their recent church gate collection.  KSAR provide a voluntary service to the community.

Irish Hospice Foundation

Get on your bike for the Irish Hospice Foundation this June. Call 890 717 000 or www.hospicefoundation.ie.

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time. 1st February 2015

St. Brigid – a Woman for our Time

At the present time as we constantly hear stories of global warming and of the damage being done to the earth many people are looking for a spirituality that is inclusive of all creation. St Brigid, with her closeness to nature, makes her very appealing to all people. Those who are concerned about the environment and the future of the earth are inspired by the reverence she showed for all creation. She is being invoked to heal our wounds and green our earth.

St. Brigid was also the foundress of monastic life in Ireland. As abbess of the monastery in Kildare she played a significant role in society and in the church of her time. She was a model of equality and is a powerful symbol of womanhood revealing in many ways the compassionate and feminine face of God.

During the Year of Consecrated Life the Pope is asking all men and women religious to constantly thank God who has called them to follow Jesus. He asks them to reflect on the Gospel and to fully embrace its message and to be witnesses of God's love and mercy throughout the world.

In St Brigid we have the model of someone who lived the Gospel message by her love for God and for all God's people especially the poor and by her love for all creation.

Brigid is known as Mary of the Gael and she is one of Ireland’s patron saints. She was born in Faughart near Dundalk in 451 AD. There are wells dedicated to St. Bridget throughout the country.

St. Brigid’s Day Service

The annual St. Brigid’s Day Service will be held at St. Fiacre’s Church at 7.30pm on this Sunday evening.  Water from the well of St. Brigid in Kildare and red flannel will be available at the service.  Music ministry by the Kilkenny Gospel Choir.

Senior Citizens’ Party

Many thanks to all who attended and helped out at our annual Senior Citizens’ Party on last Monday evening.  A great night was enjoyed by all.  A special word of thanks to Marble City Swingers for the music.

Presentation of the Lord - Candlemas Day

This feast is celebrated on Monday, 2nd February.  Our Lady offered her Son to God in the temple. As was the Jewish custom, she also offered pigeons, a sign of her purgation. Simeon was happy as he took the child in his arms and thanked God. Anna was also in the temple and she believed and praised God.

Candles are blessed on this day to remind us that Jesus is the light of the world. Candles (for church and home use) will be blessed at all Masses in the parish.  Please place any personal/family candles on the table near the altar before Mass.

St. Blaise , Bishop and Martyr

St. Blaise, whose feast is celebrated on Tuesday, is the patron of those with sore throats and of sick cattle. He was a physician before becoming a bishop. The blessing of St. Blaise, which will be celebrated during all Masses in the parish on Tuesday, is a sign of our faith in God’s protection and love for us and for the sick.

Through the intercession of St. Blaise, bishop and martyr, may God deliver you from all ailments of the throat and from every other evil, in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

First Friday Visits

Frs. Dan and Liam will be making their calls on this Friday, 6th February.  Fr. Roderick will attend as arranged with those he visits regularly.  Let us know in the office if you would like to be included.

The Kilkenny Solemn Novena

The annual Kilkenny Solemn Novena takes place in St. John’s Parish from this Tuesday, 3rd February to Wednesday, 11th February.  Services at usual Mass times on Sundays and on weekdays at 7.30am, 10.30am and 7.30pm each day.  There will be a number of special events during the novena: Mass and Sacrament of Reconciliation at 7.30pm on Thursday; Mass for children, parents and grandparents at 11.45am on Friday.  Mass led by Young People at 7.30pm on Friday. There is a space and a place for all.  Everyone is welcome.  For further details see flyers in our parish churches.

Pray For Our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased: Peter Garrehy, 2 Sion Meadows, Sion Road. Reposing at his home from 2.00pm on Sunday with rosary at 7.00pm.  Funeral prayers at 11.00am on Monday followed by removal to St. Fiacre’s Church for Requiem Mass at 12.00 noon. Burial afterwards at St. Michael’s Cemetery, Danesfort.  Michael Lanigan, Old Callan Road. Requiem Mass at 11.00am on Sunday at St. Mary’s Cathedral. Burial afterwards at Foulkstown Cemetery. Christina Lenehan, Freshford Road. Rosa Henry, Broguemaker's Hill. Mary Renehan, Kilree.  Mary Mahon, Bennettsbridge. Mary Parker, Assumption Place.

Months Mind: Sr. Brigid Leech (Sat 7.00). Loretta Barr (Sun 10.30).

Anniversaries: Michael White (Sat 6.15). John & Ellen McDonald (Sun 9.30). Lil, Billy & Eamon Costelloe (Sun 10.00). Jim Loughlin (Sun 11.00). Billy Clune (Sun 12.00). Michael Moore (Sun 12.30). Patrick O’Keeffe (Tues 10.30). Con Noonan (Wed 10.30). Daniel ‘Algie’ Lanigan (Thurs 10.30). Rory Quinn (Fri 10.30). Sean O’Grady (Sat 9.30). Jimmy O’Neill. William Culleton. James Hayes. John Quigley. Anne Delaney.  Thomas Traynor..  Maura Gaffney, Annie Ruth.  James & Mary Hogan.

Intentions for Next Weekend: Teresa Howe, William & Margaret Howe & Mary Mullally (Sat 6.15). Noeleen Flood (Sat 7.00). Rory Quinn (Sun 10.00). Kathleen O’Neill (Sun 11.00). Peter Quinn (Sun 12.00). Mary McHugh (Sun 12.30).

Bridge

Come and enjoy a game of bridge every Tuesday at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre from 2.30pm.  Everyone welcome. No partner required.

Taizé Diocesan Youth Pilgrimage

The third youth pilgrimage to Taizé in France organised by Ossory Youth and under the patronage of the Bishop of Ossory will take place from 16^th to 23^th August 2015.

The pilgrimage is open to TY, 5^th Year and LC students.  Closing date for applications is Friday, 13^th February. For information, including application forms: Joseph Mguni, at 056 776 1200  or 087 937 9546.

Coeliac Support Group

The next meeting of the Kilkenny Coeliac Support will take place in St. Patrick's Parish Centre, Loughboy on Monday next, February 2nd at 8.00pm. Any person affected by this disease or looking for information is welcome to attend. Tá fáilte roimh gach duine chuig an gcruinniú seo. 

Mill Hill Fathers

A Mass in honour of St Joseph will take place at 8.00pm on the first Wednesday of every month in the Mill Hill Chapel, Waterford Road. The next Mass will be on Wednesday 4th  February. Please join with us.

Westcourt News

The monthly Mass to pray for the intercession of Blessed Edmund Rice in our lives and for his canonisation will take place in Westcourt on Monday, 2^nd February at 7.30pm.  All are welcome.

Art Classes

Art Classes in Watercolour Painting with Mary Dillon. 'Let your creativity flow...!' start at St. Patrick's Parish Centre on Wednesday, 4th February at 10.30am. Contact Mary on 087 222 4260 or dillonmary@eircom.net

Irish Hospice Foundation

Get on your bike for the Irish Hospice Foundation this June (21^st-27^th) and join former professional cyclist Paul Kimmage on the Genoa to Rome cycle challenge.  Register before 13th March: call 890 717 000 or www.hospicefoundation.ie for more information.

Carers Association Open Day

There is an Open Day in the Carers Association Kilkenny on 5^th February from 10.30am to 12.30pm.  All are invited.

Young at Heart

The Young at Heart Club returns on Wednesday  4th February from 2.30pm - 4.30pm in the Parish Centre.

Koemba Parenting

Beginning at 7:30pm on Tuesday, 24th February in St Patrick’s Parish Centre: Connecting and Communicating With Your Child. Facilitated by parenting expert and author Val Mullally.  www.koemba.com  or  087 760 9355. 

Ossory Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2015

Under the Patronage of the Bishop Seamus Freeman S.A.C., Bishop of Ossory, takes place from May 22nd – May 27th 2015.  Cost is  €755pps.   All bookings for both regular and assisted pilgrims please contact: Glenmore Parish Office on 051 880 414 or email glenmore@ossory.ie Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 10.00am - 2.30pm & Friday 9.15am – 12.15pm (closed on Wednesday).  

South Kilkenny Historical Society

The Marlhill Murder and the South Kilkenny connection.  Speaker: Mr Eddie Dalton. Thursday, 5th February. Time: 8.00pm. Venue: Mullinavat Parish Hall. Admission: €5 (members free). All welcome.

Third Sunday in Ordinary TIme, 25th January 2015

Catholic Schools: Called to Serve

National Catholic Schools Week is the annual celebration of Catholic education. It starts on this Sunday and runs all week. Our parish schools will mark the week with Masses and other activities for students, families, parishioners and community members. Through these events, schools focus on the value Catholic education provides to young people and its contributions to our church, our communities and our country.

The theme of Catholic Schools Week 2015 is Catholic Schools: Called to Serve. This call comes from Christ himself.  Jesus is called ‘teacher’ on forty-six occasions in the Gospels. It is the title most commonly associated with him by his first followers. So what did Jesus teach? In the villages, hills and valleys of Galilee he taught the people that the reign of God was dawning in their midst.  He spoke of the reign of God as healing for the sick, hearing for the deaf, new sight for the blind, freedom for prisoners and good news for the poor. 

All Christians are called to serve their brothers and sisters. This means helping them to stand up and walk on their own, exorcising their fear of the unknown and expanding their minds through education.  It entails feeding them when they are too weak to feed themselves, opening their eyes to the reality of life, challenging them to let go of hurts and prejudice, and liberating those who are unjustly oppressed. It involves introducing them to ever-greater horizons of  transcendence and beauty. This is how we continue the healing ministry of Jesus so that ‘the blind see again, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, the good news is proclaimed to the poor’.

In Evangelii Gaudium the Pope says that the social dimension of the preaching of the Gospel is critically important. If we are truly Christian then we are called to live with others and for others.  This is because God, in Christ, has redeemed human society and not just each of us as individuals. This is an important insight for Catholic education. Pope Francis states: “No one can demand that religion should be relegated to the inner sanctum of personal life, without influence on societal and national life, without concern for the soundness of civil institutions, without a right to offer an opinion on events affecting society. Who would claim to lock up in a church and silence the message of St Francis of Assisi or Blessed Teresa of Calcutta? They themselves would have found this unacceptable. An authentic faith – which is never comfortable or completely personal – always involves a deep desire to change the world, to transmit values, to leave this earth somehow better than we found it.”

Catholic schools are called to serve. This is the call we celebrate during Catholic Schools Week 2015.

Parish Senior Citizens’ Party

The major event in our parish this week, if not this year, is the annual St. Patrick’s Parish Senior Citizens’ Party which will be held at the Parish Centre at 8.00pm on Monday, 26th January.  Some tickets (€10) are still available and these will go on sale at the Parish Centre on Monday morning.  Over 60’s.  We ask people to purchase tickets to enable us to plan the catering on the night.  Music by the Marble City Swingers.  We hope as many people as possible come out and enjoy a wonderful event.  Get ready to have a great evening. 

Dr. Heffernan on the Family

“Family Dynamics and our Emotional Well-being” is the title of a talk on the family which Dr. Fergus Heffernan, Psychologist and Family Therapist, will present at St. Fiacre’s Church on Thursday, 29^th January at 8.00pm.  Whether you are a parent trying to cope with children, or a parent struggling with teenagers, or a parent whose children have left the nest, this talk is particularly suited to you.  It helps us to make sense  of the many life challenging situations that are facing families now and offers simple strategies that we can implement to create greater balance and contentment in our families.  Cost €10 at the door.  Proceeds in aid of Irish Pilgrimage Trust which takes young people to Lourdes at Easter.

Pray For Our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased: Justin Ring, Castlecomer. Requiem Mass in Castlecomer Church at 2.00pm on Monday. Brendan Conway, Greenshill (Funeral arrangements later). Derek Tyrrell, Archers Crescent. Mary O’Hara, St. Francis Terrace. Eileen Mullally, Drakelands. Johnny Ryan, Dunbell. Carrie Larkin Coyle, Derry.

Months Mind: Eddie Walsh (Sun 10.00).

Anniversaries: Norah Foley (Sat 6.15). Ann O’Shea (Sat 7.00). Mary & Joseph O’Reilly & Joseph O’Mahony (Sun 9.30). Maureen Barry (Sun 10.30). Jimmy McGrath (Sun 11.00). Kathleen Kelly (Sun 12.00). Kitty Hickey (Sun 12.30). Michael McDonald (Tues 9.30). Peg Brennan (Tues 10.30). Bridget Drea (Wed 10.30). Ellen, John, Pat & Mary Butler (Thurs 10.30). Paddy & Maureen Dwyer (Fri 10.30).  Fr. John Nyhan. John Hennessy. Matthew Gleeson. Anne Kenny. Tom Walton. Elizabeth Kavanagh. Peadar Flanagan.  Martin Coyne.

Intentions for Next Weekend: Michael White (Sat 6.15). Sr. Brigid Leech (Months Mind Sat 7.00pm). Lil, Billy & Eamon Costelloe (Sun 10.00). Loretta Barr (Months Mind Sun 10.30). Jim Loughlin (Sun 11.00). Billy Clune (Sun 12.00). Michael Moore (Sun 12.30).

Cake Sale

A cake sale in aid of the Diocesan Youth Pilgrimage to Lourdes in May 2015 will take place in the Parish Centre after this Sunday’s 10.30am Mass in St. Fiacre’s Church.  Please support our young people.

Bridge

Come and enjoy a game of bridge every Tuesday at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre from 2.30pm.  Everyone welcome. No partner required.

The Kilkenny Solemn Novena

The annual Kilkenny Solemn Novena takes place in St. John’s Parish from Tuesday, 3rd February to Wednesday, 11th February.  Services at usual Mass times on Sundays and on weekdays at 7.30am, 10.30am and 7.30pm each day.  See flyers in church.

Taizé Diocesan Youth Pilgrimage

The third youth pilgrimage to Taizé in France organised by Ossory Youth and under the patronage of the Bishop of Ossory will take place from 16^th to 23^th August 2015. The Taizé community is an ecumenical monastic order in Taizé, France. Over 100,000 youth from around the world make a pilgrimage to Taizé each year.

The pilgrimage is open to TY, 5^th Year and LC students.  Closing date for applications is Friday, 13^th February. For information, including cost and application forms: Joseph Mguni, at 056 776 1200  or 087 937 9546 or jmguni@ossoryyouth.com or Patrick Bookle at 087 212 9006 or pbookle@ossoryyouth.com.

Victim Assistance in Kilkenny

The Kilkenny Federation for Victim Assistance is here to provide emotional and practical service to all victims of crime in Kilkenny and surrounding areas. 

This is a free and confidential service. If you or someone you know has been affected by a crime call/test us anytime at 083 125 4461.

Art Classes

Art Classes in Watercolour Painting with Mary Dillon. 'Let your creativity flow...!' at St. Patrick's Parish Centre. Course is suitable for beginners and for people with more experience. Starting on Wednesday, 4th February for 8 weeks, 10.30am - 12.30pm. Contact Mary on 087 222 4260 or dillonmary@eircom.net

Taking Stock

“Taking Stock” is a free 8 week Positive Aging Course for men and women of 55 years of age and older.  It covers topics like, keeping connected, mental health, physical health, assertiveness and safety.

Starting on 28^th January from 11.00am to 1.00pm in St. Patrick’s Parish Centre. Information/booking: call/text Meabh on 087 126 0979.  This is an Age and Opportunity Course delivered by the HSE.

Loughboy Library

Mobile Phone Training including tablets, iPods, iPads and laptops for the elderly will be available on Fridays at 11.00am. Just come along with your device.

Ossory Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2015

Under the Patronage of the Bishop Seamus Freeman S.A.C., Bishop of Ossory, takes place from May 22nd – May 27th 2015.  Cost is  €755pps.   All bookings for both regular and assisted pilgrims please contact: Glenmore Parish Office on 051 880 414 or email glenmore@ossory.ie Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 10.00am - 2.30pm & Friday 9.15am – 12.15pm (closed on Wednesday).  

Loughboy Library

Mobile Phone Training including tablets, iPods, iPads and laptops for the elderly will be available on Fridays at 11.00am. Just come along with your device.

Creative Prose-6 week writing workshop commencing on Friday Feb 6th from 6-8pm. To secure a place contact the Arts Office on 056 779 4938 or email niamh.brophy@kilkennycoco.ie. Cost €45.00

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, 18th January 2015

Migrant Sunday

The 101^st Day of Migrants and Refugees takes place on this Sunday, 18^th January.  Today the Church remembers migrants and refugees. Due to wars, persecution and natural disasters millions of people - including children - have to leave their native countries and seek refuge in Ireland and in Europe. Last year, the United Nations harboured 135,700 refugees. They have many issues to contend with such as loneliness, language, work, friendship, education and climatic difficulties. We ought to welcome them and help them in any way we can.

Christian Unity Week

The annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity runs from today, 18^th January until next Sunday, 25^th January. The theme this year is taken from John 4:7: “Jesus said to her: “Give me to drink.”  This implies an ethical action that recognises the need for  one another in living out the Church’s mission.  It compels us to change our attitude, to commit ourselves to seek unity in the midst of our diversity, through our openness to a variety of forms of prayer and Christian spirituality.  Let us keep Christian Unity in our prayer intentions during this week.

Parish Senior Citizens’ Party

The annual St. Patrick’s Parish Senior Citizens’ Party will be held at the Parish Centre at 8.00pm on Monday, 26th January.  Tickets (€10) only available at the Parish Centre.  We ask people to purchase tickets to enable us to plan the catering on the night.  Music by the Marble City Swingers.  Get your party frocks and dancing shoes ready. Over 60’s.

First Holy Communion Children

Today we welcome the young people from schools in  our parish who are preparing for their First Penance and First Holy Communion.  The candidates will be joined by their parents and families at the 10.30am and 11.00am Masses who, together with the regular members of the Mass-going community, will help them continue their preparation to become full members of our Eucharistic Community.

Society of St. Vincent de Paul

The monthly collection for the Society of St. Vincent De Paul takes place this weekend.  The money collected goes to our parish conference and is used in the neighbourhood to help local people.

We know money is scarce for everyone at this time of year but, if you can, we ask you to support this worthy cause.  Those in need of assistance from the society in our parish can call 087 681 0589.

Join us for a Cuppa

Join us for a cuppa after 10.30am Mass on Tuesday.  Members of the congregation and visitors are invited to come to the Parish Centre for a cuppa and a chat. 

Parish Pastoral Council

A meeting of the Parish Pastoral Council will take place on Monday 19^th January at 8.00pm.

On The Family

“Family Dynamics and our Emotional Well-being” is the title of a talk on the family which Dr. Fergus Heffernan will present at St. Fiacre’s Church on Thursday, 29^th January at 8.00pm.  Whether you are a parent trying to cope with young children, or a parent struggling with teenagers, or a parent whose children have left the nest, this talk is particularly suited to you.  It helps us to make sense  of the many life challenging situations that are facing families now and offers simple strategies that we can implement to create greater balance and contentment in our families.  Cost €10 at the door.  Proceeds in aid of Irish Pilgrimage Trust.

Taking Stock

“Taking Stock” is a free 8 week Positive Aging Course for men and women of 55 years of age and older.  It covers topics like, keeping connected, mental health, physical health, assertiveness and safety.

Starting on 28^th January from 11.00am to 1.00pm in St Patrick’s Parish Centre.  For more information or to book a place call or text Meabh on 087 126 0979.  This is an Age and Opportunity Course delivered by the HSE Health Promotion Department. 

Pray For Our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased: Peggy Moore, Kickham Street.  Funeral Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral at 11.00am on Monday.  Burial in Foulkstown Cemetery. Catherine McGrath, St. Teresa’s Terrace. Funeral Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral at 1.00pm on Monday. Burial in St. Kieran’s Cemetery.  Frank Smith, Drakelands. Funeral Mass at St. Canice’s Church at 12 noon on Monday. Burial at St. Kieran’s Cemetery.  Sean Tyrrell, O’Loughlin Road. Danny O’Leary, Naas & St. Fiacre’s Place. Jack Byrne, Kyle, Gowran. Tom Boyle, Park View. Sr. Mercy Murphy, Presentation Sisters, Parnell Street.

Anniversaries: Anna Campion (Sat 6.15). Albert & Bridget Downes (Sun 7.00). Michael Drennan (Sun 9.30). Maura Nolan (Sun 10.00). Jack Comerford (Sun 10.30). Maureen O’Shea (Sun 11.00). Teresa & Edward Dullard (Sun 12.00). Oliver Mannion (Sun 12.30).  Andy Lawlor (Tue 10.30), Paul Delaney (Wed 9.30), Elizabeth Mulligan (Fri 9.30). Mary Kelly (Fri 10.30). Mixie Bartholomew (Months Mind Fri 4.30 at Foulkstown). Ned Larkin (Sat 9.30). Mary Bartley. Patrick & Sally Mullally. Carmel Maher.  Patrick Tynan. Margaret & Michael Muldowney. Kevin Dowling.  Paul Delaney. Mary & Agnes Murphy. Rose Bowe. Michael & Bernie Comerford. John Joe McGrath. Lorenzo Mahony.

Intentions for Next Weekend: Norah Foley (Sat 6.15). Ann O’Shea (Sat 7.00). Mary & Joseph O’Reilly (Sun 9.30). Eddie Walsh (Months Mind Sun 10.00). Maureen Barry (Sun 10.30). Jimmy McGrath (Sun 11.00). Kathleen Kelly (Sun 12.00). Kitty Hickey (Sun 12.30).

Loughboy Library

Tips for the Elderly: on the use of mobile phone, ipad, ipod and laptop will be provided on Fridays at 11.00am from 23^rd January.  No charge. Just drop in.

Six Book Challenge for Adults: for all staff of the Loughboy Shopping Centre on Wednesday 25^th February.  Get back into the habit of reading for pleasure.  All units will get details.

Toddler Hour: Continues every Thursday at 11.30am.

Foulkstown Cemetery On The Web

Foulkstown Cemetery has been put on video and published on the internet for all the world to see.  The videos show the graves and headstones of all the marked plots in the old section of the cemetery.  (New section to follow shortly).  As of this week the videos now correspond to the  new map.  Therefore,  by using the map which is published on our website, it is now possible to locate an individual grave and view the video of the section and row in which the grave is located. Why not give it a try?  Here’s a small test.  See can you locate the following grave on the YouTube video and then locate it on the map.  Section 1, Row 2, Plot 6.  Good luck!

Parish Calendar for 2015

There are still copies of this popular calendar in the Parish Office so, if you didn't get a copy or need a few more, drop in to the Parish Centre and Michelle will look after you.

A Mother’s Reflection on her Son Who has Special Needs

My son is not a burden on society and I wrote this poem about him:

Some people think he’s a burden

But he is my son

I grew him inside me for nine months

And I have carried him for nine years

He is not a burden

He is my son

He has a name

He has my heart

He has a smile

His innocence is forever

He loves unconditionally

He trusts everybody

He is still my baby boy

I will always be his mum

I will always be his carer

There is no burden lighter than love.

Aisling McNiffe, Straffan, Co Kildare.

Parish News on Social Media

This Parish Newsletter is available on our Web and Facebook pages.  Let those away from home know about it so they can stay in touch. We now have 539 ‘likes’ on our Facebook page.  Many thanks to all of you.  Let’s see if we can hit 600 likes.  

 

Ossory Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2015

Under the Patronage of the Most Rev. Seamus Freeman SAC., Bishop of Ossory, takes place from May 22nd– May 27th 2015.  Cost is  €755 P.P.S.   All bookings for both Regular and Assisted pilgrims please contact: Glenmore Parish Office on 051-880414 or email glenmore@ossory.ie Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 10.00am - 2.30pm & Friday 9.15am – 12.15pm (closed on Wednesday).   

Be Informed

Copies of The Irish Catholic newspaper are available for sale at St. Patrick’s Church and St. Fiacre’s Church every week.

Copies of the Christmas edition of our diocesan magazine - Ossory Times - are available at all our church porches.  Excellent value at €2.00.

Limited Space

It’s either a feast or a famine: some weeks we have few items for publication in our Newsletter and other weeks we have too many.  Please note the following:  Each week, parish notices will be given priority, followed by diocesan notices and then, space permitting, community notices.  As a rule, we don’t advertise for companies or business and all notices must be favourable to our Catholic ethos.  Please have notices, anniversaries etc in by Thursday or we can’t guarantee publication that week.

Speech and Drama

Starburst School of Speech and Drama has added a new class in St. Patrick's Parish Centre at 4.45pm on Tuesdays. Beginners welcome. Classes starting January 2015. Contact Kate 085 114 2686 for more information or to make a booking.