Hobson’s Choice?
Today’s Gospel makes you wonder what on earth possessed Jesus to choose the ones he did to become his disciples. He’s teaching them vitally important matters but not only do they mot understand what he is saying, they’re afraid even to ask him what he means. Why? Could they fear that he may tire of them and look for others more intelligent to replace them as his disciples?
Though slow on the uptake, they’re quick on the draw. Self-seeking calculation has them bickering about which of them is top dog. Not only are they a bit dense they’re also small-time glory seekers. Could any group of people be less likely candidates to become Jesus’ disciples!
Yet, he chose them knowing their calibre, and knowing what he was doing. Amazing! Even more amazing is the change in them after Jesus’ death and resurrection, a change that sees them proclaiming a most profound message and establishing a faith-community that has spread throughout the world down to this present day. It was also a change that produced in them total commitment to God even to the point of death.
Brining it closed to home is it not equally amazing the type of people God still calls today to do his work? I don’t mean priests and religious primarily but parents. What more precious task could be entrusted to a human being than to bring another into this world and introduce them to God?
We too can be dense and self-seeking, yet God has chosen us. How has the gift of life changed us?
Fr. Tom Cahill SVD
Questions People Ask
Q. What are the Sacraments of Christian Initiation?
A. Most religions have ceremonies of initiation to mark stages of belonging to the group. We recognise Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist as three stages of union with Jesus and the fullness of Christian life. Pope John Paul II wrote that the participation of people in the mission of Christ finds its source in Baptism, its further development in Confirmation and its realisation and dynamic sustenance in the Holy Eucharist.
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM
Pray for the Deceased
Recently Deceased: Seán O’Keeffe, Larchfield. Mary Kelly, Fr. Walsh Close. Peggy Conheeney, England. Pat White (nee Byrne), England.
Months Mind: Sr. Patrice Norman (Sat 7.00), Phil O’Neill (Sun 10.00).
Anniversaries: Catherine & John Alley (Sat 6.15), Margaret Jones (Sun 11.00), Stella O’Rourke (Sun 12.00), Paddy Johnston (Sun 12.30), Maeve, Stephen, Shane & Allan Byrne (Fri 10.30), Paddy Larkin, Jimmy Owens, Margaret Jones, Margaret Morris, Kathleen Murphy, Ger Kavanagh, Syd & Elizabeth Bluett, Eileen Browne, William Hickey.
Intentions for next weekend: The Byrne Family (Sat 6.15), Patrick Traynor (Sat 7.00), Margaret Brennan (Sun 10.00), Julia Foley (Sun 12.30),
Do This In Memory
At 10.30am and 11.00am Mass on this Sunday we welcome the candidates who will receive First Holy Communion next May and June. We also welcome their parents and family members.
On this first Sunday of the programme the children, their parents and the parish community will be invited to make a commitment to the parish preparation programme. The community of faith will be asked to journey with the families as the children prepare to receive the Eucharist for the first time.
Society of St. Vincent de Paul
The monthly collection for the local conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul will be taken up at all Masses this weekend. Please support this local charity.
Members of the Society may be contacted at the St. Patrick’s Parish Centre on Monday evenings from 8pm or on their dedicated telephone line 087 681 0589.
Volunteer Gardeners
We now have three volunteers looking after St. Patrick’s Church grounds and we’re grateful. We need more volunteers for St. Fiacre’s Gardens. Any takers?
Altar Servers Recruits
We are reaching the time of year again where we recruit servers for the coming year. These young people provide a valuable assistance at weekend Masses as well as funerals and other occasions.
This year we are doing things a little bit differently. Recruitment will be done through the churches rather than the schools. This will hopefully ensure that those who are serving are regular Mass goers which is essential as they will be serving Mass.
Those who currently serve and those who wish to begin should take an application form which must be signed by parents/guardians. Forms are available in the sacristy from this weekend.
We will recruit for a number of weeks and when all forms are returned, we will begin putting the new rota together. Please continue using the present rota until the new one comes out.
Boys and girls from fourth class up can become servers. All that’s needed is an interest in the Mass and a willingness to commit for at least one year.
A word of thanks also to those who have now retired from serving and moved on to secondary school. Your dedicated service is appreciated and we hope that you might consider taking on another ministry such as reader, choir member, Eucharistic Minster, collector in the church at a later date.
Young At Heart
The meeting of the “Young at Heart” Club takes place at the Parish Centre each Wednesday from 2.30pm—4.30pm. Members and new members welcome. Phone Eileen on 056 776 5239 for more details.
Blood Donation Clinic
A Blood Donation Clinic will be held at the Kilkenny Rivercourt Hotel on the following dates: Sunday, 27th September from 11.30am to 3.30pm. Monday 28th, Tuesday 29th, Wednesday 30th, and Thursday, 1st October from 4.30pm to 8.30pm.
King of the Castle
Help Mick Costello, representing our parish and GAA Club, become King of the Castle. This event is a city-wide fundraiser to provide funds for local GAA clubs and their nominated charities. St. Patrick’s Parish Centre has been nominated by James Stephen’s Club and we want to give them as much help as possible. You are asked to support in any way you can.
Field Day
Come along to a great family Field Day at James Stephen’s Hurling Club on this Sunday, 20th September. Join in all the fun:-
Wheel of Fortune Stalls
‘Slap’ the Rat BBQ
Penalty Shoot Out Face Painting
Drive the Nail Much Much More
Horse Shoe Throw Fun Galore!
Fun for all the Family! Free Entry
Football Final on Big Screen!
We are still looking for last minute items for our stalls: Bric a Brack, Plants, Flowers, Bottles, Books, Toys, Cakes. These may be left to the James Stephens Club House on Saturday evening or before the Field Day on Sunday.
Gala Dog Night
There is an urgent need for volunteers from the parish and the GAA club to sell tickets for the forthcoming Dog Night at Kilkenny Greyhound Track. Please help ‘elect’ Mick Costello as King of the Castle. Tickets will be sold between now and the Dog Night on 16th October. Volunteer sellers are asked to meet at the Parish Centre on Thursday evening next at 8pm. Much help is required. Please come along and offer your help. Those willing to help and who are not free on the night should give their names to one of the priests as soon as possible.
Golf Classic
This will take place at Callan Golf Club on Friday, 2nd October. Teams of four: €200 including meal. Time sheet: 8.30am - 2.30pm. Telephone John on 087 217 1934 for tee time.
Costello for King!
Your help is urgently needed. We require volunteers to assist with forthcoming events.
Contact the Parish Office at 056 776 4400.
Middle Deanery Pastoral Council
At the third meeting of the Middle Deanery Pastoral Council of the Forum (MDPC) which took place in Peace in Christ on 16th September, there was much lively discussion about how the MDPC can help and support parishes in the Deanery. The process to choose the Chairperson, Coordinator and Secretary for the group was begun and hopefully will be completed at the next meeting on 21st October.
Would You Like to Volunteer?
Do you have an interest in working with older people? Are you a good listener and able to make a commitment to volunteering 1 to 2 hours per week only? At present we are looking for volunteers who are available Monday to Friday during morning time or afternoons. Please ring Eleanor Doyle, Kilkenny Contact, C/O Fr. McGrath Centre, 056 775 1988 or 086 853 0994 for inquiries.
Activities for Older Adults
A Festival of Activities for Older Adults will take place in the Watershed on Wednesday, 30th of September from 10.30am to 1pm. Activities include Pilates, Fit Walk, Kurling and Boccia and are all free to try on the day. This will be followed by a light lunch in St Patrick's Parish Centre, a talk on garden allotments and aqua aerobics will be available from 3pm to 4pm for anyone who would like to try this activity. For further information, contact the Sports Partnership on 056 772 0870.
Thank You
GROW, Community Mental Health Movement say thanks for your generosity to their annual church gate collection held on 5th/6th September. €2,221 was collected in the City.
Loughboy Library News
Have you ever thought of joining a Book Club? We are a group of ordinary readers who meet on the first Thursday of every month at 11am in the library and our book club is called Riveting Reads. All tastes are catered for and we even have men! All are welcome - just come along on Thursday, 1st October.
Come in and check out our current exhibition from ENFO, the Environmental Information Service. It is called Irish Wildlife and is a photographic exhibition of Irish birds, mammals and insects in their native hapitat5s. On view during normal working hours.
“Blast Off With Books” - well done to all who completed our Summer Reading Challenge and who attended the Landing Party at the Newpark Hotel. Certificates were distributed to all and new group Size2Shoes entertained us well on the night.
Library membership is FREE for unwaged and costs €15 per year for those in full-time employment. The best value in town.
Ministers of the Word
Please let the celebrant know you have arrived before Mass starts.
Today’s Gospel makes you wonder what on earth possessed Jesus to choose the ones he did to become his disciples. He’s teaching them vitally important matters but not only do they mot understand what he is saying, they’re afraid even to ask him what he means. Why? Could they fear that he may tire of them and look for others more intelligent to replace them as his disciples?
Though slow on the uptake, they’re quick on the draw. Self-seeking calculation has them bickering about which of them is top dog. Not only are they a bit dense they’re also small-time glory seekers. Could any group of people be less likely candidates to become Jesus’ disciples!
Yet, he chose them knowing their calibre, and knowing what he was doing. Amazing! Even more amazing is the change in them after Jesus’ death and resurrection, a change that sees them proclaiming a most profound message and establishing a faith-community that has spread throughout the world down to this present day. It was also a change that produced in them total commitment to God even to the point of death.
Brining it closed to home is it not equally amazing the type of people God still calls today to do his work? I don’t mean priests and religious primarily but parents. What more precious task could be entrusted to a human being than to bring another into this world and introduce them to God?
We too can be dense and self-seeking, yet God has chosen us. How has the gift of life changed us?
Fr. Tom Cahill SVD
Questions People Ask
Q. What are the Sacraments of Christian Initiation?
A. Most religions have ceremonies of initiation to mark stages of belonging to the group. We recognise Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist as three stages of union with Jesus and the fullness of Christian life. Pope John Paul II wrote that the participation of people in the mission of Christ finds its source in Baptism, its further development in Confirmation and its realisation and dynamic sustenance in the Holy Eucharist.
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM
Pray for the Deceased
Recently Deceased: Seán O’Keeffe, Larchfield. Mary Kelly, Fr. Walsh Close. Peggy Conheeney, England. Pat White (nee Byrne), England.
Months Mind: Sr. Patrice Norman (Sat 7.00), Phil O’Neill (Sun 10.00).
Anniversaries: Catherine & John Alley (Sat 6.15), Margaret Jones (Sun 11.00), Stella O’Rourke (Sun 12.00), Paddy Johnston (Sun 12.30), Maeve, Stephen, Shane & Allan Byrne (Fri 10.30), Paddy Larkin, Jimmy Owens, Margaret Jones, Margaret Morris, Kathleen Murphy, Ger Kavanagh, Syd & Elizabeth Bluett, Eileen Browne, William Hickey.
Intentions for next weekend: The Byrne Family (Sat 6.15), Patrick Traynor (Sat 7.00), Margaret Brennan (Sun 10.00), Julia Foley (Sun 12.30),
Do This In Memory
At 10.30am and 11.00am Mass on this Sunday we welcome the candidates who will receive First Holy Communion next May and June. We also welcome their parents and family members.
On this first Sunday of the programme the children, their parents and the parish community will be invited to make a commitment to the parish preparation programme. The community of faith will be asked to journey with the families as the children prepare to receive the Eucharist for the first time.
Society of St. Vincent de Paul
The monthly collection for the local conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul will be taken up at all Masses this weekend. Please support this local charity.
Members of the Society may be contacted at the St. Patrick’s Parish Centre on Monday evenings from 8pm or on their dedicated telephone line 087 681 0589.
Volunteer Gardeners
We now have three volunteers looking after St. Patrick’s Church grounds and we’re grateful. We need more volunteers for St. Fiacre’s Gardens. Any takers?
Altar Servers Recruits
We are reaching the time of year again where we recruit servers for the coming year. These young people provide a valuable assistance at weekend Masses as well as funerals and other occasions.
This year we are doing things a little bit differently. Recruitment will be done through the churches rather than the schools. This will hopefully ensure that those who are serving are regular Mass goers which is essential as they will be serving Mass.
Those who currently serve and those who wish to begin should take an application form which must be signed by parents/guardians. Forms are available in the sacristy from this weekend.
We will recruit for a number of weeks and when all forms are returned, we will begin putting the new rota together. Please continue using the present rota until the new one comes out.
Boys and girls from fourth class up can become servers. All that’s needed is an interest in the Mass and a willingness to commit for at least one year.
A word of thanks also to those who have now retired from serving and moved on to secondary school. Your dedicated service is appreciated and we hope that you might consider taking on another ministry such as reader, choir member, Eucharistic Minster, collector in the church at a later date.
Young At Heart
The meeting of the “Young at Heart” Club takes place at the Parish Centre each Wednesday from 2.30pm—4.30pm. Members and new members welcome. Phone Eileen on 056 776 5239 for more details.
Blood Donation Clinic
A Blood Donation Clinic will be held at the Kilkenny Rivercourt Hotel on the following dates: Sunday, 27th September from 11.30am to 3.30pm. Monday 28th, Tuesday 29th, Wednesday 30th, and Thursday, 1st October from 4.30pm to 8.30pm.
King of the Castle
Help Mick Costello, representing our parish and GAA Club, become King of the Castle. This event is a city-wide fundraiser to provide funds for local GAA clubs and their nominated charities. St. Patrick’s Parish Centre has been nominated by James Stephen’s Club and we want to give them as much help as possible. You are asked to support in any way you can.
Field Day
Come along to a great family Field Day at James Stephen’s Hurling Club on this Sunday, 20th September. Join in all the fun:-
Wheel of Fortune Stalls
‘Slap’ the Rat BBQ
Penalty Shoot Out Face Painting
Drive the Nail Much Much More
Horse Shoe Throw Fun Galore!
Fun for all the Family! Free Entry
Football Final on Big Screen!
We are still looking for last minute items for our stalls: Bric a Brack, Plants, Flowers, Bottles, Books, Toys, Cakes. These may be left to the James Stephens Club House on Saturday evening or before the Field Day on Sunday.
Gala Dog Night
There is an urgent need for volunteers from the parish and the GAA club to sell tickets for the forthcoming Dog Night at Kilkenny Greyhound Track. Please help ‘elect’ Mick Costello as King of the Castle. Tickets will be sold between now and the Dog Night on 16th October. Volunteer sellers are asked to meet at the Parish Centre on Thursday evening next at 8pm. Much help is required. Please come along and offer your help. Those willing to help and who are not free on the night should give their names to one of the priests as soon as possible.
Golf Classic
This will take place at Callan Golf Club on Friday, 2nd October. Teams of four: €200 including meal. Time sheet: 8.30am - 2.30pm. Telephone John on 087 217 1934 for tee time.
Costello for King!
Your help is urgently needed. We require volunteers to assist with forthcoming events.
Contact the Parish Office at 056 776 4400.
Middle Deanery Pastoral Council
At the third meeting of the Middle Deanery Pastoral Council of the Forum (MDPC) which took place in Peace in Christ on 16th September, there was much lively discussion about how the MDPC can help and support parishes in the Deanery. The process to choose the Chairperson, Coordinator and Secretary for the group was begun and hopefully will be completed at the next meeting on 21st October.
Would You Like to Volunteer?
Do you have an interest in working with older people? Are you a good listener and able to make a commitment to volunteering 1 to 2 hours per week only? At present we are looking for volunteers who are available Monday to Friday during morning time or afternoons. Please ring Eleanor Doyle, Kilkenny Contact, C/O Fr. McGrath Centre, 056 775 1988 or 086 853 0994 for inquiries.
Activities for Older Adults
A Festival of Activities for Older Adults will take place in the Watershed on Wednesday, 30th of September from 10.30am to 1pm. Activities include Pilates, Fit Walk, Kurling and Boccia and are all free to try on the day. This will be followed by a light lunch in St Patrick's Parish Centre, a talk on garden allotments and aqua aerobics will be available from 3pm to 4pm for anyone who would like to try this activity. For further information, contact the Sports Partnership on 056 772 0870.
Thank You
GROW, Community Mental Health Movement say thanks for your generosity to their annual church gate collection held on 5th/6th September. €2,221 was collected in the City.
Loughboy Library News
Have you ever thought of joining a Book Club? We are a group of ordinary readers who meet on the first Thursday of every month at 11am in the library and our book club is called Riveting Reads. All tastes are catered for and we even have men! All are welcome - just come along on Thursday, 1st October.
Come in and check out our current exhibition from ENFO, the Environmental Information Service. It is called Irish Wildlife and is a photographic exhibition of Irish birds, mammals and insects in their native hapitat5s. On view during normal working hours.
“Blast Off With Books” - well done to all who completed our Summer Reading Challenge and who attended the Landing Party at the Newpark Hotel. Certificates were distributed to all and new group Size2Shoes entertained us well on the night.
Library membership is FREE for unwaged and costs €15 per year for those in full-time employment. The best value in town.
Ministers of the Word
Please let the celebrant know you have arrived before Mass starts.
