1st Sunday of Lent, 14th February 2016

Extra Mass for Lent

There will be an evening Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church at 6.15pm on each weekday of Lent.  We offer this extra Mass  as a way of allowing people who would like to include the Holy Mass as part of their preparation for Easter.  You are welcome to join us.

Monday Exposition

Every Monday, after the 10.30am Mass in St. Fiacre’s Church, we have exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.  This lasts until 9pm (with a break for evening Mass).  Many people find spending time in front of Jesus, present in the Sacred Host in the monstrance on the altar, a most precious time with the Lord.  If you can’t make Mass every day during lent, why not join us each Monday?  Time spent before the Blessed Sacrament  is time well spent indeed.

Trócaire Family Fast Boxes

The annual Trócaire Lenten Appeal began last  Wednesday.  Trocaire Boxes are available at the back of all our churches .  The ‘Trocaire Box’ has become a traditional way for families to give practical help to the needy during the 40 days of Lent.  We invite you to take a box and contribute from the money saved from ‘giving up’ something during lent,.  The money raised from the annual Trocaire appeal is used to help the most vulnerable people in many parts of the world.

Lenten Station

Sincere thanks all who contributed to the Lenten collection for the support of the priests of the parish and the bishop.  Your generosity to this collection, and every collection is greatly appreciated.

Lourdes

St. Patrick’s Parish Lourdes Committee are inviting anyone from the Parish to avail of a sponsored trip to Lourdes in May 2016. So if you are ill, or have been ill, elderly or have just gone through a bad time, please contact the Parish Office. 056 7764400. 

Pray for Our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased:  Very Rev. Kieran Cantwell, Danesfort.  Séamus Curraoin, Circular Road.

Months Mind: Kitty Sweeney (Sun 11.00).

Anniversaries: Thomas Kavanagh (Sat 6.15). Michael Walsh & Milo Bourke (Sat 7.00). Peggy Shanahan (Sun 9.30). Mary, Mick & Liam Costello (Sun 10.00). Michael & Stella Hynes (Sun 10.30). Peter Quinn (Sun 12.00). Ursula Maher (Sun 12.30). Rosemary Nichols (Tues 10.30). Jenny Clancy (Tues 6.15). Michael, Annie & Rita Bourke, Dorothy McGirr & Rena Flanagan (Wed 10.30). Ann & Michael Kelly (Fri 10.30). Seamus Culleton. Catherine Beckett. Jack Talbot. Peggy Beckett. Tina O’Driscoll. Michael O’Dwyer. Eileen Cooper. Elizabeth & Edward Geoghegan. Elizabeth & Patrick Fry. Michael Dargan. William Ayres.  JJ Murphy. Joseph Kirwan.  Christopher Walsh.  Daniel Cody. Bill Carroll. Catherine Maher. Colm Kennedy.

Intentions for Next Weekend:  Nicholas Healy (Sat 6.15). Stephen Bennett (Sat 7.00), John Walsh (Sun 10.00). Molly Johnston (Sun 10.30). Sadie McGrath (Sun 11.00). Patrick & Teresa O'Rourke (Sun 12.00).

Foulkstown Cemetery

We appeal to people visiting the cemetery, especially in cars to take extra care while in the cemetery.  We especially ask people to think of others and park responsibly.  This is especially important at the top end of the cemetery where the road is narrow.  Some visitors have  been ‘abandoning ‘ their cars on the roadway resulting in other motorists being unable to pass.

Please note that those who enter the cemetery, either driving or walking do so at their own  risk.  The parish does not  take responsibility for damage, injury or loss  to any person, vehicle or property,  Thank you for your cooperation.

Ossory Pilgrimage to Lourdes

Bookings are now being taken for the annual Ossory Diocesan a Pilgrimage to Lourdes which takes place from 22^nd to 27^th May 2016. Please call Eleanor at 051 880 414 or glenmore@ossory.ie for further information and booking.

IPT Cake Sale

The Irish Pilgrimage Trust will hold a cake sale in the Parish Centre after all Masses next weekend.  Please help send a young person with special needs to Lourdes at Easter. The Parish Centre will open at 3.30pm on next Saturday to enable people to drop in the cakes and buns. 

Divine Mercy

An hour of prayer in honour of Divine Mercy will be help in the Friary on Sunday 14th from 3 -4pm. 

Diocesan Pilgrimage to Rome

From 29^th August to 3^rd September 2016.  Staying in the heart of Rome at the Irish College. Visiting all the major pilgrimage places of Rome. Audience with the Holy Father. Half day trip to the beautiful town of Castelgandolfo on Lake Albano. Mass beside the tomb of St. Peter in St. Peter’s Basilica.  Cost: €860 per person sharing.  Ossory Adult Faith Development.  Tel: 056 775 3624. Email: afd@ossory.ie. 

LARC Community Childcare

A community based childcare centre located at 54/55 Hollybank Lawn, Clongowan. Now taking bookings for Easter Camp for children from 4yrs – 12yrs running from Monday 21^st March to Friday 1^st April 9.30am – 3.30pm daily.  Enrolling for ECCE Pre School places for Sept 2016, register now to avoid disappointment. Places available in our Playschool, Preschool and After Schools programmes. or more information call Annette on 056 7764700

Fundraising Bag Pack

GROW Mental Health, are holding a Bag Pack in Dunnes Stores, Kieran Street, Kilkenny, Saturday, 20^th February, 2016, 10 am to 6pm, to help raise funds that are vitally important to continue supporting people with Mental Health problems.  Please come along and support, any contribution big or small, would be gratefully received.

Kilkenny & Carlow Contact

A befriending & support organisation for older people. Befriending is all about building a one to one relationship based upon trust, confidentiality and support.  This service is free to the older person. 

If you would like to avail of our befriending service or become a volunteer please contact Eleanor Doyle at 086 8530994 or 7772151

Parish Newsletter

All items for inclusion must be submitted by Thursday afternoons. As usual parish and diocesan notices take priority. Late notices will appear on our Facebook and web page (see banner above for addresses).  Due to limited space it is not possible to keep repeating an item each weekend.

Loughboy Library

Writing Course for beginners commences on Friday March 4th from 6-8pm and continues for 6 weeks. Cost €40.00. Tel 7794176 to book a place.

Getting Ireland Online. A free computer course will take place on Friday mornings commencing shortly. Participants will attend for 2 hours per week for 4 weeks. The course will cover email and attachments, transferring photos to your computer, buying online etc. Tel 7794176 to book a place.

Our Parish Shop

There are lots of items of a religious nature, including Confirmation medals and badges, available at reasonable prices in our Parish Shop which is located in the foyer of the Parish Center.  Papal blessing parchments to mark weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, jubilees and some other occasions are available through the Parish Shop.

Lost & Found

A sum of money was found in St. Patrick’s Church in November.  Please contact the Parish Office 056 776 4400.

Retrouvaille a Lifeline for Marriage

Is your marriage stressed, unloving or cold? Do you feel alone or distant from your spouse? Have you lost the desire to communicate with each other?  Do you feel disillusioned or bored in your marriage? Have you separated, divorced, or are you thinking of doing so, but want to try again? The Retrouvaille programme can help you recover your marriage. Next programme 5^th – 7^th February. For information contact Tony & Anne 01 495 3536 or visit www.retrouvaille.ie.

 

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.

· 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.

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, 7th February 2016

Ash Wednesday - Lent Begins

Ash Wednesday occurs this week and is the beginning of the Season of Lent.  At our morning Masses we will bless ashes and begin our Lenten observance.   Please note that pupils from our local schools may be present for the distribution of ashes at 9.30am and 10.30am Masses.  If you wish to avoid the large crowds, we have an evening Mass at 6.15pm in St. Fiacre’s Church.

Extra Mass for Lent

As mentioned above, starting on Wednesday there will be an evening Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church at 6.15pm on each weekday of Lent.

Do Something Special this Lent!

Many people choose to abstain from alcohol for the duration of Lent.  Take this opportunity to help someone you love with an alcohol or drug problem by offering up your sacrifice as a prayer for their freedom and wellbeing.  Take the Short-Term Pledge and make a difference to someone’s life!  Visit www.pioneerassociation.ie or contact Fr. Liam on 056 776 4400.

Trócaire Family Fast Boxes

The annual Trócaire Lenten Appeal begins on Wednesday.  Trocaire Boxes are available at the back of all our churches as a way of helping the needy.  Please do take one and use it during Lent.

Confirmation

Congratulations to the girls and boys of St. John of God School, St. Patrick’s De La Salle School and Kilkenny School Project on receiving their Confirmation yesterday (Saturday) in St. Mary’s Cathedral. 

We look forward to celebrating the Sacrament with the boys and girls of  the School of the Holy Spirit on Thursday of this week.  We pray that the fullness of God’s Holy Spirit will guide and direct their lives and bring them God’s blessing.

Lourdes

St. Patrick’s Parish Lourdes Committee are inviting anyone from the Parish to avail of a sponsored trip to Lourdes in May 2016. So if you are ill, or have been ill, elderly or have just gone through a bad time, please contact the Parish Office. 056 7764400. 

Pray for Our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased:  Helen Bannon, Ballyragget.  Tom Morrisson, Fermoy, Cork. Joan Farrell, Garringreen. Funeral prayers on Monday 8th Feb at 9.30am at Hehir’s Funeral Home followed by removal to st. John’s Church for 10.30am requiem Mass. Cremation afterwards at Mount Jerome Crematorium.  Margaret (Maggie) Davis, Croan, Danesfort. Angela Walsh, Jerpoint.

Anniversaries: Mena Somers (Sat 6.15). Noeline Flood (Sat 7.00). Richard & Lilly Purcell (Sun 9.30). Lil, Billy  & Eamon Costelloe (Sun 10.00). John & Jack Ryan (Sun 10.30). Michael Moore (Sun 11.00). John Collins (Sun 12.00). Rory Quinn (Sun 12.30). Sean O’Grady (Wed 10.30), John O’Rourke (Fri 10..30). Brian Murphy. Michael Blanchfield. Ellen Egan. Bernie Dunne. Tom Bolger. Anne & John Morrissey. Michael Kenealy. Jim Murphy. Maura Gaffney. Ellen Bourke. Janet Rooney. Mary & Cecil Pullan. Mary Hayes.

Intentions for Next Weekend:  Thomas Kavanagh (Sat 6.15). Michael Walsh & Milo Bourke (Sat 7.00). Peggy Shanahan (Sun 9.30). Mary, Mick & Liam Costello (Sun 10.00). Michael & Stella Hynes (Sun 10.30). Kitty Sweeney (Months Mind Sun 11.00). Peter Quinn (Sun 12.00). Ursula Maher (Sun 12.30).

Diocesan Pilgrimage to Rome

From 29^th August to 3^rd September 2016.  Staying in the heart of Rome at the Irish College. Visiting all the major pilgrimage places of Rome. Audience with the Holy Father. Half day trip to the beautiful town of Castelgandolfo on Lake Albano. Mass beside the tomb of St. Peter in St. Peter’s Basilica.  Cost: €860 per person sharing.  Ossory Adult Faith Development.  Tel: 056 775 3624. Email: afd@ossory.ie.  

St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society

Monthly meeting of St Joseph Young Priests Society will be held in Parish Centre on Friday next 12th February after 10.30 mass in St Fiacre's Church.

Rosary

The monthly rosary on the first Sunday in James Green at the statue of Our Lady of Kilkenny continues this Sunday 7th February at 3pm.  All are welcome. 

Church Gate Collection

Enable Ireland will hold their annual church gate collection next weekend 6th/7th February outside all Masses.

Ossory Pilgrimage to Lourdes

Bookings are now being taken for the annual Ossory Diocesan a Pilgrimage to Lourdes which takes place from 22^nd to 27^th May 2016. Please call Eleanor at 051 880 414 or glenmore@ossory.ie for further information and booking.

Our Parish Shop

There are lots of items of a religious nature, including Confirmation medals and badges, available at reasonable prices in our Parish Shop which is located in the foyer of the Parish Center.  Papal blessing parchments to mark weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, jubilees and some other occasions are available through the Parish Shop.

The Brickx Club

The Brickx Club Kilkenny is a social club especially for children aged 4-12 years of all abilities - we are holding a two hour building workshop in The Watershed Kilkenny on Saturday 20th February from 11-1pm - €15 per child - to book please contact Alison on 087-2417568 or see our Facebook page - The Brickx Club Kilkenny

Table Quiz

In Aid of Temple St. Friday 19th February at 9.30pm in Kyteler’s Inn.  €40 per table.  All are welcome. 

Starburst Easter Camp

Starburst Easter Camp is back. 21st, 22nd & 23rd March. 10-1pm daily.  Suitable for children 4-12 yrs. The camp takes place in The Scout's Den. Drama, Art, Music, Games and much more. Contact Kate on 0851142686 for more information  or to make a booking.

Coláiste Pobail Osraí

Tá me fhéin agus mo fhoireann ag glacadh páirte i gcomórtas Gaeilge ar scoil. Dúshlán 50 an t-ainm atá ar. Niamh Ní Ruiséil is ainm dom. Tá Carolyn Ní Eochaidh agus Éabha Ní Shluain ar mo fhoireann chomh maith. Freastlaímíd ar Coláiste Pobail Osraí. Is scoil lán Gaeilge í. Mar pháirt don chomórtas dúirt siad linn píosa faoin ghaeilge agus ár bhfoireann a chur san nuachlitir in ár paróiste áitiúil. Béimíd fíor bhuíoch má thugann gach duine tacaíocht dúinn agus don gaeilge mar theanga. Go raibh maith agat.

Thomastown Parish

Gala Concert Thomastown Parish Church Celebrating the newly refurbished Organ  on Sunday 7^th February 2016 at 7pm with St. Patrick’s Brass & Reed Band, Sospiro Male Voice Choir, featuring Organ solos by Derek Verso and Dr. Frank Lawrence. Admission Free.  Donations welcome.

Kilkenny Flower Club

Demonstration by Maura Donnelly at Kilkenny Flower Club in Butler House on Thursday, 11th Feb at 8pm

Samaritans

Carlow Kilkenny Samaritans will hold an information evening in Butler House, Patrick Street, Kilkenny at 7.30pm on Tuesday 9th February 2016.

Parish Newsletter

All items for inclusion must be submitted by Thursday afternoons. As usual parish and diocesan notices take priority. Late notices will appear on our Facebook and web page (see banner above for addresses).

LARC Community Childcare

A community based childcare centre located at 54/55 Hollybank Lawn, Clongowan. Now taking bookings for Easter Camp for children from 4yrs – 12yrs running from Monday 21^st March to Friday 1^st April 9.30am – 3.30pm daily.  Enrolling for ECCE Pre School places for Sept 2016, register now to avoid disappointment. Places available in our Playschool, Preschool and After Schools programmes.

For more information call Annette on 056 7764700

Retrouvaille a Lifeline for Marriage

Is your marriage stressed, unloving or cold? Do you feel alone or distant from your spouse? Have you lost the desire to communicate with each other?  Do you feel disillusioned or bored in your marriage? Have you separated, divorced, or are you thinking of doing so, but want to try again? The Retrouvaille programme can help you recover your marriage. Next programme 5^th – 7^th February. For information contact Tony & Anne 01 495 3536 or visit www.retrouvaille.ie.

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.

· 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.

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, 31st January 2016

St. Brigid’s Day

The annual St. Brigid's Day service will take place on Monday  February 1st in St Fiacre's Church Loughboy at 7.30pm. Water from the well of St. Brigid in Kildare and red flannel will be available on the night.  Music ministry by the Kilkenny Gospel Choir.  All welcome.

St. Mary’s Draw Results

1st: Bridget O’Brien, Callan. 2nd: Kevin Moore,  St. Canice’s. 3rd: Patrick Mahon, Borris in Ossory. 4th: Denis & Teresa Lalor, Borris in Ossory. 5th: Anne Treacy, Tullaroan. 6th: James R. Kelly, St. Canice’s. 7th: Myra O’Reilly, St. Mary’s. 8th: Mary & Philip Byrne, Callan. 9th: Eve Rahilly, Callan. 10th: Jimmy Connor, Seir Kieran.

Confirmation in Our Parish

We are looking forward to celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation with young people in schools in our parish on Saturday, 6th and Thursday, 11th February.  On these days 103 of our young people will be sealed with the Holy Spirit!  The Sacrament of Confirmation seals what was begun in baptism. Confirmation brings an increase and deepening of baptismal grace:

· It roots us more deeply in our being adopted sons and daughters of God;

· It unites us more firmly to Christ;

· It increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit;
It renders our bond with the Church more perfect;

· It gives us a special strength of the Holy Spirit to spread and defend the faith by word and action as true witnesses of Christ.  (CCC, 1303)

Please continue to pray for our young people and their families as they approach this milestone.

Lourdes

St. Patrick’s Parish Lourdes Committee are inviting anyone from the Parish to avail of a sponsored trip to Lourdes in May 2016. So if you are ill, or have been ill, elderly or have just gone through a bad time, please contact the Parish Office. 056 7764400.  

Diocesan Pilgrimage to Rome

From 29^th August to 3^rd September 2016.  Staying in the heart of Rome at the Irish College. Visiting all the major pilgrimage places of Rome. Audience with the Holy Father. Half day trip to the beautiful town of Castelgandolfo on Lake Albano. Mass beside the tomb of St. Peter in St. Peter’s Basilica.  Cost: €860 per person sharing.  For full details and booking contact Ossory Adult Faith Development.  Tel: 056 775 3624. Email: afd@ossory.ie. 

 

Pray for Our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased:  Archdeacon Patrick Grace, Pastor Emeritus of Inistioge. Requiem Mass at 3pm on Sunday afternoon at St. Colmcille’s Church, Inistioge, Burial afterwards in Cappagh Cemetery. Lilly Fogarty, Laurel Avenue. Requiem Mass on Sunday at 12 noon in St. Fiacre’s followed by burial in St. Kieran’s Cemetery.  Eilish Dillon, ‘Sacre Couer’ Drakelands.  Reposing at her home from 4pm Sunday, Rosary at 7pm.  Requiem Mass, Monday at 11am in St. Mary’s Cathedral followed by burial in Foulkstown Cemetery.  William (Joe) Barry, St. Joseph’s Road.. Sr. Kathleen Murphy, Villa Maria, Talbots Inch.

Anniversaries: Fr. Joe O’Shea (Sat 6.15). Kathleen Hickey (Sat 7.00). Peter Garrehy (Sun 9.30). Daniel ‘Algie’ Lanigan (Sun 10.00).  Maureen Barry (Sun 10.30). Jimmy McGrath (Sun 11.00). Jim Loughlin (Sun 12.30). Pat Kearney (Tues 10.30). Patrick O’Keeffe (Wed 10.30). Rory Quinn (Fri 10.30). Noeline Flood. Moya Bligh. Lil, Billy & Eamon Costelloe. Annie Delaney. William Culleton. John Quigley. James Hayes. 

Intentions for Next Weekend:  Mena Somers (Sat 6.15). Noeline Flood (Sat 7.00). Richard & Lilly Purcell (Sun 9.30). Lil, Billy  & Eamon Costelloe (Sun 10.00). John & Jack Ryan (Sun 10.30). Michael Moore (Sun 11.00). John Collins (Sun 12.00). Rory Quinn (Sun 12.30).

Pro Life Talk

How to protect the 8th Amendment by David Quinn & Kate Bopp. Rivercourt Hotel, Tuesday 2nd February at 7.30pm.  All are welcome. 

Fifty-First Eucharistic Congress

Ireland will be represented at the fifty-first Eucharist Congress which begins in Cebu, The Philippines on this Sunday.  We all remember with pride and joy the 50th International Congress which was held in Dublin four years ago. Bishop Kevin Doran, Bishop of Elphin, will be the main celebrant at the English language Mass during the congress in Cebu.  See the congress official website on www.iec2016.ph for information and live streaming.

Fundraising Bake Sale

The Presentation School Lourdes Group will host a bake sale at the Parish Centre after the 10.30am and 12 noon Masses today, Sunday the 31^st January. They will also sell St. Bridget’s Day Crosses.  All support will be greatly appreciated. 

Sewing Classes

Would you like to start a new hobby, make your own clothes while meeting new people ? Why not join our sewing classes every Wednesday night...Classes start  at 7pm, for more information contact Charlotte on 086 8536838.

Prayer for the Year for Consecrated Life

To conclude the Year for Consecrated Life an hour of prayer and reflection led by Fr. Dan will be held in St. Fiacre’s Church on Tuesday, 2^nd February from 7.30pm to 8.30pm.  All are welcome.  Please put the date in your diary and try to attend.

Church Gate Collection

Enable Ireland will hold their annual church gate collection next weekend 6th/7th February outside all Masses.

 

Loughboy Library

Library Membership is now free for everyone.  The top 100 Magazine titles 2015 are now available online  for use by library members.  The link can be accessed through the library’s website www.kilkennylibrary.ie under New E-services for 2016. More details from Loughboy library.

Mobile Phone & Computer Tips take place on Fridays at 2.45pm

Ossory Pilgrimage to Lourdes

Bookings are now being taken for the annual Ossory Diocesan a Pilgrimage to Lourdes which takes place from 22^nd to 27^th May 2016. Please call Eleanor at 051 880 414 or glenmore@ossory.ie for further information and booking.

Our Parish Shop

There are lots of items of a religious nature, including Confirmation medals and badges, available at reasonable prices in our Parish Shop which is located in the foyer of the Parish Center.  Papal blessing parchments to mark weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, jubilees and some other occasions are available through the Parish Shop.

LARC Community Childcare

A community based childcare centre located at 54/55 Hollybank Lawn, Clongowan. Now taking bookings for Easter Camp for children from 4yrs – 12yrs running from Monday 21^st March to Friday 1^st April 9.30am – 3.30pm daily.

Enrolling for ECCE Pre School places for Sept 2016, register now to avoid disappointment. Places available in our Playschool, Preschool and After Schools programmes.

For more information call Annette on 056 7764700

Retrouvaille a Lifeline for Marriage

Is your marriage stressed, unloving or cold? Do you feel alone or distant from your spouse? Have you lost the desire to communicate with each other?  Do you feel disillusioned or bored in your marriage? Have you separated, divorced, or are you thinking of doing so, but want to try again? The Retrouvaille programme can help you recover your marriage. Next programme 5^th – 7^th February. For information contact Tony & Anne 01 495 3536 or visit www.retrouvaille.ie.

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.

· 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.

Parish Newsletter

All items for inclusion must be submitted by Thursday afternoon before publication.  As usual parish and diocesan notices take priority. Late notices will appear on our Facebook and web page (see banner above for addresses).

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, 24th January 2016

National Catholic Schools Week

In this year of Mercy, Catholic Schools are challenged to proclaim God’s Mercy. It is hoped that schools and families will enable children to be the face of God’s Mercy in the classroom, the playground, the family and the community

Dear God, Help us to be open to  the challenge of proclaiming your mercy in the modern world.  Guide our schools to be rooted in your example. Open our hearts to reflect your loving mercy in all we do, and inspire us to be brave in answering the call to ‘proclaim your mercy’. As we journey through this week, strengthen us to reignite the Catholic ethos upon which our schools were formed.

Do this in Memory Programme

This weekend we welcome the children from Gaelscoil Osrai and KSP to our 10.30am Mass in St. Fiacre’s Church and the children from St. John of God and St. Patrick’s De La Salle to the 11.00am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church as they continue their preparation for First Holy Communion.  Please welcome their families to our Sunday liturgies.

Confirmation in Our Parish

We are looking forward to celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation with young people in schools in our parish on Saturday, 6th and Thursday, 11th February.  On these days 103 of our young people will be sealed with the Holy Spirit!  The Sacrament of Confirmation seals what was begun in baptism. Confirmation brings an increase and deepening of baptismal grace:

· It roots us more deeply in our being adopted sons and daughters of God;

· It unites us more firmly to Christ;

· It increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit;
It renders our bond with the Church more perfect;

· It gives us a special strength of the Holy Spirit to spread and defend the faith by word and action as true witnesses of Christ.  (CCC, 1303)

Please continue to pray for our young people and their families as they approach this milestone.

Parish Senior Citizens’ Party

The annual St. Patrick’s Parish Senior Citizens’ Party will be held at the Parish Centre at 8.00pm on tomorrow night, Monday, 25^th January. This promises to be one of the highlights of our parish year when the party-goers get together and dance the night away. Tickets are a nominal €10 and are only available at the Parish Centre.  We ask people to purchase tickets before 2.00pm on Monday to enable us to plan the catering on the night.  Music by The Aces.  Get your dancing shoes ready.  Over 60’s.

Diocesan Pilgrimage to Rome

From 29^th August to 3^rd September 2016.  Staying in the heart of Rome at the Irish College. Visiting all the major pilgrimage places of Rome. Audience with the Holy Father. Half day trip to the beautiful town of Castelgandolfo on Lake Albano. Mass beside the tomb of St. Peter in St. Peter’s Basilica.  Cost: €860 per person sharing.  For full details and booking contact Ossory Adult Faith Development.  Tel: 056 775 3624. Email: afd@ossory.ie. 

The Great Jubilee Year of Mercy

We are invited to reflect upon and share the Father's mercy during this time.  We can reflect on and participate in the Seven Corporal Works of Mercy which are:

To feed the hungry

To give drink to the thirsty

To clothe the naked

To harbour the harbourless

To visit the sick

To visit the imprisoned

To bury the dead.

Lamb of God , who takes away the sins of the world have mercy on us. Amen.

Fundraising Bake Sale

The Presentation School Lourdes Group will host a bake sale at the Parish Centre after the 10.30am and 12 noon Masses on Sunday the 31^st January. They will also sell St. Bridget’s Day Crosses.  All support will be greatly appreciated. 

Pray for Our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased: Bobby Cantwell, Cedarwood Drive.  Chris Phelan, Ashurst, College Road.  Michael Young, formerly of Parnell Street who died in England. Funeral arrangements will be announced later.  Betsy O’Sullivan, Cork.  Kathleen Lanigan, Emmet Street.

Months Mind: Martin Meally (Sun 10.00)

Anniversaries: Tommy Tyrrell Snr & Derek Tyrrell (Sat 6.15). Ann O’Shea (Sat 7.00). Ned Larkin (Sun 9.30). Peg Brennan (Sun 10.30). Nora Foley (Sun 11.00). Jack Comerford (Sun 12.00). Ed Crowley (Sun 12.30).  Michael McDonald (Mon 9.30). Brigid & John Drea (Tue 9.30). Maureen & Paddy Dwyer (Wed 10.30).  Ellen,, John, Pat & Mary Butler (Thurs 10.30). Con Noonan (Fri 10.30). Rev. John Nyhan. Elizabeth Kavanagh. Margaret & Michael Muldowney.

Intentions for Next Weekend:   Fr. Joe O’Shea (Sat 6.15). Kathleen Hickey (Sat 7.00). Peter Garrehy (Sun 9.30). Daniel ‘Algie’ Lanigan (Sun 10.00).  Maureen Barry (Sun 10.30). Jimmy McGrath (Sun 11.00). Michael Moore (Sun 12.00).  Jim Loughlin (Sun 12.30).

Fifty-First Eucharistic Congress

Ireland will be represented at the fifty-first Eucharist Congress which begins in Cebu, The Philippines on this Sunday.  We all remember with pride and joy the 50th International Congress which was held in Dublin four years ago. Bishop Kevin Doran, Bishop of Elphin, will be the main celebrant at the English language Mass during the congress in Cebu.  See the congress official website on www.iec2016.ph for information and live streaming.

World Youth Day 2016

World Youth Day 2016 will take place in Poland at the end of July.  Pope Francis will attend the overnight vigil on Saturday, 30^th  and celebrate Mass on Sunday 31^st July.  The Diocese of Ossory invites young people to attend.  Interested young people (over 18) are invited to make contact on wyd@ossory.ie or Fr Richard Scriven (087 242 0033) or Derek Dooley (087 938 4242).

Prayer for the Year for Consecrated Life

To conclude the Year for Consecrated Life an hour of prayer and reflection led by Fr. Dan will be held in St. Fiacre’s Church on Tuesday, 2^nd February from 7.30pm to 8.30pm.  All are welcome.  Please put the date in your diary and try to attend.

Ossory Pilgrimage to Lourdes

Bookings are now being taken for the annual Ossory Diocesan a Pilgrimage to Lourdes which takes place from 22^nd to 27^th May 2016. Please call Eleanor at 051 880 414 or glenmore@ossory.ie for further information and booking.

Marian Movement of Priests

A meeting of the Marian Movement of Priests will take place on this Monday 25^th January at 7.30pm in St. Josephs Mill Hill on the Waterford Road.  The event will include Mass, Rosary and a Holy Hour. All are welcome .

Our Parish Shop

There are lots of items of a religious nature, including Confirmation medals and badges, available at reasonable prices in our Parish Shop which is located in the foyer of the Parish Center.  Papal blessing parchments to mark weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, jubilees and some other occasions are available through the Parish Shop.

Afternoon Bridge at the Parish Centre

Join us on Tuesday afternoons from 2.30pm to 4.30pm in the Parish Centre for an afternoon of bridge.  No partner required and all are welcome.

South Kilkenny Historical Society Lecture

“1916 in County Kilkenny - connections and links.”

Speaker: Mr Jim Maher. Date: Thursday, 28^th January. Time: 8.00pm. Venue: Mullinavat Parish Hall. Admission: €5.00.

Loughboy Library

Help with mobile phones, laptops, tablets etc takes place on Fridays at 2.45pm.

Irish Conversation Group & Writers Group meet weekly.

New E services (online) include language learning and a wide range of magazines (100 popular titles). Register free with your library membership card at www.kilkennylibrary.ie.

Retrouvaille a Lifeline for Marriage

Is your marriage stressed, unloving or cold? Do you feel alone or distant from your spouse? Have you lost the desire to communicate with each other?  Do you feel disillusioned or bored in your marriage? Have you separated, divorced, or are you thinking of doing so, but want to try again? The Retrouvaille programme can help you recover your marriage. Next programme 5^th – 7^th February. For information contact Tony & Anne 01 495 3536 or visit www.retrouvaille.ie.

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.

· 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.

Parish Newsletter

All items for inclusion must be submitted by Thursday afternoon before publication.  As usual parish and diocesan notices take priority. Late notices will appear on our Facebook and web page (see banner above for addresses).