Home Fires Burning
If imitation is the highest form of flattery, then how other organisations have seized the word ‘mission’ from the churches that originated the term is high praise indeed. Even in ordinary conversation we talk about a woman or man ‘with a mission’ indicating someone who has a strong single-minded commitment to some worthwhile project. So many places display their ‘mission statement’ or charter; advertising their commitment to quality of service.
The classic understanding is that mission stems from an individual Christian’s desire to share his or her faith with others. It is the spark that continues to lead many to make huge sacrifices, leave home and everything familiar to share the message they learned at home as children. Ordinary people who are prepared to lead extraordinary lives. Today, Irish faith tends to be far more ‘shy.’ The blaze of faith seems more a flickering ember today. Even the modern missionary lives in different times. Questions of justice and environment loom large; a positive attitude towards other religions is also needed teamed with an awareness of how culture-bound our own vision of Christianity is. A missionary is one above all who thirsts for God and God’s people.
Fr Tom Cox, St Mel’s Cathedral, Longford
Readers
We are currently recruiting new readers to proclaim the Word of God at all weekend Masses. Please contact one of the priests without delay if you are interested in helping with this important ministry.
Knock Marriage Introductions
The aim of the Knock Marriage Introductions Bureau is to introduce people considering marriage to a suitable marriage partner. For further information contact the Bureau at Knock, Co. Mayo. Phone 094 937 5960 or visit our website at
www.knockmarriagebureau.com.
Questions People Ask
Q. Why do we stand up at Mass when the gospel is read? I find it easier to listen and reflect while sitting. Furthermore, in most churches the seats are so close that standing is very uncomfortable.
A. I appreciate your discomfort. Standing is a mark of respect which we show for the National Anthem, the entry of an important personage like the President, or in a standing ovation to honour a great speech or accomplishment. Standing is a mark of respect for the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and for reciting the Our Father, which is a prayer from the gospel. During the Divine Office we stand for the Benedictus and the Magnificat as these are from the gospel.
Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
Dominican Novena
The Novena in honour of St. Martin De Porres in the Black Abbey continues until next Saturday, 3rd November. Daily rosary at 10.15am and 7.15pm with Mass at 10.30am and 7.30pm. Anointing of the Sick at 3.30pm Mass on this Sunday, 28th November. Mass on Saturday, 3rd November at 6.10pm. Preacher: Fr. Gerard Dunne O.P. Confession available daily.
First Friday
The first Friday of November occurs this week. The priests will visit those on their lists at the usual times. Please contact the Presbytery if you would like a visit.
All Saints
Thursday, 1st November is the Feast of All Saints. It is a holy day of obligation. Beginning with the vigil Masses on Wednesday evening our Mass schedule will follow the usual weekend timetable.
All Souls
Friday, 2nd November is the Feast of All Souls. Masses at 9.30am and 7.00pm (St. Patrick’s) and 10.30am (St. Fiacre’s).
Bank Holiday Arrangements
As Monday is a bank holiday Mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick’s Church at 11am. Mass will not be celebrated at 9.30am or 10.30am. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will take place at St. Fiacre’s Church from 11.00am to 10.00pm. All welcome.
Pray for the Deceased
Recent Deaths: Margaret Tynan, High Hayes Terrace. Anna Morrissey, Tramore. Maura Crowley, White’s Cross, Cork.
Anniversaries: Breda Hehir (Sat 6:15), Laurence O’Donohue (Sun 9.30), Anthona Burke (Sun 10:00), Patrick Cantwell (Sun 10.30), Denise Kemple (Month’s Mind, Sun 11:00), Madge McIntyre (Sun 12.00), Tom Shanahan (Sun 12:30), Thomas O’Neill (Mon 11.00), Jack Garrahy (Wed 7.00), Anthony Culleton (Fri 10.30), Margaret Wallace (Sat 9.30), Margaret Dunlop, Ned Mahon, Margaret Skehan, Joe Gargan, Tess O’Neill, Michael Mullins, Laurence Tynan.
Anniversaries Next Weekend: PJ Marrinan (Sat 6.15), Michael Phelan (Sat 7.00), James Rafter (Sun 10.00), Margaret Moore (Sun 10.30), Jennifer Mulhall Sun 11.00), Tom & Kathleen Cody (Sun 12.00), Dominic Coll (Sun 12.00).
Remembrance Service
Our annual Remembrance Service for our beloved dead (especially those who died during the past twelve months) will be at St. Patrick’s Church at 7.30pm on Thursday, 29th November. More details later.
Life After Loss
This is a series of talks given by members of Kilkenny Bereavement Support. Venue: CREIDIM, St. Kieran’s College, Kilkenny. Cost: €30. Time: 8.00pm each evening. Tuesday, 6th November: Understanding loss in the context of bereavement. 13th November: A child’s reaction to loss – supporting children in their grief. 20th November: Sudden and unexpected deaths.
Parish Fundraiser
Some members of our parish will compete in the Dublin City Marathon this weekend to raise funds for the houses for the elderly adjacent to St. Fiacre’s Church. We appeal to parishioners to sponsor these volunteers in their efforts to raise some much needed cash for our parish projects. Sponsorship cards are available in all the sacristies.
Thanks to those involved and good luck on Monday. We’ll be shouting for you.
Parish Draw
The next round of our Parish Draw will take place at the Presbytery at 8.30pm on Tuesday, 30th October. Tickets available from promoters and at the sacristies. Cards may be handed into the Presbytery from 6.30 on Monday. Be in to win!
S.O.S. Guests
The staff and service users from S.O.S., Callan Road will join the community at the 10am Mass at Foulkstown on Thursday morning.
Exploring the Scriptures
A continuation course on Sacred Scripture which is also open to new members. Director: Sr. de Lourdes Sheridan will explore the gospel of Luke in its historical, cultural and religious context. Venue: CREIDIM, St. Kieran’s College, Kilkenny. Cost: €30. Time: 10.30am – 12.30pm on Tuesdays, 13th, 20th and 27th November and 4th, 11th and 18th December.
Ordination of Bishop Freeman
Plans continue to be put in place for the ordination of our new bishop on Sunday, 2nd December. While much of the cathedral will be reserved for ticket holders we have been advised that there will be some accommodation on the day. We will keep you updated on the situation.
In the meantime you are asked to pray for our bishop-elect as he prepares to take up the leadership of our diocese.
Presentation Secondary School
The Presentation Secondary School Parents’ A.G.M. is on 8th November at 7.30pm in the school. Roly Mulvey from Student Enrichment Service Ltd will talk about various aspects of study and provide some guidelines for parents. Ms Geraldine Harrison who has experience of working with third level students will highlight areas in which parents can help children who are starting college. All parents are encouraged to attend.
Your life is unique… do not squander it
“These years of your life are the years which will prepare you for your future. Your “tomorrow” depends much on how you are living the “today” of your youth. Stretching out in front of you, my dear young friends, is a fife that all of us hope will be long; yet it is only one life, it is unique: do not let it pass in vain; do not squander it. Live it with enthusiasm and with joy, but most of all, with a sense of responsibility.”
Pope Benedict to the Youth of Brazil (2007)
World Youth Day Pilgrimage
As we approach the closing date for applications for the diocesan World Youth Day pilgrimage to Sydney next July we are still seeking volunteers from our parish to travel with the pilgrimage group. Please contact one of the priests without delay if you are interested in participating.
November Remembers our Dead
Sheets for writing the names of deceased loved ones for inclusion in November Masses are available at all the churches. Please inscribe the names of loved ones and place in baskets before the altar.
Confirmation Date
The Diocesan Office has announced that our parish confirmation will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Cathedral on Saturday, 5th April 2008 beginning at 11am.
Holy Souls Crusade
An afternoon of prayer for the Holy Souls will be held in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, Knock Shrine, Knock, Co. Mayo on Sunday November 4th 2007. Starting at 2pm with the Stations of the Cross, followed by Eucharistic Adoration and closing with Mass at 5pm.Contact Aidan Bond at 091-876737
