Our National Feast
St Patrick’s Day has always been a special day for Irish people living at home and around the world. The plight of Patrick, himself a migrant, has been faced by many Irish people, over the generations, who have struggled to live and assimilate into new cultures. In 2009 there are many people living in Ireland facing similar challenges to those of Patrick. As a community we have a responsibility to support and protect those who have made Ireland their new home. Guided by Pope Benedict’s first Encyclical Letter: Deus Caritas Est (God is Love), we should ask ourselves the question: “Who is my Neighbour?” As Christians, we must be mindful to help the weaker amongst us in society, and our thoughts and actions are guided by the parable of the Good Samaritan. At this time we remember in our prayers those new members of our society who may be suffering today in Ireland due to family, unemployment or financial pressures. In the words of St Patrick: “Therefore may it never befall me to be separated by my God from his people whom he has won in this most remote land. I pray God that he gives me perseverance, and that he will deign that I should be a faithful witness for his sake right up to the time of my passing” (The Confession of St Patrick)
From Statement issued by the Irish Catholic Bishops
St Patrick’s Day has always been a special day for Irish people living at home and around the world. The plight of Patrick, himself a migrant, has been faced by many Irish people, over the generations, who have struggled to live and assimilate into new cultures. In 2009 there are many people living in Ireland facing similar challenges to those of Patrick. As a community we have a responsibility to support and protect those who have made Ireland their new home. Guided by Pope Benedict’s first Encyclical Letter: Deus Caritas Est (God is Love), we should ask ourselves the question: “Who is my Neighbour?” As Christians, we must be mindful to help the weaker amongst us in society, and our thoughts and actions are guided by the parable of the Good Samaritan. At this time we remember in our prayers those new members of our society who may be suffering today in Ireland due to family, unemployment or financial pressures. In the words of St Patrick: “Therefore may it never befall me to be separated by my God from his people whom he has won in this most remote land. I pray God that he gives me perseverance, and that he will deign that I should be a faithful witness for his sake right up to the time of my passing” (The Confession of St Patrick)
From Statement issued by the Irish Catholic Bishops
St. Patrick’s Day Arrangements
Masses on Monday evening at 6.15 (St. Fiacre’s) and 7.00 (St. Patrick’s). Masses on Tuesday at 9.30am, 11.00am and 12.30pm (St. Patrick’s), 10.00am (Foulkstown) and 10.30am and 12 noon (St. Fiacre’s). There will be no evening Mass on Tuesday.
St. Patrick’s Day in Parish Centre
Refreshments will be served in our Parish Centre following the 10.30am Mass on St. Patrick's Day. We invite you to take an hour or so to meet your neighbours, enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and listen to some live music as we celebrate our Parish Patron’s Day as well as our National Patron’s day. All welcome.
Adoration at St. Fiacre’s Church
On Monday, 16th March adoration at St. Fiacre’s will be from 11.00am to 6.00pm. There will not be adoration after the Vigil Mass at 6.15pm.
Parish Shop
There is a wide range of religious articles available in the shop in our Parish Centre. Gifts suitable for First Holy Communion and Confirmation are on sale together with rosary beads, candles, books and many other items. Come and have a look around; there’s no obligation to buy!
Church Leaders Denounce Killings
Catholic and Protestant Church leaders are united in condemning the recent killings of two soldiers and a policeman and the injuring of a number of civilians in Northern Ireland. The leaders of the four major churches are offering their prayers for the victims of the shootings. They describe the attacks as “a shocking development which is an attack on our whole community” and a “dangerous attempt to destabilise the peace process which must not be allowed to succeed”. Cardinal Sean Brady joined with Church of Ireland Archbishop Alan Harper, Methodist President Rev. Alan Ferguson and Presbyterian Moderator Rt. Rev. Donald Patton in the statement.
Comboni Mission Appeal
Almost four thousand Comboni Missionaries work world-wide bringing the Good News of the Gospel to the poorest and most abandoned of the earth. Founded in 1867 by Saint Daniel Comboni the order’s priests, sisters and brothers live in communities and practice the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience.
Fr. Pat Burns and Fr. Rinaldo Ronzani will tell us about the aims of the order and appeal for our financial help in promoting the Gospel at all Masses in our parish this weekend. Please support their appeal.
Pray for the Deceased
Recently Deceased: Michael Grace, Rathbeagh, Ballyragget. Ted Kelly, Dublin & High Street. Fr. Michael Clifford, Callan.
Anniversaries: Eamonn O’Toole (Sat 6.15), John Dooley (Sat 7.00), Bridie Carroll (Sun 10.00), Michael & Christina McGrath (Sun 10.30), Michael & May Brannigan (Sun 11.00), Betty, Margaret & May Buckley (Sun 12.00), Pat Delahunty (Sun 12.30), Bridget Eardly (Tues 10.00), Rose Cantwell & Breda Butler (Tues 10.30), Patrick Morris (Wed 9.30), Tommy Hayes (Wed 6.15), Paddy Larkin, Padraig Costello, Denis Gorey, Billy Connick, Mary Tyrrell, Eamonn Muldowney, James Doheny, Mary Browne, Ellen Audoire, Martin O’Shea, Lou McCarthy, Billy Maguire, William Meehan
Intentions for next weekend: Michael O’Sullivan (Sat 6.15), Pat Mullins (Sun 11.00), Michael McInerney (Sun 12.00), Margaret Dunne (Sun 12.30).
Bereavement Support Group
The St. Patrick’s Parish Bereavement Support Group offers bereavement support to our parishioners who have experienced any type of bereavement. Confidentiality is assured. 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.
St. Joseph’s Novena
The annual St. Joseph’s Novena continues at the Mill Hill Missionaries House, Waterford Road until Thursday 19th March. Mass and novena prayers will be celebrated each evening at 8pm. All are welcome.
Lourdes Pilgrimage
Each year St. Patrick’s Parish sends a number of parishioners to Lourdes with the Ossory Diocesan Pilgrimage. Those interested in travelling to Lourdes should contact any member of the St. Patrick’s Parish Lourdes Committee or leave their names into the Parish Office without delay.
Bishop’s Pastoral Letter
Bishop Freeman has written a Pastoral Letter to the people of the Diocese of Ossory. The letter deals with the reconstituted Diocesan Forum and the bishop asks that it be read at all Masses this weekend. Because of the visit of the Comboni Missionaries we will promulgate the letter in this parish next weekend.
Cóneartú Gaelscoil Osraí
Comhghairdeas le na daltai o nGaelscoil Osraí a chuaigh faoi lámh easpaig in Ard Eaglais Mhuire ar an Satharn. Bhí lá iontach ag gach duine agus gabhaimid gach dea-ghuí ar na daoine óga, a tuismitheoirí agus a múinteoirí ar an ocáid speisealta seo.
Computer Classes
The Parish Centre is running a basic Computer Class on Monday mornings from 10.30am to 12.30pm. Some places are still available. Contact the Parish Centre.
St. Vincent De Paul Fundraiser
A fundraiser for the local Conference of the St Vincent de Paul will take place in James Stephens GAA Club on Thursday, 2nd April. Music: Queer Hawks and Friends. Adm. €5.00
Darren Holden in Concert
High Kings star and Mooncoin man Darren Holden will appear with the Kilkenny Gospel Choir in a concert for Cancer Care. Darren, with the Kilkenny Gospel Choir, will present a concert of Songs for Healing and Hope. The concert will take place in St. Mary’s Cathedral Kilkenny on Daffodil Day, Friday, 20th March at 8pm. A collection at the concert will go to the Carlow/Kilkenny Home Care Team. A host of other stars will perform on the night. The event will be hosted by Edwina Grace of KCLR96FM. Adm. free.
Family Liturgy
All young people and parents are invited to a practice for the family liturgy at St. Fiacre’s Church at 6.45pm on Thursday. Mass at 10.30am on next Sunday.
Used Clothing
A reputable charity which supports an orphanage in Kenya will take away your unwanted used clothing, household textiles, and used footwear (paired). Please drop off between 9am and noon at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre Carpark on Thursday, 19th March only. Van leaves at 12 noon.
Run For Your Parish
Ladies, don’t forget the Flora Ladies’ Mini-Marathon on Bank Holiday Monday, 1st June 2009. Please contact Fr. Roderick if you are interested in participating on behalf of the parish. Sponsorship cards available. While we need ladies to run in the mini-marathon parishioners may take cards and we will get someone else to run in their name. Proceeds will go to the new seniors’ accommodation in the parish.
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.
Ceart Cabaret
Ceart, your local rehabilitation therapy service for people who live with chronic illnesses, will hold a cabaret on Monday, 16th March at the Village Inn, Patrick Street from 9.30pm. Enjoy Johnny Hillman & Guests, Just Friends. Admission €5.00.
Depression Awareness
AWARE is organising a number of information stands in the Kilkenny area about its services and depression: There will be stands at St Canice's Credit Union, High Street on Thursday, 19th March between 10am and 1pm and Kilkenny Library, John’s Quay on the same day between 2pm and 5pm. A third stand will be located in MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre on Friday, 20th March between 10am and 4pm. All are welcome. More information is available from Mick on 087 949 8100 or mick@awaresoutheast.ie or visit www.awaresoutheast.ie.
The AWARE helpline number is 1890 303 302 and there is a Kilkenny Support Group Meeting every Monday (except bank holidays) at 8pm in the St Marys Centre, Haughney Green (behind Cineplex).
Kilkenny Sports Partnership
A Fitwalk programme, introducing the technique of Nordic Walking and explaining how to get the best health benefits from walking will take place in The Watershed for 4 mornings, starting on Wednesday 18th at 10am. For more information, contact Kilkenny Recreation and Sports Partnership at 056 772 0870
Lost and Found
A set of keys was found in St. Fiacre’s Church on Friday, 13th March. Please contact the Parish Office for further details.
