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.
