Twenty Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, 31st August 2014

St. Fiacre’s Well Novena and Mass

The annual novena to St. Fiacre concludes with prayers and Mass at the well on this Sunday, 31st August.  The prayers start at 3.15pm and the Mass follows at 3.30pm.  We invite you to come and join with us in this celebration which has continued uninterrupted for generations.

There is a very interesting and informative article and photographs of St. Fiacre’s Well at:

http://irelandsholywells.blogspot.ie/2012/07/saint-fiacres-well-kilkenny.html

  

Prayer to St. Fiacre

Give ear, O Lord, to the supplications we offer Thee on this the Festival of St. Fiacre, Thy confessor, so that we trust not in our own merits, but may be aided by him, who was so pleasing to thee, through Christ Our Lord.  Amen.

Annual Grandparents’ Pilgrimage

Our parish is running a coach to the Annual Grandparents’ Pilgrimage at Knock on Sunday week, 14th September 2014.  The coach will leave St. Fiacre’s Church at 8.00am and stop at Tullamore to allow pilgrims to have a break.  The official celebrations begin at 2.30pm with Mass in the basilica at 3.00pm. Chief celebrant will be Archbishop Charles Brown, Papal Nuncio. Fr. Liam Lawton will lead the singing.  There will be a reflection by Catherine Wiley, of the Catholic Grandparents’ Association. The coach will leave Knock shortly after the celebrations stopping for a short while in Tullamore on route home to Kilkenny.  We expect to arrive at St. Fiacre’s Church before 10.00pm.

Tickets are selling well so please contact the Parish Centre (056 776 4400) as soon as possible to book your seat.  Return fare: €10.00..

Children’s Prayer Appeal

We invite children to write a prayer for their grandparents.  All prayers submitted to the shrine will be blessed at the pilgrimage.  Send prayers to our office at Grandparents’ Association, Castlebar Street, Westport, Co Mayo or to info@catholicgrandparentsassociation.com

Mass in Honour of St. Joseph

A note from the Mill Hill Missionaries, Waterford Road, Kilkenny: We have a Mass in honour of St. Joseph on the first Wednesday of every month. The next Mass will be on Wednesday, 3rd of September at 8.00pm – in our Mill Hill Chapel.  Please join us.

Pray For Our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased:  Ned Brett, late of Walkin Street who died in London.  Requiem Mass in Foulkstown Church at 10.00am on Sunday followed by burial of ashes.  Eamon Martin Jnr who died in England. Annette Kavanagh, Tinahely and late Tullogher. Michael Massey, Lacken Drive. John Bolger, Blackmill Street. Ina Farrer, Castlegardens. Milo Traynor (Mon 9.30). Terence Lanigan, Waterford. Paddy Heffernan, Willow Close.

Months Mind: Michelle Heffernan (Sat 6.15).

Anniversaries: Paddy McDonald (Sat 7.00). Patricia Mulhall (Sun 10.30). John & Margaret Johnson (Sun 11.00). Patsy Ryan (Sun 12.00). Muggers Larkin (Sun 12.30). Pat White (Fri 10.30). Michael & John Smithwick. Ben Delahunty. Maureen Griffin. Edward O’Shaughnessy Snr. Christina O’Shaughnessy. Ned O’Shaughnessy. Christopher Kenny. Br. Martin Cassidy. Joe Dunne. Maurice Maher. Eileen Grace.

Intentions for Next Weekend: Tony Madden (Sat 6.15). William (Bill) Hackett (Sat 7.00). Mary O’Donnell (Sun 10.00). Bridget Kenny (Sun 10.30). Bridget McGrath, (nee Dunne), late of 8 Kells Road and New York. (Sun 11.00). Jean Conway (Sun 12.00). Jacqueline Rainey (Sun 12.30).

Holy Hour for Vocations

The monthly holy hour for vocations with guided prayer and benediction will be held on Friday, 5th September in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel in St. Mary's Cathedral from 7.00 to 8.00pm.

First Friday

The first Friday of September occurs this week.  The priests will visit the sick and housebound at the usual times.  Contact the Parish Office early in the week to be added to the list.

Courses at Integritas

The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola on each Wednesday evening at 8.00pm.

The Spirituality of the Gospel of St. Luke on the third Thursday of each month at 7.30pm.

For further information on these and many other interesting courses at Integritas - a domestic centre of Christian spirituality based at Ennisnag - view the website at www.integritas.ie

Kilkenny Bereavement Support

As part of marking the 25^th anniversary of Kilkenny Bereavement Support, a series of talks is being held in the Ormonde Hotel, Kilkenny.  The first of these is by Dr Mark Rowe on Tuesday, 2^nd September at 8.00pm. The talk is entitled: “A Prescription for Happiness - new understandings of wellbeing”. You are invited to join Dr. Mark for a stimulating and entertaining evening and walk away with a tool kit for meaning and wellbeing.  Admission is €10.

Our Lady’s Island

You are invited to join the Legion of Mary Pilgrimage to Our Lady’s Island, Wexford on Monday, 1^st September.  Bus leaves Kilkenny Castle at 5.00pm.  Bookings: 056 776 4783 and 087 942 8305.  €10.00. 

Carer of the Year

Just a reminder, Carer of The Year and Young Carer of the year nominations are closing 19th September so if you know of any local carers who you’d like to nominate, you can fill out a form at http://carersireland.com/carersoftheyear2014.php or get in touch with us at the centre: The Carers Association, Unit 1, Springhill Clinic, Waterford Road, Kilkenny or call 056 772 1424.

Parents of Adults with Autism/ASD

For parents of  teenagers/adults with Autism/ASD who would like to help to influence person centred and family focused initiatives in Carlow, Kilkenny and South Tipperary:  Thursday, 11th September at 11.00am in Bagenalstown Family Resource Centre. Facilitated by the Autism Partnership.

Art Classes for Adults

Morning art classes for adults will resume in September. The classes are suitable for beginners and more advanced. Classes are small, friendly and materials are supplied for the first class; individual work with each participant. The classes run in Bishop Birch Institute, Waterford Road, Kilkenny from 10:30am to 12:30pm on Thursdays and Fridays. For more information and to sign up call Sonja at 083 394 1220 or email artwithsonja@gmail.com

The Chosen Path

A book of poetry, reflection and prayer by Rita Shore.  On sale at the Parish Centre.  Cost €10.  Proceeds to the Thomas Hayes Trust.

Loughboy Library

Creative Writers Group will resume their weekly meetings this Thursday at 2.00pm.  Interested writers at all levels are welcome.

Summer Reading Challenge: please return completed cards immediately.

Book Clubs meet next Tuesday and Thursday at 10.30am.

Facebook Competition: visit our page, like our competition and win a family pass to the Reptile Village.

Supporting Bereaved Children

The Irish Childhood Bereavement Network is hosting a talk entitled ‘Supporting Children Bereaved by Suicide’ in the Killeshin Hotel, Portlaoise on 8^th September between 10.00am and 1.00pm. To attend, please email Nicola.jordan@hospicefoundation.ie

Don’t Just Go to Church

That’s right: Don’t just go to church - be the church!  The Priory Institute is Ireland’s only accredited premier institution offering theology courses both online and in a traditional classroom setting.  Application deadline is 22nd September.  For more information log on to www.prioryinstitute.ie or call 01 404 8124.

Baptism

At least 2 weeks notice is required by the Parish in order to have a child baptised. Contact  056 776 4400.

Twenty First Sunday in Ordinary Time, 24th August 2014

St. Fiacre’s Well Novena and Mass

The annual novena to St. Fiacre begins with rosary and prayers at the well in Kilfera on this Saturday, 23rd August at 8.00pm.  This will continue at 8.00pm on each evening during the coming week with concluding prayers and Mass on next Sunday, 31st August at 3.15pm.  All welcome.

St. Fiacre’s Well is situated at Sheastown on the banks of the Nore.  The well is approached via the avenue to Sheastown House which is about two miles beyond the roundabout on the Bennettsbridge Road.  We invite you to come and join with us in this celebration which has continued uninterrupted for generations.

There is a very interesting and informative article and photographs of St. Fiacre’s Well at:

http://irelandsholywells.blogspot.ie/2012/07/saint-fiacres-well-kilkenny.html

Annual Grandparents’ Pilgrimage

A coach from St. Patrick's Parish will bring people to the Annual Grandparents’ Pilgrimage at Knock on  Sunday, 14th September 2014.  Everybody is welcome to this day of faith and devotion honouring and thanking St. Joachim and St. Anne, parents of Mary, grandparents of Jesus and all our grandparents living and dead.  Chief celebrant will be Archbishop Charles Brown, Papal Nuncio. Fr. Liam Lawton will lead the music and singing.  Reflection by Catherine Wiley, of the Catholic Grandparents’ Association.

Contact the Parish Centre (056 776 4400) to book your seat.  Return tickets €10.00.

Children are invited to write and submit a prayer for grandparents.  Send prayers to Shrine Office, Knock, Co. Mayo.  Prayers will be blessed during the pilgrimage.  www.catholicgrandparentsassociation.org

It’s that time of year again!

We wish our young students all the best as they make their way to school for the first time during these days.  Best wishes also to all the older students who return to class or move on to a new school.  Go n-éirí an bóthar libh.

Pray For Our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased: Paddy Heffernan, Willow Close.  Funeral prayers at his home at 12.45pm on Monday followed by removal to St. Fiacre’s Church for Requiem Mass at 2.00pm.  Burial will follow at St. Kieran’s Cemetery.  Rosary at his home at 8.00pm on Sunday. Ned Brett, late of Walkin Street who died in London in June.  Requiem Mass in Foulkstown Church at 10.00am on Sunday, 31st August followed by burial of ashes in the local cemetery.  Joan Gypps, Essex.  Margaret Gibbons, Dunmore. Derek Butler, New Orchard. Betty Canty, Hospital, Co. Limerick. Catherina McCarthy, Kilkenny. Billy Dooley, Castlecomer. Kathleen O’Connell, Glendine Heights.

Months Mind: Sr. Brid Griffin (Months Mind Sat 7.00). Pat Murray (Sun 10.30). Kitty Larkin (Sun 12.30)

Anniversaries: Tom & Mary Byrne (Sat 6.15). Annie McKenna (Sun 9.30). Paddy Mullen (Sun 10.00). Della Harney (Sun 11.00). Tom & Michael Casserly (Sun 12.00). James & Joe Delaney (Mon 9.30). Michael & Maura Coonan (Thurs 10:30). Elizabeth Carroll (Fri 10.30). Ray Bolger. Tommy Morris. Sheila & George Mastino.  Marie Kealy Carson. Laurence Brett. Tommy O’Keeffe. Pierce & Catherine Marnell. Nobbie & Pat Lavender. Martin Ward.  Michael Culleton. Mary & Patrick Blanchfield. James Kavanagh. Margaret Cantwell.

Intentions for Next Weekend: Michelle Heffernan (Months Mind Sat 6.15). Paddy McDonald (Sat 7.00). Ned Brett (Sun 10.00). Patricia Mulhall (Sun 10.30). John & Margaret Johnson (Sun 11.00). Patsy Ryan (Sun 12.00). Muggers Larkin (Sun 12.30).

CURA Needs Volunteers

Cura Crisis Pregnancy Support Services provide free counselling and support from their Dean Street Centre in Kilkenny. The centre will be holding an information meeting at 10.00am on Wednesday, 3rd September for anyone interested in becoming a Cura counsellor. If you are interested please call 056 772 2739 or visit www.cura.ie for information.

Teddy Bears’ Picnic

The Thomas Hayes Trust is holding a Teddy’s Bear Picnic at the Scouts’ Den on the Bennettsbridge  Road from 12.30 until 3.00pm on Saturday, 30th August.  Admission: €10.00 per family. There will be a bouncy castle, teddy bear hunt, face painting, scout activities, colouring and all are free of charge. Bring your teddy to dance and dress up too.

The Trust was set up to provide support for people in Kilkenny and surrounding areas whose lives have been affected by suicide.  Please support this cause.

Kilkenny Bereavement Support

As part of marking the 25^th anniversary of Kilkenny Bereavement Support, a series of talks is being held in the Ormonde Hotel, Kilkenny.  The first of these is by Dr Mark Rowe on Tuesday, 2^nd September at 8.00pm. The talk is entitled: “A Prescription for Happiness - new understandings of wellbeing”. You are invited to join Dr. Mark for a stimulating and entertaining evening and walk away with a tool kit for meaning and wellbeing.  Admission is €10.

Our Lady’s Island

You are invited to join the Legion of Mary Pilgrimage to Our Lady’s Island, Wexford on Monday, 1^st September.  Bus leaves Kilkenny Castle at 5.00pm.  Bookings: 056 776 4783 and 087 942 8305.  €10.00. 

Supporting Bereaved Children

The Irish Childhood Bereavement Network is hosting a talk entitled ‘Supporting Children Bereaved by Suicide’ in the Killeshin Hotel, Portlaoise on 8^th September between 10.00am and 1.00pm. To attend, please email Nicola.jordan@hospicefoundation.ie

Don’t Just Go to Church

That’s right: Don’t just go to church - be the church!  The Priory Institute is Ireland’s only accredited premier institution offering theology courses both online and in a traditional classroom setting.  Application deadline is 22nd September.  For more information log on to www.prioryinstitute.ie or call 01 404 8124

Lost and Found

A young person's gold plated bracelet was found in St. Fiacre’s Church recently.  Contact the Parish Office on 056 776 4400.

Please note we have a ‘Lost and Found’ cupboard in each of our churches.  Call in if you feel you may have lost an article in church.

Baptism

At least 2 weeks notice is required by the Parish in order to have a child baptised. Contact Michelle in the Parish Office 056 776 4400 to book.

Getting Married?

Contact the Parish Office (056 776 4400) as early as possible to book your preferred date. (Booking is 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 month’s before the date. 

Contact the parish where you now reside. That is where your pre-marriage papers will be prepared for forwarding to the place of marriage. A helpful website when getting married is www.gettingmarried.ie.

Level 6 Mandatory Training

Communications Level 6 - FETAC/QQI 6N1950 on 2^nd, 9^th, 16^th and 23^rd September.

Work Practice Level 6 - FETAC/QQI 6N1947 on 14^th, 21^st, 28^th October and 4^th November.

Carlow Gateway Business Centre, Athy Road, Carlow.  Tuesdays 9:30am – 4:30pm.  Contact the office now on 059 972 1416 and secure your place.  Book online over the summer months and save over €50.

Cost: €350 per participant or €299 if booked online at www.barrowtraining.ie

Church Gate Collection

GROW has a Garda permit for a church gate collection outside all Kilkenny churches next weekend.

Available for Free

A parishioner has a small single bed to give away. Contact the Parish Office (056 776 4400) for details.

Newsletter Notices

Please have notices, anniversaries, etc. into the Parish Office by Thursday at the latest. 

After this date we cannot guarantee publication that weekend.  Leaving anniversaries in at churches, on altars and under sacristy doors will not guarantee they will make the newsletter in time.  Thanks for your cooperation.

Wellness Consultations

Total Wellness are offering free Wellness Consultations for the month of August.  These consultations can take place in the comfort of your own home and will give you a personal wellness profile – indicating your Magic Numbers: BMI, Body Fat %, H2O%, LMM% - all of which will be explained during the consultation.  Simply text “PROFILE” to 083/1447588 to book your free Wellness Consultation.

Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, 17th August 2014

Pray for Christians in Iraq

In a series of tweets over recent days, Pope Francis has raised an alarm to the international community pleading for us to protect and pray for “all those suffering violence in Iraq” and to live in solidarity with them.

· I ask the international community to protect all those suffering violence in Iraq. (8^th August)

· Violence is not conquered by violence. Lord, send us the gift of peace. (9^th August)

· Those driven from their homes in Iraq depend on us. I ask all to pray, and for those who are able, to give material assistance. (10^th August)

· The news coming from Iraq pains me. Lord, teach us to live in solidarity with all those who suffer.  (10^th August)

· An appeal to all families: when you say your prayers, remember all those forced from their homes in Iraq.  (10^th August)

· I ask all Catholic parishes and communities to offer a special prayer this weekend for Iraqi Christians.  (11^th August).

The leader of the Chaldean Catholics has written the following prayer...

Lord,

The plight of our country is deep and the suffering of Christians is severe and frightening.

Spare our lives, and grant us patience and courage to continue our witness of Christian values with trust and hope.

Peace is the foundation of life, grant us the peace and stability that will enable us to live with each other, with dignity and joy.

Glory be to you forever.

Chaldean Catholic Patriarch of Iraq

St. Fiacre’s Well Novena

The annual novena to St. Fiacre begins with rosary and prayers at the well in Kilfera on Saturday, 23rd August at 8.00pm.  This will continue each evening at 8.00pm with concluding prayers and Mass on Sunday, 31st August at 3.00pm.  All welcome.

Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

The Feast of Our Lady, Queen and Mother, is celebrated on 22nd August. God bestowed the honour on Mary of choosing her to be the mother of his son Jesus. She shared the joys and sorrows of His life. She gave birth to Him, nourished Him and cherished Him. She did so because of her trust in God.

Virgin Mary, remind us to place our trust in God in times of hardship and want. Amen!

Mary is our Queen also. In 1954 Pope Pius XII  established the feast of the Queenship of Mary  because on the day of her Assumption, Mary Our Mother was crowned by Christ as Queen. We meditate on these mysteries in the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary, namely, The Assumption of Our Lady and The Coronation of Our Lady Queen of  Heaven.

Annual Grandparents’ Pilgrimage

A coach from St. Patrick's Parish will bring people to the Annual Grandparents’ Pilgrimage at Knock on  Sunday, 14th September 2014.  Everybody is welcome to this great day of faith and devotion honouring and thanking St. Joachim and St. Anne, parents of Mary, grandparents of Jesus and all our grandparents living and dead, for all they have done for us.  Chief celebrant will be Archbishop Charles Brown, Papal Nuncio. Fr. Liam Lawton will lead the music and singing.  Reflection by Catherine Wiley, founder of the Catholic Grandparents’ Association.

Contact the Parish Centre (056 776 4400) to book your seat.  Return tickets €10.00.

Children are invited to write and submit a prayer for grandparents.  Send prayers to Shrine Office, Knock, Co. Mayo.  Prayers will be blessed during the pilgrimage.  www.catholicgrandparentsassociation.org

Baptism in our Parish

Our parish baptisms are celebrated on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays and 3rd Sunday of each month.  At least two weeks advance notice is required by the Parish in order to have a child baptised.  Contact the Parish Office (056 776 4400) as early as possible to book one of these dates.  

Pray For Our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased: Edna Carolan, Galway & Newpark Drive. Requiem Mass at St. Patrick’s Church at 12.00 noon on Monday.  Burial in Foulkstown.  Tom Ryan, Westfield.  Brendan Kenny, Troyswood. Michael Bolger, Grovine West, died in England. Mary Morris, New Birmingham, Thurles.Bridget McGrath (Nee Dunne), late of Kells Road. died in New York.

Months Mind: Ivan Power (Sat 9.30)

Anniversaries: Kathleen Brophy (Sat 6.15). Margaret Shanahan (Sat 7.00). Jim Drohan (Sun 10.00). Ann Kenny (Sun 11.00). Evelyn Hughes (Sun 12.00). Joe McHugh (Sun 12.30). Eddie Kelly (Mon 9.30). Moscow Larkin (Tue 10.30). John Ellen, Pat & Mary Butler (Thurs 10.30). Catherine, John, Ellen & Joe Waldron (Wed 10.30).  John, Ellen, Pat & Mary Butler (Thurs 10.30). Dick Walsh. Mary & Martin Burke. Fintan Wallace. Miko Gibbons. Peader Blanchfield. Eileen Tynan. Joe Maher. David & Peggy Gaffney. Richard Kenny. Nance O’Neill. Christina Gargan.

Intentions for Next Weekend:  Tom & Mary Byrne (Sat 6.15). Sr. Brid Griffin (Months Mind Sat 7.00). Annie McKenna (Sun 9.30). Paddy Mullen (Sun 10.00). Pat Murray (Months Mind Sun 10.30). Della Harney (Sun 11.00). Michal Casserly (Sun 12.00). Kitty Larkin (Months Mind Sun 12.30).

Getting Married Soon?

Contact the Parish Office (056 776 4400) as early as possible to book your preferred date and church. (Booking is 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. This must be done at least three months before the proposed date of your marriage.  See www.gro.ie for further information on this aspect of your marriage.

Contact the parish where you now reside. This is where your pre-marriage papers will be prepared for forwarding to the place of marriage.

A helpful website with useful information and hints for couples getting married is available at  www.gettingmarried.ie.

Kilkenny Bereavement Support

As part of marking the 25^th anniversary of Kilkenny Bereavement Support, a series of talks is being held in the Ormonde Hotel, Kilkenny.  The first of these is by Dr Mark Rowe on Tuesday, 2^nd September at 8.00pm. The talk is entitled: “A Prescription for Happiness - new understandings of wellbeing”. You are invited to join Dr. Mark for a stimulating and entertaining evening and walk away with a tool kit for meaning and wellbeing – a prescription for cultivating inner happiness.  Admission is €10.

Leaving Certificate Results

We congratulate those who received Leaving Certificate results during the past week.  Well done!  We hope you are satisfied with the fruits of your labours.

Best wishes to those who are awaiting CAO offers tomorrow.  We hope you get the course you desire.

Certificate in Theological Studies

The course aims at providing religious education, faith formation and spiritual enrichment for those actively engaged in parish life or in the pastoral care of people, young and old.  The programme runs for 24 weeks from September 2014 to May 2015.  For details apply to Declan Murphy, St. Kieran’s College on 087 908 1470 or email declanmurphy@ossory.ie

Sponsored Walk

Kilkenny to Bennettsbridge on next Sunday 24^th August in aid of Cystic Fibrosis Ireland. Walk starts at picnic tables in Maudlin Street @ 11.00am sharp.  €10 entrance fee to the charity. Contact 085 810 7890 for information and sponsorship cards.

Parish Newsletter On Line

The parish newsletter can be read on line and Facebook?  Go to www.patricksparish.com and click on the ‘Newsletter’ tab or www.facebook.com/StPatricksKK.  Inform those away from home.

Deadline for Newsletter Items

Please have notices, anniversaries, etc. into the Parish Office by Thursday at the latest. 

After this date we cannot guarantee publication that weekend.  Leaving anniversaries in at churches, on altars, at the priests’ houses and under sacristy doors will not guarantee they will make the newsletter in time.  Thanks for your cooperation.

CURA Seeks Volunteers

Cura Crisis Pregnancy Support Service provides free counselling and support from their Dean Street Centre in Kilkenny. The centre will be holding an information meeting at 10.00am on Wednesday, 3rd September for anyone interested in training to become a Cura counsellor. If you are interested in volunteering please call 056 7722 739 or visit  their website at www.cura.ie for more information.

South Kilkenny Historical Society

Coach trip to Clontarf and the Botanic Gardens, Dublin. Thursday, 21st August 2014. Bus departing Mullinavat at 8.00am, returning 10.00pm (approximately). Cost: €55, (€50, members), which includes bus fare, guided tours and evening meal in Dublin. For bookings and further information please contact Brigid: 051 885 300, 087 950 7295 or Eddie 086 812 4349, edsynnott@yahoo.co.uk.

Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, 10th August 2014

Feast of The Assumption of Our Lady

Friday 15th August

In Irish tradition this feast is also called ‘Mary’s Day

in Autumn’. It is an important feast day for us because Mary is our advocate in Heaven. Let us place our trust in Mary as our mother. Mary, Mother of God, was assumed body and soul into the glory of heaven.  On this Feast Day we are obliged to attend Mass and refrain from unnecessary servile work. Pope Pius X11 declared Assumption Day a Church Feast in 1950. Scripture gives the following account of the Assumption, “ And a great sign appeared in heaven:

A woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under

her feet and on her head a crown of twelve stars.”

(Apocalypse 12:1).

Our Lady was inspired by the Holy Spirit throughout her life. She was faithful to her Son in this life and is now with Him in Heaven. Let us remember Mary as a true mother always interceding for us and who is our example and refuge in this valley of tears.

The following is a prayer from Tradition:

Mary greatest of our race,

Mother of Christ who rules forever

Many are her graces

She who is our protector.

The Feast of the Assumption is a holyday of obligation for all Catholics.  Beginning with the Vigil Masses on Thursday evening at 6.15pm and 7.00pm the Masses for this holyday follow our usual weekend timetable.

  

St. Fiacre’s Well Mass

The annual Novena and Mass to St. Fiacre will take place at the well  in Sheestown on Sunday, 31st August at 3.00pm.  All are welcome: please put the date in your diary and let your friends know.

Baptism

At least 2 weeks notice is required by the Parish in order to have a child baptised. Contact Michelle in the Parish Office 056 776 4400 to book.

 

Pray For Our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased: Nan Morrissey, Newpark Lawn.  Reposing at her daughter Marian Bradley’s house, 22, Cedarwood Ave.  Funeral Prayers on Sunday at 5pm followed by removal to St. John’s Church.  Funeral Mass, Monday 10.30am.  Internment in St. Kieran’s Cemetery. Colm O’Farrell, Talbot Place, Lakeside, Kilkenny (Requiem Mass, Friday 1pm, St. Joseph’s Foulkstown). Eileen Savage, USA.

Anniversaries: Jim & Margaret Bambrick (Sat 6.15). Jackie Coonan (Sat 7.00). Ellen McEvoy (Sun 9.30). Phil O’Neill (Sun 10.00). Annie Lennon (Sun 10.30). Martin Mulhall (Sun 11.00). Mary Coogan (Sun 12.00). Bridget Long (Fri 10.30). Christopher & Mary Ryan. Martin Doran. Pat Owens.

Intentions for Next Weekend:  Kathleen Brophy (Sat 6.15). Margaret Shanahan (Sat 7.00). Jim Drohan (Sun 10.00). Evelyn Hughes (Sun 12.00). Joe McHugh (Sun 12.30).

May they rest in peace.

  

Ministers of the Eucharist and Readers

We are blessed with a large number of Readers and Ministers of the Eucharist in our parish and long may that continue.  We appeal to those who have taken on these ministries to be faithful to their rotas.  At a number of Masses each week, some Ministers and Readers are missing on a regular basis.  This puts pressure on others to fill in their places and sometimes there is no one to step in.

If a Eucharistic Minister or Reader is unable to attend on a particular Sunday, we ask that they get a replacement, or at the very least let us know through the Parish Office (telephone or email). 

Likewise, if anyone is no longer able or willing to read, minister Holy Communion or serve, please let us know and we will make further arrangements.  Thank you for your cooperation and continued commitment to your ministry.

Getting Married?

Contact the Parish Office (056 776 4400) as early as possible to book your preferred date. (Booking is 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 month’s before the date. 

Contact the parish where you now reside. That is where your pre-marriage papers will be prepared for forwarding to the place of marriage. A helpful website when getting married is www.gettingmarried.ie.

Certificate in Theological Studies

The course aims at providing religious education, faith formation and spiritual enrichment for those actively engaged in parish life or in the pastoral care of people, young and old.  The programme runs for 24 weeks from September 2014 to May 2015.  For details apply to Declan Murphy, St Kieran’s College 087 908 1470 or 056 775 3624 or email declanmurphy@ossory.ie

Sponsored Walk

Kilkenny to Bennettsbridge on Sunday 24^th August in aid of Cystic Fibrosis Ireland. Walk starts at picnic tables in Maudlin Street @ 11.00am sharp. Registration @ 10.30am.  €10 entrance fee to the charity. Length: 11km each way.  Return lifts can be arranged.  Contact Aoife on 085 810 7890 for info and sponsorship cards.

 

South Kilkenny Historical Society

Coach trip to Clontarf and the Botanic Gardens, Dublin. Thursday, August 21st 2014. Bus departing Mullinavat at 8am, returning 10pm (approximately). Cost: €55, (€50, members), which includes bus fare, guided tours and evening meal in Dublin. For bookings and further information please contact Brigid: 051 885300, 087 9507295 or Eddie 086-8124349, edsynnott@yahoo.co.uk.

Leaving Certificate Results

We wish all those awaiting Leaving Certificate examination results on Wednesday all the very best.  We will pray for you at Masses during the week.

Thinking about Priesthood

You are invited to an awareness morning on the Diocesan Priesthood in St Mary's Cathedral Chapter Room on Saturday the 16th of August beginning at 11 am.  Deacon Rev Brian Griffin will give a talk on his journey to the Priesthood. No booking necessary.  Further information from: Fr. Willie Purcell 0876286858

 

CURA Volunteers

Cura crisis pregnancy support services provide free counselling and support from their Dean Street centre in Kilkenny. The centre will be holding an information meeting at 10am on September 3^rd for anyone interested in training to become a Cura counsellor. If you are interested in volunteering please call 056 7722 739 or visit www.cura.ie for more information.

Good Luck to the Cats

We join in wishing the Kilkenny hurling teams all the best in this weekend’s All Ireland Senior & Minor Hurling Semi Finals.  Special good wishes go to those from our parish involved with the teams.  Come on the Cats!

 

Loughboy Library

Kilkenny Arts Festival - celebrate at Loughboy by joining us for a reading by Josie Funchion on Fri Aug 15th at 2pm.

Summer Reading challenge - finishing on Aug 16th. Please return competed cards.

Newsletter Items

Please have notices, anniversaries, etc. into the Parish Office by Thursday at the latest.  After this date we cannot guarantee publication that weekend.  Leaving anniversaries in at churches, on altars and under sacristy doors will not guarantee they will make the newsletter in time.  Thanks for your cooperation.

 Parish Website

We re currently updating the parish website at www.patricksparish.com.  Please have a look and let us know what you think