Third Sunday of Easter, 26th April 2009

In The Wounds
In A Risen Christ in Eastertime, Raymond E. Brown writes: ‘Today disbelief flows from many factors including unconvincing signs, e.g. the proclamation of Christ by some who scarcely resemble him.’ Resembling Christ means having wounds and showing them. Not something most of us would want to have, or wish to do. You’d think that the Risen Christ would use something else to dispel the doubts of the disciples in today’s Gospel reading (Luke 24:35-48). He uses the breaking of bread to open the minds of two disciples travelling to Emmaus. Now he uses his wounds to quell the doubts of others. Even his startling and sudden appearance among them isn’t enough to rid them of doubt. But in his wounds they recognise him. Needless to say, these aren’t any old wounds. They are the wounds the world inflicts on those who love God above all else. They are the wounds of those who proclaim God’s truth even when it threatens powerful vested interests. They are the wounds of those who live for others more than for themselves. They are the wounds of those who don’t count cost. They are wounds that once accepted are healed and become a source of health for others. We carry them with us in life, but they carry us into eternity. Resembling Jesus means facing the foe within our own gilded Gethsemanes; forgiving the tormentors who crucify us daily on our petty Golgothas; defeating the demons of our imaginings in the wilderness of our making; and in the longings of a lonely heart in prayer before God.
Fr Tom Cahill SVD

Parish Bereavement Support
St. Patrick’s Parish Bereavement Support Group offers one-to-one support to bereaved parishioners. Confidentiality guaranteed. Members of the Group are in attendance at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre on Monday evenings between 7.30pm and 9pm. Please feel free to telephone 086 162 9089 for further details.

Questions People Ask
Q. What is baptism of desire? Can I apply baptism of desire to my grandchildren who have not been baptised?
A. Baptism of desire refers to the salvation of people who died without being baptised with water but whose desire for Christ was implicit in the way they lived according to the principles of Christian morality. Your desire for your grandchildren does not mean they are baptised but it is a prayer to God that they will one day come to know Jesus and accept him into their lives. A prayer made with great love will surely be answered.
Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

Pray for the Deceased
Recently Deceased: Margaret Layton, Beechpark. Michael Duggan, Lord Edward Street. Sean Murray, Dean Cavanagh Place. Esther Cantwell, Clonmel. Mary O’Gorman, Kilcreen Road. Prayers at 6.00pm on Sunday at her brother’s house in Clarabricken followed by removal to St. Canice’s Church. Requiem Mass at 11am on Monday followed by burial in Danesfort Cemetery.
Months Mind: Sr. Genevieve Brennan (Sat 7.00).
Anniversaries: Frank O’Brien (Sat 6.15), John Byrne (Sun 10.00), Michael Gaule (Sun 10.30), Mary Glennon (Sun 11.00), John Hennessy (Sun 12.30), Des Hehir (Tue 9.30), Pierce A. Grace (Wed 9.30), Mary & Eddie O’Keeffe (Wed 10.30), Brigid O’Carroll (Thurs 10.30), Mary Cantwell (Fri 10.30), Katie O’Neill, Brigid Cantwell, Noel O’Dwyer, Mairead Dowling, Michael & Catherine Doherty, Jimmy Maher, Michael O’Hara, Ellen & Patrick Moran, James Morris, Johnny Murphy, Patrick Browne, Mary Brennan, Joe Kelly, Billy Dwan.
Intentions for next weekend: Neil Cooke (Month’s Mind Sat 6.15). Fintan Brennan (Birthday Remembrance Sat 7.00). Michael Lawlor (Sun 9.30), Mary Barry (Sun 10.00), Patrick Foley Snr & Patrick Foley Jnr (Sun 11.00), Mary Carroll (Fri 10.30).

Parish Shop
There are a number of items for sale in the Parish shop, situated in our Parish Centre, suitable for children receiving the Sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation. Please drop in and have a look - there is no obligation to buy.

Cura
If you are pregnant and distressed and would like to talk to someone in confidence telephone 1850 622 626 or 056 772 2739.
Phone or drop in to the Centre in the grounds of St. Mary’s Cathedral, Kilkenny. Opening Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday 2 - 4pm. Thursday Evenings: 7 - 9pm.

Vocations
On Saturday next, 3rd May the Ossory Vocations Team will have a vocations stand at the Town Hall, Kilkenny from 10am to 4pm. This is to coincide with Vocations Sunday on 3rd May. Please come along and support the work of Vocation Promotion in our Diocese.

St. Patrick’s Parish Draw
The first draw in the new series, April 2009 to March 2010, will take place in our Parish Centre in Tuesday next, 28th, at 8.30pm. You may join in the draw through any of our promoters or, if you wish, by leaving your name and subscription into our Parish Centre or at any of the sacristies. All are welcome to attend the drawing of prizes.

The Pope on YouTube
The publication of Pope Benedict XVI’s Easter message on the YouTube Web site broke the record with its translation into 27 languages.
The message, delivered before the Pope imparted his blessing “Urbi et Orbi” was posted online with subtitles for various languages.
The translation initiative responded to many requests received through the Holy See’s online channel. It is the first time a YouTube video has been posted in as many languages.

Presentation Sisters’ Jubilee
The Presentation Sisters and their collaborators celebrate 2009 as a Jubilee Year, during which they commemorate the 225th anniversary of the death of their foundress, Nano Nagle.
“As we celebrate Nano and her companions, we are invited to fan into flame the gift of God to us in Nano, which is the theme for the year. The launch of the Jubilee Year took place on our founding day, 24th December 2008.
It was on Christmas Eve, 1775 that Nano and her companions Mary Ann Collins, Elizabeth Burke and Mary Fuohy founded the Presentation Sisters. They were women of unbounded compassion, deep contemplation, courage, radical creativity, native shrewdness and zeal for their faith. Nano and her companions suffered great hardships. They expected their little group to flourish but it was quite a while before anyone joined them. They were tireless in their service of the poor and yet they themselves were suffering from bad health. Elizabeth Burke died in 1783 and Nano herself died on 26th April 1784, leaving a very fragile group. Through all this, they maintained hope and did what Nano was to advise them on her death-bed: ‘love one another and spend yourself for the poor’”.
All in St. Patrick’s Parish join in congratulating the Presentation Sisters and in praying God’s blessing on the work which continues to be carried on throughout the world by the dedicated sisters and their collaborators.

Peace and Joy in Every Heart
The Reliquary of St. Therese is at the Carmelite Church, Kildare this weekend: Friday, 24th to Monday, 27th April. Mass Times: Sunday: 10am, 12 noon and 4pm. Monday: 8am, 10am and 11.30am (Schoolchildren) followed by closing ceremony. The Anointing of the Sick and the Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available daily. Our church will remain open 24 hours per day for the duration of the visit.

Do This in Memory...
We welcome this year’s First Holy Communicants and their families to 10.30am and 11.00am Mass today. Not many days now until the big day.

St. Patrick's Brass and Reed Band
St. Patrick’s Parish is delighted to host the St. Patrick's Brass and Reed Band which will provide the sacred music at the 11.00a.m. Mass at St. Patrick's Parish Church on this Sunday, 26th of April. All are welcome to attend where the Band will play enhance the liturgy with their versions of popular hymns.
Another date for the diary is Thursday, 7th of May in the Parochial Church, Leighlinbridge where the Band and Kilkenny Gospel Choir will join forces with local groups in a fund raising concert to purchase instruments for what is soon be the Leighlinbridge Brass Band.

New Parish Envelopes
New Parish Contribution Envelopes are being distributed at the moment. We are grateful to all who use these envelopes or standing orders to contribute to the income of the parish and the priests. These are the sources of income for the parish and its priests.
If you are new to the parish, or haven’t received envelopes in the past and would like to receive them now, then please contact any of the priests or the Parish Office. Once again, thanks to all who support our work.

Time for a New Challenge
Are you interested in becoming a member of ACCORD? Training offered resulting in the awarding of the Certificate in Marriage Education or Higher Diploma in counselling (marriage and relationships).
ACCORD is a voluntary Catholic organisation that aims to promote a deeper understanding of Christian marriage and to offer people the means to safeguard and nourish
their marriage and family relationship.
ACCORD needs the help of committed people to continue its vital work.
Mission Statement: Empowering people, fostering relationships, caring for couples facing the challenges of Christian Marriage. This is the work of ACCORD in today’s world. Please check with your local centre regarding the requirements for counsellors and/or facilitators at this time.
ACCORD has an office in Kilkenny based at St. Mary’s Centre, James Street, Kilkenny. Telephone: 056 772 2674. www.accord.ie

Alzheimer Tea Day
The Alzheimer Society of Ireland will hold their National Tea Day fund raising event on Thursday, 7th May. Would you like to host a Tea Day in your home & invite family and friends/ the work place/community centre, on that day or any day during that week to raise funds for Kilkenny Homecare? If interested contact Marie O’Shea, Homecare coordinator on 086 609 0421 or asikilkenny@alzheimer.ie

Second Sunday of Easter, 19th April 2009

Locked Doors
I don’t know if you’re into symbolism, but try this for size: locked doors that mean nothing to the resurrected Jesus. Signifying security to the disciples, they are of no hindrance whatsoever to the power of Jesus’ resurrection entering that sealed room in today’s Gospel reading (John 20:19-31), or to that same power going out. John doesn’t describe Jesus as walking through the doors. No Hollywood special effects here. He states simply that Jesus ‘came and stood among them’ (v. 19). Such simplicity conveys clearly just how insignificant locked doors are. So how about our ‘locked doors’? God’s word is telling us that God’s power can be with us even though we are locked into ourselves. We don’t have to open them first for God to enter! Just think of that and what it implies! We can burden ourselves with all sorts of baggage on our journey through life. We can lock out people and events from our mind and heart to preserve our sanity or our comfort. We can circle the wagons and live in fear of life’s threats and dangers. We can run from life and its challenges. Our locked doors can be all sorts of things: prejudices, fears, neuroses, mé-féin-ism, anger, whatever. Now this is the important bit of the symbolism. We don’t have to unlock those doors for God to come and stand with us. In fact, we wouldn’t be able to. Mission doesn’t demand perfection. The disciples got their mission behind locked doors. So do we: to proclaim that God stands among us.
Fr Tom Cahill SVD

Questions people ask
Q. Why do the Gospels put such an emphasis on the risen Jesus showing the disciples his hands and feet?
A. The wounds in his hands and side served to remove any doubts as to the identity of Jesus and the reality of his crucifixion. The Lord invited Thomas to touch his wounds and in doing so, Thomas made the highest act of faith by anybody in the Bible. There is a message here for people of all times. The risen Lord showed his wounds to let us know that we can meet him in our wounded condition. Many people have experienced a wonderful development of faith in meeting their wounded Lord through their own wounds of pain, failures or addiction.
Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

Pray for the deceased
Recently Deceased: Sr. Joseph Concepta Tarpey, St. Patrick’s Kells Road and Mayo. Funeral Prayer at 2pm on Monday at St. Patrick’s Convent, Kells Road followed by removal to St. Joseph’s Church Foulkstown for Requiem mass at 2.30. Burial in the adjoining cemetery.
Anniversaries: Martin Hoyne (Sat 6.15), Dick Keating (Sat 7.00), Margaret Banahan (Sun 9.30), Pierce Grace (Sun 10.00), Gerry & Mary Coyne (Sun 10.30), Michael O’Reilly (Sun 11.00), Michael & Mary Burke (Sun 12.00), Betty Byrne (Sun 12.30), Mary Muldowney (Mon 9.30), Bridie Murphy (Tues 9.30), Brigid Currid (Tues 10.30), Tobias Butler (Wed 10.30), Wendy Curley, Martin Hoyne, Mary Muldowney, Mary Brennan, William Leahy, Brigid Kelly, Peggy & Michael Bourke, Sean Ryan, Kitty Ryan, Elizabeth Geoghegan, Thomas & Noel Fry, Michael O’Reilly, Kate Coyne, Kitty O’Keeffe, Geraldine Carroll, Bess & Mick Delaney, Goss Murray, Andrew O’Neill, Eileen Hickey.

Intentions for next weekend
Months Mind: Sr. Genevieve Brennan (Sat 7.00)
Anniversaries: Frank O’Brien (Sat 6.15), John Byrne (Sun 10.00), Michael Gaule (Sun 10.30), John Hennessy (Sun 12.30), Mary & Eddie O’Keeffe (Wed 10.30), Mary Cantwell (Fri 10.30)

Eucharistic Ministers
Rotas for the coming year are now available at the sacristies of all three churches. Please take yours from where you minister.

100 years young
All in the Parish join with the priests in wishing Sr. Marie Joseph Fleming a very happy 100th birthday. The celebrations for this big day were mighty.

Trócaire Boxes
Thanks to all who took Trocaire boxes and used them during lent. You can now return your box to any of the sacristies or to the parish centre.

Parish Envelopes
Parish contribution envelopes are currently being distributed and thanks to all who support our parish by making regular contributions. With a large parish to maintain and run and a parish centre to pay for, were grateful for all the support we get.
Some areas of our parish have no distributor and if anyone can help in these areas delivering contribution boxes, we’d be most grateful. The areas are Clongowan and Parcnagowan, Shellumsrath, Kells Road, Cedarwood close and crescent. All others will be posted out in the coming week.
Don’t forget, if you currently don’t receive an envelope for contributions and would like to, then please contact the parish office or any of the priests.

Tax Reclaim
As a registered charity, St. Patrick’s Parish is entitled to claim back income tax from the revenue commissioners on contributions from PAYE workers that are over €250 per year (€5 per week). This reclaim is at no extra expense to the contributor. If you have received one of these forms then please complete it and return it to us. Much appreciated !

St. Fiacre’s Garden
Work will commence shortly on the new garden at the parish centre in Loughboy. The garden, when finished will consist of seating benches, a water feature and various shrubbery.
In order to get this off the ground, a number of volunteers (particularly able bodied men) are required to help with the preparation of the ground. If you are handy about the garden and would like to help out, then leave your name at reception.

St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society
The next meeting of the St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society will take place on Friday, 8th May 2009. The Society prays for vocations to the priesthood and religious life in our diocese. New members very welcome.

Back to Normal
After the Easter break, everything returns to its normal schedule. Our morning masses return to 9.30 in St. Patrick’s and 10.30 in St. Fiacre’s. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament takes place on Monday’s in St. fiacre’s from 11am to 10 and in St. Patrick’s on Fridays from 10 am to 1pm and 4 pm to 9pm.

Diabetes Management
“Step by Step Diabetes Management – easy ways to make a difference” on Sunday 26th April at 2.00pm at the Tower Hotel, Waterford. A number of informative speakers will address the conference. Free Admission. All Welcome. Hosted by The Waterford Branch.

Alzheimer Tea Day
The Alzheimer Society of Ireland will hold their national Tea Day fund raising event on Thursday, 7th May. Would you like to host a Tea Day in your home/work place/community centre & invite family and friends on that day or any day during that week to raise funds for Kilkenny Homecare. If interested contact Marie O’Shea Homecare coordinator on 086 609 0421 or asikilkenny@alzheimer.ie

Easter Sunday, 12th April 2009

Happy Easter!
The priests join in wishing all in St. Patrick’s Parish a very happy and holy Easter. May the joy of Easter be with you and yours in the year ahead.
Thanks to the many who joined in our celebrations of the Lord’s Passion, Death and Resurrection over the past few days.
We appreciate all of the help we received from various people in the preparation and celebration of the liturgies. To all who minister in our parish we say a big thank you.

Easter Sunday Night
St. Patrick’s Parish Lourdes Committee holds it’s annual Easter Sunday Night fundraising dance and cabaret at Springhill Court Hotel. The night has always been most enjoyable and the occasion presents an opportunity for camaraderie and mingling for parishioners and friends alike. Music is by Cupla and commences at 9pm. Admission is only €10. Seven deserving people from the parish are being sent to Lourdes this year thanks to year long fundraising by the committee and the generosity of their fellow parishioners and your support on the night would be greatly appreciated. Tickets are available from any committee member or on the door on Easter Sunday night.

Trócaire Family Fast Boxes
Jesus is Risen! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Our Lenten journey is ended. As Christians around the world celebrate Christ’s resurrection we remember in a special way our brothers and sisters who are displaced from their homes as a result of conflict. All during this Lent we have stood in solidarity with them. Trócaire asks that if you have not already done so, you return your Trócaire box or donation to the Parish this coming Sunday, 19th April. In doing so, you will help bring new life and new hope to those in our world who are most in need of our compassion and care. Trocaire thanks you for your generosity this Lent.

Pray for the deceased
Recently Deceased: Anne O’Dwyer, 27 The Weir and late of “Rose Villa”, Callan Road. Funeral prayers at her home on Monday at 10.30am followed by removal to St. John’s Church for Requiem Mass at 11.30am. Burial at Foulkstown Cemetery. Michael Joseph Battle, Aylesbury, Freshford Road. Funeral prayers at his residence at 6.00pm on Sunday followed by removal to St. Canice’s Church. Requiem Mass at 11am on Monday followed by private cremation. Eleanor Doheny, Tullaroan.
Months Mind: Michael Tynan, late of The Paddocks and John’s Bridge: St. Mary’s Cathedral Sunday, 19th April at 5.30pm.
Anniversaries: Josephine O’Neill (Sun 10.00), Jim & Tom Phelan (Sun 12.00), Ellen Mullins (Mon 11.00), Patrick Morris (Sat 9.30), Brigid Currid, Kitty, Paddy & Billy Cleere, Martin & Elizabeth Brennan, Maisie Keogh, Martin Murphy, Kathleen Daly, Patrick Walsh, Kathleen Comerford, William Nugent, William Maher, Patrick Delaney, Fr. Joe Cuddy, Arthur Connick, Annie Connick, Elizabeth McGrath, Michael Malone.
Intentions for next weekend: Martin Hoyne (Sat 6.15), Dick Keating (Sat 7.00), Margaret Banahan (Sun 9.30), Pierce Grace (Sun 10.00), Gerry & Mary Coyne (Sun 10.30), Michael O’Reilly (Sun 11.00), Michael & Mary Burke (Sun 12.00), Betty Byrne (Sun 12.30).

Questions people ask
Q. What is the origin of the name of Easter?
A. Easter is a word derived from the springtime celebration of the Anglo-Saxon goddess, Eastre, whose name came from the word ‘east’, which originally meant the dawn. So, the name expresses how a Christian feast gives a new meaning to an ancient pagan festival. In Latin and the languages derived from it, the feast is called Pascha, coming from the Hebrew Pasch or Passover. The Irish name, an chaisc, also comes from pascha. We celebrate Easter on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the spring equinox.
Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

Divine Mercy Sunday
Next Sunday, 19th April, is Divine Mercy Sunday. There will be special devotions at the Capuchin Friary, Kilkenny from 2.00pm to 5.pm. Please join us.

New Parish Envelopes
New Parish Contribution Envelopes will be distributed in the coming weeks. We are grateful to all who use these envelopes or Standing Orders to contribute to the income of the parish and the priests. These are the chief sources of income for the parish and its priests.
If you are new to the parish, or haven’t received envelopes in the past and would like to receive them now, then please contact any of the priests or the Parish Office. Once again, thanks to all who support us and the work we do.

Book on St. Mary’s Cathedral
The Story of a Dream, by Ray Cleere, published to mark the 150th Anniversary of St. Mary's Cathedral, is now on sale. Book available at Kilkenny Book Shops, St. Kieran's College, Rothe House, Watergate Theatre. Cost €10.00

Concert
Concert St. John's Church Thursday, 16th April at 8.00pm in aid of Richard Quirke Support Fund. Richard needs intensive rehabilitation following serious head injuries. Among the artists are: Tukola Gospel Choir, Castlecomer Male Choir, Brendan Hackett and other classical artists.
Tickets from Manning Travel or at door. Cost €15.00

Diabetes Management
“Step by Step Diabetes Management – easy ways to make a difference” on Sunday 26th April at 2.00pm at the Tower Hotel, Waterford. A number of informative speakers will address the conference. Free Admission. All Welcome. Hosted by The Waterford Branch.

Alzheimer Tea Day
The Alzheimer Society of Ireland will hold their national Tea Day fund raising event on Thursday, 7th May. Would you like to host a Tea Day in your home/work place/community centre & invite family and friends on that day or any day during that week to raise funds for Kilkenny Homecare. If interested contact Marie O’Shea Homecare coordinator on 086 609 0421 or asikilkenny@alzheimer.ie

IHCPT Pilgrimage to Lourdes
Fr. Dan and a number of parishioners leave early on Sunday morning with the Irish Pilgrimage Trust pilgrimage to Lourdes. Over 5,000 young people with special needs and their helpers will spend the next five days in Lourdes. Web surfers can watch live the celebration of the Mass from the Basilica of Saint Pius X in the Sanctuary at 9.00am (GMT) on next Thursday morning by going to www.lourdes-france.org and following the links for Lourdes TV.

Mass During Easter Week
Please note the only public Mass in the parish during the coming week (Monday to Saturday) will be at St. Patrick’s Church 11.00am each day. Mass will not be celebrated at St. Fiacre’s Church.

Blessed Sacrament Exposition
Exposition will continue as usual at St. Fiacre’s Church from 11.00am to 10.00pm on Monday and at St. Patrick’s Church from 11.00am to 12.00 noon and from 4.00pm to 9.00pm. All are welcome to come and join in prayer.

St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society
The next meeting of the St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society will take place on Friday, 8th May 2009. The Society prays for vocations to the priesthood and religious life in our diocese. New members very welcome.

Not Seeing Is Believing
Is seeing really believing? Well, in the case of the ‘other disciple’ in today’s Gospel reading it’s what he doesn’t see that convinces him: Jesus’ corpse. He doesn’t see the Resurrection. What he does see is the results of it in his new depth of faith in Jesus as the Risen Christ, and later in the formation of Christian communities that the Resurrection brings about. This is the two-edged sword of God’s word at work – one edge being the positive, and the other the negative. The seeing, and the not seeing. The seeing something new in ourselves or in others, which wasn’t there before, or at least in the same way or to the same degree; something that indicates growth, that points to the Spirit at work within us. The Spirit that transformed Jesus of Nazareth to the Risen Christ is the same Spirit at work within us individually and collectively. It is the Spirit that gives new life. When we open ourselves to the Spirit’s influence we too are transformed. Gone is the old self with its pride and selfishness, with its anger and resentment, with its backbiting and constant criticizing, and with its jealousies and lusts.Let us hurry to peek inside the sepulchre of our old self and surprise ourselves by what we do not see there. Then let us fall on our knees in gratitude to God for what he has done, in spite of ourselves. Jesus lives! We are living proof of that – often more than we realise, or dare hope to be.

Palm Sunday, 5th April 2009

Fast-forwarding Pain
Why fast-forward Jesus’ suffering and death to Palm Sunday? Why can’t we wait for Good Friday? Today’s celebration is joyous, even triumphal. Why spoil it by anticipating Jesus’ suffering and death? Strange that Christianity, a religion of joy, can’t celebrate today’s joyous event without insisting on a long reading of Jesus’ suffering and death in its liturgy. Today’s First Reading says, ‘the Lord has opened my ear’ – and I hear a question: Why not allow Jesus his moment of glory, and us our moment of joy? For a moment only it is. The triumph doesn’t last long. We know that. Time enough to focus on suffering when Good Friday comes. Then it would have even greater impact as we moved from the exuberance of Palm Sunday and the cosiness of Holy Thursday to the horror of Good Friday, then soar to the elation of Easter Sunday. Too quickly focusing on suffering, perhaps thinking it God-willed, presents a false image of God. Anyone inclined to do so should recall God’s words to the prophet Ezekiel, ‘Say to them, “As I live,” says the Lord God, “I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked but that the wicked turn from their ways and live …”’ Neither, does God take pleasure in the sinner’s suffering. And most definitely, not in his Son’s. It’s important that we be people of joy, even when faced with suffering. Let us celebrate joy exclusively when the occasion merits it. Palm Sunday is one such occasion.
Fr Tom Cahill SVD

Westcourt News
The April Mass for the canonization of Blessed Edmund Rice will be celebrated in Westcourt on Monday, 6th April at 7.30pm. The members of Callan Credit Union are preparing the liturgy for this Mass. All are cordially invited to join in this celebration.

Rosary
The rosary will be recited at the statue of Our Lady of Kilkenny, James’ Green on this Sunday, 5th April at 3pm. All welcome.

Questions People Ask
Q. Was there any special reason why people chose palm branches to welcome Jesus to Jerusalem?
A. The date palm, valued for its nutritious fruit, was depicted on the walls of the Temple. A palm tree grows as a single trunk, tall and straight. At the top it spreads out a crown of fronds or short branches which bear leaves and fruit. Its upright standing inspired the psalmist to picture the just flourishing like the palm tree. It is a symbol of prayer, as one stands before God, with arms outstretched and bearing fruit. In the Apocalypse the Christian martyrs are clad in white garments, waving palm branches before the throne of God. We speak of the palm of martyrdom.
Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

Pray for Our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Neil Cooke, 22 Marble Crest. Funeral prayers at Hehir’s Funeral Home at 6.15pm on Monday followed by removal to Gowran Church. Requiem Mass on Tuesday at 11am followed by burial at Gowran Cemetery. Rosary at Hehir’s Funeral Home at 8pm on Sunday. Larry Malone, Wellington Square & Dublin. Geoff Nolan, Newmarket.
Months Mind: Johanna Fanning (Sun 12.30). Mick Brophy.
Anniversaries: Oliver Kelly (Sat 6.15), Denis Kavanagh (Sat 7.00), Ellen Pattison (Sun 9.30), Eileen Byrne (Sun 10.00), Margaret (Daisy) Phelan, Dr. W.J. Phelan, Moya Bligh (Sun 11.00), Brigid Currid (Mon 6:15), John & Mary Conway (Tues 6.15), Pat Holohan, Patrick Shortall, Johnny Cullen., Kathleen Esmonde, Laurence O’Donoghue, Christina Walsh, Bridget Donnelly, Patrick Massey, Ellen & Alan Kelly.

Mass for Lent
Thanks to all who attended the extra 6.15pm Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church during Lent. Please note there will not be a 6.15pm Mass on Wednesday to enable priests and people attend the Chrism Mass at the cathedral.

Holy Week Ceremonies
We appeal to all to make a special effort to join with our Christian Community in celebrating Holy Week. We have a wide range of celebrations at various times in our parish and we invite you to come along. We particularly invite all to the Solemn Easter Vigil on Saturday evening. This should be the highlight of the year for those who believe that Christ died for our sins and rose again to save us from eternal damnation.

Chrism Mass
The annual Chrism Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Cathedral on Wednesday, 8th April at 7.30pm. Sacred Oils, for use in the diocese during the coming year, will be consecrated during the liturgy. Bishop Séamus invites all to attend.

Family Liturgy
Practice for the Family Liturgy during will take place in St. Fiacre’s Church on Wednesday, 8th April at 6.15pm. During this practice we will prepare the music, readings and prayers for Holy Thursday and for Easter Sunday. All are welcome.

Eucharistic Adoration
Because of the public holidays there will not be any Eucharistic Adoration on Friday, 10th April (Good Friday) or on Monday, 13th April (Easter Monday).

St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society
The next meeting of the St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society will take place on Friday, 8th May 2009. There will be no meeting on Friday, 10th April as it is Good Friday. New members very welcome.

Do This In Memory...
We welcome those from schools within our parish who are preparing to receive First Holy Communion and their families to our 10.30am and 11am Masses this weekend. Only a few short weeks until the great day.

Easter Sunday Night
St. Patrick’s Parish Lourdes Fund holds it’s annual Easter Sunday Night fundraising dance and cabaret at Springhill Court Hotel. The night has always been most enjoyable and the occasion presents an opportunity for camaraderie and mingling for parishioners and friends alike. Music is by Cupla and commences at 9pm. Admission is €10. Seven deserving people from the parish are being sent to Lourdes this year thanks to year long fundraising by the committee and the generosity of their fellow parishioners and your support on the night would be greatly appreciated. Tickets are available from any committee member, the Parish Centre or on the door on Easter Sunday night.

James Stephens Camogie Club
All U8s and U10s are welcome to training starting Monday, 6th April in Nuncio Road at 6-7pm. To our old members, welcome back: to anyone who is interested in playing, you will be most welcome. Any queries, please contact Ann Mulholland on 085 153 3200 or Helena O’Rourke on 086 271 6935.

New Parish Envelopes
New Parish Contribution Envelopes will be distributed in the coming weeks. We are grateful to all who use these envelopes or Standing Orders to contribute to the income of the parish and the priests. These are the chief sources of income for the parish and its priests.
If you are new to the parish, or haven’t received envelopes in the past and would like to receive them now, then please contact any of the priests or the Parish Office. Once again, thanks to all who support us and the work we do.

Parish Draw
Thanks to all who supported the parish draw. A comprehensive financial report is being prepared for next week’s newsletter.

Mother Mary Aikenhead
All in the parish join in congratulating the Religious Sisters of Charity and their collaborators at St. Patrick’s Centre, Kells Road as they celebrate the 150th anniversary of the death of their foundress Mother Mary Aikenhead. The sisters and their staff have provided an invaluable service to the local community for 130 years.

Monster Easter Egg Raffle
A Monster Easter Egg Raffle in aid of the St. Vincent de Paul Society will be held on Easter Saturday in the charity shop Fred's Fashions, Butts Green, Kilkenny. Tickets on sale from the shop at €2 a strip or 3 for €5. Telephone 056 770 2637. If you are not in you can't win. Happy Easter.

Work in St. Patrick’s Church
St. Patrick’s Church has been further enhanced by the fitting of a new sanctuary carpet during the week. This completes the redecorating programme begun last year.
Work continues on the installation of the reconditioned pipe organ. While the project will not be complete the organ will be in use during the Holy Week and Easter liturgies.

Kilkenny Medugorje Pilgrimage
Saturday, 30th May to Saturday, 6th June. Spiritual Director with group. Coach to airport. Cost €669 inclusive. Bookings: 056 776 5840, 086 882 5622.

Parish Centre Hours
The Parish Centre will be closed on Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Weekend including the Bank Holiday. Groups that use our facilities on these days are asked to take note. The priests can always be contacted by dialling 056 776 4400 and following the auto prompts.

Vocations Year Pilgrimage 2009
You are invited to join a pilgrimage to Ars, Taize, La Salette, Paray Le Monial and Lyon from 7th - 14th September. All in price of €775. Directors: Fr. Willie Purcell, Fr. Ray Dempsey and Fr. Tom Corcoran. Booking: Manning Travel Kilkenny, High Street Kilkenny. Telephone: 056 772 2950 / 772 1096.

Trócaire
As we have journeyed together this Lent we have prayed in solidarity with the 26 million people who have been displaced as a result of conflict around the world. We have heard their stories and found out some of the ways Trócaire seeks to be beacons of light for these our most vulnerable brothers and sisters. Today we invite you once again to consider Somalia and to hear an important invitation from Trócaire around a way you can help. Please sign Trócaire’s campaign postcards available from Maynooth (01 629 3333) or sign online at www.trocaire.org. In doing so you are showing your desire to stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in need.