Twenty Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, 22nd September 2013

A Big Heart Open to God

A conversation with Pope Francis

Over the course of three meetings during August 2013 Pope Francis gave an interview to Antonio Spadaro, S.J., editor in chief of La Civiltà Cattolica, the Italian Jesuit Journal.  The interview was conducted in Italian.  After the Italian text was officially approved, America commissioned an English translation.  The official text is available at www.americamagazine.org/pope-interview.

We invite parishioners to follow the link and read the official text in its entirety.  This has been described as “a breathtakingly fresh interview” by the Pontiff.

 

Family Liturgy on Sundays

Our 10.30 Sunday morning family liturgy has lacked attention during the summer months.  Sadly, on a number of Sundays there was no encouragement or involvement of our young people and their families.  We hope to remedy this in the coming weeks.

Twelve ‘John Paul II Award’ candidates from Transition Year at Presentation Secondary School have volunteered to assist at the weekly 10.30am  liturgy and get the younger people and their families involved again.  The teenagers hope to prepare the younger people to read the scriptures and offer prayers of the faithful and reflections during the Mass.  They will also work towards providing regular music and singing on Sundays. 

Parents of young people who want to get involved are asked to bring their children to St. Fiacre’s Church at 10.00am on Sunday mornings beginning on next Sunday.  In this way we hope to prepare for the Mass and build up our participation and enjoyment of the weekly liturgy.  We ask parents to encourage and enable their children to participate. We could do with some volunteer adults to help out as supervisors - in most cases just being there is all that is required.  Contact the sacristan or Michelle in the Parish Office.

Parish Website and Facebook: Website: www.patricksparish.net 

Facebook: facebook.com/StPatricksKK

 

Lourdes Invalid Fund

The AGM of the St. Patrick’s Parish Lourdes Invalid Fund Committee. The Committee reflected on a successful year. The Committee started sending parishioners to Lourdes in 1991. A total of 127 peoples have been sent by the Committee to date.

The Committee members are taking names earlier than usual this year so if you know of any friends or relatives who are ill, recovering from illness or are just going through a difficult time you can forward their name to any of the Committee or to the St. Patrick’s Parish Office.

Also an attractive cabaret is planned for the James Stephens Club on the 29^th November in order to raise funds. Details will follow at a later date.

 

Mass for Retired Teachers

The annual Mass for retired teachers will be celebrated at 10.30am on next Thursday, 26th September at 10.30am in St. Fiacre's Church, Loughboy.  Coffee/tea in the Parish Centre. All welcome.

 

Pray For Our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased: Eddie McPhillips, Kilcreene. Michael Byrne, Thomas’ Square. Kathleen Burke, Ballyreddin, Bennettsbridge. Jack Phelan, Troyswood.

Anniversaries: Ann Shortall (Sat 6.15). Sr. Gerard Forristal (Sat 7.00). Davy O’Rourke (Sun 10.00). Moira Cantwell (Sun 10.30). Paddy Johnston (Sun 11.00). Peter Gaul (Sun 12.00). Kathleen Kenny (Sun 12.30). Paddy Wallace (Sat 9.30). Syd & Elizabeth Bluett.  William Hickey. Anna Beale. Paddy Larkin. Jimmy Owens. Elizabeth & William Tyrrell. Paddy O’Donoghue.

Intentions for Next Weekend: The Byrne Family (Sat 6.15). Patrick Traynor (Sat 7.00). Helen Kelly (Sun 10.00).  May their souls and the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.  Amen.

Joint Fundraiser

St. Patrick’s Special School, Kells Road and the Niall Mellon Township Trust are holding a 5k/10k walk or fun at Woodstock Gardens, Inistioge on 29th September 2013 at 12 noon.  Entry fee: €15; Family €25.  Registration from 11.00am.  All welcome.  Category prizes on the day.  Face painting and bouncing castles for kids to enjoy. 
More information: Liam Mullen (086 258 7973) or Jane Dowling, St. Patrick’s Special School (056 772 2934) or  Jerry Fogarty 086 253 3547.

 

Afternoon Bridge

We play afternoon bridge in St. Patrick’s Parish Centre every Tuesday from 3.00pm - 5.00pm.  All are welcome.  No partner required. 

 

Transform Your Leaving Cert

An affordable motivational and study skills seminar for Leaving Certificate students will be given by Dr. Eddie Murphy, Psychologist and Motivational Expert as seen on Operation Transformation in Hotel Kilkenny, Kilkenny on  Monday, 14^th October from 7.30 – 9.00pm. Entrance: €10 – all are welcome.

 

French Short Fiction in Translation

French Short Fiction in Translation, a 6-week course begins on Tuesday, 1^st October from 7.00 - 9.00pm at Kilkenny NUIM Campus, St Kieran’s College. Read and discuss classic stories in English translation from some of the world’s great storytellers – no French needed! Course fee: €90 including tea/coffee. To book call 087 344 5388, or return the form at www.nuim.ie/kilkenny.

 

Open Night

Scoil Aireagail, Ballyhale is having an Open Night for 4^th, 5^th and 6^th class primary school students together with their parents/guardians on Monday, 23^rd September at 7.00pm.  All are welcome to visit the school and to view the facilities available to them.

Altar Servers

This is an important traditional ministry in most Catholic parishes including our own.  We are very grateful to the young people and their parents for their support.

Very shortly we will be recruiting and training a new batch of servers from 4th, 5th and 6th classes.  Please discuss this as a family and keep an eye open for further announcements here and in our parish schools.

 

Going to the Ploughing this Week?

Take a few minutes out and visit Stand T326 which is co-hosted by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin and the Church of Ireland Diocese of Cashel, Ossory and Ferns.  The stand will offer an opportunity for prayer, conversation and reflection.  There will be a pause for prayer at 12 noon and 3.00pm.

 

Loughboy Library

Irish Circle - simple conversational Irish for adults is re-commencing at Loughboy Library this Wednesday 25th September at 11.00am.  All levels welcome.  Phone 056 779 4176 for details.

 

Interested in Playing Boccia?

Kilkenny Recreation Camp; Sports Partnership is starting a Boccia league during the winter months, for older adults and people with disabilities.  Boccia is a simple game that relies on skill rather than fitness. If you want to enter a team or have any questions about Boccia, call us on 056 779 4990.

 

Parenting Programme

As a parent or a professional working with children are you wanting to help children/families to think more clearly, connect more compassionately and behave more reasonably? Discover how!  Start Date: Wednesday, 25th September.   Venue: St Patrick’s Parish Centre at 7.30pm.  www.koemba.com/learn  or contact Val 087 760 9355 for further information.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Twenty Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, 8th September 2013

Prayer and Fasting for Syria

During last Sunday’s Angelus address His Holiness Pope Francis announced a Day of Prayer and Fasting for Peace in Syria to take place on Saturday, 7th September. 

Sadly, we were given very little time to prepare and announce a suitable prayer service for the day.  However, we will include this intention in our parish Masses this weekend and we encourage you to join in the prayer and fasting at home. 

Pope Francis repeated his request on Wednesday, once again inviting “Christians of every denomination, believers of every religious tradition and all people of good will to take part in the worldwide fast and vigil of prayer and penance for peace”.  The Holy Father concluded: “May a powerful cry for peace go up from every land!”  His Holiness will participate in a special prayer vigil in St. Peter’s Square between 7.00pm and midnight on Saturday evening.

Our brothers and sisters in Christ at the Dominican Black Abbey, Kilkenny have arranged a vigil for this Saturday evening, 7th September.  This vigil will begin with Mass at 6.10pm and conclude at 11.00pm.  All are welcome.

 

St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society

The AGM of the St. Patrick’s Parish Branch of the St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society will be held in St. Patrick’s Parish Centre after 10.30am Mass in St. Fiacre’s Church on next Friday, 13th September.  The society fosters vocations to the priesthood and religious life.  All are welcome.

 

Who Do You Say I Am?

Waterford/South East Region Charismatic Conference 2013 will be held on Saturday, 21st and Sunday, 22nd September (10.00am start both days) at The Rhu Glenn Hotel, Slieverue, Co. Kilkenny.  Speakers: Frances Hogan and Fr. Damian Ryan.  Further information from Síle on 086 859 0394 or Tom on 087 270 1311.  Email sbgrant@live.com. Weekend: €20. 

 

Time for a Cuppa

Recommencing on Tuesday after the 10.30am Mass in St. Fiacre’s Church, why not join us for a chat and a cuppa in the Parish Centre.  All are welcome.  Tell your friends and bring them along.

 

Faith of our Fathers Conference

This is the name given to a conference and exhibition to be held at The Hub, Cillin Hill from Friday, 13th to Sunday, 15th September. This will be an extraordinary three days for the enrichment of the faith of all Catholics.  Daily celebration of Mass at 9.30am on Friday and Saturday and 5.00pm on Sunday.  Daily talks and workshops by well known Catholic speakers. The conference promises to be one of the largest  religious events of the year so far with six leading speakers each day, dozens of workshops and in addition to the range of talks available throughout each day, there will be a large exhibition with over 60 different exhibitors showcasing Catholic services and products to enhance the faith. In short it will be an extraordinary three days for the enrichment of the faith for all Catholics.

Tickets €7.50 per day.  For information or tickets call 059 862 7268 or 087 672 3410.  Please see posters in our church porches.

 

High Mass

A High Mass with Gregorian Chant will be celebrated in St. Patrick's Church, Kilkenny, on Sunday, 15th September, (Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows) at 5.00pm.  All welcome.

 

Living with Suicide Day

Lough Derg, Wednesday 25^th September. A day dedicated to anyone who has been affected by suicide, including those who minister and provide support.  It is a guided day with three expert speakers as well as time for peaceful reflection and prayer on the island. Booking essential, contact Maureen 071 986 1518 or 028 686 32391 or email info@loughderg.org. www.loughderg.org

 

Pray For Our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased: Billy Doran, 34 Newpark Close (formerly Larchfield). Funeral prayers on Monday at 9.30am followed by removal to St. John’s Church for Requiem Mass at 10.30am.  Funeral afterwards to Newlands Cross Crematorium. Mary O’Donnell, Lord Edward Street. Liam Gannon, Clonmoran. Brendan Creegan, Dundrum & Ranelagh, Dublin. Thomas Feeney, New York. Maura Breen, Ballacolla.

Months Mind: Eileen O’Brien (Sat 6.15). Mary Ann Nichols (Sun 10.30).

Anniversaries: Bill Hackett (Sat 7.00). Ernie Harrington (Sun 10.00). Matthew Dwyer  (Sun 11.00). Catherine Grace (Sun 12.00). Jacqueline Rainey (Sun 12.30). Sharon McEvoy.  Maureen Holden. Edward, Christina & Ned O’Shaughnessy.  Michael & Bridget Slattery. Catherine “Kitty” Ralph.  Billy & Statia Tallent. John Lyons. Padraig Lennon. Mabel & Enda Coady.

Intentions for Next Weekend: Sean O’Keeffe (Sat 6.15). Chrissie Scott (Sat 7.00). Michelle Reynolds (Sun 10.00). Mary & Joan Bissett (Sun 11.00). Margaret Jones (Sun 12.30).

 

Alliance Française

Children’s French Classes - from 4 years of age.  Secondary school and adult classes also available.  Enrolments: Monday, 9th September and Tuesday, 10th September from 7.00pm - 9.00pm at The Club House Hotel. For further information contact 087 668 2696.

 

The National Widows Association

Meetings are held on the 1st Thursday of each month at the Club House Hotel at 2.30pm.  New members are welcome.

 

Kilkenny Active Retirement

The next meeting of the Kilkenny Active Retirement Association will take place in the Club House Hotel, Patrick Street on Monday, 9th September at 2.30pm.  All welcome.

Carer of the Year 2013

Once a year we can give family carers and young carers acknowledgement for the love and care that they provide to their loved ones through The Carer of the Year Awards.  We have two categories for awards: Family Carers & Young Carers.

If you know a Family Carer or Young Carer who you think should be recognised for the levels of care they provide to a loved one, then please fill out a nomination form available from The Carers Association, The Springhill Clinic, Waterford Road or telephone 056 772 1424.

 

Volunteer Night

Kilkenny Contact Volunteer Night 7.30pm on Monday, 16th September in the Fr McGrath Centre.  Kilkenny & Carlow Contact is a community based befriending and support organisation for older people living alone covering Kilkenny City and County.  We are looking for additional volunteers for visitation and befriending to older persons living in the Kilkenny City area.  Contact Eleanor Doyle or Mary Colclough on 056 775 1988, Ext 6 if you would like to volunteer with us for one hour per week

 

 

P2P

Parent to Parent a support group for parents/carers of children with special needs will resume their monthly support group meetings this Wednesday, 11th September in St. Patrick’s Parish Centre between 10.30am and 12.30pm and thereafter on the first Wednesday of every month. Children most welcome. Contact Claire @ 086 160 8341 or Therese @ 087 904 0208.

 

Many Thanks

GROW Mental Health Movement thank all who helped with the recent church gate collection.  We raised €2,652.66.

 

Church Gate Collection

The Ray of Sunshine Charity will hold a church gate collection next weekend. 

 

Twenty Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, 1st September 2013

At Mass Survey

On behalf of Bishop Séamus Freeman, thank you for taking the time to participate in last weekend’s diocesan survey.  Almost 500 completed papers were returned in St. Patrick’s Parish.  Your considered views are important and will help inform the planning process regarding the areas outlined.

If you still have your survey, please return it to the Parish Office for forwarding to the Diocesan Office.

 

First Friday of September

The first Friday of September occurs this week.  The priests of the parish hope to visit the sick and home-bound at the usual times.  Please inform the Parish Office (776 4400) if you would like to have a name added to the list.

 

First Saturday Devotion

St. Fiacre’s Church, Loughboy on Saturday, 7th September after 6.15pm Mass.  Prayers and adoration will end at 9.00pm.  All are welcome.

 

Monthly Rosary

The monthly rosary on the first Sunday in James Green at the statue of Our Lady of Kilkenny continues this Sunday, 1st September at 3.00pm.  All are welcome.

 

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 September 2013 at 7.30pm. All are welcome.

 

Ossory Vocations Center Prayer Vigil

Beginning this week there will be a prayer vigil for vocations on the first Friday of every month at the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, St. Mary’s Cathedral between 7.00pm and 8.00pm.  All welcome.

Guided Prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, with Benediction.  Contact:  Fr. Willie Purcell, Ossory  Vocations Office on 056 77 0261 or 087 628 6858 or email ossoryvocdir@gmail.com.

 

Pray For Our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased: Mary Anne Shore, Castlecomer. Faith McGee, Kilmacow.  James Cunniffe, Kells & Broguemaker's Hill. Dorothy Dobson, Melville Heights. Seamus Heaney, Dublin. Tom Ryan Snr. Bleach Road, Dunmore.  Rosary Sunday evening at 7pm at his home.  Funeral prayers, Monday 10:15, removal to Dunmore church for Requiem Mass at 11am.  Funeral afterwards to St. Kieran’s Cemetery.

Anniversaries: Patrick “Patsy” Ryan (Sat 6.15). Paul & Mary Cody & Bill Marnell (Sat 7.00). Patricia Mulhall (Sun 9.30). Thomas Madden (Sun 10.30). Jim Ryan (Sun 11.00). Brigid Kenny (Sun 12.00). Michael “Muggers” Larkin (Sun 12.30). Annmarie Manogue (Tues 10.30).  Bro. Martin Cassidy. Christopher Kenny.  Maura Coonan.  The Cassin Family. Martin Ward. Joe Dunne. John & Bridget Dunne. Mary & Patrick Blanchfield. Aideen Flanagan.  Maurice Maher, Eileen Grace.

Intentions for next weekend: Eileen O’Brien (Months Mind Sat 6.15). Bill Hackett (Sat 7.00). Ernie Harrington (Sun 10.00). Mary Ann Nichols (Months Mind Sun 10.30). Matthew Dwyer  (Sun 11.00). Catherine Grace (Sun 12.00). Jacqueline Rainey (Sun 12.30).

 

Faith of our Fathers Conference

This is the name given to a conference and exhibition to be held at The Hub, Cillin Hill from  13th to 15th September. This will be an extraordinary three days for the enrichment of the faith of all Catholics.  Daily celebration of Mass at 9.30am on Friday and Saturday and 5.00pm on Sunday.  Daily talks and workshops by well known Catholic speakers.  Tickets €7.50 per day.  For information or tickets call 059 862 7268 or 087 672 3410.  Please see posters in our church porches.

 

Divine Mercy

An hour of adoration and prayer in honour of Divine Mercy will take place in the Friary Church on Sunday, 8th September from 3.00pm - 4.00pm. 

 

Go Against the Tide

Earlier this week twenty new seminarians commenced studies for the priesthood at St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth.  Welcoming the students to Maynooth, the President of the College, Monsignor Hugh Connelly, recalled the recent words of Pope Francis in Rio de Janeiro for World Youth Day: “… have the courage to go against the tide of the culture of pragmatism and efficiency.  Be courageous!  Be servants of communion and of the culture of encounter.”

Sadly, none of the new seminarians are from the Diocese of Ossory. 

 

Calor Community Champion 2013

Calor understands the work carried out each and every day by volunteers in parishes across the Diocese of Ossory. They have launched year two of the ‘Calor Community Champion’, and are calling out to communities to make their voices heard, and support the search for local champions who go above and beyond the call of duty in our parishes, who get things done, and work tirelessly each day to improve the lives of the people around them.   Nominations to crown this year’s champion volunteer will close at the end of September.  For information and to nominate your local champion, please visit and ‘like’ at www.facebook.com/calorireland or call 1850 812 450 for an application form to be sent by post.

 

Church Gate Collection

GROW Mental Health Movement is holding its Annual Churchgate Collection on Saturday, 31^st August and Sunday, 1^st Sept 2013.  Please support.

 

Alliance Française

Children’s French Classes - from 4 years of age.  Secondary school and adult classes also available. 

Enrolments: Monday, 9th September and Tuesday,  10th September from 7.00pm - 9.00pm at the Club House Hotel.  For further information tel: 087 668 2696.

 

Dochas Nasamu

An Irish run and Irish built aids orphanage in Nairobi, Kenya, is holding a used clothing appeal of ladies, gents and children’s clothes, shoes, household linens.  Friday, 6th September until 10.30am at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre Car Park. For further information, contact Marie on 087 689 0995.

 

Art Classes

Morning art class for adults will resume on Friday, 13th September at the Bishop Birch Institute, Waterford Road, Kilkenny from 10:30am to 12:30pm For more information Sonja 083 394 1220 or email artwithsonja@gmail.com.

 

Young at Heart

The Young at Heart club reopens at the Parish Centre on Wednesday 4th Sept from 2.30pm - 4.30pm.  All are welcome. 

 

St. Patrick’s Boxing Club

St.  Patrick s boxing club reopens in the watershed this Monday the 2nd of September. Boxing training Mondays and Thursdays 7 to 8pm and Saturday s 11 to 1pm. New members welcome from 9 years both boys and girls up to adults. Any enquiries to 086 8032069.

 

Loughboy Library

The Creepy House Summer Reading Challenge - children must return completed cards to the Library by Friday, 6th September. Invitations will be posted to the Party Night which takes place in the Watergate Theatre on 2nd October.  Well done to all who took part!

Book Club - take up a new hobby for Autumn and join the library’s monthly book club on Thursday, 5th September at 10.30am. 

Teachers - class visits including storytime and activities will resume shortly. 

Parent & Toddler Hour continues on Thursdays at 11.30am.