Third Sunday in Ordinary TIme, 25th January 2015

Catholic Schools: Called to Serve

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

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

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

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

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

Parish Senior Citizens’ Party

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

Dr. Heffernan on the Family

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

Pray For Our Deceased Friends

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

Months Mind: Eddie Walsh (Sun 10.00).

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

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

Cake Sale

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

Bridge

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

The Kilkenny Solemn Novena

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

Taizé Diocesan Youth Pilgrimage

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

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

Victim Assistance in Kilkenny

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

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

Art Classes

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

Taking Stock

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

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

Loughboy Library

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

Ossory Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2015

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

Loughboy Library

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

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

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, 18th January 2015

Migrant Sunday

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

Christian Unity Week

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

Parish Senior Citizens’ Party

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

First Holy Communion Children

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

Society of St. Vincent de Paul

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

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

Join us for a Cuppa

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

Parish Pastoral Council

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

On The Family

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

Taking Stock

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

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

Pray For Our Deceased Friends

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

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

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

Loughboy Library

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

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

Toddler Hour: Continues every Thursday at 11.30am.

Foulkstown Cemetery On The Web

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

Parish Calendar for 2015

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

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

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

Some people think he’s a burden

But he is my son

I grew him inside me for nine months

And I have carried him for nine years

He is not a burden

He is my son

He has a name

He has my heart

He has a smile

His innocence is forever

He loves unconditionally

He trusts everybody

He is still my baby boy

I will always be his mum

I will always be his carer

There is no burden lighter than love.

Aisling McNiffe, Straffan, Co Kildare.

Parish News on Social Media

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

 

Ossory Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2015

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

Be Informed

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

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

Limited Space

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

Speech and Drama

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

The Baptism of the Lord, Sunday 11th January 2015

The Baptism of the Lord

This feast is still about Christmas and about Epiphany. It is another experience of recognising the Divine in Humanity. This Jesus, well known among his friends and relatives, comes to be baptised. In that baptism, something happens and again he is recognised - not by all, but by many - as the Son of God in a special way.  He is seen to fulfil the prophecy of Isaiah: Here is my servant! This is the servant who reconciles people to God. This is a servant who opens the eyes of the blind and brings prisoners out of the prisons. This servant becomes a contract between God and His people.

The Gospel tells of the actual baptism of Jesus. Jesus is baptised by John in the Jordan. So much of early Christian writing is filled with meditation on this strange event: The one who created all is now baptised; the one who created the waters is now baptised in the water; the one who is baptised makes the water holy; and so on.

How can God be baptised? How can Jesus be truly human and truly God?  Something happens at the baptism that is a Divine Event recognised by some but apparently not by all.

The feast of the Baptism of Jesus is about our baptism. Those of us who follow Christ receive baptism, but baptism into Christ. Christ is baptised in water and we are baptised in water to symbolize our death to ourselves and our life in Christ. Always baptism is about death for the sake of life.  Our personal baptism challenges us throughout our lives to continue to die to all that is not divine so that we may live more fully.

Those Recently Baptised

On this Sunday at the 10.30am Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church we welcome in a special way those who were baptised in our parish during 2014 along with their families and friends.  During the Mass we will give thanks for those who have been received into the Christian Community and once again ask God to bless all involved in handing on the Catholic Faith.

Pray For Our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased: Kitty McEvoy, Larchfield. Larry Carroll, Danesfort.  Tony Bergin, Freshford. Ellen Noonan, Limerick.  John White, Co. Meath.

Months Mind: Seamus  Loughman (Sun 10.30).

Anniversaries: Anastatia & Billy Hickey (Sat 6.15). Teresa Holden (Sat 7.00). Mary Reynolds (Sun 9.30). Beattie O’Connell (Sun 10.00).  Sean O’Dwyer (Sun 11.00). Michael Phelan & Bridget Lannon (Sun 12.00). Bridget & Christopher Lawlor (Sun 12.30). Mary Reynolds (Tue 10.30). Bridget Marchetti (Wed 10.30). Paddy & Kitty Comerford (Thurs 10.30). Jack, Peg & Breda Molloy (Fri 10.30). Annie O’Shea. Mary McHugh. Agnes & Robert Brannigan. Pauline Hogan. Johnny Brennan. Denis Guilfoyle. Christina Leahy. Christine & Rose Leahy. Mary Feehan. Patrick, Delia & Margaret Taylor. Con & Bridget Carroll. Margaret Knox. Frank O’Shea. John Lanigan. Mick Kelly. Bernie Kelly. Christopher & Mary Ryan. Patrick Byrne.

Intentions for Next Weekend: Anna Campion (Sat 6.15). Albert & Bridget Downes (Sun 7.00). Michael Drennan (Sun 9.30). Maura Nolan (Sun 10.00). Jack Comerford (Sun 10.30). Maureen O’Shea (Sun 11.00). Teresa & Edward Dullard (Sun 12.00). Oliver Mannion (Sun 12.30).

Join us for a Cuppa

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

Blessed Edmund Rice

The monthly Mass to pray for the blessing of Blessed Edmund Rice and for his canonisation will take place in Westcourt on Monday, 12th January at 7.30pm. All are welcome.  Note the change of date.

Parish News on Social Media

This Parish Newsletter is available on our Web and Facebook pages.  Let those away from home know about it so they can stay in touch. We now have 527 ‘likes’ on our Facebook page.  Many thanks to all of you.  Let’s see if we can hit 600 likes. 

Society of St. Vincent de Paul

The members of the local conference wish to thank all those people who donated so generously to their Christmas collection which is much appreciated as without that support they simply could not do their work.  Your support allowed the conference to support many families in our area who needed help during the festive season and into the New Year. The members also wish to thank business people and companies who donated, and schools who collected toys and non-perishable food items. Thank you to one and all.

The Society’s work continues into the New Year.  The monthly collection for the local conference will be taken up at the second collection at all Masses next weekend.  Please give a little: it will help a lot.

Taking Stock

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

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

Speech and Drama

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

Little Red Riding Hood

The Watergate Theatre production of the pantomime Little Red Riding Hood begins with a matinee on Saturday, 10th January and continues until Saturday, 17th January.  Tickets available from the Watergate box office on 056 776 1674 or online at watergatetheatre.com.  Adults €18. Children €14.  A great evening’s entertainment guaranteed.  

Vocations!

There’s no denying that the clergy in Ossory are getting older by the year with the result that there are very few spring chickens left!  If I’m not mistaken, there are just five Ossory priests under the age of 50 with the rest varying in age right into their 90s.  What this leaves us with is a crisis soon to happen as many priests retire and vacancies in parishes unable to be filled.  So, at the current rate, what the future holds for many parishes is amalgamations and closure of churches. This slide can only be averted by people on the ground. There is little use looking to overseas  for priests or religious, and doctrine isn’t going to change anytime soon, therefore vocations must happen from among your family and friends.

We encourage all our faithful to pray for and promote the life of a priest or religious as a worthy and valid vocation for any young person to consider.  There are people out there who right now feel this calling and a positive word from you can make all the difference.  Perhaps the person needing encouragement and prayer is your son or daughter? Maybe it’s a sibling or a friend? 

Those who wish to discuss a vocation to priesthood or religious life, can contact any of the priests of the parish or our Diocesan Director of Vocations, Fr. Willie Purcell.  Details  are on our Ossory webpage.

Clothing Collection

A used clothing collection in aid of the Irish Pilgrimage Trust will take place on Thursday morning, 15th January at the Parish Centre Car Park.

Be Informed

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

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

Tar chugainn, a Naomhspioraid Bheannaithe; comhairligh sinn in am is i dtráth.

 

2nd Sunday of Christmas. 4th January 2015

Happy New Year

All at St. Patrick’s Parish join in wishing everybody in the parish a very happy, holy and prosperous 2015.  We use the words of Pope Francis as he greeted people on New Year’s Eve: At the end of a year, like at the end of life, the Pope said, the church teaches its members to make an examination of conscience, “remembering all that happened, thanking the Lord for all the good we received and were able to do and, at the same time, remembering where we were lacking and our sins. Give thanks and ask forgiveness.  The end of one calendar year and the beginning of another is the perfect occasion to reflect on how well people have used the time and gifts God has given them - especially how well people have helped the poor, Pope Francis said. 

 

The Epiphany of the Lord

Tuesday is the Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord.  In Irish tradition, it is also called Little Christmas or Women’s Christmas. The Wise Men came from the East to adore the Son of God. The Saviour was made known to the Gentiles in the persons of the Wise Men who were led to Bethlehem by a star. They knew that a King was born. They bowed to the ground in adoration and offered Him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.  These indicated that he had human nature, and that he was God and King.

This feast concludes the season of Christmas. Let us thank God for all the graces bestowed on us during this holy time.  Praise be to God. Be with us Lord during the month of January. Amen.

Arrangements for Mass

Tuesday is a holy day of obligation.  Mass for the feastday will be celebrated at St. Fiacre’s Church at 6.15pm on Monday and 10.30am and 12.00 noon on Tuesday.  Mass in St. Patrick’s Church will be at 7.00pm on Monday and 9.30am, 11.00am and 12.30pm on Tuesday.  Mass at Foulkstown will be at 10.00am on Tuesday morning.

On other days this week our public Masses will be at the usual times.

What Do We Learn from this Feast?

The Epiphany tells the story of the wise ones, astrologers and stargazers. The Western Christian Church has assigned them the names Melchior (Babylonian scholar), Caspar (Persian scholar) and Balthazar (an Arab scholar). Their gifts gold, frankincense and myrrh have symbolic significance in light of the identity of the baby to whom they are given. These Epiphany gifts may speak to us at the beginning of this New Year.

Gold: has great value and is a symbol of kingship on earth. Our gold may need refining before its true worth can be appreciated. We may overlook the gold in others because we do not look with care or because we assume none is present.

Frankincense: is the resin from a tree; part of its life force. Incense is the symbol of prayer. The gift of incense calls us to prayer to bring fragrance to the world through our movement and through savouring.

Myrrh: is also a gift of the earth. As a perfume it was common anointing oil associated with death and burial. The gift of myrrh reminds us that life is fragile, that our death whenever it comes is a transformation. “...life is changed, not taken away,” as Paul reminds us.

“...We saw the rising of the star- we have come searching...”  To see the rising of the star means to be watchful. When did we last look up at a starry sky?  It is like a great prayer book that is always open, revealing night after night the glory of God.

Back to Normal

The Parish Office is open on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9.00am until 4.00pm. Baptismal certificates, wedding bookings and anniversary bookings can be made though the Office.

The Parish Centre is open from Monday.  Bookings and enquiries to Mr Ted Byrne on 056 776 4400.

Monthly Rosary

The monthly rosary at the Statue of Our Lady of Kilkenny, James Green continues on this Sunday at 3.00pm.

Pray For Our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased: Loretta Barr, Baunlusk. Henry Murray, Assumption Place. Liam Jennings, McDonagh Street.  Liam Shortall, Fatima Place.  Funeral Mass Monday, at 10.30 in St. John’s Church.  Interment afterwards in St. Kieran’s  Cemetery.

Months Mind: Sr. Joanne Holohan (Sat 7.00). Henry Spain (Sun 10.30).

Anniversaries: Maura Molloy (Sat 6.15). Fred Lee (Sun 9.30). Josephine & Paddy McGrath (Sun 10.00).  Sean Devane (Sun 11.00). Michael Kennedy (Sun 12.00). Henrietta Hyland (Sun 12.30).  Anne Wright & Annie Treacy (Mon 7.00pm). Tommy, Mary & Thomas Drohan. (Tues 9.30).  Peg Larkin (Tues 10.30). Geraldine Cody (Tues 12.00). Jim & Rose Magner (Thurs 10.30). Teresa Walsh (Fri 10.30).  Denis O’Shea. James & Annie O’Grady.  John Walsh.

Intentions for Next Weekend: Anastatia & Billy Hickey (Sat 6.15). Teresa Holden (Sat 7.00). Mary Reynolds (Sun 9.30). Beattie O’Connell (Sun 10.00). Seamus  Loughman (Months Mind Sun 10.30). Sean O’Dwyer (Sun 11.00). Michael Phelan & Bridget Lannon (Sun 12.00). Bridget & Christopher Lawlor (Sun 12.30).

First Friday Visits

Frs. Dan and Liam will be making their calls on the this Friday, 9th January.  Fr. Roderick will attend as arranged with those he visits regularly.

Blessed Edmund Rice

The monthly Mass to pray for the blessing of Blessed Edmund Rice and for his canonisation will take place in Westcourt on Monday, 12th January at 7.30pm. All are welcome.  Note the change of date.

Adoration in St. Patrick’s Church

Due to a shortage of committed adorers it has been decided to discontinue the Friday Adoration in St. Patrick’s Church and to concentrate on the Monday Adoration in St. Fiacre’s Church instead.

We would like to say thank you very much to all who came to adore Jesus in the Eucharist whether you were a regular adorer or you came when you could.  We would appreciate if you could continue adoration from now on in St. Fiacre’s Church on Mondays at a time that is convenient between 11.00am and 9.00pm.  All are welcome.

Feast of the Baptism of the Lord

We invite those families who had a child baptised in our parish during 2014 to bring their child to 10.30am Mass on next Sunday, 11th January 2015.  As a community we will praise God for the gift of those 142 children and give thanks to Him for the gift of our baptismal faith.

Many of us dipped the fingers of our right hands into the holy water font and blessed ourselves as we came to church today.  Some of us did something similar as we left home. Why? This blessing with holy water reminds us of our Baptism.  And so when I bless myself with holy water, I should be thinking of the fact that I am a child of God; that I have been redeemed by the Cross of Christ; that I have been made a member of God’s family and that I have been washed, forgiven, cleansed in the waters of Baptism.  Speaking in Rome on New Year’s Day Pope Francis said: “Through baptism we were introduced into communion with God, and we are no longer at the mercy of evil and sin; rather, we receive the love, tenderness and mercy of the heavenly Father.”  He then asked: “Who among you remembers the day he was baptized?  Raise your hands.  There are many, but not so, so many.  For those who don’t remember the date of their baptism, I am giving you a homework assignment: look for the date and keep it in your heart!”  The date we were baptized is a day of celebration!  Remember or discover the date of your Baptism; it will be very good to have, in order to thank God for the gift of Baptism.”

Parish News on Social Media

This Parish Newsletter is available on our Web and Facebook pages.  Let those away from home know.

Vocations!

There’s no denying that the clergy in Ossory are getting older by the year with the result there are very few spring chickens left!  If I’m not mistaken, there are just five Ossory priests under the age of 50 with the rest varying in age right into their 80s.  What this leaves us with is a crisis soon to happen as many priests retire and vacancies in parishes unable to be filled.  So, at the current rate, what the future holds for many parishes is amalgamations and closure of churches. This slide can only be averted by people here on the ground. There is little use looking to overseas  for priests or religious, and doctrine isn’t going to change anytime soon, therefore vocations must happen from among your family and friends.

We encourage all our faithful to pray for and promote the life of a priest or religious as a worthy and valid vocation for any young person to consider.  There are people out there who, right now feel this calling and a positive word from you can make all the difference.  Perhaps the person needing encouragement and prayer is your son or daughter? Maybe it’s a sibling or a friend? 

Those who wish to discuss a vocation to priesthood or religious life, can contact any of the priests of the parish or our Diocesan Director of Vocations, Fr. Willie Purcell.  Details  of contact are on our Ossory website.

   

Tax Rebate Scheme

As we come to the end of the year we are looking again at the tax rebate scheme from which St. Patrick’s Parish has benefited enormously, thanks to the co-operation and generosity of so many of our parishioners and families.

Throughout the scheme, our parish has benefited greatly, at no extra cost to you, from the tax you have already paid. Tax paid by you can remain with the Revenue Commissioners or it can be reclaimed by way of refund to any eligible charity including St. Patrick’s Parish. This scheme has made a huge difference to our parish finances and repayments.

If you are not part of it you might contact the Parish Office in the days ahead: 056 776 4400.  Thank you.