Good News and Comfort Zones
A gem of Cherokee wisdom goes as follows: When you were born you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life so that when you die the world cries and you rejoice. Christmas, in its own way, confirms that we can do just that. That is what the Good news proclaims: death is not the end of everything, but the beginning of something new. Death is our passage to the rejoicing.
Our faith is not for pessimists unless, that is, to transform them into optimists. Recently I came across an amusing definition of a pessimist as one who feels bad when he feels good for fear he’ll feel worse when he feels better. No, our faith is not for those. Our faith instils joy, optimism, hope, vision, and trust. Otherwise, how could it be considered good news?
Some people, it seems, just cannot be happy being happy. They seem to feel there’s something wrong with it. God doesn’t want us to be happy in this vale of tears. A modern-day spin on this dreary spirituality is the blithely imposed duty to leave our so-called comfort zones.
I say, Thanks be to God for them. Just try living without any of them!
Fr. Tom Cahill SVD
Questions People Ask
Is it OK to question the virginal birth of Jesus? I’ve read that this was a fashionable notion in those days in mythology and when writing about famous leaders.
The gospels of Matthew and Luke treat the virginal conception of Jesus as a fact, not as a fanciful notion or a myth. Joseph, on learning of Mary’s pregnancy, wanted to break off his contract with Mary until the virginal conception was revealed to him. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, already existed as a person before he came to earth in human nature. Therefore, he could not have had a second father, only an adoptive one. But to be fully human, his embryo needed nurturing in the womb of a mother.
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
Christmas Prayer from Bethlehem
The violence and conflict which still haunts the place where Jesus was born and walked two thousand years ago affect us all today. As we remember the birth of Jesus in a stable in the little town of Bethlehem, we cannot but remember the people of Bethlehem today that suffer poverty, a lack of housing, unemployment, fear and isolation.
As we prepare for Christmas, we have received a short prayer from the Parish Priest in St. Catherine's Parish of the Nativity in Bethlehem.
'Lord you know all who are suffering here because of the political situation and the climate of war. You know also that everything can be resolved if there is peace. Dear Baby Jesus, through the intercession of your Holy Mother and Saint Joseph, send us peace as soon as possible.
Pray for the deceased
Recently Deceased: Tommy Tyrell, Archers Crescent. Stephen Brennan, Paulstown. Rita Cooney, Castlepollard
Anniversaries: Elizabeth Comerford (Sat 6.15), Geraldine Cody (Sat 7.00), Christopher & Mary Coogan (Sun 10.30), George Byrne (Sun 11.00), Margaret & Patrick Cantwell (Sun 12.00), Mary Blanchfield (Sun 12.30), Diane Keenan, Jim & PJ Keenan (Tues 10.30), Betty Furniss (Tues 11.00), Mary O’Dwyer (Wed 11.00), May & John Rhatigan, Martin Doheny, Mary Doheny, Brendan Doheny, Martin Browne, The Condon Family, Roseanna Smyth, Richard Gaule, Rita Cooney, Ted Carroll, James & Samuel Dunlop, Seamus Fry, Patrick Burke, Edward Geoghegan, John, Mamie & Billy Phelan, Paddy Doyle, Tommy Clooney, Stephen Fanning, Jim O’Rourke, Peggy Blanchfield, Nora Bartholomew, Terry Brett, Tommy & Bridie O’Neill, Eileen McCormack.
Intentions for next weekend
Months Mind: Paddy Murphy (Sat 7.00).
Anniversaries: Dr. Harry Roche (Jan 3rd 10.30).
Welcome our New Bishop
We welcome our new bishop Most Rev. Seamus Freeman to our parish on next Sunday. Bishop Seamus is expected to be principal concelebrant at 11am Mass on Sunday 30th December.
Cake Sale
Many thanks to all who baked or donated cakes for our recent cake sale. Thanks to all who helped out on the day. We also thank Kilkenny Rugby Club for kindly providing the venue for our cake sale. The amount raised was €1,085.
Christmas Candles
Thank you to Fiona and Aisling from the Children’s Choir who made Christmas Candles which they sold after Mass last Sunday. They collected €300 in Aid of Chernobyl Children’s Project. Well done!
Christmas Morning Run
Kilkenny City Harriers will hold their annual Christmas Morning Charity Run. Participants assemble at The Parade, opposite the castle gates, to depart at 11.00am. This years collection goes to the local St Vincent de Paul.
St Mary’s Cathedral
Annual Carol Service
Sunday 23rd December at 7.30pm.
Collection in aid of Cathedral Organ
St. Joseph’s Church
Mass goers are asked not to park cars in the entrance to Kilkenny Rugby Club as this may delay cars crossing the roadway to enter the club grounds. There is ample parking in the car park. Your cooperation would be appreciated.
Remembrance Service
The Irish Sudden Infant Death Association will hold a Remembrance Service in St. John's Community Centre on Friday, 28th December at 11.30am.
The Community Centre is behind St. John’s RC Church. All are welcome to this special remembrance service.
Midnight with the Youth Choir
The youth choir is celebrating 20 years singing at Midnight Mass in the Parish this year. We would like to extend an invitation to all former members of the choir to come along and join with us at Midnight Mass this year. Musicians and singers are welcome.
Exposition
There will be just one hours adoration from 11am to 12 noon at St. Fiacre’s Church on Christmas Eve.
Christmas Greetings
As this is the last newsletter before Christmas the priests and the members of the Parish Team would like to take this opportunity to wish all in our parish a very happy and holy Christmas.
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Third Sunday of Advent, December 16th, 2007
Parish Advent Service
We conclude our series of Advent Services at St. Fiacre’s Church on next Thursday evening beginning at 7.30pm.
Advent is a time of preparation for the celebration of Christ’s birth and for his Second Coming at the end of time. We invite all to prepare by coming along to St. Fiacre’s Church on next Thursday evening. The time of prayer will include the celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) and extra priests will be in church to help.
This will be an ideal opportunity to seek God’s forgiveness in our build up to Christmas. All welcome.
Christmas Carol Service
The annual Christmas Carol Service featuring the St. Patrick’s Parish Choirs and the St. Patrick’s Brass and Reed Band will be held at St. Joseph’s Church, Foulkstown on this Sunday, 16th December beginning at 4.30pm. Refreshments afterwards in the clubhouse at the Kilkenny Rugby Club.
Come and enjoy the Spirit of Christmas in a lovely atmosphere.
Cake Sale for Building Fund
A Cake Sale will follow the Christmas Carol Service on this Sunday. Come along to the Rugby Club immediately after the service and purchase from a wonderful selection of homemade cakes and Christmas treats. Proceeds to the building fund. Donations of cakes and home-bakes will be gratefully received before the sale: Contact Rita 772 1129 or Mary 772 1356.
DVD of Bishop’s Ordination
The DVD of the Episcopal Ordination of Most Rev. Séamus Freeman, Bishop of Ossory, is available at the Sacristies in our parish churches and at the Parish Office. Cost €15. The DVD is also available at St. Mary’s Cathedral and the Ossory Diocesan Office, Sion Road.
A Living Masterpiece
To be dead is to stop believing in the masterpieces we will begin tomorrow. So claimed Patrick Kavanagh as cited in John O’Donoghue book, Eternal Echoes (p.19). Too good to be true about the masterpieces, you might think. Well, that depends on how you eye a masterpiece. We can all too easily sell ourselves short. There is more to each of us than meets the eye especially our own. Have you ever surprised your self? Have you ever done something you thought you never could, shown a humanity you didn’t know you had, opened to an insight that took your breath away, gone that extra mile exhausted yet finished quite refreshed? And, have you discovered that exquisitely subversive truth that the more you give, the more you realise you have to give? If so, Isaiah’s words today (35:5-6a) will make sense to you: Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped, then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy. But they will make sense in a way you never dreamed of. You’ll gasp as you grasp that, in fact, they refer to you!
Fr. Tom Cahill
Questions People Ask
Q. ‘Of all the children born of women, a greater than John the Baptist has never been seen; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he is.’ Isn’t this a contradiction? Was Jesus setting up John before slamming him down?
A. This is not a comparison between the holiness of John as an individual and anybody else. Jesus is saying that the Messianic age (the time of the kingdom) surpasses the era of preparation. John is called the greatest in the sense that the time of preparation reached its climax in his mission. The Messianic age has been brought by Jesus. It is like saying that the slowest jet-plane is incomparably faster than the fastest bicycle.
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
Midnight with the Youth Choir
The youth choir is celebrating 20 years singing at Midnight Mass in the Parish this year. We would like to extend an invitation to all former members of the choir to come along and join with us at Midnight Mass this year. Musicians and singers are welcome.
St. Patrick’s Brass & Reed Band
Annual Christmas Concert
St. Patrick’s Church
Monday, 17th December at 8pm
With: Audrey Larkin, Noel Power, Eugene Dewberry, Traditional Irish Musicians.
Admission Free
St. Patrick’s Parish Draw
The December Draw will take place on Tuesday, 18th December in the Presbytery at 8.30pm. We take this opportunity to thank all our subscribers and promoters for your support and loyalty during 2007.
Sudden Infant Death Association
The Irish Sudden Infant Death Association will hold a Remembrance Service in St. John's Community Centre on Friday, 28th December at 11.30am.
The Community Centre is behind St. John’s RC Church. All are welcome to this special remembrance service.
Christmas - The Season to be Jolly
For many people Christmas can be a time of stress and financial strain. Christmas need not be so stressful. It’s easy to have a stress free Christmas if you are organised, stick to a budget and are realistic about your own expectations. St. Canice’s Credit Union and the St. Vincent de Paul Society have come together to give you some practical tips on how to budget and manage your money in the run up to the Christmas Season. See posters on Church notice boards and pamphlets in Church porches for further details.
St. Vincent De Paul Society
Our parish conference of the St. Vincent De Paul Society will take up their annual Christmas Collection at all Masses this weekend. We invite you to be generous in supporting this very worthy local charity.
The members of the Society are called upon especially at Christmas time to help people in need in our community. Your contribution would help greatly.
Do this in memory...
We welcome those preparing for First Holy Communion and their families and friends to church this weekend. We continue to pray with and for all involved in preparing our young people to celebrate the sacraments.
Children from Gaelscoil Osrai attend 10.30am Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church while those from St. Patrick’s De La Salle and St. John of God attend 11.00am Mass at St. Patrick’s Church.
Foster a Child
The Health Service Executive Social Work and Child Care Department Carlow/Kilkenny is running a recruitment campaign for children who need to be fostered. If you would like to know more about becoming a foster carer please contact Mairead Pierce, Social Work Team Leader - Fostering, HSE, Community Services Carlow/Kilkenny, or Jane Ryan, Administration on 056 7784532
Pray for the Deceased
Recently Deceased: Kathleen Redpath, 3 Fr. Walsh Close. Jeremiah Maher, Shankill, Paulstown: Requiem Mass at Paulstown Parish Church at 1.00pm on Sunday followed by interment in Paulstown Cemetery.
Month’s Mind: Rene Brett (Sun 12.30)
Anniversaries: Padraig Butler (Sat 6.15), Dick Lynch (Sat 7.00), Michael Hynes (Sun 9.30), Jayne & Jeffrey Power (Sun 10.00), Florrie Cleere (Sun 10.30), Joe & Nan Mulhall (Sun 11.00), O’Gorman & Gent Families, (Mon 9.30), Patrick Morris (Tues 9.30), Margaret Quinlan (Tues 10.30), Thomas Saunders (Wed 10.30), James Hoyne, Freda Tynan, The O’Mara Family, Patrick, Mary & Rose Wixted, Michael & Mary Kate Morris, David & Simon Morris, Anna Quinn, Laurence Quinn, James Hogan, Jim Dollard, Mary O’Neill, Christy Bateman, Margaret Larkin, John Hayes, Nora Kennedy
Intentions for Next Weekend: Elizabeth Comerford (Sat 6.15), Geraldine Cody (Sat 7.00), Christopher & Mary Coogan (Sun 10.30), George Byrne (Sun 11.00), Margaret & Patrick Cantwell (Sun 12.00), Mary Blanchfield, Dianne Keenan, Jim & P.J. Keenan (Tues 10.30), Betty Furness (Tues 11.00), Mary O’Dwyer (Wed 11.00).
Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.
OUR CHRISTMAS TIMETABLE
Day Service Venue Time
Sunday, 16th December Carol Service St. Joseph’s Church 4.30pm
Monday, 17th December Christmas Carol Concert St. Patrick’s Church 8.00pm
Thursday, 21st December Penitential Service St. Fiacre’s Church 7.30pm
Monday, 24th December Mass of Christmas Eve St. Fiacre’s Church 9.00pm
Monday, 24th December Mass of Christmas Midnight St. Patrick’s Church, Midnight Tuesday, 25th December Mass of Christmas Day St. Patrick’s Church 9.30am Tuesday, 25th December Mass of Christmas Day St. Joseph’s Church 10.00am
Tuesday, 25th December Mass of Christmas Day St. Fiacre’s Church 10.30am
Tuesday, 25th December Mass of Christmas Day St. Patrick’s Church 11.00am
Tuesday, 25th December Mass of Christmas Day St. Fiacre’s Church 12 noon
Tuesday, 25th December Mass of Christmas Day St. Patrick’s Church 12.30pm
Wed - Sat. 26th - 29th Morning Mass St. Patrick’s Church 11.00am
We conclude our series of Advent Services at St. Fiacre’s Church on next Thursday evening beginning at 7.30pm.
Advent is a time of preparation for the celebration of Christ’s birth and for his Second Coming at the end of time. We invite all to prepare by coming along to St. Fiacre’s Church on next Thursday evening. The time of prayer will include the celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) and extra priests will be in church to help.
This will be an ideal opportunity to seek God’s forgiveness in our build up to Christmas. All welcome.
Christmas Carol Service
The annual Christmas Carol Service featuring the St. Patrick’s Parish Choirs and the St. Patrick’s Brass and Reed Band will be held at St. Joseph’s Church, Foulkstown on this Sunday, 16th December beginning at 4.30pm. Refreshments afterwards in the clubhouse at the Kilkenny Rugby Club.
Come and enjoy the Spirit of Christmas in a lovely atmosphere.
Cake Sale for Building Fund
A Cake Sale will follow the Christmas Carol Service on this Sunday. Come along to the Rugby Club immediately after the service and purchase from a wonderful selection of homemade cakes and Christmas treats. Proceeds to the building fund. Donations of cakes and home-bakes will be gratefully received before the sale: Contact Rita 772 1129 or Mary 772 1356.
DVD of Bishop’s Ordination
The DVD of the Episcopal Ordination of Most Rev. Séamus Freeman, Bishop of Ossory, is available at the Sacristies in our parish churches and at the Parish Office. Cost €15. The DVD is also available at St. Mary’s Cathedral and the Ossory Diocesan Office, Sion Road.
A Living Masterpiece
To be dead is to stop believing in the masterpieces we will begin tomorrow. So claimed Patrick Kavanagh as cited in John O’Donoghue book, Eternal Echoes (p.19). Too good to be true about the masterpieces, you might think. Well, that depends on how you eye a masterpiece. We can all too easily sell ourselves short. There is more to each of us than meets the eye especially our own. Have you ever surprised your self? Have you ever done something you thought you never could, shown a humanity you didn’t know you had, opened to an insight that took your breath away, gone that extra mile exhausted yet finished quite refreshed? And, have you discovered that exquisitely subversive truth that the more you give, the more you realise you have to give? If so, Isaiah’s words today (35:5-6a) will make sense to you: Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped, then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy. But they will make sense in a way you never dreamed of. You’ll gasp as you grasp that, in fact, they refer to you!
Fr. Tom Cahill
Questions People Ask
Q. ‘Of all the children born of women, a greater than John the Baptist has never been seen; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he is.’ Isn’t this a contradiction? Was Jesus setting up John before slamming him down?
A. This is not a comparison between the holiness of John as an individual and anybody else. Jesus is saying that the Messianic age (the time of the kingdom) surpasses the era of preparation. John is called the greatest in the sense that the time of preparation reached its climax in his mission. The Messianic age has been brought by Jesus. It is like saying that the slowest jet-plane is incomparably faster than the fastest bicycle.
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
Midnight with the Youth Choir
The youth choir is celebrating 20 years singing at Midnight Mass in the Parish this year. We would like to extend an invitation to all former members of the choir to come along and join with us at Midnight Mass this year. Musicians and singers are welcome.
St. Patrick’s Brass & Reed Band
Annual Christmas Concert
St. Patrick’s Church
Monday, 17th December at 8pm
With: Audrey Larkin, Noel Power, Eugene Dewberry, Traditional Irish Musicians.
Admission Free
St. Patrick’s Parish Draw
The December Draw will take place on Tuesday, 18th December in the Presbytery at 8.30pm. We take this opportunity to thank all our subscribers and promoters for your support and loyalty during 2007.
Sudden Infant Death Association
The Irish Sudden Infant Death Association will hold a Remembrance Service in St. John's Community Centre on Friday, 28th December at 11.30am.
The Community Centre is behind St. John’s RC Church. All are welcome to this special remembrance service.
Christmas - The Season to be Jolly
For many people Christmas can be a time of stress and financial strain. Christmas need not be so stressful. It’s easy to have a stress free Christmas if you are organised, stick to a budget and are realistic about your own expectations. St. Canice’s Credit Union and the St. Vincent de Paul Society have come together to give you some practical tips on how to budget and manage your money in the run up to the Christmas Season. See posters on Church notice boards and pamphlets in Church porches for further details.
St. Vincent De Paul Society
Our parish conference of the St. Vincent De Paul Society will take up their annual Christmas Collection at all Masses this weekend. We invite you to be generous in supporting this very worthy local charity.
The members of the Society are called upon especially at Christmas time to help people in need in our community. Your contribution would help greatly.
Do this in memory...
We welcome those preparing for First Holy Communion and their families and friends to church this weekend. We continue to pray with and for all involved in preparing our young people to celebrate the sacraments.
Children from Gaelscoil Osrai attend 10.30am Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church while those from St. Patrick’s De La Salle and St. John of God attend 11.00am Mass at St. Patrick’s Church.
Foster a Child
The Health Service Executive Social Work and Child Care Department Carlow/Kilkenny is running a recruitment campaign for children who need to be fostered. If you would like to know more about becoming a foster carer please contact Mairead Pierce, Social Work Team Leader - Fostering, HSE, Community Services Carlow/Kilkenny, or Jane Ryan, Administration on 056 7784532
Pray for the Deceased
Recently Deceased: Kathleen Redpath, 3 Fr. Walsh Close. Jeremiah Maher, Shankill, Paulstown: Requiem Mass at Paulstown Parish Church at 1.00pm on Sunday followed by interment in Paulstown Cemetery.
Month’s Mind: Rene Brett (Sun 12.30)
Anniversaries: Padraig Butler (Sat 6.15), Dick Lynch (Sat 7.00), Michael Hynes (Sun 9.30), Jayne & Jeffrey Power (Sun 10.00), Florrie Cleere (Sun 10.30), Joe & Nan Mulhall (Sun 11.00), O’Gorman & Gent Families, (Mon 9.30), Patrick Morris (Tues 9.30), Margaret Quinlan (Tues 10.30), Thomas Saunders (Wed 10.30), James Hoyne, Freda Tynan, The O’Mara Family, Patrick, Mary & Rose Wixted, Michael & Mary Kate Morris, David & Simon Morris, Anna Quinn, Laurence Quinn, James Hogan, Jim Dollard, Mary O’Neill, Christy Bateman, Margaret Larkin, John Hayes, Nora Kennedy
Intentions for Next Weekend: Elizabeth Comerford (Sat 6.15), Geraldine Cody (Sat 7.00), Christopher & Mary Coogan (Sun 10.30), George Byrne (Sun 11.00), Margaret & Patrick Cantwell (Sun 12.00), Mary Blanchfield, Dianne Keenan, Jim & P.J. Keenan (Tues 10.30), Betty Furness (Tues 11.00), Mary O’Dwyer (Wed 11.00).
Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.
OUR CHRISTMAS TIMETABLE
Day Service Venue Time
Sunday, 16th December Carol Service St. Joseph’s Church 4.30pm
Monday, 17th December Christmas Carol Concert St. Patrick’s Church 8.00pm
Thursday, 21st December Penitential Service St. Fiacre’s Church 7.30pm
Monday, 24th December Mass of Christmas Eve St. Fiacre’s Church 9.00pm
Monday, 24th December Mass of Christmas Midnight St. Patrick’s Church, Midnight Tuesday, 25th December Mass of Christmas Day St. Patrick’s Church 9.30am Tuesday, 25th December Mass of Christmas Day St. Joseph’s Church 10.00am
Tuesday, 25th December Mass of Christmas Day St. Fiacre’s Church 10.30am
Tuesday, 25th December Mass of Christmas Day St. Patrick’s Church 11.00am
Tuesday, 25th December Mass of Christmas Day St. Fiacre’s Church 12 noon
Tuesday, 25th December Mass of Christmas Day St. Patrick’s Church 12.30pm
Wed - Sat. 26th - 29th Morning Mass St. Patrick’s Church 11.00am
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Second Sunday of Advent, 9th December 2007
Parish Advent Service
The next of our Advent Services will take place in St. Fiacre’s Church on Thursday next (13th) starting at 7:30pm.
The service will incorporate the anointing of the sick and all are welcome to attend.
The following Thursday, 20th December, will be our parish penitential service and an ideal opportunity to seek God’s forgiveness in our build up to Christmas. All welcome.
Christmas Carol Service
The annual Christmas Carol Service featuring the St. Patrick’s Parish Choirs and the St. Patrick’s Brass and Reed Band will be held at St. Joseph’s Church, Foulkstown on next Sunday, 16th December at 4.30pm. Refreshments afterwards in the clubhouse at the Kilkenny Rugby Club. Come and enjoy the Spirit of Christmas in a lovely atmosphere.
Cake Sale for Building Fund
A Cake Sale will follow the Christmas Carol Service on next Sunday. Come along to the Rugby Club immediately after the service and purchase from a wonderful selection of homemade cakes and Christmas treats. Proceeds to the building fund. Donations of cakes and home-bakes will be gratefully received for the sale: Contact Rita 772 1129 or Mary 772 1356 for details.
Questions People Ask
Q. I feel Advent should be a holy season but I always lose the run of myself under the expansion of the commercial and partying side of Christmas. Any advice?
A. Yes, it’s a pity that Advent has been gobbled up by Christmas because the spirituality of Advent is very important. The readings of Advent help us to find Christ in our experience of a spiritual winter, in having to wait on God, or in any terrifying wilderness we have to endure. Maybe less television will give you more time for spiritual reading. Contact a Retreat Centre where there might be something on to suit you. Make a resolution not to become a slave to commercial pressures.
Bishop Freeman Visits Parish
Our new bishop, Most Rev. Séamus Freeman, will be the principal concelebrant at the IWA Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church at 2.30pm on today, 9th December. Fáilte.
Pray for the Deceased
Recently Deceased: Phyllis Doran, St. Martin’s, Birchfield, Waterford Road. Brigid Morrissey, Assumption Place. Michael Geary, Donaraille, Cork. Tommy McCorry, Yorkshire, England.
Months Mind: Sr. Marie Kissane, St. John of God Convent; Henrietta Hyland, Ormonde Road; Paul O’Dwyer (Wed 9.30)
Anniversaries: Michael Fitzmaurice (Sat 6.15), Margaret O’Brien (Sat 7.00), Patricia Fitzpatrick (Sun 9.30), Angela Murphy (Sun 10.00), Kitty Dowling & Members of the Dowling Family (Sun 10.30), Eddie Slattery (Sun 11.00), John & Brigid O’Rourke (Sun 12.00), John Carroll (Sun 12.30), Margaret Doyle, Harry O’Connor, Annie Wall, Eric McGrath, Mary McGrath, James Murray, John Egan, Anne Fogarty, Milo & Ann Fry, Sean Ryan, Kitty Ryan, Michael Nolan, The Nolan Family, The Martin Family.
Mass Intentions for Next Weekend: Rena Brett (Months Mind Sun 12.30); Padraig Butler (Sat 6.15), Dick Lynch (Sat 7.00), Michael Hynes (Sun 9.30), Jayne & Jeffrey Power (Sun 10.00), Joe & Nan Mulhall (Sun 11.00), Patrick Morris (Tues 9.30)
Christmas - The Season to be Jolly
For many people Christmas can be a time of stress and financial strain. Christmas need not be so stressful. It’s easy to have a stress free Christmas if you are organised, stick to a budget and are realistic about your own expectations. St. Canice’s Credit Union and the St. Vincent de Paul Society have come together to give you some practical tips on how to budget and manage your money in the run up to the Christmas Season. See posters on Church notice boards and pamphlets in Church porches for further details.
Pope Benedict’s New Encyclical — Spe Salvi
The Irish Catholic Bishops at their December meeting in Maynooth welcomed the publication of the new Encyclical of Pope Benedict XVI, Spe Salvi, which was published last week.
The bishops noted that the theme of Pope Benedict’s first encyclical letter Deus Caritas Est (God Is Love) was love, while the theme of this encyclical Spe Salvi (Saved by Hope) is hope, which is closely related to faith. These are the three virtues by which we relate to God. Spe Salvi asks the faithful to reflect on the following:
· God has shown his face to us in Christ. Can our encounter with God change our lives so that we know we are redeemed through hope?
· The encyclical tells us that we are definitively loved and whatever happens to us in life, we are awaited by God’s love.
· We hope for eternal life, but eternity is not an unending succession of days in the calendar, rather it is something more like the supreme moment of satisfaction in which totality embraces us and we embrace totality. We can only attempt to grasp the idea that such a moment is life in its full sense.
· Christian hope is not individualistic; it has to do with the building up of the common good in this world while at the same time moving towards the fullness of the hope by which we are saved. We must be concerned not just about our own salvation but ask what we can do in order that others may also be saved.
· Placing our trust in anything other than God will in the end fail to satisfy the human heart and will be destructive of true hope.
· When we try to spare ourselves the effort and pain of pursuing truth, love, and goodness, we drift into a life of emptiness, in which there may be almost no pain, but a dark sensation that life is meaningless. We are healed, not by trying to evade all suffering, but rather by our capacity for accepting it, maturing through it and finding meaning through union with Christ, who suffered for us with infinite love.
· Science can contribute greatly to making the world and mankind more human. Yet it can also destroy mankind and the world unless it is steered by forces that lie outside it. On the other hand, we must also acknowledge that modern Christianity, faced with the successes of science in progressively structuring the world, has to a large extent restricted its attention to the individual and his salvation. This can lead to a failure to understand the unlimited horizon of Christian hope.
Full text on Vatican Website: www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/encyclicals
St. Patrick’s Brass & Reed Band
Annual Christmas Concert
St. Patrick’s Church
Monday, 17th December at 8pm
With: Audrey Larkin, Noel Power, Eugene Dewberry, Traditional Irish Musicians.
Admission Free
Divine Mercy
There will be an hour of adoration and prayer in honour of Divine Mercy in St. Mary’s Cathedral on Sunday December 9th from 3-4pm. All are welcome.
St. Vincent De Paul Society
The local conference of the St. Vincent De Paul Society will take up their annual Christmas Collection at all Masses in Kilkenny City next weekend.
We ask you to be generous in supporting this very worthy local charity.
The members of the Society are called upon especially at Christmas time to help people in need in our community. Your contribution would help greatly.
Sincere thanks to all who have supported this charity throughout the past year.
St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society
The monthly meeting of the St. Patrick’s Branch of the St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society will take place on Friday, 14th December after the 10.30am Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church.
The Society promotes and supports vocations to the priesthood and religious life. New members always welcome.
The next of the parish draws takes place on Tuesday the 18th of December. This is a week early on account of Christmas Day falling on the last Tuesday of the month.
If you would like to be included in our draw then contact any of the promoters or sacristans or priests. The draw costs €10 per month and all the money goes towards the building of the new parish centre.
Thanks to Ted and all the promoters who make the draw such a success. We are grateful for your efforts.
Further progress on our building project will be added soon.
Parish Draw
Because Christmas Day falls on the last Tuesday of the month the December Draw will take place on Tuesday, 18th December in the Presbytery at 8.30pm.
We thank all our subscribers and promoters for your support and loyalty during 2007 and we look forward to your continued support in 2008.
The next of our Advent Services will take place in St. Fiacre’s Church on Thursday next (13th) starting at 7:30pm.
The service will incorporate the anointing of the sick and all are welcome to attend.
The following Thursday, 20th December, will be our parish penitential service and an ideal opportunity to seek God’s forgiveness in our build up to Christmas. All welcome.
Christmas Carol Service
The annual Christmas Carol Service featuring the St. Patrick’s Parish Choirs and the St. Patrick’s Brass and Reed Band will be held at St. Joseph’s Church, Foulkstown on next Sunday, 16th December at 4.30pm. Refreshments afterwards in the clubhouse at the Kilkenny Rugby Club. Come and enjoy the Spirit of Christmas in a lovely atmosphere.
Cake Sale for Building Fund
A Cake Sale will follow the Christmas Carol Service on next Sunday. Come along to the Rugby Club immediately after the service and purchase from a wonderful selection of homemade cakes and Christmas treats. Proceeds to the building fund. Donations of cakes and home-bakes will be gratefully received for the sale: Contact Rita 772 1129 or Mary 772 1356 for details.
Questions People Ask
Q. I feel Advent should be a holy season but I always lose the run of myself under the expansion of the commercial and partying side of Christmas. Any advice?
A. Yes, it’s a pity that Advent has been gobbled up by Christmas because the spirituality of Advent is very important. The readings of Advent help us to find Christ in our experience of a spiritual winter, in having to wait on God, or in any terrifying wilderness we have to endure. Maybe less television will give you more time for spiritual reading. Contact a Retreat Centre where there might be something on to suit you. Make a resolution not to become a slave to commercial pressures.
Bishop Freeman Visits Parish
Our new bishop, Most Rev. Séamus Freeman, will be the principal concelebrant at the IWA Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church at 2.30pm on today, 9th December. Fáilte.
Pray for the Deceased
Recently Deceased: Phyllis Doran, St. Martin’s, Birchfield, Waterford Road. Brigid Morrissey, Assumption Place. Michael Geary, Donaraille, Cork. Tommy McCorry, Yorkshire, England.
Months Mind: Sr. Marie Kissane, St. John of God Convent; Henrietta Hyland, Ormonde Road; Paul O’Dwyer (Wed 9.30)
Anniversaries: Michael Fitzmaurice (Sat 6.15), Margaret O’Brien (Sat 7.00), Patricia Fitzpatrick (Sun 9.30), Angela Murphy (Sun 10.00), Kitty Dowling & Members of the Dowling Family (Sun 10.30), Eddie Slattery (Sun 11.00), John & Brigid O’Rourke (Sun 12.00), John Carroll (Sun 12.30), Margaret Doyle, Harry O’Connor, Annie Wall, Eric McGrath, Mary McGrath, James Murray, John Egan, Anne Fogarty, Milo & Ann Fry, Sean Ryan, Kitty Ryan, Michael Nolan, The Nolan Family, The Martin Family.
Mass Intentions for Next Weekend: Rena Brett (Months Mind Sun 12.30); Padraig Butler (Sat 6.15), Dick Lynch (Sat 7.00), Michael Hynes (Sun 9.30), Jayne & Jeffrey Power (Sun 10.00), Joe & Nan Mulhall (Sun 11.00), Patrick Morris (Tues 9.30)
Christmas - The Season to be Jolly
For many people Christmas can be a time of stress and financial strain. Christmas need not be so stressful. It’s easy to have a stress free Christmas if you are organised, stick to a budget and are realistic about your own expectations. St. Canice’s Credit Union and the St. Vincent de Paul Society have come together to give you some practical tips on how to budget and manage your money in the run up to the Christmas Season. See posters on Church notice boards and pamphlets in Church porches for further details.
Pope Benedict’s New Encyclical — Spe Salvi
The Irish Catholic Bishops at their December meeting in Maynooth welcomed the publication of the new Encyclical of Pope Benedict XVI, Spe Salvi, which was published last week.
The bishops noted that the theme of Pope Benedict’s first encyclical letter Deus Caritas Est (God Is Love) was love, while the theme of this encyclical Spe Salvi (Saved by Hope) is hope, which is closely related to faith. These are the three virtues by which we relate to God. Spe Salvi asks the faithful to reflect on the following:
· God has shown his face to us in Christ. Can our encounter with God change our lives so that we know we are redeemed through hope?
· The encyclical tells us that we are definitively loved and whatever happens to us in life, we are awaited by God’s love.
· We hope for eternal life, but eternity is not an unending succession of days in the calendar, rather it is something more like the supreme moment of satisfaction in which totality embraces us and we embrace totality. We can only attempt to grasp the idea that such a moment is life in its full sense.
· Christian hope is not individualistic; it has to do with the building up of the common good in this world while at the same time moving towards the fullness of the hope by which we are saved. We must be concerned not just about our own salvation but ask what we can do in order that others may also be saved.
· Placing our trust in anything other than God will in the end fail to satisfy the human heart and will be destructive of true hope.
· When we try to spare ourselves the effort and pain of pursuing truth, love, and goodness, we drift into a life of emptiness, in which there may be almost no pain, but a dark sensation that life is meaningless. We are healed, not by trying to evade all suffering, but rather by our capacity for accepting it, maturing through it and finding meaning through union with Christ, who suffered for us with infinite love.
· Science can contribute greatly to making the world and mankind more human. Yet it can also destroy mankind and the world unless it is steered by forces that lie outside it. On the other hand, we must also acknowledge that modern Christianity, faced with the successes of science in progressively structuring the world, has to a large extent restricted its attention to the individual and his salvation. This can lead to a failure to understand the unlimited horizon of Christian hope.
Full text on Vatican Website: www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/encyclicals
St. Patrick’s Brass & Reed Band
Annual Christmas Concert
St. Patrick’s Church
Monday, 17th December at 8pm
With: Audrey Larkin, Noel Power, Eugene Dewberry, Traditional Irish Musicians.
Admission Free
Divine Mercy
There will be an hour of adoration and prayer in honour of Divine Mercy in St. Mary’s Cathedral on Sunday December 9th from 3-4pm. All are welcome.
St. Vincent De Paul Society
The local conference of the St. Vincent De Paul Society will take up their annual Christmas Collection at all Masses in Kilkenny City next weekend.
We ask you to be generous in supporting this very worthy local charity.
The members of the Society are called upon especially at Christmas time to help people in need in our community. Your contribution would help greatly.
Sincere thanks to all who have supported this charity throughout the past year.
St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society
The monthly meeting of the St. Patrick’s Branch of the St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society will take place on Friday, 14th December after the 10.30am Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church.
The Society promotes and supports vocations to the priesthood and religious life. New members always welcome.
The next of the parish draws takes place on Tuesday the 18th of December. This is a week early on account of Christmas Day falling on the last Tuesday of the month.
If you would like to be included in our draw then contact any of the promoters or sacristans or priests. The draw costs €10 per month and all the money goes towards the building of the new parish centre.
Thanks to Ted and all the promoters who make the draw such a success. We are grateful for your efforts.
Further progress on our building project will be added soon.
Parish Draw
Because Christmas Day falls on the last Tuesday of the month the December Draw will take place on Tuesday, 18th December in the Presbytery at 8.30pm.
We thank all our subscribers and promoters for your support and loyalty during 2007 and we look forward to your continued support in 2008.
Saturday, December 1, 2007
First Sunday of Advent, Year A, 3rd December 2007
Ordination of Mgr Séamus Freeman, Bishop of OssoryMgr Séamus Freeman will be ordained this weekend as Bishop of Ossory. Mgr Freeman is a native of Callan and a member of the Pallottine Fathers. The principal consecrator will be Archbishop Diarmuid Martin of Dublin and the co-consecrators will be the Apostolic Nuncio, Most Rev. Giuseppe Lazzarotto and former Bishop of Ossory, Most Rev. Laurence Forristal. The occasion will also be the first official function for Cardinal Sean Brady, who is just back from Rome following his elevation last weekend. The retired Archbishop of Dublin, Cardinal Desmond Connell will attend as will many of the bishops of Ireland. These will be joined by retired Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Thomas White, a native of Durrow and priest of the Diocese of Ossory. Retired Church of Ireland Archbishop of Dublin, Walton Empey, will lead the ecumenical representatives.
During the ceremony Mgr Freeman will receive the crozier, the symbol of his pastoral responsibility for the people of Ossory. This crozier, one of the most ancient of Kilkenny’s ecclesiastical symbols, dates back to 1839. Mgr Freeman becomes the eighth Bishop of Ossory to use this crozier, which was used by the then Bishop Kinsella on the occasion of the opening of St Mary’s Cathedral in 1857.
At the end of the ordination rite the Archbishop of Dublin will lead the newly ordained bishop to the chair – the Kathedra – this simple rite installs him as the 94th bishop successor of St Kieran.
At the conclusion of Sunday’s ceremony at 5pm, church bells will ring in all parishes of the diocese to announce the ordination and installation of our new diocesan bishop.
Dignitaries of Church and State will be among the near 1,000 attendance at the Ordination ceremony which begins at 3pm. All are welcome to participate in this ceremony and there will be space for people of the diocese to attend.
New Chapter in Life of Ossory
Church bells throughout the diocese will peal at 5pm on Sunday to herald the installation of Mgr Freeman as Bishop of Ossory. Evoking the tradition that St Kieran received a bell from St Patrick and the commission to build a church where it would ring the church bells of this generation will announce the ordination of Kieran’s 94th successor.
On the eve of his Episcopal ordination Mgr Freeman visited Seir Kieran where that first bell tolled. There, at St Kieran’s Well, Mgr Freeman’s pectoral cross, a gift from the priests of the diocese, was blessed.
Later Mgr Freeman journeyed to Aghaboe the site of the monastic settlement of Sts Canice and Fergal. The people of that parish presented him with a Book of the Gospels reminding him of the work of Canice at this holy site. The faith journey concluded in St. Mary’s Church, Coolagh, in the parish of Callan, where Mgr Freeman served Mass.
Ceremony to be Broadcast
KCLR96FM will broadcast the Ordination Ceremony of Mgr Séamus Freeman, Bishop-Elect of Ossory, from 3.00 pm on Sunday. If you can’t be there, tune in to be part of this great diocesan event.
The Immaculate Conception
Next Saturday is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Beginning on Friday evening parish Masses will follow the usual weekend pattern.
Traditional Carol Service
The annual traditional Carol Service with St. Patrick’s Brass & Reed Band with the combined choirs of St. Patrick’s Parish will be held on Sunday, 16th December at 4.30pm in Foulkstown Church. Join us after the service for seasonal refreshments.
Widows’ Association
The association will hold their annual Christmas dinner on 11th December in the Club House Hotel at 1pm. All widows welcome.
Special Advent Services
Our parish will host special Advent services at St. Patrick’s Church on the three Thursdays of Advent (December 6th, 13th and 20th). All are welcome to come along and join in preparing for Christmas at 7.30pm on this Thursday evening.
Cake and Craft Sale
Following the Traditional Carol Service at St. Joseph’s Church, Foulkstown on Sunday, 16th December there will be a special Cake and Craft Sale at the Kilkenny Rugby Club (by kind permission). Proceeds in aid of the new Parish Centre. Come, sing traditional carols and get some nice treats for Christmas.
Candlelight Procession
The annual Candlelight Rosary Procession will leave the Parade at 8pm on Saturday, 8th December proceeding to the Black Abbey for Benediction. All welcome.
Westcourt News
The December Mass for the canonisation of Blessed Edmund Rice will be celebrated in Westcourt on Monday, 3rd December at 7pm. The members of the St. Joseph's Young Priests’ Society are preparing the liturgy for this Mass. All are cordially invited to join in this special celebration.
Village Crafts
Christmas Exhibition & Sale at Ormonde College on Saturday & Sunday, 1st and 2nd December. Woodturners: Mick Morrissey, Canice Ryan, Ciaran Walsh and artist Pat Holland will exhibit.
Rosary
The Monthly Rosary on the first Sunday in James Green at the statue of Our Lady of Kilkenny continues on Sunday, 2nd December 3pm. All are welcome.
Pat’s Cabaret...
In Delaney’s Bar, Patrick Street on Monday night next. In aid of charity. Please support.
S.O.S. Craft Fair
The S.O.S. Craft Fair and coffee afternoon takes place on Sunday, 9th December from 2pm to 5pm. Everyone is welcome. Admission is free. (Note change of date from that previously announced).
Peace in Christ
The Retreat House Team would like to thank all who contributed so generously to the recent collection in aid of Peace in Christ Diocesan Retreat House. In particular we would like to thank those who organised and carried our the collection on our behalf. The amount collected in St. Patrick’s Parish was €1,250.00. Thank you.
Christmas with Creidim
To celebrate Christmas Creidim is delighted to have the company of Mr. Christy Kenneally, who will share with us his reflections on the true meaning of Christmas. He will reflect on how the inner child in all of us is nourished by the incarnation.
Guest: Mr. Christy Kenneally
Date: Monday, 10th December
Venue: St. Kieran’s College
Time: 8pm. Cost: €20
Booking essential
Christy Kenneally is a well known TV presenter, scriptwriter and author. He scripted and presented a series for television on the great religions of the world as experienced through their art and architecture entitled Heaven on Earth. Christy has also written extensively on the subject of bereavement and loss.
Concert
Liam Lawton will give a concert in St John's Catholic Church, Dublin Road, Kilkenny on Tuesday, 4th December at 8.00pm. Tickets available at the Book Centre, High Street; Anne's Newsagent, John Street; Gray's Electrical Shop, John Street and St John's Parish Office. Tickets €25. No reserved seating. Bring a cushion for your own comfort. Parking: MacDonagh Junction and John’s Green.
The S.O.S. Craft Fair and coffee afternoon takes place on Sunday, 9th December from 2pm to 5pm. Everyone is welcome. Admission is free. (Note change of date from that previously announced).
Peace in Christ
The Retreat House Team would like to thank all who contributed so generously to the recent collection in aid of Peace in Christ Diocesan Retreat House. In particular we would like to thank those who organised and carried our the collection on our behalf. The amount collected in St. Patrick’s Parish was €1,250.00. Thank you.
Christmas with Creidim
To celebrate Christmas Creidim is delighted to have the company of Mr. Christy Kenneally, who will share with us his reflections on the true meaning of Christmas. He will reflect on how the inner child in all of us is nourished by the incarnation.
Guest: Mr. Christy Kenneally
Date: Monday, 10th December
Venue: St. Kieran’s College
Time: 8pm. Cost: €20
Booking essential
Christy Kenneally is a well known TV presenter, scriptwriter and author. He scripted and presented a series for television on the great religions of the world as experienced through their art and architecture entitled Heaven on Earth. Christy has also written extensively on the subject of bereavement and loss.
Concert
Liam Lawton will give a concert in St John's Catholic Church, Dublin Road, Kilkenny on Tuesday, 4th December at 8.00pm. Tickets available at the Book Centre, High Street; Anne's Newsagent, John Street; Gray's Electrical Shop, John Street and St John's Parish Office. Tickets €25. No reserved seating. Bring a cushion for your own comfort. Parking: MacDonagh Junction and John’s Green.
Pray for the Deceased
Recently Deceased: Sr. Frances Jude Hogan, St. Patrick’s, Kells Road.
Month’s Mind: Mary Mulrooney (Sat 7.00), Barbara Rhatigan (Fri 7.00).
Anniversaries: Tom O’Dowd (Sat 6.15), Jim Mulrooney (Sat 7.00), Laurence Healy (Sun 10.30), Kathleen Browne (Sun 11.00), Michael Dwyer (Sun 12.00), Thomas Dowling (Sun 12.30), Elaine Kelly (Tue 10.30), Molly Murray, Syl Gaffney, Eddie McEvoy, Eileen Barry, Catherine Bambrick, Thomas & Margaret Beehan, John Wallace, Jeremiah Mullally, Tom Brett, Mary Delaney, Catherine Connors, Hugh Tiernan, Angela Murphy, Margaret & James Purcell.
Next Weekend: Barbara Rhatigan (Months Mind, Fri 7.00), Margaret Doyle (Sat 10.00), Harry Joe O’Connor (Sat 10.30), Sr. Marie Kissane (Months Mind Sat11.00), Henrietta Hyland (Months Mind Sat 12.30), Michael Fitzmaurice (Sat 6.15), Margaret O’Brien (Sat 7.00), Patricia Fitzpatrick (Sun 9.30), Angela Murphy (Sun 10.00), The Dowling Family (Sun 10.30), Eddie Slattery (Sun 11.00), John & Brigid O’Rourke (Sun 12.00), John Carroll (12.30).
Family Liturgy
We welcome our Family Liturgy Group to the 10.30am Mass on Sundays. The young people practice at St. Fiacre’s Church on Thursdays between 6.00 and 7.00pm. All young people and their parents are welcome to come along and join in preparing the prayers, and mass.
First Friday of December
The priests will visit as usual this week. Contact 776 4400 if you would like to add your name to the lists.
Kilkenny Lions Club
Christmas Hamper and Charity Appeal featuring: CBS Boys’ Choir, Kilkenny College Jazz Band & Junior Choir & Chamber Choir, St. John’s Senior School Orchestra & Choir, St. Canice’s Co-Ed Recorder Ensemble & Jazz Band, Cor Ghaelscoil Osrai 4th Class Choir & Musical Group, Castlecomer Community School Choir, at St. Canice’s Cathedral on Thursday, 6th December at 8pm. Admission at the door: €10/€4. All welcome.
November Parish Draw
Thanks to all who supported our draw. The winners are as follows...
1st €1,000 Bridget Woodgate
2nd €200 Nicholas Huntley
3rd €100 Kay Whelan
4th €100 Maria Kelly
5th €100 Marie Maher
6th €100 Frank & Marie Marshall
7th €100 Mary Lawlor
8th €100 Billy Murphy
9th €50 Teresa Walsh
10th €50 Eileen McGrath
11th €50 Geraldine Phelan
12th €50 Paddy & Mary Ward
13th €50 Catherine & Cathal Cullen
Promoters’ Prize: Maureen McCormack and Paddy Ward.
Family Liturgy
We welcome our Family Liturgy Group to the 10.30am Mass on Sundays. The young people practice at St. Fiacre’s Church on Thursdays between 6.00 and 7.00pm. All young people and their parents are welcome to come along and join in preparing the prayers, and mass.
First Friday of December
The priests will visit as usual this week. Contact 776 4400 if you would like to add your name to the lists.
Kilkenny Lions Club
Christmas Hamper and Charity Appeal featuring: CBS Boys’ Choir, Kilkenny College Jazz Band & Junior Choir & Chamber Choir, St. John’s Senior School Orchestra & Choir, St. Canice’s Co-Ed Recorder Ensemble & Jazz Band, Cor Ghaelscoil Osrai 4th Class Choir & Musical Group, Castlecomer Community School Choir, at St. Canice’s Cathedral on Thursday, 6th December at 8pm. Admission at the door: €10/€4. All welcome.
November Parish Draw
Thanks to all who supported our draw. The winners are as follows...
1st €1,000 Bridget Woodgate
2nd €200 Nicholas Huntley
3rd €100 Kay Whelan
4th €100 Maria Kelly
5th €100 Marie Maher
6th €100 Frank & Marie Marshall
7th €100 Mary Lawlor
8th €100 Billy Murphy
9th €50 Teresa Walsh
10th €50 Eileen McGrath
11th €50 Geraldine Phelan
12th €50 Paddy & Mary Ward
13th €50 Catherine & Cathal Cullen
Promoters’ Prize: Maureen McCormack and Paddy Ward.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)