No Empty Word
As a missionary in Indonesia I baptised hundreds of babies, but only one adult. Part of a Holy Saturday Vigil, that adult baptism hugely impressed the congregation by the dignity of its rite and the sincerity of its candidate. Seeing an adult freely and joyfully commit himself to Jesus for life in public was a compelling sign of God’s spirit at work. Today’s feast, the Baptism of the Lord, is a reminder of our own baptism. For those of us baptised as babies it’s a non-event because we can’t remember it. Its impact is not what it might have been had we been adult when baptised. However, we have ratified what our parents did on our behalf either negatively by not discarding our faith, or positively be making a conscious decision at some stage of our life to continue being a follower of Jesus. Either way, today’s readings where God says that God’s word does not return empty but fulfils its mission, and where God calls Jesus the beloved son in whom he is well pleased, applies to us baptised. In baptised God gives us a mission. It’s a mission to make God known to our world, especially to those who do not know God. While that mission is general to all baptised, the way we carry it out is specific to ourselves. Realising we have it, and discovering how to carry it our, gives purpose to our life – and makes us the beloved son or daughter in whom the Father is well pleased.
Fr. Tom Cahill SVD
Divine Mercy
There will be an hour of prayer and adoration in honour of Divine Mercy in St. Mary’s Cathedral on Sunday, 11th January from 3 - 4pm. All are welcome.
4-2-1 Parish Drugs Initiative
The 4-2-1 Parish Drugs Training Initiative will continue at the Parish Centre, Bohernatounish Road on Monday evening between 7.30 and 9.30pm. Those already enrolled are asked to attend.
As a missionary in Indonesia I baptised hundreds of babies, but only one adult. Part of a Holy Saturday Vigil, that adult baptism hugely impressed the congregation by the dignity of its rite and the sincerity of its candidate. Seeing an adult freely and joyfully commit himself to Jesus for life in public was a compelling sign of God’s spirit at work. Today’s feast, the Baptism of the Lord, is a reminder of our own baptism. For those of us baptised as babies it’s a non-event because we can’t remember it. Its impact is not what it might have been had we been adult when baptised. However, we have ratified what our parents did on our behalf either negatively by not discarding our faith, or positively be making a conscious decision at some stage of our life to continue being a follower of Jesus. Either way, today’s readings where God says that God’s word does not return empty but fulfils its mission, and where God calls Jesus the beloved son in whom he is well pleased, applies to us baptised. In baptised God gives us a mission. It’s a mission to make God known to our world, especially to those who do not know God. While that mission is general to all baptised, the way we carry it out is specific to ourselves. Realising we have it, and discovering how to carry it our, gives purpose to our life – and makes us the beloved son or daughter in whom the Father is well pleased.
Fr. Tom Cahill SVD
Divine Mercy
There will be an hour of prayer and adoration in honour of Divine Mercy in St. Mary’s Cathedral on Sunday, 11th January from 3 - 4pm. All are welcome.
4-2-1 Parish Drugs Initiative
The 4-2-1 Parish Drugs Training Initiative will continue at the Parish Centre, Bohernatounish Road on Monday evening between 7.30 and 9.30pm. Those already enrolled are asked to attend.
Eucharistic Adoration
Eucharistic Adoration is the adoration of Jesus Christ present in the Holy Eucharist. The Eucharist is displayed in a special holder called a monstrance and people come to pray and worship Jesus continually throughout the day and often the night. Christ’s great love for us was shown when he was crucified on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins and give us eternal life. He loves us without limit, and offers Himself to us in the Sacrament of the Eucharist. Can we not give Jesus a few minutes of love and adoration in return?
This ancient practice continues in St. Fiacre’s Church on Mondays between 11am and 10pm and St. Patrick’s Church on Fridays between 10am and 1pm and between 4pm and 9pm. Please feel free to drop in without obligation at any time during the above hours. However, we are eagerly seeking volunteers to commit to particular times on these days. Please contact the Parish Office (776 4400) or one of the priests if interested.
Questions People Ask
Q. Is there any special reason why the Holy Spirit appeared as a dove?
A. This is a good example of a theme running through the Bible. The dove descending on water recalls the creation story in which God’s spirit hovered over the primitive waters in making order out of chaos. Then, later, it was a dove bearing on alive branch which let Noah know that the flood waters had subsided as peace with God was restored. In the Song of Songs, the lover calls on the beloved as a beautiful dove. So, the dove is an apt symbol for the Holy Spirit in the ordering of creation, in divine peace, in intimate love.
Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
Young at Heart Club
The club will re-open for the New Year in the St. Patrick’s Parish Centre, Bohernatounish Road from 2.30pm to 4.30pm on Wednesday, 14th January. New members welcome.
Pray for the Deceased
Recently Deceased: Liam O’Connor, Patrick Street. Funeral prayers at Johnston’s Funeral Home at 5pm on Sunday followed by removal to St. Patrick’s Church. Requiem Mass at 11am on Monday followed by burial in Foulkstown Cemetery. Teresa Holden, Kellsgrange, Kells. Funeral Prayers at Johnston's Funeral Home at 6.30pm on Sunday followed by removal to Kells Church. Requiem Mass at 11am on Monday followed by burial in Ballyfoyle Cemetery. Rita Burke, 84 Larchfield. Tom Halpin, Stephen’s Street. Michael Shortall, Luton & Maudlin Street. Kitty Kehoe, New Orchard. Jo Hannon, Portlaoise. Thomas Doran, Galway.
Anniversaries: John Bradley (Sat 6.15), Michael Fitzpatrick (Sat 7.00), Philomena Brennan (Sun 9.30), Maura Nolan (Sun 10.00), Frank O’Shea (Sun 10.30), Sean O’Dwyer (Sun 11.00), Beattie O’Connell (Sun 12.00), Sean Devane (Sun 12.30), Ellen Buggy (Tue 10.30), John and Maimie Brett, Terry Brett, Christopher & Mary Ryan, Lily Power, Mary Keary, Michael & Ellen McEvoy, John Lanigan, William, Tess and Joan Murphy, Ellen Buggy, Johnny Brennan, Denis Guilfoyle, Catherine Brett, Patrick, Delia & Margaret Taylor, Bernie Kelly, Denis Nyhan.
Intentions Next Weekend: Anna Campion (Sat 6.15), Oliver Mannion (Sat 7.00), Patrick Morris (Sun 9.30), Paul Prodromou (Sun 10.30), Maureen O’Shea (Sun 11.00), Sally Mullally (Sun 12.00), Thomas Walton (Sun 12.30).
Please send names for inclusion in the anniversary list to the Parish Office as early as possible in the week.
Meals on Wheels
Voluntary drivers are needed for the Kilkenny Social Service “Meals on Wheels” facility. If you are a car owner and could spare one hour per week - we would like to hear from you. Our meals need wheels for this much needed service for those in our care and the elderly who are housebound. Contact Kitty/Kay at 772 1685.
St. Patrick's Brass & Reed Band
The local Brass and Reed Band presents an Elvis Spectacular featuring Kevin O’Dwyer as Elvis. All star cast includes: The Memphis Mafia, The Uptown Horns, Eugene Dewberry and guests The Uptown Band. Langton House Hotel on Friday, 16th January 9.30pm. Doors open at 9pm. Tickets now at Langton’s Hotel and from members of the Brass & Reed Band. Admission €10.
Knights of St. Columbanus Lunch
The Knights of St. Columbanus annual lunch will be held on Sunday, 11th January at 1pm in the Carlton Ballroom.
Church Gate Collection
The Irish Wheelchair Association will hold their Church Gate collection this weekend .
CAO Information Evening
A Parents’ CAO Information Evening takes place in the Library of Carlow College – St. Patrick’s, Carlow on Monday, 19 January at 7.30 pm. Explanations will be offered and questions answered on all aspects of the CAO form and process. All are welcome. Light refreshments will be available. Inquiries to the College on 059 915 3200.
Stephens’ Kicks Back Into Action
James Stephens GAA Juvenile Committee is preparing to kick start their juvenile hurling season for 2009. The underage club will be holding a juvenile membership/registration night in the clubrooms (upstairs) on Friday, 23rd January at 7pm sharp. All boys aged from 5 years old to under 12 are encouraged to come along to the registration night and sign up for what is guaranteed to be a FUN-tastic hurling and football year. We encourage all kids that may not have played hurling to sign up and give it a try as it is a tremendous team sport and a great way of making friends. Juvenile membership for 2009 is set at €30 for the entire season which is fantastic value. Any enquiries, please contact Juvenile Chairman Mark Tyrrell @ 086-258 9760.
St. Patrick’s Parish Centre
We are heartened by the positive comments of all who have come to visit our new St. Patrick’s Parish Centre. The Open Days will continue following 6.15pm Mass on Saturday and from after 10.30am Mass to 4.00pm on Sunday. You are welcome to come in, enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and have a look around. Bring your children along and have their faces painted and there might be some goodies still around after Christmas for them.
This centre has been provided by the people of St. Patrick's Parish for the people of the parish and we hope that all parishioners will take ownership of it. It is a tremendous resource to have in the heart of our community and we are confident that it will serve the needs of this and future generations for many years to come. Come in and have a look around.
Blood Donors Required
The Irish Blood Transfusion Service seeks blood donors for their forthcoming clinics in Kilkenny.
The blood donation clinic will be at The Rivercourt Hotel, Kilkenny on Sunday, 11th January from 11.30am to 3.30pm; Monday, 12th & Tuesday, 13th & Wednesday, 14th & Thursday, 15th January from 4.30pm to 8.30pm each day.
3,000 blood donations are needing in Ireland every week. It’s good to give blood.
Recovering From Depression
Aware as part of Depression Awareness Week Nationwide (DAWN) 19th to 24th January is hosting a talk entitled “Recovering from Depression” in the Talbot Hotel, Carlow on Monday, 19th January at 8pm. The speakers will be Dr. Ben Parmeter and Annette (an individual with experience of depression). Admission is free and all are welcome. Further details available from mick@awaresoutheast.com or at 053 918 4525.
Website: www.awaresoutheast.com
Education Centre Presents
Kilkenny Education Centre presents a lecture by David Coleman, Clinical Psychologist at Hotel Kilkenny on Thursday, 12th March 2009 at 7pm. David Coleman is a clinical psychologist, broadcaster and author, has been working with children and families for over ten years. He has become well known in Ireland as the presenter of the hit RTE television series Families in Trouble and more recently 21st Century Child. Topics being discussed on the evening include:
Dealing with difficult/challenging behaviour.
Coping with temper tantrums (up to age 12)
Difficult behaviour as an expression of a feeling. How to use this to your benefit.
Admission €10. tickets available from the Kilkenny Education Centre, Seville Lodge, Callan Road, Kilkenny 056 776 0200.
