At Cross purposes
If Jesus had been hanged instead of crucified would we be celebrating the Triumph of the Rope? No irreverence is intended here. It is a serious question. The symbolism of hanging from a rope would not be as strong, nor the image as powerful, as that of an outstretched man, naked, pin in agony to a cross. Yet redemption would just as surely have been achieved. The means of death was not important. The fact of death was. While today’s feast focuses on the symbol, the external sign, we cannot be blind to what really counted: Jesus’ love for his Father. Concentrating on, and glorifying, the cross can be dangerous, even unchristian. It can give the impression that the pain is all important, not the love that overcomes the pain. Had Jesus not had to die for what he said and did would he still be Saviour? An unqualified yes to that! If it was his love that brought salvation, then the suffering was tragically unnecessary. But because of our sorry state, it was inevitable. That’s why today’s Gospel reading (John 3:13-17) tells us that the Father sent the Son into this world, not to condemn it but to save it. That mission is what triumphed, not the cross. Without the love in his heart Jesus would not have had his cross to bear. He would not have had to face the enemy to the bitter end – and he would not have been a man to take seriously.
Fr. Tom Cahill SVD.
Questions people ask
What is meant by original sin?
An honest look at human behaviour sees that we have inherited a fallen nature, subject to temptation and often inclined to evil. Where did it start? The Bible offers the story of the fall of Adam and Eve from whom all have inherited a wounded nature. The Catholic Catechism admits that the exact way of transmission is mysterious, beyond our understanding. The Good News is that God so loved the world that he sent his Son of save us. The tree associated with the forbidden fruit has been replaced by the glorious tree of the cross of Jesus Christ.
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
Pray for the deceased
Recently Deceased: Catherine (Kit) Grace, Funeral Prayers at Johnston’s Funeral Home, Sunday at 6.30 followed by removal to St. Fiacre’s Church. Funeral mass 10.30 on Monday followed by burial in St. Kieran’s cemetery. Josephine Brennan, 11 Stephen Street. Tommy Grace, Conahy. Rosaleen Bull, Goslingstown. Maureen Campion, Cathedral Square. Maureen Holden, Graignamanagh. Jackie West, 38 Dean Cavanagh Place. Funeral 12noon on Monday in St. Mary’s Cathedral, burial in St. Kieran’s.
Months Mind: Eileen Grace (Sat 6.15)
Anniversaries: Sr. Presentation Breen (Sat 7.00), Ernie Harrington (Sun 10.00), Mary & Joan Bissett (Sun 11.00), Rita McCarthy (Sun 12.00), Enda Cody (Sun 12.30), Ciss Holland (Tues 10.30), Patrick Morris (Thurs 9.30), Margaret Beehan, Catherine (Kitty) Ralph, P.J. Sweeney, Bridget Curran, Margaret Dollard, Michael & Bridget Slattery, Ernie Harrington, Tom Little, Margie & Bob Brady, Kathleen Murphy, Margaret Morris, Evelyn Costello, Glenn Brady, Josephine Neary,
Intentions for Next Weekend
Months Mind: Fintan Wallace (Sun 12.30)
Anniversaries: Stella O’Rourke (Sat 6.15), Matthew Dwyer (Sat 7.00), Paddy Johnston (Sun 9.30), Margaret Brennan (Sun 10.00), Catherine & John Alley (Sun 10.30), Margaret Jones (Sun 11.00), Peter Gaule (Sun 12.00),
Christian Meditation
Be still and know that I am God.
Psalm 46
Christian Meditation will resume in Peace in Christ Retreat House every Wednesday at 4pm from 17th September 2008. New members welcome.
Paralympics
Well done to Gabriel Shelley from St. Patrick’s Parish has won a bronze medal so far. We wish him and all the athletes well.
St. Vincent de Paul Shop, Butts Green (Fred’s Fashions)
MASSIVE SALE!!!!!
If Jesus had been hanged instead of crucified would we be celebrating the Triumph of the Rope? No irreverence is intended here. It is a serious question. The symbolism of hanging from a rope would not be as strong, nor the image as powerful, as that of an outstretched man, naked, pin in agony to a cross. Yet redemption would just as surely have been achieved. The means of death was not important. The fact of death was. While today’s feast focuses on the symbol, the external sign, we cannot be blind to what really counted: Jesus’ love for his Father. Concentrating on, and glorifying, the cross can be dangerous, even unchristian. It can give the impression that the pain is all important, not the love that overcomes the pain. Had Jesus not had to die for what he said and did would he still be Saviour? An unqualified yes to that! If it was his love that brought salvation, then the suffering was tragically unnecessary. But because of our sorry state, it was inevitable. That’s why today’s Gospel reading (John 3:13-17) tells us that the Father sent the Son into this world, not to condemn it but to save it. That mission is what triumphed, not the cross. Without the love in his heart Jesus would not have had his cross to bear. He would not have had to face the enemy to the bitter end – and he would not have been a man to take seriously.
Fr. Tom Cahill SVD.
Questions people ask
What is meant by original sin?
An honest look at human behaviour sees that we have inherited a fallen nature, subject to temptation and often inclined to evil. Where did it start? The Bible offers the story of the fall of Adam and Eve from whom all have inherited a wounded nature. The Catholic Catechism admits that the exact way of transmission is mysterious, beyond our understanding. The Good News is that God so loved the world that he sent his Son of save us. The tree associated with the forbidden fruit has been replaced by the glorious tree of the cross of Jesus Christ.
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
Pray for the deceased
Recently Deceased: Catherine (Kit) Grace, Funeral Prayers at Johnston’s Funeral Home, Sunday at 6.30 followed by removal to St. Fiacre’s Church. Funeral mass 10.30 on Monday followed by burial in St. Kieran’s cemetery. Josephine Brennan, 11 Stephen Street. Tommy Grace, Conahy. Rosaleen Bull, Goslingstown. Maureen Campion, Cathedral Square. Maureen Holden, Graignamanagh. Jackie West, 38 Dean Cavanagh Place. Funeral 12noon on Monday in St. Mary’s Cathedral, burial in St. Kieran’s.
Months Mind: Eileen Grace (Sat 6.15)
Anniversaries: Sr. Presentation Breen (Sat 7.00), Ernie Harrington (Sun 10.00), Mary & Joan Bissett (Sun 11.00), Rita McCarthy (Sun 12.00), Enda Cody (Sun 12.30), Ciss Holland (Tues 10.30), Patrick Morris (Thurs 9.30), Margaret Beehan, Catherine (Kitty) Ralph, P.J. Sweeney, Bridget Curran, Margaret Dollard, Michael & Bridget Slattery, Ernie Harrington, Tom Little, Margie & Bob Brady, Kathleen Murphy, Margaret Morris, Evelyn Costello, Glenn Brady, Josephine Neary,
Intentions for Next Weekend
Months Mind: Fintan Wallace (Sun 12.30)
Anniversaries: Stella O’Rourke (Sat 6.15), Matthew Dwyer (Sat 7.00), Paddy Johnston (Sun 9.30), Margaret Brennan (Sun 10.00), Catherine & John Alley (Sun 10.30), Margaret Jones (Sun 11.00), Peter Gaule (Sun 12.00),
Christian Meditation
Be still and know that I am God.
Psalm 46
Christian Meditation will resume in Peace in Christ Retreat House every Wednesday at 4pm from 17th September 2008. New members welcome.
Paralympics
Well done to Gabriel Shelley from St. Patrick’s Parish has won a bronze medal so far. We wish him and all the athletes well.
St. Vincent de Paul Shop, Butts Green (Fred’s Fashions)
MASSIVE SALE!!!!!
13th to 20th Sept.
Fill a bag for €5, men's, women’s, children’s clothing and footwear.
Fill a bag for €5, men's, women’s, children’s clothing and footwear.
Bag provided by shop.
AHFI
The Alliance of the Holy Family International is a movement dedicated to the worldwide promotion of the sanctification of the family through the Alliance of the Two Hearts, Jesus and Mary, approved by Pope Benedict XVI.
AHFI
The Alliance of the Holy Family International is a movement dedicated to the worldwide promotion of the sanctification of the family through the Alliance of the Two Hearts, Jesus and Mary, approved by Pope Benedict XVI.
Two Hearts Weekend Retreat
September 27th/28th, in Maynooth College with World Renowned Fr Edgardo Arellano known as Fr Ring (EWTN). Spiritual Director of the AHFI and Fr. John Santos.
To experience a wonderful weekend of spiritual healing contact:
Joan 01 8255438, Attracta 01 8214435
Jim 021 4385184 (evenings).
Camphill Community Open Day
The annual Open Day at the Camphill Community in Ballytobin, near Callan, takes place on Sunday, 21st September from 2pm to 5pm. This is an important fund-raising occasion for the Camphill Community which, as you know, cares for children and adults with mental disability. Please support.
Divine Mercy
There will be an hour of prayer and adoration in honour of Divine Mercy in St. Mary's Cathedral on Sunday September 14th 3pm—4pm. All are welcome.
National Ploughing Match
The Diocese of Ossory invites you to visit their stand at the National Ploughing Championship in Cuffesgrange, Co. Kilkenny, from 23rd to 25th September, situated at site L564. Bishop Freeman with priests and people of the diocese will be there to welcome you. There will be a prayer time each day at 12noon and 3pm and you are welcome to visit the dedicated prayer room at any time, for private prayer and write a petition. An opportunity for one to one conversation in our ‘Listening Ear’ space will also be available. See you there.
Kilkenny Contact
Kilkenny Contact is a voluntary organization, bringing friendship to older people by visiting them in their own homes. We only visit at the request of the older person. Could you volunteer one hour a week to have a friendly chat with someone? If so Kilkenny Contact might be the group for you. We are a voluntary organisation that aims to help older people who may feel lonely and isolated through the onset of illness or of living alone. We do this by organising weekly visits and we are currently looking for volunteers throughout the City of Kilkenny. The befriending service we offer, works by linking up people in the community to form friendships. Volunteers commit themselves to visiting an older person for one hour per week and Kilkenny Contact links them with the most suitable person. Each volunteer is interviewed and Garda clearance is sought. Volunteers are made aware of the need for confidentiality and commitment of their visit.
Person of the Year Awards ‘08
The Kilkenny Person of the Year Award scheme is being organised to give public recognition to the people in Kilkenny and City for their contribution to society. A gala banquet will take place in the New Park Hotel in Friday 31st October 08 at 8pm sharp with Ronan Collins of RTE as MC and music by The Showband Show. Tickets available from Declan McCann, First Active, 79 High St. Kilkenny.
First Aid
A basic First Aid course will take place inKilkenny City VEC school for four Thursday nights, from 6pm to 10pm, starting on the 16th of October. For further information or to book your place,contact Kilkenny Recreation and Sports Partnership at 056 7720870
Code of Ethics
A code of Ethics course will take place in Kilkenny City VEC school on Thursday, the 9th of October, from 6pm to 10pm. For further information or to book your place, contact Kilkenny Recreation and Sports Partnership at 056 7720870
Confirmation Dates 2009
Our confirmation dates for next year have been announced. St. John of God, St. Patrick’s De La Salle, KSP - Saturday, May 16th, Gaelscoil Osrai - Saturday, March 14th.
Medjugorje Prayer Evening
It had been planned that Medjugorje visionary, Jakov Colo, would visit St. Mary’s Cathedral, on Tuesday the 16th of September at 7.30pm. Unfortunately Jakov has taken ill and is unable to attend.
The evening of Prayer will still go ahead with another guest speaker. The evening will include Rosary, Mass, Adoration and Prayers for Healing. Confession will be available throughout the evening. All are welcome.
A code of Ethics course will take place in Kilkenny City VEC school on Thursday, the 9th of October, from 6pm to 10pm. For further information or to book your place, contact Kilkenny Recreation and Sports Partnership at 056 7720870
Confirmation Dates 2009
Our confirmation dates for next year have been announced. St. John of God, St. Patrick’s De La Salle, KSP - Saturday, May 16th, Gaelscoil Osrai - Saturday, March 14th.
Medjugorje Prayer Evening
It had been planned that Medjugorje visionary, Jakov Colo, would visit St. Mary’s Cathedral, on Tuesday the 16th of September at 7.30pm. Unfortunately Jakov has taken ill and is unable to attend.
The evening of Prayer will still go ahead with another guest speaker. The evening will include Rosary, Mass, Adoration and Prayers for Healing. Confession will be available throughout the evening. All are welcome.
Our Building Progress
It’s been a while since we reported any progress on the building of our new parish centre.
The building work is virtually complete and the final touches are being put in place. Our biggest delay continues to be the ESB connection which, we are informed will take place towards the end of the month. Once the electricity is installed and the heating is turned on, there will be a delay in drying out the floors in the main halls before fitting the wooden floor.
The rest of the centre however should begin to open and the parish office will move to the new centre. All going well, we are on target for a late October , early November start up.
Progress continues behind the scenes however in setting up the company and hall committee that will run the centre. We are grateful to the numbers of people who have already volunteered their time and energy to the centre.
Our fundraising also continues with our successful monthly parish draw and recent bag pack. We have a lot of fundraising to do to pay for our new centre but we are confident that our fundraising efforts will be generously supported by the people of St. Patrick’s and surrounding parishes as you have in the past.
More on the centre later and as always, comments or observations are welcome.
