Monday, October 12, 2015

28th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 11th October 2015

St. Canice - Patron of Kilkenny
St. Canice, patron of our City, is usually commemorated on 11th October.  However as this falls on a Sunday this year the saint’s feast is not formally celebrated. 
St. Canice was born in Co. Derry in 515 or 516 and died in Aghaboe, Co. Laois in 600.  His father was a distinguished bard from Waterford who found his way to the north and settled at Glengiven.  His mother was called Maul; her name is commemorated in the Church of Thomplamaul in Kilkenny.  (St. Maul’s Cemetery is adjacent to the former hospital at Wolf Tone Street, Kilkenny).  St. Canice studied under St. Finian at Clonard and was ordained in 545.  He travelled to Rome and later to Scotland where his name is recalled in the ruins of a number of ancient churches.  He established a great abbey at Aghaboe in Co. Laois (in our diocese) and tradition asserts that he founded a monastery in Kilkenny by the round tower and cathedral which bears his name.  A man of great eloquence and learning he wrote a commentary on the Gospels, known for centuries as Glas-Channigh.

Harvest Thanksgiving Mass
St. Patrick’s Parish will host a Harvest Thanksgiving Mass at St. Joseph’s Church, Foulkstown at 10.00am on next Sunday, 18th October.  The Mass will give thanks to God for his goodness and especially for the produce of the harvest. Parishioners are invited to bring suitable produce to the church between 6.00pm and 7.00pm on Saturday, 17th October.  This might consist of flowers, vegetables, fruit, grain, jams,  etc. to be used in decorating the environs and for presentation during the offertory procession.

October Stations
We invite parishioners to contribute towards the income of the parish clergy and bishop through the October Stations.  Special envelopes can be found in the envelope contribution packs or you may use any envelope and mark it “Stations”.
The priests of the parish and bishop acknowledge with gratitude your contributions towards their upkeep.  Thank you.

Foulkstown Cemetery
We ask people who visit Foulkstown Cemetery to note the following:
· Dumping is not permitted in the cemetery.
· Please bring home used wreaths etc and dispose of them in a proper manner.
· If you are driving into the cemetery, we ask you to be very careful to avoid damaging graves. This is a particular issue in the newer part of the cemetery where the roadway is narrow. 
· The Parish is not liable for any damages to cars or graves. 
If you do notice any suspicious activity or dumping please contact the Parish Office on 056 776 4400.

Future of Our Church
A final talk in this series will take place at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre on Monday, 12th October: “Woman, the Elephant in the Church.” Speaker: Dr. Mary T Malone.  Adm: €10.  Mary T Malone is a challenging author and speaker and will raise some interesting questions.

Suicide Grief Awareness Programme
Kilkenny Bereavement Support is running a six week programme. Venue: Villa Maria, Talbot’s Inch, Freshford Road, Kilkenny. Time and Dates: 8.00pm on Tuesdays 13th, 20th, 27th October and 3rd November.  Enquiries to Bereavement Support on 056 775 6538.

Monster Bingo for St. Mary’s Cathedral
A Monster Bingo with €15,000 prize money will be held in Cillín Hill, Kilkenny on next Sunday, 18th October at 3.00pm in aid of St. Mary's Cathedral Restoration Fund. Books €15 and €20. Single Sheets (3 in number) €2. Raffle tickets €2 or more.  This is a fundraiser for our diocesan cathedral and your support is requested.

A.C.T.S. Retreat
The A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Community, Theology, and Service) Retreat will take place on 15th - 18th October at the De La Salle Pastoral Centre, Castletown. See notices and application forms on our church notice boards.  For information text or call: Joseph Mahon 086 775 8709 or Jim Maher 086 127 6649. 

Date for your Diary!
On Tuesday, 3rd November at 8.00pm in St. Fiacre’s Church Dr. Fergus Heffernan will speak on The  Crisis in Mental Health in Ireland today. Proceeds to the Irish Pilgrimage Trust, bringing children with special needs to Lourdes at Easter 2016.

Pray For Our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Joe Hennessy, Dunmore Road. John Johnston, Old Golf Links Road. Una Godfrey, Derry. Teresa Deacy, Rosses Point, Sligo. John Hogan, The Sycamores.  Sr. Ailís Phelan, Holy Family Convent, Newbridge and formerly of Windgap.
Anniversaries: Tom O’Neill (Sat 6.15). Judy O’Brien (Sat 7.00). Richard Kelly (Sun 10.00). Eddie Dean (Sun  10.30).  Nicola Conway  (Sun 11.00). Della Harney (Sun 12.00). Joanie Waters (Sun 12.30). Gary & Nora Dunne (Wed 10.30). Kay Doran (Thurs 10.30). Stella O’Rourke (Fri 10.30). Michael Dollard & Family.  Sr Gregory Ryan. Jimmy Bateman. Mary Dunne.  Margaret McNamara. Mary O’Brien. Michael O’Leary. Paul Grace.  Patrick Tynan. Eileen Barry. Tom  O’Neill. Billy Maher.
Intentions for Next Weekend: Anthona & Ned Bourke (Sat 6.15). Ned Nolan (Sat 7.00). Gerard Cleere (Sun 9.30). Jennifer Mulhall (Sun 10.00). Eileen McGrath (Months Mind Sun 10.30). John Joe Kealy (Sun 11.00). Frank Stapleton (Sun 12.00). Paddy Cullen (Sun 12.30). 
May they rest in peace.  Amen.

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, 12th October at 7.30pm.  Please note the change of date. 

October is Month of the Missions
The Church by constitution is missionary but this aspect of her life is especially emphasised during October every year.  Next Sunday is Mission Sunday when we are encouraged to pray for the missionary activity of the Church and to offer a little financial assistance to the younger churches in the world..  World Missions Ireland offers spiritual and practical support worldwide.  www.wmi.ie

St Canice’s Parish Light of Hope Project
Wednesday, 14th October:
10.00am - 12.30pm: Workshop for Confirmation Classes and Secondary School Students on Third World issues in St Canice’s Parish Centre.
1.00pm: Soup and Solidarity; a simple lunch and Prayer Service with blessing of second Light of Hope Candle in St Canice’s Parish Centre.
7.30pm: Keynote Address by Mr Conor O’ Loughlin, Humanitarian Director Trocaire.
Music by Sospiro Male Voice Choir, Refreshments served afterwards in Parish Centre.

St. Joseph’s Abbey
A retreat at Mount St. Joseph’s Abbey, Roscrea takes place on 16th to 18th October. Presentations by Dom Laurence Walsh, former Abbot of Mount St. Joseph and by M. Marie Fahy, Abbess of St. Mary’s Abbey, Glencairn. Contact Eileen on 0505 25600 between 2.00 and 7.00pm, Monday to Friday or email info@msjroscrea.ie.

Bake Sale and Coffee Morning
At. St. Patrick’s Parish Centre on this Sunday, 11th October after 10.30am and 12 noon Masses at St. Fiacre’s Church.  In aid of Loreto Secondary School Public Assess to Law Team.  All are welcome. 

Care for our Common Home
The Association of Catholics in Ireland is hosting a discussion  on the recent encyclical from Pope Francis Laudato si (on the Care for our Environment) on Thursday, 15th October at 8.00pm in the Parish Centre, Leighlinbridge. Speakers: Fr. Sean McDonagh SSC.  All welcome.

Christian Mediation
“Be still and know that I am God”  Psalm 46.
Christian Meditation has resumed in St. Patrick’s Parish Centre at 4.00pm each Wednesday. Newcomers welcome. 

Cooking for Seniors
Join us at School of Food, Thomastown on Friday, 16th October for our Cooking for Seniors morning. Contact: 056 775 4397  or info@schooloffood.ie

Parent to Parent
P2P is a peer support group for Parents and carers of Children with special needs. It is held on the first Wednesday of the month in St.Patrick's Parish Centre Loughboy from 10.30am to 12.30 p.m. Children most welcome. Runs during school calendar year. Contact Therese @ 0879040208 or Claire @ 0861608341

Kilkenny Arch Club
Kilkenny Arch Club is a social club for Children aged between 6 and 14 years with extra support needs and their siblings. It runs on alternate Saturdays of school calendar year commencing Saturday 3rd Oct 11am to 1pm   in S.O.S. Sports hall, Seville lodge Callan Road. We are looking for new members and new volunteers please phone Noreen @ 083  151 7217 or Frances @ 087 6896211.  

Noreside Resource Centre
Free 8 hour basic computing course.  An ideal course for the elderly.  Further information please contact, Noreside Resource Centre, 3 St Canice’s Court, Dean Street, Kilkenny or telephone 056 7762146.

Loughboy Library
Mobile Phone Tips for the Elderly covering phones, PCs, laptops, ipads, ipods, facebook etc will take place on Fridays from 2.45-3.45pm commencing on Oct 16th.  Just drop in.

Vocational School
Kilkenny City Vocational School welcome past and present staff, students, friends and their families to a memorial service on Friday 23rd October @11.15am. This is to honour all in the school community who have passed away. Any queries please contact Helen Duggan on 086 048 8922

Papal Blessings
Papal blessing parchments to mark weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, jubilees and some other occasions are available through the Parish Shop. 
Please enquire at the reception desk in the Parish Centre.
There are lots of other items of a religious nature available at reasonable prices in our parish shop which is located in the Parish Center.
 
Thinking of Getting Married Soon?
Couples wishing to be married in our parish are asked to note the following:  Contact the Parish Office (776 4400) as early as possible to book your preferred date.  Bookings are on a first-come-first-served basis.  Please note that it is a civil requirement to inform the Registrar of Births, Marriages and Deaths of your intention to marry at least three months before the date - see www.gro.ie for more information about this aspect of preparations.
Contact the parish where you now reside where pre-marriage papers will be prepared for forwarding to the place of marriage. www.gettingmarried.ie is a useful source of information for couples as they plan the big day.

Monday, October 5, 2015

Twenty Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, 4th October 2015

Cherishing Life, Accepting Death
The ‘Day for Life’ is celebrated each year.  It is a day dedicated to raising awareness about the meaning and value of human life at every stage, and in every condition.  The theme for this year is ‘Cherishing Life, Accepting Death’, and it will be celebrated in Ireland on this Sunday. Printed copies of the bishops’ Day for Life Pastoral Message ‘Cherishing Life, Accepting Death’ is available this weekend.
In their message the bishops share a reflection on end of life matters: “At the end of life there are two thoughts that can help guide us all.  The first is that we love life.  Every person is loved by God and every life is a precious gift never to be destroyed or neglected.  It is wrong to hasten or bring about death… The second is that we accept death.  This means that there is no obligation to pursue medical treatment when it no longer serves its purpose – that is when treatment is having no effect or indeed is harming the patient.”  See www.catholicbishops.ie

Harvest Thanksgiving Mass
St. Patrick’s Parish will host a Harvest Thanksgiving Mass at St. Joseph’s Church, Foulkstown at 10.00am on Sunday, 18th October.  The Mass will give thanks to God for his goodness to us and especially for the produce of the harvest. Parishioners are invited to bring produce  - the fruits of the earth. 

Future of Our Church
A series of important public talks will continue at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre on Monday, 5th October: “The Church of Pope Francis.” Speaker: Fr. Eamonn Conway. 12th October: “Woman, the Elephant in the Church.” Speaker: Dr. Mary T Malone.  Adm: €10.

Suicide Grief Awareness Programme
Kilkenny Bereavement Support is running a six week programme (one and a half hours per week) that could support you and your family and friends. Venue: Villa Maria, Talbot’s Inch, Freshford Road, Kilkenny. Time and Dates: 8.00pm on Tuesdays 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th October and 3rd November.  Enquiries to Kilkenny Bereavement Support on 056 775 6538.

Altar Servers
Applications forms for new altar servers are now available from the Parish Office.  They can also be downloaded from http://www.ossory.ie/safeguarding/safeguarding-resources/. Boys and girls from 4th Class and upwards who have received their First Holy Communion can become an altar server in our parish.  Current altar servers will need to complete the application forms also. 

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, 12th October at 7.30pm. Please note the change of date. 

Pray For Our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Anne Kirwan, Jacob Street.
Anniversaries: Kathleen Roche (Sat 6.15). The Byrne Family (Sun 9.30). Ann Roche (Sun 11.00). Evelyn Coppinger  (Sun 12.00).  Kathleen Kenny (Sun 12.30). Bridget McKenna (Mon 9.30).  Mass for Retired Teachers (Fri 10.30).  Statia Cantwell. Paddy Wallace.
Intentions for next weekend: Tom O’Neill (Sat 6.15). Judy O’Brien (Sat 7.00). Richard Kelly (Sun 10.00). Eddie Dean (Sun  10.30).  Nicola Conway  (Sun 11.00). Della Harney (Sun 12.00). Joanie Waters (Sun 12.30).
May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace.  Amen.

Mass for Retired Teachers
The annual Mass for retired teachers takes place on Friday next, 9th October in St Fiacre's Church at 10.30a.m followed by tea/coffee in the Parish Centre. All are welcome.

St. Mary’s Cathedral September Draw
1st: John Flynn,  St. John’s Parish. 2nd: Maureen Dunne, Lisdowney. 3rd: Kathleen Moran, St. Patrick’s Parish. 4th: Stephen O’Connor, Thomastown. 5th: Rosbercon Parish Council. 6th: Peter Delaney, St. Mary’s Parish. 7th: Anne Lawlor, St. Mary’s Parish. 8th: Pat & Chris O’Neill. 9th: John & Mary O’Shea, Durrow. 10th: Conor Langton, St. John’s Parish.  Thanks for your continued support.

St Canice’s Parish Light of Hope Project
A series of Talks and Events entitled “The Light of Hope” during the month of October in St. Canice’s Church.  Speakers include: Sr Noelle Corscadden, Head of Loreto Order Worldwide (7th October); Mr Conor O’ Loughlin, Humanitarian Coordinator with Trocaire (14th October); Cardinal Cormac Murphy O’Connor, Archbishop Emeritus of Westminster (21st October) and Dr Breda Lynch, Historian (28th October).
Contact: 056 772 1533. Full details on www.ossory.ie. and www.stcanicesparish.ie. All at 7.30pm. Adm: free. 

Monster Bingo
A Monster Bingo with €15,000 prize money will be held in Cillín Hill, Kilkenny on Sunday, 18th October at 3.00pm in aid of St. Mary's Cathedral Restoration Fund. Books €15 and €20. Single Sheets (3 in number) €2. Raffle tickets €2 or more.  Please support.

CBS Secondary School
The Parents’ Council of CBS Secondary School, Kilkenny will hold its AGM on Tuesday, 6th October at 7.30pm in the school.  Dr. Fergus Heffernan will give a talk following the meeting at 8.00pm. All welcome.

Rosary Sunday
A rosary vigil will be held in the Black Abbey, Kilkenny on this Sunday, 4th October 4.15pm - 6.00pm with blessing of the roses. www.blackabbey.ie/rosary.

A.C.T.S. Retreat
The A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Community, Theology, and Service) Retreat is a spiritual retreat weekend. The retreat will take place on 15 - 18th October at the De La Salle Pastoral Centre, Castletown. See notices and application forms on our church notice boards.  For information text or call: Joseph Mahon 086 775 8709, Jim Maher 086 127 6649 or Trevor Hayes 086  240 9615.

Carer Support Group
Kilkenny Carer Support Group, Wednesday 7th October, 4.00 - 5.30pm at The Village Day Centre (behind the Village Inn Pub). Information and support for past/present carers of people with Alzheimer's/Dementia.
Loreto Secondary School
The closing date for application for a First Year place is Wednesday, 7th October 2015.  Application forms and admissions policy can be obtained from our website at www.loretokk.ie or from the school.

St. Joseph’s Abbey
A weekend retreat at Mount St. Joseph’s Abbey, Roscrea takes place on 16th to 18th October and concentrates on the theme of the family and coincides with the Synod on the Family being held in Rome.  Presentations by Dom Laurence Walsh, former Abbot of Mount St. Joseph and by M. Marie Fahy, Abbess of St. Mary’s Abbey, Glencairn.
Contact Eileen on 0505 25600 between 2.00 and 7.00pm, Monday to Friday or by email to info@msjroscrea.ie.

Ossory Times
The latest edition  of the Ossory Times  Magazine has been published.  This interesting publication features many articles from around the diocese as well as valuable information on Church teaching and life.
Copies are available in the sacristies and cost €2. 

Foróige
Seeking enthusiastic people who would like to make a difference in young people’s lives by donating a few hours a week. Contact: Pierce Dunne, on 086 780 5202 or  email  pierce.dunne@foroige.ie
Are you a parent of school aged children? Would you like to learn some techniques to address issues of communication, discipline, decision making, relationships, self-control and school success?
The Foróige DRUM Youth and Family Project plan to roll out the Common Sense Parenting (CSP) programme in autumn and are currently seeking participants. For more information contact Kate Carroll, 086 773 6975 or email kate.carroll@foroige.ie

Date for you Diary!
Tuesday, 3rd November at 8.00pm in St. Fiacre’s Church Dr Fergus Heffernan will speak on “The  Crisis in Mental Health in Ireland today”. Proceeds to the Irish Pilgrimage Trust , bringing children with special needs to Lourdes.

Kilkenny Flower Club
Christine Hughes will attend Kilkenny Flower Club in Butler House on Thursday, 8th October @ 8.00pm to teach Plant Manipulation. It will be interesting. Check website or Facebook for list of materials if you'd like to take part.

Inquisitive about the Priesthood?
Why not join us at St. Mary’s Cathedral for our Vocations Open Day on Sunday, 4th October from 2.00 to 4.00pm.  Informal talks, testimonials and refreshments.  Further information from Fr. Willie Purcell on 087 628 6858 or ossoryvocdir@gmail.com

Papal Blessings
Papal blessing parchments to mark weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, jubilees and some other occasions are available through the Parish Shop.  Please enquire at the reception desk in the Parish Centre.
There are lots of other items of a religious nature available at reasonable prices in our parish shop which is located in the Parish Center.

Thinking of Getting Married Soon?
Couples wishing to be married in our parish are asked to note the following:  Contact the Parish Office (776 4400) as early as possible to book your preferred date.  Bookings are on a first-come-first-served basis.  Please note that it is a civil requirement to inform the Registrar of Births, Marriages and Deaths of your intention to marry at least three months before the date - see www.gro.ie for more information about this aspect of preparations.
Contact the parish where you now reside where pre-marriage papers will be prepared for forwarding to the place of marriage. www.gettingmarried.ie is a useful source of information for couples as they plan the big day.

Care for our Common Home
The Association of Catholics in Ireland is hosting a discussion  on the recent encyclical from Pope Francis Laudato si (on the Care for our Common Home -the Environment) on Thursday 15th October at 8.00pm in the Parish Centre, Leighlinbridge. Speakers: Fr. Sean McDonagh SSC, the well-known environmentalist who advised the team drafting the encyclical and a speaker from Concern.  All welcome.

Twenty Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, 27th September 2015

Parish Centre and Parish Office
As a mark of respect to the late Ted Whearty, father of Fr. Roderick, the Parish Centre and the Parish Office will be closed on Monday 28th September until 2.00pm.  May he rest in peace.

Fr. Joseph Lubula
This weekend we say farewell to Fr. Joseph who has been working with us in the parish since late August.  On Saturday of this week he returns to continue his studies in Rome.  We thank Fr. Joseph for his work and insights while he was with us and we wish him every success in his future studies.  Please God our paths will cross again.  God bless.

First Friday Visits
The first Friday of October occurs this week.  Priests will visit as arranged with those on their lists.

Do this in Memory
We welcome the boys and girls of our local national schools, their parents and family members who join with us at 10.30am and 11.00am Mass this Sunday.  On this occasion the young people will enrol as candidates in the Parish First Holy Communion Programme and begin their preparation for the happy event next year.

Suicide Grief Awareness Programme.
Kilkenny Bereavement Support is running a six week programme (one and a half hours per week) that could support you and your family and friends. The programme will consider the following themes: A map of grief and grief responses; The stages/models of grief; Dealing with the question “Why?” and other particular difficulties; How to find and accept support including the needs of children; Memories - continuing bonds; Resilience and self care.
Venue: Villa Maria, Talbot’s Inch, Freshford Road, Kilkenny.
Time and Dates: 8.00pm on Tuesday 29th September and Tuesdays 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th October and 3rd November.  Enquiries to Kilkenny Bereavement Support on 056 775 6538.

Altar Servers
Applications forms for new altar servers are now available from the Parish Office.  They can also be downloaded from http://www.ossory.ie/safeguarding/safeguarding-resources/.
Boys and girls from 4th Class and upwards who have received their First Holy Communion can become an altar server in our parish.  Current altar servers will need to complete the application forms also. 

Pray For Our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Ted Whearty, Clifden, Clara, Co. Kilkenny. Reposing at his home from 2.00pm on Sunday with Rosary on Sunday evening at 7.00pm. Requiem Mass on Monday morning at 11.00am in St. Colman’s Church, Clara. Burial in adjoining cemetery. Br. Sean Louis McHale, Blessed Edmund Rice House, Callan. Kit Holohan, Castlecomer. Kathleen Mealy, Maddoxtown. Phil Dunning, Naas.
Months Mind: Christy Kerwick (Sat 6.15). Noreen Faul (Sun 11.00)
Anniversaries: Patrick Murray (Sat 7.00). Kathleen Kenny (Sun 9.30). Helen Kelly (Sun 10.00). Ann Kavanagh (Sun 10.30).  Peter Gaule (Sun 12.00). Margaret Jones (Sun 12.30).  Jim & Nellie Brennan (Mon 9.30). Patrick Kenna (Tue 10.30). Mary John, Ellen & Pat Butler. (Thurs 10.30). Statia & Sean Cantwell & Ellen Byrne (Fri 10.30). Patrick Traynor. Stella O’Rourke. Mary Kennedy. Dan Gorey. Michael Doyle. Terry Kelly. Anastatia Buckley. Ann Doyle. Mary Barry. Frank Coyne. Sr. Gerard Forristal.
Intentions for next weekend: Kathleen Roche (Sat 6.15). The Byrne Family (Sun 9.30). Ann Roche (Sun 11.00). Evelyn Coppinger  (Sun 12.00).  Kathleen Kenny (Sun 12.30).

St. Mary’s Cathedral Draw
The seventh monthly draw will take place in the Cathedral Chapter Room at 8.00pm on this Wednesday, 30th September. New subscribers are always welcome.  We would respectfully remind those who subscribe monthly to submit their money by Tuesday.  Six draws to go: €60 in all or €10 per month.  Tickets are available at the Parish Office.

Climate Change and Farming
The Environment Committee of the Church of Ireland Diocese of Cashel, Ferns and Ossory is holding a conference to raise awareness of the issues surrounding Climate Change and Farming. The Conference will be held in Kilkenny College on Saturday 3rd October  at 2.00pm.  All welcome.

Future of Our Church
A series of three important public talks will begin at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre on Monday, 28th September at 8.00pm: “A poor Church for the poor.” What is our call/response?  Speaker: Fr. Peter McVerry.
5th October: “The Church of Pope Francis.” Speaker: Fr. Eamonn Conway. 12th October: “Woman, the Elephant in the Church.” Speaker: Dr. Mary T Malone.  Admission €10 per talk or €20 for series.

Marian Movement of Priests
A meeting on this subject will take place on Monday 28th September at 7.30pm in St. Josephs Mill Hill House, Waterford Road. Mass, Rosary, Holy Hour.
All are welcome.

Integritas, Ennisnag
Contemplative Prayer on each Wednesday evening at 8.00pm.  Metanoeite “Be converted”! (Mk 1 : 15). These evenings are based on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola and proceed in a way which is in harmony with the liturgical calendar. 
September – November: Over this period, we will concentrate upon the loving kindness of God and introduce the ‘principle and foundation’ defined by St. Ignatius which is central to the Exercises. The second half of this period will then focus upon how God loves us notwithstanding our wayward-ness and distraction.

CBS Secondary School
The Parents’ Council of CBS Secondary School, Kilkenny will hold its AGM on Tuesday, 6th October at 7.30pm in the school.  Dr. Fergus Heffernan will give a talk to parents following the meeting, at 8.00pm. We look forward to seeing you on the night.  All welcome.

Annual Memorial Mass
St Luke’s Hospital will hold its Annual Memorial Mass for all deceased patients on Tuesday, 13th October at 7.30pm at St. Clare’s Parish Church, Graiguecullen. We extend a very warm welcome to all families who have been bereaved during the past year. The names of those who died between 1st September 2014 and 31st August 2015 at St Luke’s Hospital will be displayed close to the altar. All attending the Mass will be invited to light a candle on arrival at the church and place it close to the display of names before Mass begins. Family members and staff members of the hospital will also participate. All are invited to tea and refreshments afterwards.

Kilkenny Arch Club
Kilkenny Arch Club is a social club for children aged between 6 and 14 years with extra support needs and their siblings. It runs on alternate Saturdays of school calendar year commencing Saturday 3rd October from11.00am to 1.00pm in S.O.S. Sports hall, Seville Lodge, Callan Road. We are looking for new members and new volunteers.  Please phone Noreen @ 083 151 7217 or Frances @ 087 689 6211. 

A.C.T.S. Retreat
The A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Community, Theology, and Service) Retreat is a spiritual retreat weekend. The retreat will take place on 15 - 18th October at the De La Salle Pastoral Centre, Castletown.  For information please text or call: Joseph Mahon 086 775 8709, Jim Maher 086 127 6649 or Trevor Hayes 086  240 9615.

Carer Support Group
Kilkenny Carer Support Group, Wednesday 7th October, 4.00 - 5.30pm at The Village Day Centre (behind the Village Inn Pub). Information and support for past/present carers of people with Alzheimer's/Dementia.

Loreto Secondary School
The closing date for application for a First Year place is Wednesday, 7th October 2015.  Application forms and admissions policy can be obtained from our website at www.loretokk.ie or from the school.

Monster Bingo
A Monster Bingo with €15,000 prize money will be held in Cillín Hill, Kilkenny on Sunday 18th October at 3.00pm in aid of St. Mary's Cathedral Restoration Fund. Gowran Parish Bingo Committee takes charge of staging this Bingo. Books €15 and €20. Single Sheets (3 in number) €2. Raffle tickets €2 or more.  Please support.

Inquisitive about the Priesthood?
Why not join us at St. Mary’s Cathedral for our Vocations Open Day on Sunday, 4th October from 2.00 to 4.00pm.  Informal talks, testimonials and refreshments.  Further information from Fr. Willie Purcell on 087 628 6858 or ossoryvocdir@gmail.com

Catholic Online Radio
Heaven’s Road Catholic Online Radio is a new online radio broadcasting features like prayers, interviews and music to appeal to a Catholic audience – they also broadcast over 40 daily live Masses from 15 churches in England and Ireland from their website  www.heavensroadfm.com.

Papal Blessings
Papal blessing parchments to mark weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, jubilees and some other occasions are available through the Parish Shop.  Please enquire at the reception desk in the Parish Centre.
There are lots of other items of a religious nature available at reasonable prices in our parish shop which is located in the Parish Center.

Thinking of Getting Married Soon?
Couples wishing to be married in our parish are asked to note the following:  Contact the Parish Office (776 4400) as early as possible to book your preferred date.  Bookings are on a first-come-first-served basis.  Please note that it is a civil requirement to inform the Registrar of Births, Marriages and Deaths of your intention to marry at least three months before the date - see www.gro.ie for more information about this aspect of preparations.
Contact the parish where you now reside where pre-marriage papers will be prepared for forwarding to the place of marriage. www.gettingmarried.ie is a useful source of information for couples as they plan the big day.

Care for our Common Home
The Association of Catholics in Ireland is hosting a discussion  on the recent encyclical from Pope Francis Laudato si (on the Care for our Common Home -the Environment) on Thursday 15th October at 8.00pm in the Parish Centre, Leighlinbridge. Speakers: Fr. Sean McDonagh SSC, the well-known environmentalist who advised the team drafting the encyclical and a speaker from Concern.  All welcome.