Take It or Leave It
There’s very much a take-it-or-leave it approach evident in today’s Gospel (John 6:60-69). There’s no attempt at gentle persuasion. Jesus has just told the Jews that he is the living bread from heaven and that anyone who eats it will live forever. Does he think that the Jews will jump for joy at hearing this? Strangely, instead of laughing him to scorn, or just turning their back on him as a crackpot, as you might expect, they dispute among themselves what he means. Now why would they do that? Why would they take seriously someone who makes so outlandish a claim? Two reasons perhaps. First, there’s something about Jesus that demands he be taken seriously, no matter what. There’s an intensity of presence, charisma and power in him tat tells you he’s not the type to make nonsensical statements. Whatever about his statements being enigmatic, you know they can never be idiotic. Therefore, the Jews take him seriously and try to understand him. Second reason: his works. Jesus has publicly performed works of extraordinary power. Miracles we call them. Because we’ve not experienced directly such works ourselves we cannot fully appreciate their effect. Just imagine it you witnessed someone performing even one of the healings attributed to Jesus would you not be totally gobsmacked? Would you not take seriously every utterance of such a person? Jesus presents his followers with a take-it-or-leave-it claim. Why? Because if what he has done does not convince, then words won’t either. As St. Francis noted, we should preach the gospel at all times, using words when necessary.
Fr. Tom Cahill SVD
St. Fiacre’s Garden
There have been many complimentary comments about the recently planted gardens around the Parish Centre. We now need to keep it in condition and are dependant on volunteers for this task.
We appeal to those with an interest in gardening and with a little time to spare to attend an initial meeting at the Parish Centre on Monday evening at 7.30pm. All welcome.
There’s very much a take-it-or-leave it approach evident in today’s Gospel (John 6:60-69). There’s no attempt at gentle persuasion. Jesus has just told the Jews that he is the living bread from heaven and that anyone who eats it will live forever. Does he think that the Jews will jump for joy at hearing this? Strangely, instead of laughing him to scorn, or just turning their back on him as a crackpot, as you might expect, they dispute among themselves what he means. Now why would they do that? Why would they take seriously someone who makes so outlandish a claim? Two reasons perhaps. First, there’s something about Jesus that demands he be taken seriously, no matter what. There’s an intensity of presence, charisma and power in him tat tells you he’s not the type to make nonsensical statements. Whatever about his statements being enigmatic, you know they can never be idiotic. Therefore, the Jews take him seriously and try to understand him. Second reason: his works. Jesus has publicly performed works of extraordinary power. Miracles we call them. Because we’ve not experienced directly such works ourselves we cannot fully appreciate their effect. Just imagine it you witnessed someone performing even one of the healings attributed to Jesus would you not be totally gobsmacked? Would you not take seriously every utterance of such a person? Jesus presents his followers with a take-it-or-leave-it claim. Why? Because if what he has done does not convince, then words won’t either. As St. Francis noted, we should preach the gospel at all times, using words when necessary.
Fr. Tom Cahill SVD
St. Fiacre’s Garden
There have been many complimentary comments about the recently planted gardens around the Parish Centre. We now need to keep it in condition and are dependant on volunteers for this task.
We appeal to those with an interest in gardening and with a little time to spare to attend an initial meeting at the Parish Centre on Monday evening at 7.30pm. All welcome.
Question People Ask
Q. How can anyone today take St. Paul seriously when he says that the husband is the head of his wife and wives should submit to their husbands in everything?
A. To be fair to Paul read the full passage in Ephesians 3:21-32. Paul makes even greater demands on the husband. ‘Husbands should love their wives just as Christ loved the Church and sacrificed himself for hoer to make her holy.’ In fact, Paul was a pioneer in advocating the equality of male and female because he recognised how Christ Jesus destroyed the inequalities between Jew and Gentile, between slave and free, between male and female, ‘for you are all one in Christ Jesus’ (Gal 3:28)
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
Costello for King of the Castle!
James Stephen’s GAA Club and St Patrick’s Parish have joined forces and are gearing up for a major fund raiser in the months of September and October. The three city GAA clubs, James Stephen’s, O’Loughlin Gaels and Dicksboro, have agreed on a novel ‘King of the Castle’ fund-raising drive, from which all money generated will be split 50:50 between the clubs and their nominated charities. Each club must nominate a candidate: Michael Costello of Wallslough will represent ‘The Village’, in this first ever King of the Castle competition. To be crowned King, Mr Costello must raise the most money, beating off rivals from O’Loughlin’s and Dicksboro. Michael (‘Mickie’ or ‘Coss’) is a well known, hugely respected and loved parishioner. He has worked tirelessly for over 50 years on numerous parish causes. He has always been first to put himself forward for hard work and has given many long hours with great drive and more importantly his roguish personality brings out the very best in others.
We are currently seeking volunteers to help with Michael’s campaign. Please contact one of the following Tadhg Donohoe 087 980 4783; Pat Millea 086 803 4258 or Fr. Dan 087 907 7769 and help make a Village man King of the Castle.
Pray for the Deceased
Recently Deceased: Noreen O’Halloran, Grangemocker: Requiem Mass at St. Mary’s Church, Grangemocker at 10am on Sunday. Michael Ruth, England. Catherine Brophy (nee Kennedy), James Green who died in Australia,
Anniversaries: Tom & Michael Casserly (Sat 6.15), Moscow Larkin (Sat 7.00), Michael White (Sun 9.30), James Rhatigan (Sun 10.30), Hugh McCorry (Sun 11.00), Della Harney (Sun 12.00), Enda Coady (Sun 12.30), James Delaney, (Tues 9.30), Catherine Marnell (Thurs 10.30), Jack Bolger, Joseph O’Shea, William & Mary Kingston, Ann Dwan, Kitty Mullins, Josephine McKenna, Phelim Arnold, Pat Murray Lavendar, Daisy Quinn, Richard & Anna De Loughry, Christopher & Mary Ryan, Evelyn Costello, Molly Browne, Sheila & George Mastino, Bob, Glenn & Margie Brady, Marie Kealy Carson, Martin Ward.
Intentions for Next Weekend: Mary & Paul Cody, Bill Marnell (Sat 6.15), Patrick Mullen (Sat 7.00), Ben Delahunty (Sun 9.30), Jim Ryan (Sun 10.00), Patty Mulhall (Sun 10.30), Michael Ruth (Sun 11.00); James Bambrick (Sun 12.00), Jacqueline Rainey (Sun 12.30).
May they their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen.
Parish Draw
The August Draw will be held at the Parish Centre at 8.30pm on Tuesday. All welcome to come along and watch the drawing of prizes - there will be a special draw for those in attendance. Promoters are asked to return tickets and money before the draw.
Parish Finance Committee
Members are asked to attend a short meeting at the Parish Centre on Tuesday evening at 8.00pm.
Photo Exhibition
Currently running in Kilkenny Castle is a photo exhibition entitled: ‘Kilkenny and the Great War.’ It features photos of Kilkenny people who fought in World War One. Well worth a look.
Golf Classic
The Annual St. Vincent de Paul Golf Classic will take place in Kilkenny Golf Club on Wednesday, 26th August 2009. Teams of three with entry of €25 per person. Bookings on www.kilkennygolf.com or telephone 056 776 5400. A great day assured for a worthy local cause. Please support.
Clothing Appeal
Dochas Nasamu – Our Irish Run orphanage which is situated in Ikumbi, Nairobi, Kenya is holding a used-clothing appeal for the orphans and their extended families. We are appealing for used ladies, gents and kids clothes, shoes, household lines i.e. towels, sheets, blankets etc. For collection on Wednesday, 26th August, at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre, before 12 noon. For further information. Please contact Marie at 087 689 0995.
Loughboy Library
1. “Blast Off with Books” - completed cards to be returned by August 31st to be invited to the landing party in mid-September.
2. “Loughboy Library Writers Circle” - meets on Thursdays at 2pm. All welcome.
3. Check out the “Starting School” book display for tips on first day blues!
Exposition of Blessed Sacrament
“I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.” (John 6: 35)
The Blessed Sacrament is exposed for worship at St. Fiacre’s Church on Mondays from 11am until 10pm and at St. Patrick’s Church on Fridays from 10am until 1pm and 4pm until 9pm.
Many parishioners have generously undertaken to sit and pray before the Blessed Sacrament for specific lengths of time during these hours. More volunteers are welcome: please contact the Parish Office if you could spare a particular hour during these times. Of course if you cannot commit to a particular time each week please feel free to drop in for some quiet prayer at any time.
St. Fiacre’s Well and Annual Novena
St. Fiacre’s Holy Well is situated a few kilometres out the Bennettsbridge Road. Tradition has it that St. Fiacre founded a hermitage in the area and lived there in the 6th century. Since that time people have been going to the site seeking God’s help through the intercession of the saint.
The annual novena prayers begin at the well at 8.00pm on Saturday, 22nd August and continue each evening at the same time.
The novena will conclude with public prayers at the well at 3.00pm on next Sunday followed by the celebration of Mass. All are encouraged to make this a special time of prayer in our parish.
Gluten Intolerance and Communion
People with gluten intolerance (coeliac condition) are invited to approach the altar at the same time as the Ministers of Holy Communion, i.e. before general distribution of Communion. Please stand with the Ministers of Holy Communion. You will then be offered Holy Communion from the chalice.
Otherwise, having approached the altar in the general line for Communion, bypass the priest/minister and receive from the chalice on the altar. We welcome your full participation in our Eucharistic celebrations.
S.O.S. Church Gate Collection
S.O.S. (Kilkenny) Ltd. will hold a church gate collection this weekend. S.O.S. is based in our parish and provides sheltered workshops and accommodation for people with an intellectual disability. Please support.
Prayer for Employment
God, our Father,
I turn to You seeking Your Divine help and
guidance as I look for suitable employment.
I need Your wisdom to guide my footsteps
along the right path, and to lead me to find
the proper things to say and do in this quest.
I wish to use the gifts and talents You have
given me, but I need the opportunity to do
so with gainful employment.
Do not abandon me, dear Father, in this
search, but rather grant me this favour I
seek so that I may return to You with praise
and thanksgiving for your gracious
assistance.
Grant this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Toothy Grin
While helping a social services group that delivers lunches to the elderly, I used to take my four-year-old daughter on my afternoon rounds. She was unfailingly intrigued by the various appliances of old age, particularly the canes, walkers and wheelchairs.
One day I found her staring at a pair of false teeth soaking in a glass. As I braced myself
for the inevitable barrage of questions, she merely turned and whispered, “The tooth fairy will never believe this!”
God, our Father,
I turn to You seeking Your Divine help and
guidance as I look for suitable employment.
I need Your wisdom to guide my footsteps
along the right path, and to lead me to find
the proper things to say and do in this quest.
I wish to use the gifts and talents You have
given me, but I need the opportunity to do
so with gainful employment.
Do not abandon me, dear Father, in this
search, but rather grant me this favour I
seek so that I may return to You with praise
and thanksgiving for your gracious
assistance.
Grant this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Toothy Grin
While helping a social services group that delivers lunches to the elderly, I used to take my four-year-old daughter on my afternoon rounds. She was unfailingly intrigued by the various appliances of old age, particularly the canes, walkers and wheelchairs.
One day I found her staring at a pair of false teeth soaking in a glass. As I braced myself
for the inevitable barrage of questions, she merely turned and whispered, “The tooth fairy will never believe this!”
