Ossory Forum 2009—2013
In a Pastoral Letter, available at the back of the church, Bishop Séamus Freeman introduces the new Ossory Diocesan Forum 2009 - 2013 and explains its background and purpose. In the Letter Bishop Séamus says he is of the opinion that the Forum “can be of significant benefit to the Diocese, capable of responding to the social and spiritual needs, capable of building the Church of Christ into a genuine Family of God, where people feel at home; a Family of God that invites people to participate in, and take responsibility for the life and mission of the Church”.
Please take a copy of the Letter home and consider its contents and the attached Mission Statement.
St. Patrick’s Parish will shortly appoint our Forum representative and we ask that you accompany the process with your prayers.
Loreto Secondary School
In 2007 Sr. Cyril Mooney, a Loreto Sister working in India was awarded the Padma Shri Award in recognition of her educational and social work among the poor of Calcutta. Loreto Secondary School is delighted to host a talk by Sr. Cyril in the school library on Thursday, 26th March at 8pm. This is a rare opportunity to meet and hear Sr. Cyril. All are most welcome.
Sr. Cyril will also feature on KCLR96FM’s “Soul Agenda” on next Saturday morning from 9.00am.
Stations of the Cross
Each Friday during lent Stations of the Cross will take place in St. Mary’s Cathedral at 1.10pm. All are welcome.
Ladies Mini Marathon
Cards are now available at the Parish Centre. Even if you don’t intend to do the marathon you can still take a card to support those who are running on the day. Your support is appreciated.
In a Pastoral Letter, available at the back of the church, Bishop Séamus Freeman introduces the new Ossory Diocesan Forum 2009 - 2013 and explains its background and purpose. In the Letter Bishop Séamus says he is of the opinion that the Forum “can be of significant benefit to the Diocese, capable of responding to the social and spiritual needs, capable of building the Church of Christ into a genuine Family of God, where people feel at home; a Family of God that invites people to participate in, and take responsibility for the life and mission of the Church”.
Please take a copy of the Letter home and consider its contents and the attached Mission Statement.
St. Patrick’s Parish will shortly appoint our Forum representative and we ask that you accompany the process with your prayers.
Loreto Secondary School
In 2007 Sr. Cyril Mooney, a Loreto Sister working in India was awarded the Padma Shri Award in recognition of her educational and social work among the poor of Calcutta. Loreto Secondary School is delighted to host a talk by Sr. Cyril in the school library on Thursday, 26th March at 8pm. This is a rare opportunity to meet and hear Sr. Cyril. All are most welcome.
Sr. Cyril will also feature on KCLR96FM’s “Soul Agenda” on next Saturday morning from 9.00am.
Stations of the Cross
Each Friday during lent Stations of the Cross will take place in St. Mary’s Cathedral at 1.10pm. All are welcome.
Ladies Mini Marathon
Cards are now available at the Parish Centre. Even if you don’t intend to do the marathon you can still take a card to support those who are running on the day. Your support is appreciated.
Our Twilight Zones
In his book, Sophie’s World, author Jostein Gaarder writes, ‘The most subversive people are those who ask questions. Giving answers is not nearly as threatening. Any one question can be more explosive than a thousand answers.’ Why so?
Perhaps a quote from another author may provide a partial answer. In Kissing the Dark, Mark Patrick Hederman writes, ‘Fixation upon any one particular aspect of the total mystery is missing the point, is swapping the glory for the gore, trading our birthright for a mess of pottage. The crucifixion is not a fact. It cannot be nailed down to one explanation, labelled with one easy heading. It is an event.’ Today’s Gospel reading (John 3:14-21) tells us that some people don’t just prefer the darkness they love it (v. 19). They are the ones fixated on the gore, not the glory.John makes no excuses for these people. There is no attempt to explain away their evil deeds or mitigate their guilt. It’s either or. Either you’re for the light, or for the dark. Faith has no twilight zones. Lent is a time for discovery; for facing fact not fiction, for honesty about twilight zones we may frequent, or long to: haunts of unreality, dead end traps that stunt our growth, imprison us in addiction, and alienate us from each other, and from God. Lent is a time for lingering in the light, for letting its rays do their healthy work. It’s a time for asking the subversive question: Where does my heart lie, in darkness or in light?
Fr Tom Cahill SVD
U-12 Friendly Games
The James Stephen’s U-12 squads have organised challenge games this coming week-end. Squad Number 1 will play Durlás Óg (Tipperary) in St. Kieran's College at 11.30a.m. and Squad number 2 will play Mullinahone (Tipperary) in Nuncio Road at 11.15a.m. Both teams will then go onto Nowlan Park to take in the Kilkenny vs Tipperary clash in the National League.
Questions People Ask
Q. I can accept praying for somebody, but what is the point of lighting a candle for some intention?
A. The language of prayer can take many forms and it is not confined to human speech. St. Paul wrote that when we do not know how to pray, then the Spirit makes our petitions in groans that cannot be put into words. We pray in gestures such as kneeling or the sign of the cross. Lighting a candle, or votive light, is a sign of the light of faith. A candle is a powerful symbol of unselfish service as it gives of itself totally in spreading light.
Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
Making the Future Together
Kilkenny Community and Voluntary Forum will host a one-day conference on Thursday, 2nd April in the Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel for all those involved in the community and voluntary sector. The conference, entitled ‘Making the Future Together’, will focus on the importance and influence of local government and the challenges for community and voluntary groups.
Monster Bingo
There will be a Monster Bingo in aid of S.O.S Castlecomer in the Castlecomer Community Hall on Sunday, 22nd March beginning at 2pm. Prize funds of €2,500. Your support would be appreciated.
Generation Communication
As part of their Generation Communication Project, a group of transition year students from the Loreto Secondary School, invites all Senior Citizens to a special Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church on Wednesday next, 23rd March at 10.30am. This will be followed by light refreshments and entertainment in the new Parish Centre. At the Mass we will celebrate our senior citizens and give thanks for them and their contribution to our lives.
Pray for the deceased
Recently Deceased: Michael Tynan, The Paddocks. Edel Cullen, 41 Riverview. Sr. Pius Berry, Loreto Convent. Sr. Genevieve Brennan, St. John of God Convent. Sr. Consillio Timmons, Presentation Convent. Brigid Gorey, Sheepstown, Margaret Molloy, Kilcreene Road. Philip Malone Murphy, Newpark Close.
Anniversaries: Michael O’Sullivan (Sat 6.15), Pat Mullins (Sun 11.00), Michael McInerney (Sun 12.00), Margaret Dunne (Sun 12.30), Des Cullen (Tues 10.30), Mick Quinn and Maura Harney (Wed 6.15pm), Mary Lawlor Foulkstown Fri 8.00), Adrian Bligh, Joseph, Ellen, Joan & Jim Shortall, Philip, Johanna & John Larkin, Mark Hickey, Annie Delaney, Mary Lawlor, Paddy Walsh, Michael & Mary Conway. Mulvin Family, Stafford Family.
Intentions for next weekend: Paddy Tomney (Sat 6.15), Chris Kenny (Sat 7.00), Maria O’Shea (Sun 10.00), Jane Glynn (Sun 12.00), Billy Wallace (Sun 12.30).
Vincentian Volunteers
This is a positive opportunity for young people to have a challenging experience in serving vulnerable people, and living in a community with other like-minded volunteers. Accommodation and living expense provided. Volunteer year is from September 2009 until July 2010. If you would like to know more please contact Sr. Barbara Quilty DC at 0161 226 9561 or 0161 209 9156. Email: barbaraquilty@hotmail.co.uk or visit: www.vincentianvolunteers.org
Are you unemployed?
We are seeking 20 unemployed people looking for a Career in Care. Training course at FETAC Level 5 supported by the Department of Social and Family Affairs. The successful applicants will be placed on a panel to work with Oak Tree Home Care in the Kilkenny area. Visit www.visiontraining.ie for an application form or contact 059 9142208.
St. Vincent De Paul Collection
The monthly collection for the local conference will be taken up this weekend.
Mini Marathon Meet & Train Group
The group meets every Thursday at The Watershed Track. All fitness levels including walkers/joggers. Time: 12—1pm. Cost: €2 per session.
Church Gate Collection
Rehab will hold their church gate collection on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th March.
Bereavement Support Group
The Parish Bereavement Support Group offers bereavement support to our parishioners who have experienced bereavement. Anyone who wishes to meet one of the group may phone 086 162 9089 or come to the Parish Centre on Mondays between 7.30 - 9pm.
Trocaire
In the Old Testament we hear many stories of exile. Jesus too was familiar with the type of experience Khalid had. He was a refugee as a child in Egypt and all throughout his public ministry he was an itinerant preacher. Since 1962 Burma has been ruled by the army who have continued to attack religious and ethnic minorities, burning villages, arresting people and forcing thousands into forced labour. Almost 1 million people have been forced to leave their homes and more than 150,000 have fled to temporary refugee camps along the Thai/Burma border. Trócaire continues to campaign for change in Burma while also supporting and educating those living in refugee camps. This Lent we ask that you support the people of Burma and other oppressed minorities around the world by donating to Trócaire this Lent. For more information log onto www.trocaire.org/lent
