Shock Therapy Eucharist
Nowadays who knows, or cares, what ‘manna’ means? It’s mentioned in the First Reading. At one level it’s food provided by God for his people in the desert. Yet it’s more than that. It’s a lesson to drive home a fact of life: we need more than bread for survival. We need God, and every word that comes from his mouth. This is shock therapy for the Israelites, because both ‘manna’ and message are new and different to what they’ve been used to. Originally, ‘manna’ may have referred to a resinous substance that exuded from a desert tree called tamarix mannifera. However, in John 6:49, this lowly substance prefigures the true, living bread from heaven. That’s the bread we have access to in our modern desert. Taking it, however, may be shock therapy for us too when we realize its significance. In today’s Gospel Jesus doesn’t try to explain away the giving of his body and blood as food and drink. He leaves the mystery. Whether we know, or care, what ‘manna’ means, we must know, and care, what Eucharist means. It means ‘thanksgiving’ that God is with us, among us and in us. That’s the therapy. But he’s also in those we hate. That’s the shock.
Fr. Tom Cahill SVD
Questions People Ask
Q. I was challenged about adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on the basis that the Eucharist is meant to be received, not just to be looked at, like window-shopping.
A. Adoration of the Lord Jesus can take place anywhere, but if one believes that the Lord is sacramentally present in the consecrated bread, then it logically follows that here is a very special place for adoration. Our distracted minds need every help available to hold the focus of our attention in prayer. Before the Blessed Sacrament, the atmosphere is most helpful. Here is something to be seen, here is the fulfilment of the words of Jesus, ‘I am the Bread of Life’. Remember that a sacrament is an outward sign of the invisible, divine presence.
Nowadays who knows, or cares, what ‘manna’ means? It’s mentioned in the First Reading. At one level it’s food provided by God for his people in the desert. Yet it’s more than that. It’s a lesson to drive home a fact of life: we need more than bread for survival. We need God, and every word that comes from his mouth. This is shock therapy for the Israelites, because both ‘manna’ and message are new and different to what they’ve been used to. Originally, ‘manna’ may have referred to a resinous substance that exuded from a desert tree called tamarix mannifera. However, in John 6:49, this lowly substance prefigures the true, living bread from heaven. That’s the bread we have access to in our modern desert. Taking it, however, may be shock therapy for us too when we realize its significance. In today’s Gospel Jesus doesn’t try to explain away the giving of his body and blood as food and drink. He leaves the mystery. Whether we know, or care, what ‘manna’ means, we must know, and care, what Eucharist means. It means ‘thanksgiving’ that God is with us, among us and in us. That’s the therapy. But he’s also in those we hate. That’s the shock.
Fr. Tom Cahill SVD
Questions People Ask
Q. I was challenged about adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on the basis that the Eucharist is meant to be received, not just to be looked at, like window-shopping.
A. Adoration of the Lord Jesus can take place anywhere, but if one believes that the Lord is sacramentally present in the consecrated bread, then it logically follows that here is a very special place for adoration. Our distracted minds need every help available to hold the focus of our attention in prayer. Before the Blessed Sacrament, the atmosphere is most helpful. Here is something to be seen, here is the fulfilment of the words of Jesus, ‘I am the Bread of Life’. Remember that a sacrament is an outward sign of the invisible, divine presence.
(Fr. Silvester O’Flynn)
School Field Day
The annual field day at the St Patrick’s De La Salle Boys’ National School takes place on this Sunday, 25th May from 2 to 5pm. It will feature the usual stalls with books, bric a brac, plant sale etc. There will be fun and games for the children and music with St Patrick’s Brass and Reed band along with our D J Aoghán. Come along and participate in what promises to be a nice family afternoon.
Pray for our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: John Maher, Freshford. Timmy Ryan, Ennisnag. William Costello, Urlingford.
Anniversaries: Tony Martin (Sat 6.15), Joe Davy (Sat 7.00), Harry Kelly (Sun 10.00), Jim Nugent (Sun 11.00), Thomas & Catherine Phelan (Sun 12.00), Jim Carew (Sun 12.30), Sean Monahan, Bridget Barry, Jimmy O’Connell, Agnes Dermody, Daithi & David de Loughry, Mai Deegan, Mary Lanigan, Pat Smyth, Thomas, Margaret & Josephine Morrissey, Mary Walsh, Brian Mahon, Tom & Sean Brett, Jack Carroll, Rev. Richard Conway, Bernard Dolan, Bridget Leahy.
Intentions next weekend: John Cleere (Sat 7.00), Patrick Banahan (Sun 9.30), Eileen Byrne (Sun 10.00), Mary Barry (Months Mind, 10.30), John Scott (Sun 11.00), Joe Curry (Sun 12.30).
Tax Reclaim Forms
Thanks to all who have returned signed tax return forms to date. As you know this is a valuable source of income for our parish: the money you have already contributed grows substantially when we reclaim the tax from the Revenue Commissioners. Anxious to complete our application for this year we appeal to all who have not yet returned a form to do so now so that we can submit our claim for this year. Please contact the Presbytery if you have any queries or if you have mislaid your form.
Seniors’ Awareness Week
The Ossory Senior Citizens’ Awareness Week is from 26th – 31st May. All are welcome to our annual Mass celebrated by Bishop Séamus Freeman at St. Joseph’s, Mill Hill House, Waterford Road at 3pm on Wednesday, 28th May. Cup of tea and entertainment with Pat Shortis at the Social Services Centre following the Mass. Transport available at the usual pick up points around Kilkenny City.
Ladies’ Mini Marathon
The Ladies Mini Marathon takes place on Monday, 2nd June. Some ladies from our parish have kindly agreed to take part to raise funds for the homes for the elderly at Loughboy. Your support would be appreciated – either by way of sponsorship or by taking a card to raise funds. Sponsorship cards are available from the Presbytery or any of the three Sacristies.
Vision 08 - Catholic Education
There has been much reporting in recent times regarding the role of the Catholic Church in education, much of it a negative presentation, with little acknowledgement of the positive contribution the Church has made. A pastoral letter from the Irish Bishops’ Conference, entitled Vision 08 - A Vision for Catholic Education in Ireland, gives a vision for Catholic Education in Ireland. Some printed formats of the letter are available for collection at the back of the church. The complete letter is also freely available on the internet at www.catholiccommunications.ie In his accompanying letter Cardinal Sean Brady hopes “that all involved in Catholic education, particularly parents, principals, teachers, pupils, Boards of Management of Catholic Schools, clergy and religious will read and discuss this letter. We (the bishops) will welcome responses not only from them but from all who are concerned with and about education in Ireland today.”
Parish Pilgrimage to Knock
Our annual Parish Pilgrimage to Our Lady’s Shrine at Knock will take place on Thursday, 26th June. Price is only €15 for the day. The organisers need to know the numbers to reserve an appropriate coach etc. Please contact the Presbytery (776 4400) or Doreen (086 829 4887) as soon as possible.
Summer Youth Festival
Knock Youth Ministry is hosting a youth festival at Knock Shrine from 24th - 27th July 2008. UTV’s Rock Rivals music producer, Ronan Johnson, will deliver the opening speech on the first night.
Age strictly 18-35yrs. Cost €55. Free buses. Bring sleeping bag - places limited so book now. Youth Ministry Office: (094) 937 5035. Shrine Office: (094) 938 8100. Mobile (087) 6927850. See: knock-shrine.ie/youthministry
Faith And Justice Concert
The parish church in Callan will play host to the famed Notre Dame Folk Choir from Indiana on Wednesday evening at 8pm. The concert is on behalf of Patrick Malluzzo whose mother Teresa (nee Grace) comes from Callan. Patrick is currently languishing in most appalling conditions in an Indian prison serving a ten year sentence for crimes of which we believe him to be totally innocent.
Performances include the Notre Dame Choir, the Kilkenny Gospel Choir, the Dawson Traditional Music Group plus a few other local choirs. Your support would be much appreciated. Adm. €10.
Garden Fair and Coffee Afternoon
The S.O.S., Callan Road, Kilkenny will hold a Garden Fair and Coffee Afternoon on this Sunday, 25th May form 2pm to 5pm. All welcome. Free admission.
St. Patrick’s Cemetery Mass
The annual Cemetery Mass will be celebrated at the cemetery at 7.30pm on Wednesday, 18th June.
Help Us Drive Away Cancer
South East Radiotherapy Trust has organised a draw to raise money for a new vehicle which will be used by cancer patients going for radiotherapy treatment.
1st Prize: Trips for 2 to the Beijing Olympics for 7 days, plus accommodation.
2nd: Trips for 2 to Washington DC plus accommodation.
3rd: Trips for 2 to Hong Kong (Flights Only).
4th: Trips for 2 to Bangkok (Flights Only).
Tickets cost €10 each and the draw takes place on June 15th at the Uluru Pub, Waterford (opposite Waterford Regional Hospital)
Tickets from St. Patrick’s Presbytery, Ormonde Road, St. Fiacre’s Church, Loughboy, or St. Patrick’s Church, College Road. Telephone 056 776 4400 or 086 818 0954.
More On Our Parish Draw
Next Tuesday the monthly parish draw is in St. Fiacre’s Church sacristy.
Cards can be left into the priests’ house as usual for this month only.
Once open, the monthly draw will be held in our new Parish Centre.
The draw is our parish’s major fundraiser and we appeal for as much support as we can get. Every subscriber helps in paying for the cost of the development at St. Fiacre’s Church.
Thanks to the promoters and the subscribers for your generous support.
Year of Vocation News
You Will Be My Witnesses is the name of a specially commissioned Year of Vocation hymn which was launched last Saturday.
A special Year of Vocation School Prayer Card was launched last Thursday.
More information on www.yourvocation.ie
St. Patrick’s Parish Centre
Work is progressing well on the centre and things are taking shape nicely. There is an issue about electricity supply to the centre which may delay the opening and we are working to resolve this.
Many thanks to all the groups who have contacted us so far about using the centre, the more the merrier and we will do our best to accommodate your needs. We hope that then the centre is open and the hall committee is in place to meet with interested clients and see if what we have to offer suits their needs.
One of the initiatives we hope to run in the centre is a hospitality group which will be responsible for providing refreshments after masses and other special occasions. If you think this might be an area of interest then please get in touch with Fr. Liam or any of the priests. More details on this later on.
As always, comments and suggestions are welcome, we always love to hear from people who have an interest in what we do.
School Field Day
The annual field day at the St Patrick’s De La Salle Boys’ National School takes place on this Sunday, 25th May from 2 to 5pm. It will feature the usual stalls with books, bric a brac, plant sale etc. There will be fun and games for the children and music with St Patrick’s Brass and Reed band along with our D J Aoghán. Come along and participate in what promises to be a nice family afternoon.
Pray for our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: John Maher, Freshford. Timmy Ryan, Ennisnag. William Costello, Urlingford.
Anniversaries: Tony Martin (Sat 6.15), Joe Davy (Sat 7.00), Harry Kelly (Sun 10.00), Jim Nugent (Sun 11.00), Thomas & Catherine Phelan (Sun 12.00), Jim Carew (Sun 12.30), Sean Monahan, Bridget Barry, Jimmy O’Connell, Agnes Dermody, Daithi & David de Loughry, Mai Deegan, Mary Lanigan, Pat Smyth, Thomas, Margaret & Josephine Morrissey, Mary Walsh, Brian Mahon, Tom & Sean Brett, Jack Carroll, Rev. Richard Conway, Bernard Dolan, Bridget Leahy.
Intentions next weekend: John Cleere (Sat 7.00), Patrick Banahan (Sun 9.30), Eileen Byrne (Sun 10.00), Mary Barry (Months Mind, 10.30), John Scott (Sun 11.00), Joe Curry (Sun 12.30).
Tax Reclaim Forms
Thanks to all who have returned signed tax return forms to date. As you know this is a valuable source of income for our parish: the money you have already contributed grows substantially when we reclaim the tax from the Revenue Commissioners. Anxious to complete our application for this year we appeal to all who have not yet returned a form to do so now so that we can submit our claim for this year. Please contact the Presbytery if you have any queries or if you have mislaid your form.
Seniors’ Awareness Week
The Ossory Senior Citizens’ Awareness Week is from 26th – 31st May. All are welcome to our annual Mass celebrated by Bishop Séamus Freeman at St. Joseph’s, Mill Hill House, Waterford Road at 3pm on Wednesday, 28th May. Cup of tea and entertainment with Pat Shortis at the Social Services Centre following the Mass. Transport available at the usual pick up points around Kilkenny City.
Ladies’ Mini Marathon
The Ladies Mini Marathon takes place on Monday, 2nd June. Some ladies from our parish have kindly agreed to take part to raise funds for the homes for the elderly at Loughboy. Your support would be appreciated – either by way of sponsorship or by taking a card to raise funds. Sponsorship cards are available from the Presbytery or any of the three Sacristies.
Vision 08 - Catholic Education
There has been much reporting in recent times regarding the role of the Catholic Church in education, much of it a negative presentation, with little acknowledgement of the positive contribution the Church has made. A pastoral letter from the Irish Bishops’ Conference, entitled Vision 08 - A Vision for Catholic Education in Ireland, gives a vision for Catholic Education in Ireland. Some printed formats of the letter are available for collection at the back of the church. The complete letter is also freely available on the internet at www.catholiccommunications.ie In his accompanying letter Cardinal Sean Brady hopes “that all involved in Catholic education, particularly parents, principals, teachers, pupils, Boards of Management of Catholic Schools, clergy and religious will read and discuss this letter. We (the bishops) will welcome responses not only from them but from all who are concerned with and about education in Ireland today.”
Parish Pilgrimage to Knock
Our annual Parish Pilgrimage to Our Lady’s Shrine at Knock will take place on Thursday, 26th June. Price is only €15 for the day. The organisers need to know the numbers to reserve an appropriate coach etc. Please contact the Presbytery (776 4400) or Doreen (086 829 4887) as soon as possible.
Summer Youth Festival
Knock Youth Ministry is hosting a youth festival at Knock Shrine from 24th - 27th July 2008. UTV’s Rock Rivals music producer, Ronan Johnson, will deliver the opening speech on the first night.
Age strictly 18-35yrs. Cost €55. Free buses. Bring sleeping bag - places limited so book now. Youth Ministry Office: (094) 937 5035. Shrine Office: (094) 938 8100. Mobile (087) 6927850. See: knock-shrine.ie/youthministry
Faith And Justice Concert
The parish church in Callan will play host to the famed Notre Dame Folk Choir from Indiana on Wednesday evening at 8pm. The concert is on behalf of Patrick Malluzzo whose mother Teresa (nee Grace) comes from Callan. Patrick is currently languishing in most appalling conditions in an Indian prison serving a ten year sentence for crimes of which we believe him to be totally innocent.
Performances include the Notre Dame Choir, the Kilkenny Gospel Choir, the Dawson Traditional Music Group plus a few other local choirs. Your support would be much appreciated. Adm. €10.
Garden Fair and Coffee Afternoon
The S.O.S., Callan Road, Kilkenny will hold a Garden Fair and Coffee Afternoon on this Sunday, 25th May form 2pm to 5pm. All welcome. Free admission.
St. Patrick’s Cemetery Mass
The annual Cemetery Mass will be celebrated at the cemetery at 7.30pm on Wednesday, 18th June.
Help Us Drive Away Cancer
South East Radiotherapy Trust has organised a draw to raise money for a new vehicle which will be used by cancer patients going for radiotherapy treatment.
1st Prize: Trips for 2 to the Beijing Olympics for 7 days, plus accommodation.
2nd: Trips for 2 to Washington DC plus accommodation.
3rd: Trips for 2 to Hong Kong (Flights Only).
4th: Trips for 2 to Bangkok (Flights Only).
Tickets cost €10 each and the draw takes place on June 15th at the Uluru Pub, Waterford (opposite Waterford Regional Hospital)
Tickets from St. Patrick’s Presbytery, Ormonde Road, St. Fiacre’s Church, Loughboy, or St. Patrick’s Church, College Road. Telephone 056 776 4400 or 086 818 0954.
More On Our Parish Draw
Next Tuesday the monthly parish draw is in St. Fiacre’s Church sacristy.
Cards can be left into the priests’ house as usual for this month only.
Once open, the monthly draw will be held in our new Parish Centre.
The draw is our parish’s major fundraiser and we appeal for as much support as we can get. Every subscriber helps in paying for the cost of the development at St. Fiacre’s Church.
Thanks to the promoters and the subscribers for your generous support.
Year of Vocation News
You Will Be My Witnesses is the name of a specially commissioned Year of Vocation hymn which was launched last Saturday.
A special Year of Vocation School Prayer Card was launched last Thursday.
More information on www.yourvocation.ie
St. Patrick’s Parish Centre
Work is progressing well on the centre and things are taking shape nicely. There is an issue about electricity supply to the centre which may delay the opening and we are working to resolve this.
Many thanks to all the groups who have contacted us so far about using the centre, the more the merrier and we will do our best to accommodate your needs. We hope that then the centre is open and the hall committee is in place to meet with interested clients and see if what we have to offer suits their needs.
One of the initiatives we hope to run in the centre is a hospitality group which will be responsible for providing refreshments after masses and other special occasions. If you think this might be an area of interest then please get in touch with Fr. Liam or any of the priests. More details on this later on.
As always, comments and suggestions are welcome, we always love to hear from people who have an interest in what we do.
