What a to-do
The ‘to do’ list is enshrined in many a person’s life. In some ways it has become a less dramatic form of the ancient custom of saints like Jerome being portrayed with a skull on their desk to remind them of their mortality. Listing things is a tacit acknowledgement and reminder that out time here is really limited and we ought to make the most of it. Prioritising things can be a tool for helping one actually do so.
After all, the thought of death concentrates the mind wonderfully and what is complex suddenly becomes clear. Three would-be disciples of Jesus have to decide if they will choose comfort or convention or custom or Christ. They are asked to look ahead, not back. No regrets, no excuses, no turning back, no giving up because it has become too costly or difficult, or demanding, or it interferes with our comfort zone, our activities or lives.
We don’t know if the trio continued with the Lord or were they turned away. More important however, is the kind of answer that we will give.
Fr. Tom Cox
Questions People Ask
Q. What did Jesus mean when he told a man to leave the dead bury their dead? Many years ago we learnt that burying the dead was one of the corporal works of mercy.
A. Jesus said this to a man who expressed a wish to follow him but only after burying his father. It wasn’t as if the funeral was today or tomorrow. He invited the man: “Your duty is to go and spread the news of the kingdom of God.” Jesus had set his face resolutely towards Jerusalem and the inevitable conflict there. He challenged the resoluteness of some would-be followers. It would demand sacrifice. Wishful thinking must be translated into practical action.
Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
Parish Pilgrimage to Knock
Our parish had a very successful pilgrimage to Our Lady’s Shrine at Knock on Thursday last. Thanks to all who travelled and made the day so memorable. Thanks to Doreen Griffin who organised the coach and stopovers.
Parish Draw
Thanks to all who promoted and subscribed to the June Parish Draw. The results are printed elsewhere in this newsletter.
Pray for the Deceased
Recently Deceased: Sr. Kieran Hickey, Cork. Nellie Malone, 41 Wolf Tone Street. Jack Mernagh, Glenmore & Galway. Walter Brett, Ballinasloe & Inch Saw Mills.
Anniversaries: Dick Martin (Sat 6.15), Martin Crotty & Carmel Casserly (Sat 7.00), Sharon Galvin (Sun 10.30), Anna Nolan (Sun 11.00), Austin Murphy (Sun 12.00), Tony Coyne (Wed 9.30), Josephine Phelan (Wed 10.30), Michael McGrath, William Maher, John Morrison, Paul O’Rourke, Dennis Molloy Snr., Mary Blunden (nee Drennan), Eileen O’Keeffe, Kitty Morrissey, Pat Delaney, Tom McIntyre, James Dwyer, Sheila O'Regan.
Anniversaries Next Weekend:
Annie Cody (Sat 7.00), Dr. Patrick Boyd (Sun 9.30), Pauline Kennedy (Sun 10.00), Jim O’Brien (Sun 10.30 Month’s Mind), Catherine Dowling (Sun 11.00), Ger Doheny (Sun 12.30).
Kilkenny Parks Tennis
Places are still available for July Summer Tennis Camps. For Presentation School contact Sandra at 772 1464; for Loreto College contact Catherine at 087 792 1876.
Ballykeeffe Amphitheatre
The Family Fun Day will take place on this Sunday, 1st July at 2.00pm in Ballykeeffe Amphitheatre. The day’s activities will include a puppet show, archery and rock climbing displays and lots more for all the family.
Rosary in Kilkenny
The monthly rosary on the first Sunday at the Statue of our Lady of Kilkenny in James Green, Kilkenny continues on this Sunday, 1st July at 3.00p.m.
St. Patrick’s Cemetery
The annual Mass at St. Patrick’s Cemetery on Patrick Street (adjacent to TC Tyres) is on Tuesday evening at 7.30. All are welcome.
It is important to remember and pray for our dead. We invite all parishioners - whether or not you have relatives interred in this cemetery - to come and join in prayer for those who have gone before us.
Cemetery Masses
The annual cemetery Masses are as follows:
St. Patrick’s Cemetery: 7.30pm, 3rd July
Foulkstown Cemetery: 7.30pm, 26th July
Please inform those who may not be in a position to read this notice.
St. Oliver Plunkett
Oliver was born into an Irish noble family and studied for the priesthood in Rome, where he was ordained in 1654. He was Professor of Theology in Rome from 1654 until 1669, when he was appointed Archbishop of Armagh. Because of the Penal Laws he had to minister in secret. He was arrested and tried at Dundalk for conspiring against the state. Transferred to Newgate prison in England, he was charged with high treason for ‘promoting the Catholic faith’ and was condemned to a gruesome death at Tyburn. He was the last Catholic to die for the faith at Tyburn and the first of the Irish martyrs to be beatified. In 1975 he was declared a saint. His feast day is celebrated on 1st July.
Collection for the Holy Father
The second collection today will be for the Holy Father’s charities. This was formerly known as ‘Peter’s Pence’. We ask you to give generously. Thank you.
First Friday Calls
The priests will visit the sick and housebound during the week. Because of other pressing commitments the arrangements will be as follows:
Fr. Dan will visit his list on Wednesday.
Fr. Liam will visit his list on Thursday.
Fr. Roderick will visit his list on Friday.
Sorry for the inconvenience. Please inform those who are expecting a call and who may not see this notice. Thank you.
Houses for Africa
An information evening about Niall Mellon Township Trust will take place in the Cellar of Smithwick’s Brewery on Friday, 6th July. If you would like to learn more about this Voluntary House Building Project for the poorest of the poor in Africa or if you would like to make a donation, please contact, Liam on 087 212 0201 or e-mail to marguerite@irishtownship.com
World Youth Day 2008
A group from Ossory (and, we hope, some from our parish) will be part of this great event. It will be a great opportunity to live and experience the Church alive in a different country and culture, to be part of an international celebration of faith gathered around the Holy Father in Sydney during July 2008.
Application forms are available from the sacristy in each of our churches.
More information: Fr. Richard Scriven, Diocesan Coordinator, St. John’s Presbytery, Dublin Road, Kilkenny. Tel: 087 242 0033.
St. Patrick’s Parish Monthly Draw
Draw No. 3 June 2007
Winner Promoter
1st Prize - €1,000 Renee Hennessy, 85 Melville Heights Maureen McCormack
2nd Prize - €200 Fiona Seaver, Parcnagowan Kathleen Seaver
3rd Prize - €100 Michael Shortall, Clonmoran Fr. Liam Taylor
4th Prize - €100 Julia Carroll, Castlecomer Fr. Dan Carroll
5th Prize - €100 Sr. Gemma, St. John of God Convent Sr. Gerard Forrestal
6th Prize - €50 Breda Harding, Raggettsland Mary Parsons
7th Prize - €50 Marian Leahy, 71 Marble Crest Catherine Kinsella
8th Prize - €50 Frank & Maree Marshall, Dukesmeadows Frank McKenna
9th Prize - €50 John McCarthy, St. Fiacre’s Place Lena McCarthy
10th Prize - €50 Tess Noonan, 1 Laurel Green Michael Brennan
11th Prize - €50 Teresa Delahunty, Bennettsbridge Road Fr. Dan Carroll
12th Prize - €50 Grace Brett, Cashel Downs Doreen Griffin
13th Prize - €50 Tony Devlin, 30 Cedarwood Drive Helen Devlin
1st Promoters’ Prize - €50 Kathleen Grogan, 7 Hazel Grove
2nd Promoters’ Prize - €50 Catherine Kinsella, Marble Crest
Congratulations to the winners. Thanks to all our supporters.
Go On The Cats
Best of luck to the Kilkenny senior and minor hurling teams as they take on Wexford and Dublin in the Leinster Hurling final this Sunday,
A safe journey if you are travelling to the match and may everyone enjoy the games.
St. Patrick’s Website
Our new website is due to be unveiled in the near future. In the meantime a temporary one is in place. If you are having difficulty accessing www.patricksparish.com then try typing in patricksparish.com without the ‘www’
