Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, 15th February 2009

Compassion Through Anger
There are two possible images of Jesus in today’s Gospel reading. The obvious one is the compassionate Jesus who pities a leper and cures him. But then, why the ‘stern warning’? It’s not a warning to keep quiet, because that order comes after the stern warning. There’s no information on what Jesus warns him about, hence, the excuse to speculate. The New Revised Standard Version (Catholic Edition) of the Bible has a footnote to v. 42 stating that ‘other ancient authorities read anger’. That’s anger instead of pity. This makes more sense in terms of the ‘stern warning’. The NRSV also notes that the terms leper and leprosy can refer to several diseases. Could the lepers’ disease be caused by a particular lifestyle? Jesus recognising this perhaps is angry with him. Yet, he cures him. Curing a leper who through no fault of his own contracts the disease warrants compassion. But Jesus’ compassion could be even greater than that because he shows compassion to someone who possibly contracted a disease through his own fault. This is an even greater challenge for us today for it clearly shows that anger and compassion are not mutually exclusive. And that giving a stern warning about risky lifestyles is not out of order. Could those who fashioned the final form of the Gospel of Mark have opted for the softer Jesus? If they did what criteria did they use for their preference? And if they did, were they correct? Could they have had difficulty with compassion flowing through anger? It’s an issue we too may have to face.
Fr. Tom Cahill SVD

Kilkenny Medjugorje Youth Group
Presents David Parke’s Prayer Through Song in concert. St. Mary’s Cathedral on Friday, 27th February at 8pm. Raffle for a Trip to Medjugorje. Sponsored by Marian Pilgrimages. Tickets available at the door. €10 / €7 admission. All welcome.

Questions People Ask
Q. Why did Jesus tell the man he had cured to tell nobody about it? Surely we are called to give public witness to the works of God.
A. This is usually called ‘the messianic secret’. Jesus was well aware that many people at that time expected the Messiah to be a political power inspiring the nation to freedom from Roman domination, but this was not his mission. Secondly, too much excitement about miracles would generate mass hysteria and a celebrity cult which would obscure the teaching he wished to impart; especially his mission to die on our behalf and his message to take up our crosses and follow him.
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

Pray for our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Patsy Hawe, Kilmoganny. Paddy Casey, Jenkinstown. Dan O’Gorman, Sevenhouses. Tom Mullally, Drakelands.
Months Mind: Teresa Holden, (Sat 7.00)
Anniversaries: John O’Rourke (Sat 6.15), John Walsh (Sun 10.00), Canice & Michael Dunphy (Sun 10.30), Molly Johnston (Sun 11.00), Peter Quinn (Sun 12.00), Michael Walsh & Milo Bourke (Sun 12.30), Jenny Clancy (Tues 10.30), Patrick Morris (Wed 9.30), Ann Kelly (Thurs 10.30), Micheal Daly, Eileen Cooper, Patrick & Elizabeth Fry, John Corcoran, Christopher Walsh, James Leahy, Gerald Leahy, Michael Dargan, Kieran Healy, Brigid Moran, Eileen Cummins, Bridie Dunne, John & Brigid Dunne, Ann Somers, Séamus Culleton.
Intentions For Next Weekend: Months Mind: Tom Langton (Sun 11.00). Michael Drennan (Sun 12.00).
Anniversaries: Mary Lynch (Sat 6.15), Sr. Eucharisti Madden (Sat 7.00), Mick & Ellen Doyle (Sun 10.00).
Please help in the preparation of the newsletter by ensuring that anniversary notices are in the Parish Office (by hand, mail, telephone or email) before Thursday evening before publication.

Pilgrimage to Lourdes
The Annual Ossory Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes, led by most Rev. Séamus Freeman SAC, will take place from 22nd to 27th May 2009. Apply now at 051 880414 (Weekdays 10.30 a.m. to 2.30 p.m. except Wednesdays). Cost is €725 pps.

St. Vincent De Paul Collection
The monthly collection for the local conference will be taken up at all Masses this weekend. As usual we ask you to support this local charity.

Lenten Invitation
“Come away and rest awhile”
These words of Jesus to his disciples are also addressed as an invitation to each one of us to come and rest for a short time this Lent in the company of Jesus.
Guided Prayer Time - Tuesday morning after cup of tea. Tuesdays, March 3rd, 10th 24th 31st, April 7th. Prayer will be guided by Eileen Ross, who is a spiritual guide and counsellor. She works with individuals and is also involved in retreat work. She facilitates, Spirituality, Personal Development and Bereavement Courses with groups.

Volunteers Needed
We are currently looking for a few volunteers to help in the sacristy in St. Patrick’s Church. We need someone to cover morning Mass on one or two days a week. Contact Fr. Dan if you think you might be able to help.

Vocations
Are you concerned about the lack of vocations to the priesthood and religious life in our diocese? You could help turn things around by joining in an Evening of Prayer for Vocations on this Wednesday, 18th February. The event begins at 7.30 p.m. with a traditional Holy Hour before the Blessed Sacrament. This will be followed by the Rosary at 8.30 p.m. and Mass for Vocations at about 9.00 p.m.
This is an initiative of the local conference of the St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society to mark the Year of Vocation. Members of the Society from the nineteen branches in the diocese have been invited to attend. Please come along and join with people from all over the diocese of Ossory in praying for vocations. Refreshments will be served in the Parish Centre after Mass.

Foster Carers Needed
Fostering is caring for someone else’s child in one’s own home - providing family life for a child who, for one reason or another, cannot live with his/her own parents, on a short or long term basis.
Infants, children and young people require foster care. There is a particular need for children and young people between the ages of 10 years and 17 years who require care outside the family home.
Foster Carer applicants undergo an assessment and training programme which is provided by the Health Service Executive. See notices on notice board for information.

Computer Classes
Whether you are a beginner or want to update your existing skills. Courses will be starting soon in the Parish Centre. Application forms and price lists are available from the Parish Centre

Alzheimer's Kilkenny Table Quiz
Friday, 20th February at The Home Rule Club at 9pm. Table of 4 costs €20.00. Plenty of Spot Prizes, Auction, Raffle. Contact Pauline Parker 776 4198.

Schizophrenia Ireland
From the first of February we will be known as Shine - Supporting People Affected by Mental Ill Health. We continue to work to support all people affected by mental health issues, be it through personal experience or someone close. For one to one support or a social outlet, contact Shine. We offer information, advocacy, counselling, listening, education and support groups. Contact 056 770 3652.

In the Footsteps of St. Patrick
The Castlecomer Church of Ireland Group of Parishes in conjunction with the Catholic Parishes of Clogh, Muckalee and Castlecomer has organised an Ecumenical Pilgrimage in the footsteps of St. Patrick. Further details from Castlecomer Parish Office 444 1262, Maire Downey, 086 341 3022 or Canon Tom Sherlock 444 1677.

Walk for the Rehab Foundation
The Rehab Foundation is organising a number of walks during 2009 and we would like to hear from any person interested in taking part. Edinburgh Walk: 13th to 16th May. Walk in Italy: October 2009. For further details, please contact: Hugh Maddock on e-mail: hugh.maddock@rehab.ie or 087 826 1925. Walk in West Clare: 21st – 24th May 2009. For further details, please contact Aidan Roche on 086 200 0700 or Hugh Maddock on the above number.

Under-Age Hurling
James Stephens are returning to action at Juvenile - the grassroots level: Under 6/7/8 grades will return on Sunday, 1st March in Cootes Lane at 11.30 a.m. All boys aged 6/7/8 are asked to come along and sign up for what is sure to be a FUN-tastic year. Our Under 9/10 and 11/12 groups have already kicked back with coaching going ahead every Friday evening in the Wallslough Sports’ Arena from 6.25p.m. to 7.30p.m. All players aged from Under 9/10/11/12 who live in St. Patrick’s Parish are asked to come along and try out the wonderful game of hurling. Any enquiries please contact Juvenile Chairman Mark Tyrrell at 086 258 9760.

Time for a Cuppa?
There’s a cuppa available after 10.30am Mass on Tuesday mornings. All welcome.

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, 8th February 2009

Senior Citizens Parish Party
Last Monday, in atrocious weather, 100 people braved the weather to attend the senior citizens parish party which was held for the first time in our new parish centre. And they weren’t disappointed.
Thanks to the efforts of a hard working party committee, the excellent catering services of the Club House Hotel and the fantastic music of Marble City Sounds, the night was a huge success for everyone.
Absolutely everyone loved the new parish centre and look forward to the next such gathering we will have there.
Thanks also to our many sponsors who donated prizes for the raffle as well as other items. Your support is deeply appreciated.

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.

Good Food for Healthy Living
Copies of our parish cookery book are available in the sacristies at €10 each. The book contains more than 120 easy-to-follow recipes for starters, soups, main courses, desserts, buns and cakes which will get the taste buds watering and the kitchen utensils ringing. The recipes were submitted by various sportspeople from our parish, city and county.

Tridium
In honour of Our Lady of Lourdes in The Black Abbey, Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday, February 9th, 10th, 11th 2009. Rosary, Mass, Homily 10.15am & 7.15p.m. Preacher Fr. Jim Donleavy O.P Confession available at ceremonies, Wednesday is world day of the sick. Sacrament of the sick at all sessions.

Questions people ask
Q. If Jesus showed that he had power to cast out evil spirits, why doesn’t God cast out the devil for once and for all to stop all evil?
A. Certainly the devil plays a huge role in the existence of evil but we must also accept our own human responsibility. Adam and Eve were quick to blame the serpent for their own disobedience in attempting to take God’s place. Jesus has overcome the devil but it is up to us to exercise our freedom properly in co-operating with the grace of God in resisting temptation.
Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society
The monthly meeting of St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society will take place in the Parish Centre immediately after the 10.30am Mass in St. Fiacre’s Church on Friday, February 13th. All are welcome.

Psychotherapist
A psychotherapist/counsellor has rented a room in the Parish Centre on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. Call Robert on 086 878 6353 to arrange an appointment.

New Kilkenny online newspaper
History will be made on Wednesday, February 18th when Ireland’s first online newspaper will be published here in Kilkenny. The paper, Kilkenny Alive, can be accessed at www.kilkennyalive.com. The main newspaper will be online every Wednesday morning, with updates on a daily basis. Your online contacts are: shurley@kilkennyalive.com
jrhatigan@kilkennyalive.com mbrannan@kilkennyalive.com

World Day of the Sick
Wednesday is the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes and is designated World Day of the Sick.
Special prayers will be offered at our masses on Wednesday for the intentions of those who are sick.

Pray for our deceased
Recently Deceased: Noeline Flood, Tennypark, Peadar Flanagan, Castlegardens, Liam Devlin 46 St. Francis Terrace, Jack Cullen, Galway, Joseph Kerwin, Crookettmageny, Kildare, Mary Dooley, Gowran, Margo Doran, Askamore, Gorey, Wexford.
Months Mind: Liam O’Connor (Thurs 9.30)
Anniversaries: Nicholas Healy (Sat 6.15), Breda Butler (Sun 7.00), Dr. Richard Purcell (Sun 9.30), Billy, Lil & Eamonn Costello (Sun 10.00), Pat Kearney (Sun 10.30), Sean O’Grady (Sun 12.00), Catherine Dwyer (Tues 9.30), Patrick O’Keeffe (Tues 10.30) Catherine & Joseph Brennan (Thurs 10.30), James Hayes, John Quigley, Niall Godwin, Eamon Tallent, Breeda Conway, Michael O’Dwyer, Ellen Egan, Richard Kinsella, Bill Carroll
Intentions for next week
Months Mind: Teresa Holden (Sat 7.00)
Anniversaries: John O’Rourke (Sat 6.15), John Walsh (Sun 10.00), Canice & Michael Dunphy (Sun 10.30), Molly Johnston (Sun 11.00), Peter Quinn (Sun 12.00), Michael Walsh & Milo Bourke (Sun 12.30), Patrick Morris.

Ministers of Communion
We will shortly revise the rosters for Ministers of Communion. Please contact Frank Murphy or any of the Sacristans if you would like a change to your schedule.

Computer Classes
Whether you are a beginner or want to update your existing skills. Courses will be starting soon in the Parish Centre. Application forms will be available from Monday at the Parish Centre

Bridge in the Afternoon
Tuesdays, 10th, 17th & 24th February from 3pm to 5pm, in St. Patrick’s Parish Centre. Contact Reena at 776 2923 after 2.30pm for more information.

New Receptionists
The first group of receptionists have finished their week of volunteering and we now welcome the next group. These volunteer group of helpers staff the reception in our Parish Centre on Mondays to Fridays from 10am until 5pm (excluding lunchtime). These people are giving their time to make sure there is always a welcoming presence in the centre during the week.
The receptionists will be there to take telephone and other messages and assist people with general queries. Visitors can also purchase Mass cards, baptismal candles and other small items of a religious nature from reception.
We are grateful to these people who are giving of their time freely to the parish, this is spirit we were hoping to see once the centre opened and we haven’t been disappointed.
Contact the Parish Office or the Centre Manager, Ted Byrne, if you think you would like to volunteer and help out.

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, 1st February 2009

New Receptionists
We welcome a new volunteer group of helpers who will staff the reception in our Parish Centre on Mondays to Fridays from 10am until 5pm (excluding lunchtime). These people are giving their time voluntarily to make sure there is always a welcoming presence in the centre during the week.
The receptionists will be there to take telephone and other messages and assist people with general queries. Visitors can also purchase Mass cards, baptismal candles and other small items of a religious nature from reception.
We are grateful to these people who are giving of their time freely to the parish, this is spirit we were hoping to see once the centre opened and we haven’t been disappointed.
Contact the Parish Office or the Centre Manager, Ted Byrne, if you think you would like to volunteer and help out.

Presentation of the Lord
The feast of the Presentation of the Lord is celebrated on 2nd February. Also known as Candlemas Day, this feast observes the ritual purification of Mary 40 days after the birth of Jesus as well as the presentation of Jesus in the Temple in Jerusalem (Lk 2:21-40). On this day candles are traditionally blessed for use in the church through the year. If you would like to bring along a candle and have it blessed, then you can do so at our morning Masses in our parish.

St. Brigid of Kildare
Brigid of Kildare is the secondary patron of Ireland. Brigid was one of the first people to spread the light of the faith in Ireland. She was a woman who gave witness to her faith by her welcome, generosity and care for all with whom she came in contact. We give thanks today for the faith and inspiration of St. Brigid and for all the people who are beacons of light and faith in our world today. The feast of St. Brigid is not celebrated formally this year.

St. Brigid's Day Celebration
The annual St. Brigid’s Day celebration with the Kilkenny Gospel Choir will be held at St. Fiacre’s Church, Loughboy at 8pm on Sunday, 1st February. Red flannel and blessed water from St. Brigid's Well, Kildare will be distributed.

Questions People Ask
Q. When Jesus was casting out an evil spirit, why did the spirit call Jesus the Holy One of God? I would have expected horrible curses rather than this holy title.
A. According to the understanding prevailing at that time, the key to somebody’s power lay in the name of the person. Calling out the true name of any spirit would give access to its power. In the dramatic style of the Gospel of Mark, the devils have been so utterly defeated by Jesus that they are trying the most exalted titles, not in adoration, but attempting to gain his power. These dramatic exorcisms are a feature of Mark but are entirely missing from the Gospel of John.

Support Group
A support group for parents and carers of children with special needs will meet at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre on the first Tuesday of every month. Everybody is welcome.
The first meeting will be on Tuesday, 3rd February from 10.30am to 12.30pm.
Contacts: 087 958 1315 or 087 904 0208.

Rosary at James Green
The monthly rosary on the First Sunday in James Green at the statue of Our Lady of Kilkenny continues this Sunday, 1st February at 3pm. All are welcome.

Westcourt News
The February Mass for the canonisation of Blessed Edmund Rice will be celebrated in Westcourt on Monday, 2nd February at 7.30pm. The members of Callan Heritage Society are preparing the liturgy for this Mass. All are welcome.

Christian Brothers Leave Kilkenny
To mark the departure of the Irish Christian Brothers from Kilkenny City there will be a Mass of Thanksgiving at St. Mary’s Cathedral on Sunday, 8th February at 2.30pm. The brothers invite all past-pupils to join them as they give thanks to God.

Triduum in Honour of Our Lady
The annual triduum in honour of Our Lady of Lourdes will be held in The Black Abbey on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 9th to 11th February. Rosary, Mass with homily each day at 10.15am and 7.15pm. Preacher Fr. Jim Donleavy O.P. Confession available at all ceremonies. Wednesday, 11th in World Day of the Sick: the Sacrament of the Sick will be celebrated at all sessions.

Prayer for Vocations
An evening of prayer for vocations will be held on Wednesday, 18th February at 7.30pm in St. Fiacre’s Church. It will consist of a Holy Hour before the Blessed Sacrament hosted by Fr. Dan Carroll followed by celebration of the Eucharist. The event is organised by the St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society and all are welcome. A cup of tea will be served in the Parish Centre afterwards.

Senior Citizens’ Parish Party
The annual party for the senior citizens in our parish will be held at the Parish Centre on Monday, 2nd February. With music by Marble City Sound a great evening is promised in our new centre. Bring your friends and enjoy the evening. Tickets are available at the Parish Office and sacristies in all our churches. Tickets cost €10 and booking is essential to enable the caterers prepare for the correct number.

Church Gate Collection
The annual church gate collection for Enable Ireland will take place next weekend.
Pray for our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Moya Bligh, Japan and late of 6 Circular Road. Memorial Service at St. Joseph's Church, Foulkstown at 11.30am on Tuesday, 3rd February. John Collins, College Square. Paddy Delaney, late Sheastown. Peggy Brennan, Jenkinstown. Michael Cody, Dunamase, Dublin Road. Maura Nagle, 31 Newpark. Richie Grace, Shandon Park. Michael Forristal, Dundaryark, Danesfort.
Anniversaries: John Maher (Sat 7.00), Mary Pullan (Sun 10.00), Ann & John Waldron (Sun 10.30), Frances Costello (Sun 11.00), John Hennessy (Sun 12.00), Jimmy McGrath (Sun 12.30), Daniel (Algie) Lanigan (Tues 10.30), Derek DeLoughry (Fri 10.30), Christina Murphy, Arthur Connick, Fr. John Nyhan, Billy Culleton, Billy Burke, Patrick & Brigid O’Hara.
Intentions next weekend: Nicholas Healy (Sat 6.15), Breda Butler (Sat 7.00), Dr. Richard Purcell (Sun 9.30), Billy, Lil & Eamon Costelloe (Sun 10.00), Pat Kearney, Waterford Road (Sun 10.30), Sean O’Grady (Sun 12.00).

Bridge in the Afternoon
Tuesdays, 10th, 17th & 24th February from 3pm to 5pm, in St. Patrick’s Parish Centre. Contact Reena at 776 2923 after 2.30pm for more information.

Novena in St. John’s Parish
The Redemptorist Fathers will conduct a novena at St John’s Parish, Kilkenny from Monday, 2nd to Tuesday, 10th February. During the week there will be Mass at 7.30am, 10.30am and 7.30pm each weekday with the novena prayers at each session. Friday will be a day for celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The Sacrament of the Sick will be celebrated on Saturday at 10.30am. On next Sunday at 3.30pm there will be a special service of blessing for babies and young children. Please tell your friends and encourage them to attend some of the prayers.

Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes
The annual diocesan pilgrimage to our Lady’s Shrine at Lourdes will be from 22nd to the 27th May 2009. Price for ordinary pilgrims is €725 p.p.s. plus €25 for coach to the airport. Bookings are now being taken at Glenmore Parish Office, telephone 051 880 414. Opening Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 10.30am - 2.30pm. The office will be closed all day on Wednesdays. Please book early to avoid disappointment.

Mass Cards
Mass cards signed by the priests of the parish are now available at the reception desk in the Parish Centre. Please be sure to give the name of the person/persons for whom you wish the Mass to be offered.
A Mass card signed by a priest is an undertaking by that priest to offer a Mass for the intention requested.
Incidentally, many shops sell cards that are claimed to be signed Mass cards. These are not genuine Mass cards and in many cases the signature is not that of a real priest, or of a person who is no longer a priest, or the priest mentioned receives little or nothing for each card signed. It only takes a small amount of thought to realise that, if even half the shops in the country have these cards, there could be hundreds if not thousands of Masses being attributed to one or two priests, Masses he/they could not possibly have time to offer.

Hearing Help/Lipreading Classes
Hearing Help/Lipreading classes start on Monday, 2nd and Tuesday, 3rd of February at Comhairle, The Parade. Phone 776 5176 or 776 3508 for more information or just come on the night.

Kilkenny Education Centre
“Helping your Chid with Maths: Junior Infants to Second Class” on Wednesday, 4th February from 7pm to 9pm in Kilkenny Education Centre, Seville Lodge. There is no charge. Telephone 056 776 0200 for more information.

St. Patrick’s Parish Centre
Last week’s refreshment after Mass on Tuesday was a great success and it has been decided to keep it going on Tuesday mornings for the foreseeable future. You are welcome to our Parish Centre at 11.00am on Tuesdays for a chat with your neighbours and friends. If you are attending 10.30am Mass, you can access the Centre without leaving the church. If not, just come in the main door.
Can our Centre provide a service for you, as an individual or as part of a group?

Parish Draw
Thanks to all who supported the January Draw. The results are available at the back of the church and will be published here next week.

Psychotherapist
A psychotherapist/counsellor has rented a room in the Parish Centre on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. Call Robert on 086 878 6353 to arrange an appointment.

The Bits We Miss
Today’s first reading makes me wonder if God still raises up prophets, or even needs to. Isn’t our society literate, our Church organised, our liturgies regular, the Word of God on tap, so to speak? So what do we need a prophet for? Could it be for the bits we miss? When we listen to God’s word what do we hear? Words about love, so general and predictable that they pose no challenge to anybody? Or, words that compel us to put faces on those we must love and see among them some we hate? Perhaps a prophet could help us profile those ones. Words about God that place him way out there; remote, impersonal, and uncaring? Or, words that enable us to reach God way in here within our heart? If that’s too close for comfort perhaps a prophet could tell us why. Words about having died with Christ in baptism, full of imagery but nothing else, and soon forgotten? Or, words of power to radically change our way of life? Perhaps a prophet could supply that power. Words about a new heaven and a new earth on their way, but with luck not today? Or, words that pump our hearts with hope and joy? Perhaps a prophet could provide the pump. Yes, we do need prophets: those who have heard God’s word and taken it to heart. Those who are comfortable with God up close and personal. Those who don’t need to tell others what to do. Those who proclaim truth simply by the way they live.
Fr Tom Cahill SVD

Third Sunday of Ordinary Time, 25th January 2009

Prayer for Christian Unity
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity began last weekend and runs until this Sunday, 25th January. The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is an expression of the ecumenical movement – a worldwide movement among Christians to heal the divisions within the Church; to promote dialogues among churches and Christian communities; and to encourage Christians everywhere to better understand and reflect the implications of “one Lord, one faith, one baptism.” Each year from January 18th to the 25th, Christians are encouraged to pray together as a sign of the unity that is already theirs in Christ and that that unity will become complete. To mark this year’s Week of Prayer the Rev. Elaine Murray, Church of Ireland Vicar of the Kilkenny Group of Parishes, will address the congregation at the 6.15 p.m. Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church on this Saturday. The Rev. David Moore of the Kilkenny Presbyterian Church will speak at the 7.00 p.m. Mass at St. Patrick’s Church on the same day. Please give a very warm welcome to our guests from these neighbouring churches. While none of our parish clergy are involved in this year’s exchanges Bishop Séamus and priests from a number of the City parishes and religious houses will address the congregations in the Protestant churches this weekend.

Questions people ask
Q. Jesus often spoke about the kingdom of God, especially in his parables. Was he referring to the next life or to life here on earth?
A. Sometimes the kingdom means the next life, but, more often in the Gospels, the kingdom or reign of God refers to living accordingly to the rule of God here on earth. It means the end of the reign of sin as the ideals of Christ become the rule of life in society. This is what Jesus proclaimed at the start of his public mission. We pray for this in saying ‘Thy kingdom come.’
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

Catholic Schools Week 2009
Catholic Schools Week 2009 begins on Monday, 26th January and conclude on Sunday, 1st February. The Pastoral Letter of the Irish Bishops’ Conference Vision 08 – A Vision for Catholic Education is a useful resource for those who wish to focus on the theme of the week. Copies were circulated in our parish last year and it may be downloaded from www.catholicbishops.ie - the website of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference.
Catholic Schools Week 2009 will be launched in Dublin and Belfast on Monday with conferences on Education and the Role of Catholic Schools.
All three partners in the Catholic education of our young people – home, school and parish – are encouraged to avail of this week to celebrate the life and work of the school as part of the mission of the Church at the service of society. There will be a number of celebrations and activities to mark the event in our parish schools. It is expected that a number of classes from our schools will join in the celebration of our morning Masses during the week. To mark Catholic Schools Week 2009 RTE will broadcast Mass on RTE 1 on Sunday, 1st February at 11.15 a.m. from St. Mary’s Parish, Lucan, Co. Dublin.

Christian Brothers, Kilkenny
The Christian Brothers’ Community in James’ Street, Kilkenny will cease as a religious community on next Saturday, 31st January 2009. The present brothers will be redeployed to other monasteries.
The Irish Christian Brothers have served the people of Kilkenny City and the surrounding area for the past 149 years. They began their ministry here in 1860.
To mark the departure of the brothers from Kilkenny City there will be a Mass of Thanksgiving at St. Mary’s Cathedral on Sunday, 8th February at 2.30pm. The brothers invite all past-pupils to join them as they give thanks to God and say farewell to Kilkenny City.

Revolutionary
Paul makes more strange statements this week. Take today’s Second Reading, ‘Let those who have wives be as though they had none, and those who mourn as though they were not mourning’. He is convinced that the age in which he lives is ending. He’s right in one sense, and wrong in another. He’s wrong if he means the end of the world in terms of chronological time. He’s right if he means the end of this world for the Christian in terms of its ways and values. That has a ring to it that needs to be heard every bit as urgently today as it did in Paul’s time in Corinth. In fact, in today’s Gospel reading (Mark 1: 14-20) we have Jesus preaching just that as his first public proclamation in the Gospel of Mark: ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.’ Note the sequence here. Repent first; then believe. Clearly, acceptance of the news that Jesus brings as good is not possible without a change of heart and mind. And what is that news? Well, at this stage it’s the fact that the kingdom of God is at hand. Later, in the light of Jesus’ resurrection it becomes clear that entry into that kingdom brings resurrected life: new, full and everlasting. When, like Paul, we believe that such a destiny can be ours then we’ll look on this present world as passing, and act accordingly. Counter-cultural is what some people call it. Revolutionary is what I’d say it is!
Fr. Tom Cahill SVD

Senior Citizens’ Parish Party
The annual party for the senior citizens in our parish will be held at the Parish Centre on Monday, 2nd February. With music by Marble City Sound a great evening is promised in our new centre. Bring your friends and enjoy the evening. Tickets are available at the Parish Office and sacristies in all our churches. Tickets cost €10 and booking is essential.

Pray for our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Christy McLoughlin, 73 Larchfield. Funeral Prayers at his home at 10.15am on Monday followed by removal to St. Joseph’s Church, Foulkstown for Requiem Mass at 11.00am. Burial in adjoining cemetery. Rosary at his residence on Sunday at 8pm. Tom Langton, 9 Pinewood Avenue.
Months Mind: Thomas Drohan (Sun 10.00), Sr. Theophane Duggan (Fri 9.30)
Anniversaries: Pauline English (Sat 6.15), Kitty Hickey (Sat 7.00), Nora Foley (Sun 9.30), Jack, Peg & Breda Molloy (Sun 10.30), Kathleen O’Neill (Sun 11.00), John Comerford & Christy Comerford (Recently Deceased) (Sun 12.00), Michael Moore (Sun 12.30) Michael McDonald (Tue 10.30), Ellen, John & Pat Butler (Thurs 10.30), Jim Loughlin (Sat 9.30), Margaret Muldowney, Michael Muldowney, Margaret Fanning, Brigid Casey, Brendan McKenna, May Morris Allen, Paddy Morris, Peter Browne, Jimmy Browne, Nell Grant .
Intentions for next weekend: John Maher (Sat 7.00), Mary Pullan (Sun 10.00), Ann & John Waldron (Sun 10.30), Frances Costello (Sun 11.00), John Hennessy (Sun 12.00), Jimmy McGrath (Sun 12.30).

St. Patrick’s Parish Centre
Like something different to do on Tuesday morning next? Then come into our Parish Centre and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee at 11.00am and have a chat with your neighbours and friends. If you are attending 10.30am Mass, you can access the Centre without leaving the Church. If not, just come in the main door.
Can our Centre provide a service for you, as an individual or as part of a group? Please let us know.

Parish Draw
The next draw in the present series will take place on Tuesday at 8.30pm in the Parish Centre. All welcome to come along.

Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes
The annual diocesan pilgrimage to our Lady’s Shrine at Lourdes will be from 22nd to the 27th May 2009. Price for ordinary pilgrims is €725 p.p.s. plus €25 for coach to the airport. Bookings are now being taken at Glenmore Parish Office, telephone 051 880 414. Opening Hours: Monday & Tuesday 10.30am - 2.30pm and Thursday & Friday 10.30am - 2.30pm. Closed Wednesdays.

A Personal Invitation
When Jesus called the apostles to follow him he did not pin a notice on a board down at the local fishing port and ask for volunteers. No, the gospels tell us that he looked people in the eye and called them by name. His invitation was straightforward and open-ended.
In his name we take this opportunity to invite you to consider following Jesus as a priest or religious in the Diocese of Ossory. This is a radical life but an amazing and rewarding one. It is a journey in faith and an adventure in hope. Telephone, email or write to the Ossory Vocations Team or ask any priest or religious for further information. Fr. Willie Purcell, Ossory Vocations Team, The Presbytery, Callan Co. Kilkenny. Tel: 056 772 5858, Mobile 087 628 6858 or Email ossoryvocdir@gmail.com.
The Diocese of Ossory has a new blog! Why not pay it a visit at : www.ossoryvocations.blogspot.com

Parish Folk Choir
The Folk Choir (7 p.m. Mass on Saturdays) practice at the Parish Centre on Thursday evenings from 8 p.m. New members are always welcome. Just drop in and sing!

Music Workshop
A music workshop will take place in Carlow Cathedral on Sunday, 1st February with American composers Marty Haugen and Tony Alonso. The workshop begins at 2.30 p.m. and concludes at 6.00 p.m. Individual Registration & Collection of workshop packs will take place from 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. in the Parish Centre, Carlow. Further details on www.kandle.ie - the Kildare and Leighlin diocesan website.
St. Patrick’s Parish choir members interested in attending on behalf of the parish should contact the Parish Office on Tuesday of this week.

Al-Anon
Are you troubled by someone’s drinking? Contact Al-Anon Family Groups Information Centre www.al-anonuk.org.uk or 01 873 2699.

Irish
A beginners course in Irish for parents in the Kilkenny Education Centre, Seville Lodge starts on Monday, 26th January running for three Mondays from 6pm to 9pm. There is no charge. To book telephone 056 776 0200.

Kieran Goss in Concert
The well-known performer Kieran Goss has agreed to give some of the proceeds of his forthcoming Kilkenny concert to St. Patrick’s Parish Funds. We will benefit from all tickets sold by the Parish Office for the concert which takes place at the Watergate Theatre, Kilkenny on Friday, 20th February. Tickets cost €25 at the Parish Office and the sacristies of our parish churches.

Church Gate Collection
The annual church gate collection for Enable Ireland will take place on the weekend of 7th & 8th February 2009.

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, 18th January 2009

Prayer for Christian Unity
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity begins this weekend and runs until Sunday, 25th January. The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is an expression of the ecumenical movement – a worldwide movement among Christians to heal the divisions within the Church; to promote dialogues among churches and Christian communities; and to encourage Christians everywhere to better understand and reflect the implications of “one Lord, one faith, one baptism.” Each year from January 18th to the 25th, Christians are encouraged to pray together as a sign of the unity that is already theirs in Christ and that that unity will become complete.
The theme for this year’s Week of Prayer for Christian Unity was selected by a local ecumenical group from South Korea. Members of the group were from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Korea and the National Council of Churches of Korea. The text they chose for this year’s celebration is Ezekiel 37:15-19, 22-24a. The theme will be “That they may become one in your hand.”
To mark this year’s Week of Prayer the Rev. Elaine Murray, Church of Ireland Vicar of the Kilkenny Group of Parishes, will address the congregation at the 6.15 p.m. Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church on next Saturday. The Rev. David Moore of the Kilkenny Presbyterian Church will speak at the 7.00 p.m. Mass at St. Patrick’s Church on the same day. Please give a very warm Village welcome to our guests from these neighbouring churches. While none of our parish clergy are involved in this year’s exchanges priests from a number of the City parishes and religious houses will address the congregations in the Protestant churches on the same weekend.

Senior Citizens’ Party
The annual party for our senior citizens will be held at the Parish Centre on Monday, 2nd February. Tickets will be available at the Parish Office and sacristies during the week. Booking essential.

Kieran Goss in Concert
The well-known performer Kieran Goss has agreed to give some of the proceeds of his forthcoming Kilkenny concert to St. Patrick’s Parish Funds. We will benefit from all tickets sold by the Parish Office for the concert which takes place at the Watergate Theatre, Kilkenny on Friday, 20th February. Tickets cost €25 at the Parish Office.

Questions People Ask
Q. Jesus often spoke about the kingdom of God, especially in his parables. Was he referring to the next life or to life here on earth?
A. Sometimes the kingdom means the next life, but, more often in the Gospels, the kingdom or reign of God refers to living according to the rule of God here on earth. It means the end of the reign of sin as the ideals of Christ become the rule of life in society. This is what Jesus proclaimed at the start of his public mission. We pray for this in saying ‘Thy kingdom come.’
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes
The annual diocesan pilgrimage to our Lady’s Shrine at Lourdes will be from 22nd to the 27th May 2009. Price for ordinary pilgrims is €725 p.p.s. plus €25 for coach to the airport. Bookings are now being taken at Glenmore Parish Office, telephone 051 880414. Opening Hours: Monday & Tuesday 10.30am - 2.30pm and Thursday & Friday 10.30am - 2.30pm. Closed Wednesdays.

Getting Married Soon?
The following are the dates for Accord Pre-Marriage Courses in Kilkenny during the coming year:
17th January, 7th February, 7th March, 23rd May, 13th June, 27th June, 19th September, 24th October and 21st November. Course fill up quickly and early booking is strongly advised. The Accord Office may be contacted at 772 2674. www.accord.ie

Pray For The Deceased
Recently Deceased: Michael Drennan, 8 Cashel Drive. Rosary at his home at 8.00pm on Sunday. Funeral prayers at his home on Monday at 11.15am followed by removal to St. Fiacre’s Church. Requiem Mass at 12 noon followed by burial at Foulkstown Cemetery. Pauline Hogan, St. Anthony’s, Newpark. Jimmy Haide, Troy’s Court.
Anniversaries: 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), Richard Brennan (Tue 10.30), Brigid Currid (Wed 9.30), Maureen & Paddy Dwyer (Wed 10.30), John Phelan (Thur 10.30), Elizabeth Mulligan (Fri 9.30), Kathleen Kelly (Fri 10.30), Sarah Kelly, Cornelius Carroll, Ned Larkin, Patrick Fewer, Ellen Fewer, Frank Moran, Martin Coyne, Albert & Bridget Downes.
Intentions for next weekend: Pauline English (Sat 6.15), Kitty Hickey (Sat 7.00), Nora Foley (Sun 9.30), Thomas Drohan (Month’s Mind, Sun 10.00), Jack, Peg & Breda Molloy (Sun 10.30), Kathleen O’Neill (Sun 11.00), John Comerford & Christy Comerford (Sun 12.00), Michael Moore (Sun 12.30) Ellen, John & Pat Butler (Thurs 10.30), Sr. Theophane Duggan (Month’s Mind, Fri 9.30), Jim Loughlin (Sat 9.30).

Christian Brothers, Kilkenny
The Christian Brothers’ Community in James’ Street, Kilkenny will cease as a religious community on 31st January 2009. The present brothers will be redeployed.
The Irish Christian Brothers have served the people of Kilkenny City and the Diocese of Ossory for the past 149 years. They began their ministry here in 1860.
To mark the departure of the brothers from Kilkenny City there will be a Mass of Thanksgiving at St. Mary’s Cathedral on Sunday, 8th February at 2.30pm. The brothers invite all past-pupils to join them as they say farewell.

Howls of Protest
This is something you may not want to hear. Even with faith in God it takes some getting used to. It’s what Paul says in today’s Second Reading: ‘you are not your own’ (1 Cor 6:19). You don’t have the final say over what you can and can’t do.
I can almost hear howls of protest from those who claim total ownership over themselves, from those who claim the ‘right’ to do whatever they wish provided it’s not illegal, from those who claim the ‘right’ to end their life at a time and in a manner of their choosing – and generally from anybody who doesn’t like being told what to do. And that covers a lot of people. But isn’t it basic to our faith that we belong to God, and are happy with that? Isn’t that what baptism is about: acknowledging God’s ownership of us? We didn’t make ourselves, cause ourselves to be born, give ourselves life in any way whatsoever. So how can we possibly claim ownership over something we had no hand or act in making? We have been given as a gift unto ourselves – a gift for purpose not whimsy, for freedom not licence, forever not just for a day. But suppose, for the sake of argument, that God’s word in Scripture were to tell us that God couldn’t care less what we did here; that God couldn’t be bothered whether we wiped ourselves off the face of the earth, for that matter, how would we feel? I can almost hear howls of protest.
Fr. Tom Cahill SVD.

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.

Evening Lectures
Trinity College Dublin and Carlow College present the Michael Slattery Lectures. ‘Irish Reputations’ is a series of 12 Tuesday evening lectures examining 12 iconic names in Irish history and literature including Wolfe Tone, O’Connell, Parnell, Pearse, Joyce, Heaney. The lectures begin on Tuesday, 20th January at 6.30 p.m. in Carlow College – St Patrick’s with Dr. Micheal Ó Siochru of TCD History speaking on ‘Oliver Cromwell and Ireland’. Enquiries: telephone Carlow College on 059 915 3200 or infocc@carlowcollege.ie

Fit Walk Programme
Kilkenny Recreation and Sports Partnership is organising a Fit Walk programme in The Watershed, under the Irish Sports Council, Women in Sport, Initiative. The Programme is a walking based fitness programme, comprising six one hour sessions each of which will take you a step further along the way to understanding fitness walking. Between sessions you will be invited to do weekly home walks! Elements of the programme include posture, resistance, stride walking and power walking. The programme starts Wednesday, 21st of January in The Watershed at 10am and will run for six weeks. Contact Kilkenny Recreation and Sports Partnership to book or for more details at 772 0870 or info@krsp.ie

CAO Information Evening
A CAO Information Evening takes place in the Library of Carlow College – St. Patrick’s, Carlow on Monday, 19th January at 7.30 pm.

The Importance of Family
The Church’s Sixth World Meeting of Families, which was not highlighted in the Irish media, started last Wednesday in Mexico City. Some 7,500 pilgrims from 98 countries attended the opening ceremony alongside Mexican President Felipe Calderon and Church officials. Since Wednesday families from around the world, 22 cardinals and 60 bishops have participated in a congress on the family. A video message from Pope Benedict will be broadcast at Sunday’s closing Mass which, it is expected, will be attended by around 1 million people. The Pope is being represented at the event by Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone.
The family is ‘the most effective school’ of values in societies that are ‘sick with individualism and relativism,’ said Cardinal Ennio Antonelli, President of the Pontifical Council for the Family, as he opened the meeting. ‘We are all aware of the fact that the family's educational mission encounters extremely serious difficulties today,’ Cardinal Antonelli said. The meeting studied the family from many perspectives and with relation to the challenges and the opportunities of our time. See the official congress website at www.wmf2009.com for more information and details of the discussions.

Psychotherapist
A psychotherapist/counsellor has rented a room in the Parish Centre on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. Call Robert on 086 878 6353 to arrange an appointment.