St. Patrick's Parish, Kilkenny Newsletter

Monday, May 25, 2015

4th Sunday of Easter, 26th April 2015

Celebration of Confirmation

Congratulations to the pupils in St. Patrick’s School, Kells Road and the School of the Holy Spirit, Seville Lodge who received their Confirmation on Thursday last. Twenty one young people received the sacrament and a great celebration was enjoyed by all.

Diocesan Draw

The next draw in the St. Mary’s Cathedral Refurbishment Draw takes place in the Chapter House, St. Mary’s Cathedral at 8.00pm on Wednesday 29^th April. All are welcome to attend. Tickets for the draw cost €10 and are available from any one of the priests and from the Parish Office. We encourage all to support the work being carried out at St. Mary’s Cathedral - the Episcopal see of our diocese.

Ossory Times Magazine

The latest edition of the Ossory Times is now available in the sacristies. €2.00 each. This edition documents a significant moment in our diocese: the development of a pastoral plan. This plan has been shaped slowly through a long process of listening, exploring and only then compiling. The article about this process offers not only a look back on the work that was done to achieve this but also and more importantly, a glance ahead at the vision the Ossory Pastoral Council has shaped for the diocese and its people for the years ahead. This excellent production features articles of interest from around the diocese. This edition also features an article about the St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society in our parish. There is also a contribution by Fr. Dan, writing about his radio programme. Fr. Liam contributed a piece on the recent re-mapping and indexing of Foulkstown Cemetery. Pick up a copy today!

First Holy Communion

Looking for First Holy Communion gifts? The Parish Shop, located in the foyer of our Parish Centre in Loughboy, has been stocked with many items for First Holy Communion. Medals, rosaries, prayer books, cards etc and a wide range is available.

Pray For Our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased: Kay Hennessy, Archers Avenue. Funeral prayers at her home at 11.00am on Monday followed by removal to St. Fiacre’s Church. Requiem Mass at 12.00 noon followed by burial in St. Kieran’s Cemetery. Rosary at her home at 7.30pm on Sunday evening. Luke Bateman, late of Upper Patrick Street who died in Oxford. Funeral prayers at Johnston’s Funeral Home at 6.30pm on Friday followed by removal to St. Patrick’s Church. Requiem Mass at 11.00am on Saturday followed by burial at Foulkstown Cemetery. Kitty Murray, Fr. Murphy Square and Dublin. Reposing at her home with funeral prayers at 5.30pm on Sunday followed by removal to St. John’s Church. Requiem Mass at 10.30am on Monday followed by burial at St. Kieran’s Cemetery. Stella Hynes, Mayfield. Liam Heffernan, formerly of Willow Close who died recently in Galway. Memorial Mass at St. Patrick’s Church at 12.30pm on Sunday. Ursula Crotty, Manchester and formerly Patrick Street. Tony Murray, Ballyragget. Sr. Baptiste Meany, Presentation Sisters, Dublin & Kilkenny.

Anniversaries: Michael O’Sullivan (Sat 6.15). Joe Ayres (Sat 7.00). Paddy & Josephine McGrath. (Sun 10.00). Michael Gaule (Sun 10.30). Anastatia Fitzpatrick, Kathleen & Pierce A. Grace (Sun 11.00). Aideen & Peadar Flanagan (Sun 12.00). Mary & Eddie O’Keeffe (Tue 10.30). Patrick O’Neill (Wed 9.30). Kathleen Tobin (Wed 10.30). Julia & Marie Phelan (Thur 10.30). Ned & Rita Foley (Fri 10.30). Billy Dwan (Sat 9.30). Mairead Dowling. Brian Kenealy. Jimmy Maher. Paddy Ryan. Des Hehir. Molly & Ann Martin. Jim Frawley. Joseph & Austin Kelly. Martin & Patrick Browne. James Morris. John Murphy. Mary & Jack Brennan. Patrick & Ellen Moran.

Intentions for next weekend: Patrick Dorney & Ted O’Dwyer (Sat 6.15). Fintan Brennan (Sat 7.00). John Byrne (Sun 10.00). Paddy Ryan (Sun 10.30).

Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes

Spaces are still available. To book your place on the diocesan pilgrimage please contact Eleanor in Glenmore Parish on 051 880 414 (Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 10.00am - 2.30pm) or glenmore@ossory.ie

White Collar Jobs Available

‘Some white collar jobs are more challenging than others!’ is a caption in a publicity campaign launched by one Irish Diocese in an effort to provoke young men into considering priesthood as a life option. The Fourth Sunday of Easter is often called ‘Good Shepherd Sunday’ or ‘Day of Prayer for Vocations’. It is all our responsibilities to foster vocations to the priesthood and religious life – we do so through our prayers and words of encouragement and support.

In the western Catholic world we have an unfolding challenge with the ageing profile of our priests and so few putting themselves forward for religious life. This year Pope Francis has highlighted the commitment of all in the Year of Consecrated Life.

Towards the end of June, Brian Griffin – a native of Slieverue Parish – will be ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Ossory. Brian’s vocation was nurtured in his family home and local community and in the witness and goodness of local people of faith. All of us who call ourselves followers of Jesus, have the potential to nurture a vocation in the heart and spirit of young people, through our Christian witness and prayer. Is it possible that we could, through such prayer, witness and encouragement, inspire some young people in our community to serve us as priests and religious in the years to come?

The Village Draw

James Stephens GAA Club wishes to thank most sincerely all those who supported their Kells Road Development Draw over the past five years. The club is greatly indebted to, and appreciative of, all the fantastic support it has received from promoters, club members, the people of St Patrick's Parish and beyond in helping to develop this magnificent facility out on the Kells Road. The final draw will take place on Wednesday, 29th April at our Larchfield clubrooms and we extend a warm welcome to all.

First Friday Calls

The priests will visit as usual on this coming Friday.

Pilgrimage to Knock

The Nurses Guild will hold their annual pilgrimage to Knock Shrine on next Saturday, 2^nd May leaving the Butts Green at 7.30am. Please contact Ann on 056 772 2204. All welcome.

Eucharistic Minsters

We have a large and faithful group of Eucharistic Ministers in our parish and we’re thankful for that. Some ministers have kindly agreed to take communion to the sick and housebound. Ministers, please take note of the following:

· You must take communion from the church each day, preferably from the Mass you have attended. A minster must NEVER store hosts in their houses overnight or at weekends. This is expressly forbidden as the Body of Christ must be held in the reverence and security of the church tabernacle.

· Please, do not leave your pyx on the altar for the priest to put hosts in it. Bring it up with you when you’re coming up to communion yourself and hold it out to receive the host. Please, only approach the priest and not a minster if you are taking communion to the sick.

· Only ministers validly commissioned in our parish may bring communion to the sick. People from outside the parish must seek permission beforehand from the priest. Ministers can only minister in their own parish.

All the above is necessary in order to protect the sacrament. Not all people who try to take communion from the church are minsters and we must be vigilant!

Many Thanks

Referring to last weekend’s appeal Fr Gerald Doyle wrote on behalf of the Mill Hill Missionaries to extend their thanks to the people of our parish for our great generosity, our faith and our understanding of belonging to a universal church. The MHMs will keep us all in their prayers.

Loughboy Library

The Bealtaine Festival will be launched next Friday during the Tea Day in aid of The Alzheimer’s Society. Doors open at 10.00am and all support appreciated.

Computer Classes aimed primarily at jobseekers will commence next Thursday & Friday afternoons. Tel 056 779 4176 for more information.

Camp Veritas 2015

Join Camp Veritas for a ‘play-and-pray’ experience. Camp Veritas is a week long, sleep-away summer camp and pilgrimage open to teens 12 to 18 years old. Details: www.campveritas.com

Carlow Fibromyalgia Support Group

Please note change of venue for all our meetings: we will meet on the last Tuesday of every month at 7.30pm at the Talbot Hotel, Carlow. Our next meeting will be on Tuesday 28th April. Margot Kearney, nutritionist, will be talking about the role of diet in the management of fibromyalgia We also meet every Thursday at 10.30am for coffee in the Talbot Hotel. All welcome. Katharine 089 438 7283.

Dates For Your Diary

Gaelscoil First Holy Communion: 2nd May, 11.00am, St. Fiacre’s, Loughboy.

KSP First Holy Communion: 3rd May, 12noon, St. Fiacre’s Church, Loughboy

Gaelscoil Confirmation: 9th May, 11.00am, St. Mary’s Cathedral.

St. John of God First Holy Communion: 9th May, 11.00am, St. Fiacre’s, Loughboy.

St. Patrick’s de la Salle, First Holy Communion: 16th May, 11.00am St. Patrick’s Church.

Cemetery Mass at Foulkstown: Thursday, 30th July, 7.30pm.

St. Fiacre’s Well Mass: Sheestown: 30th August, 3.00pm.

3rd Sunday of Easter, 19th April 2015

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 today (Saturday) in St. Mary’s Cathedral.

We look forward to celebrating the Sacrament with the boys and girls of St. Patrick’s School, Kells Road and 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.

Parish Pastoral Council Meeting

A meeting of the Parish Pastoral Council will take place at the Parish Centre on Monday 20th April at 8.00pm. Members are asked to attend.

St. Fiacre’s Gardeners

The volunteer gardeners will meet at the Parish Centre at 6.30pm on Monday, 20th April. New volunteers are urgently required and will be welcomed. Bring gloves and show up and you will be shown what to do. Thanks again to all who work so hard to keep our parish facilities looking so well.

Dates For Your Diary

Gaelscoil First Holy Communion: 2nd May, 11.00am, St. Fiacre’s, Loughboy.

KSP First Holy Communion: 3rd May, 12noon, St. Fiacre’s Church, Loughboy

Gaelscoil Confirmation: 9th May, 11.00am, St. Mary’s Cathedral.

St. John of God First Holy Communion: 9th May, 11.00am, St. Fiacre’s, Loughboy.

St. Patrick’s de la Salle, First Holy Communion: 16th May, 11.00am St. Patrick’s Church.

Cemetery Mass at Foulkstown: Thursday, 30th July, 7.30pm.

St. Fiacre’s Well Mass: Sheestown: 30th August, 3.00pm.

Diocesan Draw

The next Diocesan Draw takes place on Wednesday 29th April in the Chapter House. Tickets: €10.

Pray For Our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased: Paul Pattison, Castletroy, Limerick. Reposing at Griffin’s Funeral Home on Sunday, April 19th, from 4.00pm. Removal at 6.00pm to Mary Magdalene Church, Monaleen. Funeral on Monday, after 12 noon Mass, to Kilmurry Cemetery, Castletroy. Maureen Kennedy, late of Ashurst. Reposing in Elm Green Nursing Home, Castleknock, Dublin on Tuesday from 5.00pm to 7.00pm. Prayers in Elm Green Nursing Home on Wednesday at 1.30pm followed by cremation in Glasnevin. Christy Burke, Assumption Place. Collette Deevy, Newpark Lower. Maura Haygreen (Nee Connick), England & 12 Haltigan Terrace.

Anniversaries: Eamon O’Toole (Sat 6.15). Sr. Albert Kenny (Sat 7.00). Betty Byrne (Sun 9.30). Eileen Byrne (Sun 10.00) . Michael & Mary Burke (Sun 10.30). Jimmy O’Neill (Sun 11.00). Roy Barry (Sun 12.00). Dick Keating (Sun 12.30). Eily Reddy (Mon 9.30). Emmanuel Joseph English (Tues 9.30). Tim & Liam Drea (Tues 10.30). Patrick & Eleanor Murray (Wed 9.30). Emmanuel Joseph English (Wed 10.30). Tobias White (Thurs 11.00). Mary Muldowney (Fri 9.30). Marty Neylon (Fri 10.30). Noel & Ann Dwyer. Brigid Kelly. Mary Brennan. Nancy Turner. Maisie Kehoe. John Edward Kirwan Malone. Deirdre McGowan. William Maher. Mary Kate Coyne. Thomas & Noel Fry. Elizabeth & Edward Geoghegan. Paddy & Billy Cleere. Andrew O’Neill. Kitty O’Keeffe

Intentions for next weekend: Michael O’Sullivan (Sat 6.15). Joe Ayres (Sat 7.00). Paddy & Josephine McGrath. (Sun 10.00). Michael Gaule (Sun 10.30). Anastatia Fitzpatrick, Kathleen & Pierce A. Grace (Sun 11.00). Aideen & Peadar Flanagan (Sun 12.00). Liam Heffernan (Recently deceased. Sun 12.30).

First Holy Communion

Ossory Pilgrimage to Lourdes

Spaces are still available. To book your place on Ossory diocesan pilgrimage please contact Eleanor in Glenmore Parish Office on 051 880 414 (Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 10.00am – 2.30pm and Friday 9.15am – 12.15pm) or email glenmore@ossory.ie.

St. Vincent de Paul

The monthly collection for the local Society of St. Vincent de Paul will be taken up at all Masses this weekend. This contribution is included as part of the second collection at each Mass. The money raised stays in the parish and is used to help those who are in financial difficulty in our parish.

Those in need of the society’s help can make contact through either of the following ways: Put your request for help, along with your name and address into a sealed envelope and drop it into the Parish Centre in Loughboy. Phone the society on 087 681 0589 and leave a message. All requests for help are treated in the strictest of confidence.

We extend a sincere thanks to our local conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul for their tireless work in running this local conference. All members are volunteers and often spend many hours a week helping those in need. Your work is appreciated.

Ossory Times

The latest edition of the Ossory Times is now available in the sacristies. €2.00 each. This excellent production features articles of interest from around the diocese. This edition has an article about the St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society in our parish. There is also a contribution by Fr. Dan, writing about his radio programme. Fr. Liam contributed a piece on the recent re-mapping and indexing of Foulkstown Cemetery. Pick up a copy today!

Annual Mini Marathon

The Carers Association Carlow/Kilkenny will hold their 11th Annual Mini Marathon on the May Bank Holiday Kilkenny on 4th May. Info: 056 772 1424.

The Village Draw

James Stephens GAA Club wishes to thank most sincerely all those who supported their Kells Road Development Draw over the past 5 years. The club is greatly indebted to, and appreciative of, all the fantastic support it has received from promoters, club members, the people of St Patrick's Parish and beyond in helping to develop this magnificent facility out on the Kells Road. The final draw will take place on Wednesday, 29th April at our Larchfield clubrooms and we extend a warm welcome to all.

Monsignor Tommy Maher RIP

The month's mind Mass for the late Monsignor Thomas Maher will be celebrated at Bigwood Church at 7.30pm on Friday, 24th April 2015.

Carlow Fibromyalgia Support Group

Camp Veritas 2015

Join Camp Veritas for a ‘play-and-pray’ experience. Camp Veritas is a week long, sleep-away summer camp and pilgrimage open to teens 12 to 18 years old. The venue is Gormanston College, Co. Meath and costs €320. Details: www.campveritas.com

Thefts from Motor Vehicles

The crime prevention officer of An Garda Síochana has asked us to bring to your attention that there has been an increase in thefts from cars parked outside churches and cemeteries. Please do not leave your vehicle unlocked or with property on view within the vehicle. These crimes are opportunist and mostly avoidable, by people simply taking care to secure their vehicles properly and to ensure that there is no property on view to attract the thieves who are committing this type of crime.

Notices for Newsletter

Please have these in by Thursday or we cannot guarantee publication that weekend. Parish and diocesan notices take priority.

Bookings for anniversary Masses must be made through the Parish Office and as early as possible. Bookings are on a first-come-first-served basis.

2nd Sunday of Easter, 12th April 2015

Pray For Our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased: Liam Heffernan, Oranmore & Willow Close. Michael O’Driscoll, Old Callan Road. Margaret O’Connor, Fethard & formerly Cuffesgrange. Paul Daly, Blackrock, Cork.

Anniversaries: Martin Hoyne (Sat 6.15). Margaret Glynn (Sat 7.00). Elizabeth McCorry (Sun 9.30). Josie & Bill O’Neill (Sun 10.00). Pauline Morris (Sun 10.30). Gordon Deevy (Sun 11.00). Marie Coyne (Sun 12.00). Dr. W.J. Phelan & Daisy Phelan, Edward Cody, Nin & Moya Bligh. (Sun 12.30). Tess Kelly (Tues 10.30). Margaret & Patrick Banahan (Sat 9.30). Vincent O’Shea. Christina Walsh, Richard Brennan, Michael O’Reilly, Bess & Mick Delaney, Goss Murray, Paddy & Josephine McGrath, Billy Brennan.

Intentions for Next Weekend: Eamon O’Toole (Sat 6.15). Dr. Albert Kenny (Sat 7.00). Betty Byrne (Sun 9.30). Eileen Byrne (Sun 10.00) . Michael & Mary Burke (Sun 10.30). Jimmy O’Neill (Sun 11.00). Roy Barry (Sun 12.00). Dick Keating (Sun 12.30).

Mill Hill Father’s

We welcome the Mill Hill Father’s as guest preachers at all our Masses this weekend Each year we welcome a different congregation or order to share with us some information about their work and they make an appeal for support for their work.

The Mill Hill Father’s have a long standing association with our parish and we are happy they join us this weekend.

Remembrance Service

St Luke’s Hospital (Carlow and Kilkenny) will be holding it’s the annual remembrance ceremony for families who have been bereaved by the death of their child through miscarriage, still-birth or in early infancy This ceremony will take place on Tuesday, April 14^th in St Fiacre’s Church, Loughboy, Kilkenny at 7.30pm. While we issue a special invitation to all families who have been bereaved during the past year, this ceremony is for all families who have been bereaved, regardless of how long ago. Refreshments will be available for everyone after the ceremony.

Church Building

All going well, work will begin on the repair and re-slating of St. Patrick’s Church on Wednesday. Barring unforeseen problems, this will be a 10 week programme and during this period we will continue using the church for daily morning Mass. For weekday Masses, during building please use the side door entrance into the porch.

The roof beam inside the church over the sanctuary is of particular concern and will require specialist scaffolding in the sanctuary area. This should not interfere with Mass. The builders have been asked to take a break during Mass time.

As I mentioned last week, this work is costing in excess of €200,000 and we hope to meet the cost with a loan from the diocese and pay this back using our parish weekly collections.

The weekly parish envelopes, also known as ‘The Building and Maintenance Fund’ is the main source of income for the parish. Some parishioners prefer to use ‘Direct Debit.’ PAYE workers, who donate in excess of €250 (€5 per week), by envelope or standing order, we can claim back the tax already paid by you on this from the Inland Revenue. This re-claim is at no extra cost to the donor and is a win-win situation for us!

While many people do contribute to the parish using these envelopes, many more don’t. This could be because they never registered with us, stopped contributing for different reasons or envelopes were never sent. If you would like to start supporting your parish once again, please contact Michelle in the parish office or send us an email with your details and we will register you as a member of St. Patrick’s Parish.

Thanks once again for your support.

Easter Collection For Priests

Sincere thanks to all who contributed to the Easter collection for priests, your generosity is much appreciated.

Back To Normal

Masses return to their usual time of 9.30am and 10.30am. Exposition on Monday in St. Fiacre’s from 11am to 9pm. The Parish Office re-opens from 9am to 4pm, Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri.

Some Facts About Our Building

The contractor who is undertaking the work on St. Patrick's Church, Cantwell’s also built St. Fiacre’s Church in Loughboy. The current roof and slates are the original ones used when the church was first built in 1899. The type of slate chosen for this re-slating are: ‘Welsh Blue Bangor’ and are noted for their durability and distinct blue tint. ‘The slates carry a guarantee of 100 years!

For the first time, insulation will be added to the roof to improve it’s thermal efficiency.

Cosmology/Spirituality Workshop

Together we will explore Who is God? Who are we? How shall we live? Workshop facilitated by Colette Cullinan RSM at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre on Saturday, 18^th April from 10.00am to 4.00pm. Cost is €10 - bring your own packed lunch. To book contact 056 772 2870 before 14^th April. Sponsored by Sisters of St. John of God.

Divine Mercy Sunday

Sunday Celebration in the Friary this Sunday, 12th from 2pm to 5pm. This will include, Rosary, Holy Hour, Mass and a blessing with a relic of St. Faustina. Celebrant is Fr. Willie Purcell and all are welcome.

St. Fiacre’s Gardeners

The gardening group which looks after our award winning St. Fiacre’s Garden adjacent to St. Fiacre’s Church are recommencing after the winter break on Monday evening 13th April @18.30pm New volunteers are urgently required.

Dates For Your Diary

Parish Schools Confirmation:18th April, 11am St. Mary’s Cathedral.

Gaelscoil Confirmation: 9th May, 11am, St. Mary’s Cathedral

Gaelscoil First Holy Communion: 2nd May, 11am, St. Fiacre’s, Loughboy

KSP First Holy Communion: 3rd May, 12noon, St. Fiacre’s, Loughboy

St. John of God First Holy Communion: 9th May, 11am, St. Fiacre’s, Loughboy

St. Patrick’s de la Salle, First Holy Communion: 16th May, 11am St. Patrick’s.

Cemetery Mass at Foulkstown: Thurs 30th Jul, 7.30pm

St. Fiacre’s Well Mass: Sheestown: 30th Aug, 3pm

All Ireland Sunday ???? :-)

James Stephen’s Camogie

U8, U10 and U12 training in Kells Road at 6.30 from Monday, 13th April. All welcome.

Annual Mini Marathon

The Carers Association Carlow/Kilkenny will hold their 11th Annual Mini Marathon on the May Bank Holiday Kilkenny on May 4th 2015. For more information or to take part please contact the Carers Association Spring Hill medical Centre, Phone us on 056-7721424 or email us at Kilkenny2@carersireland.com.

First Holy Communion

The Parish Shop, located in the foyer of our Parish Centre in Loughboy has been stocked with many items for First Holy Communion. Medals, rosaries, prayer books, cards, a wide range is available. Drop in and have a look when you’re passing.

Coeliacs Support

Meeting this Monday, 13th at 8pm in St. Patrick’s Parish Center.

Easter Sunday, 5th April 2015

Happy Easter

The priests and members of the St. Patrick’s Parish Pastoral Council wish all in our community a very happy Easter. May the blessings of the Lord’s resurrection give us new hope and strengthen our faith during the coming months.

Holy Week Liturgies

Thanks to all who helped celebrate our Holy Week Liturgies. Many people worked away in the background while others came forward to help in the sanctuary. Thanks to all.

Thanks also to all who attended our Holy Week Liturgies. It was uplifting to join in prayer with so many from within our community and beyond.

Easter Week in our Parish

Mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick’s Church at 11.00am each morning during the coming week. Please note: there will be no 9.30am Mass at St. Patrick’s Church and no 10.30am Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church.

There will be no exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in St. Fiacre's Church on Easter Monday.

Best Wishes to Fr. Dan and IPT

This Sunday, Fr. Dan, with others, including four volunteer helpers from our parish, and ten young people from the Kilkenny/Carlow group of the Irish Pilgrimage Trust travel to Lourdes on pilgrimage. We wish all of them good faith and good weather while in Lourdes.

Fr. Dan and the group members thank all who helped raise money to fund the pilgrimage. You will be remembered in prayer at the grotto.

The major event during the week will be a special international Mass at 9.00am (Irish time) on next Thursday morning. This, and other liturgies, will be broadcast live on the web at http://en.lourdes-france.org/tv-lourdes/ or on a special link obtainable at www.irishpilgrimagetrust.com.

Please join in our celebrations.

Pray For Our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased: Liam Heffernan, Galway and late of Willow Close. Funeral arrangements later. Seán O’Connell, Riverview, Ardnore. Funeral Service on Monday evening at 5.00pm in Johnston’s Funeral Home. Requiem Mass on Tuesday at 11.00am in Church of the Assumption, Rathfarnham. Interment in Shanganagh Cemetery. Frances Harold, Walkin Street. Jimmy Dunphy, Connolly Street. Pearl Brennan (nee Crotty), Dublin and late of Kilkenny.

Anniversaries: Dan Bolger (Sun 10.00). Frank Cantwell (Sun 10.30). John Hennessy (Sun 11.00). Andrew & Susan Delaney (Sun 12.00). Mary Lawlor (Sun 12.30). Sheila Keaney (Sat 11.00). Mary & Katie Mullally. Martin & Elizabeth Brennan. Kathleen Esmonde. Joe Kavanagh. Paddy Cahill. Laurence O’Donoghue.

Intentions for Next Weekend: Martin Hoyne (Sat 6.15). Margaret Glynn (Sat 7.00). Elizabeth McCorry (Sun 9.30). Josie & Bill O’Neill (Sun 10.00). Pauline Morris (Sun 10.30). Gordon Deevy (Sun 11.00). Marie Coyne (Sun 12.00). Dr. W.J. Phelan & Daisy Phelan, Edward Cody, Nin & Moya Bligh. (Sun 12.30).

Public Rosary

The monthly Rosary on the first Sunday in James Green at the statue of Our Lady of Kilkenny continues this Sunday 5th April at 3pm. All are welcome.

St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society

The monthly meeting of St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society will have held on Friday next 10th April in St. Patrick's Parish Centre after 10.30am Mass in St. Fiacre’s Church. All are welcome.

Easter Offering

Many thanks to all who support us priests (and bishop), through the five special contribution envelopes. The Easter Offering is taken up around now. Sincere thanks for your generosity.

Latin Mass with Gregorian Chant

A High Mass with Gregorian Chant will be celebrated at St. Patrick’s Church on Easter Sunday at 5.00pm. All welcome.

St. Patrick’s Church Renovation

As we bask in the glorious light of the resurrection, St. Patrick’s Parish is looking forward to a resurrection of its own. On Monday week, 13th April, work will begin on insulating and re-slating St. Patrick’s Church on the College Road.

As you will recall from a previous newsletter, we had identified a number of leaks in the roof and under professional inspection, it was discovered that two of these were serious and if left would cause further damage to the building and expense to the parishioners. The decision was taken to undertake the following work:

· Insulation and re-slating of the entire roof of St. Patrick’s (including sacristy and tower).

· Repair and rebuild of the church chimney stack.

· Repair and re-pointing of the front pinnacles which are showing signs of water ingress.

· Repair to one of the main roof beams inside the church.

· Repair and re-plaster of damaged sanctuary wall.

We are pleased to announce that the tender from Cantwell Builders was successful. They have a long association with the parish and we look forward to working with them.

The building work will take approximately 10 weeks to complete and during that time we hope to continue to use the church for daily Mass.

The cost of this renovation will be in excess of €200,000 and we hope to raise this money from a diocesan loan and repay this using the parish contribution envelopes.

We are grateful to our many parishioners who support us so generously each week which allows us to complete this essential work. If you are new to St. Patrick’s Parish and have not received parish envelopes to support your parish, please contact the Parish Office or any of the priests with your details. Donations towards the renovation of St. Patrick’s are also welcome and will be acknowledged. More on this as work progresses.

Remembrance Service

St Luke’s Hospital will be holding it’s the annual remembrance ceremony for families who have been bereaved by the death of their child through miscarriage, still-birth or in early infancy This ceremony will take place on Tuesday, April 14th in St Fiacre’s Church at 7.30pm.

While we issue a special invitation to all families who have been bereaved during the past year, this ceremony is for all families who have been bereaved, regardless of how long ago. Refreshments will be available for everyone after the ceremony.

Accord - Catholic Marriage Care Service

Time for a New Challenge in 2015? A certificate in Marriage Education is possible through St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth. If you are interested in becoming a Facilitator with Accord Marriage Education Services please contact: Accord Kilkenny for an Application Form: Accord Seville Lodge Callan Road, Kilkenny. Telephone: 056 772 2674; e-mail: accordkilkenny@ossory.ie. Completed Applications must be returned by 17th April 2015.

Fundraising Clothing Appeal

A clothing appeal will be held at the Parish Centre Car Park on Friday, 10th April from 9.30am to 11.30am. Funds raised will assist a young student parishioner who is travelling to Delphi as a Suas volunteer this summer. www.suas.ie for information.

Cosmology/Spirituality Workshop

Who is God? Who are we? How shall we live?

Workshop facilitated by Colette Cullinan RSM at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre on Saturday, 18^th April from 10.00am to 4.00pm. Cost is €10 - bring your own packed lunch. To book contact 056 772 2870 before 14^th April. Sponsored by Sisters of St. John of God.

Annual Mini Marathon

The Carers’ Association Carlow/Kilkenny will hold their Annual Mini Marathon on the May Bank Holiday. Phone: 056 772 1424 or email: Kilkenny2@carersireland.com